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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12558 ***
+
+SNARLEYYOW
+
+Or, The Dog Fiend
+
+by
+
+CAPTAIN MARRYAT
+
+MDCCCXCV
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Contents
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+CHAPTER II.
+CHAPTER III.
+CHAPTER IV.
+CHAPTER V.
+CHAPTER VI.
+CHAPTER VII.
+CHAPTER VIII.
+CHAPTER IX.
+CHAPTER X.
+CHAPTER XI.
+CHAPTER XII.
+CHAPTER XIII.
+CHAPTER XIV.
+CHAPTER XV.
+CHAPTER XVI.
+CHAPTER XVII.
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+CHAPTER XIX.
+CHAPTER XX.
+CHAPTER XXI.
+CHAPTER XXII.
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+CHAPTER XXV.
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+CHAPTER XXX.
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+CHAPTER XXXIX.
+CHAPTER XL.
+CHAPTER XLI.
+CHAPTER XLII.
+CHAPTER XLIII.
+CHAPTER XLIV.
+CHAPTER XLV.
+CHAPTER XLVI.
+CHAPTER XLVII.
+CHAPTER XLVIII.
+CHAPTER XLIX.
+CHAPTER L.
+CHAPTER LI.
+CHAPTER LII.
+CHAPTER LIII.
+CHAPTER LIV.
+CHAPTER LV.
+
+
+
+
+Prefatory Note
+
+_The dog fiend, or Snarleyyow_ is the earliest of the three novels, _The
+Phantom Ship_ and _The Privateersman_ being the other two, in which
+Marryat made use of historical events and attempted to project his
+characters into the past. The research involved is not profound, but the
+machinations of Jacobite conspirators provide appropriate material for
+the construction of an adventure plot and for the exhibition of a
+singularly despicable villain. Mr Vanslyperken and his acquaintances,
+male and female, at home and abroad, are all--except perhaps his
+witch-like mother--thoroughly life-like and convincing: their conduct is
+sufficiently probable to retain the reader's attention for a rapid and
+exciting narrative.
+
+The numerous escapes of the vile cur, after whom the novel is
+christened, and of his natural enemy Peter Smallbones are not all
+equally well contrived, and they become a little wearisome by
+repetition; but a general atmosphere of _diablerie_ is very effectively
+produced by their means. Some such element of unreality is absolutely
+demanded to relieve the sordid and brutal details by which the main plot
+is worked out; and it must be admitted that in certain passages--the
+death-struggle between Smallbones and the lieutenant's mother, the
+discovery of the woman's body, and the descriptions of kisses between
+Corporal Van Spitter and the Frau Vandersloosh--Marryat's habitual
+literalness becomes unpleasantly coarse. The offensive touches, however,
+are incidental, and the execution of the two villains, Vanslyperken and
+Snarleyyow, with its dash of genuine pathos, is dramatic and
+impressive:--"They were damnable in their lives, and in their deaths
+they were not divided."
+
+As usual the interest of the novel depends almost entirely upon men, but
+on the character of Mrs Corbett, _née_ Nancy Dawson, Marryat has
+expended considerable care with satisfactory results. Barring the
+indecorous habit of regretting her past in public, which is not perhaps
+untrue to nature, she is made attractive by her wit and sincere
+repentance, without becoming unnaturally refined. The song in her honour
+referred to on p. 107 is not suitable for reproduction in this place.
+She was an historic character in the reign of William III., but must not
+be confounded with her more celebrated namesake (1730-1767) of Sadler's
+Wells, Covent Garden, and Drury Lane, who danced a horn-pipe in _The
+Beggar's Opera_ to the air of "Nancy Dawson," which is mentioned in the
+epilogue of _She Stoops to Conquer_, and survives in our nurseries as
+"Here we go round the Mulberry Bush."
+
+The greater part of _Snarleyyow_ was first printed in _The Metropolitan
+Magazine_, 1836 and 1837; but on reaching Chapter xl., just as the novel
+had appeared in book form, the editor--not then Marryat himself--told
+his readers that it was not his intention to give an extended review of
+this work, as they had already "ample means of forming their own opinion
+of its varied merits:"--"We shall therefore content ourselves with a few
+remarks, in announcing its publication and giving a brief outline of the
+termination of the story from our last number." At the close of the said
+extracts he writes:--
+
+"And so ends Snarleyyow, with as much quaintness, spirit, and character
+as it commenced."
+
+The book was evidently written in haste, and few of the minor characters
+retained one Christian name throughout its pages. It is here reprinted,
+with the corrections of such slips as those just mentioned, from the
+first edition in three volumes. Henry Colburn, 1837.
+
+R.B.J.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter I
+
+Introduction of divers parties and a red-herring.
+
+
+It was in the month of January, 1699, that a one-masted vessel, with
+black sides, was running along the coast near Beachy Head, at the rate
+of about five miles per hour. The wind was from the northward and blew
+keenly, the vessel was under easy sail, and the water was smooth. It was
+now broad daylight, and the sun rose clear of clouds and vapour; but he
+threw out light without heat. The upper parts of the spars, the hammock
+rails, and the small iron guns which were mounted on the vessel's decks,
+were covered with a white frost. The man at the helm stood muffled up in
+a thick pea-jacket and mittens, which made his hands appear as large as
+his feet. His nose was a pug of an intense bluish red, one tint arising
+from the present cold, and the other from the preventive checks which he
+had been so long accustomed to take to drive out such an unpleasant
+intruder. His grizzled hair waved its locks gently to the wind, and his
+face was distorted with an immoderate quid of tobacco which protruded
+his right cheek. This personage was second officer and steersman on
+board of the vessel, and his name was Obadiah Coble. He had been
+baptised Obadiah about sixty years before; that is to say if he had been
+baptised at all. He stood so motionless at the helm, that you might have
+imagined him to have been frozen there as he stood, were it not that
+his eyes occasionally wandered from the compass on the binnacle to the
+bows of the vessel, and that the breath from his mouth, when it was
+thrown out into the clear frosty air, formed a smoke like to that from
+the spout of a half-boiling tea-kettle.
+
+The crew belonging to the cutter, for she was a vessel in the service of
+his Majesty, King William the Third, at this time employed in protecting
+his Majesty's revenue against the importation of alamodes and
+lutestrings, were all down below at their breakfasts, with the exception
+of the steersman and lieutenant-commandant, who now walked the
+quarter-deck, if so small an extent of plank could be dignified with
+such a name. He was a Mr Cornelius Vanslyperken, a tall, meagre-looking
+personage, with very narrow shoulders and very small head. Perfectly
+straight up and down, protruding in no part, he reminded you of some
+tall parish pump, with a great knob at its top. His face was gaunt,
+cheeks hollow, nose and chin showing an affection for each other, and
+evidently lamenting the gulf between them which prevented their meeting.
+Both appeared to have fretted themselves to the utmost degree of tenuity
+from disappointment in love: as for the nose, it had a pearly round tear
+hanging at its tip, as if it wept. The dress of Mr Vanslyperken was
+hidden in a great coat, which was very long, and buttoned straight down.
+This great coat had two pockets on each side, into which its owner's
+hands were deeply inserted, and so close did his arms lie to his sides,
+that they appeared nothing more than as would battens nailed to a
+topsail yard. The only deviation from the perpendicular was from the
+insertion of a speaking-trumpet under his left arm, at right angles with
+his body. It had evidently seen much service, was battered, and the
+clack Japan worn off in most parts of it. As we said before, Mr
+Vanslyperken walked his quarter-deck. He was in a brown study, yet
+looked blue. Six strides brought him to the taffrail of the vessel, six
+more to the bows, such was the length of his tether--and he turned, and
+turned again.
+
+But there was another personage on the deck, a personage of no small
+importance, as he was all in all to Mr Vanslyperken, and Mr Vanslyperken
+was all in all to him; moreover, we may say, that he is the hero of the
+TAIL. This was one of the ugliest and most ill-conditioned curs which
+had ever been produced:--ugly in colour; for he was of a dirty yellow,
+like the paint served out to decorate our men-of-war by his Majesty's
+dock-yards:--ugly in face; for he had one wall-eye, and was so far
+under-jawed as to prove that a bull-dog had had something to do with his
+creation:--ugly in shape; for although larger than a pointer, and
+strongly built, he was coarse and shambling in his make, with his
+forelegs bowed out. His ears and tail had never been docked, which was a
+pity, as the more you curtailed his proportions, the better looking the
+cur would have been. But his ears, although not cut, were torn to
+ribbons by the various encounters with dogs on shore, arising from the
+acidity of his temper. His tail had lost its hair from an inveterate
+mange, and reminded you of the same appendage to a rat. Many parts of
+his body were bared from the same disease. He carried his head and tail
+low, and had a villanous sour look. To the eye of a casual observer,
+there was not one redeeming quality that would warrant his keep; to
+those who knew him well, there were a thousand reasons why he should be
+hanged. He followed his master with the greatest precision and
+exactitude, walking aft as he walked aft, and walking forward with the
+same regular motion, turning when his master turned, and moreover,
+turning in the same direction; and, like his master, he appeared to be
+not a little nipped with the cold, and, as well as he, in a state of
+profound meditation. The name of this uncouth animal was very
+appropriate to his appearance, and to his temper. It was Snarleyyow.
+
+At last, Mr Vanslyperken gave vent to his pent-up feelings. "I can't, I
+won't stand this any longer," muttered the lieutenant, as he took his
+six strides forward. At this first sound of his master's voice the dog
+pricked up the remnants of his ears, and they both turned aft. "She has
+been now fooling me for six years;" and as he concluded this sentence,
+Mr Vanslyperken and Snarleyyow had reached the taffrail, and the dog
+raised his tail to the half cock.
+
+They turned, and Mr Vanslyperken paused a moment or two, and compressed
+his thin lips--the dog did the same. "I will have an answer, by all
+that's blue!" was the ejaculation of the next six strides. The
+lieutenant stopped again, and the dog looked up in his master's face;
+but it appeared as if the current of his master's thoughts was changed,
+for the current of keen air reminded Mr Vanslyperken that he had not yet
+had his breakfast.
+
+The lieutenant leant over the hatchway, took his battered
+speaking-trumpet from under his arm, and putting it to his mouth, the
+deck reverberated with, "Pass the word for Smallbones forward." The dog
+put himself in a baying attitude, with his forefeet on the coamings of
+the hatchway, and enforced his master's orders with a deep-toned and
+measured bow, wow, wow.
+
+Smallbones soon made his appearance, rising from the hatchway like a
+ghost; a thin, shambling personage, apparently about twenty years old--a
+pale, cadaverous face, high cheek-bones, goggle eyes, with lank hair
+very thinly sown upon a head, which, like bad soil, would return but a
+scanty harvest. He looked like Famine's eldest son just arriving to
+years of discretion. His long lanky legs were pulled so far through his
+trousers, that his bare feet, and half way up to his knees, were exposed
+to the chilling blast. The sleeves of his jacket were so short, that
+four inches of bone above his wrist were bared to view--hat he had
+none--his ears were very large, and the rims of them red with cold, and
+his neck was so immeasurably long and thin, that his head appeared to
+topple for want of support. When he had come on deck, he stood with one
+hand raised to his forehead, touching his hair instead of his hat, and
+the other occupied with a half-roasted red-herring. "Yes, sir," said
+Smallbones, standing before his master.
+
+"Be quick!"--commenced the lieutenant; but here his attention was
+directed to the red-herring by Snarleyyow, who raised his head and
+snuffed at its fumes. Among other disqualifications of the animal, be it
+observed, that he had no nose except for a red-herring, or a post by the
+way side. Mr Vanslyperken discontinued his orders, took his hand out of
+his great coat pocket, wiped the drop from off his nose, and then roared
+out, "How dare you appear on the quarter-deck of a king's ship, sir,
+with a red-herring in your fist?"
+
+"If you please, sir," replied Smallbones, "if I were to come for to go
+to leave it in the galley, I shouldn't find it when I went back."
+
+"What do I care for that, sir? It's contrary to all the rules and
+regulations of the service. Now, sir, hear me--"
+
+"O Lord, sir! let me off this time, it's only a _soldier_," replied
+Smallbones, deprecatingly; but Snarleyyow's appetite had been very much
+sharpened by his morning's walk; it rose with the smell of the herring,
+so he rose on his hind legs, snapped the herring out of Smallbones'
+hand, bolted forward by the lee gangway, and would soon have bolted the
+herring, had not Smallbones bolted after him and overtaken him just as
+he had laid it down on the deck preparatory to commencing his meal. A
+fight ensued; Smallbones received a severe bite in the leg, which
+induced him to seize a handspike, and make a blow with it at the dog's
+head, which, if it had been well aimed, would have probably put an end
+to all further pilfering. As it was, the handspike descended upon one of
+the dog's fore toes, and Snarleyyow retreated, yelling, to the other
+side of the forecastle, and as soon as he was out of reach, like all
+curs, bayed in defiance.
+
+Smallbones picked up the herring, pulled up his trousers to examine the
+bite, poured down an anathema upon the dog, which was, "May you be
+starved, as I am, you beast!" and then turned round to go aft, when he
+struck against the spare form of Mr Vanslyperken, who, with his hands in
+his pocket, and his trumpet under his arm, looked unutterably savage.
+
+"How dare you beat _my_ dog, you villain?" said the lieutenant at last,
+choking with passion.
+
+"He's a-bitten my leg through and through, sir," replied Smallbones,
+with a face of alarm.
+
+"Well, sir, why have you such thin legs, then?"
+
+"'Cause I gets nothing to fill 'em up with."
+
+"Have you not a herring there, you herring-gutted scoundrel? which, in
+defiance of all the rules of the service, you have brought on his
+Majesty's quarter-deck, you greedy rascal, and for which I intend--"
+
+"It ar'n't my herring, sir, it be yours--for your breakfast--the only
+one that is left out of the half-dozen."
+
+This last remark appeared somewhat to pacify Mr Vanslyperken.
+
+"Go down below, sir," said he, after a pause, "and let me know when my
+breakfast is ready."
+
+Smallbones obeyed immediately, too glad to escape so easily.
+
+"Snarleyyow," said his master, looking at the dog, who remained on the
+other side of the forecastle; "O Snarleyyow, for shame! Come here, sir.
+Come here, sir, directly."
+
+But Snarleyyow, who was very sulky at the loss of his anticipated
+breakfast, was contumacious, and would not come. He stood at the other
+side of the forecastle, while his master apostrophised him, looking him
+in the face. Then, after a pause of indecision, he gave a howling sort
+of bark, trotted away to the main hatchway, and disappeared below. Mr
+Vanslyperken returned to the quarter-deck, and turned, and turned
+as before.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter II
+
+Showing what became of the red-herring.
+
+
+Smallbones soon made his re-appearance, informing Mr Vanslyperken that
+his breakfast was ready for him, and Mr Vanslyperken, feeling himself
+quite ready for his breakfast, went down below. A minute after he had
+disappeared, another man came up to relieve the one at the wheel, who,
+as soon as he had surrendered up the spokes, commenced warming himself
+after the most approved method, by flapping his arms round his body.
+
+"The skipper's out o' sorts again this morning," said Obadiah, after a
+time. "I heard him muttering about the woman at the Lust Haus."
+
+"Then, by Got, we will have de breeze," replied Jansen, who was a Dutch
+seaman of huge proportions, rendered still more preposterous by the
+multiplicity of his nether clothing.
+
+"Yes, as sure as Mother Carey's chickens raise the gale, so does the
+name of the Frau Vandersloosh. I'll be down and get my breakfast, there
+may be keel-hauling before noon."
+
+"Mein Got--dat is de tyfel."
+
+"Keep her nor-east, Jansen, and keep a sharp look out for the boats."
+
+"Got for dam--how must I steer the chip and look for de boats at de same
+time?--not possible."
+
+"That's no consarn o' mine. Those are the orders, and I passes them--you
+must get over the unpossibility how you can." So saying, Obadiah Coble
+walked below.
+
+We must do the same, and introduce the reader to the cabin of Lieutenant
+Vanslyperken, which was not very splendid in its furniture. One small
+table, one chair, a mattress in a standing bed-place, with curtains made
+of bunting, an open cupboard, containing three plates, one tea-cup and
+saucer, two drinking glasses, and two knives. More was not required, as
+Mr Vanslyperken never indulged in company. There was another cupboard,
+but it was carefully locked. On the table before the lieutenant was a
+white wash-hand basin, nearly half full of burgoo, a composition of
+boiled oatmeal and water, very wholesome, and very hot. It was the
+allowance, from the ship's coppers, of Mr Vanslyperken and his servant
+Smallbones. Mr Vanslyperken was busy stirring it about to cool it a
+little, with a leaden spoon. Snarleyyow sat close to him, waiting for
+his share, and Smallbones stood by, waiting for orders.
+
+"Smallbones," said the lieutenant, after trying the hot mess before him,
+and finding that he was still in danger of burning his mouth, "bring me
+the red-herring."
+
+"Red-herring, sir?" stammered Smallbones.
+
+"Yes," replied his master, fixing his little grey eye sternly on him,
+"the red-herring."
+
+"It's gone, sir!" replied Smallbones, with alarm.
+
+"Gone!--gone where?"
+
+"If you please, sir, I didn't a-think that you would have touched it
+after the dog had had it in his nasty mouth; and so, sir--if you
+please, sir--"
+
+"And so what?" said Vanslyperken, compressing his thin lips.
+
+"I ate it myself--if you please--O dear--O dear!"
+
+"You did, did you--you gluttonous scarecrow--you did, did you? Are you
+aware that you have committed a theft--and are you aware of the
+punishment attending it?"
+
+"O sir--it was a mistake--dear sir," cried Smallbones, whimpering.
+
+"In the first place, I will cut you to ribbons with the cat."
+
+"Mercy, sir--O sir!" cried the lad, the tears streaming from his eyes.
+
+"The thief's cat, with three knots in each tail."
+
+Smallbones raised up his thin arms, and clasped his hands, pleading for
+mercy.
+
+"And after the flogging--you shall be keel-hauled."
+
+"O God!" screamed Smallbones, falling down on his knees, "mercy--mercy!"
+
+But there was none. Snarleyyow, when he saw the lad go down on his
+knees, flew at him, and threw him on his back, growling over him, and
+occasionally looking at his master.
+
+"Come here, Snarleyyow," said Mr Vanslyperken. "Come here, sir, and lie
+down." But Snarleyyow had not forgotten the red-herring; so in revenge,
+he first bit Smallbones in the thigh, and then obeyed his master.
+
+"Get up, sir," cried the lieutenant.
+
+Smallbones rose, but his temper now rose also; he forgot all that he was
+to suffer, from indignation against the dog: with flashing eyes, and
+whimpering with rage, he cried out, as the tears fell, and his arms
+swung round, "I'll not stand this--I'll jump overboard--that I will:
+fourteen times has that ere dog a-bitten me this week. I'd sooner die at
+once, than be made dog's-meat of in this here way."
+
+"Silence, you mutinous rascal, or I'll put you in irons."
+
+"I wish you would--irons don't bite, if they hold fast. I'll run away--I
+don't mind being hung--that I don't--starved to death, bitten to death
+in this here way--"
+
+"Silence, sir. It's over-feeding that makes you saucy."
+
+"The Lord forgive you'" cried Smallbones, with surprise; "I've not had a
+full meal"
+
+"A full meal, you rascal! there's no filling a thing like you--hollow
+from top to bottom, like a bamboo."
+
+"And what I does get," continued Smallbones, with energy, "I pays dear
+for; that ere dog flies at me, if I takes a bit o' biscuit. I never has
+a bite without getting a bite, and it's all my own allowance."
+
+"A proof of his fidelity, and an example to you, you wretch," replied
+the lieutenant, fondly patting the dog on the head.
+
+"Well, I wish you'd discharge me--or hang me, I don't care which. You
+eats so hearty, and the dog eats so hearty, that I gets nothing. We are
+only victualled for two."
+
+"You insolent fellow! recollect the thief's cat."
+
+"It's very hard," continued Smallbones, unmindful of the threat, "that
+that ere beast is to eat my allowance, and be allowed to half eat
+me too."
+
+"You forget the keel-hauling, you scarecrow."
+
+"Well, I hope I may never come up again, that's all."
+
+"Leave the cabin, sir."
+
+This order Smallbones obeyed.
+
+"Snarleyyow," said the lieutenant, "you are hungry, my poor beast."
+Snarleyyow put his forepaw up on his master's knee. "You shall have your
+breakfast soon," continued his master, eating the burgoo between his
+addresses to the animal. "Yes, Snarleyyow, you have done wrong this
+morning--you ought to have no breakfast." Snarleyyow growled. "We are
+only four years acquainted, and how many scrapes you have got me into,
+Snarleyyow!" Snarleyyow here put both his paws upon his master's knee.
+"Well, you are sorry, my poor dog, and you shall have some breakfast;"
+and Mr Vanslyperken put the basin of burgoo on the floor, which the dog
+tumbled down his throat most rapidly. "Nay, my dog, not so fast; you
+must leave some for Smallbones, he will require some breakfast before
+his punishment. There, that will do;" and Mr Vanslyperken wished to
+remove the basin with a little of the burgoo remaining in it. Snarleyyow
+growled, would have snapped at his master, but Mr Vanslyperken shoved
+him away with the bell mouth of his speaking-trumpet, and recovering a
+portion of the mess, put it on the table for the use of poor Smallbones.
+"Now then, my dog, we will go on deck." Mr Vanslyperken left the cabin,
+followed by Snarleyyow; but as soon as his master was half way up the
+ladder, Snarleyyow turned back, leaped on the chair, from the chair to
+the table, and then finished the whole of the breakfast appropriated for
+Smallbones. Having effected this, the dog followed his master.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter III
+
+A retrospect, and short description of a new character
+
+
+But we must leave poor Smallbones to lament his hard fate in the fore
+peak of the vessel, and Mr Vanslyperken and his dog to walk the
+quarter-deck, while we make our readers a little better acquainted with
+the times in which the scenes passed which we are now describing, as
+well as with the history of Mr Vanslyperken.
+
+The date in our first chapter, that of the year 1699, will, if they
+refer back to history, show them that William of Nassau had been a few
+years on the English throne, and that peace had just been concluded
+between England with its allies and France. The king occasionally passed
+his time in Holland, among his Dutch countrymen, and the English and
+Dutch fleets, which but a few years before were engaging with such an
+obstinacy of courage, had lately sailed together, and turned their guns
+against the French. William, like all those continental princes who have
+been called to the English throne, showed much favour to his own
+countrymen, and England was overrun with Dutch favourites, Dutch
+courtiers, and peers of Dutch extraction. He would not even part with
+his Dutch guards, and was at issue with the Commons of England on that
+very account. But the war was now over, and most of the English and
+Dutch navy lay dismantled in port, a few small vessels only being in
+commission to intercept the smuggling from France that was carrying on,
+much to the detriment of English manufacture, of certain articles then
+denominated alamodes and lutestrings. The cutter we have described was
+on this service, and was named the _Yungfrau_, although built in
+England, and forming a part of the English naval force.
+
+It may readily be supposed that Dutch interest, during this period, was
+in the ascendant. Such was the case: and the Dutch officers and seamen
+who could not be employed in their own marine were appointed in the
+English vessels, to the prejudice of our own countrymen. Mr Vanslyperken
+was of Dutch extraction, but born in England long before the Prince of
+Orange had ever dreamt of being called to the English throne. He was a
+near relation of King William's own nurse, and even in these days, that
+would cause powerful interest. Previous to the revolution he had been
+laid on the shelf for cowardice in one of the engagements between the
+Dutch and the English, he being then a lieutenant on board of a
+two-decked ship, and of long standing in the service; but before he had
+been appointed to this vessel, he had served invariably in small craft,
+and his want of this necessary qualification had never been discovered.
+The interest used for him on the accession of the Dutch king was
+sufficient for his again obtaining the command of a small vessel. In
+those days, the service was very different from what it is now. The
+commanders of vessels were also the pursers, and could save a great deal
+of money by defrauding the crew; and further, the discipline of the
+service was such as would astonish the modern philanthropist; there was
+no appeal for subordinates, and tyranny and oppression, even amounting
+to the destruction of life, were practised with impunity. Smollett has
+given his readers some idea of the state of the service a few years
+after the time of which we are now writing, when it was infinitely
+worse, for the system of the Dutch, notorious for their cruelty, had
+been grafted upon that of the English: the consequence was, a
+combination of all that was revolting to humanity was practised without
+any notice being taken of it by the superior powers, provided that the
+commanders of the vessels did their duty when called upon, and showed
+the necessary talent and courage.
+
+Lieutenant Vanslyperken's character may be summed up in the three vices
+of avarice, cowardice, and cruelty. A miser in the extreme, he had saved
+up much money by his having had the command of a vessel for so many
+years, during which he had defrauded and pilfered both from the men and
+the government. Friends and connections he had none on this side of the
+water, and, when on shore, he had lived in a state of abject misery,
+although he had the means of comfortable support. He was now fifty-five
+years of age. Since he had been appointed to the _Yungfrau_, he had been
+employed in carrying despatches to the States-General from King William,
+and had, during his repeated visits to the Hague, made acquaintance with
+the widow Vandersloosh, who kept a Lust Haus[1], a place of resort for
+sailors, where they drank and danced. Discovering that the comfortably
+fat landlady was also very comfortably rich, Mr Vanslyperken had made
+advances, with the hope of obtaining her hand and handling her money.
+The widow had, however, no idea of accepting the offer, but was too wise
+to give him a decided refusal, as she knew it would be attended with his
+preventing the crew of the cutter from frequenting her house, and,
+thereby, losing much custom. Thus did she, at every return, receive him
+kindly and give him hopes, but nothing more. Since the peace, as we
+before observed, the cutter had been ordered for the prevention of
+smuggling.
+
+[Footnote 1: Pleasure House.]
+
+When and how Mr Vanslyperken had picked up his favourite Snarleyyow
+cannot be discovered, and must remain a secret. The men said that the
+dog had appeared on the deck of the cutter in a supernatural way, and
+most of them looked upon him with as much awe as ill-will.
+
+This is certain, that the cutter had been a little while before in a
+state of mutiny, and a forcible entry attempted at night into the
+lieutenant's cabin. It is therefore not unreasonable to suppose that
+Vanslyperken felt that a good watch-dog might be a very useful appendage
+to his establishment, and had procured one accordingly. All the
+affection he ever showed to anything living was certainly concentrated
+on this one animal, and, next to his money, Snarleyyow had possession of
+his master's heart.
+
+Poor Smallbones, cast on the world without father or mother, had become
+starved before he was on board the cutter, and had been starved ever
+since. As the reader will perceive, his allowance was mostly eaten up by
+the dog, and he was left to beg a precarious support from the good-will
+and charity of his shipmates, all of whom were equally disgusted with
+the commander's cruelty and the ungainly temper of his brute companion.
+
+Having entered into this retrospect for the benefit of the reader, we
+will now proceed.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken walked the deck for nearly a quarter of an hour without
+speaking: the men had finished their breakfasts, and were lounging about
+the deck, for there was nothing for them to do, except to look out for
+the return of the two boats which had been sent away the night before.
+The lieutenant's thoughts were, at one minute, upon Mrs Vandersloosh,
+thinking how he could persuade her, and, at another, upon Smallbones,
+thinking how he could render the punishment adequate, in his opinion, to
+the magnitude of the offence. While discussing these two important
+matters, one of the men reported the boats ahead, and broke up the
+commander's reverie.
+
+"How far off?" demanded Mr Vanslyperken.
+
+"About two miles."
+
+"Pulling or sailing?"
+
+"Pulling, sir; we stand right for them."
+
+But Mr Vanslyperken was in no pleasant humour, and ordered the cutter to
+be hove-to.
+
+"I tink de men have pull enough all night," said Jansen, who had just
+been relieved at the wheel, to Obadiah Coble, who was standing by him on
+the forecastle.
+
+"I think so too: but there'll be a breeze, depend upon it--never mind,
+the devil will have his own all in good time."
+
+"Got for dam," said Jansen, looking at Beachy Head, and shaking his own.
+
+"Why, what's the matter now, old Schnapps?" said Coble.
+
+"Schnapps--yes--the tyfel--Schnapps, I think how the French schnapped us
+Dutchmen here when you Englishmen wouldn't fight."
+
+"Mind what you say, old twenty breeches--wouldn't fight--when wouldn't
+we fight?"
+
+"Here, where we were now, by Got, you leave us all in the lurch, and not
+come down."
+
+"Why, we couldn't come down."
+
+"Bah!" replied Jansen, who referred to the defeat of the combined Dutch
+and English fleet by the French off Beachy Head in 1690.
+
+"We wouldn't fight, heh?" exclaimed Obadiah in scorn, "what do you say
+to the Hogue?"
+
+"Yes, den you fought well--dat was good."
+
+"And shall I tell you why we fought well at the Hogue--you Dutch
+porpoise--just because we had no Dutchmen to help us."
+
+"And shall I tell you why the Dutch were beat off this Head?--because
+the English wouldn't come down to help us."
+
+Here Obadiah put his tongue into his right cheek. Jansen in return threw
+his into his left, and thus the argument was finished. These disputes
+were constant at the time, but seldom proceeded further than words--
+certainly not between Coble and Jansen, who were great friends.
+
+The boats were soon on board; from the time that the cutter had been
+hove-to, every stroke of their oars having been accompanied with a
+nautical anathema from the crews upon the head of their commander. The
+steersman and first officer, who had charge of the boats, came over the
+gangway and went up to Vanslyperken. He was a thickset, stout man, about
+five feet four inches high, and, wrapped up in Flushing garments, looked
+very much like a bear in shape as well as in skin. His name was Dick
+Short, and in every respect he answered to his name, for he was short in
+stature, short in speech, and short in decision and action.
+
+Now when Short came up to the lieutenant, he did not consider it at all
+necessary to say as usual, "Come on board, sir," for it was self-evident
+that he had come on board. He therefore said nothing. So abrupt was he
+in his speech, that he never even said "Sir," when he spoke to his
+superior, which it may be imagined was very offensive to Mr
+Vanslyperken: so it was, but Mr Vanslyperken was afraid of Short, and
+Short was not the least afraid of Vanslyperken.
+
+"Well, what have you done, Short?"
+
+"Nothing."
+
+"Did you see anything of the boat?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Did you gain any information?"
+
+"No."
+
+"What have you been doing all night?"
+
+"Pulling."
+
+"Did you land to obtain information?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And you got none?"
+
+"No."
+
+Here Short hitched up the waistband of his second pair of trousers,
+turned short round, and was going below, when Snarleyyow smelt at his
+heels. The man gave him a back kick with the heel of his heavy boot,
+which sent the dog off yelping and barking, and put Mr Vanslyperken in a
+great rage. Not venturing to resent this affront upon his first officer,
+he was reminded of Smallbones, and immediately sent for Corporal Van
+Spitter to appear on deck.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter IV
+
+In which there is a desperate combat.
+
+
+Even at this period of the English history, it was the custom to put a
+few soldiers on board of the vessels of war, and the _Yungfrau_ cutter
+had been supplied with a corporal and six men, all of whom were
+belonging to the Dutch marine. To a person who was so unpopular as Mr
+Vanslyperken, this little force was a great protection, and both
+Corporal Van Spitter and his corps were well treated by him. The
+corporal was his purser and purveyor, and had a very good berth of it,
+for he could cheat as well as his commandant. He was, moreover, his
+prime minister, and an obedient executor of all his tyranny, for
+Corporal Van Spitter was without a shadow of feeling--on the contrary,
+he had pleasure in administering punishment; and if Vanslyperken had
+told him to blow any man's brains out belonging to the vessel, Van
+Spitter would have immediately obeyed the order without the change of a
+muscle in his fat, florid countenance. The corporal was an enormous man,
+tall, and so corpulent, that he weighed nearly twenty stone. Jansen was
+the only one who could rival him; he was quite as tall as the corporal,
+and as powerful, but he had not the extra weight of his carcass.
+
+About five minutes after the summons, the huge form of Corporal Van
+Spitter was seen to emerge slowly from the hatchway, which appeared
+barely wide enough to admit the egress of his broad shoulders. He had a
+flat foraging cap on his head, which was as large as a buffalo's, and
+his person was clothed in blue pantaloons, tight at the ankle, rapidly
+increasing in width as they ascended, until they diverged at the hips to
+an expanse which was something between the sublime and the ridiculous.
+The upper part of his body was cased in a blue jacket, with leaden
+buttons, stamped with the rampant lion, with a little tail behind, which
+was shoved up in the air by the protuberance of the parts. Having gained
+the deck, he walked to Vanslyperken, and raised the back of his right
+hand to his forehead.
+
+"Corporal Van Spitter, get your cats up for punishment, and when you are
+ready fetch up Smallbones."
+
+Whereupon, without reply, Corporal Van Spitter put his left foot behind
+the heel of his right, and by this manoeuvre turned his body round like
+a capstern, so as to bring his face forward, and then walked off in
+that direction. He soon re-appeared with all the necessary implements
+of torture, laid them down on one of the lee guns, and again departed to
+seek out his victim.
+
+After a short time, a scuffle was heard below, but it was soon over, and
+once more appeared the corporal with the spare, tall body of Smallbones
+under his arm. He held him, grasped by the middle part, about where
+Smallbones' stomach ought to have been, and the head and heels of the
+poor wretch both hung down perpendicularly, and knocked together as the
+corporal proceeded aft.
+
+As soon as Van Spitter had arrived at the gun he laid down his charge,
+who neither moved nor spoke. He appeared to have resigned himself to the
+fate which awaited him, and made no resistance when he was stripped by
+one of the marines, and stretched over the gun. The men, who were on
+deck, said nothing; they looked at each other expressively as the
+preparations were made. Flogging a lad like Smallbones was too usual an
+occurrence to excite surprise, and to show their disgust would have been
+dangerous. Smallbones' back was now bared, and miserable was the
+spectacle; the shoulder-blades protruded, so that you might put your
+hand sideways under the scapula, and every bone of the vertebræ, and
+every process was clearly defined through the skin of the poor skeleton.
+The punishment commenced, and the lad received his three dozen without a
+murmur, the measured sound of the lash only being broken in upon by the
+baying of Snarleyyow, who occasionally would have flown at the victim,
+had he not been kept off by one of the marines. During the punishment,
+Mr Vanslyperken walked the deck, and turned and turned again as before.
+
+Smallbones was then cast loose by the corporal, who was twirling up his
+cat, when Snarleyyow, whom the marine had not watched, ran up to the
+lad, and inflicted a severe bite. Smallbones, who appeared, at the
+moment, to be faint and lifeless--not having risen from his knees after
+the marine had thrown his shirt over him, roused by this new attack,
+appeared to spring into life and energy; he jumped up, uttered a savage
+yell, and to the astonishment of everybody, threw himself upon the dog
+as he retreated, and holding him fast with his naked arms, met the
+animal with his own weapons, attacking him with a frenzied resolution
+with his teeth. Everybody started back at this unusual conflict, and no
+one interfered.
+
+Long was the struggle, and such was the savage energy of the lad, that
+he bit and held on with the tenacity of a bull-dog, tearing the lips of
+the animal, his ears, and burying his face in the dog's throat, as his
+teeth were firmly fixed on his windpipe. The dog could not escape, for
+Smallbones held him like a vice. At last, the dog appeared to have the
+advantage, for as they rolled over and over, he caught the lad by the
+side of the neck; but Smallbones recovered himself, and getting the foot
+of Snarleyyow between his teeth, the dog threw up his head and howled
+for succour. Mr Vanslyperken rushed to his assistance, and struck
+Smallbones a heavy blow on the head with his speaking-trumpet, which
+stunned him, and he let go his hold.
+
+Short, who had come on deck, perceiving this, and that the dog was about
+to resume the attack, saluted Snarleyyow with a kick on his side, which
+threw him down the hatchway, which was about three yards off from where
+the dog was at the time.
+
+"How dare you strike my dog, Mr Short?" cried Vanslyperken.
+
+Short did not condescend to answer, but went to Smallbones and raised
+his head. The lad revived. He was terribly bitten about the face and
+neck, and what with the wounds in front, and the lashing from the cat,
+presented a melancholy spectacle.
+
+Short called some of the men to take Smallbones below, in which act they
+readily assisted; they washed him all over with salt water, and the
+smarting from his various wounds brought him to his senses. He was then
+put in his hammock.
+
+Vanslyperken and the corporal looked at each other during the time that
+Short was giving his directions--neither interfered. The lieutenant was
+afraid, and the corporal waited for orders. So soon as the men had
+carried the lad below, Corporal Van Spitter put his hand up to his
+foraging cap, and with his cat and seizings under his arm, went down
+below. As for Vanslyperken, his wrath was even greater than before, and
+with hands thrust even further down in his pockets than ever, and the
+speaking-trumpet now battered flat with the blow which he had
+administered to Smallbones, he walked up and down, muttering every two
+minutes, "I'll keel-haul the scoundrel, by heavens! I'll teach him to
+bite my dog."
+
+Snarleyyow did not re-appear on deck; he had received such punishment as
+he did not expect. He licked the wounds where he could get at them, and
+then remained in the cabin in a sort of perturbed slumber, growling
+every minute as if he were fighting the battle over again in his sleep.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter V
+
+A consultat on in which there is much mutiny.
+
+
+This consultation was held upon the forecastle of his Majesty's cutter
+_Yungfrau_, on the evening after the punishment of Smallbones. The major
+part of the crew attended; all but the Corporal Van Spitter, who, on
+these points, was known to split with the crew, and his six marines, who
+formed the corporal's tail, at which they were always to be found. The
+principal personage was not the most eloquent speaker, for it was Dick
+Short, who was supported by Obadiah Coble, Yack Jansen, and another
+personage, whom we must introduce, the boatswain or boatswain's mate of
+the cutter; for although he received the title of the former, he only
+received the pay of the latter. This person's real name was James
+Salisbury, but for reasons which will be explained he was invariably
+addressed or spoken of as Jemmy Ducks. He was indeed a very singular
+variety of human discrepancy as to form: he was handsome in face, with a
+manly countenance, fierce whiskers and long pigtail, which on him
+appeared more than unusually long, as it descended to within a foot of
+the deck. His shoulders were square, chest expanded, and, as far as
+half-way down, that is, to where the legs are inserted into the human
+frame, he was a fine, well-made, handsome, well-proportioned man. But
+what a falling off was there!--for some reason, some accident, it is
+supposed, in his infancy, his legs had never grown in length since he
+was three years old: they were stout as well as his body, but not more
+than eighteen inches from the hip to the heel; and he consequently
+waddled about a very ridiculous figure, for he was like a man _razeed_
+or cut down. Put him on an eminence of a couple of feet, and not see his
+legs, and you would say at a distance, "What a fine looking sailor!" but
+let him get down and walk up to you, and you would find that nature had
+not finished what she had so well begun, and that you are exactly half
+mistaken. This malconformation below did not, however, affect his
+strength, it rather added to it; and there were but few men in the ship
+who would venture a wrestle with the boatswain, who was very
+appropriately distinguished by the cognomen of Jemmy Ducks. Jemmy was a
+sensible, merry fellow, and a good seaman: you could not affront him by
+any jokes on his figure, for he would joke with you. He was indeed the
+fiddle of the ship's company, and he always played the fiddle to them
+when they danced, on which instrument he was no mean performer; and,
+moreover, accompanied his voice with his instrument when he sang to them
+after they were tired of dancing. We shall only observe that Jemmy was a
+married man, and he had selected one of the tallest of the other sex: of
+her beauty the less that is said the better--Jemmy did not look to that,
+or perhaps, at such a height, her face did not appear so plain to him
+as it did who were to those more on a level with it. The effect of
+perspective is well known, and even children now have as playthings,
+castles, &c., laid down on card, which, when looked at in a proper
+direction, appear just as correct as they do preposterous when lying
+flat before you.
+
+Now it happened that from the level that Jemmy looked up from to his
+wife's face, her inharmonious features were all in harmony, and thus did
+she appear--what is very advantageous in the marriage state--perfection
+to her husband, without sufficient charms in the eyes of others to
+induce them to seduce her from her liege lord. Moreover, let it be
+recollected, that what Jemmy _wanted_ was _height_, and he had gained
+what he required in his wife, if not in his own person: his wife was
+passionately fond of him, and very jealous, which was not to be wondered
+at, for, as she said, "there never was such a husband before or since."
+
+We must now return to the conference, observing, that all these parties
+were sitting down on the deck, and that Jemmy Ducks had his fiddle in
+his hand, holding it with the body downwards like a bass viol, for he
+always played it in that way, and that he occasionally fingered the
+strings, pinching them as you do a guitar, so as to send the sound of it
+aft, that Mr Vanslyperken might suppose that they were all met for
+mirth. Two or three had their eyes directed aft, that the appearance of
+Corporal Van Spitter or the marines might be immediately perceived; for,
+although the corporal was not a figure to slide into a conference
+unperceived, it was well known that he was an eavesdropper.
+
+"One thing's sartain," observed Coble, "that a dog's not an officer."
+
+"No," replied Dick Short.
+
+"He's not on the ship's books, so I can't see how it can be mutiny."
+
+"No," rejoined Short.
+
+"Mein Got--he is not a tog, he is te tyfel," observed Jansen.
+
+"Who knows how he came into the cutter?"
+
+"There's a queer story about that," said one of the men.
+
+Tum tum, tumty tum--said the fiddle of Jemmy Ducks, as if it took part
+in the conference.
+
+"That poor boy will be killed if things go on this way: the skipper will
+never be content till he has driven his soul out of his body--poor
+creature; only look at him as he lies in his hammock."
+
+"I never seed a Christian such an object," said one of the sailors.
+
+"If the dog ain't killed, Bones will be, that's sartain," observed
+Coble, "and I don't see why the preference should be given to a human
+individual, although the dog is the skipper's dog--now then, what d'ye
+say, my lads?"
+
+Tum tum, tum tum, tumty tumty tum, replied the fiddle.
+
+"Let's hang him at once."
+
+"No," replied Short.
+
+Jansen took out his snickerree, looked at Short, and made a motion with
+the knife, as if passing it across the dog's throat.
+
+"No," replied Short.
+
+"Let's launch him overboard at night," said one of the men.
+
+"But how is one to get the brute out of the cabin?" said Coble; "if it's
+done at all it must be done by day."
+
+Short nodded his head.
+
+"I will give him a launch the first opportunity," observed Jemmy Ducks,
+"only--" (continued he in a measured and lower tone) "I should first
+like to know whether he really _is_ a dog or _not_."
+
+"A tog is a tog," observed Jansen.
+
+"Yes," replied one of the forecastle men, "we all know a dog is a dog,
+but the question is--is _this_ dog a dog?"
+
+Here there was a pause, which Jemmy Ducks filled up by again touching
+the strings of his fiddle.
+
+The fact was, that, although every one of the sailors wished the dog
+was overboard, there was not one who wished to commit the deed, not on
+account of the fear of its being discovered who was the party by Mr
+Vanslyperken, but because there was a great deal of superstition among
+them. It was considered unlucky to throw any dog or animal overboard;
+but the strange stories told about the way in which Snarleyyow first
+made his appearance in the vessel, added to the peculiarly diabolical
+temper of the animal, had often been the theme of midnight conversation,
+and many of them were convinced that it was an imp of Satan lent to
+Vanslyperken, and that, to injure or to attempt to destroy it would
+infallibly be followed up with terrible consequences to the party, if
+not to the vessel and all the crew. Even Short, Coble, and Jansen, who
+were the boldest and leading men, although when their sympathies were
+roused by the sufferings of poor Smallbones they were anxious to revenge
+him, had their own misgivings, and, on consideration, did not like to
+have anything to do with the business. But each of them kept their
+reflections to themselves, for, if they could not combat, they were too
+proud to acknowledge them.
+
+The reader will observe that all their plans were immediately put an end
+to until this important question, and not a little difficult one, was
+decided--Was the dog a dog?
+
+Now, although the story had often been told, yet, as the crew of the
+cutter had been paid off since the animal had been brought on board,
+there was no man in the ship who could positively detail, from his own
+knowledge, the facts connected with his first appearance--there was only
+tradition, and, to solve this question, to tradition they were obliged
+to repair.
+
+"Now, Bill Spurey," said Coble, "you know more about this matter than
+any one, so just spin us the yarn, and then we shall be able to talk the
+matter over soberly."
+
+"Well," replied Bill Spurey, "you shall have it just as I got it word
+for word, as near as I can recollect. You know I wasn't in the craft
+when the thing came on board, but Joe Geary was, and it was one night
+when we were boozing over a stiff glass at the new shop there, the
+Orange Boven, as they call it, at the Pint at Portsmouth--and so you
+see, falling in with him, I wished to learn something about my new
+skipper, and what sort of a chap I should have to deal with. When I
+learnt all about _him_, I'd half-a-dozen minds to shove off again, but
+then I was adrift, and so I thought better of it. It won't do to be nice
+in peace times you know, my lads, when all the big ships are rotting in
+Southampton and Cinque Port muds. Well, then, what he told me I
+recollect as well--ay, every word of it--as if he had whispered it into
+my ear but this minute. It was a blustering night, with a dirty
+southwester, and the chafing of the harbour waves was thrown up in
+foams, which the winds swept up the street, they chasing one another as
+if they were boys at play. It was about two bells in the middle watch,
+and after our fifth glass, that Joe Geary said as this:
+
+"It was one dark winter's night when we were off the Texel, blowing
+terribly, with the coast under our lee, clawing off under storm canvas,
+and fighting with the elements for every inch of ground, a hand in the
+chains, for we had nothing but the lead to trust to, and the vessel so
+flogged by the waves, that he was lashed to the rigging, that he might
+not be washed away; all of a sudden the wind came with a blast loud
+enough for the last trump, and the waves roared till they were hoarser
+than ever; away went the vessel's mast, although there was no more
+canvas on it than a jib pocket-handkerchief, and the craft rolled and
+tossed in the deep troughs for all the world like a wicked man dying in
+despair; and then she was a wreck, with nothing to help us but God
+Almighty, fast borne down upon the sands which the waters had disturbed,
+and were dashing about until they themselves were weary of the load; and
+all the seamen cried unto the Lord, as well they might.
+
+"Now, they say, that _he_ did not cry as they did, like men and
+Christians, to Him who made them and the waters which surrounded and
+threatened them; for Death was then in all his glory, and the foaming
+crests of the waves were as plumes of feathers to his skeleton head
+beneath them; but he cried like a child--and swore terribly as well as
+cried--talking about his money, his dear money, and not caring about his
+more precious soul.
+
+"And the cutter was borne down, every wave pushing her with giant force
+nearer and nearer to destruction, when the man at the chains shrieked
+out--'Mark three, and the Lord have mercy on our souls!" and all the
+crew, when they heard this, cried out--'Lord, save us, or we perish.'
+But still they thought that their time was come, for the breaking waves
+were under their lee, and the yellow waters told them that, in a few
+minutes, the vessel, and all who were on board, would be shivered in
+fragments; and some wept and some prayed as they clung to the bulwarks
+of the unguided vessel, and others in a few minutes thought over their
+whole life, and waited for death in silence. But _he_, he did all; he
+cried, and he prayed, and he swore, and he was silent, and at last he
+became furious and frantic; and when the men said again and again, 'The
+Lord save us!' he roared out at last, "Will the _devil_ help us, for--'
+In a moment, before these first words were out of his mouth, there was a
+flash of lightning, that appeared to strike the vessel, but it harmed
+her not, neither did any thunder follow the flash; but a ball of blue
+flame pitched upon the knight heads, and then came bounding and dancing
+aft to the taffrail, where _he_ stood alone, for the men had left him to
+blaspheme by himself. Some say he was heard to speak, as if in
+conversation, but no one knows what passed. Be it as it may, on a sudden
+he walked forward as brave as could be, and was followed by this
+creature, who carried his head and tail slouching, as he does now.
+
+"And the dog looked up and gave one deep bark, and as soon as he had
+barked the wind appeared to lull--he barked again twice, and there was a
+dead calm--he barked again thrice, and the seas went down--and _he_
+patted the dog on the head, and the animal then bayed loud for a minute
+or two, and then, to the astonishment and fear of all, instead of the
+vessel being within a cable's length of the Texel sands in a heavy gale,
+and without hope, the Foreland lights were but two miles on our beam
+with a clear sky and smooth water."
+
+The seaman finished his legend, and there was a dead silence for a
+minute or two, broken first by Jansen, who in a low voice said, "Then te
+tog is not a tog."
+
+"No," replied Coble, "an imp sent by the devil to his follower in
+distress."
+
+"Yes," said Short.
+
+"Well, but," said Jemmy Ducks, who for some time had left off touching
+the strings of his fiddle, "it would be the work of a good Christian to
+kill the brute."
+
+"It's not a mortal animal, Jemmy."
+
+"True, I forgot that."
+
+"Gifen by de tyfel," observed Jansen.
+
+"Ay, and christened by him too," continued Coble. "Who ever heard any
+Christian brute with such a damnable name?"
+
+"Well, what's to be done?"
+
+"Why," replied Jemmy Ducks, "at all events, imp o' Satan or not, that
+ere Smallbones fought him to-day with his own weapons."
+
+"And beat him too," said Coble.
+
+"Yes," said Short.
+
+"Now, it's my opinion, that Smallbones ar'n't afraid of him," continued
+Jemmy Ducks, "and devil or no devil, he'll kill him if he can."
+
+"He's the proper person to do it," replied Coble; "the more so, as you
+may say that he's his _natural_ enemy."
+
+"Yes, mein Got, de poy is de man," said Jansen.
+
+"We'll put him up to it at all events, as soon as he is out of his
+hammock," rejoined Jemmy Ducks.
+
+A little more conversation took place, and then it was carried
+unanimously that Smallbones should destroy the animal, if it was
+possible to destroy it.
+
+The only party who was not consulted was Smallbones himself, who lay
+fast asleep in his hammock. The consultation then broke up, and they all
+went below.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VI
+
+In which, as often happens at sea when signals are not made out, friends
+exchange broadsides.
+
+
+Notwithstanding all the precautions of the party on the forecastle, this
+consultation had been heard by no less a person than the huge Corporal
+Van Spitter, who had an idea that there was some mystery going on
+forward, and had contrived to crawl up under the bulwark, and throw
+himself down on the forestaysail, which lay between two of the guns.
+Having so done without being perceived, for it was at the very moment
+that the party were all listening to Bill Spurey's legend of the dog's
+first appearance on board, he threw a part of the sail over his fat
+carcass, and thus remained undiscovered during the remainder of the
+colloquy. He heard them all descending below, and remained still quiet,
+till he imagined that the forecastle was clear. In the meantime Mr
+Vanslyperken, who had been walking the deck abaft, unaccompanied by his
+faithful attendant (for Snarleyyow remained coiled up on his master's
+bed), was meditating deeply how to gratify the two most powerful
+passions in our nature, love and revenge: at one moment thinking of the
+fat fair Vandersloosh, and of hauling in her guilders, at another
+reverting to the starved Smallbones and the comfort of a keel-hauling.
+The long conference on the forecastle had not been unperceived by the
+hawk's eye of the lieutenant, and as they descended, he walked forward
+to ascertain if he could not pick up some straggler who, unsupported by
+his comrades, might be induced by fear to acquaint him with the subject
+of the discussion. Now, just as Mr Vanslyperken came forward Corporal
+Van Spitter had removed the canvas from his body, and was about to rise
+from his bed, when he perceived somebody coming forward. Not making it
+out to be the lieutenant, he immediately dropped down again and drew the
+canvas over him. Mr Vanslyperken perceived this manoeuvre, and thought
+he had now caught one of the conspirators, and, moreover, one who showed
+such fear as to warrant the supposition that he should be able to
+extract from him the results of the night's unusually long conference.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken walked up to where the corporal lay as quiet, but not
+quite so small, as a mouse. It occurred to Mr Vanslyperken that a little
+taste of punishment _in esse_ would very much assist the threats of what
+might be received _in posse_; so he laid aside his speaking-trumpet,
+looked round, picked up a handspike, and raising it above his head, down
+it came, with all the force of the lieutenant's arm, upon Corporal Van
+Spitter, whose carcass resounded like a huge kettle-drum.
+
+"Tunder and flame," roared the corporal under the canvas, thinking that
+one of the seamen, having discovered him eavesdropping, had thus wreaked
+his revenge, taking advantage of his being covered up, and pretending
+not to know him. "Tunder and flame!" roared the corporal, muffled up in
+the canvas, and trying to extricate himself; but his voice was not
+recognised by the lieutenant, and, before he could get clear of his
+envelope, the handspike had again descended; when up rose the corporal,
+like a buffalo out of his muddy lair, half-blinded by the last blow,
+which had fallen on his head, ran full butt at the lieutenant, and
+precipitated his senior officer and commander headlong down the
+fore-hatchway.
+
+Vanslyperken fell with great force, was stunned, and lay without motion
+at the foot of the ladder, while the corporal, whose wrath was always
+excessive when his blood was up, but whose phlegmatic blood could not be
+raised without some such decided stimulus as a handspike, now turned
+round and round the forecastle, like a bull looking for his assailants;
+but the corporal had the forecastle all to himself, and, as he
+gradually cooled down, he saw lying close to him the speaking-trumpet of
+his senior officer.
+
+"Tousand tyfels," murmured Corporal Van Spitter, "but it must have been
+the skipper. Got for damn, dis is hanging matter!" Corporal Van Spitter
+was as cool as a cucumber as soon as he observed what a mistake he had
+made; in fact, he quivered and trembled in his fat. "But then," thought
+he, "perhaps he did not know me--no, he could not, or he never would
+have handspiked _me_." So Corporal Van Spitter walked down the hatchway,
+where he ascertained that his commandant lay insensible. "Dat is good,"
+thought he, and he went aft, lighted his lanthorn, and, as a _ruse_,
+knocked at the cabin-door. Receiving no answer but the growl of
+Snarleyyow, he went in, and then ascended to the quarter-deck, looked
+round him, and inquired of the man at the wheel where Mr Vanslyperken
+might be. The man replied that he had gone forward a few minutes before,
+and thither the corporal proceeded. Of course, not finding him, he
+returned, telling the man that the skipper was not in the cabin or the
+forecastle, and wondering where he could be. He then descended to the
+next officer in command, Dick Short, and called him.
+
+"Well," said Short.
+
+"Can't find Mr Vanslyperken anywhere," said the corporal.
+
+"Look," replied Dick, turning round in his hammock.
+
+"Mein Got, I have looked de forecastle, de quarter-deck, and de
+cabin,--he not anywhere."
+
+"Overboard," replied Dick.
+
+"I come to you, sir, to make inquiry," said the corporal.
+
+"Turn out," said Dick, suiting the action to the words, and lighting
+with his feet on the deck in his shirt.
+
+While Short was dressing himself, the corporal summoned up all his
+marines; and the noise occasioned by this turn out, and the conversation
+overheard by those who were awake, soon gave the crew of the cutter to
+understand that some accident had happened to their commander. Even
+Smallbones had it whispered in his ear that Mr Vanslyperken had fallen
+overboard, and he smiled as he lay in the dark, smarting with his
+wounds, muttering to himself that Snarleyyow should soon follow his
+master. By the time that Short was on the quarter-deck, Corporal Van
+Spitter, who knew very well where to look for it, had, very much to the
+disappointment of the crew, found the body of Mr Vanslyperken, and the
+marines had brought it aft to the cabin, and would have laid it on the
+bed, had not Snarleyyow, who had no feeling in his composition,
+positively denied its being put there.
+
+Short came down and examined his superior officer.
+
+"Is he dead?" inquired the corporal with alarm.
+
+"No," replied Short.
+
+"Vat can it be then?" said the corporal.
+
+"Stunned," replied Short.
+
+"Mein Got! how could it happen?"
+
+"Tumbled," replied Short.
+
+"What shall we do, sir?" rejoined the corporal.
+
+"Bed," replied Short, turning on his heel, and a minute after turning
+into his hammock.
+
+"Mein Got, the dog will not let him go to bed," exclaimed the corporal.
+
+"Let's put him in," said one of the marines, "the dog won't bite his
+master."
+
+So the marines lifted up the still insensible Mr Vanslyperken, and
+almost tossed him into his standing bed-place, right on the body of the
+snarling dog, who, as soon as he could disengage himself from the
+weight, revenged himself by making his teeth meet more than once through
+the lanthorn cheek of his master, and then leaping off the bed,
+retreated growling under the table.
+
+"Well, you _are_ a nice dog," exclaimed one of the marines, looking
+after Snarleyyow in his retreat.
+
+Now, there was no medical assistance on board so small a vessel. Mr
+Vanslyperken, was allowed a small quantity of medicine, unguents, &c.,
+but these he always sold to an apothecary, as soon as he had procured
+them from the authorities. The teeth of the dog had, however, their
+effect, and Mr Vanslyperken opened his eyes, and in a faint voice cried
+"Snarleyyow." Oh, if the dog had any spark of feeling, how must he then
+have been stung with remorse at his ingratitude to so kind a master! But
+he apparently showed none, at least, report does not say that any
+symptoms were manifest.
+
+After a little burnt oakum had excoriated his nose, and a certain
+quantity of the cold salt-water from alongside had wetted through his
+bedclothes, Mr Vanslyperken was completely recovered, and was able to
+speak and look about him. Corporal Van Spitter trembled a little as his
+commandant fixed his eyes upon him, and he redoubled his attention.
+
+"Mein Got, Mynheer Vanslyperken, how was this happen?" exclaimed the
+corporal in a pathetic tone. Whereupon Mr Vanslyperken ordered every one
+to leave the cabin but Corporal Van Spitter.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken then communicated to the corporal that he had been
+knocked down the hatchway by one of the men when he went forward; that
+he could not distinguish who it was, but thought that it must have been
+Jansen from his size. Corporal Van Spitter, delighted to find that his
+skipper was on a wrong scent, expressed his opinion in corroboration of
+the lieutenant's: after which a long consultation took place relative to
+mutiny, disaffection, and the proper measures to be taken. Vanslyperken
+mentioned the consultation of the men during the first watch, and the
+corporal, to win his favour, was very glad to be able to communicate the
+particulars of what he had overheard, stating that he had concealed
+himself for that purpose.
+
+"And where did you conceal yourself?" said Vanslyperken with a keen
+inquiring look: for it immediately occurred to him that, unless it was
+under the sail, there could be no concealment for such a huge body as
+that of the corporal; and he had his misgivings. But the corporal very
+adroitly observed, that he stood at the lower step of the fore-ladder,
+with his head level with the coamings; and had, by this means, overheard
+the conversation unperceived, and had only walked away when the party
+broke up. This restored the confidence of Mr Vanslyperken, and a long
+discussion took place, in which it was agreed between them, that the
+only way to prevent Snarleyyow from being destroyed, was to try some
+means to make away quietly with poor Smallbones. But this part of the
+conversation was not carried to any length: for Mr Vanslyperken,
+indignant at having received such injury in his face from his ungrateful
+cur, did not, at that moment, feel the current of his affection run so
+strong as usual in that direction. After this, the corporal touched his
+hat, swung round to the right about in military style, and left
+the cabin.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VII
+
+In which Mr Vanslyperken goes on shore to woo the Widow Vandersloosh.
+
+
+Three weeks of comparative calm now passed away, during which Mr
+Vanslyperken recovered of his wounds and accident, and meditated how he
+should make away with Smallbones. The latter also recovered of his
+bites, and meditated how he should make away with Snarleyyow. Smallbones
+had returned to his avocations, and Vanslyperken, intending mischief,
+treated him more kindly, as a blind. Snarleyyow also, not forgetting his
+defeat on the quarter-deck, did not renew his attacks, even when the
+poor lad helped himself to biscuit.
+
+The _Yungfrau_ anchored in the Downs, and Mr Vanslyperken received
+despatches for the Hague; King William having written some letters to
+his friends, and sent over to them a little English money, which he knew
+would be acceptable; for continental kings on the English throne have
+never appeared to have a clear sense of the honour conferred upon them.
+England, in their ideas, has always been a _parvenue_ kingdom; her
+nobles not able to trace farther back than the Conquest; while, in their
+country, the lowest baron will prove his sixteen quarters, and his
+descent from the darkest ages. But, nevertheless, upon the same
+principle that the poor aristocracy will condescend to unite themselves
+occasionally to city wealth, so have these potentates condescended to
+reign over us.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken received his despatches, and made the best of his way to
+Amsterdam, where he anchored, delivered his credentials, and there
+waited for the letters of thanks from his Majesty's cousins.
+
+But what a hurry and bustle there appears to be on board of the
+_Yungfrau_--Smallbones here, Smallbones there--Corporal Van Spitter
+pushing to and fro with the dog-trot of an elephant; and even Snarleyyow
+appears to be unusually often up and down the hatchway. What can it all
+be about? Oh! Mr Vanslyperken is going on shore to pay his respects, and
+continue his addresses, to the widow Vandersloosh. His boat is manned
+alongside, and he now appears on the cutter's quarter-deck.
+
+Is it possible that this can be Mr Vanslyperken? Heavens, how gay! An
+uniform certainly does wonders with some people: that is to say, those
+who do not look well in plain clothes are invariably improved by it;
+while those, who look most like gentlemen in plain clothes, lose in the
+same proportion. At all events Mr Vanslyperken is wonderfully improved.
+
+He has a loose pair of blue pantaloons, with boots rising above his
+knees pulled over them: his lower parts remind you of Charles the
+Twelfth. He has a long scarlet waiscoat, with large gilt buttons and
+flap pockets, and his uniform coat over all, of blue turned up with red,
+has a very commanding appearance. To a broad black belt over his
+shoulder hangs his cutlass, the sheath of which is mounted with silver,
+and the hilt of ivory and gold threads; and, above all, his small head
+is almost dignified by being surmounted with a three-cornered turned-up
+and gold-banded cocked hat, with one corner of the triangle in front
+parallel with his sharp nose. Surely the widow must strike her colours
+to scarlet, and blue, and gold. But although women are said, like
+mackerel, to take such baits, still widows are not fond of a man who is
+as thin as a herring: they are too knowing, they prefer stamina, and
+will not be persuaded to take the shadow for the substance.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken was, nevertheless, very well pleased with himself, which
+was something, but still not quite enough on the present occasion, and
+he strutted the deck with great complacency, gave his final orders to
+Dick Short, who, as usual, gave a short answer; also to Corporal Van
+Spitter, who, as usual, received them with all military honour; and,
+lastly, to Smallbones, who received them with all humility. The
+lieutenant was about to step into the boat, when a doubt arose, and he
+stopped in his advance, perplexed. It was one of no small
+importance--was Snarleyyow to accompany him or not? That was the knotty
+question, and it really was a case which required some deliberation. If
+he left him on board after the conspiracy which had been formed against
+him, the dog would probably be overboard before he returned; that is, if
+Smallbones were also left on board; for Mr Vanslyperken knew that it had
+been decided that Smallbones alone could and should destroy the dog. He
+could not, therefore, leave the dog on board with safety; and, as for
+taking him on shore with him, in that there was much danger, for the
+widow Vandersloosh had set her face against the dog. No wonder: he had
+behaved in her parlour as bad as the dog Crab in the Two Gentlemen of
+Verona; and the Frau was a very clean person, and had no fancy for dogs
+comparing their legs with those of her polished mahogany chairs and
+tables. If Mr Vanslyperken's suit was to be decided according to the old
+adage, "love me, love my dog," he certainly had but a poor chance; for
+the widow detested the cur, and had insisted that it should never be
+brought into her house. Take the dog on shore, therefore, he could not;
+but, thought Mr Vanslyperken, I can take Smallbones on shore, that will
+do as well. I have some biscuit to dispose of, and he shall go with it
+and wait till I come off again. Smallbones was, therefore, ordered to
+put on his hat and step into the boat with two half bags of biscuit to
+carry up to the widow's house, for she did a little business with Mr
+Vanslyperken, as well as allowing him to make love to her; and was never
+so sweet or so gracious, as when closing a bargain. So Mr Vanslyperken
+waited for Smallbones, who was soon ready, for his best consisted only
+in a pair of shoes to his usually naked feet, and a hat for his
+generally uncovered head. And Mr Vanslyperken, and Smallbones, and the
+biscuit, were in the boat, when Snarleyyow intimated his intention to
+join the party; but this was refused, and the boat shoved off
+without him.
+
+As soon as Mr Vanslyperken had shoved off, Dick Short, being in command,
+thought he might as well give himself leave, and go on shore also. So he
+went down, put on his best, and ordered the other boat to be manned, and
+leaving Obadiah Coble on board as the next officer, he took with him
+Jansen, Jemmy Ducks, and four or five others, to have a cruise. Now, as
+Snarleyyow had this time made up his mind that he would go on shore, and
+Short was willing to indulge him, for he knew that Smallbones, if he
+fell in with him, would do his best to launch him into one of the
+canals, so convenient in every street, the cur was permitted to get into
+the boat, and was landed with the rest of the party, who, as usual,
+repaired to the Lust Haus of the widow Vandersloosh; where we must leave
+them for the present, and return to our friend, Mr Vanslyperken.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VIII
+
+In which the Widow lays a trap for Mr Vanslyperken, and Smallbones lays
+a trap for Snarleyyow, and both bag their game.
+
+
+The widow Vandersloosh, as we have informed the reader, was the owner of
+a Lust Haus, or pleasure-house for sailors: we will describe that
+portion of her tenements more particularly by-and-bye: at present, we
+must advert to her own private house, which stood adjoining, and had a
+communication with the Lust Haus by a private door through the party
+wall. This was a very small, snug little habitation, with one window in
+each front, and two stories high; containing a front parlour and kitchen
+on the basement, two small rooms on the first, and two on the second
+floor. Nothing could be better arranged for a widow's residence.
+Moreover, she had a back-yard running the whole length of the wall of
+the Lust Haus in the rear, with convenient offices, and a back-door into
+the street behind.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken had arrived, paid his humble devoirs to the widow, more
+humble, because he was evidently pleased with his own person, and had
+been followed by Smallbones, who laid the biscuit by the scraper at the
+door, watching it as in duty bound. The lieutenant imagined that he was
+more graciously received than usual. Perhaps he was, for the widow had
+not had so much custom lately, and was glad the crew of the cutter were
+arrived to spend their money. Already had Vanslyperken removed his sword
+and belt, and laid them with his three-cornered laced hat on the
+side-table; he was already cosily, as of wont, seated upon the widow's
+little fubsy sofa, with the lady by his side, and he had just taken her
+hand and was about to renew his suit, to pour forth the impromptu
+effusions of his heart, concocted on the quarter-deck of the _Yungfrau_,
+when who should bolt into the parlour but the unwelcome Snarleyyow.
+
+"O that nasty brute! Mynheer Vanslyperken, how dare you bring him into
+my house?" cried the widow, jumping up from the sofa, with her
+full-moon-face red with anger.
+
+"Indeed, widow," replied Vanslyperken, "I left him on board, knowing
+that you were not fond of animals; but some one has brought him on
+shore. However, I'll find out who it was, and keel-haul him in honour of
+your charms."
+
+"I am fond of animals, Mr Vanslyperken, but I am not fond of such
+animals as that--such a filthy, ugly, disagreeable, snarling brute; nor
+can I think how you can keep him after what I have said about it. It
+don't prove much regard, Mr Vanslyperken, when such a dog as that is
+kept on purpose to annoy me."
+
+"I assure you, widow--"
+
+"Don't assure me, Mr Vanslyperken, there's no occasion--your dog is your
+own--but I'll thank you to take him out of this house; and, perhaps, as
+he won't go without you, you had better go with him."
+
+Now the widow had never spoken so indignantly before: if the reader
+wishes to know why she did so now, we will acquaint him; the widow
+Vandersloosh had perceived Smallbones, who sat like Patience on a
+monument, upon the two half bags of biscuit before her porch. It was a
+query to the widow whether they were to be a present, or an article to
+be bargained for: it was therefore very advisable to pick a quarrel,
+that the matter might be cleared up. The widow's ruse met with all the
+success which it deserved. In the first place, Mr Vanslyperken did what
+he never would have believed himself capable of, but the wrath of the
+widow had worked him also up to wrath, and he saluted Snarleyyow with
+such a kick on the side, as to send him howling into the back-yard,
+followed him out, and, notwithstanding an attempt at defence on the part
+of the dog, which the lieutenant's high boots rendered harmless,
+Snarleyyow was fairly or unfairly, as you may please to think it, kicked
+into an outhouse, the door shut, and the key turned upon him. After
+which Mr Vanslyperken returned to the parlour, where he found the widow,
+erect, with her back turned to the stove, blowing and bristling, her
+bosom heaving, reminding you of seas mountains high, as if she were
+still under the effect of a just resentment for the affront offered to
+her. There she stood waiting in all dignity for Mr Vanslyperken to
+repair the injury done, whether unintentional or not. In few words,
+there she waited, for the _biscuit_ to be presented to her. And it was
+presented, for Vanslyperken knew no other way of appeasing her wrath.
+Gradually the storm was allayed--the flush of anger disappeared, the
+corners of the scornfully-turned-down mouth, were turned up
+again--Cupid's bow was no longer bent in anger, and the widow's bosom
+slept as when the ocean sleeps, like "an unweaned child." The biscuit
+bags were brought in by Smallbones, their contents stored, and harmony
+restored. Once more was Mr Vanslyperken upon the little sofa by the side
+of the fat widow, and once more did he take her melting hand. Alas! that
+her heart was not made of the same soft materials.
+
+But we must not only leave Short and his companions in the Lust Haus,
+but the widow and the lieutenant in their soft dalliance, and now occupy
+ourselves with the two principal personages of this our drama,
+Smallbones and Snarleyyow.
+
+When Smallbones had retired, with the empty bread-bags under his arm, he
+remained some time reflecting at the porch, and then having apparently
+made up his mind, he walked to a chandler's shop just over the bridge of
+the canal opposite, and purchased a needle, some strong twine, and a
+red-herring. He also procured, "without purchase," as they say in our
+War Office Gazettes, a few pieces of stick. Having obtained all these,
+he went round to the door of the yard behind the widow's house, and let
+himself in. Little did Mr Vanslyperken imagine what mischief was
+brewing, while he was praising and drinking the beer of the widow's
+own brewing.
+
+Smallbones had no difficulty in finding out where Snarleyyow was
+confined, for the dog was very busy gnawing his way through the door,
+which, however, was a work of time, and not yet a quarter accomplished.
+The place had been a fowl-house, and, at the bottom of the door, there
+was a small hatch for the ingress and egress of these bipeds, the
+original invention of some thrifty spinster, to prevent the maids from
+stealing eggs. But this hatch was closed, or Snarleyyow would have
+escaped through it. Smallbones took up his quarters in another outhouse,
+that he might not be observed, and commenced his operations.
+
+He first took out the bottom of one bread-bag, and then sewed that on
+the other to make it longer; he then ran a string through the mouth, so
+as to draw it close when necessary, and cut his sticks so as to support
+it and keep it open. All this being arranged, he went to where
+Snarleyyow was busy gnawing wood with great pertinacity, and allowed him
+not only to smell, but to tear off the tail of the red-herring, under
+the door; and then gradually drew the herring along until he had brought
+it right under the hatch in the middle, which left it at the precise
+distance that the dog could snuff it but not reach it, which Snarleyyow
+now did, in preference to gnawing wood. When you lay a trap, much
+depends upon the bait; Smallbones knew his enemy's partiality for
+savoury comestibles. He then brought out his bag, set up his supporters,
+fixed it close to the hatch, and put the red-herring inside of it. With
+the string in one hand, he lifted up the hatch with the other.
+Snarleyyow rushed out and rushed in, and in a moment the strings were
+drawn, and as soon as drawn were tied tight round the mouth of the bag.
+Snarleyyow was caught; he tumbled over and over, rolling now to the
+right and now to the left, while Smallbones grinned with delight. After
+amusing himself a short time with the evolutions of his prisoner, he
+dragged him in his bag into the outhouse where he had made his trap,
+shut the door, and left him. The next object was to remove any
+suspicion on the part of Mr Vanslyperken; and to effect this, Smallbones
+tore off the hatch, and broke it in two or three pieces, bit parts of it
+with his own teeth, and laid them down before the door, making it appear
+as if the dog had gnawed his own way out. The reason for allowing the
+dog still to remain in prison, was that Smallbones dared not attempt
+anything further until it was dark, and there was yet an hour or more to
+wait for the close of the day.
+
+Smallbones had but just finished his work in time; for the widow having
+been summoned to her guests in the Lust Haus, had left Vanslyperken
+alone, and the lieutenant thought this a good opportunity to look after
+his four-footed favourite. He came out into the yard, where he found
+Smallbones, and he had his misgivings.
+
+"What are you doing here, sir?"
+
+"Waiting for you, sir," replied Smallbones, humbly.
+
+"And the dog?" said Vanslyperken, observing the strewed fragments of the
+door hatch.
+
+"He's a-bitten himself out, sir, I believe."
+
+"And where is he, then?"
+
+"I don't know, sir; I suppose he's gone down to the boat."
+
+Snarleyyow hearing his master's voice, had commenced a whine, and
+Smallbones trembled: fortunately, at that moment, the widow's ample form
+appeared at the back-door of the house, and she called to Mr
+Vanslyperken. The widow's voice drowned the whine of the dog, and his
+master did not hear it. At the summons, Vanslyperken but half convinced,
+but not daring to show any interest about the animal in the presence of
+his mistress, returned to the parlour, and very soon the dog was
+forgotten.
+
+But as the orgies in the Lust Haus increased, so did it become more
+necessary for the widow to make frequent visits there; not only to
+supply her customers, but to restrain them by her presence; and as the
+evening wore away, so did the absences of the widow become more
+frequent. This Vanslyperken well knew, and he therefore always pressed
+his suit in the afternoon, and as soon as it was dark returned on board.
+Smallbones, who watched at the back-door the movements of his master,
+perceived that he was refixing his sword-belt over his shoulder, and he
+knew this to be the signal for departure. It was now quite dark, he
+therefore hastened to the outhouse, and dragged out Snarleyyow in the
+bag, swung him over his shoulder, and walked out of the yard-door,
+proceeded to the canal in front of the widow's house, looked round him,
+could perceive nobody, and then dragged the bag with its contents into
+the stagnant water below, just as Mr Vanslyperken, who had bidden adieu
+to the widow, came out of the house. There was a heavy splash--and
+silence. Had such been heard on the shores of the Bosphorus on such a
+night, it would have told some tale of unhappy love and a husband's
+vengeance; but, at Amsterdam, it was nothing more than the drowning of
+a cur.
+
+"Who's there--is it Smallbones?" said Mr Vanslyperken.
+
+"Yes, sir," said Smallbones, with alarm.
+
+"What was that noise I heard?"
+
+"Noise, sir? Oh, I kicked a paving-stone into the canal."
+
+"And don't you know there is heavy fine for that, you scoundrel? And
+pray where are the bread-bags?"
+
+"The bread-bags, sir? Oh, Mr Short took them to tie up some vegetables
+in them."
+
+"Mr Short! O, very well. Come along, sir, and no more throwing stones
+into the canal; why you might have killed somebody--there is a boat down
+there now, I hear the people talking." And Mr Vanslyperken hastened to
+his boat, which was waiting for him; anxious to ascertain if Snarleyyow,
+as he fully expected, was in it. But to his grief and disappointment he
+was not there, and Mr Vanslyperken sat in the stern sheets, in no
+pleasant humour, thinking whether it was or was not a paving-stone
+which Smallbones had thrown into the canal, and resolving that if the
+dog did not appear, Smallbones should be keel-hauled. There was,
+however, one more chance, the dog might have been taken on board.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter IX
+
+A long chapter, in which there is lamentation, singing, bibbing, and
+dancing.
+
+
+It may readily be supposed, that the first question asked by Mr
+Vanslyperken, on his gaining the quarter-deck, was, if Snarleyyow were
+on board. He was received with the military salute of Corporal Van
+Spitter, for Obadiah Coble, having been left commanding officer, had
+given himself leave, and, with a few men, had joined Dick Short and the
+first party at the Lust Haus, leaving the corporal as the next senior
+officer in charge. The answer in the negative was a great mortification
+to Mr Vanslyperken, and he descended to his cabin in no very good
+humour, and summoned Smallbones. But before Smallbones was summoned, he
+had time to whisper to one or two of the conspirators--"_He's gone_." It
+was enough; in less than a minute the whisper was passed throughout the
+cutter. "He's gone," was sibilated above and below, until it met the
+ears of even Corporal Van Spitter, who had it from a marine, who had it
+from another marine, who had it from a seaman, who--but it was, however,
+soon traced up to Smallbones by the indefatigable corporal--who
+considered it his duty to report the report to Mr Vanslyperken.
+Accordingly he descended to the cabin and knocked for admission.
+
+In the meantime Vanslyperken had been venting his ill-humour upon
+Smallbones, having, as he took off from his person, and replaced in his
+drawers, his unusual finery, administered an unusual quantity of kicks,
+as well as a severe blow on the head with his sheathed cutlass to the
+unfortunate lad, who repeated to himself, by way of consolation, the
+magic words--"_He's gone_."
+
+"If you please, sir," said Corporal Van Spitter, "I've discovered from
+the ship's company that the dog _is gone_."
+
+"I know that, corporal," replied Vanslyperken.
+
+"And, sir, the report has been traced to Smallbones."
+
+"Indeed!--then it was you that said that the dog is gone--now, you
+villain, where is he?"
+
+"If you please, I did say that the dog was gone, and so he is; but I
+didn't say that I knew where he was--no more I don't. He's runned away,
+and he'll be back to-morrow--I'm sure he will."
+
+"Corporal Van Spitter, if the dog is not on board again by eight o'clock
+to-morrow morning, you will get all ready for keel-hauling this
+scoundrel."
+
+"Yes, mynheer," replied the corporal, delighted at having something to
+do in the way of punishment.
+
+Smallbones made up a lachrymal face.
+
+"It's very hard," said he; "suppose the dog has fallen into the canal,
+is that my fault? If he's a-gone to the bottom of the canal, that's no
+reason why I'm to be dragged under the bottom of the cutter."
+
+"Yes, yes," replied Vanslyperken, "I'll teach you to throw paving-stones
+off the wharf. Leave the cabin, sir."
+
+Smallbones, whose guilty conscience flew into his pallid face at the
+mention of the paving-stones, immediately made a hasty retreat; and
+Vanslyperken turned into his bed and dreamt of vengeance.
+
+We must now return to the Lust Haus, and the party on shore; and our
+first task must be, to give the reader an idea of what a Lust Haus may
+be. It is, as its name imports, a resort for pleasure and amusement; and
+in this respect the Dutch are certainly very much in advance of the
+English, who have, in the pot-houses and low inns resorted to by seamen,
+no accommodation of the kind. There is barely room for Jack to foot it
+in a reel, the tap-room is so small; and as Jack is soon reeling after
+he is once on shore, it is a very great defect. Now, the Lust Haus is a
+room as large as an assembly-room in a country-town, well lighted up
+with lamps and chandeliers, well warmed with stoves, where you have room
+to dance fifty reels at once, and still have plenty of accommodation at
+the chairs and tables ranged round on each side. At the end of the room
+is a raised chair, with a protecting railing, on which the musicians, to
+the number of seven or eight, are posted, and they continue during the
+evening to play when requested. The people of the Lust Haus furnish wine
+and spirits of every description, while cakes, nuts, walnuts, oranges,
+&c, are supplied from the baskets of numerous young women who hand them
+round, and press their customers to purchase. Police officers
+superintend these resorts to remove those who are violent, and interfere
+with the amusements of others. On the whole, it is a very gay scene, and
+is resorted to by seamen of all nations, with a sprinkling of those who
+are not sailors, but who like amusement, and there are plenty of females
+who are ready to dance with them, and to share their beer or grog. Be it
+further known, that there is a great deal of decorum in a Lust Haus,
+particularly among the latter sex; and altogether it is infinitely more
+rational and less debasing, than the low pot-houses of Portsmouth
+or Plymouth.
+
+Such was the place of amusement kept by the Frau Vandersloosh, and in
+this large room had been seated, for some hours, Dick Short, Coble,
+Jansen, Jemmy Ducks, and some others of the crew of his Majesty's cutter
+_Yungfrau_.
+
+The room was now full, but not crowded, it was too spacious well to be
+so. Some sixteen couples were dancing a quadrille to a lively tune
+played by the band, and among the dancers were to be seen old women, and
+children of ten or twelve: for it was not considered improper to be seen
+dancing at this humble assembly, and the neighbours frequently came in.
+The small tables and numerous chairs round the room were nearly all
+filled, beer was foaming from the mouths of the opened bottles, and
+there was the ringing of the glasses as they pledged each other. At
+several tables were assemblages of Dutch seamen, who smoked with all the
+phlegm of their nation, as they gravely looked upon the dancers. At
+another were to be seen some American seamen, scrupulously neat in their
+attire, and with an air _distinguee_, from the superiority of their
+education, and all of them quiet and sober. The basket-women flitted
+about displaying their stores, and invited every one to purchase fruit,
+and particularly hard-boiled eggs, which they had brought in at this
+hour, when those who dined at one might be expected to be hungry.
+Sailors' wives were also there, and perhaps some who could not produce
+the marriage certificates; but as these were not asked for at the door,
+it was of no consequence. About the centre of the room, at two small
+tables joined together, were to be seen the party from the _Yungfrau_:
+some were drinking beer, some grog, and Jemmy Ducks was perched on the
+table, with his fiddle as usual held like a bass viol. He was known by
+those who frequented the house by the name of the Manikin, and was a
+universal object of admiration and good-will. The quadrille was ended,
+and the music stopped playing.
+
+"Come now," said Coble, tossing off his glass, "spell oh!--let's have a
+song while they take their breath. Jemmy, strike up."
+
+"Hurrah for a song!" cries Jemmy. "Here goes."
+
+Jemmy then tuned one string of his fiddle, which was a little out, and
+accompanying his voice, sang as follows: all those who were present
+immediately keeping silence, for they were used to Jemmy's melody.
+
+
+     Twas on the twenty-fourth of June, I sailed away to sea,
+     I turned my pockets in the lap of Susan on my knee;
+     Says I, my dear, 'tis all I have, I wish that it was more,
+     It can't be helped, says Susan then, you know we've spent galore.
+
+          You know we've spent galore, my Bill,
+            And merry have been we,
+          Again you must your pockets fill,
+            For Susan on your knee.
+
+     "Chorus, my boys--"
+
+          For Susan on my knee, my boys,
+          With Susan on my knee.
+
+     The gale came on in thunder, lads, in lightning, and in foam,
+     Before that we had sail'd away three hundred miles from home;
+     And on the Sunday morning, lads, the coast was on our lee,
+     Oh, then I thought of Portsmouth, and of Susan on my knee.
+
+          For howling winds and waves to boot,
+            With black rocks on the lee,
+          Did not so well my fancy suit,
+            As Susan on my knee.
+
+     _Chorus_.--With Susan on my knee, my boys,
+                With Susan on my knee.
+
+     Next morning we were cast away upon the Frenchman's shore,
+     We saved our lives, but not our all, for we could save no more;
+     They marched us to a prison, so we lost our liberty,
+     I peeped between the bars, and sighed for Susan on my knee.
+
+          For bread so black, and wine so sour,
+            And a son a-day to me,
+          Made me long ten times an hour,
+            For Susan on my knee.
+
+     _Chorus_--For Susan on my knee, my boys,
+               For Susan on my knee.
+
+     One night we smashed our jailer's skull and off our boat did steer,
+     And in the offing were picked up by a jolly privateer;
+     We sailed in her the cruise, my boys, and prizes did take we,
+     I'll be at Portsmouth soon, thinks I, with Susan on my knee.
+
+          We shared three hundred pounds a man,
+            I made all sail with glee,
+          Again I danced and tossed my can,
+            With Susan on my knee.
+
+     _Chorus_.--With Susan on my knee, my boys,
+                With Susan on my knee.
+
+"That's prime, Jemmy. Now, my boys, all together," cried Obadiah Coble.
+
+    _Chorus_.--Very good song, and very well sung,
+               Jolly companions every one;
+               We are all here for mirth and glee,
+               We are all here for jollity.
+               Very good song, and very well sung,
+               Jolly companions every one;
+               Put your hats on to keep your heads warm,
+               A little more grog will do us no harm.
+
+
+"Hurrah! now, Bill Spurey, suppose you tip us a stave. But I say,
+Babette, you Dutch-built galliot, tell old Frank Slush to send us
+another dose of the stuff; and d'ye hear, a short pipe for me, and a
+paper o' baccy."
+
+The short, fat Babette, whose proportions all the exercise of waiting
+upon the customers could not reduce, knew quite enough English to
+require no further explanation.
+
+"Come, Jemmy, my hearty, take your fingers off your fiddle, and hand in
+your pot," continued Coble; "and then if they are not going to dance,
+we'll have another song. Bill Spurey, wet your whistle, and just clear
+the cobwebs out of your throat. Here's more 'baccy, Short."
+
+Short made no reply, but he shook out the ashes and filled his pipe. The
+music did not strike up again, so Bill Spurey sang as follows:--
+
+
+     Says the parson one day, as I cursed a Jew,
+       Do you know, my lad, that we call it a sin?
+     I fear of you sailors there are but few,
+       St Peter, to heaven, will ever let in.
+     Says I, Mr Parson, to tell you my mind,
+       No sailors to knock were ever yet seen,
+     Those who travel by land may steer 'gainst wind,
+       But we shape a course for Fidler's Green.
+
+          For Fidler's Green, where seamen true,
+            When here they've done their duty,
+          The bowl of grog shall still renew
+            And pledge to love and beauty.
+
+     Says the parson, I hear you've married three wives,
+       Now do you not know, that that is a sin?
+     You sailors, you lead such very bad lives,
+       St Peter, to heaven, will ne'er let you in
+     Parson, says I, in each port I've but _one_,
+       And never had more, wherever I've been;
+     Below I'm obliged to be chaste as a nun,
+       But I'm promised a dozen at Fidler's Green.
+
+          At Fidler's Green, where seamen true,
+            When here they've done their duty,
+          The bowl of grog shall still renew,
+            And pledge to love and beauty.
+
+     Says the parson, says he, you're drunk, my man,
+       And do you not know that that is a sin?
+     If you sailors will ever be swigging your can,
+       To heaven you surely will never get in.
+     (_Hiccup_.) Parson, you may as well be mum,
+       'Tis only on shore I'm this way seen;
+     But oceans of punch, and rivers of rum,
+       Await the sailor at Fidler's Green.
+
+          At Fidler's Green, where seamen true,
+            When here they've done their duty,
+          The bowl of grog shall still renew,
+            And pledge to love and beauty.
+
+
+"Well reeled off, Billy," cried Jemmy Ducks, finishing with a flourish
+on his fiddle, and a refrain of the air. I don't think we shall meet
+_him_ and his dog at Fidler's Green--heh!"
+
+"No," replied Short, taking his pipe from his lip.
+
+"No, no, Jemmy, a seaman true means one true in heart as well as in
+knowledge; but, like a blind fiddler, he'll be led by his dog
+somewhere else."
+
+"From vere de dog did come from," observed Jansen.
+
+The band now struck up again, and played a waltz--a dance new to our
+country, but older than the heptarchy. Jansen, with his pipe in his
+mouth, took one of the women by the waist, and steered round the room
+about as leisurely as a capstern heaving up. Dick Short also took
+another, made four turns, reeled up against a Dutchman who was doing it
+with _sang froid_, and then suddenly left his partner and dropped into
+his chair.
+
+"I say, Jemmy," said Obadiah Coble, "why don't you give a girl a twist
+round?"
+
+"Because I can't, Oby; my compasses arn't long enough to describe a
+circle. You and I are better here, old boy. I, because I've very little
+legs, and you, because you havn't a leg to stand upon."
+
+"Very true--not quite so young as I was forty years ago. Howsomever I
+mean this to be my last vessel. I shall bear up for one of the London
+dock-yards as a rigger."
+
+"Yes, that'll do; only keep clear of the girt-lines, you're too stiff
+for that."
+
+"No, that would not exactly tell; I shall pick my own work, and that's
+where I can bring my tarry trousers to an anchor--mousing the mainstay,
+or puddening the anchor, with the best of any. Dick, lend us a bit
+of 'baccy."
+
+Short pulled out his box without saying a word. Coble took a quid, and
+Short thrust the box again into his pocket.
+
+In the meantime the waltz continued, and being a favourite dance, there
+were about fifty couples going round and round the room. Such was the
+variety in the dress, country, language, and appearance of the parties
+collected, that you might have imagined it a masquerade. It was,
+however, getting late, and Frau Vandersloosh had received the intimation
+of the people of the police who superintend these resorts, that it was
+the time for shutting up; so that, although the widow was sorry on her
+own account to disperse so merry and so thirsty a party as they were now
+becoming, so soon as the waltz was ended the musicians packed up their
+instruments and departed.
+
+This was a signal for many, but by no means for all, to depart; for
+music being over, and the house doors closed, a few who remained,
+provided they made no disturbance, were not interfered with by the
+police. Among those who stayed were the party from the _Yungfrau_, one
+or two American, and some Prussian sailors. Having closed up together,
+
+"Come," cried Jemmy, "now that we are quiet again, let's have another
+song; and who is it to be--Dick Short?"
+
+"Short, my boy, come, you must sing."
+
+"No," replied Short.
+
+"Yes, yes--one verse," said Spurey.
+
+"He never sings more," replied Jemmy Ducks, "so he must give us that.
+Come, Short."
+
+"Yes," replied Short, taking the pipe out of his mouth, and wetting his
+lips with the grog.
+
+     _Short_ stay apeak was the anchor,
+      We had but a _short_ minute more,
+     In _short_, I no longer could banker,
+      For _short_ was the cash in my store.
+     I gave one _short_ look,
+      As Poll heaved a _short_ sigh
+     One _short_ hug I took,
+      _Short_ the matter cut I,
+       And off I went to sea.
+
+"Go on, Dick."
+
+"No," replied Short, resuming his pipe.
+
+"Well, then, chorus, my boys."
+
+     Very good song, and very well sung,
+     Jolly companions every one;
+     We all are here for mirth and glee,
+     We all are here for jollity.
+     Very good song, and very well sung,
+     Jolly companions every one;
+     Put your hats on, and keep your heads warm,
+     A little more liquor will do us no harm.
+
+"Now then, Jemmy Ducks, it's round to you again. Strike up, fiddle and
+all."
+
+"Well, here goes," said Jemmy Ducks.
+
+     The captain stood on the carronade--first lieutenant, says he,
+     Send all my merry men aft here, for they must list to me:
+     I havn't the gift of the gab, my sons--because I'm bred to the sea,
+     That ship there is a Frenchman, who means to fight with we.
+       Odds blood, hammer and tongs, long as I've been to sea,
+       I've fought 'gainst every odds--but I've gained the victory.
+
+     That ship there is a Frenchman, and if we don't take _she,_
+     'Tis a thousand bullets to one, that she will capture _me_;
+     I havn't the gift of the gab, my boys, so each man to his gun,
+     If she's not mine in half an hour, I'll flog each mother's son.
+       Odds bobs, hammer and tongs, long as I've been to sea,
+       I've fought 'gainst every odds--and I've gained the victory.
+
+     We fought for twenty minutes, when the Frenchman had enough,
+     I little thought, said he, that your men were of such stuff;
+     The captain took the Frenchman's sword, a low bow made to he,
+     I havn't the gift of the gab, Mounsieur, but polite I wish to be.
+       Odds bobs, hammer and tongs, long as I've been to sea,
+       I've fought 'gainst every odds--and I've gained the victory.
+
+     Our captain sent for all of us; my merry men, said he,
+     I havn't the gift of the gab, my lads, but yet I thankful be;
+     You've done your duty handsomely, each man stood to his gun,
+     If you hadn't, you villains, as sure as day, I'd have flogged
+          each mother's son.
+       Odds bobs, hammer and tongs, as long as I'm at sea,
+       I'll fight 'gainst every odds--and I'll gain the victory.
+
+          _Chorus_--Very good song, and very well sung,
+            Jolly companions every one;
+            We all are here for mirth and glee,
+            We all are here for jollity.
+            Very good song, and very well sung,
+            Jolly companions every one;
+            Put your hats on to keep your heads warm,
+            A little more grog will do us no harm.
+
+"Now, Coble, we must have yours," said Jemmy Ducks.
+
+"Mine! well, if you please: but half my notes are stranded. You'll think
+that Snarleyyow is baying the moon: howsomever, take it as it is."
+
+
+     Oh, what's the use of piping, boys, I never yet could larn,
+     The good of water from the eyes I never could disarn;
+     Salt water we have sure enough without our pumping more,
+     So let us leave all crying to the girls we leave on shore.
+
+              They may pump,
+              As in we jump
+          To the boat, and say, "Good-bye;"
+              But as for men,
+              Why, I say again,
+          That crying's all my eye.
+
+     I went to school when quite a boy, and never larnt to read,
+     The master tried both head and tail--at last it was agreed
+     No larning he could force in me, so they sent me off to sea,
+     My mother wept and wrung her hands, and cried most bitterly.
+
+              So she did pump,
+              As I did jump
+          In the boat, and said, "Good-bye;"
+              But as for me,
+              Who was sent to sea,
+          To cry was all my eye.
+
+     I courted Poll, a buxom lass; when I returned A B,
+     I bought her ear-rings, hat, and shawl, a sixpence did break we;
+     At last 'twas time to be on board, so, Poll, says I, farewell;
+     She roared and said, that leaving her was like a funeral knell.
+
+              So she did pump,
+              As I did jump
+          In the boat, and said, "Good-bye;"
+              But as for me
+              With the rate A B,
+          To cry was all my eye.
+
+     I soon went back, I shoved on shore, and Polly I did meet,
+     For she was watching on the shore, her sweetheart for to greet,
+     She threw her arms around me then, and much to my surprise,
+     She vowed she was so happy that she pumped with both her eyes.
+
+              So she did pump,
+              As I did jump
+          To kiss her lovingly,
+              But, I say again,
+              That as for men,
+          Crying is all my eye.
+
+     Then push the can around, my boys, and let us merry be;
+     We'll rig the pumps if a leak we spring, and work most merrily:
+     Salt water we have sure enough, we'll add not to its store,
+     But drink, and laugh, and sing and chat, and call again for more.
+
+              The girls may pump,
+              As in we jump
+          To the boat, and say, "Good-bye;"
+              But as for we,
+              Who sailors be,
+          Crying is all my eye.
+
+"Bravo, Obadiah! now one more song, and then we'll aboard. It won't do
+to bowse your jib up too tight here," said Jemmy; "for it's rather
+dangerous navigation among all these canals--no room for yawing."
+
+"No," replied Dick Short.
+
+"Then," said Jemmy, jumping off the table with his fiddle in his hand,
+"let's have the roarer by way of a finish--what d'ye say, my hearties?"
+
+Up they all rose, and gathered together in the centre of the room, save
+Jemmy Ducks, who, flourishing with his fiddle, commenced.
+
+          Jack's alive and a merry dog,
+            When he gets on shore,
+          He calls for his glass of grog,
+            He drinks, and he calls for more.
+          So drink, and call for what you please,
+            Until you've had your whack, boys;
+          We think no more of raging seas,
+            Now that we've come back, boys.
+
+"Chorus, now--"
+
+     With a _whip, snip_, high cum diddledy,
+       The cog-wheels of life have need of much oiling;
+     _Smack, crack_--this is our jubilee;
+       Huzza, my lads! we'll keep the pot boiling.
+
+All the seamen joined in the chorus, which they accompanied both with
+their hands and feet, snapping their fingers at _whip_ and _snip_, and
+smacking their hands at _smack_ and _crack_, while they danced round in
+the most grotesque manner, to Jemmy's fiddle and voice; the chorus ended
+in loud laughter, for they had now proved the words of the song to be
+true, and were all alive and merry. According to the rules of the song,
+Jemmy now called out for the next singer, Coble.
+
+          Jack's alive and merry, my boys,
+            When he's on blue water,
+          In the battle's rage and noise,
+            And the main-deck slaughter.
+          So drink and call for what you please,
+            Until you've had your whack, boys;
+          We'll think no more or angry seas,
+            Until that we go back, boys.
+
+     _Chorus_.--With a _whip, snip_, high cum diddledy,
+                  The cog-wheels of life have need of much oiling;
+                _Smack, crack_--this is our jubilee;
+                  Huzza my lads! we'll keep the pot boiling.
+
+Jansen and Jemmy Ducks, after the dancing chorus had finished,
+
+          Yack alive and merry, my boys,
+            Ven he get him _frau_,
+          And he vid her ringlet toys,
+            As he take her paw.
+          So drink, and call for vat you please.
+            Until you hab your vack, boys;
+          Ve'll think no more of angry seas,
+            Till ve standen back, boys.
+
+Chorus and laughter
+
+     With a _whip, snip_, high cum diddledy,
+       The cog-wheels of life have need of much oiling;
+     _Smack, crack_--this is our jubilee;
+       Huzza, my lads, we'll keep the pot boiling.
+
+Bill Spurey--
+
+
+          Jack's alive and merry, boys,
+            When he's got the shiners;
+          Heh! for rattle, fun, and noise,
+            Hang all grumbling whiners.
+          Then drink, and call for what you please,
+            Until you've had your whack, boys;
+          We think no more of raging seas,
+            Now that we've come back, boys.
+
+     _Chorus_.--With a _whip, snip_, high cum diddledy,
+                  The cog-wheels of life have need of much oiling;
+                _Smack, crack_--this is our jubilee;
+                  Huzza, my lads! we'll keep the pot boiling.
+
+"Dick Short must sing."
+
+"Yes," replied Dick.
+
+
+          Jack's alive and full of fun,
+            When his hulk is crazy,
+          As he basks in Greenwich sun,
+            Jolly still though lazy.
+          So drink, and call for what you please,
+            Until you've had your whack, boys;
+          We'll think no more of raging seas,
+            Now that we've come back, boys.
+
+     _Chorus_.--With a _whip, snip_, high cum diddledy,
+                 The cog-wheels of life have need of much oiling;
+               _Smack, crack_--this is our jubilee;
+                 Huzza, my lads! we'll keep the pot boiling.
+
+As this was the last chorus, it was repeated three or four times, and
+with hallooing, screaming, and dancing in mad gesticulation.
+
+"Hurrah, my lads," cried Jemmy, "three cheers and a bravo."
+
+It was high time that they went on board; so thought Frau Vandersloosh,
+who trembled for her chandeliers; so thought Babette, who had begun to
+yawn before the last song, and who had tired herself more with laughing
+at it; so thought they all, and they sallied forth out of the Lust Haus,
+with Jemmy Ducks having the advance, and fiddling to them the whole way
+down to the boat. Fortunately, not one of them fell into the canal, and
+in ten minutes they were all on board; they were not, however, permitted
+to turn into their hammocks without the important information being
+imparted to them, that Snarleyyow had disappeared.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter X
+
+In which is explained the sublime mystery of keel-hauling--Snarleyyow
+saves Smallbones from being drowned, although Smallbones would have
+drowned him.
+
+
+It is a dark morning; the wind is fresh from the northwest; flakes of
+snow are seen wafting here and there by the wind, the avant-couriers of
+a heavy fall; the whole sky is of one murky grey, and the sun is hidden
+behind a dense bank. The deck of the cutter is wet and slippery, and
+Dick Short has the morning watch. He is wrapt up in a Flushing
+pea-jacket, with thick mittens on his hands; he looks about him, and now
+and then a fragment of snow whirls into his eye; he winks it out, it
+melts and runs like a tear down his cheek. If it were not that it is
+contrary to man-of-war custom he would warm himself with the
+_double-shuffle_, but such a step would be unheard of on the
+quarter-deck of even the cutter _Yungfrau_.
+
+The tarpaulin over the hatchway is pushed on one side, and the space
+between the coamings is filled with the bull head and broad shoulders of
+Corporal Van Spitter, who, at last, gains the deck; he looks round him
+and apparently is not much pleased with the weather. Before he proceeds
+to business, he examines the sleeves and front of his jacket, and having
+brushed off with the palm of his hand a variety of blanket-hairs,
+adhering to the cloth, he is satisfied, and now turns to the right and
+to the left, and forward and aft--in less than a minute he goes right
+round the compass. What can Corporal Van Spitter want at so early an
+hour? He has not come up on deck for nothing, and yet he appears to be
+strangely puzzled: the fact is, by the arrangements of last night, it
+was decided, that this morning, if Snarleyyow did not make his
+appearance in the boat sent on shore for fresh beef for the ship's
+company, the unfortunate Smallbones was to be _keel-hauled_.
+
+What a delightful morning for a keel-hauling!
+
+This ingenious process, which, however, like many other good old
+customs, has fallen into disuse, must be explained to the non-nautical
+reader. It is nothing more nor less than sending a poor navigator on a
+voyage of discovery under the bottom of the vessel, lowering him[2] down
+over the bows, and with ropes detaining him exactly in his position
+under the kelson, while he is drawn aft by a hauling line until he makes
+his appearance at the rudder-chains, generally speaking quite out of
+breath, not at the rapidity of his motion, but because, when so long
+under the water, he has expended all the breath in his body, and is
+induced to take in salt water _en lieu._ There is much merit in this
+invention; people are very apt to be content with walking the deck of a
+man-of-war, and complain of it as a hardship, but when once they have
+learnt, by experience, the difference between being comfortable above
+board, and the number of deprivations which they have to submit to when
+under board and overboard at the same time, they find that there are
+worse situations than being on the deck of a vessel--we say privations
+when under board, for they really are very important:--you are deprived
+of the air to breathe, which is not borne with patience even by a
+philosopher, and you are obliged to drink salt water instead of fresh.
+In the days of keel-hauling, the bottoms of vessels were not coppered,
+and in consequence were well studded with a species of shell-fish which
+attached themselves, called barnacles, and as these shells were all
+open-mouthed and with sharp cutting points, those who underwent this
+punishment (for they were made by the ropes at each side, fastened to
+their arms, to hug the kelson of the vessel) were cut and scored all
+over their body, as if with so many lancets, generally coming up
+bleeding in every part, and with their faces, especially their noses, as
+if they had been gnawed by the rats; but this was considered rather
+advantageous than otherwise, as the loss of blood restored the patient
+if he was not quite drowned, and the consequence was, that one out of
+three, it is said, have been known to recover after their submarine
+excursion. The Dutch have the credit, and we will not attempt to take
+from them their undoubted right, of having invented this very agreeable
+description of punishment. They are considered a heavy, phlegmatic sort
+of people, but on every point in which the art of ingeniously tormenting
+is in request, it must be admitted that they have taken the lead of much
+more vivacious and otherwise more inventive nations.
+
+[Footnote 2: The author has here explained keel-hauling as practised in
+those times in small _fore and aft_ vessels. In large and square-rigged
+vessels, the man was hauled up to one main-yard arm, and dropped into
+the sea, and hauled under the bottom of the vessel to the other; but
+this in small fore and aft vessels was not so easily effected, nor was
+it considered sufficient punishment.]
+
+And now the reader will perceive why Corporal Van Spitter was in a
+dilemma. With all the good-will in the world, with every anxiety to
+fulfil his duty, and to obey his superior officer, he was not a seaman,
+and did not know how to commence operations. He knew nothing about
+foddering a vessel's bottom, much less how to fodder it with the carcass
+of one of his fellow-creatures. The corporal, as we said before, turned
+round and round the compass to ascertain if he could compass his wishes;
+at last, he commenced by dragging one-rope's end from one side and
+another from the other; those would do for the side ropes, but he wanted
+a long one from forward and another from aft, and how to get the one
+from aft under the cutter's bottom was a puzzle; and then there was the
+mast and the rigging in his way;--the corporal reflected--the more he
+considered the matter, the more his brain became confused; he was at a
+nonplus, and he gave it up in despair: he stood still, took out a blue
+cotton handkerchief from the breast of his jacket and wiped his
+forehead, for the intensity of thought had made him perspire--anything
+like reflection was very hard work for Corporal Van Spitter.
+
+"Tousand tyfels!" at last exclaimed the corporal, and he paused and
+knocked his big head with his fist.
+
+"Hundred thousand tyfels!" repeated the corporal after five minutes'
+more thought.
+
+"Twenty hundred tousand tyfels!" muttered the corporal, once more
+knocking his head: but he knocked in vain; like an empty house, there
+was no one within to answer the appeal. The corporal could no more: so
+he returned his pocket-handkerchief to the breast of his jacket, and a
+heavy sigh escaped from his own breast. All the devils in hell were
+mentally conjured and summoned to his aid, but they were, it is to be
+presumed, better employed, for although the work in hand was diabolical
+enough, still, Smallbones was such a poor devil, that probably he might
+have been considered as remotely allied to the fraternity.
+
+It may be inquired why, as this was _on service_, Corporal Van Spitter
+did not apply for the assistance of the seamen belonging to the vessel,
+particularly to the officer in charge of the deck; but the fact was,
+that he was unwilling to do this, knowing that his application would be
+in vain, for he was aware that the whole crew sided with Smallbones; it
+was only as a last resource that he intended to do this, and being now
+at his _wit's_ end, he walked up to Dick Short, who had been watching
+the corporal's motions in silence, and accosted him.
+
+"If you please, Mynheer Short, Mynheer Vanslyperken give orders dat de
+boy be keel-hauled dis morning:--I want haben de rope and de way."
+
+Short looked at the corporal, and made no reply.
+
+"Mynheer Short, I haben tell de order of Mynheer Vanslyperken."
+
+Dick Short made no reply, but leaning over the hatchway, called out,
+"Jemmy."
+
+"Ay, ay," replied Jemmy Ducks, turning out of his hammock and dropping
+on the lower deck.
+
+Corporal Van Spitter, who imagined that Mr Short was about to comply
+with his request after his own Harpocratic fashion, remained quietly on
+the deck until Jemmy Ducks made his appearance.
+
+"Hands," quoth Short.
+
+Jemmy piped the hands up.
+
+"Boat," quoth Short, turning his head to the small boat hoisted up
+astern.
+
+Now as all this was apparently preparatory to the work required, the
+corporal was satisfied. The men soon came up with their hammocks on
+their shoulders, which they put into the nettings, and then Jemmy
+proceeded to lower down the boat. As soon as it was down and hauled up
+alongside, Short turned round to Coble, and waving his hand towards the
+shore, said,
+
+"Beef."
+
+Coble, who perfectly understood him, put a new quid into his cheek, went
+down the side, and pulled on shore to bring off the fresh beef and
+vegetables for the ship's company; after which Dick Short walked the
+deck and gave no further orders.
+
+Corporal Van Spitter perceiving this, went up to him again.
+
+"Mynheer Short, you please get ready."
+
+"No!" thundered Short, turning away.
+
+"Got for dam, dat is mutiny," muttered the corporal, who immediately
+backed stern foremost down the hatchway, to report to his commandant the
+state of affairs on deck. Mr Vanslyperken had already risen; he had
+slept but one hour during the whole night, and that one hour was so
+occupied with wild and fearful dreams that he awoke from his sleep
+unrefreshed. He had dreamed that he was making every attempt to drown
+Smallbones, but without effect, for, so soon as the lad was dead he came
+to life again; he thought that Smallbones' soul was incorporated in a
+small animal something like a mouse, and that he had to dislodge it from
+its tenement of clay; but as soon as he drove it from one part of the
+body it would force its way back again into another; if he forced it out
+by the mouth after incredible exertions, which made him perspire at
+every pore, it would run back again into the ear; if forced from thence,
+through the nostril, then in at the toe, or any other part; in short, he
+laboured apparently in his dream for years, but without success. And
+then the "change came o'er the spirit of his dream;" but still there was
+analogy, for he was now trying to press his suit, which was now a liquid
+in a vial, into the widow Vandersloosh, but in vain. He administered it
+again and again, but it acted as an emetic, and she could not stomach
+it, and then he found himself rejected by all--the widow kicked him,
+Smallbones stamped upon him, even Snarleyyow flew at him and bit him; at
+last, he fell with an enormous paving-stone round his neck, descending
+into a horrible abyss head foremost, and, as he increased his velocity,
+he awoke trembling and confused, and could sleep no more. This dream was
+not one to put Mr Vanslyperken into good humour, and two severe cuts on
+his cheek with the razor as he attempted to shave, for his hand still
+trembled, had added to his discontent, when it was raised to its climax
+by the entrance of Corporal Van Spitter, who made his report of the
+mutinous conduct of the first officer. Never was Mr Vanslyperken in such
+a tumult of rage; he pulled off some beaver from his hat to staunch the
+blood, and wiping off the remainder of the lather, for he put aside the
+operation of shaving till his hand was more steady, he threw on his coat
+and followed the corporal on deck, looked round with a savage air, spied
+out the diminutive form of Jemmy Ducks, and desired him to pipe "all
+hands to keel-haul."
+
+Whereupon Jemmy put his pipe to his mouth, and after a long flourish,
+bawled out what appeared to Mr Vanslyperken to be--all hands to _be
+heel-hauled;_ but Jemmy slurred over quickly the little change made in
+the order, and, although the men tittered, Mr Vanslyperken thought it
+better to say nothing. But there is an old saying, that you may bring a
+horse to the pond, but you cannot make him drink. Mr Vanslyperken had
+given the order, but no one attempted to commence the arrangements. The
+only person who showed any activity was Smallbones himself, who, not
+aware that he was to be punished, and hearing all hands piped for
+something or another, came shambling, all legs and wings, up the
+hatchway, and looked around to ascertain what was to be done. He was met
+by the bulky form of Corporal Van Spitter, who, thinking that
+Smallbones' making his appearance in such haste was with the intention
+of jumping overboard to avoid his punishment, immediately seized him by
+the collar with the left hand, turned round on a pivot towards Mr
+Vanslyperken, and raising his right hand to his foraging cap, reported,
+"The prisoner on deck, Mynheer Vanslyperken." This roused the lieutenant
+to action, for he had been walking the deck for a half minute in
+deep thought.
+
+"Is all ready there, forward?" cried Mr Vanslyperken.
+
+No one replied.
+
+"I say, boatswain, is all ready?"
+
+"No, sir," replied Jemmy; "nobody knows how to set about it. I don't,
+anyhow--I never seed anything of the like since I've been in the
+service--the whole of the ship's company say the same." But even the
+flakes of snow, which now fell thick, and whitened the blue jacket of Mr
+Vanslyperken, could not assuage his wrath--he perceived that the men
+were refractory, so he summoned the six marines--who were completely
+under the control of their corporal.
+
+Poor Smallbones had, in the meantime, discovered what was going on, and
+thought that he might as well urge something in his own defence.
+
+"If you please, what are you going for to do with me?" said the lad,
+with a terrified look.
+
+"Lead him forward," said Mr Vanslyperken; "follow me, marines;" and the
+whole party, headed by the lieutenant, went before the mast.
+
+"Strip him," cried Mr Vanslyperken.
+
+"Strip me, with the snow flying like this! An't I cold enough already?"
+
+"You'll be colder when you're under the bottom of the cutter," replied
+his master.
+
+"O Lord! then it is keel-hauling a'ter all; why what have I done?" cried
+Smallbones, as the marines divested him of his shirt, and exposed his
+emaciated body to the pitiless storm.
+
+"Where's Snarleyyow, sir?--confess."
+
+"Snarleyyow--how should I know, sir? it's very hard, because your dog is
+not to be found, that I'm to be dragged under the bottom of a vessel."
+
+"I'll teach you to throw paving-stones in the canal."
+
+"Paving-stones, sir!" and Smallbones' guilty conscience flew in his
+face. "Well, sir, do as you please, I'm sure I don't care; if I am to be
+killed, be quick about it--I'm sure I sha'n't come up alive."
+
+Here Mr Vanslyperken remembered his dream, and the difficulty which he
+had in driving Smallbones' soul out of his body, and he was fearful that
+even keel-hauling would not settle Smallbones.
+
+By the directions of Mr Vanslyperken, the hauling ropes and other
+tackle were collected by the marines, for the seamen stood by, and
+appeared resolved, to a man, to do nothing, and, in about half an hour,
+all was ready. Four marines manned the hauling line, one was placed at
+each side-rope fastened to the lad's arms, and the corporal, as soon as
+he had lifted the body of Smallbones over the larboard gunnel, had
+directions to attend the bow-line, and not allow him to be dragged on
+too fast: a better selection for this purpose could not have been made
+than Corporal Van Spitter. Smallbones had been laid without his clothes
+on the deck, now covered with snow, during the time that the lines were
+making fast to him; he remained silent, and as usual, when punished,
+with his eyes shut, and as Vanslyperken watched him with feelings of
+hatred, he perceived an occasional smile to cross the lad's haggard
+features. He knows where the dog is, thought Vanslyperken, and his
+desire to know what had become of Snarleyyow overcame his vengeance--he
+addressed the shivering Smallbones.
+
+"Now, sir, if you wish to escape the punishment, tell me what has become
+of the dog, for I perceive that you know."
+
+Smallbones grinned as his teeth chattered--he would have undergone a
+dozen keel-haulings rather than have satisfied Vanslyperken.
+
+"I give you ten minutes to think of it," continued the lieutenant; "hold
+all fast at present."
+
+The snow storm now came on so thick that it was difficult to distinguish
+the length of the vessel. Smallbones' naked limbs were gradually
+covered, and, before the ten minutes were expired, he was wrapped up in
+snow as in a garment--he shook his head occasionally to clear his face,
+but remained silent.
+
+"Now, sir," cried Vanslyperken, "will you tell me, or overboard you go
+at once? Will you tell me?"
+
+"No," replied Smallbones.
+
+"Do you know, you scoundrel?"
+
+"Yes," replied Smallbones, whose indignation was roused.
+
+"And you won't tell?"
+
+"No," shrieked the lad--"no, never, never, never!"
+
+"Corporal Van Spitter, over with him," cried Vanslyperken in a rage,
+when a sudden stir was heard amongst the men aft, and as the corporal
+raised up the light frame of the culprit, to carry it to the gunnel, to
+the astonishment of Vanslyperken, of the corporal, and of Smallbones,
+Snarleyyow appeared on the forecastle, and made a rush at Smallbones, as
+he lay in the corporal's arms, snapped at his leg, and then set up his
+usual deep baying, "bow, bow, bow!"
+
+The re-appearance of the dog created no small sensation--Vanslyperken
+felt that he had now no reason for keel-hauling Smallbones, which
+annoyed him as much as the sight of the dog gave him pleasure. The
+corporal, who had dropped Smallbones on the snow, was also disappointed.
+As for Smallbones, at the baying of the dog, he started up on his knees,
+and looked at it as if it were an apparition, with every demonstration
+of terror in his countenance; his eyes glared upon the animal with
+horror and astonishment, and he fell down in a swoon. The whole of the
+ship's company were taken aback--they looked at one another and shook
+their heads--one only remark was made by Jansen, who muttered, "De tog
+is no tog a'ter all."
+
+Mr Vanslyperken ordered Smallbones to be taken below, and then walked
+aft; perceiving Obadiah Coble, he inquired whence the dog had come, and
+was answered that he had come off in the boat which he had taken on
+shore for fresh beef and vegetables. Mr Vanslyperken made no reply, but,
+with Snarleyyow at his heels, went down into the cabin.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XI
+
+In which Snarleyyow does not at all assist his master's cause with the
+Widow Vandersloosh.
+
+
+It will be necessary to explain to the reader by what means the life of
+our celebrated cur was preserved. When Smallbones had thrown him into
+the canal, tied up, as he supposed, in his winding-sheet, what Mr
+Vanslyperken observed was true, that there were people below, and the
+supposed paving-stone might have fallen upon them: the voices which he
+heard were those of father and son, who were in a small boat going from
+a galliot to the steps where they intended to land; for this canal was
+not like most others, with the water in it sufficiently high to enable
+people to step from the vessel's gunnel to the jetty. Snarleyyow fell in
+his bag a few yards ahead of the boat, and the splash naturally
+attracted their attention; he did not sink immediately, but floundered
+and struggled so as to keep himself partly above water.
+
+"What is that?" exclaimed the father to his son, in Dutch.
+
+"Mein Gott! who is to know?--but we will see;" and the son took the
+boat-hook, and with it dragged the bread-bags towards the boat, just as
+they were sinking, for Snarleyyow was exhausted with his efforts. The
+two together dragged the bags with their contents into the boat.
+
+"It is a dog or something," observed the son.
+
+"Very well, but the bread-bags will be useful," replied the father, and
+they pulled on to the landing-stairs. When they arrived there they
+lifted out the bags, laid them on the stone steps, and proceeded to
+unrip them, when they found Snarleyyow, who was just giving signs of
+returning animation. They took the bags with them, after having rolled
+his carcass out, and left it on the steps, for there was a fine for
+throwing anything into the canal. The cur soon after recovered, and was
+able to stand on his legs; so soon as he could walk he made his way to
+the door of the widow Vandersloosh, and howled for admittance. The widow
+had retired: she had been reading her book of _prières_, as every one
+should do, who has been cheating people all day long. She was about to
+extinguish her light, when this serenade saluted her ears; it became
+intolerable as the dog gained strength.
+
+Babette had long been fast asleep, and was with difficulty roused up and
+directed to beat the cur away. She attempted to perform the duty, arming
+herself with the broom; but the moment she opened the door Snarleyyow
+dashed in between her legs, upsetting her on the brick pavement. Babette
+screamed, and her mistress came out in the passage to ascertain the
+cause; the dog not being able to run into the parlour, bolted up the
+stairs, and snapping at the widow as he passed, secured a berth
+underneath her bed.
+
+"Oh, mein Gott! it is the dog of the lieutenant," exclaimed Babette,
+coming up the stairs in greater dishabille than her mistress, and with
+the broom in her hand. "What shall we do--how shall we get rid of him?"
+
+"A thousand devils may take the lieutenant, and his nasty dog, too,"
+exclaimed the widow, in great wrath; "this is the last time that either
+of them enter my house; try, Babette, with your broom--shove at
+him hard."
+
+"Yes, ma'am," replied Babette, pushing with all her strength at the dog
+beneath the bed, who seized the broom with his teeth, and pulled it away
+from Babette. It was a struggle of strength between the girl and
+Snarleyyow--pull, Babette--pull, dog--one moment the broom, with
+two-thirds of the handle, disappeared under the bed, the next the maid
+recovered her lost ground. Snarleyyow was first tired of this
+contention, and to prove that he had no thoughts of abandoning his
+position, he let go the broom, flew at Babette's naked legs, and having
+inserted his teeth half through her ankle, he returned growling to his
+former retreat. "O dear, mein Gott!" exclaimed Babette, dropping her
+broom, and holding her ankle with both hands.
+
+"What shall we do?" cried the widow, wringing her hands.
+
+It was indeed a case of difficulty. Mynheer Vandersloosh, before he had
+quitted this transitory scene, had become a personage as bulky as the
+widow herself, and the bed had been made unusually wide; the widow still
+retained the bed for her own use, for there was no knowing whether she
+might not again be induced to enter the hymeneal state. It occupied more
+than one half of the room, and the dog had gained a position from which
+it was not easy for two women to dislodge him; and, as the dog snarled
+and growled under the bed, so did the widow's wrath rise as she stood
+shivering--and it was directed against the master. She vowed mentally,
+that so sure as the dog was under the bed, so sure should his master
+never get into it.
+
+And Babette's wrath was also kindled, now that the first pain of the
+bite had worn off; she seized the broom again, and made some furious
+lunges at Snarleyyow, so furious, that he could not regain possession
+with his teeth. The door of the room had been left open that the dog
+might escape--so had the street-door; and the widow stood at the foot of
+the bed, waiting for some such effect being produced by Babette's
+vigorous attacks; but the effects were not such as she anticipated; the
+dog became more enraged, and at last sprang out at the foot of the bed,
+flew at the widow, tore her only garment, and bit her in the leg. Frau
+Vandersloosh screamed and reeled--reeled against the door left half
+open, and falling against it, slammed it to with her weight, and fell
+down shrieking. Snarleyyow, who probably had intended to make off,
+seeing that his escape was prevented, again retreated under the bed, and
+as soon as he was there he recommenced an attack upon Babette's legs.
+
+Now, it appears, that what the united courage of the two females could
+not accomplish, was at last effected by their united fears. The widow
+Vandersloosh gained her legs as soon as she could, and at first opened
+the door to run out, but her night dress was torn to ribbons in front.
+She looked at her situation--modesty conquered every other feeling--she
+burst into tears, and exclaiming, "Mr Vanslyperken! Mr Vanslyperken!"
+she threw herself in an ecstasy of grief and rage on the centre of the
+bed. At the same moment the teeth of the dog were again fixed upon the
+ankles of Babette, who also shrieked, and threw herself on the bed, and
+upon her mistress. The bed was a good bed, and had for years done its
+duty; but you may even overload a bed, and so it proved in this
+instance. The united weights of the mistress and the maid coming down
+upon it with such emphasis, was more than the bed could bear--the
+sacking gave way altogether, and the mattress which they lay upon was
+now supported by the floor.
+
+But this misfortune was their preservation--for when the mattress came
+down, it came down upon Snarleyyow. The animal contrived to clear his
+loins, or he would have perished; but he could not clear his long mangy
+tail, which was now caught and firmly fixed in a new species of trap,
+the widow's broadest proportions having firmly secured him by it.
+Snarleyyow pulled, and pulled, but he pulled in vain--he was fixed--he
+could not bite, for the mattress was between them--he pulled, and he
+howled, and barked, and turned himself every way, and yelped; and had
+not his tail been of coarse and thick dimensions, he might have left it
+behind him, so great were his exertions; but, no, it was impossible. The
+widow was a widow of substance, as Vanslyperken had imagined, and as she
+now proved to the dog--the only difference was, that the master wished
+to be in the very situation which the dog was now so anxious to escape
+from--to wit, tailed on to the widow. Babette, who soon perceived that
+the dog was so, now got out of the bed, and begging her mistress not to
+move an inch, and seizing the broom, she hammered Snarleyyow most
+unmercifully, without any fear of retaliation. The dog redoubled his
+exertions, and the extra weight of Babette being now removed, he was at
+last able to withdraw his appendage, and probably-feeling that there was
+now no chance of a quiet night's rest in his present quarters, he made a
+bolt out of the room, down the stairs, and into the street. Babette
+chased him down, threw the broom at his head as he cleared the
+threshold, and then bolted the door.
+
+"O the beast!" exclaimed Babette, going up stairs again, out of breath;
+"he's gone at last, ma'am."
+
+"Yes," replied the widow, rising up with difficulty from the hole made
+with her own centre of gravity; "and--and his master shall go too. Make
+love indeed--the atomy--the shrimp--the dried-up stock-fish. Love,
+quotha--and refuse to hang a cur like that. O dear! O dear! get me
+something to put on. One of my best chemises all in rags--and his nasty
+teeth in my leg in two places, Babette. Well, well, Mr Vanslyperken, we
+shall see--I don't care for their custom. Mr Vanslyperken, you'll not
+sit on my sofa again, I can tell you;--hug your nasty cur--quite good
+enough for you. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken."
+
+By this time the widow had received a fresh supply of linen from
+Babette; and as soon as she had put it on she rose from the bed, the
+fractured state of which again called forth her indignation.
+
+"Thirty-two years have I had this bed, wedded and single, Babette!"
+exclaimed the widow. "For sixteen years did I sleep on that bed with the
+lamented Mr Vandersloosh--for sixteen years have I slept in it, a lone
+widow--but never till now did it break down. How am I to sleep to-night?
+What am I to do, Babette?"
+
+"'Twas well it did break down, ma'am," replied Babette, who was
+smoothing down the jagged skin at her ankles; "or we should never have
+got the nasty biting brute out of the house."
+
+"Very well--very well. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken--marriage, indeed, I'd
+as soon marry his cur."
+
+"Mein Gott!" exclaimed Babette. "I think madame, if you did marry, you
+would soon find the master as cross as the dog; but I must make
+this bed."
+
+Babette proceeded to examine the mischief, and found that it was only
+the cords which tied the sacking which had given way, and considering
+that they had done their office for thirty-two years, and the strain
+which had been put upon them after so long a period, there was not much
+to complain of. A new cord was procured, and, in a quarter of an hour,
+all was right again; and the widow, who had sat in the chair fuming and
+blowing off her steam, as soon as Babette had turned down the bed,
+turned in again, muttering, "Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken--marriage indeed.
+Well, well, we shall see. Stop till to-morrow, Mr Vanslyperken;" and as
+Babette has closed the curtains, so will we close this chapter.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XII
+
+In which resolutions are entered into in all quarters, and Jemmy Ducks
+is accused of mutiny for singing a song in a snow-storm.
+
+
+What were the adventures of Snarleyyow after this awkward interfence
+with his master's speculations upon the widow, until he jumped into the
+beef boat to go on board of the cutter, are lost for ever; but it is to
+be supposed that he could not have remained the whole night without
+making himself disagreeable in some quarter or another. But, as we
+before observed, we know nothing about it; and, therefore, may be
+excused if we do not tell.
+
+The widow Vandersloosh slept but little that night: her soul was full of
+vengeance; but although smarting with the imprints of the cur's teeth,
+still she had an eye to business; the custom of the crew of the cutter
+was not to be despised, and, as she thought of this, she gradually
+cooled down. It was not till four o'clock in the morning that she came
+to her decision; and it was a very prudent one, which was to demand the
+dead body of the dog to be laid at her door before Mr Vanslyperken
+should be allowed admittance. This was her right, and if he was sincere,
+he would not refuse; if he did refuse, it was not at all clear that she
+should lose the custom of the seamen, over the major part of whom
+Vanslyperken then appeared to have very little control; and all of whom,
+she knew, detested him most cordially, as well as his dog. After which
+resolution the widow Vandersloosh fell fast asleep.
+
+But we must return on board, where there was almost as much confusion as
+there had been on shore. The reappearance of Snarleyyow was considered
+supernatural, for Smallbones had distinctly told in what manner he had
+tied him up in the bread-bags, and thrown him into the canal.
+Whisperings and murmurings were heard all round the cutter's decks.
+Obadiah Coble shrugged up his shoulders, as he took an extra quid--Dick
+Short walked about with lips compressed, more taciturn than ever--Jansen
+shook his head, muttering, "Te tog is no tog"--Bill Spurey had to repeat
+to the ship's company the legend of his coming on board over and over
+again. The only persons who appeared not to have lost their courage were
+Jemmy Ducks and poor Smallbones, who had been put in his hammock to
+recover him from his refrigeration. The former said, "that if they were
+to sail with the devil, it could not be helped, pay and prize-money
+would still go on;" and the latter, who had quite recovered his
+self-possession, "vowed that dog or devil, he would never cease his
+attempts to destroy him--if he was the devil, or one of his imps, it was
+his duty as a Christian to oppose him, and he had no chance of better
+treatment if he were to remain quiet." The snow-storm continued, and the
+men remained below, all but Jemmy Ducks, who leaned against the lee side
+of the cutter's mast, and, as the snow fell, sang, to a slow air, the
+following ditty, it probably being called to his recollection by the
+state of the weather.
+
+     'Twas at the landing-place that's just below Mount Wyse,
+     Poll leaned against the sentry's box, a tear in both her eyes,
+     Her apron twisted round her arms, all for to keep them warm,
+     Being a windy Christmas-day, and also a snow-storm.
+
+          And Bet and Sue
+          Both stood there too,
+            A-shivering by her side,
+          They both were dumb,
+          And both looked glum,
+            As they watched the ebbing tide.
+          Poll put her arms a-kimbo,
+            At the admiral's house looked she,
+          To thoughts before in limbo,
+            She now a vent gave free.
+          You have sent the ship in a gale to work,
+            On a lee shore to be jammed,
+          I'll give you a piece of my mind, old Turk,
+            Port Admiral, you be d----d.
+
+     _Chorus_.--We'll give you a piece of our mind, old Turk,
+                Port Admiral, you be d----d.
+
+     Who ever heard in the sarvice of a frigate made to sail
+     On Christmas-day, it blowing hard, with sleet, and snow, and hail?
+     I wish I had the fishing of your back that is so bent,
+     I'd use the galley poker hot unto your heart's content.
+
+          Here Bet and Sue
+          Are with me too,
+            A shivering by my side,
+          They both are dumb,
+          And both look glum,
+            And watch the ebbing tide.
+          Poll put her arms a-kimbo,
+            At the admiral's house looked she,
+          To thoughts that were in limbo,
+            She now a vent gave free.
+          You've got a roaring fire I'll bet,
+            In it your toes are jammed,
+          Let's give him a piece of our mind, my Bet,
+            Port Admiral, you be d----d.
+
+     _Chorus_.--Let's give him a piece of our mind, my Bet,
+                Port Admiral, you be d----d.
+
+     I had the flour and plums all picked, and suet all chopped fine,
+     To mix into a pudding rich for all the mess to dine;
+     I pawned my ear-rings for the beef, it weighed at least a stone,
+     Now my fancy man is sent to sea, and I am left alone.
+
+          Here's Bet and Sue
+          Who stand here too,
+            A shivering by my side,
+          They both are dumb,
+          They both look glum,
+            And watch the ebbing tide.
+          Poll put her arms a-kimbo,
+            At the admiral's house looked she,
+          To thoughts that were in limbo,
+            She now a vent gave free.
+          You've got a turkey I'll be bound,
+            With which you will be crammed,
+          I'll give you a bit of my mind, old hound,
+            Port Admiral, you be d----d.
+
+     _Chorus_.--I'll give you a bit of my mind, old hound,
+            Port Admiral, you be d----d.
+
+     I'm sure that in this weather they cannot cook their meat,
+     To eat it raw on Christmas-day will be a pleasant treat;
+     But let us all go home, girls, it's no use waiting here,
+     We'll hope that Christmas-day to come, they will have better cheer.
+
+          So Bet and Sue
+          Don't stand here too,
+            A shivering by my side,
+          Don't keep so dumb,
+          Don't look so glum,
+            Nor watch the ebbing tide.
+          Poll put her arms a-kimbo,
+            At the admiral's house looked she,
+          To thoughts that were in limbo,
+            She now a vent gave free.
+          So while they cut their raw salt junks,
+            With dainties you'll be crammed,
+          Here's once for all my mind, old hunks,
+            Port Admiral, you be d----d.
+
+     _Chorus_.--So once for all our mind, old hunks,
+            Port Admiral you be d----d.
+
+"Mein Gott! but dat is rank mutiny, Mynheer Shemmy Tucks," observed
+Corporal Van Spitter, who had come upon the deck unperceived by Jemmy,
+and had listened to the song.
+
+"Mutiny, is it?" replied Jemmy, "and report this also.
+
+     "I'll give you a bit of my mind, fat thief,
+     You, corporal, may be d----d."
+
+"Dat is better and better--I mean to say, worser and worser," replied
+the corporal.
+
+"Take care I don't pitch you overboard," replied Jemmy, in wrath.
+
+"Dat is most worse still," said the corporal, stalking aft, and leaving
+Jemmy Ducks to follow up the train of his own thoughts.
+
+Jemmy, who had been roused by the corporal, and felt the snow
+insinuating itself into the nape of the neck, thought he might as well
+go down below.
+
+The corporal made his report, and Mr Vanslyperken made his comments, but
+he did no more, for he was aware that a mere trifle would cause a
+general mutiny. The recovery of Snarleyyow consoled him, and little
+thinking what had been the events of the preceding night, he thought he
+might as well prove his devotion to the widow, by paying his respects in
+a snow-storm--but not in the attire of the day before--Mr Vanslyperken
+was too economical for that; so he remained in his long threadbare
+great-coat and foul-weather hat. Having first locked up his dog in the
+cabin, and entrusted the key to the corporal, he went on shore, and
+presented himself at the widow's door, which was opened by Babette, who
+with her person barred entrance: she did not wait for Vanslyperken to
+speak first.
+
+"Mynheer Vanslyperken, you can't come in. Frau Vandersloosh is very ill
+in bed--the doctor says it's a bad case--she cannot be seen."
+
+"Ill!" exclaimed Vanslyperken; "your dear, charming mistress ill! Good
+heavens! what is the matter, my dear Babette?" replied Vanslyperken,
+with all the pretended interest of a devoted lover.
+
+"All through you, Mr Vanslyperken," replied Babette.
+
+"Me!" exclaimed Vanslyperken.
+
+"Well, all through your nasty cur, which is the same thing."
+
+"My dog! I little thought that he was left here," replied the
+lieutenant; "but, Babette, let me in, if you please, for the snow falls
+fast, and--"
+
+"And you must not come in, Mr Vanslyperken," replied Babette, pushing
+him back.
+
+"Good heavens! what is the matter?"
+
+Babette then narrated what had passed, and as she was very prolix, Mr
+Vanslyperken was a mass of snow on the windward side of him before she
+had finished, which she did, by pulling down her worsted stockings, and
+showing the wounds which she had received as her portion in the last
+night's affray. Having thus given ocular evidence of the truth of what
+she had asserted, Babette then delivered the message of her mistress; to
+wit, "that until the dead body of Snarleyyow was laid at the porch where
+they now stood, he, Mr Vanslyperken, would never gain re-admission." So
+saying, and not feeling it very pleasant to continue a conversation in a
+snow-storm, Babette very unceremoniously slammed the door in Mr
+Vanslyperken's face, and left him to digest the communication with what
+appetite he might. Mr Vanslyperken, notwithstanding the cold weather,
+hastened from the door in a towering passion. The perspiration actually
+ran down his face, and mingled with the melting snow. "To be or not to
+be"--give up the widow or give up his darling Snarleyyow--a dog whom he
+loved the more, the more he was, through him, entangled in scrapes and
+vexations--a dog whom every one hated, and therefore he loved--a dog
+which had not a single recommendation, and therefore was highly
+prized--a dog assailed by all, and especially by that scarecrow
+Smallbones, to whom his death would be a victory--it was impossible. But
+then the widow--with such lots of guilders in the bank, and such a good
+income from the Lust Haus, he had long made up his mind to settle in
+possession. It was the haven which, in the vista of his mind, he had
+been so long accustomed to dwell upon, and he could not give up
+the hope.
+
+Yet one must be sacrificed. No, he could part with neither. "I have it,"
+thought he; "I will make the widow believe that I have sacrificed the
+dog, and then, when I am once in possession, the dog shall come back
+again, and let her say a word if she dares; I'll tame her; and pay her
+off for old scores."
+
+Such was the determination of Mr Vanslyperken, as he walked back to the
+boat. His reverie was, however, broken by his breaking his nose against
+a lamp-post, which did not contribute to his good-humour. "Yes, yes,
+Frau Vandersloosh, we will see," muttered Vanslyperken; "you would kill
+my dog, would you? It's a dog's life I'll lead you when I'm once secure
+of you, Madame Vandersloosh. You cheated me out of my biscuit--we shall
+see;" and Mr Vanslyperken stepped into his boat and pulled on board.
+
+On his arrival he found that a messenger had come on board during his
+absence, with the letters of thanks from the king's loving cousins, and
+with directions that he should return with them forthwith. This suited
+the views of Vanslyperken; he wrote a long letter to the widow, in which
+he expressed his willingness to sacrifice everything for her--not only
+to hang his dog, but to hang himself if she wished it--lamented his
+immediate orders for sailing, and hinted that, on his return, he ought
+to find her more favourable. The widow read the letter, and tossed it
+into the grate with a Pish! "I was not born yesterday, as the saying
+is," cried the widow Vandersloosh.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XIII
+
+In which the ship's company join in a chorus, and the corporal goes on a
+cruise.
+
+
+Mr Vanslyperken is in his cabin, with Snarleyyow at his side, sitting
+upon his haunches, and looking in his master's face, which wears an air
+of anxiety and discomfiture; the fact is, that Mr Vanslyperken is
+anything but content; he is angry with the widow, with the ship's
+company, with the dog, and with himself; but his anger towards the dog
+is softened, for he feels that, if anything in this world loves him, it
+is the dog--not that his affection is great, but as much as the dog's
+nature will permit; and, at all events, if the animal's attachment to
+him is not very strong, still he is certain that Snarleyyow hates
+everybody else. It is astonishing how powerful is the feeling that is
+derived from habit and association. Now that the life of his cur was
+demanded by one, and, as he was aware, was sought for by many,
+Vanslyperken put a value upon him that was extraordinary. Snarleyyow had
+become a precious jewel in the eyes of his master, and what he suffered
+in anxiety and disappointment from the perverse disposition of the
+animal, only endeared him the more. "Yes, my poor dog," apostrophised
+the lieutenant, "they would seek your life--nay, that hard-hearted woman
+demands that you should be laid--dead at her porch. All conspire against
+you, but be not afraid, my dog, your master will protect you
+against all."
+
+Vanslyperken patted the animal on the head, which was not a little
+swelled from the blows received from the broom of Babette, and
+Snarleyyow rubbed his nose against his master's trousers, and then
+raised himself up, by putting his paw upon his master's knee. This
+brought the dog's head more to the light, and Vanslyperken observed that
+one eye was swelled and closed. He examined it, and, to his horror,
+found that it had been beaten out by the broom of Babette. There was no
+doubt of it, and Mr Vanslyperken's choler was extreme. "Now, may all the
+curses of ophthalmia seize the fagot," cried the lieutenant; "I wish I
+had her here. My poor, poor dog!" and Vanslyperken kissed the _os
+frontis_ of the cur, and what perhaps had never occurred since
+childhood, and what nothing else could have brought about, Mr
+Vanslyperken _wept_--actually wept over an animal, which was not, from
+any qualification he possessed, worth the charges of the cord which
+would have hanged him. Surely the affections have sometimes a bent
+towards insanity.
+
+After a short time the lieutenant rang his bell, and ordered some warm
+water, to bathe the dog's eye. Corporal Van Spitter, as Smallbones was
+in his hammock, answered the summons, and when he returned aft with the
+water, he made known to Mr Vanslyperken the mutinous expressions of
+Jemmy Ducks. The lieutenant's small eye twinkled with satisfaction.
+"Damned the Admiral, did he!--which one was it--Portsmouth or Plymouth?"
+
+This, Corporal Van Spitter could not tell; but it was certain that Jemmy
+had damned his superior officer; "And moreover," continued the corporal,
+"he damned me." Now Mr Vanslyperken had a great hatred against Jemmy
+Ducks, because he amused the ship's company, and he never could forgive
+any one who made people happy; moreover, he wanted some object to visit
+his wrath upon: so he asked a few more questions, and then dismissed the
+corporal, put on his tarpaulin hat, put his speaking-trumpet under his
+arm, and went on deck, directing the corporal to appoint one of the
+marines to continue to bathe the eye of his favourite.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken looked at the dog-vane, and perceived that the wind was
+foul for sailing, and moreover, it would be dark in two hours, so he
+determined upon not starting till the next morning, and then he thought
+that he would punish Jemmy Ducks; but the question occurred to him
+whether he could do so or not. Was James Salisbury a boatswain by right
+or not? He received only the pay of a boatswain's mate, but he was
+styled boatswain on the books. It was a nice point, and the balance was
+even. Mr Vanslyperken's own wishes turned the scale, and he resolved to
+flog Jemmy Ducks if he could. We say, if he could, for as, at that time,
+tyrannical oppression on the part of the superiors was winked at, and no
+complaints were listened to by the Admiralty, insubordination, which was
+the natural result, was equally difficult to get over; and although on
+board of the larger vessels, the strong arm of power was certain to
+conquer, it was not always the case in the smaller, where the superiors
+were not in sufficient force, or backed by a numerous party of soldiers
+or marines, for there was then little difference between the two
+services. Mr Vanslyperken had had more than one mutiny on board of the
+vessels which he had commanded, and, in one instance, his whole ship's
+company had taken the boats and gone on shore, leaving him by himself in
+the vessel, preferring to lose the pay due to them, than to remain
+longer on board. They joined other ships in the service, and no notice
+was taken of their conduct by the authorities. Such was the state of
+half discipline at the period we speak of in the service of the king.
+The ships were, in every other point, equally badly fitted out and
+manned; peculation of every kind was carried to excess, and those who
+were in command thought more of their own interest than of anything
+else. Ship's stores and provisions were constantly sold, and the want of
+the former was frequently the occasion of the loss of the vessel, and
+the sacrifice of the whole crew. Such maladministration is said to be
+the case even now in some of the continental navies. It is not until a
+long series of years have elapsed, that such regulations and
+arrangements as are at present so economically and beneficially
+administered to our navy, can be fully established.
+
+Having settled the point so far, Mr Vanslyperken then proceeded to
+debate in his own mind, whether he should flog Jemmy in harbour, or
+after he had sailed; and feeling that if there was any serious
+disturbance on part of the men, they might quit the vessel if in
+harbour, he decided that he would wait until he had them in blue water.
+His thoughts then reverted to the widow, and, as he turned and turned
+again, he clenched his fists in his great-coat pockets, and was heard by
+those near him to grind his teeth.
+
+In the meantime, the news had been imparted by the marine, who came up
+into the galley for more warm water, that the dog had had one of his
+eyes put out, and it was strange the satisfaction which this
+intelligence appeared to give to the ship's company. It was passed round
+like wildfire, and, when communicated, a beam of pleasure was soon
+apparent throughout the whole cutter, and for this simple reason, that
+the accident removed the fear arising from the supposition of the dog
+being supernatural, for the men argued, and with some reason, that if
+you could put out his eye, you could kill him altogether; for if you
+could destroy a part, you could destroy the whole. No one ever heard of
+the devil's eye being put out--_ergo_, the dog could not be a devil, or
+one of his imps: so argued a knot of the men in conclave, and Jansen
+wound up by observing, "Dat de tog was only a tog after all."
+
+Vanslyperken returned to his cabin and stated his intentions to his
+factotum and confidant, Corporal Van Spitter. Now, in this instance, the
+corporal did not adhere to that secrecy to which he was bound, and the
+only reason we can give is, that he had as great a dislike to Jemmy
+Ducks as his lieutenant--for the corporal obeyed orders so exactly, that
+he considered it his duty not to have even an opinion or a feeling
+contrary to those of his superior officer. He was delighted at the idea
+of flogging Jemmy, and communicated the lieutenant's intention to the
+most favoured of his marines, who also told the secret to another, and
+thus in five minutes, it was known throughout the cutter, that as soon
+as they were in blue water, the little boatswain was to be tied up for
+having damned the admiral in a snow-storm. The consequence was, as the
+evening was clear, that there was a very numerous assemblage upon the
+forecastle of the cutter _Yungfrau_.
+
+"Flog Jemmy," said Bill Spurey. "Why, Jemmy's a hofficer."
+
+"To be sure he is," observed another; "and quite as good a one as
+Vanslyperken himself, though he don't wear brass on his hat."
+
+"D--n it--what next--heh, Coble?"
+
+Coble hitched up his trousers. "It's my opinion he'll be for flogging
+_us_ next, Short," said the old man.
+
+"Yes," replied Short.
+
+"Shall we allow Jemmy to be flogged?"
+
+"No," replied Short.
+
+"If it warn't for them 'ere marines, and the lumpy beggar of a
+corporal," observed one of the seamen.
+
+"Pish," quoth Jemmy, who was standing among them.
+
+"Won't he make it out mutiny?" observed Spurey.
+
+"Mein Gott! it was mutiny to flog de officer," said Jansen.
+
+"That's very true," observed another.
+
+"But Jemmy can't stand against the fat corporal and the six marines,"
+observed Bill Spurey.
+
+"One up and t'other down, I'll take them all," observed Jemmy, expanding
+his chest.
+
+"Yes, but they'll all be down upon you at once, Jemmy."
+
+"If they lays their hands upon an officer," observed Coble, "it will be
+mutiny; and then Jemmy calls in the ship's company to protect him."
+
+"Exactly," observed Jemmy.
+
+"And den, mein Gott, I zettle for de corporal," observed Jansen.
+
+"I'll play him a trick yet."
+
+"But now, it's no use palavering," observed Spurey; "let's come to some
+settlement. Obadiah, give us your opinion as to what's best to be done."
+
+Hereupon Coble squirted out a modicum of 'baccy juice, wiped his mouth
+with the back of his hand, and said, "It's my opinion, that the best way
+of getting one man out of a scrape, is to get all the rest in it. Jemmy,
+d'ye see, is to be hauled up for singing an old song, in which a wench
+very properly damns the admiral for sending a ship out on a
+Christmas-day, which, let alone the unchristian-like act, as you may
+know, my lads, always turns up on a Friday, a day on which nothing but
+being blown out from your anchors can warrant any vessel sailing on.
+Now, d'ye see, it may be mutiny to damn a live admiral, with his flag
+hoisted--I won't say but what it is--but this here admiral as Jemmy
+damned, is no more alive than a stock fish; and, moreover, it is not
+Jemmy as damns him, but Poll; therefore it can be no mutiny. Now, what I
+consider best is this, if so be it be against the articles--well, then,
+let's all be in for it together, and then Vanslyperken will be puzzled,
+and, moreover, it will give him a hint how matters stand, and he may
+think better of it; for although we must not have Jemmy touched, still
+it's quite as well not to have a regular breeze with the jollies; for if
+so be that the _Scarborough,_ or any other king's ship, be in port when
+we arrive, Vanslyperken may run under the guns, and then whip the whole
+boiling of us off to the Ingies, and glad to get us, too, and that's no
+joke. Now, that's my idea of the matter."
+
+"Well, but you've not told us how we are all to get into it, Coble."
+
+"More I have--well, that's funny; left out the whole burden of my song.
+Why, I consider that we had better now directly sing the song over
+again, all in chorus, and then we shall have damned the admiral a dozen
+times over; and Vanslyperken will hear us, and say to himself, 'They
+don't sing that song for nothing.' What do you say, Dick Short, you're
+first hofficer?"
+
+"Yes," replied Short.
+
+"Hurrah! my lads, then," cried Bill Spurey; "now then, strike up, Jemmy,
+and let us give it lots of mouth."
+
+The song which our readers have already heard from the lips of Jemmy
+Ducks, was then sung by the whole of the men, _con animo e strepito_,
+and two verses had been roared out, when Corporal Van Spitter, in great
+agitation, presented himself at the cabin door, where he found Mr
+Vanslyperken very busy summing up his accounts.
+
+"Mein Gott, sar! dere is de mutiny in de _Yungfrau_," cried the
+corporal.
+
+"Mutiny!" cried Vanslyperken, catching at his sword, which hung up on
+the bulk-head.
+
+"Yaw, mynheer--de mutiny--hear now de ship's company."
+
+Vanslyperken lent his ears, when the astounding chorus came rolling aft
+through the door of the cabin,
+
+     "I'll give you a bit of my mind, old hunks,
+     Port Admiral--you be d---d"
+
+"Bow, wow, wow," barked Snarleyyow.
+
+"Why, it's the whole ship's company!" cried Vanslyperken.
+
+"All but de Corporal Van Spitter, and de six marines," replied the
+corporal, raising his hand up to his head _a la militaire_.
+
+"Shut the door, corporal. This is indeed mutiny and defiance," cried
+Vanslyperken, jumping up from his chair.
+
+"It is von tyfel of a song," replied the corporal.
+
+"I must find out the ringleaders, corporal; do you think that you could
+contrive to overhear what they say after the song is over? they will be
+consulting together, and we might find out something."
+
+"Mynheer, I'm not very small for to creep in and listen," replied the
+corporal, casting his eyes down upon his huge carcass.
+
+"Are they all forward?" inquired the lieutenant.
+
+"Yes, mynheer--not one soul baft."
+
+"There is the small boat astern; do you think you could get softly into
+it, haul it up to the bows, and lie there quite still? You would then
+hear what they said, without their thinking of it, now that it is dark."
+
+"I will try, mynheer," replied the corporal, who quitted the cabin.
+
+But there were others who condescended to listen as well as the
+corporal, and in this instance, every word which had passed, had been
+overheard by Smallbones, who had been for some hours out of his hammock.
+When the corporal's hand touched the lock of the door, Smallbones made
+a hasty retreat.
+
+Corporal Van Spitter went on the quarter-deck, which he found vacant; he
+hauled up the boat to the counter, and by degrees lowered into it his
+unwieldy carcass, which almost swamped the little conveyance. He then
+waited a little, and with difficulty forced the boat up against the
+strong flood-tide that was running, till at last he gained the chesstree
+of the cutter, when he shortened in the painter (or rope that held the
+boat), made it fast to a ringbolt without being perceived, and there he
+lay concealed, not daring to move, for fear of making a noise.
+
+Smallbones had, however, watched him carefully, and as the corporal sat
+in the middle thwart, with his face turned aft, catching but imperfectly
+the conversation of the men, the lad separated the painter with a sharp
+knife, and at the same time dropping his foot down, gave the bow of the
+boat a shove off, which made it round with the stream. The tide was then
+running five or six miles an hour, and before the corporal, in the utter
+darkness, could make out what had occurred, or raise his heavy carcass
+to assist himself, he was whirled away by the current clear of the
+vessel, and soon disappeared from the sight of Smallbones, who was
+watching his progress.
+
+It is true that the corporal shouted for assistance when he found
+himself astern, and also that he was heard by the men, but Smallbones
+had leaped among them, and in a few words told them what he had done; so
+of course they took no notice, but rubbed their hands with delight at
+the idea of the corporal being adrift like a bear in a washing-tub, and
+they all prayed for a gale of wind to come on that he might be swamped,
+and most of them remained on deck to hear what Mr Vanslyperken would say
+and do when the corporal's absence was discovered. Mr Vanslyperken
+remained nearly two hours without sending for the corporal; at last,
+surprised at not seeing him return, he went on deck. The men on the
+forecastle perceiving this, immediately disappeared gently down the
+fore-hatchway. Mr Vanslyperken walked forward and found that every one
+was, as he supposed, either in bed or below; for in harbour the corporal
+kept one of the watches, and this night it was his first watch.
+Vanslyperken looked over the side all round the cutter, and could see no
+boat and no Corporal Van Spitter, and it immediately occurred to him
+that the corporal must have gone adrift, and he was very much puzzled
+how to act. It would be flood-tide for two hours more, and then the
+whole ebb would run before it was daylight. Corporal Van Spitter would
+traverse the whole Zuyder Zee before they might find him. Unless he had
+the fortune to be picked up by some small craft, he might perish with
+cold and hunger. He could not sail without him; for what could he do
+without Corporal Van Spitter, his protection, his factotum, his
+distributer of provisions, &c. The loss was irreparable, and Mr
+Vanslyperken, when he thought of the loss of the widow's favour and the
+loss of his favourite, acknowledged with bitterness that his star was
+not in the ascendant. After some reflection, Mr Vanslyperken thought
+that as nothing could be gained by making the fact known, the wisest
+thing that he could do was to go to bed and say nothing about it,
+leaving the whole of the ulterior proceedings until the loss of the boat
+should be reported to him in the morning. Having arranged this in his
+mind, Mr Vanslyperken took two or three turns more, and then went down
+and turned in.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XIV
+
+In which some new characters appear on the stage, although the corporal
+is not to be heard of.
+
+
+The loss of the boat was reported by Obadiah Coble at daylight, and Mr
+Vanslyperken immediately went on deck with his spy-glass to ascertain if
+he could distinguish the corporal coming down with the last of the
+ebb-tide but he was nowhere to be seen. Mr Vanslyperken went to the
+mast-head and surveyed in every direction, but he could neither see
+anything like the boat or Corporal Van Spitter. His anxiety betrayed to
+the men that he was a party to the corporal's proceedings, and they
+whispered among themselves. At last Mr Vanslyperken came down on deck,
+and desired Corporal Van Spitter to be sent to him. Of course, it was
+soon reported to him that Corporal Van Spitter was nowhere to be found,
+and Mr Vanslyperken pretended to be much astonished. As the lieutenant
+took it for granted that the boat had been swept out with the ebb, he
+determined to get under weigh in pursuance of his orders, pick up the
+corporal, if he could find him, and then proceed to Portsmouth, which
+was the port of his destination. Smallbones attended his master, and was
+so unusually active that the suspicious Mr Vanslyperken immediately
+decided that he had had a finger in the business; but he took no notice,
+resolving in his own mind that Smallbones should some day or another be
+adrift himself as the corporal was, but with this difference, that there
+should be no search made after him. As soon as the men had finished
+their breakfasts, the cutter was got under weigh and proceeded to sea.
+During the whole day Vanslyperken cruised in the Zuyder Zee looking for
+the boat, but without success, and at last he unwillingly shaped his
+course for England, much puzzled and perplexed, as now he had no one to
+act as his steward to whom he could confide, or by whose arrangements he
+could continue to defraud the ship's company; and, farther, he was
+obliged to put off for the present all idea of punishing Jemmy Ducks,
+for, without the corporal, the marines were afraid to move a step in
+defiance of the ship's company. The consequence was, that the three days
+that they were at sea, Mr Vanslyperken confined himself altogether to
+his cabin, for he was not without some fears for his own safety. On his
+arrival at Portsmouth, he delivered his letters to the admiral, and
+received orders to return to his cruising ground after the smugglers as
+soon as he had replaced his lost boat.
+
+We have observed that Mr Vanslyperken had no relations on this side of
+the water; but in saying that, we referred to the epoch that he was in
+the service previous to the accession of King William. Since that, and
+about a year from the time we are now writing about, he had brought over
+his mother, whom he had not, till the peace, seen for years, and had
+established her in a small apartment in that part of the town now known
+by the name of the Halfway Houses. The old woman lived upon a small
+pension allowed by the Dutch court, having been employed for many years
+in a subordinate capacity in the king's household. She was said to have
+once been handsome, and when young, prodigal of her favours; at present
+she was a palsied old woman, bent double with age and infirmity, but
+with all her faculties as complete as if she was in her prime. Nothing
+could escape her little twinkling bloodshot eyes, or her acute ear; she
+could scarcely hobble fifty yards, but she kept no servant to assist
+her, for, like her son, she was avaricious in the extreme. What crime
+she had committed was not known, but that something lay heavy on her
+conscience was certain; but if there was guilt, there was no repentance,
+only fear of future punishment. Cornelius Vanslyperken was her only
+living child: she had been twice married. The old woman did not appear
+to be very fond of him, although she treated him still as a child, and
+executed her parental authority as if he were still in petticoats. Her
+coming over was a sort of mutual convenience. She had saved money, and
+Vanslyperken wished to secure that, and also have a home and a person to
+whom he could trust; and she was so abhorred, and the reports against
+her so shocking where she resided, that she was glad to leave a place
+where every one, as she passed, would get out of her way, as if to avoid
+contamination. Yet these reports were vague, although hinting at some
+horrid and appalling crimes. No one knew what they exactly were, for the
+old woman had outlived her contemporaries, and the tradition was
+imperfect, but she had been handed down to the next generation as one to
+be avoided as a basilisk.
+
+It was to his mother's abode, one room on the second floor, to which Mr
+Vanslyperken proceeded as soon as he had taken the necessary steps for
+the replacing of the boat. As he ascended the stairs, the quick ear of
+the old woman heard his footstep, and recognised it. It must be
+observed, that all the conversation between Vanslyperken and his mother
+was carried on in Dutch, of which we, of course, give the translation.
+
+"There you come, Cornelius Vanslyperken; I hear you, and by your hurried
+tread you are vexed. Well, why should you not be vexed as well as your
+mother, in this world of devils?"
+
+This was a soliloquy of the old woman's before that Vanslyperken had
+entered the room, where he found his mother sitting over a few cinders
+half ignited in a very small grate. Parsimony would not allow her to use
+more fuel, although her limbs trembled as much from cold as palsy; her
+nose and chin nearly met; her lips were like old scars, and of an ashy
+white; and her sunken hollow mouth reminded you of a small, deep, dark
+sepulchre; teeth she had none.
+
+"How fare you, mother?" said Vanslyperken on entering the room.
+
+"I'm alive."
+
+"And long may you live, dear mother."
+
+"Ah," replied the woman, as if doubting.
+
+"I am here but for a short time," continued Vanslyperken.
+
+"Well, child, so much the better; when on board you save money, on shore
+you must spend some. Have you brought any with you?"
+
+"I have, mother, which I must leave to your care."
+
+"Give it me then."
+
+Vanslyperken pulled out a bag and laid it on the lap of his mother,
+whose trembling hands counted it over.
+
+"Gold, and good gold--while you live, my child, part not with gold. I'll
+not die yet--no, no, the devils may pull at me, and grin at me, but I'm
+not theirs yet."
+
+Here the old woman paused, and rocked herself in her chair.
+
+"Cornelius, lock this money up and give me the key:--there, now that is
+safe, you may talk, if you please, child: I can hear well enough."
+
+Vanslyperken obeyed; he mentioned all the events of the last cruise, and
+his feelings against the widow, Smallbones, and Jemmy Ducks. The old
+woman never interrupted him, but sat with her arms folded up in
+her apron.
+
+"Just so, just so," said she, at last, when he had done speaking; "I
+felt the same, but then you have not the soul to act as I did. I could
+do it, but you--you are a coward; no one dared cross my path, or if they
+did--ah, well, that's years ago, and I'm not dead yet."
+
+All this was muttered by the old woman in a sort of half soliloquy: she
+paused and continued, "Better leave the boy alone,--get nothing by
+it;--the woman--there's work there, for there's money."
+
+"But she refuses, mother, if I do not destroy the dog."
+
+"Refuses--ah, well--let me see:--can't you ruin her character, blast her
+reputation; she is yours and her money too;--then, then--there will be
+money and revenge--both good;--but money--no--yes, money's best. The dog
+must live, to gnaw the Jezebel--gnaw her bones--but you, you are a
+coward--you dare do nothing."
+
+"What do I fear, mother?"
+
+"Man--the gallows, and death. I fear the last, but I shall not die
+yet:--no, no, I _will_ live--I will _not_ die. Ay, the corporal--lost in
+Zuyder Zee--dead men tell no tales; and he could tell many of you, my
+child. Let the fish fatten on him."
+
+"I cannot do without him, mother."
+
+"A hundred thousand devils!" exclaimed the old mother, "that I should
+have suffered such throes for a craven. Cornelius Vanslyperken, you are
+not like your mother:--your father, indeed"
+
+"Who was my father?"
+
+"Silence, child,--there, go away--I wish to be alone with memory."
+
+Vanslyperken, who knew that resistance or remonstrance would be useless,
+and only lead to bitter cursing and imprecation on the part of the old
+woman, rose and walked back to the sallyport, where he slipped into his
+boat and pulled on board of the _Yungfrau_, which lay at anchor in the
+harbour, about a cable's length from the shore.
+
+"Here he comes," cried a tall bony woman, with nothing on her head but a
+cap with green faded ribbons, who was standing on the forecastle of the
+cutter. "Here he comes;--he, the willain, as would have flogged my
+Jemmy." This was the wife of Jemmy Ducks, who lived at Portsmouth, and
+who, having heard what had taken place, vowed revenge.
+
+"Silence, Moggy," said Jemmy, who was standing by her.
+
+"Yes, I'll hold my tongue till the time comes, and then I'll sarve him
+out, the cheating wagabond."
+
+"Silence, Moggy."
+
+"And as for that 'peaching old Corporal Blubber, I'll _Wan Spitter_ him
+if ever he turns up again to blow the gaff against my own dear Jemmy."
+
+"Silence, Moggy--there's rowed of all, and a marine at your elbow."
+
+"Let him take that for his trouble," cried Moggy, turning round, and
+delivering a swinging box of the ear upon the astonished marine, who not
+liking to encounter such an Amazon, made a hasty retreat down the
+fore-hatchway.
+
+"So there you are, are you?" continued Moggy, as Vanslyperken stepped on
+the deck.
+
+"Silence, Moggy."
+
+"You, that would flog my own dear darling duck--my own Jemmy."
+
+"Silence! Moggy, will you?" said Jemmy Ducks, in an angry tone, "or I'll
+smash your peepers."
+
+"You must climb on the gun to reach them, my little man," replied his
+wife. "Well, the more I holds my tongue now, the more for him when I
+gets hold on him. Oh! he's gone to his cabin, has he, to kiss his
+Snarleyyow:--I'll make _smallbones_ of that beast afore I'm done with
+him. Flog my Jemmy--my own, dear, darling Jemmy--a nasty lean--"
+
+"Go down below, Moggy," said Jemmy Ducks, pushing her towards the
+hatchway.
+
+"Snivelling, great-coated--"
+
+"Go below," continued Jemmy, shoving her.
+
+"Ferret-eyed, razor-nosed--"
+
+"Go down below, will you?" cried Jemmy, pushing her near to the
+hatchway.
+
+"Herring-gutted, bare-poled--"
+
+"Confound it! go below."
+
+"Cheating rip of a wagabond! Lord, Jemmy, if you a'n't a shoved me down
+the hatchway! Well, never mind, my darling, let's go to supper;" and
+Moggy caught hold of her husband as she was going down, and with
+surprising strength lifted him off his legs and carried him down in her
+arms as she would have done a child, much to the amusement of the men
+who were standing on the forecastle.
+
+When it was dusk, a boat dropped alongside of the cutter, and a man
+stepped out of it on the deck, when he was met by Obadiah Coble, who
+asked him, "What's your pleasure?"
+
+"I must speak with the commander of this vessel directly."
+
+"Wait a moment, and I'll tell him what you say," replied Coble, who
+reported the message to Mr Vanslyperken.
+
+"What sort of a person is he?" demanded the lieutenant.
+
+"Oh, I don't know,--sort of half-bred, long-shore chap--looks something
+between a bumbailey and a bum-boatman."
+
+"Well, you may show him down."
+
+The man, who shortly after entered the cabin, was a short, punchy little
+fellow, with a red waistcoat, knee-breeches, and a round jacket of green
+cloth. His face was covered with carbuncles, some of them so large that
+his small pug-nose was nothing more in appearance than a larger blotch
+than the others. His eyes were small and keen, and his whiskers of a
+deep red. As soon as he entered the cabin, he very deliberately locked
+the door after him.
+
+"Nothing like making sure," observed he.
+
+"Why, what the devil do you want?" exclaimed Vanslyperken, rather
+alarmed; while Snarleyyow walked round and round the thick calves of the
+man's legs, growling, and in more than two minds to have a bite through
+his blue worsted stockings; and the peculiar obliquity with which he
+carried his head, now that he surveyed with only one eye, was by no
+means satisfactory.
+
+"Take your cur away, and let us proceed to business, for there is no
+time to lose," said the man coolly, taking a chair. "Now there can be no
+eavesdropping, I trust, for my life may be forfeited, if I'm
+discovered."
+
+"I cannot understand a word of all this," replied Vanslyperken, much
+surprised.
+
+"In a few words, do you want to put some five thousand pounds in your
+pocket?"
+
+At this question Vanslyperken became attentive. He beat off the dog, and
+took a chair by the side of the stranger.
+
+"Ah! interest will always bring civility; so now to the point. You
+command this cutter, do you not?"
+
+"I do," replied Vanslyperken.
+
+"Well, you are about to cruise after the smugglers?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I can give information of a cargo to be landed on a certain night worth
+ten thousand pounds or more."
+
+"Indeed!" replied Vanslyperken.
+
+"Yes, and put your boats in such a position that they must seize the
+whole."
+
+"I'm very much obliged to you. Will you take something, sir, any
+scheedam?" said Vanslyperken, unlocking one of his cupboards, and
+producing a large stone bottle, and a couple of glasses, which
+he filled.
+
+"This is very good stuff," observed the man; "I'll trouble you for
+another glass."
+
+This was one more than Mr Vanslyperken intended; but on second thoughts,
+it would make his new acquaintance more communicative, so another was
+filled, and as soon as it was filled, it was emptied.
+
+"Capital stuff!" said he of the rubicund face, shoving his glass towards
+Vanslyperken, by way of hint; but the lieutenant would not take the
+hint, as his new guest had already swallowed as much as lasted himself
+for a week.
+
+"But now," observed Vanslyperken, "where is this cargo to be seen, and
+when?"
+
+"That's tellings," replied the man.
+
+"I know that; but you have come to tell, or what the devil else?"
+replied Vanslyperken, who was getting angry.
+
+"That's according," replied the man.
+
+"According to what?"
+
+"The snacks," replied the man. "What will you give up?"
+
+"Give up! How do you mean?"
+
+"What is my share to be?"
+
+"Share! you can't share--you're not a king's officer."
+
+"No, but I'm an informer, and that's the same thing."
+
+"Well, depend upon it, I'll behave very liberally."
+
+"How much, I ask?"
+
+"We'll see to that afterwards; something handsome, depend upon it."
+
+"That won't do. Wish you good-evening, sir. Many thanks for the
+scheedam--capital stuff!" and the man rose from his chair.
+
+But Mr Vanslyperken had no intention to let him go; his avarice induced
+him at first to try if the man would be satisfied with his promise to
+reward him--a promise which would certainly never have been adhered to.
+
+"Stop! my dear sir, do not be in such a hurry. Take another glass."
+
+"With pleasure," replied the man, re-seating himself, and drinking off
+the scheedam. "That's really prime; I like it better every time I taste
+it. Now, then, shall we go to business again? I'll be plain with you.
+Half is my conditions, or I don't inform."
+
+"Half!" exclaimed Vanslyperken; "half of ten thousand pounds? What, five
+thousands pounds?"
+
+"Exactly so; half of ten is five, as you say."
+
+"What, give you five thousand pounds?"
+
+"I rather think it is I who offer you five thousand, for the devil a
+penny will you get without me. And that I will have, and this bond you
+must sign to that effect, or I'm off. You're not the only vessel in
+the harbour."
+
+Vanslyperken tried for some time to reduce the terms, but the man was
+positive. Vanslyperken then tried if he could not make the man
+intoxicated, and thus obtain better terms; but fifteen glasses of his
+prime scheedam had no effect further than extorting unqualified praise
+as it was poured down, and at last Mr Vanslyperken unwillingly consented
+to the terms, and the bond was signed.
+
+"We must weigh at the ebb," said the man, as he put the bond in his
+pocket. "I shall stay on board; we have a moonlight night, and if we had
+not, I could find my way out in a yellow fog. Please to get your boats
+all ready, manned and armed, for there may be a sharp tussle."
+
+"But when do they run, and where?" demanded Vanslyperken.
+
+"To-morrow night at the back of the Isle. Let me see," continued the
+man, taking out his watch; "mercy on me! how time has flown--that's the
+scheedam. In a couple of hours we must weigh. I'll go up and see if the
+wind holds in the same quarter. If you please, lieutenant, we'll just
+drink success to the expedition. Well, that's prime stuff, I
+do declare."
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XV
+
+In which the crew of the _Yungfrau_ lose a good prize, and Snarleyyow
+loses his character.
+
+
+The next morning the _Yungfrau_ was clear of St Helens, and sounding the
+eastern part of the Isle of Wight, after which she made sail into the
+offing, that she might not be suspected by those on shore waiting to
+receive the cargo. The weather was fine, and the water smooth, and as
+soon as she was well out, the cutter was hove-to. In the hurry of
+weighing, Mr Vanslyperken had not thought, or had not known perhaps,
+that the wife of Jemmy Ducks was still on board, and as he was turning
+up and down on the quarter-deck, he perceived her on the forecastle,
+laughing and talking with the men.
+
+"What woman is that?" said he to Jansen, who was at the wheel.
+
+"De frau, mynheer. Dat is de frau of Shimmy Duk."
+
+"How dare she come on board? Send her aft here, marine."
+
+The marine went forward and gave the order; and Jemmy, who expected a
+breeze, told his wife to behave herself quietly. His advice did not,
+however, appear to be listened to, as will be shown in the sequel.
+
+"How came you on board, woman?" cried Vanslyperken, looking at her from
+top to toe several times, as usual, with his hands in his great-coat
+pockets, and his battered speaking-trumpet under his arm.
+
+"How did I come on board! why, in a boat to be sure," replied Moggy,
+determined to have a breeze.
+
+"Why did you not go on shore before the cutter sailed?" replied
+Vanslyperken, in an angry tone.
+
+"Why, just for the contrary reason, because there was no boat."
+
+"Well, I'll just tell you this, if ever I see you on board again, you'll
+take the consequences," retorted Vanslyperken.
+
+"And I'll just tell you this," replied Moggy; "if ever you come on shore
+again you shall take the consequences. I'll have you--I give you
+warning. Flog my Jemmy, heh! my own dear darling Jemmy." Hereupon Moggy
+held out one arm bent, and with the palm of her other hand slapped her
+elbow--"_There!_" cried she.
+
+What Jemmy's wife meant by this sign, it is impossible for us to say;
+but that it was a very significant one was certain, for Mr Vanslyperken
+foamed with rage, and all the cutter's crew were tittering and laughing.
+It was a species of free-masonry known only to the initiated at the
+Sallyport.
+
+"Send the marines aft here. Take this woman below," cried Vanslyperken.
+"I shall put all this down to your husband's account, and give him a
+receipt in full, depend upon it."
+
+"So you may. Marines, keep off, if you don't wish your heads broken; and
+I'll put all this down to your account; and as you say that you'll pay
+off on my pet, mark my words, if I don't pay off on yours--on your nasty
+cur there. I'll send him to cruise after Corporal Van Spitter. As sure
+as I stand here, if you dare to lay a finger on my Jemmy, I'll kill the
+brute wherever I find him, and make him into _saussingers_, just for the
+pleasure of eating him. I'll send you a pound as a present. You marine,
+don't be a fool--I can walk forward without your hoffering your arm, and
+be d----d to you." So saying, Moggy stalked forward and joined the men
+on the forecastle.
+
+"D'ye know much of that strapping lass?" said Mr Vanslyperken's new
+acquaintance.
+
+"Not I," replied Vanslyperken, not much pleased at the observation.
+
+"Well, look out for squalls, she'll be as good as her word. We'll draw
+the foresheet, and stand in now, if you please."
+
+It was about dusk, for the days were now short, and the cutter was eight
+miles off the land. By the directions of the informer, for we have no
+other name to give him, they now bore up and ran along the island until
+they were, by his calculations, for it then was dark, abreast of a
+certain point close to the Black Gang Chyne. Here they hove-to, hoisted
+out their boats, three in number, and the men were sent in, well armed
+with pistols and cutlasses. Short had the charge of one, Coble of the
+second, the stern-sheets of the third was occupied by Vanslyperken and
+the informer. As soon as all was ready, Jemmy Ducks, who, much against
+Vanslyperken's wish, was left in charge of the cutter, received his
+orders to lie-to where he was, and when the tide made flood, to stand
+close in-shore; and all was prepared for a start, when it occurred to
+Vanslyperken that to leave Snarleyyow, after the threat of Jemmy's wife,
+and the known animosity of Smallbones, would be his death-warrant. He
+determined, therefore, to take him in the boat. The informer protested
+against it, but Vanslyperken would not listen to his protestations. The
+dog was handed into the boat, and they shoved off. After they had pulled
+a quarter of an hour in-shore, they altered their course, and continued
+along the coast until the informer had made out exactly where he was. He
+then desired the other two boats to come alongside, told the crews that
+they must keep the greatest silence, as where they were about to proceed
+was directly under where the smugglers would have a party to receive the
+goods, and that the least alarm would prevent them from making the
+capture. The boats then pulled in to some large rocks, against which the
+waves hoarsely murmured, although the sea was still smooth, and passing
+between them, found themselves in a very small cove, where the water was
+still, and in which there was deep water.
+
+The cove was not defended so much by the rocks above water, for the
+mouth of it was wide; but there appeared to be a ridge below, which
+broke off the swell of the ocean. Neither was it deep, the beach not
+being more than perhaps fifty feet from the entrance. The boats, which
+had pulled in with muffled oars, here lay quietly for nearly an hour,
+when a fog came on and obscured the view of the offing, which otherwise
+was extensive, as the moon was at her full, and had shone bright.
+
+"This is all the better," whispered the informer, "they will fall into
+the trap at once. Hark! hist! I hear oars."
+
+They all listened; it was true, the sound of oars was heard, and the men
+prepared their arms.
+
+The splash of the oars was now more plain. "Be silent and ready,"
+whispered the informer, and the whisper was passed round. In another
+minute a large lugger-built boat, evidently intended for sailing as well
+as pulling, was seen through the fog looming still larger from the mist,
+pulling into the cove.
+
+"Silence, and not a word. Let her pass us," whispered the informer.
+
+The boat approached rapidly--she was within ten fathoms of the entrance,
+when Snarleyyow, hearing the sound, darted forward under the thwarts,
+and jumping on the bow of the boat, commenced a most unusual and
+prolonged baying of Bow wow, bow wow wow wow!
+
+At the barking of the dog the smugglers backed water to stop their way.
+They knew that there was no dog with those they expected to meet, it was
+therefore clear that the Philistines were at hand. The dog barked in
+spite of all attempts to prevent him, and acting upon this timely
+warning, the lugger-boat pulled short round, just as lights were shown
+from the cliffs to notify an enemy at hand, for the barking of the dog
+had not escaped the vigilance of those on shore, and in a few seconds
+she disappeared in the mist.
+
+"Blast your cur! Five thousand pounds out of my pocket;" exclaimed the
+informer. "I told you so. Chuck him overboard, my men, for your pockets
+would have been lined."
+
+Vanslyperken was as savage, and exclaimed, "Give way, my men, give way;
+we'll have them yet."
+
+"Send a cow to chase a hare," replied the informer, throwing himself
+back in the stern-sheets of the boat. "I know better; you may save
+yourself the trouble, and the men the fatigue. May the devil take you,
+and your cursed dog with you! Who but a fool would have brought a dog
+upon such an occasion? Well, I've lost five thousand pounds; but there's
+one comfort, you've lost too. That will be a valuable beast, if you put
+all down to his account."
+
+At this moment Vanslyperken was so much annoyed at the loss of what
+would have been a fortune to him, that he felt as angry as the informer.
+The boats' crew were equally enraged, the dog was pommelled, and kicked,
+and passed along from one to the other, until he at last gained the
+stern-sheets, and crouched between the legs of his master, who kicked
+him away in a rage, and he saved himself under the legs of the informer,
+who, seizing a pistol, struck him with the butt-end of it such a blow,
+that nothing but the very thick skull of the dog could have saved him.
+Snarleyyow was at a sad discount just then, but he very wisely again
+sought protection with his master, and this time he was not noticed.
+
+"What are we to do now?" observed Vanslyperken.
+
+"Go back again, like dogs with their tails between their legs; but
+observe, Mr Lieutenant, you have made me your enemy, and that is more
+serious than you think for."
+
+"Silence, sir, you are in a king's boat."
+
+"The king be d--d," replied the informer, falling back sulkily against
+the gunnel of the boat.
+
+"Give way, men, and pull on board," said Vanslyperken, in equally bad
+humour.
+
+In equally bad humour the men did give way, and in about an hour were on
+board of the cutter.
+
+Every one was in a bad humour when the affair was made known; but
+Smallbones observed, "that the dog could be no such great friend, as
+supposed, of Vanslyperken's, to thwart his interests in that way; and
+certainly no imp sent by the devil to his assistance." The ship's
+company were consoled with this idea, and Jansen again repeated, "that
+the _tog_ was but a tog, after all."
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XVI
+
+In which we change the scene, and the sex of our performers.
+
+
+We must now leave the cutter to return to Portsmouth, while we introduce
+to our readers a new and strange association. We stated that the boats
+had been ensconced in a very small cove at the back of the Isle of
+Wight. Above these hung the terrific cliff of the Black Gang Chyne,
+which, to all appearance, was inaccessible. But this was not the case,
+or the smugglers would not have resorted there to disembark their cargo.
+At that time, for since that period much of the cliff has fallen down,
+and the aspect is much changed, the rocks rose up from the water nearly
+perpendicularly, to the height of fifty or sixty feet. At that height
+there was a flat of about one hundred feet square in front of a cave of
+very great depth. The flat, so called in contradistinction to the
+perpendicular cliff, descended from the seaward to the cave, so that the
+latter was not to be seen either by vessels passing by, or by those who
+might be adventurous enough to peep over the ridge above; and fragments
+of rocks, dispersed here and there on this flat, or platform, induced
+people to imagine that the upper cliff was a continuation of the lower.
+The lower cliff, on which this platform in front of the cave was
+situated, was on the eastern side as abrupt as on that fronting the sea
+to the southward; but on the western side, its height was decreased to
+about fifteen feet, which was surmounted by a ladder removed at
+pleasure. To this means of access to the cave there was a zigzag path,
+used only by the smugglers, leading from the small cove, and another
+much more tedious, by which they could transport their goods to the
+summit of this apparently inaccessible mass of rocks. The cave itself
+was large, and with several diverging galleries, most of which were dry;
+but in one or two there was a continual filtering of clear pure water
+through the limestone rock, which was collected in pits dug for that
+purpose on the floor below; these pits were always full of water, the
+excess being carried off by small open drains which trickled over the
+eastern side of the platform. Some attention to comfort had been paid by
+the inhabitants of these caverns, which were portioned off here and
+there by sail-cloth and boards, so as to form separate rooms and
+storehouses. The cookery was carried on outside at the edge of the
+platform nearest the sea, under an immense fragment of rock, which lay
+at the very edge; and by an ingenious arrangement of smaller portions of
+the rock neither the flame was to be distinguished, nor was the smoke,
+which was divided and made to find its passage through a variety of
+fissures, never in such a volume as to be supposed to be anything more
+than the vapours drawn up by the heat of the sun.
+
+In this abode there were at least thirty people residing, and generally
+speaking, it might be called a convent, for it was tenanted by women.
+Their husbands, who brought over the cargoes, returning immediately in
+their boat to the opposite shore, for two reasons; one, that their boats
+could only land in particular seasons, and could never remain in the
+cove without risk of being dashed to pieces; and the other, that the
+absence of all men prevented suspicion; the whole of the interior
+smuggling being carried on by the other sex, who fearlessly showed
+themselves on every part of the island, and purchased their necessary
+supplies of provisions here and there, without exciting any misgivings
+as to the nature of their employment. A few isolated cottages, not far
+from the beetling brow of the cliff above, were their supposed abodes;
+but no one ever troubled them with a visit, and if they did, and found
+that they could gain no admittance, they imagined that the occupants had
+locked their doors for security, while they were busied with their
+labours in the field. Accustomed to climb up the tortuous path from the
+cave to the summit, the women would, on the darkest night, carry up
+their burdens and deposit them in the cottages above, until they had an
+opportunity of delivering their contraband articles into the hands of
+their agents; and this traffic had been carried on for many years,
+without the government or excise having the slightest suspicion by what
+means the smuggling was accomplished. As we before observed, the great
+articles in request, and which were now smuggled from France, were
+alamodes and lutestrings. The attention of government had been called to
+check the admission of these goods, but hitherto their attempts had not
+been attended with much success.
+
+At the grey of the morning after the attempt to seize the smugglers had
+been defeated by the instrumentality of Snarleyyow, upon the top of the
+immense fragment of the rock which we have described as lying upon the
+sea-edge of the platform, was perched a fair, slight-made little girl,
+of about twelve years of age. She was simply clad in a short worsted
+petticoat and bodice of a dark colour; her head was bare, and her hair
+fluttered with the breeze; her small feet, notwithstanding the severity
+of the weather, were also naked, and her short petticoat discovered her
+legs half way up to the knee. She stood there, within a few inches of
+the precipice below, carelessly surveying the waves as they dashed over
+the rocks, for she was waiting until the light would enable her to see
+further on the horizon. By those who might have leaned over the ridge
+above, as well as by those who sailed below, she might have been taken,
+had she been seen to move, for some sea bird reposing after a flight, so
+small was her frame in juxtaposition with the wildness and majesty of
+nature which surrounded her on every side. Accustomed from infancy to
+her mode of life, and this unusual domicile, her eye quailed not, nor
+did her heart beat quicker, as she looked down into the abyss below, or
+turned her eyes up to the beetling mass of rock which appeared, each
+moment, ready to fall down and overwhelm her. She passed her hand across
+her temples to throw back the hair which the wind had blown over her
+eyes, and again scanned the distance as the sun's light increased, and
+the fog gradually cleared away.
+
+"A sharp look out, Lilly, dear; you've the best eyes among us, and we
+must have a clue from whence last night's surprise proceeded."
+
+"I can see nothing yet, mother; but the fog is driving back fast."
+
+"It's but a cheerless night your poor father had, to pull twice across
+the channel, and find himself just where he was. God speed them, and may
+they be safe in port again by this time."
+
+"I say so too, mother, and amen."
+
+"D'ye see nothing, child?"
+
+"Nothing, dear mother; but it clears up fast to the eastward, and the
+sun is bursting out of the bank, and I think I see something under
+the sun."
+
+"Watch well, Lilly," replied the woman, who was throwing more wood on
+the fire.
+
+"I see a vessel, mother. It is a sloop beating to the eastward."
+
+"A coaster, child?"
+
+"No, mother, I think not. No, it is no coaster--it is that king's
+vessel, I think, but the glare of the sun is too great. When he rises
+higher I shall make it out better."
+
+"Which do you mean, the king's cutter on the station, the _Yungfrau_?"
+
+"Yes, mother," replied Lilly, "it is. I'm sure it is the _Yungfrau_."
+
+"Then it is from her that the boats came last night. She must have
+received some information. There must be treachery somewhere; but we'll
+soon find that out."
+
+It may appear singular that Lilly could speak so positively as to a
+vessel at a great distance; but it must be remembered that she had been
+brought up to it, nearly all her life. It was her profession, and she
+had lived wholly with seamen and seamen's wives, which will account for
+her technical language being so correct. What Lilly said was true; it
+was the _Yungfrau_, which was beating up to regain her port, and having
+to stem a strong ebb-tide during the night, had not made very
+great progress.
+
+"There are three other vessels in the offing," said Lilly, looking
+round, "a ship and two brigs, both going down channel:" and as she said
+this, the little thing dropped lightly from rock to rock till she stood
+by her mother, and commenced rubbing her hands before the now
+blazing fire.
+
+"Nancy must go over to Portsmouth," observed the mother, "and find out
+all about this. I hardly know whom to suspect; but let Nancy alone,
+she'll ferret out the truth--she has many gossips at the Point. Whoever
+informed against the landing, must know of this cave."
+
+But we must introduce the mother of Lilly to the reader. She was a tall,
+finely-featured woman, her arms beautifully moulded, and bare. She was
+rather inclined to be stout, but her figure was magnificent. She was
+dressed in the same costume as her daughter, with the exception of a net
+worsted shawl of many colours over her shoulders. Her appearance gave
+you the idea that she was never intended for the situation which she was
+now in; but of that hereafter. As the reader may have observed, her
+language was correct, as was that of the child, and proved that she had
+not only been educated herself, but had paid attention to the bringing
+up of Lilly. The most perfect confidence appeared to subsist between the
+mother and daughter: the former treated her child as her equal, and
+confided everything to her; and Lilly was far advanced beyond her age in
+knowledge and reflection; her countenance beamed with intelligence;
+perhaps a more beautiful and more promising creature never existed.
+
+A third party now appeared from the cave; although not in canonicals,
+his dress indicated his profession of a priest. He approached the
+mother and daughter with, "Peace be with you, ladies."
+
+"You forget, good father," replied the elder of the females, "my name is
+Alice--nothing more."
+
+"I crave pardon for my forgetting who you were. I will be more mindful.
+Well, then, Alice--yet that familiar term sounds strangely, and my
+tongue will not accustom itself, even were I to remain here weeks,
+instead of but two days--I was about to say, that the affair of last
+night was most untoward. My presence is much wished for, and much
+required, at St Germains. It was unfortunate, because it proves that we
+have traitors among us somewhere; but of that, and of the whole affair,
+I will have cognizance in a few days."
+
+"And should you discover the party?"
+
+"His doom is sealed."
+
+"You are right."
+
+"In so important and so righteous a cause, we must not stop at aught
+necessary to secure our purpose. But, tell me, think you that your
+husband will soon be here again?"
+
+"I should think not to-night, but to-morrow or the next he will be off;
+and if we can show the signals of surety he will land, if the weather
+will permit."
+
+"'Tis indeed time that I were over. Something might now be done."
+
+"I would so too, father; it is a tedious time that I have spent here."
+
+"And most unfitting for you, were it not that you laboured in a great
+cause; but it must soon be decided, and then that fair lily shall be
+transplanted, like a wild flower from the rock, and be nurtured in a
+conservatory."
+
+"Nay, for that, the time is hardly come. She is better here, as you see
+her, father, than in the chambers of a court. For her sake I would still
+remain; but for my husband's sake, and the perils he encounters, I wish
+that one way or the other it were decided."
+
+"Had there been faith in that Italian, it had been so before how,"
+replied the priest, grinding his teeth, and turning away.
+
+But the conversation was closed at the appearance of some women who came
+out of the cave. They were variously clothed, some coarsely, and others
+with greater pretensions to finery: they brought with them the
+implements for cooking, and appeared surprised at the fire being already
+lighted. Among them was one about twenty-five years of age, and although
+more faded than she ought to have been at that early age, still with
+pretensions to almost extreme beauty. She was more gaily dressed than
+the others, and had a careless, easy air about her, which suited to her
+handsome, slight figure. It was impossible to see her without being
+interested, and desiring to know who she was.
+
+This person was the Nancy mentioned by Alice in her conversation with
+Lilly. Her original name had been Nancy Dawson, but she had married one
+of the smugglers, of the name of Corbett. Her original profession,
+previous to her marriage, we will not dwell upon; suffice it to say,
+that she was the most celebrated person of that class in Portsmouth,
+both for her talent and extreme beauty. Had she lived in the days of
+King Charles II., and had he seen her, she would have been more renowned
+than ever was Eleanor Gwynne; even as it was, she had been celebrated in
+a song, which has not been lost to posterity. After a few years of
+dissipated life, Nancy reformed, and became an honest woman, and an
+honest wife. By her marriage with the smuggler, she had become one of
+the fraternity, and had taken up her abode in the cave, which she was
+not sorry to do, as she had become too famous at Portsmouth to remain
+there as a married woman. Still she occasionally made her appearance,
+and to a certain degree kept up her old acquaintances, that she might
+discover what was going on--very necessary information for the
+smugglers. She would laugh, and joke, and have her repartee as usual,
+but in other points she was truly reformed. Her acquaintance was so
+general, and she was such a favourite, that she was of the greatest use
+to the band, and was always sent over to Portsmouth when her services
+were required. It was supposed there, for she had reported it, that she
+had retired to the Isle of Wight, and lived there with her husband, who
+was a pilot, and that she came over to Portsmouth occasionally, to
+inquire after her old friends, and upon business.
+
+"Nancy Corbett, I must speak to you," said Alice. "Come aside: I wish
+you, Nancy, to go over immediately. Can you go up, do you think, without
+being perceived?"
+
+"Yes, Mistress Alice, provided there is no one to see me."
+
+"The case is so important, that we must run the risk."
+
+"We've run cargoes of more value than that."
+
+"But still you must use discretion, Nancy."
+
+"That's a commodity that I've not been very well provided with through
+life; but I have my wits in its stead."
+
+"Then you must use your wit, Nancy."
+
+"It's like an old knife, well worn, but all the sharper."
+
+Alice then entered into a detail of what she would find out, and gave
+her instructions to Nancy. The first point was, to ascertain whether it
+was the cutter which had received the information; the second, who the
+informer was.
+
+Nancy, having received her orders, tied the strings of her bonnet,
+caught up a handful of the victuals which were at the fire, and bidding
+the others a laughing good-bye, with her mouth full, and one hand also
+occupied, descended the ladder, previously to mounting the cliff.
+
+"Nancy," said Lilly, who stood by the ladder, "bring me some pens."
+
+"Yes, dear; will you have them alive, or dead?"
+
+"Nonsense, I mean some quills."
+
+"So do I, Miss Lilly; but if you want them dead, I shall bring them in
+my pocket--if alive, I shall bring the goose under my arm."
+
+"I only want the quills, Nancy," replied Lilly, laughing.
+
+"And I think I shall want the feathers of them before I'm at the top,"
+replied Nancy, looking up at the majestic cliff above her. "Good-bye,
+Miss Lilly."
+
+Nancy Corbett again filled her handsome mouth with bread, and commenced
+her ascent. In less than a quarter of an hour she had disappeared over
+the ridge.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XVII
+
+In which there is a great deal of plotting, and a little execution.
+
+
+We will follow Nancy Corbett for the present. Nancy gained the summit of
+the cliff, and panting for breath, looked round to ascertain if there
+was any one in sight, but the coast was clear: she waited a minute to
+recover herself a little, and then set off at a brisk pace in the
+direction of the hamlet of Ryde, which then consisted of a few
+fishermen's huts. It was an hour and a-half before she gained this
+place, from whence she took a boat, and was safely landed at the Point.
+The fisherman who brought her over was an old acquaintance of Nancy's,
+and knew that he would have to remain to take her back, but he was well
+paid for his trouble, and it was a lucky day for him when Nancy required
+his services. The _Yungfrau_ had rounded St Helen's, and was standing
+into Spithead, when Nancy landed, and the first door at which she
+knocked was at the lodgings of Moggy Salisbury, with whom she was well
+acquainted, and from whom she expected to be able to gain information.
+On inquiry, she found that Moggy had not come on shore from the cutter,
+which had sailed during the night very unexpectedly.
+
+This information pleased Nancy, as Moggy would in all probability be
+able to give her important information, and she took up her quarters in
+Moggy's apartments, anxiously awaiting her arrival, for Nancy was not at
+all desirous to be seen. In due time the cutter was again anchored in
+the harbour, and the first order of Mr Vanslyperken's was, that Moggy
+Salisbury should be sent on shore, which order was complied with, and
+she left the vessel, vowing vengeance upon the lieutenant and his dog.
+The informer also hastened into a boat, and pulled on shore on the
+Gosport side, with a very significant farewell look at Mr Vanslyperken.
+Moggy landed, and hastened, full of wrath, to her own lodgings, where
+she found Nancy Corbett waiting for her. At first she was too full of
+her own injuries, and the attempt to flog her dear darling Jemmy, to
+allow Nancy to put in a word. Nancy perceived this, and allowed her to
+run herself down like a clock; and then proposed that they should send
+for some purl and have a cosy chat, to which Moggy agreed, and as soon
+as they were fairly settled, and Moggy had again delivered herself of
+her grievances, Nancy put the requisite questions, and discovered what
+the reader is already acquainted with. She requested, and obtained a
+full description of the informer, and his person was too remarkable, for
+Nancy not to recognise immediately who it was.
+
+"The villain!" cried she; "why, if there was any man in whom we thought
+we could trust, it was--him;" for Nancy had, in her indignation, nearly
+pronounced his name.
+
+"Nancy," said Moggy, "you have to do with the smugglers, I know, for
+your husband is one of them, if report says true. Now, I've been
+thinking, that the cutter is no place for my Jemmy, and that with this
+peak-nosed villain, he will always be in trouble. Tell me, will they let
+him in, if he volunteers."
+
+"I can't exactly say, Moggy; but this I can tell you, that you may be
+very useful to them in giving us information, which you may gain through
+your husband."
+
+"Ay, and not only through my husband, but from everybody on board the
+cutter. I'm yours, Nancy--and here's my hand on it--you'll see what I
+can do. The wagabond, to attempt to flog my own dear, darling duck--my
+own Jemmy. Only tell me what you want to know, and if I don't ferret it
+out, my name's not Moggy. But hear me, Nancy; I join you now hand and
+heart, though I gain nothing by it; and when you choose to have him,
+I'll bring you my little duck of a husband, and he will be worth his
+weight in gold, though I say it that shouldn't say it."
+
+"Thanky, Moggy; but you shall not work for nothing;" and Nancy laid a
+gold Jacobus on the table.
+
+"This for your present information. Be secret and cautious, and no
+gossiping, and you'll find that you shall have all you wish, and be no
+loser in the bargain. And now, good-night--I must be away. You shall see
+me soon, Moggy; and remember what I have told you."
+
+Moggy was astonished at the sight of the gold Jacobus, which she took up
+and examined as Nancy departed. "Well," thought she, "but this smuggling
+must be a pretty consarn; and as sure as gold is gold, my Jemmy shall be
+a smuggler."
+
+Nancy turned down the street, and passed rapidly on, until she was clear
+of the fortifications, in the direction of South Sea Beach. A few
+scattered cottages were at that time built upon the spot. It was quite
+dark as she passed the lines, and held her way over the shingle. A man
+was standing alone, whose figure she recognised. It was the very person
+that she wished to find. Nancy watched him for awhile, and observed him
+pull out a paper, tear it in two, and throw it down with gesticulations
+of anger and indignation. She then approached.
+
+"What's o'clock?" said Nancy.
+
+"Do you want the right time?" replied the man.
+
+"To a minute," replied Nancy, who, finding that the password was given
+correctly, now stopped, and faced the other party. "Is that you,
+Cornbury?"
+
+"Yes, Nancy," replied the man, who, was the same person who went on
+board of the cutter to give the information.
+
+"I have been seeking you," replied Nancy. "There has been some
+information laid, and the boats were nearly surprised. Alice desires
+that you will find out what boats entered the cove, whom they belonged
+to, and, if possible, how they obtained the information."
+
+"Boats nearly surprised!--you don't say so," replied Cornbury, with
+affected astonishment. "This must indeed be looked to. Have you
+no idea--"
+
+"None," replied Nancy. "There was no vessel to be seen the next
+morning--the fog was too thick. Have you seen Wahop?"
+
+"No; I thought he was on the Isle."
+
+"He ought to have been, but has not come; I have been at the oak-tree
+for three nights running. It's very strange. Do you think that he can
+have played false?"
+
+"I never much liked the man," replied Cornbury.
+
+"Nor I either," replied Nancy; "but I must go now, for I must be back at
+the crags before daylight. Find out what you can, and let us know as
+soon as possible. I shall be over again as soon as the cargo is run; if
+you find out anything, you had better come to-morrow night."
+
+"I will," replied Cornbury; and the parties separated.
+
+"Traitor," muttered Nancy, when she was once more alone. "If he comes,
+it shall be to his death;" and Nancy stooped down, picked up the pieces
+of paper which Cornbury had torn up, and put them in the basket she
+carried on her arm.
+
+It will be observed that Nancy had purposely thrown out hints against
+Wahop, to induce Cornbury to believe that he was not suspected. Her
+assertion that Wahop was not on the island was false. He had been three
+days at Ryde, according to the arrangement. The bait took. Cornbury
+perceiving that the suspicion was against Wahop, thought that he could
+not do better than to boldly make his appearance at the cave, which
+would remove any doubts as to his own fidelity.
+
+Nancy hastened down to the Point, and returned that night to Ryde, from
+whence she walked over to the cave, and was there before daylight. She
+communicated to Alice the intelligence which she had received from
+Moggy Salisbury, and the arrangements she had proposed to her, by which
+the motions of the cutter could be known.
+
+"Is that woman to be trusted, think you, Nancy?" inquired Alice.
+
+"Yes, I believe sincerely she may be. I have known her long; and she
+wishes her husband to join us."
+
+"We must reflect upon it. She may be most useful. What is the character
+of the officer who commands the vessel?"
+
+"A miser, and a coward. He is well known--neither honour nor conscience
+in him."
+
+"The first is well, as we may act upon it, but the second renders him
+doubtful. You are tired, Nancy, and had better lie down a little."
+
+Nancy Corbett delivered the pens to Lilly, and then took the advice of
+her superior. The day was remarkably fine, and the water smooth, so that
+the boats were expected that night. At dusk two small lights, at even
+distances, were suspended from the cliff, to point out to the boats that
+the coast was free, and that they might land. Alice, however, took the
+precaution to have a watch on the beach, in case of any second surprise
+being attempted; but of this there was little fear, as she knew from
+Nancy, that all the cutter's boats were on board when she entered the
+harbour. Lilly, who thought it a delight to be one moment sooner in her
+father's arms, had taken the watch on the beach, and there the little
+girl remained perched upon a rock, at the foot of which the waves now
+only sullenly washed, for the night was beautifully calm and clear. To a
+passer on the ocean she might have been mistaken for a mermaid who had
+left her watery bower to look upon the world above.
+
+What were the thoughts of the little maiden as she remained there fixed
+as a statue? Did she revert to the period at which her infant memory
+could retrace silken hangings and marble halls, visions of splendour,
+dreamings of courtly state, or was she thinking of her father, as her
+quick ear caught the least swell of the increasing breeze? Was she, as
+her eye was fixed as if attempting to pierce the depths of the ocean,
+wondering at what might be its hidden secrets, or as they were turned
+towards the heavens, bespangled with ten thousand stars, was she
+meditating on the God who placed them there? Who can say?--but that that
+intellectual face bespoke the mind at work is certain, and from one so
+pure and lovely could emanate nothing but what was innocent and good.
+
+But a distant sound falls upon her ear; she listens, and by its measured
+cadence knows that it is the rowers in a boat: nearer it comes and more
+distinct, and now her keen eye detects the black mass approaching in the
+gloom of night. She starts from the rock ready to fly up to the cave to
+give notice of an enemy, or, if their anticipated friends, to fly into
+the arms of her father. But her alarm is over, she perceives that it is
+the lugger, the boat dashes into the cove, and the first who lands
+strains her to his bosom.
+
+"My dearest Lilly, is all well?"
+
+"Yes, all is well, father; but you are well come."
+
+"Run up, dearest, and let the women be ready to assist. We have that
+here which must soon be out of sight. Is the Father Innis here?"
+
+"Since Thursday last."
+
+"'Tis well, dear; you may go. Quick, my lads, and beach the cargo:--see
+to it, Ramsay; I must at once unto the cave." Having given these
+directions, the father of Lilly commenced his ascent over the rough and
+steep rocks which led up to the cavern, anxious to obtain what
+information could be imparted relative to the treachery which had led to
+their narrow escape two nights preceding.
+
+He was met by Alice, who cordially embraced him; but he appeared anxious
+to release himself from her endearments, that he might at once enter
+upon matters to him of more serious importance. "Where is the Father
+Innis, my dear?" said he, disengaging himself from her arms.
+
+"He sleeps, Robert, or, at least, he did just now, but probably he will
+rise now that you are come. But in the meantime, I have discovered who
+the traitor is."
+
+"By all the saints, he shall not escape my vengeance!"
+
+Alice then entered into the particulars related by Nancy Corbett, and
+already known to the reader. She had just concluded when Father Innis
+made his appearance from the cave.
+
+"Welcome, thrice welcome, holy father."
+
+"Welcome, too, my son. Say, do we start to-night?"
+
+"Not till to-morrow night," replied the husband of Alice, who having
+ascertained that in all probability Cornbury would come that night,
+determined, at all risks, to get possession of him: "we could well be
+over before daylight, and with your precious person, I must not risk too
+much. You are anxiously expected."
+
+"And I have important news," replied the priest; "but I will not detain
+you now; I perceive that your presence is wanted by your men."
+
+During this colloquy the women had descended the ladder, and had been
+assisting the men to carry up the various packages of which the boat's
+cargo consisted, and they now awaited directions as to the stowing away.
+
+"Ramsay," said the leader, "we do not return to-night; take the men, and
+contrive to lift the boat up on the rocks, so that she may not
+be injured."
+
+An hour elapsed before this was effected, and then the leader, as well
+as the rest of the smugglers, retired to the cave to refresh themselves
+with sleep after their night of fatigue. As usual, one woman kept watch,
+and that woman was Nancy Corbett. The ladder had been hauled up, and she
+was walking up and down, with her arms under a shawl, to a sort of
+stamping trot, for the weather was frosty, when she heard a low whistle
+at the west side of the flat.
+
+"Oh, ho! have I lured you, you traitorous villain?" muttered Nancy, "you
+come in good time:" and Nancy walked to the spot where the ladder was
+usually lowered down, and looked over. Although the moon had risen, it
+was too dark on that side of the platform to distinguish more than that
+there was a human form, who repeated the whistle.
+
+"What's o'clock?" said Nancy, in a low tone.
+
+"Do you want the right time to a minute?" replied a voice, which was
+recognised as Cornbury's. Nancy lowered down the ladder, and Cornbury
+ascended the platform.
+
+"I am glad you are come, Cornbury. Have you heard anything of Wahop?"
+
+"No one has seen or heard of him," replied the man, "but I have found
+out what boats they were. Did the lugger come over to-night?"
+
+"Yes," replied Nancy, "but I must go in and let Mistress Alice know that
+you are here."
+
+Nancy's abrupt departure was to prevent Cornbury from asking if the boat
+had remained, or returned to the French coast; for she thought it not
+impossible that the unusual circumstance of the boat remaining, might
+induce him to suppose that his treachery had been discovered, and to
+make his immediate escape, which he, of course, could have done, and
+given full information of the cave and the parties who frequented it.
+
+Nancy soon re-appeared, and familiarly taking the arm of Cornbury, led
+him to the eastern side of the platform, asking him many questions. As
+soon as he was there, the leader of the gang, followed by half a dozen
+of his men, rushed out and secured him. Cornbury now felt assured that
+all was discovered, and that his life was forfeited. "Bind him fast,"
+said the leader, "and keep watch over him;--his case shall soon be
+disposed of. Nancy, you will call me at daylight."
+
+When Cornbury had been secured, the men returned into the cave, leaving
+one with a loaded pistol to guard him. Nancy still remained on
+the watch.
+
+"Nancy Corbett," said Cornbury, "why am I treated thus?"
+
+"Why?" replied Nancy, with scorn; "ask yourself why. Do you think that
+I did not know when I sought you at the beach that you had sailed in the
+cutter, had brought the boats here, and that if it had not been for the
+lieutenant taking his dog in the boat, and its barking, you would have
+delivered us all into the hands of the Philistines?--wretched traitor."
+
+"D--n!" muttered Cornbury; "then it is to you, you devil, that I am
+indebted for being entrapped this way."
+
+"Yes, to me," replied Nancy, with scorn. "And, depend upon it, you will
+have your deserts before the sun is one hour in the heavens."
+
+"Mistress Nancy, I must beg you to walk your watch like a lady, and not
+to be corresponding with my prisoner anyhow, whether you talk raison or
+traison, as may happen to suit your convanience," observed the man who
+was guard over Cornbury.
+
+"Be aisy, my jewel," replied Nancy, mimicking the Irishman, "and I'll be
+as silent as a magpie, anyhow. And, Mr Fitzpatrick, you'll just be
+pleased to keep your two eyes upon your prisoner, and not be staring at
+me, following me up and down, as you do, with those twinklers of yours."
+
+"A cat may look at a king, Mistress Nancy, and no harm done either."
+
+"You forget, Mr Fitzpatrick," replied Nancy, "that I am now a modest
+woman."
+
+"More's the pity, Mrs Nancy, I wish you'd forget it too, and I dying of
+love for you."
+
+Nancy walked away to the end of the platform to avoid further
+conversation. The day was now dawning, and as, by degrees, the light was
+thrown upon the face of Cornbury, it was strange to witness how his
+agitation and his fear had changed all the ruby carbuncles on his face
+to a deadly white. He called to Nancy Corbett in a humble tone once or
+twice as she passed by in her walk, but received no reply further than a
+look of scorn. As soon as it was broad daylight, Nancy went into the
+cave to call up the leader.
+
+In a few minutes he appeared, with the rest of the smugglers.
+
+"Philip Cornbury," said he, with a stern and unrelenting countenance,
+"you would have betrayed us for the sake of money."
+
+"It is false," replied Cornbury.
+
+"False, is it?--you shall have a fair trial. Nancy Corbett, give your
+evidence before us all."
+
+Nancy recapitulated all that had passed.
+
+"I say again, that it is false," replied Cornbury. "Where is the woman
+whom she states to have told her this? This is nothing more than
+assertion, and I say again, it is false. Am I to be condemned without
+proofs? Is my life to be sacrificed to the animosity of this woman, who
+wishes to get rid of me, because--"
+
+"Because what?" interrupted Nancy.
+
+"Because I was too well acquainted with you before your marriage, and
+can tell too much."
+
+"Now, curses on you, for a liar as well as a traitor!" exclaimed Nancy.
+"What I was before I was married is well known; but it is well known,
+also, that I pleased my fancy, and could always choose. I must, indeed,
+have had a sorry taste to be intimate with a blotched wretch like you.
+Sir," continued Nancy, turning to the leader, "it is false, and whatever
+may be said against me on other points, Nancy Dawson, or Nancy Corbett,
+was never yet so vile as to assert a lie. I put it to you, sir, and to
+all of you, is not my word sufficient in this case?"
+
+The smugglers nodded their heads in assent.
+
+"And, now that is admitted, I will prove his villany and falsehood.
+Philip Cornbury, do you know this paper?" cried Nancy, taking out of her
+bosom the agreement signed by Vanslyperken, which she had picked up on
+the night when Cornbury had torn it up and thrown it away. "Do you know
+this paper, I ask you? Read it, sir," continued Nancy, handing it over
+to the leader of the smugglers.
+
+The paper was read, and the inflexible countenance of the leader turned
+towards Cornbury,--who saw his doom.
+
+"Go in, Nancy Corbett, and let no women appear till all is over."
+
+"Liar!" said Nancy, spitting on the ground as she passed by Cornbury.
+
+"Bind his eyes, and lead him to the western edge," said the leader.
+
+"Philip Cornbury, you have but few minutes to live. In mercy, you may
+see the holy father, if you wish it."
+
+"I'm no d----d papist," replied Cornbury, in a sulky tone.
+
+"Lead him on then."
+
+Cornbury was led to the western edge of the flat, where the cliff was
+most high and precipitous, and then made to kneel down.
+
+"Fitzpatrick," said the leader, pointing to the condemned.
+
+Fitzpatrick walked up to the kneeling man with his loaded pistol, and
+then the others, who had led Cornbury to the edge of the cliff, retired.
+
+Fitzpatrick cocked the lock.
+
+"Would you like to say, 'God have mercy on my treacherous sinful sowl,'
+or anything short and sweet like that?" said Fitzpatrick; "if so, I'll
+wait a couple of seconds more for your convanience, Philip Cornbury."
+
+Cornbury made no reply. Fitzpatrick put the pistol to his ear, the ball
+whizzed through his brain, the body half raised itself from its knees
+with a strong muscular action, and then toppled over and disappeared
+down the side of the precipice.
+
+"It's to be hoped that the next time you lave this world, Master
+Cornbury, it will be in a purliter sort of manner. A civil question
+demands a civil answer anyhow," said Fitzpatrick, coolly rejoining the
+other men.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XVIII
+
+The whole of which has been fudged out of the History of England, and
+will therefore be quite new to the majority of our readers.
+
+
+Were we in want of materials for this eventful history, we have now a
+good opportunity for spinning out our volumes; but, so far from this
+being the case, we hardly know how to find space for what it is now
+absolutely necessary that the reader should be acquainted with. Our
+friends may probably recollect, when we remind them of the fact, that
+there was a certain king, James II., who sat upon our throne, and who
+was a very good Catholic--that he married his daughter, Mary, to one
+William of Orange, who, in return for James's kindness in giving him his
+daughter, took away from him his kingdom, on the plea, that if he was a
+bad son-in-law, at all events, he was a sound Protestant. They may also
+recollect, that the exiled king was received most hospitably by the
+grand monarque, Louis XIV., who gave him palaces, money, and all that he
+required, and, moreover, gave him a fine army and fleet to go to Ireland
+and recover his kingdom, bidding him farewell with this equivocal
+sentence, "That the best thing he, Louis, could wish to him was, never
+to see his face again." They may further recollect, that King James and
+King William met at the battle of the Boyne, in which the former was
+defeated, and then went back to St Germains and spent the rest of his
+life in acts of devotion and plotting against the life of King William.
+Now, among other plots real and pretended, there was one laid in 1695,
+to assassinate King William on his way to Richmond; this plot was
+revealed, many of the conspirators were tried and executed, but the
+person who was at the head of it, a Scotchman, of the name of Sir George
+Barclay, escaped. In the year 1696, a bill was passed, by which Sir
+George Barclay and nine others who had escaped from justice, were
+attainted of high treason, if they did not choose to surrender
+themselves on or before the 25th day of March ensuing. Strange to say,
+these parties did not think it advisable to surrender themselves;
+perhaps it was because they knew that they were certain to be hung; but
+it is impossible to account for the actions of men: we can only lay the
+facts before our readers.
+
+Sir George Barclay was by birth a Scotchman, of high family, and well
+connected. He had been an officer in the army of King James, to whom he
+was strongly attached. Moreover, he was a very bigoted Catholic. Whether
+he ever received a commission from King James, authorising him to
+assassinate King William, has never been proved; but, as King James is
+well known to have been admitted into the order of the Jesuits, it is
+not at all unlikely. Certain it is, that the baronet went over to St
+Germains, landed again in England, and would have made the attempt, had
+not the plot been discovered through some of the inferior accomplices;
+and it is equally sure that he escaped, although many others were
+hung--and few people knew what had become of him. The fact was, that
+when Barclay had fled to the sea-side, he was assisted over the water by
+a band of smugglers, who first concealed him in the cave we have
+described, which was their retreat. This led to a communication and
+arrangement with them. Sir George Barclay, who, although foiled in his
+attempt at assassination, never abandoned the cause, immediately
+perceived what advantages might be derived in keeping up a communication
+by means of these outlaws. For some time the smugglers were employed in
+carrying secret despatches to the friends of James in England and
+Scotland; and, as the importance of the correspondence increased, and it
+became necessary to have personal interviews instead of written
+communications, Sir George frequently passed over to the cave as a
+rendezvous, at which he might meet the adherents of the exiled king. In
+the course of time he saw the prudence of having the entire control of
+the band, and found little difficulty in being appointed their leader.
+From the means he obtained from St Germains, the smuggling was now
+carried on to a great and very profitable extent, and by the regulations
+which he enacted, the chance of discovery was diminished. Only one point
+more was requisite for safety and secrecy, which was, a person to whom
+he could confide the charge of the cave. Lady Barclay, who was equally
+warm in the cause, offered her services, and they were accepted; and at
+the latter end of the year 1696, about one year after the plot had
+failed, Lady Barclay, with her only child, took up her abode in this
+isolated domicile; Sir George then first making the arrangement that the
+men should always remain on the other side of the water, which would be
+an additional cause of security. For upwards of four years, Lady Barclay
+had remained an inmate, attending to the instruction of her little
+Lilly, and carrying on all the correspondence, and making all the
+necessary arrangements with vigour and address, satisfied with serving
+the good cause, and proving her devoted allegiance to her sovereign.
+Unfortunate and unwise as were the Stuart family, there must have been
+some charm about them, for they had instances of attachment and fidelity
+shown to them, of which no other line of kings could boast.
+
+Shortly after the tragical event recorded in the last chapter, the
+Jesuit came out of the cave and went up to Sir George, who coolly
+observed, "We have just been sending a traitor to his account,
+good father."
+
+"So may they all perish," replied the priest. "We start this evening?"
+
+"Certainly. What news have you for St Germains?"
+
+"Much that is important. Discontent prevails throughout the country. The
+affair of Bishop Watson hath brought much odium on the usurper. He
+himself writhes under the tyrannical commands of the Commons, and is at
+issue with them."
+
+"And, in Scotland, father?"
+
+"All is there ripe and ready--and an army once landed, would be joined
+by thousands. The injustice of the usurper in wishing to sacrifice the
+Scotch Settlement, has worked deep upon the minds of those who advanced
+their money upon that speculation--in the total, a larger sum than ever
+yet was raised in Scotland. Our emissaries have fanned the flame up to
+the highest pitch."
+
+"To my thoughts, good father, there needed not further discontent. Have
+we not our king dethroned, and our holy religion persecuted?"
+
+"True, my son--true; but still we must lose no means by which we may
+increase the number of our adherents. Some are swayed by one feeling,
+and some by another. We have contrived to throw no small odium upon the
+usurper and betrayer of his wife's father, by exposing and magnifying,
+indeed, the sums of money which he has lavished upon his courtesan,
+Mistress Villiers, now, by his heretic and unsanctified breath, raised
+into the peerage by the title of Countess of Orkney. All these items
+added together, form a vast sum of discontent; and could we persuade his
+Catholic majesty to rouse himself to assert once more his rights by
+force of arms, I should not fear for the result."
+
+"Had I not been betrayed," observed Sir George, musing, "before this the
+king would have had his own again."
+
+"And thrice blessed would have been the arm that had laid the usurper
+low," rejoined the Jesuit; "but more of this hereafter. Your lady hath
+had much converse with me. She thinks that the character of the man who
+commands that cutter, is such as to warrant his services for gold--and
+wishes to essay him."
+
+"The woman Corbett is of that opinion, and she is subtle. At all events,
+it can be tried; for he would be of much utility, and there would be no
+suspicion. The whole had better be left to her arrangement. We may
+employ, and pay, yet not trust him."
+
+"That is exactly what Lady Alice had proposed," replied the Jesuit. Here
+Lilly came out to tell her father that the morning meal was ready, and
+they all returned to the cave.
+
+That evening the boat was launched, and the Jesuit went over with Sir
+George, and landed at Cherbourg, from whence they both proceeded with
+all expedition to the court of King James.
+
+We have entered into this short detail, that the reader may just know
+the why and the wherefore these parties in the cave were introduced, and
+now we shall continue our most faithful and veracious history.
+
+
+
+Chapter XIX
+
+In which Smallbones is sent to look after a pot of black paint.
+
+
+We must now return to the cutter, which still remains at anchor off the
+Point in Portsmouth harbour. It is a dark, murky, blowing day, with
+gusts of rain and thick fog. Mr Vanslyperken is more than usually
+displeased, for, as he had to wait for the new boat which he had
+demanded, he thought this a good opportunity of enlivening the bends of
+the _Yungfrau_ with a little black paint--not before it was required,
+most certainly, for she was as rusty in appearance as if she had been
+built of old iron. But paint fetched money, and as Mr Vanslyperken
+always sold his, it was like parting with so much of his own property,
+when he ordered up the paint-pots and brushes. Now the operation of
+beautifying the _Yungfrau_ had been commenced the day before, and the
+unexpected change in the weather during the night, had washed off the
+greater portion of the paint, and there was not only all the trouble,
+but all the expense, to be incurred again. No wonder that Mr
+Vanslyperken was in a bad humour--not only in a bad humour, but in the
+very worst of humours. He had made up his mind to go on shore to see his
+mother, and was pacing the quarter-deck in his great-coat, with his
+umbrella under his arm, all ready to be unfurled as soon as he was on
+shore. He was just about to order his boat to be manned: Mr
+Vanslyperken looked up at the weather--the fog was still thick, and the
+rain fell. You could not even make out the houses on the point. The wind
+had gone down considerably. Mr Vanslyperken looked over the gunnel--the
+damage was even greater than he thought. He looked over the stern, there
+was the stage still hanging where the painters had been standing or
+sitting, and, what was too bad, there was a pot of paint, with the brush
+in it, half full of rain water, which some negligent person had left
+there. Mr Vanslyperken turned forward to call somebody to take the paint
+below, but the decks were empty, and it was growing dark. A sudden
+thought, instigated no doubt by the devil, filled the brain of Mr
+Vanslyperken. It was a glorious, golden opportunity, not to be lost. He
+walked forward, and went down into his cabin again, where he found
+Smallbones helping himself to biscuit, for the lad was hungry, as well
+he might be; but on this occasion Mr Vanslyperken took no notice.
+
+"Smallbones," said he, "one of the men has left his paint-pot on the
+stage, under the stern, go and bring it in immediately."
+
+"Yes, sir," replied Smallbones, surprised at the unusually quiet style
+of his master's address to him.
+
+Smallbones ran up the ladder, went aft, and slid down by the rope which
+held the plank used as a stage by the painters. Mr Vanslyperken seized
+his carving-knife, and following softly on deck, went aft. He took a
+hurried look forward--there was no one on deck. For a moment, he
+hesitated at the crime; he observed the starboard rope shake, for
+Smallbones was just about to shin up again. The devil prevailed. Mr
+Vanslyperken sawed through the rope, heard the splash of the lad in the
+water, and, frightened at his own guilt, ran down below, and gained his
+cabin. There he seated himself, trembling like an aspen leaf. It was the
+first time that he had been a _murderer_. He was pale as ashes. He felt
+sick, and he staggered to his cupboard, poured out a tumbler of
+scheedam, and drank it off at a draught. This recovered him, and he
+again felt brave. He returned on deck, and ordered his boat to be
+manned, which was presently done. Mr Vanslyperken would have given the
+world to have gone aft, and to have looked over the stern, but he dared
+not; so, pushing the men into the boat, he slipped in, and was pulled on
+shore. Without giving any directions to the men he stepped out, and felt
+a relief when he found himself on terra firma. He walked away as fast as
+he could--he felt that he could not walk fast enough--he was anxious to
+arrive at his mother's. The rain fell fast, but he thought not of his
+umbrella, it remained under his arm, and Mr Vanslyperken, as if he were
+chased by a fiend, pushed on through the fog and rain; he wanted to meet
+a congenial soul, one who would encourage, console him, ridicule his
+fears, and applaud the deed which he would just then have given the
+world to have recalled.
+
+Where could he seek one more fitted to the purpose than his mother? The
+door of the house where she lodged was common to many, and therefore
+opened with a latch. He went in, and upstairs, tried the door of his
+mother's room, and found it fastened within. He knocked, heard the
+grumbling of the old woman at her being obliged to rise from her chair:
+she opened the door, and Vanslyperken, as soon as he was in, slammed it
+to, and exhausted with his emotions, fell back in a chair.
+
+"Hey day! and what's the matter now?" cried the old woman, in Dutch;
+"one would think that you had been waylaid, robbed, and almost
+murdered."
+
+"Murdered!" stammered Vanslyperken; "yes--it was murder."
+
+"What was murder, my child?" replied the old woman, reseating herself.
+
+"Did I say murder, mother?" said Vanslyperken, wiping the blended rain
+and perspiration from his brow with a cotton handkerchief.
+
+"Yes, you did, Cornelius Vanslyperken; not that I believe a craven like
+you would ever attempt such a thing."
+
+"But I have, mother. I have done the deed," replied Vanslyperken.
+
+"You have!" cried his mother; "then at last you have done something, and
+I shall respect you. Come, come, child, cheer up, and tell me all about
+it. There is a slight twinge the first time--but the second is nothing.
+Did you get gold? Hey, my son, plenty of gold?"
+
+"Gold! no, no--I got nothing--indeed I lost by it--lost a pot full of
+black paint--but never mind that. He's gone," replied Vanslyperken,
+recovering himself fast.
+
+"Who is gone?"
+
+"The lad, Smallbones."
+
+"Pish," replied the old woman, rocking her chair. "Ay, well, never
+mind--it was for revenge, then--that's sweet--very sweet. Now,
+Cornelius, tell me all about it."
+
+Vanslyperken, encouraged by the sympathy, if we may use the term, shown
+by his mother, narrated what he had done.
+
+"Well, well, child, 'tis a beginning," replied the old woman, "and I'll
+not call you craven again."
+
+"I must go back," said Vanslyperken, starting up from his chair.
+
+"Go, child, it is late--and dream it over. Vengeance is sweet, even in
+sleep. I have had mine--and for years have I dwelt on it--and shall for
+years to come. I shall not die yet--no, no."
+
+Vanslyperken quitted the house; the weather had cleared up, the breeze
+was fresh and piercing, and the stars twinkled every now and then, as
+the wild scud which flew across the heavens admitted them to view.
+Vanslyperken walked fast--he started at the least sound--he hurried by
+everyone whom he met, as if fearful to be recognised--he felt relieved
+when he had gained the streets of Portsmouth, and he at last arrived at
+the Point; but there was no cutter's boat, for he had given no orders.
+He was therefore obliged to hire one to go on board. The old man whom he
+engaged shoved into the stream; the tide was running in rapidly.
+
+"A cold night, sir," observed the man.
+
+"Yes," replied Vanslyperken, mechanically.
+
+"And a strong tide, with the wind to back it. He'd have but a poor
+chance, who fell overboard such a night as this. The strongest swimmer,
+without help, would be soon in eternity."
+
+Vanslyperken shuddered. Where was Smallbones at this moment? and then,
+the mention of eternity!
+
+"Silence, man, silence," said Vanslyperken.
+
+"Hope no offence, Mr Lieutenant," replied the man, who knew who his fare
+was.
+
+The boat pulled alongside of the _Yungfrau_, and Vanslyperken paid his
+unusual fare, and stepped on the deck. He went down below, and had the
+precaution to summon Smallbones to bring lights aft. The word was passed
+along the lower deck, and Vanslyperken sat down in the dark, awaiting
+the report that Smallbones could not be found.
+
+Snarleyyow went up to his master, and rubbed his cold nose against his
+hand, and then, for the first time, it occurred to Vanslyperken, that in
+his hurry to leave the vessel, he had left the dog to the mercy of his
+enemies. During the time that Vanslyperken waited for the report of the
+lights, he passed over in his mind the untoward events which had taken
+place--the loss of the widow's good-will, the loss of Corporal Van
+Spitter, who was adrift in the Zuyder Zee, the loss of five thousand
+pounds through the dog, and, strange to say, what vexed him more, the
+loss of the dog's eye; and when he thought of all these things his heart
+was elated, and he rejoiced in the death of Smallbones, and no longer
+felt any compunction. But a light is coming aft, and Vanslyperken is
+waiting the anticipated report. It is a solitary purser's dip, as they
+are termed at sea, emitting but feeble rays, and Vanslyperken's eyes are
+directed to the door of the cabin to see who carries it. To his horror,
+his dismay, it is brought in by the drowned Smallbones, who, with a
+cadaverous, and as he supposes, unearthly face and vacant look, drawls
+out, "It's a-blowed out twice, sir, with the wind."
+
+Vanslyperken started up, with his eyes glaring and fixed. There could be
+no mistake. It was the apparition of the murdered lad, and he fell back
+in a state of unconsciousness.
+
+"You've a-got it this time," said Smallbones, chuckling as he bent over
+the body of the lieutenant with his purser's dip, and perceived that he
+was in a state of insensibility.
+
+Had Mr Vanslyperken had the courage to look over the stern of the cutter
+when he re-ascended on the deck, he would have discovered Smallbones
+hanging on by the rudder chains; for had the fog not been so thick, Mr
+Vanslyperken would have perceived that at the time that he cut
+Smallbones adrift it was slack water, and the cutter was lying across
+the harbour. Smallbones was not, therefore, carried away by the tide,
+but being a very fair swimmer, had gained the rudder chains without
+difficulty; but at the time that Smallbones was climbing up again by the
+rope, he had perceived the blade of the carving-knife working at the
+rope, and was assured that Vanslyperken was attempting his life. When he
+gained the rudder chains, he held on. At first he thought of calling for
+assistance; but hearing Vanslyperken order his boat to be manned, the
+lad then resolved to wait a little longer, and allow his master to think
+that he was drowned. The result was as Smallbones intended. As soon as
+the lad saw the boat was out of hearing he called out most lustily, and
+was heard by those on board, and rescued from his cold immersion. He
+answered no questions which were put to him till he had changed his
+clothing and recovered himself, and then with great prudence summoned a
+council, composed of Short, Coble, and Jemmy Ducks, to whom he narrated
+what had taken place. A long consultation succeeded, and at last it was
+agreed that Smallbones should make his appearance as he did, and future
+arrangements to be taken according to circumstances.
+
+As soon as Smallbones had ascertained the situation of his master, he
+went forward and reported it to Dick Short, who with Coble came aft in
+the cabin. Short looked at Vanslyperken.
+
+"Conscience," said Short.
+
+"And a d----d bad un, too," replied Coble, hitching up his trousers.
+"What's to be done, Short?"
+
+"Nothing," replied Short.
+
+"Just my idea," replied Coble; "let him come to if he pleases, or die
+and be d----d. Who cares?"
+
+"Nobody," replied Short.
+
+"My eyes, but he must have been frightened," said Smallbones; "for he
+has left the key in the cupboard. I'll see what's in it for once
+and away."
+
+Snarleyyow, when Smallbones opened the cupboard, appeared to have an
+intuitive idea that he was trespassing, so he walked out growling from
+under the table; Short saluted him with a kick in the ribs, which tossed
+him under the feet of Coble, who gave him a second with his fisherman's
+boots, and the dog howled, and ran out of the cabin. O Mr Vanslyperken!
+see what your favourite was brought to, because you did not come to.
+
+At this time Smallbones had his nose in the stone jar of scheedam--the
+olfactory examination was favourable, so he put his mouth to it--the
+labial essay still more so, so he took down a wine glass, and, without
+any ceremony, filled a bumper, and handed it to Coble.
+
+"We'll drink to his recovery," said Obadiah, tossing off the contents.
+
+"Yes," replied Short, who waited till the glass was refilled, and did
+the same.
+
+"Here's bad luck to him in his own good stuff," said Smallbones, tossing
+off a third glass, and, filling it again, he handed it to Coble.
+
+"Here's reformation to him," said Coble, draining the glass again.
+
+"Yes," replied Short, taking the replenished vessel.
+
+"Here's d----n to him and his dog for ever and ever, Amen," cried
+Smallbones, tippling off his second allowance.
+
+"Who's there?" said Vanslyperken in a faint voice, opening his eyes
+with a vacant look.
+
+Smallbones replaced the bottle in the cupboard, and replied, "It's only
+Smallbones, sir, and the mates, come to help you."
+
+"Smallbones!" said Vanslyperken, still wandering. "Smallbones is
+drowned--and the whole pot of black paint."
+
+"Conscience," said Short.
+
+"Carving-knife," rejoined Coble.
+
+"Carving-knife!" said Vanslyperken, raising himself up; "I never said a
+word about a carving-knife, did I? Who is it that I see? Short--and
+Coble--help me up. I've had a sad fall. Where's Smallbones? Is he
+alive--really alive?"
+
+"I believe as how I bees," replied Smallbones.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken had now recovered his perfect senses. He had been raised
+on a chair, and was anxious to be rid of intruders, so he told Short and
+Coble that he would now do very well, and they might go; upon which,
+without saying a word, they both quitted the cabin.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken collected himself--he wished to know how Smallbones had
+been saved, but still dared not broach the subject, as it would be
+admitting his own guilt.
+
+"What has happened, Smallbones?" said Vanslyperken. "I still feel very
+faint."
+
+"Take a glass of this," replied Smallbones, opening the cupboard, and
+bringing out the scheedam. He poured out a glass, which Vanslyperken
+drank, and then observed, "How did you know what was in that
+cupboard sirrah?"
+
+"Because you called for it when you were in your fits," replied
+Smallbones.
+
+"Called for scheedam?"
+
+"Yes, sir, and said you had lost the carving-knife."
+
+"Did I?" replied Vanslyperken, afraid that he had committed himself. "I
+have been ill, very ill," continued he, putting his hand up to his
+forehead. "By-the-bye, Smallbones, did you bring in that pot of paint?"
+said Vanslyperken, adroitly.
+
+"No, sir, I didn't, because I tumbled overboard, pot and all," replied
+Smallbones.
+
+"Tumbled overboard! why, I did not leave the ship till afterwards, and I
+heard nothing about it."
+
+"No, sir, how could you?" replied Smallbones, who was all prepared for
+this explanation, "when the tide swept me past the saluting battery in
+a moment."
+
+"Past the saluting battery?" exclaimed Vanslyperken, "why, how were you
+saved?"
+
+"Because, thanks to somebody, I be too light to sink. I went out to the
+Nab buoy, and a mile ayond it."
+
+"The Nab buoy!" exclaimed Vanslyperken.
+
+"Yes, and ayond it, afore the tide turned, and then I were swept back
+again, and came into harbour again, just half-an-hour afore you
+come aboard."
+
+Mr Vanslyperken looked aghast; the lad must have had a charmed life.
+Nine miles at least out to sea, and nine miles back again.
+
+"It's as true as I stand here, sir," continued Smallbones; "I never were
+so cold in all my life, a-floating about like a bit of duck-weed with
+the tide, this way and that way."
+
+"As true as you stand here!" repeated Vanslyperken; "but do you stand
+here?" and he made a desperate grasp at the lad's arm to ascertain
+whether he held substance or shadow.
+
+"Can I do anything more, sir?" continued Smallbones; "for I should like
+to turn in--I'm as cold as ice, even now."
+
+"You may go," replied Vanslyperken, whose mind was again becoming
+confused at what had passed. For some time, the lieutenant sat in his
+chair, trying to recollect and reason; but it was in vain--the shocks of
+the day had been too great. He threw himself, dressed as he was, upon
+his bed--never perceived the absence of his favourite--the candle was
+allowed to burn itself to the socket, and Vanslyperken fell off into a
+trance-like sleep.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XX
+
+In which Mr Vanslyperken proves false to the Widow Vandersloosh, and
+many strange things take place.
+
+
+Mr. Vanslyperken was awakened, the next morning, by the yelping of his
+dog, who, having been shut out of the cabin, had ventured up the ladder
+in the morning when the men were washing the deck, and had a bucket
+shied at him by Jemmy Ducks, with such excellent precision, that it
+knocked him over, and nearly broke his hind leg, which he now carried
+high up in the air as he howled upon the other three at the cabin door.
+Mr Vanslyperken rose, and tried to recollect what had passed; but it was
+more than a minute before he could recall the circumstances of the day
+before. He then tried to call to mind how he had gone to bed, and by
+what means Snarleyyow was left outside, but he could make nothing of it.
+He opened the cabin door, and let in the dog, whose lame leg instantly
+excited his indignation, and he then rang his bell for Smallbones, who
+soon made his appearance.
+
+"How came the dog out of the cabin, sir?"
+
+"I'm sure I don't know, sir; I never put him out."
+
+"Who is it that has hurt him?"
+
+"I'm sure I don't know, sir; I never touched him."
+
+Vanslyperken was about to vent his anger, when Smallbones said, "If you
+please, I don't know what's a-going on. Why here, sir, the men washing
+the decks have found your carving-knife abaft, by the traffrail.
+Somebody must have taken it there, that's sartain."
+
+Vanslyperken turned pale.
+
+"Who could have taken it?"
+
+"That's what I said, sir. Who dare come in the cabin to take the knife?
+and what could they have taken it for, but unless it was to cut summut?"
+And Smallbones looked his master full in the face. And the lieutenant
+quailed before his boy. He could not meet his gaze, but turned away.
+
+"Very odd," continued Smallbones, perceiving the advantage he had
+gained.
+
+"Leave the cabin, sir," cried Vanslyperken.
+
+"Sha'n't I make no inquiries how this ere knife came there, sir?"
+replied Smallbones.
+
+"No, sir, mind your own business. I've a great mind to flog you for its
+being found there--all your carelessness."
+
+"That would be a pretty go," murmured Smallbones, as he shut the cabin
+door.
+
+The feeling of vengeance against Smallbones, was now redoubled in the
+breast of his master; and the only regret he felt at the transactions of
+the day before was, that the boy had not been drowned.
+
+"I'll have him yet," muttered the lieutenant; but he forgot that he was
+shaving himself, and the involuntary movements of his lips caused him to
+cut a large gash on his right cheek, from which the blood trickled fast.
+
+"Curses on the"--(razor he was going to say, but he changed it
+to)--"scoundrel!"
+
+A slice with a razor is certainly a very annoying thing. After a certain
+time, Mr Vanslyperken finished his toilet, called for his breakfast,
+went on deck, and as the day was fine, ordered the paint to be renewed,
+and then went on shore to ascertain if there were any commands for him
+at the admiral's office.
+
+As he walked up the street in a brown study, he at last observed that a
+very pretty woman dogged him, sometimes walking a-head and looking back,
+at others dropping astern, and then again ranging up alongside. He
+looked her in the face, and she smiled sweetly, and then turned her head
+coquettishly, and then looked again with eyes full of meaning. Now,
+although Mr Vanslyperken had always avoided amours on account of the
+expense entailed upon them, yet he was, like a dry chip, very
+inflammable, and the extreme beauty of the party made him feel unusual
+emotions. Her perseverance too--and her whole appearance so very
+respectable--so superior to the class of people who generally accosted
+him. He thought of the widow and her money-bags, and thought, also, how
+infinitely more desirable the widow would be, if she possessed but the
+beauty of the present party.
+
+"I do believe I've lost my way," exclaimed the young person. "Pray, sir,
+can you tell me the way to Castle Street, for I'm almost a stranger?
+And" (added she, laughing) "I really don't know my way back to my
+own house."
+
+Castle Street was, at that time, one of the best streets in Portsmouth,
+as Mr Vanslyperken well knew. This assured him of her respectability. He
+very gallantly offered his arm which, after a little demur, was
+accepted, and Mr Vanslyperken conveyed her to her house. Of course she
+could do no less than ask him to walk up, and Mr Vanslyperken, who had
+never been in anything approaching to good society, was in astonishment
+at the furniture. All appeared to denote wealth. He was soon in an
+interesting conversation, and by degrees found out that the lady was a
+young widow of the name of Malcolm, whose husband had been factor to the
+new company, called the East India Company; that she had come down to
+Portsmouth expecting him home, and that she had learnt that he had died
+on shore a few days before his intended embarkation for England. Since
+which, as she liked the place and the society, she had thoughts of
+remaining here.
+
+"They say that gold in India is to be had for nothing."
+
+"It must be very plentiful," replied the widow, "if I am to judge by the
+quantity my poor husband sent me home, and he was not out more than
+three years. He left me a week after our marriage."
+
+Here the lovely widow put her handkerchief up to her eyes, and Mr
+Vanslyperken attempted to console her.
+
+"It's so very unpleasant to be left without any one to advise you, and
+exposed to be cheated so dreadfully. What can a poor lone woman do? Did
+you ever see me before, sir?"
+
+"I never did," replied our lieutenant. "May I ask the same question, for
+I thought you appeared to know me?"
+
+"O yes! I've seen you very often, and wished to know who you were, but I
+was ashamed to ask. One cannot be too particular in my situation."
+
+Mr Vanslyperken was much pleased, but he had remained some time, and he
+thought it right to depart, so he rose and made his adieus.
+
+"I hope I shall see you again," cried the widow, earnestly. "You will
+call again, sir, won't you?"
+
+"Most certainly, and with the greatest pleasure," replied Vanslyperken.
+
+The lady extended her gloved hand, and as it was closed in that of
+Vanslyperken, he thought he felt a slight, a very slight pressure, which
+made his heart leap. And then, as he shut the door, she gave him such a
+look--O those eyes!--they pierced right through the heart of
+Vanslyperken.
+
+The reader may not, perhaps, be aware who this gay widow might be. It
+was Nancy Corbett, who had, by the advice of Lady Alice, taken this step
+to entrap Mr Vanslyperken. Nancy had obtained from Moggy all the
+particulars of the lieutenant's wooing of the widow Vandersloosh, and
+his character as a miser and a coward. Had he been a miser only, she
+would have attacked by gold alone, but being a coward, it was decided
+that he should have some further stimulus to betray his country, and
+enlist himself among the partisans of King James.
+
+Beauty, joined with wealth, the chance of possessing both, with the
+attractive arts of Nancy, were considered necessary to sway him. Indeed
+they were so far right, that had any one made the bold proposal to
+Vanslyperken of joining the other party, and offered him at the same
+time ample remuneration, he would have been too suspicious or too
+timorous to run the risk. It was necessary to win him over by means
+which appeared accidental rather than otherwise. The difficulty of
+correspondence was very great; and as the cutter constantly was
+despatched to the Hague, and the French had agents there, not only
+letters, but even messengers, might be sent over without risk and
+without suspicion; for open boats being then the only means of
+communication, during the wintry part of the year, the correspondence
+was very precarious, and at long intervals.
+
+Thus was Nancy Corbett changed into a buxom widow, all for the good
+cause, and well did she perform her part; for there was no lack of money
+when such services were required. Vanslyperken left the house quite
+enchanted. "This will do," thought he, "and if I succeed, Frau
+Vandersloosh may go to the devil." He returned on board, unlocked his
+cabin, where Snarleyyow had been secured from the machinations of
+Smallbones and other malcontents, and sat down to enjoy the
+castle-building which he had commenced after he left the house. He
+patted his dog, and apostrophised it. "Yes, my poor brute," said
+Vanslyperken, "your master will get a rich widow, without it being
+necessary that you should be laid dead at her porch. D--n Frau
+Vandersloosh."
+
+The widow was more enchanting when Vanslyperken called on the ensuing
+day, than she was on the first. Her advances to the lieutenant were no
+longer doubtful to him. She entered freely into the state of her
+affairs, asked his advice upon money matters, and fully proved to his
+satisfaction that, independent of her beauty, she would be a much
+greater catch than Frau Vandersloosh. She spoke about her family; said
+that she expected her brother over, but that he must come _incog._, as
+he was attached to the court of the exiled king, lamented the difficulty
+of receiving letters from him, and openly expressed her adherence to the
+Stuart family. Vanslyperken appeared to make very little objection to
+her political creed; in fact, he was so fascinated that he fell blindly
+into the snare; he accepted an invitation to dine with her on that very
+day, and went on board to dress himself as fine for her as he had for
+the widow Vandersloosh. The lovely widow admired his uniform, and gave
+him many gentle hints upon which he might speak: but this did not take
+place until a _tête-à-tête_ after dinner, when he was sitting on a sofa
+with her (not on such a fubsy sofa as that of Frau Vandersloosh, but one
+worked in tapestry); much in the same position as we once introduced him
+in to the reader, to wit, with the lady's hand in his. Vanslyperken was
+flushed with wine, for Nancy had pushed the bottle, and, at last, he
+spoke out clearly what his aspirations were. The widow blushed, laughed,
+wiped her eyes as if to brush away a falling tear, and eventually, with
+a slight pressure of the hand, stammered that she did not know what to
+say, the acquaintance was so short--it was so unexpected--she must
+reflect a little: at the same time, she could not but acknowledge, that
+she had been taken with him when she first saw him; and then she laughed
+and said, that she did really begin to believe that there was such a
+thing as love at first sight, and then--he had better go now, she wished
+to be alone--she really had a headache. Oh! Nancy Corbett! you were,
+indeed, an adept in the art of seduction--no wonder that your name has
+been handed down to posterity. Mr Vanslyperken perceived his advantage,
+and pressed still more, until the blushing widow declared that she would
+really think seriously about the matter, if on further acquaintance she
+found that her good opinion of him was not overrated.
+
+Vanslyperken returned on board intoxicated with his success. On his
+arrival, he was informed that a messenger had been sent for him, but no
+one knew where to find him, and that he must be at the admiral's early
+the next morning, and have all ready for immediate sailing. This was
+rather annoying, but there was no help for it. The next day Vanslyperken
+went to the admiral's, and received orders to sail immediately to the
+Hague with despatches of consequence, being no less than an answer from
+King William to the States General. Mr Vanslyperken proceeded from the
+admiral's to the charming widow, to whom he imparted this unwelcome
+intelligence. She, of course, was grave, and listened to his
+protestations with her little finger in her mouth, and a pensive,
+down-cast eye.
+
+"How long will you be away?" inquired she.
+
+"But a week or ten days at the farthest. I shall fly back to see you
+again."
+
+"But, tell me the truth, have you no acquaintances there?--now, tell me
+the truth. I don't mean men."
+
+"Upon my honour, fair widow, I don't know a single woman there," replied
+Vanslyperken, pleased with this little appearance of jealousy; "but I'm
+afraid that I must leave you, for the admiral is very severe."
+
+"Will you do me one favour, Mr Vanslyperken?"
+
+"Anything:--ask what you will."
+
+"I want this letter forwarded to my brother--I am very anxious about it.
+The French agent there will send it on;--it is enclosed to him. Will you
+do me that favour, my dear sir?--I'm sure you will if----"
+
+"If what?"
+
+"If you love me," replied the widow, laying her hand upon Vanslyperken.
+
+"I will, most certainly," said Vanslyperken, taking the letter and
+putting it in his pocket.
+
+"Then I shall ask you another," said the widow. "You will think me very
+foolish, but there may be an opportunity--will you write to me--just a
+few lines--only to tell me that you have given the letter, that's
+all--and to say how you are--don't you think me very foolish?"
+
+"I will write, dearest, since you wish it--and now, good-bye."
+
+Vanslyperken took the widow round the waist, and after a little
+murmuring and reluctance, was permitted to snatch a kiss. Her eyes
+followed him mournfully till he shut the door and disappeared, and then
+Nancy Corbett gave way to unbounded mirth.
+
+"So the fool has bit already," thought she; "now if he only writes to
+me, and I get his acknowledgment of having delivered the letter, the
+beast is in my power, and I can hang him any day I please. Upon his
+honour, he did not know a single woman there:--Lord have mercy!--what
+liars men are--but we can sometimes beat them with their own weapons."
+And Nancy's thoughts reverted to her former life, which she now dwelt
+upon with pain and sorrow.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken returned on board; the anchor was weighed immediately
+that the boats had been hoisted up, and the _Yungfrau_ ran out with a
+fair wind, which lasted until the evening, when it fell almost calm, and
+the cutter made but little way through the water. Many of the men were
+conversing on the forecastle as usual, and the subject of their
+discourse was the surmising what had become of Corporal Van Spitter. In
+one point they all appeared to agree, which was, that they hoped he
+would never return to the cutter.
+
+"If he does I owe him one," observed Jemmy Ducks. "It's all through him
+that my wife was turned out of the vessel."
+
+"And a little bit from her tongue, Jemmy," observed Coble.
+
+"Why, perhaps so," replied Jemmy; "but what was it set her tongue loose
+but the threat of _him_ to flog me, and what made him threaten that but
+the 'peaching of that fat marine?"
+
+"Very good arguments, Jemmy. Well, I will say that for your wife, Jemmy,
+she does love you, and there's no sham about it."
+
+"Never mind Jemmy's wife, let's have Jemmy's song," said Spurey; "he
+hasn't piped since he was pulled up by the corporal."
+
+"No: he put my pipe out, the hippopotamus. Well, I'll give it you--it
+shall be about what we are talking of, Obadiah." Jemmy perched himself
+on the fore-end of the booms, and sang as follows:
+
+     "I suppose that you think 'cause my trousers are tarry,
+         And because that I ties my long hair in a tail,
+     While landsmen are figged out as fine as Lord Harry,
+         With breast-pins and cravats as white as old sail;
+     That I'm a strange creature, a know-nothing ninny,
+         But fit for the planks for to walk in foul weather;
+     That I ha'n't e'er a notion of the worth of a guinea,
+         And that you, Poll, can twist me about as a feather,--
+             Lord love you!!
+
+     "I know that this life is but short at the best on't,
+        That Time it flies fast, and that work must be done;
+     That when danger comes 'tis as well for to jest on't,
+        'Twill be but the lighter felt when it do come:
+     If you think, then, from this that I an't got a notion
+        Of a heaven above, with its mercy in store,
+     And the devil below, for us lads of the ocean,
+        Just the same as it be for the landsmen on shore,--
+             Lord love you!!
+
+     "If because I don't splice with some true-hearted woman,
+        Who'd doat on my presence, and sob when I sail,
+     But put up with you, Poll, though faithful to no man,
+        With a fist that can strike, and a tongue that can rail;
+     'Tis because I'm not selfish, and know 'tis my duty
+        If I marry to moor by my wife, and not leave her,
+     To dandle the young ones,--watch over her beauty,
+        D'ye think that I'd promise and vow, then deceive her?--
+            Lord love you!!
+
+     "I suppose that you think 'cause I'm free with my money,
+        Which others would hoard and lock up in their chest,
+     All your billing and cooing, and words sweet as honey,
+        Are as gospel to me while you hang on my breast;
+     But no, Polly, no;--you may take every guinea,
+        They'd burn in my pocket, if I took them to sea;
+     But as for your love, Poll, I indeed were a ninny,--
+        D'ye think I don't know you cheat others than me?
+            Lord love you!!"
+
+"Well, that's a good song, Jemmy, and he can't pull you up for that,
+anyhow."
+
+Mr Vanslyperken appeared to think otherwise, for he sent a marine
+forward to say, that no singing would be permitted in future, and that
+they were immediately to desist.
+
+"I suppose we shall have a song considered as mutiny soon," observed
+Coble. "Ah, well, it's a long lane that has no turning."
+
+"Yes," replied Jemmy, in an under tone, "and for every rogue there's a
+rope laid up. Never mind, let us go below."
+
+Mr Vanslyperken's dreaming thoughts of the fair widow were nevertheless
+occasionally interrupted by others not quite so agreeable. Strange to
+say, he fully believed what Smallbones had asserted about his being
+carried out by the tide to the Nab buoy and he canvassed the question in
+his mind, whether there was not something supernatural in the affair, a
+sort of interposition of Providence in behalf of the lad, which was to
+be considered as a warning to himself not to attempt anything further.
+He was frightened, although his feeling for revenge was still in all its
+force. As for any one suspecting him of having attempted the boy's life,
+he had recovered from that feeling; even if they did, who dare say a
+word? There was another point which also engrossed the moody
+Vanslyperken, which was how he should behave relative to the widow
+Vandersloosh. Should he call or should he not? he cared nothing for her,
+and provided he could succeed with the Portsmouth lady, he would pitch
+her to the devil; but still he remembered the old proverb, "You should
+never throw away dirty water before you are sure of clean." After some
+cogitation he determined upon still pressing his suit, and hoped at the
+same time that the widow would not admit him into her presence. Such
+were the different resolves and decisions which occupied the mind of Mr
+Vanslyperken until he dropped his anchor at Amsterdam, when he ordered
+his boat to go on shore, and gave positive directions to Dick Short that
+no one was to leave the cutter on any pretence, for he was determined
+that as the widow would not have his company, she should not have the
+profits arising from his men spending their money at her house.
+
+"So," cried Coble, after the boat shoved off, "liberty's stopped as well
+as singing. What next, I wonder? I sha'n't stand this long."
+
+"No," replied Short.
+
+"Stop till he makes friends with the widow," observed Bill Spurey;
+"she'll get us all leave."
+
+"Mein Gott, he nebber say anyting before," observed Jansen.
+
+"No; we might almost go and come as we wished. We must not stand this."
+
+"We won't," replied Jemmy Ducks.
+
+"No," replied Short.
+
+While the crew of the cutter were in this incipient state of mutiny,
+Vanslyperken bent his steps to deliver up to the authorities the
+despatches with which he was charged; and having so done, he then took
+out the letter intrusted to him by Nancy Corbett and read the address.
+It was the same street in which lived the Frau Vandersloosh. This was
+awkward, as Vanslyperken did not want to be seen by her; but there was
+no help for it. He trusted to her not seeing him, and he proceeded
+thither: he ran down the numbers on the doors until he came to the right
+one, which was exactly opposite to the widow's house:--this was more
+unfortunate. He rang the bell; it was some time before the door was
+opened, and while he was standing there he could not help looking round
+to see if any one saw him. To his annoyance, there stood the widow
+filling up her door with her broad frame, and Babette peeping over her
+shoulder. Mr Vanslyperken, as there was only the canal and two narrow
+roads between them, could do no less than salute her, but she took no
+notice of him farther than by continuing her stare. At last, upon a
+second pulling of the bell, the door opened, and on Mr Vanslyperken
+saying that he had a letter for such an address, he was admitted, and
+the door immediately closed. He was ushered into a room, the
+window-panes of which were painted green, so that no one outside could
+look in, and found himself in the presence of a tall man, in a clerical
+dress, who motioned to him to sit down.
+
+Vanslyperken delivered the letter, and then took a seat. The gentleman
+made a graceful bow, as if to ask permission to break the seal, and then
+opened the letter.
+
+"Sir, I am obliged to you for charging yourself with these
+packets--infinitely obliged to you. You are in command of a sloop here,
+I believe."
+
+"A king's cutter, sir," replied Vanslyperken, with importance; "I am
+Lieutenant Vanslyperken."
+
+"I thank you, sir. I will take down your name. You expect, I presume, to
+be rewarded for this small service," continued the gentleman, with a
+bland smile.
+
+"Why, she must have told him," thought Vanslyperken; who replied with
+another smile, "that he certainly trusted that he should be."
+
+Upon which reply, the other went to an escritoire, and taking out a bag,
+opened it and poured out a mass of gold, which made Vanslyperken's mouth
+water, but why he did so Vanslyperken did not give a thought, until
+having counted out fifty pieces, the gentleman very gracefully put them
+into his hand, observing,
+
+"A lieutenant's pay is not great, and we can afford to be generous. Will
+you oblige me by calling here before you sail for England, and I will
+beg you to take charge of a letter."
+
+Vanslyperken was all amazement: he began to suspect what was the fact,
+but he had the gold in his hand, and for the life of him, he could not
+have laid it down again on the table. It was too great a sacrifice, for
+it was his idol--his god. He therefore dropped it into his pocket, and
+promising to call before he sailed, bowed and took his leave. As he went
+out, there were the Frau Vandersloosh and Babette still watching him at
+the door, but Vanslyperken was in a state of agitation, and he hurried
+off as fast as he could. Had he known why they watched so earnestly, and
+what had occurred, his agitation would have been greater still. As soon
+as Mr Vanslyperken had arrived on board, he hastened down into his
+cabin, and throwing the money down on the table, feasted his eyes with
+it, and remained for nearly half-an-hour in a state of deep cogitation,
+during which he often asked himself the question, whether he had not
+been a traitor to the king and country in whose pay he was employed. The
+answer that he gave to himself was anything but satisfactory: but the
+prospect of possessing the fair Portsmouth widow, and the gold displayed
+upon the table, were very satisfactory, and the balance was on the
+latter side: so Vanslyperken gradually recovered himself, and had risen
+from his chair to collect the gold and deposit it in a place of safety,
+when he was interrupted by a tap at the door. Hastily sweeping off the
+gold pieces, he cried, "Come in;" when who, to his surprise, should
+appear, in excellent condition and fresh as a peony, but the lost and
+almost forgotten Corporal Van Spitter, who, raising his hand to his
+forehead as usual, reported himself man-of-war fashion, "Vas come on
+board, Mynheer Vanslyperken." But as the corporal did not tell all the
+facts connected with his cruise in the jolly-boat to Mr Vanslyperken,
+for reasons which will hereafter appear, we shall reserve the narrative
+of what really did take place for another chapter.
+
+
+
+Chapter XXI
+
+In which are narrated the adventures which took place in the corporal's
+cruise in the jolly-boat.
+
+
+Corporal Van Spitter, so soon as he had expended all his breath in
+shouting for help, sat down with such a flop of despair on the thwart of
+the boat, as very nearly to swamp it. As it was, the water poured in
+over the starboard-gunnel, until the boat was filled up to his ankles.
+This alarmed him still more, and he remained mute as a stockfish for a
+quarter of an hour, during which he was swept away by the tide until he
+was unable to discover the lights on shore. The wind freshened, and the
+water became more rough, the night was dark as pitch, and the corporal
+skimmed along before the wind and tide. "A tousand tyfels!" at last
+muttered the corporal, as the searching blast crept round his fat sides,
+and made him shiver. Gust succeeded gust, and, at last, the corporal's
+teeth chattered with the cold: he raised his feet out of the water at
+the bottom of the boat, for his feet were like ice, but in so doing, the
+weight of his body being above the centre of gravity, the boat careened
+over, and with a "Mein Gott!" he hastily replaced them in the cold
+water. And now a shower of rain and sleet came down upon the unprotected
+body of the corporal, which added to his misery, to his fear, and to
+his despair.
+
+"Where am I?" muttered he; "what will become of me? Ah, mein Gott!
+twenty tousand tyfels--what had I to do in a boat--I, Corporal Van
+Spitter?" and then he was again silent for nearly half an hour. The wind
+shifted to the northward, and the rain cleared up, but it was only to
+make the corporal suffer more, for the freezing blast poured upon his
+wet clothes, and he felt chilled to the very centre of his vitals. His
+whole body trembled convulsively, he was frozen to the thwart, yet there
+was no appearance of daylight coming, and the corporal now abandoned
+himself to utter hopelessness and desperation, and commenced praying. He
+attempted the Lord's Prayer in Dutch, but could get no further than "art
+in heaven," for the rest, from disuse, had quite escaped the corporal's
+memory. He tried to recollect something else, but was equally
+unsuccessful; at last, he made up a sad mixture of swearing and praying.
+
+"Mein Gott--a hundred tousand tyfels--gut Gott--twenty hundred tousand
+tyfels! Ah, Gott of mercy--million of tyfels! holy Gott Jesus! twenty
+millions of tyfels--Gott for dam, I die of cold!" Such were the
+ejaculations of the corporal, allowing about ten minutes to intervene
+between each, during which the wind blew more freshly, the waves rose,
+and the boat was whirled away.
+
+But the corporal's miseries were to be prolonged; the flood-time of
+water was now spent, and the ebb commenced flowing against the wind and
+sea. This created what is called boiling water, that is, a contest
+between the wind forcing the waves one way, and the tide checking them
+the other, which makes the waves to lose their run, and they rise, and
+dance, and bubble into points. The consequence was, that the boat, as
+she was borne down by the tide against them, shipped a sea every moment,
+which the wind threw against the carcass of the corporal, who was now
+quite exhausted with more than four hours' exposure to a wintry night,
+the temperature being nearly down to zero. All the corporal's stoicism
+was gone; he talked wildly, crouched and gibbered in his fear, when he
+was suddenly roused by a heavy shock. He raised his head, which had sunk
+upon his chest, and beheld something close to him, and to the gunnel of
+the boat. It was a thin, tall figure, holding out his two arms at right
+angles, and apparently stooping over him. It was just in the position
+that Smallbones lay on the forecastle of the cutter on that day morning,
+when he was about to keel-haul him, and the corporal, in his state of
+mental and bodily depression, was certain that it was the ghost of the
+poor lad whom he had so often tortured. Terror raised his hair
+erect--his mouth was wide open--he could not speak--he tried to analyse
+it, but a wave dashed in his face--his eyes and mouth were filled with
+salt water, and the corporal threw himself down on the thwarts of the
+boat, quite regardless whether it went to the bottom or not; there he
+lay, half groaning, half praying, with his hands to his eyes, and his
+huge nether proportion raised in the air, every limb trembling with
+blended cold and fright. One hour more, and there would have been
+nothing but corporal parts of Corporal Spitter.
+
+The reason why the last movement of the corporal did not swamp the boat,
+was simply that it was aground on one of the flats; and the figure which
+had alarmed the conscience-stricken corporal, was nothing more than the
+outside beacon of a weir for catching fish, being a thin post with a
+cross bar to it, certainly not unlike Smallbones in figure, supposing
+him to have put his arms in that position.
+
+For upwards of an hour did the corporal lie reversed, when the day
+dawned, and the boat had been left high and dry upon the flat. The
+fishermen came down to examine their weir, and see what was their
+success, when they discovered the boat with its contents. At first they
+could not imagine what it was, for they could perceive nothing but the
+capacious round of the corporal, which rose up in the air, but, by
+degrees, they made out that there was a head and feet attached to it,
+and they contrived, with the united efforts of four men, to raise him
+up, and discovered that life was not yet extinct. They poured a little
+schnappes into his mouth, and he recovered so far as to open his eyes,
+and they having brought down with them two little carts drawn by dogs,
+they put the corporal into one, covered him up, and yoking all the dogs
+to the one cart, for the usual train could not move so heavy a weight,
+two of them escorted him up to their huts, while the others threw the
+fish caught into the cart which remained, and took possession of the
+boat. The fishermen's wives, perceiving the cart so heavily laden,
+imagined, as it approached the huts, that there had been unusual
+success, and were not a little disappointed when they found that instead
+of several bushels of fine fish, they had only caught a corporal of
+marines; but they were kind-hearted, for they had known misery, and Van
+Spitter was put into a bed, and covered up with all the blankets they
+could collect, and very soon was able to drink some warm soup offered to
+him. It was not, however, till long past noon, that the corporal was
+able to narrate what had taken place.
+
+"Will your lieutenant pay us for saving you and bringing him his boat?"
+demanded the men.
+
+Now, it must be observed, that a great revolution had taken place in the
+corporal's feelings since the horror and sufferings of the night. He
+felt hatred towards Vanslyperken, and good-will towards those whom he
+had treated unkindly. The supernatural appearance of Smallbones, in
+which he still believed, and which appeared to him as a warning--what he
+had suffered from cold and exhaustion, which by him was considered as a
+punishment for his treatment of the poor lad but the morning before, had
+changed the heart of Corporal Van Spitter, so he replied in Dutch,
+
+"He will give you nothing, good people, not even a glass of schnappes, I
+tell you candidly--so keep the boat if you wish--I will not say a word
+about it, except that it is lost. He is not likely to see it again.
+Besides, you can alter it, and paint it."
+
+This very generous present of his Majesty's property by the corporal,
+was very agreeable to the fishermen, as it amply repaid them for all
+their trouble. The corporal put on his clothes, and ate a hearty meal,
+was freely supplied with spirits, and went to bed quite recovered. The
+next morning, the fishermen took him down to Amsterdam in their own
+boat, when Van Spitter discovered that the _Yungfrau_ had sailed; this
+was very puzzling, and Corporal Van Spitter did not know what to do.
+After some cogitation, it occurred to him that, for Vanslyperken's sake,
+he might be well received at the Lust Haus by widow Vandersloosh, little
+imagining how much at a discount was his lieutenant in that quarter.
+
+To the Frau Vandersloosh accordingly he repaired, and the first person
+he met was Babette, who finding that the corporal was a Dutchman, and
+belonging to the _Yungfrau_, and who presumed that he had always felt
+the same ill-will towards Vanslyperken and Snarleyyow, as did the rest
+of the ship's company, immediately entered into a narrative of the
+conduct of Snarleyyow on the preceding night, the anger of her mistress,
+and every other circumstance with which the reader is already
+acquainted. Corporal Van Spitter thus fortunately found out how matters
+stood previous to his introduction to the widow. He expatiated upon his
+sufferings, upon the indifference of his lieutenant in sailing as to
+what had become of him, and fully persuaded Babette not only that he was
+inimical, which now certainly he was, but that he always had been so,
+to Mr Vanslyperken. Babette, who was always ready to retail news, went
+up to the widow, and amused her, as she dressed her, with the corporal's
+adventures, and the widow felt an interest in, before she had seen,
+Corporal Van Spitter, from the account of his "moving accidents by flood
+and field."
+
+But if prepossessed in his favour before she saw him, what did she feel
+when she first beheld the substantial proportions of Corporal Van
+Spitter! There she beheld the beau ideal of her imagination--the very
+object of her widow's dreams--the antipodes of Vanslyperken, and as
+superior as "Hyperion to a Satyr." He had all the personal advantages,
+with none of the defects of her late husband; he was quite as fleshy,
+but had at least six inches more in height, and, in the eyes of the
+widow, the Corporal Van Spitter was the finest man she ever had beheld,
+and she mentally exclaimed, "There is the man for my money;" and, at the
+same time, resolved that she would win him. Alas I how short-sighted are
+mortals; little did the corporal imagine that the most untoward event in
+his life would be the cause of his being possessed of ease and
+competence. The widow received him most graciously, spoke in no measured
+terms against Vanslyperken, at which the corporal raised his huge
+shoulders, as much as to say, "He is even worse than you think him," was
+very violent against Snarleyyow, whom the corporal, aware that it was no
+mutiny, made no ceremony in "damning in heaps," as the saying is.
+
+The widow begged that he would feel no uneasiness, as he should remain
+with her till the cutter returned; and an hour after the first
+introduction, Corporal Van Spitter had breakfasted with, and was
+actually sitting, by her request, on the little fubsy sofa, in the very
+place of Vanslyperken, with Frau Vandersloosh by his side.
+
+We must pass over the few days during which the cutter was away. Widows
+have not that maiden modesty to thwart their wishes, which so often
+prevents a true love tale from being told. And all that the widow could
+not tell, Babette, duly instructed, told for her, and it was understood,
+before the cutter's arrival, that Corporal Van Spitter was the accepted
+lover of the Frau Vandersloosh. But still it was necessary that there
+should be secrecy, not only on account of the corporal's being under the
+command of the lieutenant, who, of course, would not allow himself to be
+crossed in his love without resenting it, but also, because it was not
+advisable that the crew of the _Yungfrau_ should not be permitted to
+spend their money at the Lust Haus. It was therefore agreed that the
+lieutenant should be blinded, as to the real nature of the intimacy, and
+that nothing should take place until the cutter was paid off, and
+Corporal Van Spitter should be a gentleman at large.
+
+Independent of the wisdom of the above proceedings, there was a secret
+pleasure to all parties in deceiving the deceiver Vanslyperken. But
+something else occurred which we must now refer to. The corporal's
+residence at the widow's house had not been unobserved by the Jesuit,
+who was the French agent in the house opposite, and it appeared to him,
+after the inquiries he had made, that Corporal Van Spitter might be made
+serviceable. He had been sent for and sounded, and it was canvassed with
+the widow whether he should accept the offers or not, and finally it was
+agreed that he should, as there would be little or no risk. Now, it so
+happened, that the corporal had gone over to the Jesuit's house to agree
+to the proposals, and was actually in the house conversing with him,
+when Vanslyperken arrived and knocked at the door. The corporal
+ascertaining who it was by a small clear spot left in the painted window
+for scrutiny, begged that he might be concealed, and was immediately
+shown into the next room by a door, which was hid behind a screen. The
+Jesuit did not exactly shut the door, as he supposed he did, and the
+corporal, who wondered what could have brought Vanslyperken there, kept
+it ajar during the whole of the interview and the counting out of the
+money. Vanslyperken left, and as he shut the other door the corporal
+did the same with the one he held ajar, and took a seat at the other end
+of the room, that the Jesuit might not suspect his having overheard all
+that had passed.
+
+Now the Jesuit had made up his mind that it was better to treat with the
+principal than with a second, and therefore did not further require the
+services of Corporal Van Spitter. He told him that the lieutenant having
+received private information that one of the people of the cutter had
+been seen at his house, and knowing that he was the French agent, had
+come to inform him that if he attempted to employ any of his men in
+carrying letters, that he would inform against him to the authorities.
+That he was very sorry, but that after such a notice he was afraid that
+the arrangements could not proceed. The corporal appeared to be
+satisfied, and took his final leave. No wonder, therefore, that the
+widow and Babette were on the watch, when they saw Vanslyperken enter
+the house, at the very time the corporal was there also.
+
+The corporal went over to the widow's, and narrated all that he had
+heard and seen.
+
+"Why, the traitor!" exclaimed the widow.
+
+"Yes, mein Gott!" repeated the corporal.
+
+"The villain to sell his country for gold."
+
+"Yes, mein Gott!" repeated the corporal.
+
+"Fifty guineas, did you say, Mynheer Van Spitter?"
+
+"Yes, mein Gott!" repeated the corporal.
+
+"Oh, the wretch!--well," continued the widow, "at all events he is in
+your power."
+
+"Yes, mein Gott!"
+
+"You can hang him any day in the week."
+
+"Yes, mein Gott!"
+
+"Ho, ho! Mr Vanslyperken:--well, well, Mr Vanslyperken, we will see,"
+continued the widow, indignant at the lieutenant receiving so large a
+sum, which would otherwise have been, in all probability, made over to
+Corporal Van Spitter, with whom she now felt that their interests were
+in common.
+
+"Tousand tyfels!" roared the corporal, dashing his foot upon one of the
+flaps of the little table before them with so much force, that it was
+broken short off and fell down on the floor.
+
+"Hundred tousand tyfels!" continued the corporal, when he witnessed the
+effects of his violence.
+
+Although the widow lamented her table, she forgave the corporal with a
+smile; she liked such proofs of strength in her intended, and she,
+moreover, knew that the accident was occasioned by indignation at
+Vanslyperken.
+
+"Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, you'll pay me for that," exclaimed she; "I
+prophesy that before long you and your nasty cur will both swing
+together."
+
+The corporal now walked across the little parlour and back again, then
+turned to the widow Vandersloosh, and with a most expressive look
+slowly muttered,
+
+"Yes, mein Gott!"
+
+After which he sat down again by the side of the widow, and they had a
+short consultation; before it was over, Corporal Van Spitter declared
+himself the deadly enemy of Lieutenant Vanslyperken; swore that he would
+be his ruin, and ratified the oath upon the widow's lips. Alas! what
+changes there are in this world!
+
+After which solemn compact the corporal rose, took his leave, went on
+board, and reported himself, as we have stated in the preceding chapter.
+
+
+
+Chapter XXII
+
+In which Snarleyyow proves to be the devil, and no mistake.
+
+
+That the corporal mystified his lieutenant, may easily be supposed; but
+the corporal had other work to do, and he did it immediately. He went up
+to Jemmy Ducks, who looked daggers at him, and said to him quietly,
+"That he had something to say to him as soon as it was dusk, and they
+would not be seen together." Vanslyperken ordered the corporal to resume
+his office, and serve out the provisions that afternoon: and to the
+astonishment of the men, he gave them not only full, but overweight; and
+instead of abusing them, and being cross, he was good-humoured, and
+joked with them; and all the crew stared at each other, and wondered
+what could be the matter with Corporal Van Spitter. But what was their
+amazement, upon Snarleyyow's coming up to him as he was serving out
+provisions, instead of receiving something from the hand of the corporal
+as usual, he, on the contrary, received a sound kick on the ribs from
+his foot which sent him yelping back into the cabin. Their astonishment
+could only be equalled by that of Snarleyyow himself. But that was not
+all; it appeared as if wonders would never cease, for when Smallbones
+came up to receive his master's provisions, after the others had been
+served and gone away, the corporal not only kindly received him, but
+actually presented him with a stiff glass of grog mixed with the
+corporal's own hand. When he offered it, the lad could not believe his
+eyes, and even when he had poured it down his throat, he would not
+believe his own mouth; and he ran away, leaving his provisions,
+chuckling along the lower deck till he could gain the forecastle, and
+add this astonishing piece of intelligence to the other facts, which
+were already the theme of admiration.
+
+"There be odd chops and changes in this here world, for sartin,"
+observed Coble. (Exactly the same remark as we made at the end of the
+previous chapter.)
+
+"Mayn't it all be gammon?" said Bill Spurey.
+
+"Gammon, for why?" replied Jemmy Ducks.
+
+"That's the question," rejoined Spurey.
+
+"It appears to me that he must have had a touch of conscience," said
+Coble.
+
+"Or else he must have seen a ghost," replied Smallbones.
+
+"I've heard of ghosts ashore, and sometimes on board of a ship, but I
+never heard of a ghost in a jolly-boat," said Coble, spitting under
+the gun.
+
+"'Specially when there were hardly room for the corporal," added Spurey.
+
+"Yes," observed Short.
+
+"Well, we shall know something about it to-night, for the corporal and I
+am to have a palaver."
+
+"Mind he don't circumwent you, Jimmy," said Spurey.
+
+"It's my opinion," said Smallbones, "that he must be in real arnest,
+otherwise he would not ha' come for to go for to give me a glass of
+grog--there's no gammon in that;--and such a real stiff 'un too,"
+continued Smallbones, who licked his lips at the bare remembrance of the
+unusual luxury.
+
+"True," said Short.
+
+"It beats my comprehension altogether out of nothing," observed Spurey.
+"There's something very queer in the wind. I wonder where the corporal
+has been all this while."
+
+"Wait till this evening," observed Jemmy Ducks; and, as this was very
+excellent advice, it was taken, and the parties separated.
+
+In the despatches it had been requested, as important negotiations were
+going on, that the cutter might return immediately, as there were other
+communications to make to the States General on the part of the King of
+England; and a messenger now informed Vanslyperken that he might sail as
+soon as he pleased, as there was no reply to the despatches he had
+conveyed. This was very agreeable to Vanslyperken, who was anxious to
+return to the fair widow at Portsmouth, and also to avoid the Frau
+Vandersloosh. At dusk, he manned his boat and went on shore to the
+French agent, who had also found out that the cutter was ordered to
+return, and had his despatches nearly ready. Vanslyperken waited about
+an hour; when all was complete he received them, and then returned
+on board.
+
+As soon as he had quitted the vessel, Corporal Van Spitter went to
+Jemmy Ducks, and without letting him know how matters stood on shore,
+told him that he was convinced that Vanslyperken had sent him into the
+boat on purpose to lose him, and that the reason was, that he, Van
+Spitter, knew secrets which would at any time hang the lieutenant. That
+in consequence he had determined upon revenge, and in future would be
+heart and hand with the ship's company, but that to secure their mutual
+object, it would be better that he should appear devoted to Vanslyperken
+as before, and at variance with the ship's company.
+
+Now Jemmy, who was with all his wits at work, knew that it was
+Smallbones who cut the corporal adrift; but that did not alter the case,
+as the corporal did not know it. It was therefore advisable to leave him
+in that error. But he required proofs of the corporal's sincerity, and
+he told him so.
+
+"Mein Gott! what proof will you have? De proof of de pudding is in de
+eating."
+
+"Well, then," replied Jemmy, "will you shy the dog overboard?"
+
+"Te tog?--in one minute--and de master after him."
+
+Whereupon Corporal Van Spitter went down into the cabin, which
+Vanslyperken, trusting to his surveillance, had left unlocked, and
+seizing the cur by the neck, carried him on deck, and hurled him several
+yards over the cutter's quarter.
+
+"Mein Gott! but dat is well done," observed Jansen.
+
+"And he'll not come back wid de tide. I know de tide, Mein Gott!"
+observed the corporal, panting with the exertion.
+
+But here the corporal was mistaken. Snarleyyow did not make for the
+vessel, but for the shore, and they could not in the dark ascertain what
+became of him, neither was the tide strong, for the flood was nearly
+over; the consequence was, that the dog gained the shore, and landed at
+the same stairs where the boats land. The men were not in the boat, but
+waiting at a beer-shop a little above, which Vanslyperken must pass when
+he came down again. Recognising the boat, the cur leapt into it, and
+after a good shaking under the thwarts, crept forward to where the men
+had thrown their pea-jackets under the bow-sheets, curled himself up,
+and went to sleep.
+
+Shortly afterwards the lieutenant came down with the men, and rowed on
+board but the dog, which, exhausted with his exertion, was very
+comfortable where he was, did not come out, but remained in his
+snug berth.
+
+The lieutenant and men left the boat when they arrived on board, without
+discovering that the dog was a passenger. About ten minutes after the
+lieutenant had come on board, Snarleyyow jumped on deck, but, as all the
+men were forward in close consultation, and in anticipation of Mr
+Vanslyperken's discovery of his loss, the dog gained the cabin,
+unperceived not only by the ship's company, but by Vanslyperken, who was
+busy locking up the letters entrusted to him by the French agent.
+Snarleyyow took his station under the table, and lay down to finish his
+nap, where we must leave him for the present in a sound sleep, and his
+snoring very soon reminded Vanslyperken of what he had, for a short time
+unheeded, that his favourite was present.
+
+"Well, it's very odd," observed Spurey, "that he has been on board
+nearly half-an-hour, and not discovered that his dog is absent
+without leave."
+
+"Yes," said Short.
+
+"I know for why, mein Gott!" exclaimed the corporal, who shook his head
+very knowingly.
+
+"The corporal knows why," observed Jemmy Ducks.
+
+"Then why don't he say why?" retorted Bill Spurey, who was still a
+little suspicious of the corporal's fidelity.
+
+"Because Mynheer Vanslyperken count his money de guineas," replied the
+corporal, writhing at the idea of what he had lost by his superior's
+interference.
+
+"Ho, ho! his money, well, that's a good reason, for he would skin a
+flint if he could," observed Coble; "but that can't last for ever."
+
+"That depends how often he may count it over," observed Jemmy
+Ducks--"but there's his bell;" and soon after Corporal Van Spitter's
+name was passed along the decks, to summon him into the presence of his
+commanding officer.
+
+"Now for a breeze," said Coble, hitching up his trousers.
+
+"Yes," replied Short.
+
+"For a regular _shindy_," observed Spurey.
+
+"Hell to pay and no pitch hot," added Jemmy, laughing; and they all
+remained in anxious expectation of the corporal's return.
+
+Corporal Van Spitter had entered the cabin with the air of the
+profoundest devotion and respect--had raised his hand up as usual, but
+before the hand had arrived to its destination, he beheld Vanslyperken
+seated on the locker, patting the head of Snarleyyow, as if nothing had
+happened. At this unexpected resuscitation, the corporal uttered a
+tremendous "Mein Gott!" and burst like a mad bull out of the cabin,
+sweeping down all who obstructed his passage on the lower deck, till he
+arrived to the fore-ladder, which he climbed up with tottering knees,
+and then sank down on the forecastle at the feet of Jemmy Ducks.
+
+"Mein Gott, mein Gott, mein Gott!" exclaimed the corporal, putting his
+hands to his eyes as if to shut out the horrid vision.
+
+"What the devil is the matter?" exclaimed Coble.
+
+"Ah! mein Gott, mein Gott!"
+
+As it was evident that something uncommon had happened, they all now
+crowded round the corporal, who, by degrees, recovered himself.
+
+"What is it, corporal?" inquired Jemmy Ducks.
+
+Before the corporal could reply, Smallbones, who had been summoned to
+the cabin on account of the corporal's unaccountable exit, sprang up the
+ladder with one bound, his hair flying in every direction, his eyes
+goggling, and his mouth wide open: lifting his hands over his head, and
+pausing as if for breath, the lad exclaimed with a solemn sepulchral
+voice, "By all the devils in hell he's come again!"
+
+"Who?" exclaimed several voices at once.
+
+"Snarleyyow," replied Smallbones, mournfully.
+
+"Yes--mein Gott!" exclaimed Corporal Van Spitter, attempting to rise on
+his legs.
+
+"Whew!" whistled Jemmy Ducks--but nobody else uttered a sound; they all
+looked at one another, some with compressed lips, others with mouths
+open. At last one shook his head--then another. The corporal rose on his
+feet and shook himself like an elephant.
+
+"Dat tog is de tyfel's imp, and dat's de end on it," said he, with alarm
+still painted on his countenance.
+
+"And is he really on board again?" inquired Coble, doubtingly.
+
+"As sartin as I stands on this here forecastle--a-kissing and slobbering
+the lieutenant for all the world like a Christian," replied Smallbones,
+despondingly.
+
+"Then he flare fire on me wid his one eye," said the corporal.
+
+"Warn't even wet," continued Smallbones.
+
+Here there was another summons for Corporal Van Spitter.
+
+"Mein Gott, I will not go," exclaimed the corporal.
+
+"Yes, yes, go, corporal," replied Smallbones; "it's the best way to face
+the devil."
+
+"Damn the devil!--and that's not swearing," exclaimed Short--such a long
+sentence out of his mouth was added to the marvels of the night--some
+even shrugged up their shoulders at that, as if it also were
+supernatural.
+
+"I always say so," said Jansen, "I always say so--no tog, no tog, after
+all."
+
+"No, no," replied Coble, shaking his head.
+
+Corporal Van Spitter was again summoned, but the corporal was restive as
+a rhinoceros.
+
+"Corporal," said Smallbones, who, since the glass of grog, was his
+sincere ally, and had quite forgotten and forgiven his treatment, "go
+down and see if you can't worm the truth out of him."
+
+"Ay, do, do!" exclaimed the rest.
+
+"Smallbones--Smallbones--wanted aft," was the next summons.
+
+"And here I go," exclaimed Smallbones. "I defy the devil and all his
+works--as we said on Sunday at the workhouse."
+
+"That lad's a prime bit of stuff," observed Spurey, "I will say that."
+
+"Yes," replied Short.
+
+In a few seconds Smallbones came hastily up the ladder.
+
+"Corporal, you must go to the cabin directly. He is in a devil of a
+rage--asked me why you wouldn't come--told him that you had seen
+something dreadful--didn't know what. Tell him you saw the devil at his
+elbow--see if it frightens him."
+
+"Yes, do," exclaimed the others.
+
+Corporal Van Spitter made up his mind; he pulled down the skirts of his
+jacket, descended the ladder, and walked aft into the cabin. At the
+sight of Snarleyyow the corporal turned pale--at the sight of the
+corporal, Mr Vanslyperken turned red.
+
+"What's the meaning of all this?" exclaimed Vanslyperken, in a rage.
+"What is all this about, corporal? Explain your conduct, sir. What made
+you rush out of the cabin in that strange manner?"
+
+"Mein Gott, Mynheer Vanslyperken, I came for orders but I no come keep
+company wid de tyfel."
+
+"With the devil!--what do you mean?" exclaimed Vanslyperken, alarmed.
+The corporal, perceiving that the lieutenant was frightened, then
+entered into a detail, that when he had entered the cabin he had seen
+the devil sitting behind Mr Vanslyperken, looking over his shoulder, and
+grinning with his great eyes, while he patted him over the back with
+his left hand and fondled the dog with his right.
+
+This invention of the corporal's, "whom Mr Vanslyperken considered as a
+stanch friend and incapable of treachery, had a great effect upon Mr
+Vanslyperken. It immediately rushed into his mind that he had attempted
+murder but a few days before, and that, that very day he had been a
+traitor to his country--quite sufficient for the devil to claim him
+as his own.
+
+"Corporal Van Spitter," exclaimed Vanslyperken with a look of horror,
+"are you really in earnest, or are you not in your senses--you
+really saw him?"
+
+"As true as I stand here," replied the corporal, who perceived his
+advantage.
+
+"Then the Lord be merciful to me a sinner!" exclaimed Vanslyperken,
+falling on his knees, at the moment forgetting the presence of the
+corporal, and then recollecting himself, he jumped up--"It is false,
+Corporal Van Spitter; false as you are yourself--confess," continued the
+lieutenant, seizing the corporal by the collar, "confess, that it is
+all a lie."
+
+"A lie," exclaimed the corporal, who now lost his courage, "a lie,
+Mynheer Vanslyperken! If it was not the tyfel himself it was one of his
+imps, I take my Bible oath."
+
+"One of his imps," exclaimed Vanslyperken; "it's a lie--an infamous lie,
+confess," continued he, shaking the corporal by the collar--"confess
+the truth."
+
+At this moment Snarleyyow considered that he had a right to be a party
+in the fray, so he bounded forward at the corporal, who, terrified at
+the supernatural beast, broke from Vanslyperken's grasp, and rushed out
+of the cabin, followed, however, the whole length of the lower deck by
+the dog, who snapped and bayed at him till he had gained the
+fore ladder.
+
+Once more did the corporal make his appearance on the forecastle,
+frightened and out of breath.
+
+"Mein Gott! de man is mad," exclaimed he, "and de tog is de tyfel
+himself." The corporal then narrated in broken English what had passed.
+For some time there was a confused whispering among the men; they
+considered the dog's reappearance on this occasion even more wonderful
+than on the former, for the men declared positively that he never came
+off in the boat, which, had he done, would have unravelled the whole
+mystery; and that a dog thrown overboard, and swept away by the tide
+should be discovered shortly after perfectly dry and comfortable, not
+only on board of the cutter, which he could not have got on board of,
+but also in his master's cabin, which he could not get into without
+being seen, proved at once that the animal was supernatural. No one was
+now hardy enough to deny it, and no one appeared to have the least idea
+of how to proceed except Smallbones, who, as we have shown, was as full
+of energy as he was deficient in fat. On all occasions of this kind the
+bravest becomes the best man and takes the lead, and Smallbones, who
+appeared more collected and less alarmed than the others, was now
+listened to with attention, and the crowd collected round him.
+
+"I don't care for him or for his dog either," exclaimed Smallbones, with
+a drawling intrepid tone; "that dog I'll settle the hash of some way or
+the other, if it be the devil's own cousin. I'll not come for to go to
+leave off now, that's sartain, as I am Peter Smallbones--I'se got
+a plan."
+
+"Let's hear Smallbones,--let's hear Smallbones!" exclaimed some of the
+men. Whereupon they all collected round the lad, who addressed the crew
+as follows. His audience, at first, crowded up close to him, but
+Smallbones, who could not talk without his arms, which were about as
+long and thin as a Pongo's are in proportion to his body, flapped and
+flapped as he discoursed, until he had cleared a little ring, and when
+in the height of his energy he threw them about like the arms of a
+windmill, every one kept at a respectable distance.
+
+"Well, now, I considers this, if so be as how the dog be a devil, and
+not a dog, I sees no reason for to come for to go for to be afraid; for
+ar'n't we all true Christians, and don't we all fear God and honour the
+king? I sartainly myself does consider that that ere dog could not a
+have cummed into this here vessel by any manner of means natural not by
+no means, 'cause it's very clear, that a dog if he be as he be a dog,
+can't do no more than other dogs can; and if he can do more than heither
+dog or man can, then he must be the devil, and not a dog--and so he
+is--that's sartain. But if so be as he is the devil, I say again, I
+don't care, 'cause I sees exactly how it is,--he be a devil, but he be
+only a sea-devil and not a shore-devil, and I'll tell you for why.
+Didn't he come on board some how no how in a gale of wind when he was
+called for? Didn't I sew him up in a bread-bag, and didn't he come back
+just as nothing had happened; and didn't the corporal launch him into a
+surge over the taffrail, and he comes back just as if nothing had
+happened? Well, then, one thing is clear; that his power be on the
+water, and no water will drown that ere imp, so it's no use trying no
+more in that way, for he be a sea-devil. But I thinks this: he goes on
+shore and he comes back with one of his impish eyes knocked out clean by
+somebody or another somehow or another, and, therefore, I argues that he
+have no power on shore not by no means; for if you can knock his eye
+out, you can knock his soul out of his body, by only knocking a little
+more to the purpose. Who ever heard of any one knocking out the devil's
+eye, or injuring him in any way?--No; because he have power by sea and
+by land: but this here be only a water-devil, and he may be killed on
+dry land. Now, that's just my opinion, and as soon as I gets him on
+shore, I means to try what I can do. I don't fear him, nor his master,
+nor anything else, 'cause I'm a Christian, and was baptised Peter; and I
+tells you all, that be he a dog, or be he a devil, I'll have a shy at
+him as soon as I can, and if I don't, I hope I may be d--d, that's all."
+
+Such was the oration of Smallbones, which was remarkably well received.
+Everyone agreed with the soundness of his arguments, and admired his
+resolution, and as he had comprised in his speech all that could be said
+upon the subject, they broke up the conference, and everyone went down
+to his hammock.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXIII
+
+In which Mr Vanslyperken finds great cause of vexation and satisfaction.
+
+
+In the meanwhile Mr Vanslyperken was anything but comfortable in his
+mind. That Corporal Van Spitter should assert that he saw the devil at
+his shoulder, was a matter of no small annoyance any way; for either the
+devil was at his shoulder or he was not. If he was, why then it was
+evident that in consequence of his having attempted murder, and having
+betrayed his country for money, the devil considered him as his own, and
+this Mr Vanslyperken did not approve of; for, like many others in this
+world, he wished to commit every crime, and go to heaven after all. Mr
+Vanslyperken was superstitious and cowardly, and he did believe that
+such a thing was possible; and when he canvassed it in his mind, he
+trembled, and looked over his shoulder.
+
+But Corporal Van Spitter might have asserted it only to frighten him. It
+was possible--but here again was a difficulty: the corporal had been his
+faithful confidant for so long a while, and to suppose this, would be to
+suppose that the corporal was a traitor to him, and that, upon no
+grounds which Vanslyperken could conjecture, he had turned false: this
+was impossible--Mr Vanslyperken would not credit it; so there he stuck,
+like a man between the horns of a dilemma, not knowing what to do; for
+Mr Vanslyperken resolved, had the devil really been there, to have
+repented immediately, and have led a new life; but if the devil had not
+been there, Mr Vanslyperken did not perceive any cause for such an
+immediate hurry.
+
+At last, an idea presented itself to Mr Vanslyperken's mind, which
+afforded him great comfort, which was, that the corporal had suffered so
+much from his boat adventures--for the corporal had made the most of his
+sufferings--that he was a little affected in his mind, and had thought
+that he had seen something. "It must have been so," said Mr
+Vanslyperken, who fortified the idea with a glass of scheedam, and then
+went to bed.
+
+Now, it so happened, that at the very time that Mr Vanslyperken was
+arguing all this in his brain, Corporal Van Spitter was also cogitating
+how he should get out of his scrape; for the Corporal, although not very
+bright, had much of the cunning of little minds, and he felt the
+necessity of lulling the suspicions of the lieutenant. To conceal his
+astonishment and fear at the appearance of the dog, he had libelled Mr
+Vanslyperken, who would not easily forgive, and it was the corporal's
+interest to continue on the best terms with, and enjoy the confidence of
+his superior. How was this to be got over? It took the whole of the
+first watch, and two-thirds of the middle, before the corporal, who lay
+in his hammock, could hit upon any plan. At last he thought he had
+succeeded. At daybreak, Corporal Van Spitter entered the cabin of Mr
+Vanslyperken, who very coolly desired him to tell Short to get all ready
+for weighing at six o'clock.
+
+"If you please, Mynheer Vanslyperken, you think me mad last night 'cause
+I see de tyfel at your shoulder. Mynheer Vanslyperken, I see him twice
+again this night on lower deck. Mein Gott! Mynheer Vanslyperken, I
+say twice."
+
+"Saw him again twice!" replied the lieutenant.
+
+"Yes, Mynheer Vanslyperken, I see twice again--I see him very often
+since I drift in de boat. First, I see him when in de boat--since that I
+see him one time, two times, in de night."
+
+"It's just as I thought," said Mr Vanslyperken, "he has never got over
+his alarm of that night.--Very well, Corporal Van Spitter, it's of no
+consequence. I was very angry with you last night, because I thought you
+were taking great liberties; but I see now how it is, you must keep
+yourself quiet, and as soon as we arrive at Portsmouth, you had better
+lose a little blood."
+
+"How much, Mynheer Vanslyperken, do you wish I should lose?" replied the
+corporal, with his military salute.
+
+"About eight ounces, corporal."
+
+"Yes, sir," replied the corporal, turning on his pivot, and marching out
+of the cabin.
+
+This was a peculiarly satisfactory interview to both parties. Mr
+Vanslyperken was overjoyed at the corporal's explanation, and the
+corporal was equally delighted at having so easily gulled his superior.
+
+The cutter weighed that morning, and sailed for Portsmouth. We shall
+pass over the passage without any further remarks than that the corporal
+was reinstated into Mr Vanslyperken's good graces--that he appeared as
+usual to be harsh with the ship's company, and to oppress Smallbones
+more than ever; but this was at the particular request of the lad, who
+played his own part to admiration--that Mr Vanslyperken again brought
+up the question of flogging Jemmy Ducks, but was prevented by the
+corporal's expressing his fears of a mutiny--and had also some secret
+conference with the corporal as to his desire of vengeance upon
+Smallbones, to which Van Spitter gave a ready ear, and appeared to be
+equally willing with the lieutenant to bring it about. Things were in
+this state when the cutter arrived at Portsmouth, and, as usual, ran
+into the harbour. It may be supposed that Mr Vanslyperken was in all
+haste to go on shore to pay his visit to his charming widow, but still
+there was one thing to be done first, which was to report himself to
+the admiral.
+
+On his arrival at the admiral's, much to his dissatisfaction, he was
+informed that he must hold himself ready for sailing immediately, as
+despatches for the Hague were expected down on the next morning. This
+would give but a short time to pay his addresses, and he therefore made
+all haste to the widow's presence, and was most graciously received. She
+almost flew into his arms, upbraided him for being so long away, for not
+having written to her, and showed such marks of strong attachment, that
+Vanslyperken was in ecstasies. When he told her that he expected to sail
+again immediately, she put her handkerchief up to her eyes, and
+appeared, to Vanslyperken at least, to shed a few bitter tears. As soon
+as she was a little more composed, Vanslyperken produced the packet with
+which he was entrusted, which she opened, and took out two letters, one
+for herself, and the other addressed to a certain person in a house in
+another street.
+
+"This," said the widow, "you must deliver yourself--it is of
+consequence. I would deliver it, but if I do, I shall not be able to
+look after my little arrangements for dinner, for you dine with me of
+course. Besides, you must be acquainted with this person one time or
+another, as it will be for OUR advantage."
+
+"OUR advantage!" how delightful to Mr Vanslyperken was that word! He
+jumped up immediately, and took his hat to execute the commission, the
+injunction of the widow to be soon back hastening his departure.
+Vanslyperken soon arrived at the door, knocked, and was admitted.
+
+"Vat vash you vant, sare?" said a venerable looking old Jew, who opened
+the door to him.
+
+"Is your name Lazarus?" inquired the lieutenant.
+
+"Dat vash my name."
+
+"I have a letter for you."
+
+"A letter for me!--and from vare?"
+
+"Amsterdam."
+
+"Shee! silence," said the Jew, leading the way into a small room, and
+shutting the door.
+
+Vanslyperken delivered the letter, which the Jew did not open, but laid
+on the table. "It vas from my worthy friend in Billen Shaaten. He
+ist veil?"
+
+"Quite well," replied Vanslyperken.
+
+"Ven do you sail again, mynheer?"
+
+"To-morrow morning."
+
+"Dat is good. I have the letters all ready; dey come down yesterday--vil
+you vait and take them now?"
+
+"Yes," replied Vanslyperken, who anticipated another rouleau of gold on
+his arrival at Amsterdam.
+
+"An den I will give you your monish at de same time."
+
+More money, thought Vanslyperken, who replied then, "With all my heart,"
+and took a chair.
+
+The Jew left the room, and soon returned with a small yellow bag, which
+he put into Vanslyperken's hand, and a large packet carefully sealed.
+"Dis vas of de hutmost importance," said the old man, giving him the
+packet. "You will find you monish all right, and now vas please just put
+your name here, for I vas responsible for all de account;" and the Jew
+laid down a receipt for Vanslyperken to sign. Vanslyperken read it over.
+It was an acknowledgment for the sum of fifty guineas, but not
+specifying for what service. He did not much like to sign it, but how
+could he refuse? Besides, as the Jew said, it was only to prove that the
+money was paid; nevertheless he objected.
+
+"Vy vill you not sign? I must not lose my monish, and I shall lose it if
+you do not sign. Vat you fear--you not fear that we peach; ven peoples
+pay so high, they not pay for noting. We all sall hang togeder if de
+affair be found."
+
+Hang together! thought Vanslyperken, whose fears were roused, and he
+turned pale.
+
+"You are vell paid for your shervices--you vas vell paid at doder side
+of de vater, and you are now von of us. You cannot go back, or your life
+vill be forfeit, I can assure you--you vill sign if you please--and you
+vill not leave dis house, until you do sign," continued the Jew. "You
+vill not take our monish and den give de information, and hang us all.
+You vill sign, if you please, sare."
+
+There was a steadiness of countenance and a firmness in the tone of the
+old man, which told Vanslyperken that he was not to be trifled with, and
+assured him that he must have help at hand if requisite. If left to
+himself, the Jew would have been easily mastered by the lieutenant, but
+that such was not the case, was soon proved, by the old man ringing a
+small silver bell on the table, and shortly afterwards there was a
+rustling and noise, as if of several persons, heard in the passage.
+Vanslyperken now perceived that he was entrapped, and he also felt that
+it was too late to retreat. Actuated by his fear of violence on the one
+hand, and his love of gold on the other, he consented to sign the
+voucher required. As soon as this was done, the old Jew was all
+civility. He took the paper, and locked it up in a large cabinet, and
+then observed,
+
+"It is for your own shafety, sare lieutenant, dat we are obliged to do
+dis. You have noting to fear--we are too much in want of good friends
+like you, to lose them, but we must be safe and shure; now you are von
+of us--you cannot tell but we can tell too--we profit togeder, and I
+vill hope dat we do run no risk to be hang togeder. Fader Abraham! we
+must not think of that, but of de good cause, and of de monish. I am a
+Jew, and I care not whether de Papist or de Protestant have de best of
+it--but I call it all de good cause, because every cause is good which
+brings de monish."
+
+So thought Vanslyperken, who was in heart a Jew.
+
+"And now, sare, you vill please to take great care of de packet, and
+deliver it to our friend at Amsterdam, and you vill of course come to me
+ven you return here."
+
+Vanslyperken took his leave, with the packet in his pocket, not very
+well pleased; but as he put the packet in, he felt the yellow bag, and
+that to a certain degree consoled him. The old Jew escorted him to the
+door, with his little keen gray eyes fixed upon him, and Vanslyperken
+quailed before it, and was glad when he was once more in the street. He
+hastened back to the widow's house, full of thought--he certainly had
+never intended to have so committed himself as he had done, or to have
+positively enrolled himself among the partisans of the exiled king; but
+the money had entrapped him--he had twice taken their wages, and he had
+now been obliged to give them security for his fidelity, by enabling
+them to prove his guilt whenever they pleased. All this made Mr
+Vanslyperken rather melancholy--but his meditations were put an end to
+by his arrival in the presence of the charming widow. She asked him what
+had passed, and he narrated it, but with a little variation, for he
+would not tell that he had signed through a fear of violence, but, at
+the same time, he observed, that he did not much like signing a receipt.
+
+"But that is necessary," replied she; "and besides, why not? I know you
+are on our side, and you will prove most valuable to us. Indeed, I
+believe it was your readiness to meet my wishes that made me so fond of
+you, for I am devotedly attached to the rightful king, and I never would
+marry any man who would not risk life and soul for him, as you have
+done now."
+
+The expression "life and soul," made Vanslyperken shudder, and his flesh
+crept all over his body.
+
+"Besides," continued the widow, "it will be no small help to us, for the
+remuneration is very great."
+
+"To us!" thought Vanslyperken, who now thought it right to press his
+suit. He was listened to attentively, and at last he proposed an early
+day for the union. The widow blushed, and turned her head away, and at
+last replied, with a sweet smile, "Well, Mr Vanslyperken, I will neither
+tease you nor myself--when you come back from your next trip, I consent
+to be yours."
+
+What was Vanslyperken's delight and exultation! He threw himself on his
+knees, promised, and vowed, and thanked, kissed hands, and was in such
+ecstasies! He could hardly imagine that his good fortune was real. A
+beautiful widow with a handsome fortune--how could he ever have thought
+of throwing himself away upon such a bunch of deformity as the Frau
+Vandersloosh? Poor Mr Vanslyperken! Dinner put an end to his
+protestations. He fared sumptuously, and drank freely to please the
+widow. He drank death to the usurper, and restoration to the King James.
+What a delightful evening! The widow was so amiable, so gentle, so
+yielding, so, so, so--what with wine and love, and fifty guineas in his
+pocket, Mr Vanslyperken was so overcome with his feelings, that at last
+he felt but so so. After a hundred times returning to kiss her dear,
+dear hand, and at last sealing the contract on her lips, Mr Vanslyperken
+departed, full of wine and hope--two very good things to lay in a
+stock of.
+
+But there was something doing on board during Mr Vanslyperken's absence.
+Notwithstanding Mr Vanslyperken having ordered Moggy out of the cutter,
+she had taken the opportunity of his being away to go on board to her
+dear, darling Jemmy. Dick Short did not prevent her coming on board, and
+he was commanding officer, so Moggy once more had her husband in her
+arms; but the fond pair soon retired to a quiet corner, where they had a
+long and serious conversation; so long, and so important, it would
+appear, that they did not break off until Mr Vanslyperken came on board,
+just before dark. His quick eye soon perceived that there was a
+petticoat at the taffrail, where they retired that they might not be
+overheard, and he angrily inquired who it was, his wrath was not
+appeased when he heard that it was Salisbury's wife, and he ordered her
+immediately to be put on shore, and sent for Corporal Van Spitter in his
+cabin, to know why she was on board. The corporal replied, "That Mr
+Short had let her in; that he had wished to speak on the subject, but
+that Mr Short would not speak," and then entertained his superior with a
+long account of mutinous expressions on the lower deck, and threats of
+doing him (Mr Vanslyperken) a mischief. This conversation was
+interrupted by a messenger coming on board with the despatches, and an
+order to sail at daylight, and return immediately without waiting for
+any answers.
+
+The reader may wish to know the subject of the long conversation between
+Jemmy Ducks and his wife. It involved the following question. Moggy had
+become very useful to Nancy Corbett, and Nancy, whose services were
+required at the cave, and could not well be dispensed with, had long
+been anxious to find some one, who, with the same general knowledge of
+parties, and the same discrimination, could be employed in her stead. In
+Moggy she had found the person required, but Moggy would not consent
+without her husband was of the same party, and here lay the difficulty.
+Nancy had had a reply, which was satisfactory, from Sir Robert Barclay,
+so far as this. He required one or two more men, and they must be
+trustworthy, and able to perform the duty in the boats. Jemmy was not
+very great at pulling, for his arms were too short as well as his legs,
+but he was a capital steersman. All this had been explained to Nancy,
+who at last consented to Jemmy being added to the crew of the smuggler,
+and Moggy had gone off to the cutter to persuade Jemmy to desert, and to
+join the smugglers.
+
+Now, as to joining the smugglers, Jemmy had not the least objection: he
+was tired of the cutter, and being separated from his wife had been to
+him a source of great discontent; but, as Jemmy very truly observed, "If
+I desert from the vessel, and am ever seen again, I am certain to be
+known, and taken up; therefore I will not desert, I will wait till I am
+paid off, unless you can procure my discharge by means of your friends."
+Such had been the result of the colloquy, when interrupted by the
+arrival of Vanslyperken, and the case thus stood, when, on the next
+morning, at daylight, the cutter weighed, and steered her course for
+the Texel.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXIV
+
+In which Mr Vanslyperken has nothing but trouble from the beginning to
+the end.
+
+
+So soon as the cutter had sailed, Moggy hastened to the pretended widow
+to report the answer of her husband. Nancy considered that there was
+much sound judgment in what Jemmy had said, and immediately repaired to
+the house of the Jew, Lazarus, to whom she communicated her wishes. At
+that time, there were many people high in office who secretly favoured
+King James, and the links of communication between such humble
+individuals as we are treating of, with those in power, although
+distant, were perfect.
+
+In a few days, an order came down for the discharge of James Salisbury
+from the cutter _Yungfrau_, and the letter the same day was put into the
+hands of the delighted Moggy.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken made his short passage to the Zuyder Zee, and anchored
+as usual; and when he had anchored, he proceeded to go on shore.
+Previously, however, to his stepping into the boat, the ship's company
+came aft, with Jemmy at their head, to know whether they might have
+leave on shore, as they were not very well pleased at their liberty
+having been stopped at Portsmouth.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken very politely told them that he would see them all at
+the devil first, and then stepped into his boat; he at once proceeded to
+the house of the Jesuit, and this time, much to his satisfaction,
+without having been perceived, as he thought, by the widow Vandersloosh
+and Babette, who did not appear at the door. Having delivered his
+despatches, and received his customary fee, Mr Vanslyperken mentioned
+the difficulty of his coming to the house, as he was watched by some
+people opposite, and inquired if he could have the letters sent under
+cover to himself by some trusty hand, mentioning the ill-will of the
+parties in question. To this the Jesuit consented, and Vanslyperken took
+his leave; but on leaving the house he was again annoyed by the broad
+form of the widow, with Babette, as usual, at her shoulder, with their
+eyes fixed upon him. Without attempting a recognition, for Vanslyperken
+cared little for the opinion of the Frau Vandersloosh, now that he was
+accepted by the fair widow of Portsmouth, Mr Vanslyperken walked
+quietly away.
+
+"Ah, very well, Mr Vanslyperken--very well," exclaimed the Frau
+Vandersloosh, as he pursued his way at a rapid rate; "very well, Mr
+Vanslyperken--we shall see--three times have you entered those doors,
+and with a fifty guineas in your pocket, I'll be bound, every time that
+you have walked out of them. Treason is paid high, but the traitor
+sometimes hangs higher still. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, we shall
+see--we are evidence, Mr Vanslyperken--and I'll not be married before I
+see you well hanged, Mr Vanslyperken. Deary me, Babette," exclaimed the
+widow, altering her tone, "I wonder how the corporal is: poor dear man,
+to be ruled by such a traitorous atomy as he."
+
+"Perhaps he will come ashore, madam," replied Babette.
+
+"No, no, he will never let him; but, as you say, perhaps he may. Put
+half a dozen bottles of the best beer to the stove--not too near,
+Babette--he is fond of my beer, and it does one's heart good to see him
+drink it, Babette. And, Babette, I'll just go up and put on something a
+little tidier. I think he will come--I know he will if he can."
+
+We must leave the widow to decorate her person, and follow Vanslyperken
+down to the boat, and on board. On his arrival, he went down into the
+cabin to lock up his money. When Corporal Van Spitter went to the
+cabin-door, the corporal heard the clanking of the pieces as
+Vanslyperken counted them, and his bile was raised at the idea of
+Vanslyperken possessing that which should have been his own. The
+corporal waited a little, and then knocked. Vanslyperken put away the
+rest of his money, shut the drawer, and told him to come in.
+
+The corporal saluted, and made a request to be allowed to go on shore
+for an hour or two.
+
+"Go on shore! _you_ go on shore, corporal? why you never asked to go on
+shore before," replied the suspicious Vanslyperken.
+
+"If you please, sir," replied the corporal, "I wish to pay de people
+who gave me de board and de lodging ven I vas last on shore."
+
+"Ah, very true, I forgot that, corporal. Well, then, you may go on
+shore; but do not stop long, for the people are much inclined to mutiny,
+and I cannot do without you."
+
+The corporal quitted the cabin and was put on shore by two of the men in
+the small boat. He hastened up to the widow's house, and was received
+with open arms. Seated on the squab sofa, with a bottle of beer on the
+table, and five others all ready at the stove, the widow's smiles
+beaming on him, who could be more happy than the Corporal Van Spitter?
+The blinds were up at the windows, the front door fast to prevent
+intrusion, and then the widow and he entered into a long colloquy,
+interrupted occasionally by little amorous dallyings, which reminded you
+of the wooings of a male and female elephant.
+
+We shall give the substance of the conversation. The widow expressed her
+indignation against Vanslyperken, and her resolution not to be married
+until he was hanged. The corporal immediately became an interested
+party, and vowed that he would assist all in his power. He narrated all
+that had passed since he had left the widow's, and the supernatural
+appearance of the dog after he had thrown it overboard. He then pointed
+out that it was necessary that Vanslyperken should not only be blinded
+as to the state of matters between them, but that, to entrap him still
+more, the widow should, if possible, make friends with him. To this the
+widow unwillingly consented; but as the corporal pointed out that that
+was the only chance of her occasionally seeing him, and that by his
+pretending to be in love with Babette, Vanslyperken might be deceived
+completely, she did consent; the more so, that the greater would be his
+disappointment at the end, the more complete would be her vengeance.
+Their plans being arranged, it was then debated whether it would not be
+better to send some message on board to Vanslyperken, and it was agreed
+that it should be taken by the corporal. At last all was arranged, the
+six bottles of beer were finished, and the corporal having been
+permitted to imprint as many hearty smacks upon the widow's thick and
+juicy lips, he returned on board.
+
+"Come on board, Mynheer Vanslyperken," said the corporal, entering the
+cabin.
+
+"Very well, corporal; did you do all you wanted? for we sail again at
+daylight."
+
+"Yes, mynheer, and I see somebody I never see before."
+
+"Who was that, corporal?" replied Vanslyperken, for he had been feasting
+upon the recollections of the fair Portsmouth widow, and was in a very
+good humour.
+
+"One fine Frau, Mynheer Vanslyperken--very fine Frau. Babette came up to
+me in the street."
+
+"Oh, Babette--well, what did she say?"
+
+Hereupon the corporal, as agreed with the widow, entered into a long
+explanation, stating his Babette had told him that her mistress was very
+much surprised that Mr Vanslyperken had passed close to the door, and
+had never come in to call upon her; that her mistress had been quite
+satisfied with Mr Vanslyperken's letter, and would wish to see him
+again; and that he, the corporal, had told Babette the dog had been
+destroyed by him, Mr Vanslyperken, and he hoped he had done right in
+saying so.
+
+"No," replied Vanslyperken, "you have done wrong; and if you go on shore
+again, you may just give this answer, that Mr Vanslyperken don't care a
+d--n for the old woman; that she may carry her carcass to some other
+market, for Mr Vanslyperken would not touch her with a pair of tongs.
+Will you recollect that, corporal?"
+
+"Yes," replied the corporal, grinding his teeth at this insult to his
+betrothed, "yes, mynheer, I will recollect that. Mein Gott! I shall not
+forget it."
+
+"Kill my dog, heh!" continued Vanslyperken, talking to himself aloud.
+"Yes, yes, Frau Vandersloosh, you shall fret to some purpose. I'll
+worry down your fat for you. Yes, yes, Madam Vandersloosh, you shall
+bite your nails to the quick yet. Nothing would please you but
+Snarleyyow dead at your porch. My dog, indeed!--you may go now,
+corporal."
+
+"Mein Gott! but ve vill see as well as you, Mynheer Vanslyperken."
+muttered the corporal, as he walked forward.
+
+After dark, a man came alongside in a small boat, and desired to see Mr
+Vanslyperken. As soon as he was in the cabin and the door shut, he laid
+some letters on the table, and without saying a word went on deck and on
+shore again. At daybreak the cutter weighed, and ran with a fair wind to
+Portsmouth.
+
+With what a bounding heart did Mr Vanslyperken step into the boat
+attired in his best! He hardly could prevail upon himself to report his
+arrival to the admiral, so impatient was he to throw himself at the fair
+widow's feet, and claim her promise upon his return. He did so, however,
+and then proceeded to the house in Castle Street.
+
+His heart beat rapidly as he knocked at the door, and he awaited the
+opening with impatience. At last it was opened, but not by the widow's
+servant. "Is Mrs Malcolm at home?" inquired Vanslyperken.
+
+"Malcolm, sir!" replied the woman; "do you mean the lady who was living
+here, and left yesterday?"
+
+"Left yesterday!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, hardly able to stand on his
+feet.
+
+"Yes, only yesterday afternoon. Went away with a gentleman."
+
+"A gentleman!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, all amazement.
+
+"Yes, sir; pray, sir, be you the officer of the king's cutter?"
+
+"I am!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, leaning against the door-jamb for
+support.
+
+"Then, sir, here be a letter for you." So saying, the woman pulled up
+her dirty apron, then her gown, and at last arrived at a queer fustian
+pocket, out of which she produced the missive, which had been jumbled in
+company with a bit of wax, a ball of blue worsted, some halfpence, a
+copper thimble, and a lump of Turkey rhubarb, from all of which
+companions it had received a variety of hues and colours. Vanslyperken
+seized the letter as soon as it was produced, and passing by the woman,
+went into the dining-parlour, where, with feelings of anxiety, he sat
+down, brushed the perspiration from his forehead, and read as follows:
+
+     "_My dear, dear, ever dear Mr Vanslyperken,_
+
+     "Pity me, pity me, O pity me! Alas! how soon is the cup of
+     bliss dashed from the lips of us poor mortals. I can hardly
+     write, hardly hold my pen, or hold my head up. I cannot bear
+     that, from my hand, you should be informed of the utter
+     blight of all our hopes which blossomed so fully. Alas! alas!
+     but it must be. O my head, my poor, poor head--how it swims!
+     I was sitting at the fireside, thinking when you would
+     return, and trying to find out if the wind was fair, when I
+     heard a knock at the door. It was so like yours, that my
+     heart beat, and I ran to the window, but I could not see who
+     it was, so I sat down again. Imagine my surprise, my horror,
+     my vexation, my distress, my agony, when who should come in
+     but my supposed dead husband! I thought I should have died
+     when I saw him. I dropped as it was, down into a swoon, and
+     when I came to my senses, there he was hanging over me;
+     thinking, poor fool, that I had swooned for joy, and kissing
+     me--pah! yes, kissing me. O dear! O dear! My dear Mr
+     Vanslyperken, I thought of you, and what your feelings would
+     be, when you know all this; but there he was alive, and in
+     good health, and now I have nothing more to do but to lie
+     down and die.
+
+     "It appears that in my ravings I called upon you over and
+     over again, and discovered the real state of my poor bleeding
+     heart, and he was very angry: he packed up everything, and he
+     insisted upon my leaving Portsmouth. Alas! I shall be buried
+     in the north, and never see you again. But why should I, my
+     dear Mr Vanslyperken? what good will come of it? I am a
+     virtuous woman, and will be so: but, O dear! I can write
+     no more.
+
+     "Farewell, then, farewell! Farewell for ever! Dear Mr
+     Vanslyperken, think no more of your disconsolate, unhappy,
+     heart-broken, miserable
+
+     "ANN MALCOLM.
+
+     "_P.S._--For my sake you will adhere to the good cause; I
+     know you will, my dearest."
+
+Mr Vanslyperken perused this heart-rending epistle, and fell back on his
+chair almost suffocated. The woman, who had stood in the passage while
+he read the letter, came to his assistance, and pouring some water into
+his mouth, and throwing a portion of it over his face, partially revived
+him. Vanslyperken's head fell on the table upon his hands, and for some
+minutes remained in that position. He then rose, folded the letter, put
+it in his pocket, and staggered out of the house without saying a word.
+
+O Nancy Corbett! Nancy Corbett! this was all your doing.
+
+You had gained your point in winning over the poor man to commit
+treason--you had waited till he was so entangled that he could not
+escape, or in future refuse to obey the orders of the Jacobite
+party--you had seduced him, Nancy Corbett--you had intoxicated him--in
+short, Nancy, you had ruined him, and then you threw him over by this
+insidious and perfidious letter.
+
+Vanslyperken walked away, he hardly knew whither--his mind was a chaos.
+It did so happen, that he took the direction of his mother's house, and,
+as he gradually recovered himself, he hastened there to give vent to his
+feelings. The old woman seldom or ever went out; if she did, it was in
+the dusk, to purchase in one half-hour enough to support existence for a
+fortnight.
+
+She was at home with her door locked, as usual, when he demanded
+admittance.
+
+"Come in, child, come in," said the old beldame, as with palsied hands
+she undid the fastenings. "I dreamt of you, last night, Cornelius, and
+when I dream of others it bodes them no good."
+
+Vanslyperken sat down on a chest, without giving any answer. He put his
+hand up to his forehead, and groaned in the bitterness of his spirit.
+
+"Ah! ah!" said his mother "I have put my hand up in that way in my time.
+Yes, yes--when my brain burned--when I had done the deed. What have you
+done, my child? Pour out your feelings into your mother's bosom. Tell me
+all--tell me why--and tell me, did you get any money?"
+
+"I have lost everything," replied Vanslyperken, in a melancholy tone.
+
+"Lost everything! then you must begin over again, and take from others
+till you have recovered all. That's the way--I'll have more yet, before
+I die. I shall not die yet--no, no."
+
+Vanslyperken remained silent for some time. He then, as usual, imparted
+to his mother all that had occurred.
+
+"Well, well, my child; but there is the other one. Gold is gold, one
+wife is as good--to neglect--as another. My child, never marry a woman
+for love--she will make a fool of you. You have had a lucky escape--I
+see you have, Cornelius. But where is the gold you said you took for
+turning traitor--where is it?"
+
+"I shall bring it on shore to-morrow, mother."
+
+"Do, child, do. They may find you out--they may hang you--but they shall
+never wrest the gold from me. It will be safe--quite safe, with me, as
+long as I live. I shall not die yet--no, no."
+
+Vanslyperken rose to depart; he was anxious to be aboard.
+
+"Go, child, go. I have hopes of you--you have murdered, have you not?"
+
+"No, no," replied Vanslyperken, "he lives yet."
+
+"Then try again. At all events, you have wished to murder, and you have
+sold your country for gold. Cornelius Vanslyperken, by the hatred I bear
+the whole world, I feel that I almost love you now;--I see you are my
+own child. Now go, and mind to-morrow you bring the gold."
+
+Vanslyperken quitted the house, and walked down to go on board again;
+the loss of the fair widow, all his hopes dashed at once to the ground,
+his having neglected the widow Vandersloosh and sent her an insulting
+message, had only the effect of raising his bile. He vowed vengeance
+against everybody and everything, especially against Smallbones, whom he
+was determined he would sacrifice: murder now was no longer horrible to
+his ideas; on the contrary, there was a pleasure in meditating upon it,
+and the loss of the expected fortune of the fair Mrs Malcolm only made
+him more eager to obtain gold, and he contemplated treason as the means
+of so doing without any feelings of compunction.
+
+On his arrival on board, he found an order from the Admiralty to
+discharge James Salisbury. This added to his choler and his meditations
+of revenge. Jemmy Ducks had not been forgotten; and he determined not to
+make known the order until he had punished him for his mutinous
+expressions; but Moggy had come on board during his absence, and
+delivered to her husband the letter from the Admiralty notifying his
+discharge. Vanslyperken sent for Corporal Van Spitter to consult, but
+the corporal informed him that Jemmy Ducks knew of his discharge.
+Vanslyperken's anger was now without bounds. He hastened on deck, and
+ordered the hands to be turned up for punishment, but Corporal Van
+Spitter hastened to give warning to Jemmy, who did not pipe the hands
+when ordered.
+
+"Where is that scoundrel, James Salisbury?" cried Vanslyperken.
+
+"Here is James Salisbury," replied Jemmy, coming aft.
+
+"Turn the hands up for punishment, sir."
+
+"I don't belong to the vessel," replied Jemmy, going forward.
+
+"Corporal Van Spitter--where is Corporal Van Spitter?"
+
+"Here, sir," said the corporal, coming up the hatchway in a pretended
+bustle.
+
+"Bring that man, Salisbury, aft."
+
+"Yes, sir," replied the corporal, going forward with assumed eagerness.
+
+But all the ship's company had resolved that this act of injustice
+should not be done. Salisbury was no longer in the service, and although
+they knew the corporal to be on their side, they surrounded Jemmy on the
+forecastle, and the corporal came aft, declaring that he could not get
+near the prisoner. As he made this report a loud female voice was heard
+alongside.
+
+"So, you'd flog my Jemmy, would you, you varmint? But you won't though;
+he's not in the service, and you sha'n't touch him; but I'll tell you
+what, keep yourself on board, Mr Leeftenant, for if I cotches you on
+shore, I'll make you sing in a way you don't think on. Yes, flog my
+Jemmy, my dear darling duck of a Jemmy--stop a minute--I'm
+coming aboard."
+
+Suiting the action to the word, for the sailors had beckoned to Moggy to
+come on board, she boldly pulled alongside, and skipping over, she went
+up direct to Mr Vanslyperken. "I'll just trouble you for my husband, and
+no mistake," cried Moggy.
+
+"Corporal Van Spitter, turn that woman out of the ship."
+
+"Turn me, a lawful married woman, who comes arter my own husband with
+the orders of your masters, Mr Leeftenant!--I'd like to see the man. I
+axes you for my Jemmy, and I'll trouble you just to hand him here--if
+not, look out for squalls, that's all. I demand my husband in the king's
+name, so just hand him over," continued Moggy, putting her nose so close
+to that of Mr Vanslyperken that they nearly touched, and then after a
+few seconds' pause, for Vanslyperken could not speak for rage, she
+added, "Well, you're a nice leeftenant, I don't think."
+
+"Send for your marines, Corporal Van Spitter."
+
+"I have, Mynheer Vanslyperken," replied the corporal, standing erect and
+saluting; "and if you please, sir, they have joined the ship's company.
+You and I, mynheer, are left to ourselves."
+
+"I'll just trouble you for my little duck of a husband," repeated Moggy.
+Vanslyperken was at a nonplus. The crew were in a state of mutiny, the
+marines had joined them--what could he do? To appeal to the higher
+authorities would be committing himself, for he knew that he could not
+flog a man who no longer belonged to the vessel.
+
+"I wants my husband," repeated Moggy, putting her arms a-kimbo.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken made no reply. The corporal waited for orders, and Moggy
+waited for her husband.
+
+Just at this moment, Snarleyyow, who had followed his master on deck,
+had climbed up the small ladder, and was looking over the gunnel on the
+side where the boat lay in which Moggy came on board. Perceiving this,
+with the quickness of thought she ran at the dog and pushed him over the
+side into the boat, in which he fell with a heavy bound; she then
+descended the side, ordered the man to shove off, and kept at a short
+distance from the cutter with the dog in her possession.
+
+"Now, now," cried Moggy, slapping her elbow, "hav'n't I got the dog, and
+won't I cut him up into sassingers and eat him in the bargain, if you
+won't give me my dear darling Jemmy and all his papers in the bargain?"
+
+"Man the boat," cried Vanslyperken. But no one would obey the order.
+
+"Look here," cried Moggy, flourishing a knife which she had borrowed
+from the man in the boat. "This is for the cur; and unless you let my
+Jemmy go, ay and directly too--"
+
+"Mercy, woman!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, "Do not harm the poor dog, and
+your husband shall go on shore."
+
+"With his papers all ready to receive his pay?" inquired Moggy.
+
+"Yes, with his papers and everything, if you'll not harm the poor
+beast."
+
+"Be quick about them, for my fingers are itching, I can tell you,"
+replied Moggy. "Recollect, I will have my Jemmy, and cut the dog's
+throat in the bargain if you don't look sharp."
+
+"Directly, good woman, directly," cried Vanslyperken, "be patient."
+
+"Good woman! no more a good woman than yourself," replied Moggy.
+
+Vanslyperken desired the corporal to see Jemmy Ducks in the boat, and
+went down into the cabin to sign his pay order. He then returned, for he
+was dreadfully alarmed lest Moggy should put her threats in execution.
+
+Jemmy's chest and hammocks were in the boat. He shook hands with his
+shipmates, and receiving the papers and his discharge from Corporal Van
+Spitter, and exchanging an intelligent glance with him, he went down the
+side. The boat pulled round the stern to take in Moggy, who then ordered
+the waterman to put the dog on board again.
+
+"My word's as good as my bond," observed Moggy, as she stepped into the
+other boat, "and so there's your cur again, Mr Leeftenant; but mark my
+words: I owe you one, and I'll pay you with interest before I have done
+with you."
+
+Jemmy then raised his pipe to his lips, and sounded its loudest note:
+the men gave him three cheers, and Mr Vanslyperken in a paroxysm of
+fury, ran down into his cabin.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXV
+
+In which Mr Vanslyperken proves that he has a great aversion to cold
+steel.
+
+
+Mr Vanslyperken had been so much upset by the events of the day, that he
+had quite forgotten to deliver the letters entrusted to him to the care
+of the Jew Lazarus; weighty indeed must have been the events which could
+have prevented him from going to receive money.
+
+He threw himself on his bed with combined feelings of rage and
+mortification, and slept a feverish sleep in his clothes.
+
+His dreams were terrifying, and he awoke in the morning unrefreshed. The
+mutiny and defection of the ship's company, he ascribed entirely to the
+machinations of Smallbones, whom he now hated with a feeling so intense,
+that he felt he could have murdered him in the open day. Such were the
+first impulses that his mind resorted to upon his awaking, and after
+some little demur, he sent for Corporal Van Spitter, to consult with
+him. The corporal made his appearance, all humility and respect, and was
+again sounded as to what could be done with Smallbones, Vanslyperken
+hinting very clearly what his wishes tended to.
+
+Corporal Van Spitter, who had made up his mind how to act after their
+previous conference, hummed and ha'ed, and appeared unwilling to enter
+upon the subject, until he was pushed by his commandant, when the
+corporal observed there was something very strange about the lad, and
+hinted at his being sent in the cutter on purpose to annoy his superior.
+
+"That on that night upon which he had stated that he had seen the devil
+three times, once it was sitting on the head-clue of Smallbones'
+hammock, and at another time that he was evidently in converse with the
+lad, and that there were strange stories among the ship's company, who
+considered that both Smallbones and the dog were supernatural agents."
+
+"My dog--Snarleyyow--a--what do you mean, corporal?"
+
+The corporal then told Mr Vanslyperken that he had discovered that
+several attempts had been made to drown the dog, but without success;
+and that among the rest, he had been thrown by Smallbones into the
+canal, tied up in a bread-bag, and had miraculously made his
+appearance again.
+
+"The villain!" exclaimed Vanslyperken. "That then was the paving-stone.
+Now I've found it out, I'll cut his very soul out of his body."
+
+But the corporal protested against open measures, as, although it was
+known by his own confession to be the case, it could not be proved, as
+none of the men would tell.
+
+"Besides, he did not think that any further attempts would be made, as
+Smallbones had been heard to laugh and say, 'that water would never hurt
+him or the dog,' which observation of the lad's had first made the
+ship's company suspect."
+
+"Very true," exclaimed Vanslyperken; "he floated out to the Nab buoy and
+back again, when I--" Here Mr Vanslyperken stopped short, and he felt a
+dread of supernatural powers in the lad, when he thought of what had
+passed and what he now heard.
+
+"So they think my dog--"
+
+"De tyfel," replied the corporal.
+
+Vanslyperken was not very sorry for this, as it would be the dog's
+protection; but at the same time he was not at all easy about
+Smallbones; for Mr Vanslyperken, as we have observed before, was both
+superstitious and cowardly.
+
+"Water won't hurt him, did you say, corporal?"
+
+"Yes, mynheer."
+
+"Then I'll try what a pistol will do, by heavens!" replied Vanslyperken.
+"He threw my dog into the canal, and I'll be revenged, if revenge is to
+be had. That will do, corporal, you may go now," continued Vanslyperken,
+who actually foamed with rage.
+
+The corporal left the cabin, and it having occurred to Vanslyperken that
+he had not delivered the letters, he dressed himself to go on shore.
+
+After having once more read through the letter of the fair widow, which,
+at the same time that it crushed all his hopes, from its kind tenour,
+poured some balm into his wounded heart, he sighed, folded it up, put it
+away, and went on deck.
+
+"Pipe the gig away," said Mr Vanslyperken.
+
+"No pipe," replied Short.
+
+This reminded Mr Vanslyperken that Jemmy Ducks had left the ship, and
+vexed him again. He ordered the word to be passed to the boat's crew,
+and when it was manned he went on shore. As soon as he arrived at the
+house of Lazarus, he knocked, but it was some time before he was
+admitted, and the chain was still kept on the door, which was opened two
+inches to allow a scrutiny previous to entrance.
+
+"Ah! it vash you, vash it, good sar? you may come in," said the Jew.
+
+Vanslyperken walked into the parlour, where he found seated a young man
+of very handsome exterior, dressed according to the fashion of the
+cavaliers of the time. His hat, with a plume of black feathers, lay upon
+the table. This personage continued in his careless and easy position
+without rising when Vanslyperken entered, neither did he ask him to
+sit down.
+
+"You are the officer of the cutter?" inquired the young man, with an air
+of authority not very pleasing to the lieutenant.
+
+"Yes," replied Vanslyperken, looking hard and indignantly in return.
+
+"And you arrived yesterday morning? Pray, sir, why were not those
+letters delivered at once?"
+
+"Because I had no time," replied Vanslyperken, sulkily.
+
+"No time, sir; what do you mean by that? Your time is ours, sir. You
+are paid for it; for one shilling that you receive from the rascally
+government you condescend to serve and to betray, you receive from us
+pounds. Let not this happen again, my sir, or you may repent it."
+
+Vanslyperken was not in the best of humours, and he angrily replied,
+"Then you may get others to do your work, for this is the last I'll do;
+pay me for them, and let me go."
+
+"The last you'll do; you'll do as much as we please, and as long as we
+please. You are doubly in our power, scoundrel! You betray the
+government you serve, but you shall not betray us. If you had a thousand
+lives, you are a dead man the very moment you flinch from or neglect our
+work. Do your work faithfully, and you will be rewarded; but either you
+must do our work or die. You have but to choose."
+
+"Indeed!" replied Vanslyperken.
+
+"Yes, indeed! And to prove that I am in earnest, I shall punish you for
+your neglect, by not paying you this time. You may leave the letters and
+go. But mind that you give us timely notice when you are ordered back to
+the Hague, for we shall want you."
+
+Vanslyperken, indignant at this language, obeyed his first impulse,
+which was to snatch up the letters and attempt to leave the room.
+
+"No pay, no letters!" exclaimed he, opening the door.
+
+"Fool!" cried the young man with a bitter sneer, not stirring from his
+seat.
+
+Vanslyperken opened the door, and to his amazement there were three
+swords pointed to his heart. He started back.
+
+"Will you leave the letters now?" observed the young man.
+
+Vanslyperken threw them down on the table with every sign of
+perturbation, and remained silent and pale.
+
+"And now perfectly understand me, sir," said the young cavalier. "We
+make a great distinction between those who have joined the good cause,
+or rather, who have continued steadfast to their king from feelings of
+honour and loyalty, and those who are to be bought and sold. We honour
+the first, we despise the latter. Their services we require, and
+therefore we employ them. A traitor to the sovereign from whom he
+receives his pay, is not likely to be trusted by us. I know your
+character, that is sufficient. Now, although the government make no
+difference between one party or the other, with the exception that some
+may be honoured with the axe instead of the gibbet, you will observe
+what we do: and as our lives are already forfeited by attainder, we make
+no scruple of putting out of the way any one whom we may even suspect of
+betraying us. Nay, more; we can furnish the government with sufficient
+proofs against you without any risk to ourselves, for we have many
+partisans who are still in office. Weigh now well all you have heard,
+and be assured, that although we despise you, and use you only as our
+tool, we will have faithful and diligent service; if not, your life is
+forfeited."
+
+Vanslyperken heard all this with amazement and confusion: he immediately
+perceived that he was in a snare, from which escape was impossible. His
+coward heart sank within him, and he promised implicit obedience.
+
+"Nevertheless, before you go you will sign your adherence to King James
+and his successors," observed the young cavalier. "Lazarus, bring in
+writing materials." The Jew, who was at the door, complied with
+the order.
+
+The cavalier took the pen and wrote down a certain form, in which
+Vanslyperken dedicated his life and means, as he valued his salvation,
+to the service of the exiled monarch. "Read that, and sign it, sir,"
+said the cavalier, passing it over to Vanslyperken.
+
+The lieutenant hesitated. "Your life depends upon it," continued the
+young man coolly; "do as you please."
+
+Vanslyperken turned round; the swords were still pointed, and the eyes
+of those which held them were fixed upon the cavalier awaiting his
+orders. Vanslyperken perceived that there was no escape. With a
+trembling hand he affixed his signature.
+
+"'Tis well:--now, observe, that at the first suspicion, or want of zeal,
+even, on your part, this will be forwarded through the proper channel,
+and even if you should escape the government, you will not escape
+us:--our name is Legion. You may go, sir;--do your work well, and you
+shall be well rewarded."
+
+Vanslyperken hastened away, passing the swords, the points of which were
+now lowered for his passage. Perhaps he never till then felt how
+contemptible was a traitor. Indignant, mortified, and confused, still
+trembling with fear, and, at the same time, burning with rage, he
+hastened to his mother's house, for he had brought on shore with him the
+money which he had received at Amsterdam.
+
+"What, more vexation, child?" said the old woman, looking Vanslyperken
+in the face as he entered.
+
+"Yes," retorted Vanslyperken, folding his arms as he sat down.
+
+It was some time before he would communicate to his mother all that
+happened. At last the truth, which even he felt ashamed of, was drawn
+out of him.
+
+"Now may all the curses that ever befell a man fall on his head!"
+exclaimed Vanslyperken as he finished. "I would give soul and body to be
+revenged on him."
+
+"That's my own child--that is what I have done, Cornelius, but I shall
+not die yet awhile. I like to hear you say that; but it must not be yet.
+Let them plot and plot, and when they think that all is ripe, and all is
+ready, and all will succeed--then--then is the time to revenge
+yourself--not yet--but for that revenge, death on the gallows would
+be sweet."
+
+Vanslyperken shuddered:--he did not feel how death could in any way be
+sweet;--for some time he was wrapped up in his own thoughts.
+
+"Have you brought the gold at last?" inquired the old woman.
+
+"I have," replied Vanslyperken, who raised himself and produced it. "I
+ought to have had more,--but I'll be revenged."
+
+"Yes, yes, but get more gold first. Never kill the goose that lays the
+golden egg, my child," replied the old woman, as she turned the key.
+
+So many sudden and mortifying occurrences had taken place in forty-eight
+hours that Vanslyperken's brain was in a whirl. He felt goaded to do
+something, but he did not know what. Perhaps it would have been suicide
+had he not been a coward. He left his mother without speaking another
+word, and walked down to the boat, revolving first one and then another
+incident in his mind. At last, his ideas appeared to concentrate
+themselves into one point, which was a firm and raging animosity against
+Smallbones; and with the darkest intentions he hastened on board and
+went down into his cabin.
+
+What was the result of these feelings will be seen in the ensuing
+chapter.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXVI
+
+In which Mr Vanslyperken sees a ghost.
+
+
+Before we acquaint the reader with the movements of Mr Vanslyperken, we
+must again revert to the history of the period in which we are writing.
+The Jacobite faction had assumed a formidable consistency, and every
+exertion was being made by them for an invasion of England. They knew
+that their friends were numerous, and that many who held office under
+the ruling government were attached to their cause, and only required
+such a demonstration to fly to arms with their numerous partisans.
+
+Up to the present, all the machinations of the Jacobites had been
+carried on with secrecy and dexterity, but now was the time for action
+and decision. To aid the cause, it was considered expedient that some
+one of known fidelity should be sent to Amsterdam, where the projects
+of William might be discovered more easily than in England: for, as he
+communicated with the States General, and the States General were
+composed of many, secrets would come out, for that which is known to
+many soon becomes no longer a secret.
+
+To effect this, letters of recommendation to one or two of those high in
+office in Holland, and who were supposed to be able to give information,
+and inclined to be confiding and garrulous, had been procured from the
+firm allies of King William, by those who pretended to be so only, for
+the agent who was about to be sent over, and this agent was the young
+cavalier who had treated Vanslyperken in so uncourteous a manner. He has
+already been mentioned to the reader by the name of Ramsay, and second
+in authority among the smugglers. He was a young man of high family, and
+a brother to Lady Alice, of course trusted by Sir Robert and his second
+in command. He had been attainted for non-appearance, and condemned for
+high treason at the same time as had been his brother-in-law, Sir Robert
+Barclay, and had ever since been with him doing his duty in the boat and
+in command of the men, when Sir Robert's services or attendance were
+required at St Germains.
+
+No one could be better adapted for the service he was to be employed
+upon. He was brave, cool, intelligent, and prepossessing. Of course, by
+his letters of introduction, he was represented as a firm ally of King
+William, and strongly recommended as such. The letters which
+Vanslyperken had neglected to deliver were of the utmost importance, and
+the character of the lieutenant being well known to Ramsay, through the
+medium of Nancy Corbett and others, he had treated him in the way which
+he considered as most likely to enforce a rigid compliance with
+their wishes.
+
+Ramsay was right; for Vanslyperken was too much of a coward to venture
+upon resistance, although he might threaten it. It was the intention of
+Ramsay, moreover, to take a passage over with him in the _Yungfrau_, as
+his arrival in a king's vessel would add still more to the success of
+the enterprise which he had in contemplation.
+
+We will now return to Mr Vanslyperken, whom we left boiling with
+indignation. He is not in a better humour at this moment. He requires a
+victim to expend his wrath upon, and that victim he is resolved shall be
+Smallbones, upon whom his hate is concentrated.
+
+He has sent for the corporal, and next ordered him to bring him a pistol
+and cartridge, which the corporal has complied with. Vanslyperken has
+not made the corporal a further confidant, but he has his suspicions,
+and he is on the watch. Vanslyperken is alone, his hand trembling as he
+loads the pistol which he has taken down from the bulkhead where it
+hung, but he is nevertheless determined upon the act. He has laid it
+down on the table, and goes on deck, waiting till it is dusk for the
+completion of his project. He has now arranged his plan and descends;
+the pistol is still on the table, and he puts it under the blanket on
+his bed, and rings for Smallbones.
+
+"Did you want me, sir?" said Smallbones.
+
+"Yes, I am going on shore to sleep a little way in the country, and I
+want you to carry my clothes; let everything be put up in the blue bag,
+and hold yourself ready to come with me."
+
+"Yes, sir," replied Smallbones; "am I to come on board again to-night?"
+
+"To be sure you are."
+
+Smallbones put up as desired by his master, whose eyes followed the
+lad's motions as he moved from one part of the cabin to the other, his
+thoughts wandering from the recollection of Smallbones having attempted
+to drown his dog, to the more pleasing one of revenge.
+
+At dusk, Mr Vanslyperken ordered his boat to be manned, and so soon as
+Smallbones had gone into it with the bag, he took the pistol from where
+he had hid it, and concealing it under his great-coat, followed the lad
+into the boat.
+
+They landed, and Vanslyperken walked fast; it was now dark, and he was
+followed by Smallbones, who found difficulty in keeping pace with his
+master, so rapid were his strides.
+
+They passed the half-way houses, and went clear of the fortifications,
+until they had gained five or six miles on the road to London.
+
+Smallbones was tired out with the rapidity of the walk, and now lagged
+behind. The master desired him to come on. "I does come on as fast as I
+can, sir, but this here walking don't suit at all, with carrying a bag
+full of clothes," replied Smallbones.
+
+"Make haste, and keep up with me," cried Vanslyperken, setting off again
+at a more rapid pace.
+
+They were now past all the buildings, and but occasionally fell in with
+some solitary farmhouse, or cottage, on the road side; the night was
+cloudy, and the scud flew fast; Vanslyperken walked on faster, for in
+his state of mind he could feel no bodily fatigue, and the lad
+dropped astern.
+
+At last the lieutenant found a spot which afforded him an opportunity of
+executing his fell purpose. A square wall, round a homestead for cattle,
+was built on the side of the footpath. Vanslyperken turned round, and
+looked for Smallbones, who was too far behind to be seen in the
+obscurity. Satisfied by this that the lad could not see his motions,
+Vanslyperken secreted himself behind the angle of the wall so as to
+allow Smallbones to pass. He cocked his pistol, and crouched down,
+waiting for the arrival of his victim.
+
+In a minute or two he heard the panting of the lad, who was quite weary
+with his load. Vanslyperken compressed his lips, and held his breath.
+The lad passed him; Vanslyperken now rose from behind, levelled the
+pistol at the lad's head, and fired. Smallbones uttered a yell, fell
+down on his face, and then rolled on his back without life or motion.
+
+Vanslyperken looked at him for one second, then turned back, and fled
+with the wings of the wind. Conscience now appeared to pursue him, and
+he ran on until he was so exhausted, that he fell; the pistol was still
+in his hand, and as he put out his arm mechanically to save himself, the
+lock of the pistol came in violent contact with his temple.
+
+After a time he rose again, faint and bleeding, and continued his course
+at a more moderate pace, but as the wind blew, and whistled among the
+boughs of the trees, he thought every moment that he beheld the form of
+the murdered lad. He quickened his pace, arrived at last within the
+fortifications, and putting the pistol in his coat-pocket, he somewhat,
+recovered himself. He bound his silk handkerchief round his head, and
+proceeded to the boat, which he had ordered to wait till Smallbones'
+return. He had then a part to act, and told the men that he had been
+assailed by robbers, and ordered them to pull on board immediately. As
+soon as he came on board he desired the men to assist him down into his
+cabin, and then he sent for Corporal Van Spitter to dress his wounds. He
+communicated to the corporal, that as he was going out in the country as
+he had proposed, he had been attacked by robbers, that he had been
+severely wounded, and had, he thought, killed one of them, as the others
+ran away; what had become of Smallbones he knew not, but he had heard
+him crying out in the hands of the robbers.
+
+The corporal, who had felt certain that the pistol had been intended for
+Smallbones, hardly knew what to make of the matter; the wound of Mr
+Vanslyperken was severe, and it was hardly to be supposed that it had
+been self-inflicted. The corporal therefore held his tongue, heard all
+that Mr Vanslyperken had to say, and was very considerably puzzled.
+
+"It was a fortunate thing that I thought of taking a pistol with me,
+corporal, I might have been murdered outright."
+
+"Yes, mynheer," replied the corporal, and binding the handkerchief round
+Vanslyperken's head, he then assisted him into bed. "Mein Gott! I make
+no head or tail of de business," said the corporal, as he walked
+forward; "but I must know de truth soon; I not go to bed for two or
+three hours, and den I hear others."
+
+It is needless to say that Mr Vanslyperken passed a restless night, not
+only from the pain of his wound, but from the torments of conscience;
+for it is but by degrees that the greatest villain can drive away its
+stings, and then it is but for a short time, and when it does force
+itself back upon him, it is with redoubled power. His occasional
+slumbers were broken by fitful starts, in which he again and again heard
+the yell of the poor lad, and saw the corpse rolling at his feet. It was
+about an hour before daylight that Mr Vanslyperken again woke, and found
+that the light had burnt out. He could not remain in the dark, it was
+too dreadful; he raised himself, and pulled the bell over his head. Some
+one entered. "Bring a light immediately," cried Vanslyperken.
+
+In a minute or two the gleams of a light were seen burning at a distance
+by the lieutenant. He watched its progress aft, and its entrance, and he
+felt relieved; but he had now a devouring thirst upon him, and his lips
+were glued together, and he turned over on his bed to ask the corporal,
+whom he supposed it was, for water. He fixed his eyes upon the party
+with the candle, and by the feeble light of the dip, he beheld the pale,
+haggard face of Smallbones, who stared at him, but uttered not a word.
+
+"Mercy, O God! mercy!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, falling back, and
+covering his face with the bedclothes.
+
+Smallbones did not reply; he blew out the candle, and quitted the cabin.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXVII
+
+In which Mr Vanslyperken is taught a secret.
+
+
+We are anxious to proceed with our narrative, but we must first explain
+the unexpected appearance of Smallbones. When Corporal Van Spitter was
+requested by Vanslyperken to bring a pistol and cartridge, the corporal,
+who had not forgotten the hints thrown out by Vanslyperken during their
+last consultation, immediately imagined that it was for Smallbones'
+benefit. And he was strengthened in his opinion, when he learnt that
+Smallbones was to go on shore with his master after it was dusk. Now
+Corporal Van Spitter had no notion of the poor lad's brains being blown
+out, and when Mr Vanslyperken went on deck and left the pistol, he went
+into the cabin, searched for it, and drew the bullet, which
+Vanslyperken, of course, was not aware of. It then occurred to the
+corporal, that if the pistol were aimed at Smallbones, and he was
+uninjured, it would greatly add to the idea, already half entertained by
+the superstitious lieutenant, of there being something supernatural
+about Smallbones, if he were left to suppose that he had been killed,
+and had reappeared. He, therefore, communicated his suspicions to the
+lad, told him what he had done, and advised him, if the pistol were
+fired, to pretend to be killed, and when left by his master, to come on
+board quietly in the night. Smallbones, who perceived the drift of all
+this, promised to act accordingly, and in the last chapter it will be
+observed how he contrived to deceive his master. As soon as the
+lieutenant was out of hearing, Smallbones rose, and leaving the bag
+where it lay, hastened back to Portsmouth, and came on board about two
+hours before Vanslyperken rang his bell. He narrated what had passed,
+but, of course, could not exactly swear that it was Vanslyperken who
+fired the pistol, as it was fired from behind, but even if he could
+have so sworn, at that time he would have obtained but little redress.
+
+It was considered much more advisable that Smallbones should pretend to
+believe that he had been attacked by robbers, and that the ball had
+missed him, after he had frightened his master by his unexpected
+appearance, for Vanslyperken would still be of the opinion that the lad
+possessed a charmed life.
+
+The state of Mr Vanslyperken during the remainder of that night was
+pitiable, but we must leave the reader to suppose, rather than attempt
+to describe it.
+
+In the morning the corporal came in, and after asking after his
+superior's health, informed him that Smallbones had come on board, that
+the lad said that the robbers had fired a pistol at him, and then
+knocked him down with the butt end of it, and that he had escaped but
+with the loss of the bag.
+
+This was a great relief to the mind of Mr Vanslyperken, who had imagined
+that he had been visited by the ghost of Smallbones during the night: he
+expressed himself glad at his return, and a wish to be left alone, upon
+which the corporal retired. As soon as Vanslyperken found out that
+Smallbones was still alive, his desire to kill him returned; although,
+when he supposed him dead, he would, to escape from his own feelings,
+have resuscitated him. One chief idea now whirled in his brain, which
+was, that the lad must have a charmed life; he had floated out to the
+Nab buoy and back again, and now he had had a pistol-bullet passed
+through his skull without injury. He felt too much fear to attempt
+anything against him for the future, but his desire to do so was
+stronger than ever.
+
+Excitement and vexation brought on a slow fever, and Mr Vanslyperken lay
+for three or four days in bed; at the end of which period he received a
+message from the admiral, directing him to come or send on shore (for
+his state had been made known) for his despatches, and to sail as soon
+as possible.
+
+Upon receiving the message, Mr Vanslyperken recollected his engagement
+at the house of the Jew Lazarus, and weak as he was, felt too much
+afraid of the results, should he fail, not to get out of bed and go on
+shore. It was with difficulty he could walk so far. When he arrived he
+found Ramsay ready to receive him.
+
+"To sail as soon as possible:--'tis well, sir. Have you your
+despatches?"
+
+"I sent to the admiral's for them," replied Vanslyperken.
+
+"Well, then, be all ready to start at midnight. I shall come on board
+about a quarter of an hour before; you may go, sir."
+
+Vanslyperken quailed under the keen eye and stern look of Ramsay, and
+obeyed the uncourteous order in silence; still he thought of revenge as
+he walked back to the boat and re-embarked in the cutter.
+
+"What's this, Short?" observed Coble: "here is a new freak; we start at
+midnight, I hear."
+
+"Yes," replied Short.
+
+"Something quite new, anyhow:--don't understand it: do you?"
+
+"No," replied Dick.
+
+"Well, now Jemmy's gone, I don't care how soon I follow, Dick."
+
+"Nor I," replied Short.
+
+"I've a notion there's some mystery in all this. For," continued Coble,
+"the admiral would never have ordered us out till to-morrow morning, if
+he did not make us sail this evening. It's not a man-of-war fashion, is
+it, Dick?"
+
+"No," replied Short.
+
+"Well, we shall see," replied Coble. "I shall turn in now. You've heard
+all about Smallbones, heh! Dick?"
+
+Short nodded his head.
+
+"Well, we shall see: but I'll back the boy 'gainst master and dog too,
+in the long run. D--n his Dutch carcass, he seems to make but small
+count of English subjects, heh!"
+
+Short leant over the gunwale and whistled.
+
+Coble, finding it impossible to extract one monosyllable more from him,
+walked forward, and went down below.
+
+A little before twelve o'clock a boat came alongside, and Ramsay stepped
+out of it into the cutter. Vanslyperken had been walking the deck to
+receive him, and immediately showed him down into the cabin, where he
+left him to go on deck, and get the cutter under way. There was a small
+stove in the cabin, for the weather was still cold; they were advanced
+into the month of March. Ramsay threw off his coat, laid two pair of
+loaded pistols on the table, locked the door of the cabin, and then
+proceeded to warm himself, while Vanslyperken was employed on deck.
+
+In an hour the cutter was outside and clear of all danger, and
+Vanslyperken had to knock to gain admittance into his own cabin. Ramsay
+opened the door, and Vanslyperken, who thought he must say something,
+observed gloomily,
+
+"We are all clear, sir."
+
+"Very good," replied Ramsay; "and now, sir, I believe that you have
+despatches on board?"
+
+"Yes," replied Vanslyperken.
+
+"You will oblige me by letting me look at them."
+
+"My despatches!" said Vanslyperken with surprise.
+
+"Yes, sir, your despatches; immediately, if you please--no trifling."
+
+"You forget, sir," replied Vanslyperken angrily, "that I am not any
+longer in your power, but on board of my own vessel."
+
+"You appear not to know, sir, that you are in my power even on board of
+your own vessel," replied Ramsay, starting up, and laying his hand over
+the pistols, which he drew towards him, and replaced in his belt. "If
+you trust to your ship's company you are mistaken, as you will soon
+discover. I demand the despatches."
+
+"But, sir, you will ruin me and ruin yourself," replied Vanslyperken,
+alarmed.
+
+"Fear not," replied Ramsay; "for my own sake, and that of the good
+cause, I shall not hurt you. No one will know that the despatches have
+been ever examined, and----"
+
+"And what?" replied Vanslyperken, gloomily.
+
+"For the passage, and this service, you will receive one hundred
+guineas."
+
+Vanslyperken no longer hesitated; he opened the drawer in which he had
+deposited the letters, and produced them.
+
+"Now lock the door," said Ramsay, taking his seat.
+
+He then examined the seals, pulled some out of his pocket, and compared
+them; sorted the letters according to the seals, and laid one
+corresponding at the heading of each file, for there were three
+different government seals upon the despatches. He then took a long
+Dutch earthen pipe which was hanging above, broke off the bowl, and put
+one end of the stem into the fire. When it was of a red heat he took it
+out, and applying his lips to the cool end, and the hot one close to the
+sealing-wax, he blew through it, and the heated blast soon dissolved the
+wax, and the despatches were opened one after another without the
+slightest difficulty or injury to the paper. He then commenced reading,
+taking memorandums on his tablets as he proceeded.
+
+When he had finished, he again heated the pipe, melted the wax, which
+had become cold and hard again, and resealed all the letters with his
+counterfeit seals.
+
+During this occupation, which lasted upwards of an hour, Vanslyperken
+looked on with surprise, leaning against the bulk-head of the cabin.
+
+"There, sir, are your despatches," said Ramsay, rising from his chair:
+"you may now put them away; and, as you may observe, you are not
+compromised."
+
+"No, indeed," replied Vanslyperken, who was struck with the ingenuity of
+the method; "but you have given me an idea."
+
+"I will tell you what that is," replied Ramsay. "You are thinking, if I
+left you these false seals, you could give me the contents of the
+despatches, provided you were well paid. Is it not so?"
+
+"It was," replied Vanslyperken, who had immediately been struck with
+such a new source of wealth; for he cared little what he did--all he
+cared for was discovery.
+
+"Had you not proposed it yourself, I intended that you should have done
+it, sir," replied Ramsay; "and that you should also be paid for it. I
+will arrange all that before I leave the vessel. But now I shall retire
+to my bed. Have you one ready?"
+
+"I have none but what you see," replied Vanslyperken. "It is my own, but
+at your service."
+
+"I shall accept it," replied Ramsay, putting his pistols under his
+pillow, after having thrown himself on the outside of the bedclothes,
+pulling his roquelaure over him. "And now you will oblige me by turning
+that cur out of the cabin, for his smell is anything but pleasant."
+
+Vanslyperken had no idea of his passenger so coolly taking possession of
+his bed, but to turn out Snarleyyow as well as himself, appeared an
+unwarrantable liberty. But he felt that he had but to submit, for Ramsay
+was despotic, and he was afraid of him.
+
+After much resistance, Snarleyyow was kicked out by his master, who then
+went on deck not in the very best of humours, at finding he had so
+completely sold himself to those who might betray and hang him the very
+next day. "At all events," thought Vanslyperken, "I'm well paid for it."
+
+It was now daylight, and the cutter was running with a favourable
+breeze; the hands were turned up, and Corporal Van Spitter came on deck.
+Vanslyperken, who had been running over in his mind all the events which
+had latterly taken place, had considered that, as he had lost the
+Portsmouth widow, he might as well pursue his suit with the widow
+Vandersloosh, especially as she had sent such a conciliating message by
+the corporal; and perceiving the corporal on deck, he beckoned to him to
+approach. Vanslyperken then observed, that he was angry the other day,
+and that the corporal need not give that message to the Frau
+Vandersloosh, as he intended to call upon her himself upon his arrival.
+Van Spitter, who did not know anything about the Portsmouth widow, and
+could not imagine why the angry message had been given, of course
+assented, although he was fully determined that the widow should be
+informed of the insult. The question was now, how to be able to go on
+shore himself; and to compass that without suspicion, he remarked that
+the maid Babette was a very fine maid, and he should like to see
+her again.
+
+This little piece of confidence was not thrown away. Vanslyperken was
+too anxious to secure the corporal, and he replied, that the corporal
+should go ashore and see her, if he pleased; upon which Corporal Van
+Spitter made his best military salute, turned round on his heel, and
+walked away, laughing in his sleeve at having so easily gulled
+his superior.
+
+On the third morning the cutter had arrived at her destined port. During
+the passage Ramsay had taken possession of the cabin, ordering
+everything as he pleased, much to the surprise of the crew. Mr
+Vanslyperken spoke of him as a king's messenger, but still Smallbones,
+who took care to hear what was going on, reported the abject submission
+shown to Ramsay by the lieutenant, and this was the occasion of great
+marvel; moreover, they doubted his being a king's messenger, for, as
+Smallbones very shrewdly observed, "Why, if he was a king's messenger,
+did he not come with the despatches?" However, they could only surmise,
+and no more. But the dog being turned out of the cabin in compliance
+with Ramsay's wish, was the most important point of all. They could have
+got over all the rest, but that was quite incomprehensible; and they all
+agreed with Coble, when he observed, hitching up his trousers, "Depend
+upon it, there's a screw loose somewhere."
+
+As soon as the cutter was at anchor, Ramsay ordered his portmanteau into
+the boat, and Vanslyperken having accompanied him on shore, they
+separated, Ramsay informing Vanslyperken that he would wish to see him
+the next day, and giving him his address.
+
+Vanslyperken delivered his despatches, and then hastened to the widow
+Vandersloosh, who received him with a well-assumed appearance of mingled
+pleasure and reserve.
+
+Vanslyperken led her to the sofa, poured forth a multitudinous compound
+composed of regret, devotion, and apologies, which at last appeared to
+have melted the heart of the widow, who once more gave him her hand
+to salute.
+
+Vanslyperken was all rapture at so unexpected a reconciliation; the name
+of the cur was not mentioned, and Vanslyperken thought to himself, "This
+will do,--let me only once get you, my Frau, and I'll teach you to wish
+my dog dead at your porch."
+
+On the other hand the widow thought, "And so this atomy really believes
+that I would look upon him! Well, well, Mr Vanslyperken, we shall see
+how it ends. Your cur under my bed, indeed, so sure do you never--. Yes,
+yes, Mr Vanslyperken."
+
+There is a great deal of humbug in this world, that is certain.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXVIII
+
+In which we have at last introduced a decent sort of heroine, who,
+however, only plays a second in our history, Snarleyyow being
+first fiddle.
+
+
+But we must leave Mr Vanslyperken, and the widow, and the _Yungfrau_,
+and all connected with her, for the present, and follow the steps of
+Ramsay, in doing which we shall have to introduce new personages in our
+little drama.
+
+As soon as Ramsay had taken leave of Vanslyperken, being a stranger at
+Amsterdam, he inquired his way to the Golden Street, in which resided
+Mynheer Van Krause, syndic of the town, and to whom he had obtained his
+principal letters of introduction. The syndic's house was too well
+known not to be immediately pointed out to him, and in ten minutes he
+found himself, with the sailors at his heels who had been ordered to
+carry up his baggage, at a handsomely carved door painted in bright
+green, and with knockers of massive brass which glittered in the sun.
+
+Ramsay, as he waited a few seconds, looked up at the house, which was
+large and with a noble front to the wide street in face of it, not, as
+usual with most of the others, divided in the centre by a canal running
+the whole length of it. The door was opened, and led into a large paved
+yard, the sides of which were lined with evergreens in large tubs,
+painted of the same bright green colour; adjoining to the yard was a
+small garden enclosed with high walls, which was laid out with great
+precision, and in small beds full of tulips, ranunculuses, and other
+bulbs now just appearing above the ground. The sailors waited outside
+while the old gray-headed servitor who had opened the gate, ushered
+Ramsay through the court to a second door which led into the house. The
+hall into which he entered was paved with marble, and the staircase bold
+and handsome which led to the first floor, but on each side of the hall
+there were wooden partitions and half-glass doors, through which Ramsay
+could see that the rest of the basement was appropriated to warehouses,
+and that in the warehouse at the back of the building there were people
+busily employed hoisting out merchandise from the vessels in the canal,
+the water of which adjoined the very walls. Ramsay followed the man
+upstairs, who showed him into a very splendidly-furnished apartment, and
+then went to summon his master, who, he said, was below in the
+warehouse. Ramsay had but a minute or two to examine the various objects
+which decorated the room, particularly some very fine pictures, when
+Mynheer Van Krause made his appearance, with some open tablets in his
+hand and his pen across his mouth. He was a very short man, with a
+respectable paunch, a very small head, quite bald, a keen blue eye,
+reddish but straight nose, and a very florid complexion. There was
+nothing vulgar about his appearance, although his figure was against
+him. His countenance was one of extreme frankness, mixed with
+considerable intelligence, and his whole manner gave you the idea of
+precision and calculation.
+
+"You would--tyfel--I forgot my pen," said the syndic, catching it as it
+fell out of his mouth. "You would speak with me, mynheer? To whom have I
+the pleasure of addressing myself?"
+
+"These letters, sir," replied Ramsay, "will inform you."
+
+Mynheer Van Krause laid his tablets on the table, putting his pen across
+to mark the leaf where he had them open, and taking the letters begged
+Ramsay to be seated. He then took a chair, pulled a pair of hand-glasses
+out of his pocket, laid them on his knees, broke the seals, and falling
+back so as to recline, commenced reading. As soon as he had finished the
+first letter, he put his glasses down from his eyes, and made a bow to
+Ramsay, folded the open letter the length of the sheet, took out his
+pencil, and on the outside wrote the date of the letter, the day of the
+month, name, and the name of the writer. Having done this, he laid the
+first letter down on the table, took up the second, raised up his
+glasses, and performed the same duty towards it, and thus he continued
+until he had read the whole six; always, as he concluded each letter,
+making the same low bow to Ramsay which he had after the perusal of the
+first. Ramsay, who was not a little tired of all this precision, at last
+fixed his eyes upon a Wouvermann which hung near him, and only took them
+off when he guessed the time of bowing to be at hand.
+
+The last having been duly marked and numbered, Mynheer Van Krause turned
+to Ramsay, and said, "I am most happy, mynheer, to find under my roof a
+young gentleman so much recommended by many valuable friends; moreover,
+as these letters give me to understand, so warm a friend to our joint
+sovereign, and so inimical to the Jacobite party. I am informed by these
+letters that you intend to remain at Amsterdam. If so, I trust that you
+will take up your quarters in this house."
+
+To this proposal Ramsay, who fully expected it, gave a willing consent,
+saying, at the same time, that he had proposed going to an hotel; but
+Mynheer Van Krause insisted on sending for Ramsay's luggage. He had not
+far to send, as it was at the door.
+
+"How did you come over?" inquired the host.
+
+"In a king's cutter," replied Ramsay, "which waited for me at
+Portsmouth."
+
+This intimation produced another very low bow from Mynheer Van Krause,
+as it warranted the importance of his guest; but he then rose, and
+apologising for his presence being necessary below, as they were
+unloading a cargo of considerable value, he ordered his old porter to
+show Mr Ramsay into his rooms, and to take up his luggage, informing his
+guest that, it being now twelve o'clock, dinner would be on the table at
+half-past one, during which interval he begged Ramsay to amuse himself,
+by examining the pictures, books, &c., with which the room was well
+furnished. Then, resuming his tablets and pen, and taking the letters
+with him, Mynheer Van Krause made a very low bow, and left Ramsay to
+himself, little imagining that he had admitted an attainted traitor
+under his roof.
+
+Ramsay could speak Dutch fluently, for he had been quartered two years
+at Middleburg, when he was serving in the army. As soon as the sailors
+had taken up his portmanteau, and he had dismissed them with a gratuity,
+the extent of which made the old porter open his eyes with astonishment,
+and gave him a favourable opinion of his master's new guest, he entered
+into conversation with the old man, who, like Eve upon another occasion,
+was tempted, nothing loth, for the old man loved to talk; and in a house
+so busy as the syndic's there were few who had time to chatter, and
+those who had, preferred other conversation to what, it must be
+confessed, was rather prosy.
+
+"Mein Gott, mynheer, you must not expect to have company here all day.
+My master has the town business and his own business to attend to: he
+can't well get through it all: besides, now is a busy time, the schuyts
+are bringing up the cargo of a vessel from a far voyage, and Mynheer
+Krause always goes to the warehouse from breakfast till dinner, and then
+again from three or four o'clock till six. After that he will stay
+above, and then sees company, and hears our young lady sing."
+
+"Young lady! has he a daughter then?"
+
+"He has a daughter, mynheer--only one--only one child--no son, it is a
+pity; and so much money too, they say. I don't know how many stivers and
+guilders she will have by-and-bye."
+
+"Is not Madame Krause still alive?"
+
+"No, mynheer, she died when this maiden was born. She was a good lady,
+cured me once of the yellow jaundice."
+
+Ramsay, like all young men, wondered what sort of a person this lady
+might be; but he was too discreet to put the question. He was, however,
+pleased to hear that there was a young female in the house, as it would
+make the time pass away more agreeably; not that he expected much.
+Judging from the father, he made up his mind, as he took his clothes out
+of his valise, that she was very short, very prim, and had a
+hooked nose.
+
+The old man now left the room to allow Ramsay to dress, and telling him
+that if he wanted anything, he had only to call for Koops, which was his
+name, but going out, he returned to say, that Ramsay must call rather
+loud, as he was a little hard of hearing.
+
+"Well," thought Ramsay, as he was busy with his toilet, "here I am safe
+lodged at last, and everything appears as if it would prosper. There is
+something in my position which my mind revolts at, but stratagem is
+necessary in war. I am in the enemy's camp to save my own life, and to
+serve the just cause. It is no more than what they attempt to do with
+us. It is my duty to my lawful sovereign, but still I do not like it.
+Then the more merit in performing a duty so foreign to my inclinations."
+
+Such were the thoughts of Ramsay, who like other manly and daring
+dispositions, was dissatisfied with playing the part of a deceiver,
+although he had been selected for the service, and his selection had
+been approved of at the Court of St Germains.
+
+Open warfare would have suited him better; but he would not repine at
+what he considered he was bound in fealty to perform, if required,
+although he instinctively shrank from it. His toilet was complete, and
+Ramsay descended into the reception-room: he had been longer than usual,
+but probably that was because he wished to commune with himself; or it
+might be, because he had been informed that there was a young lady in
+the house.
+
+The room was empty when Ramsay entered it, and he took the advice of his
+host, and amused himself by examining the pictures, and other articles
+of _virtu_, with which the room was filled.
+
+At last, having looked at everything, Ramsay examined a splendid clock
+on the mantelpiece, before a fine glass, which mounted to the very top
+of the lofty room, when, accidentally casting his eyes to the
+looking-glass, he perceived in it that the door of the room, to which
+his back was turned, was open, and that a female was standing there,
+apparently surprised to find a stranger, and not exactly knowing whether
+to advance or retreat. Ramsay remained in the same position, as if he
+did not perceive her, that he might look at her without her being aware
+of it. It was, as he presumed, the syndic's daughter; but how different
+from the person he had conjured up in his mind's eye, when at his
+toilet! Apparently about seventeen or eighteen years of age, she was
+rather above the height of woman, delicately formed, although not by any
+means thin in her person: her figure possessing all that feminine
+luxuriance, which can only be obtained when the bones are small, but
+well covered. Her face was oval, and brilliantly fair. Her hair of a
+dark chestnut, and her eyes of a deep blue. Her dress was simple in the
+extreme. She wore nothing but the white woollen petticoats of the time,
+so short, as to show above her ankles, and a sort of little jacket of
+fine green cloth, with lappets, which descended from the waist, and
+opened in front. Altogether, Ramsay thought that he had never in his
+life seen a young female so peculiarly attractive at first sight: there
+was a freshness in her air and appearance so uncommon, so unlike the
+general crowd. As she stood in a state of uncertainty, her mouth opened,
+and displayed small and beautifully white teeth.
+
+Gradually she receded, supposing that she had not been discovered, and
+closed the door quietly after her leaving Ramsay for a few seconds at
+the glass, with his eyes fixed upon the point at which she had
+disappeared.
+
+Ramsay of course fell into a reverie, as most men do in a case of this
+kind; but he had not proceeded very far into it before he was
+interrupted by the appearance of the syndic, who entered by
+another door.
+
+"I am sorry to have been obliged to leave you to your own company,
+Mynheer Ramsay, so soon after your arrival; but my arrangement of time
+is regular, and I cannot make any alteration. Before you have been with
+us long, I trust that you will find means of amusement. I shall have
+great pleasure in introducing you to many friends whose time is not so
+occupied as mine. Once again let me say how happy I am to receive so
+distinguished a young gentleman under my roof. Did the cutter bring
+despatches for the States General, may I enquire?"
+
+"Yes," replied Ramsay, "she did; and they are of some importance."
+
+"Indeed?" rejoined Mynheer inquisitively.
+
+"My dear sir," said Ramsay, blushing at his own falsehood, "we are, I
+believe, both earnest in one point, which is to strengthen the good
+cause. Under such an impression, and having accepted your hospitality, I
+have no right to withhold what I know, but with which others are not
+acquainted."
+
+"My dear sir," interrupted Krause, who was now fully convinced of the
+importance of his guest, "you do me justice; I am firm and steadfast in
+the good cause. I am known to be so, and I am also, I trust, discreet;
+confiding to my tried friends, indeed, but it will be generally
+acknowledged that Mynheer Krause has possessed, and safely guarded, the
+secrets of the state."
+
+Now, in the latter part of this speech, Mynheer Krause committed a small
+mistake. He was known to be a babbler, one to whom a secret could not be
+imparted, without every risk of its being known; and it was from the
+knowledge of this failing in Mynheer Krause that Ramsay had received
+such very particular recommendations to him. As syndic of the town, it
+was impossible to prevent his knowledge of government secrets, and when
+these occasionally escaped, they were always traced to his not being
+able to hold his tongue.
+
+Nothing pleased Mynheer Krause so much as a secret, because nothing gave
+him so much pleasure as whispering it confidentially into the ear of a
+dozen confidential friends. The consequence was, the government was
+particularly careful that he should not know what was going on, and did
+all they could to prevent it; but there were many others who, although
+they could keep a secret, had no objection to part with it for a
+consideration, and in the enormous commercial transactions of Mynheer
+Krause, it was not unfrequent for a good bargain to be struck with him
+by one or more of the public functionaries, the difference between the
+sum proposed and accepted being settled against the interests of Mynheer
+Krause, by the party putting him in possession of some government
+movement which had hitherto been kept _in petto_. Every man has his
+hobby, and usually pays dear for it, so did Mynheer Krause.
+
+Now when it is remembered that Ramsay had opened and read the whole of
+the despatches, it may at once be supposed what a valuable acquaintance
+he would appear to Mynheer Krause; but we must not anticipate. Ramsay's
+reply was, "I feel it my bounden duty to impart all I am possessed of to
+my very worthy host, but allow me to observe, mynheer, that prudence is
+necessary--we may be overheard."
+
+"I am pleased to find one of your age so circumspect," replied Krause;
+"perhaps it would be better to defer our conversation till after supper,
+but in the meantime, could you not just give me a little inkling of what
+is going on?"
+
+Ramsay had difficulty in stifling a smile at this specimen of Mynheer
+Krause's eagerness for intelligence. He very gravely walked up to him,
+looked all round the room as if he was afraid that the walls would hear
+him, and then whispered for a few seconds into the ear of his host.
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Krause, looking up into Ramsay's face.
+
+Ramsay nodded his head authoritatively.
+
+"Gott in himmel!" exclaimed the syndic; but here the bell for dinner
+rang a loud peal. "Dinner is on the table, mynheer," continued the
+syndic, "allow me to show you the way. We will talk this over to-night.
+Gott in himmel! Is it possible?"
+
+Mynheer Krause led the way to another saloon, where Ramsay found not
+only the table prepared, but, as he had anticipated, the daughter of his
+host, to whom he was introduced. "Wilhelmina," said Mynheer Krause, "our
+young friend will stay with us, I trust, some time, and you must do all
+you can to make him comfortable. You know, my dear, that business must
+be attended to. With me, time is money; so much so, that I can scarcely
+do justice to the affairs of the state devolving upon me in virtue of my
+office. You must, therefore, join with me, and do your best to amuse
+our guest."
+
+To this speech, Wilhelmina made no reply, but by a gracious inclination
+of her head towards Ramsay, which was returned with all humility. The
+dinner was excellent, and Ramsay amused himself very well indeed until
+it was over. Mynheer Krause then led the way to the saloon, called for
+coffee, and, so soon as he had finished it, made an apology to his
+guest, and left him alone with his beautiful daughter.
+
+Wilhelmina Krause was a young person of a strong mind irregularly
+cultivated; she had never known the advantage of a mother's care, and
+was indeed self-educated. She had a strong tinge of romance in her
+character, and, left so much alone, she loved to indulge in it.
+
+In other points she was clever, well read, and accomplished; graceful in
+her manners, open in her disposition, to a fault; for, like her father,
+she could not keep a secret, not even the secrets of her own heart; for
+whatever she thought she gave utterance to, which is not exactly the
+custom in this world, and often attended with unpleasant consequences.
+
+The seclusion in which she had been kept added to the natural timidity
+of her disposition--but when once intimate, it also added to her
+confiding character. It was impossible to see without admiring her, to
+know her without loving her; for she was nature herself, and, at the
+same time, in her person one of Nature's masterpieces.
+
+As we observed, when they retired to the saloon, Mynheer Krause very
+shortly quitted them, to attend to his affairs below, desiring his
+daughter to exert herself for the amusement of his guest; the contrary,
+however, was the case, for Ramsay exerted himself to amuse her, and very
+soon was successful, for he could talk of courts and kings, of courtiers
+and of people, and of a thousand things, all interesting to a young girl
+who had lived secluded; and as his full-toned voice, in measured and low
+pitch, fell upon Wilhelmina's ear, she never perhaps was so much
+interested. She seldom ventured a remark, except it was to request him
+to proceed, and the eloquent language with which Ramsay clothed his
+ideas, added a charm to the novelty of his conversation. In the course
+of two hours Ramsay had already acquired a moral influence over
+Wilhelmina, who looked up to him with respect, and another feeling which
+we can only define by saying that it was certainly anything
+but ill-will.
+
+The time passed so rapidly, that the two young people could hardly
+believe it possible that it was past six o'clock, when they were
+interrupted by the appearance of Mynheer Krause, who came from his
+counting-house, the labours of the day being over. In the summer-time it
+was his custom to take his daughter out in the carriage at this hour,
+but the weather was too cold, and, moreover, it was nearly dark. A
+conversation ensued on general topics, which lasted till supper-time;
+after this repast was over Wilhelmina retired, leaving Ramsay and the
+syndic alone.
+
+It was then that Ramsay made known to his host the contents of the
+despatches, much to Mynheer Krause's surprise and delight, who felt
+assured that his guest must be strong in the confidence of the English
+government, to be able to communicate such intelligence. Ramsay, who was
+aware that the syndic would sooner or later know what had been written,
+of course was faithful in his detail; not so, however, when they
+canvassed the attempts of the Jacobite party; then Mr Krause was
+completely mystified.
+
+It was not till a late hour that they retired to bed. The next morning,
+the syndic, big with his intelligence, called upon his friends in
+person, and much to their surprise told them the contents of the
+despatches which had been received--and, much to his delight, discovered
+that he had been correctly informed. He also communicated what Ramsay
+had told him relative to the movements of the Court of St Germains, and
+thus, unintentionally, false intelligence was forwarded to England as
+from good authority. It hardly need be observed, that, in a very short
+time, Ramsay had gained the entire confidence of his host, and we may
+add also, of his host's daughter; but we must leave him for the present
+to follow up his plans, whatever they may be, and return to the
+personages more immediately connected with this narrative.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXIX
+
+In which Jemmy Ducks proves the truth of Moggy's assertion, that there
+was no one like him before or since--Nancy and Jemmy serenade the
+stars.
+
+
+As soon as Moggy landed at the Point with her dear darling duck of a
+husband, as she called him, she put his chest and hammock on a barrow
+and had them wheeled up to her own lodgings, and then they went out to
+call upon Nancy Corbett to make their future arrangements; Moggy
+proceeding in rapid strides, and Jemmy trotting with his diminutive legs
+behind her, something like a stout pony by the side of a large horse. It
+was in pedestrianism that Jemmy most felt his inferiority, and the
+protecting, fond way in which Moggy would turn round every minute and
+say, "Come along, my duck," would have been irritating to any other but
+one of Jemmy's excellent temper. Many looked at Jemmy, as he waddled
+along, smiled and passed on; one unfortunate nymph, however, ventured to
+stop, and putting her arms a-kimbo, looked down upon him and exclaimed,
+"Vell! you are a nice little man," and then commenced singing the
+old refrain--
+
+     "I had a little husband no bigger than my thumb,
+     I put him in a pint pot, and there I bid him drum:"
+
+when Moggy, who had turned back, saluted her with such a box on the ear,
+that she made the drum of it ring again. The young lady was not one of
+those who would offer the other cheek to be smitten, and she immediately
+flew at Moggy and returned the blow; but Jemmy, who liked quiet, caught
+her round the legs, and, as if she had been a feather, threw her over
+his head, so that she fell down in the gutter behind him with a violence
+which was anything but agreeable. She gained her legs again, looked at
+her soiled garments, scraped the mud off her cheek--we are sorry to add,
+made use of some very improper language, and finding herself in the
+minority, walked off, turning round and shaking her fist at every
+twenty paces.
+
+Moggy and her husband continued their course as if nothing had happened,
+and arrived at the house of Nancy Corbett, who had, as may be supposed,
+changed her lodgings and kept out of sight of Vanslyperken. Nancy was no
+stranger to Jemmy Ducks; so far as his person went he was too remarkable
+a character not to be known by her who knew almost everybody; and,
+moreover, she had made sufficient inquiries about his character. The
+trio at once proceeded to business: Jemmy had promised his wife to join
+the smugglers, and it was now arranged, that both he and his wife should
+be regularly enlisted in the gang, she to remain at the cave with the
+women, unless her services were required elsewhere, he to belong to the
+boat. There was, however, one necessary preliminary still to be taken,
+that of Jemmy and his wife both taking the oath of fidelity at the house
+of the Jew Lazarus; but it was not advisable to go there before dusk, so
+they remained with Nancy till that time, during which she was fully
+satisfied that, in both parties, the band would have an acquisition, for
+Nancy was very keen and penetrating, and had a great insight into
+human nature.
+
+At dusk, to the house of Lazarus they accordingly repaired, and were
+admitted by the cautious Jew. Nancy stated why they had come, and there
+being, at the time, several of the confederates, as usual, in the house,
+they were summoned by the Jew to be witnesses to the oath being
+administered. Half-a-dozen dark-looking bold men soon made their
+appearance, and recognised Nancy by nods of their heads.
+
+"Who have we here, old Father Abraham?' exclaimed a stout man, who was
+dressed in a buff jerkin and a pair of boots which rose above his knees.
+
+"A good man and true," replied Nancy, caking up the answer.
+
+"Why, you don't call that thing a man!" exclaimed the fierce-looking
+confederate with contempt.
+
+"As good a man as ever stood in your boots," replied Moggy in wrath.
+
+"Indeed: well, perhaps so, if he could only see his way when once into
+them," replied the man with a loud laugh, in which he was joined by his
+companions.
+
+"What can you do, my little man?" said another of a slighter build than
+the first, coming forward and putting his hand upon Jemmy's head.
+
+Now Jemmy was the best-tempered fellow in the world, but, at the same
+time, the very best-tempered people have limits to their forbearance,
+and do not like to be taken liberties with by strangers: so felt Jemmy,
+who, seizing the young man firmly by the waistband of his trousers just
+below the hips, lifted him from the ground, and with a strength which
+astonished all present, threw him clean over the table, his body
+sweeping away both the candles, so they were all left in darkness.
+
+"I can douse a glim anyhow," cried Jemmy.
+
+"That's my darling duck," cried Moggy, delighted with this proof of her
+husband's vigour.
+
+Some confusion was created by this manoeuvre on the part of Jemmy, but
+candles were reproduced, and the first man who spoke, feeling as if this
+victory on the part of Jemmy was a rebuke to himself, again commenced
+his interrogations.
+
+"Well, my little man, you are strong in the arms, but what will you do
+without legs?"
+
+"Not run away, as you have done a hundred times," replied Jemmy,
+scornfully.
+
+"Now by the God of War you shall answer for this," replied the man,
+catching hold of Jemmy by the collar; but in a moment he was tripped up
+by Jemmy, and fell down with great violence on his back.
+
+"Bravo, bravo!" exclaimed the rest, who took part with Jemmy.
+
+"That's my own little duck," cried Moggy; "you've shown him what you can
+do, anyhow."
+
+The man rose, and was apparently feeling for some arms secreted about
+his person, when Nancy Corbett stepped forward.
+
+"Do you dare?" cried she; "take what you have received, and be thankful,
+or--" and Nancy held up her little forefinger.
+
+The man slunk back among the others in silence. The old Jew, who had not
+interfered, being in presence of Nancy, who had superior commands, now
+read the oath, which was of a nature not to be communicated to the
+reader without creating disgust. It was, however, such an oath as was
+taken in those times, and has since been frequently taken in Ireland. It
+was subscribed to by Jemmy and his wife without hesitation, and they
+were immediately enrolled among the members of the association. As soon
+as this ceremony had been gone through, Nancy and her protegés quitted
+the house and returned to her lodgings, when it was agreed that the next
+night they should go over to the island, as Jemmy's services were
+required in the boat in lieu of Ramsay, whose place as steersman he was
+admirably qualified to occupy, much better, indeed, than that of a
+rower, as his legs were too short to reach the stretcher, where it was
+usually fixed.
+
+The next evening the weather was calm and clear, and when they embarked
+in the boat of the old fisherman, with but a small portion of their
+effects, the surface of the water was unruffled, and the stars twinkled
+brightly in the heavens; one article which Jemmy never parted with, was
+in his hand, his fiddle. They all took their seats, and the old
+fisherman shoved off his boat, and they were soon swept out of the
+harbour by the strong ebb tide.
+
+"An't this better than being on board with Vanslyperken, and your leave
+stopped?" observed Moggy.
+
+"Yes," replied the husband.
+
+"And I not permitted to go on board to see my duck of a
+husband--confound his snivelling carcass?" continued Moggy.
+
+"Yes," replied Jemmy, thoughtfully.
+
+"And in company with that supernatual cur of his?"
+
+Jemmy nodded his head, and then in his abstraction touched the strings
+of his violin.
+
+"They say that you are clever with your instrument, Mr Salisbury,"
+observed Nancy Corbett.
+
+"That he is," replied Moggy; "and he sings like a darling duck. Don't
+you, Jemmy, my dear?"
+
+"Quack, quack," replied Jemmy.
+
+"Well, Mr Salisbury, there's no boat that I can see near us, or even in
+sight; and if there was it were little matter. I suppose you will let me
+hear you, for I shall have little opportunity after this?"
+
+"With all my heart," replied Jemmy; who, taking up his fiddle, and
+playing upon the strings like a guitar, after a little reflection, sang
+as follows:
+
+     Bless my eyes, how young Bill threw his shiners away,
+       As he drank and he danced, when he first came on shore!
+     It was clear that he fancied that with his year's pay,
+       Like the Bank of Old England, he'd never be poor.
+     So when the next day, with a southerly wind in
+       His pockets, he came up, my rhino to borrow;
+     "You're welcome," says I, "Bill, as I forked out the tin,
+       But when larking to-day--_don't forget there's to-morrow_."
+
+     When our frigate came to from a cruise in the west,
+       And her yards were all squared, her sails neatly furled,
+     Young Tom clasped his Nancy, so loved, to his breast,
+       As if but themselves there was none in the world.
+     Between two of the guns they were fondly at play,
+       All billing and kissing, forgetting all sorrow;
+     "Love, like cash," says I, "Nan, may all go in a day,
+       While you hug him so close--_don't forget there's to-morrow_."
+
+     When a hurricane swept us smack smooth fore and aft,
+       When we dashed on the rock, and we floundered on shore,
+     As we sighed for the loss of our beautiful craft,
+       Convinced that the like we should never see more,
+     Says I, "My good fellows," as huddled together,
+       They shivered and shook, each phiz black with sorrow,
+     "Remember, it's not to be always foul weather,
+       So with ill-luck to-day--_don't forget there's to-morrow_!"
+
+"And not a bad hint, neither, Mr Salisbury," said Nancy, when Jemmy
+ceased. "You sailors never think of to-morrow, more's the pity. You're
+no better than overgrown babies."
+
+"I'm not much better, at all events," replied Jemmy, laughing: "however,
+I'm as God made me, and so all's right."
+
+"That's my own darling Jemmy," said Moggy, "and if you're content, and
+I'm content, who is to say a word, I should like to know? You may be a
+rum one to look at, but I think them fellows found you but a rum
+customer the other night."
+
+"Don't put so much rum in your discourse, Moggy, you make me long for a
+glass of grog."
+
+"Then your mouth will find the water," rejoined Nancy; "but, however,
+singing is dry work, and I am provided. Pass my basket aft, old
+gentleman, and we will find Mr Salisbury something with which to whet
+his whistle." The boatman handed the basket to Nancy, who pulled out a
+bottle and glass, which she filled, and handed to Jemmy.
+
+"Now, Mr Salisbury, I expect some more songs," said Nancy.
+
+"And you shall have them, mistress; but I've heard say that you've a
+good pipe of your own; suppose that you give me one in return, that will
+be but fair play."
+
+"Not exactly, for you'll have the grog in the bargain," replied Nancy.
+
+"Put my fiddle against the grog, and then all's square."
+
+"I have not sung for many a day," replied Nancy, musing, and looking up
+at the bright twinkling stars. "I once sang, when I was young--and
+happy--I then sang all the day long; that was really singing, for it
+came from the merriness of my heart;" and Nancy paused. "Yes, I have
+sung since, and often, for they made me sing; but 'twas when my heart
+was heavy--or when its load had been, for a time, forgotten and drowned
+in wine. That was not singing, at least not the singing of bygone days."
+
+"But those times are bygone too, Mistress Nancy," said Moggy; "you have
+now your marriage lines, and are made an honest woman."
+
+"Yes, and God keep me so, amen," replied Nancy mournfully.
+
+Had not the night concealed it, a tear might have been seen by the
+others in the boat to trickle down the cheek of Nancy Corbett, as she
+was reminded of her former life; and as she again fixed her eyes upon
+the brilliant heavens, each particular star appeared to twinkle
+brighter, as if they rejoiced to witness tears like those.
+
+"You must be light o' heart now, Mistress Nancy," observed Jemmy,
+soothingly.
+
+"I am not unhappy," replied she, resting her cheek upon her hand.
+
+"Mistress Nancy," said Moggy, "I should think a little of that stuff
+would do neither of us any harm; the night is rather bleak."
+
+Moggy poured out a glass and handed it to Nancy; she drank it, and it
+saved her from a flood of tears, which otherwise she would have been
+unable to repress. In a minute or two, during which Moggy helped herself
+and the old boatman, Nancy's spirits returned.
+
+"Do you know this air?" said Nancy to Jemmy, humming it.
+
+"Yes, yes, I know it well, Mistress Nancy. Will you sing to it?"
+
+Nancy Corbett who had been celebrated once for her sweet singing, as
+well as her beauty, immediately commenced in a soft and melodious tone,
+while Jemmy touched his fiddle.
+
+     Lost, stolen, or strayed,
+     The heart of a young maid;
+     Whoever the same shall find,
+     And prove so very kind.
+     To yield it on desire,
+     They shall rewarded be,
+     And that most handsomely,
+     With kisses one, two, three.
+         Cupid is the crier,
+         Ring-a-ding, a-ding,
+         Cupid is the crier.
+
+     O yes! O yes! O yes!
+     Here is a pretty mess!
+     A maiden's heart is gone,
+     And she is left forlorn,
+     And panting with desire;
+     Whoever shall bring it me,
+     They shall rewarded be.
+     With kisses one, two, three.
+         Cupid is the crier,
+         Ring-a-ding, a-ding,
+         Cupid is the crier.
+
+     'Twas lost on Sunday eve,
+     Or taken without leave,
+     A virgin's heart so pure,
+     She can't the loss endure,
+     And surely will expire;
+     Pity her misery.
+     Rewarded you shall be,
+     With kisses one, two, three.
+         Cupid is the crier,
+         Ring-a-ding, a-ding,
+         Cupid is the crier.
+
+     The maiden sought around,
+     It was not to be found,
+     She searched each nook and dell,
+     The haunts she loved so well,
+     All anxious with desire;
+     The wind blew ope his vest,
+     When, lo! the toy in quest,
+     She found within the breast
+         Of Cupid, the false crier,
+         Ring-a-ding, a-ding-a-ding,
+         Cupid the false crier.
+
+"Many thanks, Mistress Corbett, for a good song, sung in good tune, with
+a sweet voice," said Jemmy. "I owe you one for that, and am ready to pay
+you on demand. You've a pipe like a missel thrush."
+
+"Well, I do believe that I shall begin to sing again," replied Nancy.
+"I'm sure if Corbett was only once settled on shore in a nice little
+cottage, with a garden, and a blackbird in a wicker cage, I should try
+who could sing most, the bird or me."
+
+"He will be by-and-bye, when his work is done."
+
+"Yes, when it is; but open boats, stormy seas, and the halter, are
+heavy odds, Mr Salisbury."
+
+"Don't mention the halter, Mistress Nancy, you'll make me melancholy,"
+replied Jemmy, "and I sha'n't be able to sing any more. Well, if they
+want to hang me, they need not rig the yard-arm, three handspikes as
+sheers, and I shouldn't find soundings, heh! Moggy?"
+
+Nancy laughed at the ludicrous idea; but Moggy exclaimed with vehemence,
+"Hang my Jemmy! my darling duck! I should like to see them."
+
+"At all events, we'll have another song from him, Moggy, before they
+spoil his windpipe, which, I must say, would be a great pity; but Moggy,
+there have been better men hung than your husband."
+
+"Better men than my Jemmy, Mrs Corbett! There never was one like him
+afore or since;" replied Moggy, with indignation.
+
+"I only meant of longer pedigree, Moggy," replied Nancy soothingly.
+
+"I don't know what that is," replied Moggy, still angry.
+
+"Longer legs, to be sure," replied Jemmy. "Never mind that, Moggy. Here
+goes, a song in two parts. It's a pity, Mistress Nancy, that you
+couldn't take one."
+
+     "When will you give up this life of wild roving?
+       When shall we be quiet and happy on shore?
+     When will you to church lead your Susan, so loving,
+       And sail on the treacherous billows no more?"
+
+     "My ship is my wife, Sue, no other I covet,
+       Till I draw the firm splice that's betwixt her and me;
+     I'll roam on the ocean, for much do I love it--
+       To wed with another were rank bigamy."
+
+     "O William, what nonsense you talk, you are raving;
+       Pray how can a ship and a man become one?
+     You say so because you no longer are craving,
+       As once you were truly--and I am undone."
+
+     "You wrong me, my dearest, as sure as I stand here,
+       As sure as I'll sail again on the wide sea;
+     Some day I will settle, and marry with you, dear,
+      But now 'twould be nothing but rank bigamy."
+
+     "Then tell me the time, dear William, whenever
+       Your Sue may expect this divorce to be made;
+     When you'll surely be mine, when no object shall sever,
+       But locked in your arms I'm no longer afraid."
+
+     "The time it will be when my pockets are lined,
+       I'll then draw the splice 'tween my vessel and me,
+     And lead you to church, if you're still so inclined--
+       But before, my dear Sue, 'twere rank bigamy."
+
+"Thank you, Mr Salisbury. I like the moral of that song; a sailor never
+should marry till he can settle on shore."
+
+"What's the meaning of big-a-me?" said Moggy.
+
+"Marrying two husbands or two wives, Mrs Salisbury. Perhaps you might
+get off on the plea that you had only one and a half," continued
+Nancy, laughing.
+
+"Well, perhaps she might," replied Jemmy, "if he were a judge of
+understanding."
+
+"I should think, Mistress Nancy, you might as well leave my husband's
+legs alone," observed Moggy, affronted.
+
+"Lord bless you, Moggy, if he's not angry, you surely should not be; I
+give a joke, and I can take one. You surely are not jealous?"
+
+"Indeed I am though, and always shall be of anyone who plays with my
+Jemmy."
+
+"Or if he plays with anything else?"
+
+"Yes, indeed."
+
+"Yes, indeed! then you must be downright jealous of his fiddle, Moggy,"
+replied Nancy; "but never mind, you sha'n't be jealous now about
+nothing. I'll sing you a song, and then you'll forget all this." Nancy
+Corbett then sang as follows:
+
+     Fond Mary sat on Henry's knee,
+     "I must be home exact," said he,
+       "And see, the hour is come."
+     "No, Henry, you shall never go
+     Until me how to count you show;
+       That task must first be done."
+
+     Then Harry said, "As time is short,
+     Addition you must first be taught;--
+       Sum up these kisses sweet;
+
+     "Now prove your sum by kissing me:--
+     Yes, that is right, 'twas three times three--
+       Arithmetic's a treat.
+
+     "And now there is another term,
+     Subtraction you have yet to learn;
+       Take four away from these."
+     "Yes, that is right, you've made it out,"
+     Says Mary, with a pretty pout,
+       "Subtraction don't me please."
+
+     Division's next upon the list;
+     Young Henry taught while Mary kissed,
+       And much admired the rule;
+     "Now, Henry, don't you think me quick?"
+     "Why, yes, indeed, you've learned the trick;
+       At kissing you're no fool."
+
+     To multiply was next the game,
+     Which Henry by the method same,
+       To Mary fain would show;
+     But here his patience was worn out,
+     She multiplied too fast I doubt,
+       He could no farther go.
+
+     "And now we must leave off, my dear;
+     The other rules are not so clear,
+       We'll try at them to-night;"
+     "I'll come at eve, my Henry sweet;
+     Behind the hawthorn hedge we'll meet,
+       For learning's my delight."
+
+"That's a very pretty song, Mistress Corbett, and you've a nice
+collection, I've no doubt. If you've no objection, I'll exchange another
+with you."
+
+"I should be most willing, Mr Salisbury; but we are now getting well
+over, and we may as well be quiet, as I do not wish people to ask where
+we are going."
+
+"You're right, ma'am," observed the old fisherman, who pulled the boat.
+"Put up your fiddle, master; there be plenty on the look out, without
+our giving them notice."
+
+"Very true," replied Jemmy, "so we break up our concert."
+
+The whole party were now silent. In a quarter of an hour the boat was
+run into a cut, which concealed it from view; and, as soon as the
+fisherman had looked round to see the coast clear, they landed and made
+haste to pass by the cottages; after that Nancy slackened her pace, and
+they walked during the night over to the other side of the island, and
+arrived at the cottages above the cave.
+
+Here they left a portion of their burdens and then proceeded to the path
+down the cliff which led to the cave. On Nancy giving the signal, the
+ladder was lowered, and they were admitted. As soon as they were upon
+the flat, Moggy embraced her husband, crying, "Here I have you, my own
+dear Jemmy, all to myself, and safe for ever."
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXX
+
+In which Mr Vanslyperken treats the ladies.
+
+
+On the second day after his arrival, Vanslyperken, as agreed, went up to
+the syndic's house to call upon Ramsay. The latter paid him down one
+hundred pounds for his passage and services, and Vanslyperken was so
+pleased, that he thought seriously, as soon as he had amassed sufficient
+money, to withdraw himself from the service, and retire with his
+ill-gotten gains; but when would a miser like Vanslyperken have amassed
+sufficient money? Alas! never, even if the halter were half round his
+neck. Ramsay then gave his instructions to Vanslyperken, advising him to
+call for letters previously to his sailing, and telling him that he must
+open the government despatches in the way to which he had been witness,
+take full memorandums of the contents, and bring them to him, for which
+service he would each time receive fifty pounds as a remuneration.
+Vanslyperken bowed to his haughty new acquaintance, and quitted
+the house.
+
+"Yes," thought Ramsay, "that fellow is a low, contemptible traitor, and
+how infamous does treason appear in that wretch! but--I--I am no
+traitor--I have forfeited my property and risked my life in fidelity to
+my king, and in attempting to rid the world of a usurper and a tyrant.
+Here, indeed, I am playing a traitor's part to my host, but still I am
+doing my duty. An army without spies would be incomplete, and one may
+descend to that office for the good of one's country without tarnish or
+disgrace. Am I not a traitor to her already? Have not I formed visions
+in my imagination already of obtaining her hand, and her heart, and her
+fortune? Is not this treachery? Shall I not attempt to win her
+affections under disguise as her father's friend and partisan? But what
+have women to do with politics? Or if they have, do not they set so
+light a value upon them, that they will exchange them for a feather?
+Yes, surely; when they love, their politics are the politics of those
+they cling to. At present, she is on her father's side; but if she leave
+her father and cleave to me, her politics will be transferred with her
+affections. But then her religion. She thinks me a Protestant. Well,
+love is all in all with women; not only politics but religion must yield
+to it; 'thy people shall be my people, and thy God shall be my God,' as
+Ruth says in the scriptures. She is wrong in politics, I will put her
+right. She is wrong in religion, I will restore her to the bosom of the
+church. Her wealth would be sacrificed to some heretic; it were far
+better that it belonged to one who supports the true religion and the
+good cause. In what way, therefore, shall I injure her? On the
+contrary." And Ramsay walked down stairs to find Wilhelmina. Such were
+the arguments used by the young cavalier, and with which he fully
+satisfied himself that he was doing rightly; had he argued the other
+side of the question, he would have been equally convinced, as most
+people are, when they argue without any opponent; but we must leave him
+to follow Vanslyperken.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken walked away from the syndic's house with the comfortable
+idea that one side of him was heavier than the other by one hundred
+guineas. He also ruminated; he had already obtained three hundred
+pounds, no small sum, in those days, for a lieutenant. It is true that
+he had lost the chance of thousands by the barking of Snarleyyow, and he
+had lost the fair Portsmouth widow; but then he was again on good terms
+with the Frau Vandersloosh, and was in a fair way of making his fortune,
+and, as he considered, with small risk. His mother, too, attracted a
+share of his reminiscences; the old woman would soon die, and then he
+would have all that she had saved. Smallbones occasionally intruded
+himself, but that was but for a moment. And Mr Vanslyperken walked away
+very well satisfied, upon the whole, with his _esse_ and _posse_. He
+wound up by flattering himself that he should wind up with the savings
+of his mother, his half-pay, the widow's guilders, and his own
+property,--altogether it would be pretty comfortable. But we leave him
+and return to Corporal Van Spitter.
+
+Corporal Van Spitter had had wisdom enough to dupe Vanslyperken, and
+persuade him that he was very much in love with Babette; and
+Vanslyperken, who was not at all averse to this amour, permitted the
+corporal to go on shore and make love. As Vanslyperken did not like the
+cutter and Snarleyyow to be left without the corporal or himself, he
+always remained on board when the corporal went, so that the widow had
+enough on hand--pretending love all the morning with the lieutenant, and
+indemnifying herself by real love with the corporal after dusk. Her fat
+hand was kissed and slobbered from morning to night, but it was half for
+love and half for revenge.
+
+But we must leave the corporal, and return to Jemmy Ducks. Jemmy was two
+days in the cave before the arrival of the boat, during which he made
+himself a great favourite, particularly with Lilly, who sat down and
+listened to his fiddle and his singing. It was a novelty in the cave,
+anything like amusement. On the third night, however, Sir R. Barclay
+came back from Cherbourg, and as he only remained one hour, Jemmy was
+hastened on board, taking leave of his wife, but not parting with his
+fiddle. He took his berth as steersman, in lieu of Ramsay, and gave
+perfect satisfaction. The intelligence brought over by Sir Robert
+rendered an immediate messenger to Portsmouth necessary, and, as it
+would create less suspicion, Moggy was the party now entrusted in lieu
+of Nancy, who had been lately seen too often, and, it was supposed, had
+been watched. Moggy was not sorry to receive her instructions, which
+were, to remain at Portsmouth until Lazarus the Jew should give her
+further orders; for there was one point which Moggy was most anxious to
+accomplish, now that she could do it without risking a retaliation upon
+her husband, which was, to use her own expression, to pay off that
+snivelling old rascal, Vanslyperken.
+
+But we must leave Moggy and the movements of individuals, and return to
+our general history. The _Yungfrau_ was detained a fortnight at
+Amsterdam, and then received the despatches of the States General and
+those of Ramsay, with which Vanslyperken returned to Portsmouth. On his
+arrival, he went through his usual routine at the admiral's and the
+Jew's, received his douceur, and hastened to his mother's house, when he
+found the old woman, as she constantly prophesied, not dead yet.
+
+"Well, child, what have you brought--more gold?"
+
+"Yes," replied Vanslyperken, laying down the one hundred and fifty
+guineas which he had received.
+
+"Bless thee, my son--bless thee!" said the old woman, laying her palsied
+hand upon Vanslyperken's head. "It is not often I bless--I never did
+bless as I can recollect--I like cursing better. My blessing must be
+worth something, if it's only for its scarcity; and do you know why I
+bless thee, my Cornelius? Because--ha, ha, ha! because you are a
+murderer and a traitor, and you love gold."
+
+Even Vanslyperken shuddered at the hag's address.
+
+"What do you ever gain by doing good in this world? nothing but laughter
+and contempt. I began the world like a fool, but I shall go out of it
+like a wise woman, hating, despising everything but gold. And I have had
+my revenge in my time--yes--yes--the world, my son, is divided into only
+two parts, those who cheat, and those who are cheated--those who
+master, and those who are mastered--those who are shackled by
+superstitions and priests, and those who, like me, fear neither God nor
+devil. We must all die; yes, but I shan't die yet, no, no."
+
+And Vanslyperken almost wished that he could gain the unbelief of the
+decrepit woman whom he called mother, and who, on the verge of eternity,
+held fast to such a creed.
+
+"Well, mother, perhaps it may be you are right--I never gained anything
+by a good action yet."
+
+_Query_. Had he ever done a good action?
+
+"You're my own child, I see, after all; you have my blessing, Cornelius,
+my son--go and prosper. Get gold--get gold," replied the old hag, taking
+up the money, and locking it up in the oak chest.
+
+Vanslyperken then narrated to his mother the unexpected interview with
+Smallbones, and his surmise that the lad was supernaturally gifted. "Ah,
+well," replied she, "those who are born to be hung will die by no other
+death; but still it does not follow that they will not die. You shall
+have your revenge, my child. The lad shall die. Try again; water, you
+say, rejects him? Fire will not harm him. There is that which is of the
+earth and of the air left. Try again, my son; revenge is sweet, next
+to gold."
+
+After two hours' conversation, it grew dark, and Vanslyperken departed,
+revolving in his mind, as he walked away, the sublime principles of
+religion and piety, in the excellent advice given by his aged mother. "I
+wish I could only think as she does," muttered Vanslyperken at last; and
+as he concluded this devout wish, his arm was touched by a
+neatly-dressed little girl, who curtsied, and asked if he was not
+Lieutenant Vanslyperken, belonging to the cutter. Vanslyperken replied
+in the affirmative, and the little girl then said that a lady, her
+mistress, wished to speak to him.
+
+"Your mistress, my little girl?" said Vanslyperken, suspiciously; "and
+pray who is your mistress?"
+
+"She is a lady, sir," replied the latter; "she was married to Major
+Williams, but he is dead."
+
+"Hah! a widow; well, what does she want? I don't know her."
+
+"No, sir, and she don't know you; but she told me if you did not come at
+once, to give you this paper to read."
+
+Vanslyperken took the paper, and walking to the window of a shop in
+which there was a light, contrived to decipher as follows:--
+
+     "SIR,
+
+     "The lady who lived in Castle Street has sent me a letter,
+     and a parcel, to deliver up into your own hands, as the
+     parcel is of value. The bearer of this will bring you to
+     my house.
+
+     "Your very obedient,
+
+     "JANE WILLIAMS."
+
+     _Two o'clock_.
+
+"Where does your mistress live, little girl?" enquired Vanslyperken, who
+immediately anticipated the portrait of the fair widow set in diamonds.
+
+"She lives in one of the publics on the hard, sir, on the first floor,
+while she is furnishing her lodgings."
+
+"One of the publics on the hard; well, my little girl, I will go with
+you."
+
+"I have been looking for you everywhere, sir," said the little girl,
+walking, or rather trotting by the side of Vanslyperken, who
+strided along.
+
+"Did your mistress know the lady who lived in Castle Street?"
+
+"O yes, sir, my mistress then lived next door to her in Castle Street,
+but her lease was out, and now she has a much larger house in William
+Street, but she is painting and furnishing all so handsome, sir, and so
+now she has taken the first floor of the 'Wheatsheaf' till she can get
+in again."
+
+And Mr Vanslyperken thought it would be worth his while to reconnoitre
+this widow before he closed with the Frau Vandersloosh. How selfish
+men are!
+
+In a quarter of an hour Mr Vanslyperken and the little girl had arrived
+at the public-house in question. Mr Vanslyperken did not much admire the
+exterior of the building, but it was too dark to enable him to take an
+accurate survey. It was, however, evident, that it was a pot-house, and
+nothing more; and Mr Vanslyperken thought that lodgings must be very
+scarce in Portsmouth. He entered the first and inner door, and the
+little girl said she would go upstairs and let her mistress know that he
+was come. She ran up, leaving Mr Vanslyperken alone in the dark passage.
+He waited for some time, when his naturally suspicious temper made him
+think he had been deceived, and he determined to wait outside of the
+house, which appeared very disreputable. He therefore retreated to the
+inner door to open it, but found it fast. He tried it again and again,
+but in vain, and he became alarmed and indignant. Perceiving a light
+through another keyhole, he tried the door, and it was open; a screen
+was close to the door as he entered, and he could not see its occupants.
+Mr Vanslyperken walked round, and as he did so, he heard the door closed
+and locked. He looked on the other side of the screen, and, to his
+horror, found himself in company with Moggy Salisbury, and about twenty
+other females. Vanslyperken made a precipitate retreat to the door, but
+he was met by three or four women, who held him fast by the arms.
+Vanslyperken would have disgraced himself by drawing his cutlass; but
+they were prepared for this, and while two of them pinioned his arms,
+one of them drew his cutlass from its sheath, and walked away with it.
+Two of the women contrived to hold his arms, while another pushed him in
+the rear, until he was brought from behind the screen into the middle of
+the room, facing his incarnate enemy, Moggy Salisbury.
+
+"Good evening to you, Mr Vanslyperken," cried Moggy, not rising from
+her chair. "It's very kind of you to come and see me in this friendly
+way--come, take a chair, and give us all the news."
+
+"Mistress Salisbury, you had better mind what you are about with a
+king's officer," cried Vanslyperken, turning more pale at this mockery,
+than if he had met with abuse. "There are constables, and stocks, and
+gaols, and whipping-posts on shore, as well as the cat on board."
+
+"I know all that, Mr Vanslyperken," replied Moggy, calmly; "but that has
+nothing to do with the present affair: you have come of your own accord
+to this house to see somebody, that is plain, and you have found me. So
+now do as you're bid, like a polite man; sit down, and treat the ladies.
+Ladies, Mr Vanslyperken stands treat, and please the pigs, we'll make a
+night of it. What shall it be? I mean to take my share of a bottle of
+Oporto. What will you have, Mrs Slamkoe?"
+
+"I'll take a bowl of burnt brandy, with your leave, Mrs Salisbury, not
+being very well in my inside."
+
+"And you, my dear?"
+
+"O, punch for me--punch to the mast," cried another. "I'll drink enough
+to float a jolly-boat. It's very kind of Mr Vanslyperken."
+
+All the ladies expressed their several wishes, and Vanslyperken knew not
+what to do; he thought he might as well make an effort, for the demand
+on his purse he perceived would be excessive, and he loved his money.
+
+"You may all call for what you please," said Vanslyperken, "but you'll
+pay for what you call for. If you think that I am to be swindled in this
+way out of my money, you're mistaken. Every soul of you shall be whipped
+at the cart's tail to-morrow."
+
+"Do you mean to insinuate that I am not a respectable person, sir?" said
+a fierce-looking virago, rubbing her fist against Vanslyperken's nose.
+"Smell that!"
+
+It was not a nosegay at all to the fancy of Mr Vanslyperken; he threw
+himself back, and his chair fell with him. The ladies laughed, and Mr
+Vanslyperken rose in great wrath.
+
+"By all the devils in hell," he exclaimed, whirling the chair round his
+head, "but I'll do you a mischief!"
+
+But he was soon pinioned from behind.
+
+"This is very unpolite conduct," said one; "you call yourself a
+gentleman?"
+
+"What shall we do, ladies?"
+
+"Do," replied another; "let's strip him, and pawn his clothes, and then
+turn him adrift."
+
+"Well, that's not a bad notion," replied the others, and they forthwith
+proceeded to take off Mr Vanslyperken's coat and waistcoat. How much
+further they would have gone it is impossible to say, for Mr
+Vanslyperken had made up his mind to buy himself off as cheap as
+he could.
+
+Be it observed, that Moggy never interfered, nor took any part in this
+violence; on the contrary, she continued sitting in her chair, and said,
+"Indeed, ladies, I request you will not be so violent, Mr Vanslyperken
+is my friend. I am sorry that he will not treat you; but if he will not,
+I beg you will allow him to go away."
+
+"There, you hear," cried Mr Vanslyperken; "Mrs Salisbury, am I at
+liberty to depart?"
+
+"Most certainly, Mr Vanslyperken; you have my full permission. Ladies, I
+beg that you will let him go."
+
+"No, by the living jingo! not till he treats us," cried one of the
+women; "why did he come into this shop, but for nothing else? I'll have
+my punch afore he starts."
+
+"And I my burnt brandy." So cried they all, and Mr Vanslyperken, whose
+coat and waistcoat were already off, and finding many fingers very busy
+about the rest of his person, perceived that Moggy's neutrality was all
+a sham, so he begged to be heard.
+
+"Ladies, I'll do anything in reason. As far as five shillings--"
+
+"Five shillings!" exclaimed the woman; "no, no--why, a foremast man
+would come down with more than that. And you a lieutenant? Five
+guineas, now, would be saying something."
+
+"Five guineas! why I have not so much money. Upon my soul I hav'n't."
+
+"Let us see," said one of the party, diving like an adept into
+Vanslyperken's trousers-pocket, and pulling out his purse. The money was
+poured out on the table, and twelve guineas counted out.
+
+"Then whose money is this?" cried the woman; "not yours on your soul;
+have you been taking a purse to-night? I vote we sends for a constable."
+
+"I quite forgot that I had put more money in my purse," muttered
+Vanslyperken, who never expected to see it again. "I'll treat you,
+ladies--treat you all to whatever you please."
+
+"Bravo! that's spoken like a man," cried the virago, giving Vanslyperken
+a slap on the back which knocked the breath out of his body.
+
+"Bravo!" exclaimed another, "that's what I call handsome; let's all kiss
+him, ladies."
+
+Vanslyperken was forced to go through this ordeal, and then the door was
+unlocked, but carefully guarded, while the several orders were given.
+
+"Who is to pay for all this?" exclaimed the landlady.
+
+"This gentleman treats us all," replied the woman.
+
+"Oh! very well--is it all right, sir?"
+
+Vanslyperken dared not say no: he was in their power, and every eye
+watched him as he gave his answer; so he stammered out "Yes," and, in a
+fit of despair at the loss of his money, he threw himself into his
+chair, and meditated revenge.
+
+"Give Mr Vanslyperken his purse, Susan," said the prudent Moggy to the
+young woman who had taken it out of his pocket.
+
+The purse was returned, and, in a few minutes, the various liquors and
+mixtures demanded made their appearance, and the jollification
+commenced. Every one was soon quite happy, with the exception of Mr
+Vanslyperken, who, like Pistol, ate his leek, swearing in his own mind
+he would be horribly revenged.
+
+"Mr Vanslyperken, you must drink my health in some of this punch."
+Vanslyperken compressed his lips, and shook his head. "I say yes, Mr
+Vanslyperken," cried the virago, looking daggers; "if you don't, we
+quarrel--that's all."
+
+But Vanslyperken argued in his mind that his grounds of complaint would
+be weakened, if he partook of the refreshment which he had been forced
+to pay for, so he resolutely denied.
+
+"Von't you listen to my harguments, Mr Vanslyperken?" continued the
+woman. "Vell, then, I must resort to the last, which I never knew fail
+yet." The woman went to the fire and pulled out the poker, which was red
+hot, from between the bars. "Now then, my beauty, you must kiss this, or
+drink some punch;" and she advanced it towards his nose, while three or
+four others held him fast on his chair behind; the poker, throwing out a
+glow of heat, was within an inch of the poor lieutenant's nose: he could
+stand it no more, his face and eyes were scorched.
+
+"Yes, yes," cried he at last, "if I must drink, then, I will. We will
+settle this matter by-and-bye," cried Vanslyperken, pouring down with
+indignation the proffered glass.
+
+"Now, Susan, don't ill-treat Mr Vanslyperken: I purtest against all
+ill-treatment."
+
+"Ill-treat, Mrs Salisbury! I am only giving him a lesson in
+purliteness."
+
+"Now, Mr What-the-devil's-your-name, you must drink off a glass of my
+burnt brandy, or I shall be jealous," cried another; "and when I am
+jealous I always takes to red-hot pokers." Resistance was in vain, the
+poker was again taken from between the bars, and the burnt brandy
+went down.
+
+Again and again was Mr Vanslyperken forced to pour down his throat all
+that was offered to him, or take the chance of having his nose
+burnt off.
+
+"Is it not wrong to mix your liquors in this way, Mr Vanslyperken?"
+said Moggy, in bitter mockery.
+
+The first allowance brought in was now despatched, and the bell rung,
+and double as much more ordered, to Vanslyperken's great annoyance; but
+he was in the hands of the Philistines. What made the matter worse, was,
+that the company grew every moment more uproarious, and there was no
+saying when they would stop.
+
+"A song--a song--a song from Mr Vanslyperken," cried one of the party.
+
+"Hurrah! yes, a song from the jolly lieutenant."
+
+"I can't sing," replied Vanslyperken.
+
+"You shall sing, by the piper who played before Moses," said the virago;
+"if not, you shall sing out to some purpose;" and the red-hot poker was
+again brandished in her masculine fist, and she advanced to him, saying,
+"suppose we hargue that point?"
+
+"Would you murder me, woman?"
+
+"No; singing is no murder, but we ax a song, and a song we must have."
+
+"I don't know one--upon my honour I don't," cried Vanslyperken.
+
+"Then, we'll larn you. And now you repeat after me."
+
+"'Poll put her arms a-kimbo.' Sing--come, out with it." And the poker
+was again advanced.
+
+"O God!" cried Vanslyperken.
+
+"Sing, or by Heavens I'll shorten your nose! Sing, I say," repeated the
+woman, advancing the poker so as actually to singe the skin.
+
+"Take it away, and I will," cried Vanslyperken, breathless.
+
+"Well then, 'Poll put her arms a-kimbo.'"
+
+"'Poll put her arms a-kimbo,'" repeated Vanslyperken.
+
+"That's saying, not singing," cried the woman. "Now again. 'At the
+admiral's house looked she.'"
+
+"'At the admiral's house looked she,'" replied Vanslyperken, in a
+whining tone.
+
+Thus, with the poker staring him in the face, was Vanslyperken made to
+repeat the very song for singing which he would have flogged Jemmy
+Ducks. There was, however, a desperate attempt to avoid the last stanza.
+
+     "I'll give you a bit of my mind, old boy,
+     Port Admiral, you be d----d."
+
+Nothing but the tip of his nose actually burnt would have produced these
+last words; but fear overcame him, and at last they were repeated. Upon
+which all the women shouted and shrieked with laughter, except Moggy,
+who continued sipping her port wine.
+
+"Your good health, Mr Vanslyperken," said Moggy, drinking to him.
+
+Vanslyperken wiped the perspiration off his forehead, and made no reply.
+
+"You call yourself a gentleman, and not drink the health of the lady of
+the house!" cried virago Mrs Slamkoe. "I'll hargue this point with
+you again."
+
+The same never-failing argument was used, and Mr Vanslyperken drank Mrs
+Salisbury's health in a glass of the port wine which he was to have the
+pleasure of paying for.
+
+"I must say, Mr Vanslyperken," said Moggy, "it was very hard for to wish
+to flog my poor Jemmy for singing a song which you have just now been
+singing yourself."
+
+"Did he want to flog your Jemmy for that?"
+
+"Yes, he did indeed, ladies."
+
+"Then as sure as I stand here, and may this punch be my poison, if he
+sha'n't beg your pardon on his knees. Sha'n't he, girls?" cried
+Mrs Slamkoe.
+
+"Yes, yes, that he shall, or we'll poke him with the poker."
+
+This was a dreadful threat, but the indignity was so great, that
+Vanslyperken attempted to resist. It was, however, in vain; he was
+forced to go on his knees, and ask Mrs Salisbury's pardon.
+
+"Indeed, ladies, I do not wish it," said Moggy; "no, pray don't. Well,
+Mr Vanslyperken, pardon granted; so now kiss and make friends."
+
+Mr Vanslyperken, surrounded now by furies rather than Bacchanalians,
+kissed Mrs Salisbury.
+
+"What in the world would you have me do, you she-devils?" cried he at
+last, driven to desperation.
+
+"This is language for a gentleman," said Mrs Slamkoe.
+
+"They shall make you do nothing more," replied Moggy. "I must retire,
+ladies, your freak's up. You know I never keep late hours. Ladies, I
+wish you all a very good-night."
+
+"Perhaps, Mr Vanslyperken, you would wish to go. I'll send for the woman
+of the house that you may settle the bill; I think you offered to treat
+the company?"
+
+Vanslyperken grinned ghastly. The bell was rung, and while Mr
+Vanslyperken was pulling out the sum demanded by the landlady, the
+ladies all disappeared.
+
+Vanslyperken put up his diminished purse. "There is your sword, Mr
+Vanslyperken," said Moggy; who, during the whole of the scene, had kept
+up a _retenue_ very different from her usual manners.
+
+Vanslyperken took his sword, and appeared to feel his courage
+return--why not? he was armed, and in company with only one woman, and
+he sought revenge.
+
+He rang the bell, and the landlady appeared.
+
+"Landlady," cried Vanslyperken, "you'll send for a constable directly.
+Obey me, or I'll put you down as a party to the robbery which has been
+committed. I say, a constable immediately. Refuse on your peril, woman;
+a king's officer has been robbed and ill-treated."
+
+"Lauk-a-mercy! a constable, sir? I'm sure you've had a very pleasant
+jollification."
+
+"Silence, woman; send for a constable immediately."
+
+"Do you hear, Mrs Wilcox?" said Moggy, very quietly, "Mr Vanslyperken
+wants a constable. Send for one by all means."
+
+"Oh! certainly, ma'am, if you wish it," said the landlady, quitting the
+room.
+
+"Yes, you infamous woman, I'll teach you to rob and ill-treat people in
+this way."
+
+"Mercy on me! Mr Vanslyperken, why I never interfered."
+
+"Ay, ay, that's all very well; but you'll tell another story when you're
+all before the authorities."
+
+"Perhaps I shall," replied Moggy, carelessly. "But I shall now wish you
+a good-evening, Mr Vanslyperken."
+
+Thereupon Mr Vanslyperken very valorously drew his sword, and flourished
+it over his head.
+
+"You don't pass here, Mrs Salisbury. No--no--it's my turn now."
+
+"Your turn now, you beast!" retorted Moggy. "Why, if I wished to pass,
+this poker would soon clear the way; but I can pass without that, and I
+will give you the countersign. Hark! a word in your ear, you wretch. You
+are in my power. You have sent for a constable, and I swear by my own
+Jemmy's little finger, which is worth your old shrivelled carcass, that
+I shall give you in charge of the constable."
+
+"Me!" exclaimed Vanslyperken.
+
+"Yes, you--you wretch--you scum. Now I am going, stop me if you dare.
+Walls have ears, so I'll whisper. If you wish to send a constable after
+me, you'll find me at the house of the Jew Lazarus. Do you understand?"
+
+Vanslyperken started back as if an adder had come before him, his sword
+dropped out of his hand, he stood transfixed.
+
+"May I go now, Mr Vanslyperken, or am I to wait for the constable?
+Silence gives consent," continued Moggy, making a mock courtesy, and
+walking out of the room.
+
+For a minute, Vanslyperken remained in the same position. At last,
+bursting with his feelings, he snatched up his sword, put it into the
+sheath, and was about to quit the room, when in came the landlady with
+the constable.
+
+"You vants me, sir?" said the man.
+
+"I did," stammered Vanslyperken, "but she is gone."
+
+"I must be paid for my trouble, sir, if you please."
+
+Vanslyperken had again to pull out his purse; but this time he hardly
+felt the annoyance, for in his mind's eye his neck was already in the
+halter. He put the money into the man's hand without speaking, and then
+left the room, the landlady courtesying very low, and hoping that she
+soon should again have the pleasure of his company at the Wheatsheaf.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXXI
+
+In which Snarleyyow again triumphs over his enemies.
+
+
+But we must return to the cabin, and state what took place during this
+long absence of the commander, who had gone on shore about three
+o'clock, and had given directions for his boat to be at the Point at
+sunset. There had been a council of war held on the forecastle, in which
+Corporal Van Spitter and Smallbones were the most prominent; and the
+meeting was held to debate, whether they should or should not make one
+more attempt to destroy the dog; singular that the arguments and
+observations very nearly coincided with those made use of by
+Vanslyperken and his mother, when they debated how to get rid of
+Smallbones.
+
+"Water won't touch him, I sees that," observed Smallbones.
+
+"No. Mein Gott, dat was to trow time and de trouble away," replied the
+corporal.
+
+"Hanging's just as natural a death for a cur," observed Spurey.
+
+"Yes," observed Short.
+
+"I'm afeard that the rope's not laid that's to hang that animal,"
+observed Coble, shaking his head. "If water won't do, I'm persuaded
+nothing will, for did not they use, in former days, to lay all spirits
+in the Red Sea?"
+
+"Yes," quoth Short.
+
+"But he ban't a spirit yet," replied Smallbones; "he be flesh and blood
+o' some sort. If I gets fairly rid of his body, d----n his soul, I say,
+he may keep that and welcome."
+
+"But then, you know, he'll haunt us just as much as ever--we shall see
+him here just the same."
+
+"A spirit is only a spirit," observed Smallbones; "he may live in the
+cabin all day and night afore I care; but, d'ye see, there's a great
+difference between the ghost of a dog, and the dog himself."
+
+"Why, if the beast ar'n't natural, I can't see much odds," observed
+Spurey.
+
+"But I can feel 'em," replied Smallbones. "This here dog has a-bitten me
+all to bits, but a ghost of a dog can't bite anyhow."
+
+"No," replied Short.
+
+"And now, d'ye see, as Obadiah Coble has said as how spirits must be
+laid, I think if we were to come for to go for to lay this here hanimal
+in the cold hearth, he may perhaps not be able to get up again."
+
+"That's only a perhaps," observed Coble.
+
+"Well, a perhaps is better than nothing at all," said the lad.
+
+"Yes," observed Short.
+
+"That depends upon sarcumstances," observed Spurey. "What sort of a
+breakfast would you make upon a perhaps?"
+
+"A good one, perhaps," replied Smallbones, grinning at the jingling of
+the words.
+
+"Twenty dozen tyfels, Smallbones is in de right," observed Jansen, who
+had taken no part in the previous conversation. "Suppose you bury de
+dog, de dog body not get up again. Suppose he will come, his soul come,
+leave him body behind him."
+
+"That's exactly my notion of the thing," observed Smallbones.
+
+"Do you mean for to bury him alive?" inquired Spurey.
+
+"Alive! Gott in himmel--no. I knock de brains out first, perry
+afterwards."
+
+"There's some sense in that, corporal."
+
+"And the dog can't have much left anyhow, dog or devil, when his brains
+are all out."
+
+"No," quoth Short.
+
+"But who is to do it?"
+
+"Corporal and I," replied Smallbones; "we be agreed, ban't we,
+corporal?"
+
+"Mein Gott, yes!"
+
+"And now I votes that we tries it off-hand; what's the use of
+shilly-shally? I made a mortal vow that that 'ere dog and I won't live
+together--there ban't room enough for us two."
+
+"It's a wide world, nevertheless," observed Coble, hitching up his
+trousers; "howsomever, I have nothing to say, but I wish you luck; but
+if you kill that dog, I'm a bishop--that's all."
+
+"And if I don't try for to do so, I am an harchbishop, that's all,"
+replied the gallant Smallbones. "Come along, corporal."
+
+And here was to be beheld a novel scene. Smallbones followed in
+obedience by his former persecutor and his superior officer; a bag of
+bones--a reed--a lath--a scarecrow; like a pilot cutter ahead of an
+Indiaman, followed in his wake by Corporal Van Spitter, weighing twenty
+stone. How could this be? It was human nature. Smallbones took the lead,
+because he was the more courageous of the two, and the corporal
+following, proved he tacitly admitted it.
+
+"He be a real bit of stuff, that 'ere Peter Smallbones," said one of the
+men.
+
+"I thinks he be a supernatural himself, for my part," rejoined Spurey.
+
+"At all events, he ar'n't afeard of him," said another.
+
+"We shall see," replied Coble, squirting out his tobacco-juice under the
+gun.
+
+"Come, men, we must go to work now. Shall we, Mr Short?"
+
+"Yes," replied the commanding officer, and the conference broke up.
+
+In the meantime the consultation was continued between Smallbones and
+the corporal. The latter had received instruction to take on shore Mr
+Vanslyperken's dirty linen to the washerwoman, and of course, as a
+corporal, he was not obliged to carry it, and would take Smallbones for
+that purpose. Then he could easily excuse taking the dog on shore, upon
+the plea of taking care of it. It was therefore so arranged; the dog
+would follow the corporal in the absence of his master, but no one else.
+In a few minutes the corporal, Smallbones, Snarleyyow, and a very small
+bundle of linen, were in the boat, and shoved off with as many good
+wishes and as much anxiety for their success, as probably Jason and his
+followers received when they departed in search of the Golden Fleece.
+
+The three parties kept in company, and passed through the town of
+Portsmouth. The washerwoman lived outside the Lines, and there they
+proceeded, Snarleyyow very much in spirits at being able to eat the
+grass, which his health very much required. They walked on until they
+arrived at a large elm-tree, on the side of the road, which lay between
+two hedges and ditches.
+
+"This will do," observed the corporal solemnly. "Mein Gott! I wish it
+was over," continued he, wiping the perspiration from his bull-forehead.
+
+"How shall we kill him, corporal?" inquired Smallbones.
+
+"Mein Gott! knock him head against de tree, I suppose."
+
+"Yes, and bury him in the ditch. Here, dog--Snarleyyow--here, dog," said
+Smallbones; "come, a poor doggy--come here."
+
+But Snarleyyow was not to be coaxed by Smallbones; he suspected
+treachery.
+
+"He won't a-come to me, corporal, or I'd soon settle his hash," observed
+Smallbones.
+
+The corporal had now got over a little panic which had seized him. He
+called Snarleyyow, who came immediately. Oh! had he imagined what the
+corporal was about to do, he might have died like Cæsar, exclaiming, "Et
+tu Brute," which, in plain English means, "and you--you brute."
+
+The corporal, with a sort of desperation, laid hold of the dog by the
+tail, drawing him back till he could swing him round. In a second or two
+Snarleyyow was whirling round the corporal, who turned with him,
+gradually approaching the trunk of the elm-tree, till at last his head
+came in contact with it with a resounding blow, and the dog fell
+senseless. "Try it again, corporal, let's finish him." The corporal
+again swung round the inanimate body of the dog; again, and again, and
+again, did the head come in contact with the hard wood; and then the
+corporal, quite out of breath with the exertion, dropped the body on the
+grass. Neither of them spoke a word for some time, but watched the body,
+as it lay motionless, doubled up, with the fore and hind feet meeting
+each other, and the one eye closed.
+
+"Well, I've a notion that he is done for, anyhow," said Smallbones, "at
+last."
+
+"Mein Gott, yes!" replied the corporal. "He never get on his legs again,
+be he tog or be he tyfel."
+
+"Now for to come for to go for to bury him," said Smallbones, swinging
+the dog by the tail, and dragging him towards the ditch. "I wonder if we
+could get a spade anywhere, corporal."
+
+"Mein Gott! if we ask for a spade they will ask what for, and
+Vanslyperken may find it all out."
+
+"Then I'll bury him and cover him up, anyhow; he'll not come to life
+again, if he does may I be knocked on the head like him, that's all."
+Smallbones dragged the body into the ditch, and collecting out of the
+other parts of the ditch a great quantity of wet leaves, covered the
+body a foot deep. "There, they won't find him now, because they won't
+know where to look for him. I say, corporal, I've a notion we had better
+not be seen here too long."
+
+"No," said the corporal, wiping his forehead, putting his handkerchief
+in his cap, and his cap on his head; "we must go now."
+
+They went to the washerwoman's, delivered the bundle, and then returned
+on board, when the whole crew were informed of the success of the
+expedition, and appeared quite satisfied that there was an end of the
+detested cur; all but Coble, who shook his head.
+
+"We shall see," says he; "but I'm blessed if I don't expect the cur back
+to-morrow morning."
+
+We must now return to Vanslyperken, who left the public-house in a state
+of consternation. "How could she possibly know anything about it?"
+exclaimed he. "My life in the power of that she-devil" And Vanslyperken
+walked on, turning over the affair in his mind. "I have gone too far to
+retreat now. I must either go on, or fly the country. Fly, where? What a
+fool have I been!" but then Vanslyperken thought of the money. "No, no,
+not a fool, but I am very unfortunate." Vanslyperken continued his
+route, until it at last occurred _to_ him that he would go to the Jew
+Lazarus, and speak with him; for, thought Vanslyperken, if all is
+discovered, they may think that I have informed, and then my life will
+be sought by both parties. Vanslyperken arrived at the Jew's abode,
+knocked softly, but received no answer: he knocked again, louder; a
+bustle and confusion was heard inside, and at last the door, with the
+chain fixed, was opened a couple of inches, and the Jew stammered out,
+"Wot vash there at this late hour of the night?"
+
+"It is me, the lieutenant of the cutter," replied Vanslyperken. "I must
+speak with you directly."
+
+The door was opened, several figures, and the clatter of arms, were
+heard in the dark passage, and as soon as Vanslyperken had entered it
+was relocked, and he was left in the dark.
+
+In a minute the Jew, in a woollen wrapper, made his appearance with a
+light, and led Vanslyperken into the room where he had been
+shown before.
+
+"Now then, Mishter Leeftenant, vat vash de matter?"
+
+"We are discovered, I'm afraid!" exclaimed Vanslyperken.
+
+"Holy father Abraham!" exclaimed the Jew, starting back. "But tell me vy
+you shay sho."
+
+"A woman told me this night that she knew why I came to your house--that
+I was in her power."
+
+"Vat woman?"
+
+"A hell-cat, who hates me as she does the devil."
+
+"A hell-cat vould not hate de divil," slowly observed the Jew.
+
+"Well, perhaps not; but she will ruin me if she can."
+
+"Vat vash her name?" said Lazarus.
+
+"Moggy Salisbury."
+
+"Paah! is dat all? vy, my good friend, she is one of us. Dere, you may
+go vay--you may go to bed, Mr Vanslyperken."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"I mean dat she laughed at you, and frighten you--dat she is one of us,
+and so is her husband, who vas in your chip. Ven you hang, she and I
+vill all hang together; now you comprehend?"
+
+"Yes," replied Vanslyperken, "I do now: but how could you trust such
+people?"
+
+"Trust such people, Mr Vanslyperken? If you prove as true as those
+peoples, vy all de bitter; now go avay--go to bed--you have vaked up all
+the peoples here. Good night, Mr Leeftenant;" and the Jew led the way to
+the door, and let Vanslyperken out.
+
+"So then," thought Vanslyperken, as he pursued his way down to the
+Point, "that woman and her husband are--damnation, but I've a great mind
+to discover all, if it's only to hang them." But on second thoughts,
+Vanslyperken thought that it was not worth while to be hanged himself,
+just for the pleasure of hanging others. It was a great relief to his
+mind to know that there was no fear of discovery. The tip of his nose
+itched, and he rubbed it mechanically; the rubbing brought away all the
+skin. He remembered the hot poker--the money he had been forced to
+pay--his being made to sing and to beg pardon on his knees; and he
+cursed Moggy in his heart, the more so, as he felt that he dare not take
+any steps against her.
+
+When he came to the Point, he stood on the shingle, looking for his
+boat, but the men had waited till twelve o'clock, and then presuming
+that their commander did not intend to come at all that night, had
+pulled on board again. He was looking round for a waterman to pull him
+off, when something cold touched his hand. Vanslyperken started, and
+almost screamed with fear. He looked, and it was the cold nose of
+Snarleyyow, who now leaped upon his master.
+
+"Snarleyyow, my poor dog! how came you on shore?"
+
+But the dog not being able to speak, made no answer.
+
+While Vanslyperken was wondering how the dog could possibly have come on
+shore, and what Corporal Van Spitter could be about to have allowed it,
+the small casement of a garret window near him was opened, and a head
+was thrust out.
+
+"Do you want to go on board, sir?" said a tremulous voice.
+
+"Yes," replied Vanslyperken.
+
+"I will be down directly, sir," replied the old boatman, who in a minute
+or two appeared with his sculls on his shoulder.
+
+"Not easy to find a boat at this time of the morning, sir," said the
+man; "but I heard you speaking, for I've had such a toothache these two
+nights that I can't shut my eyes."
+
+The old man unlocked the chain which fastened his wherry, and in a few
+minutes Vanslyperken was on the deck of the cutter, but he found there
+was no one to receive him,--no watch kept.
+
+"Very well," thought he, "we'll talk about this to-morrow morning. Short
+or Coble, I wonder which of the two--pretty neglect of duty,
+indeed--report to the admiral, by heavens!"
+
+So saying, Mr Vanslyperken, with Snarleyyow at his heels, went down
+into the cabin--undressed in the dark, for he would not let anyone know
+that he was on board. It being about three o'clock in the morning, and
+Mr Vanslyperken being well tired with the events of the day, he was soon
+in a sound sleep. There will be no difficulty in accounting for the
+return of the dog, which had a skull much thicker than even the
+corporal's. He had been stunned with the heavy blows, but not killed.
+After a certain time he came to himself in his bed of leaves, first
+scratched with one paw, and then with another, till his senses returned:
+he rose, worked his way out, and lay down to sleep. After he had taken a
+long nap, he rose recovered, shook himself, and trotted down to the
+beach, but the boat had shoved off, and the cur had remained there
+waiting for an opportunity to get on board, when his master came down
+with the same object in view.
+
+But as every soul is fast asleep, we shall now finish the chapter.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXXII
+
+Listeners never hear any good of themselves.
+
+
+Vanslyperken was awakened three hours after he had fallen asleep by the
+noise of the buckets washing the decks. He heard the men talking on
+deck, and aware that no one knew that he was on board, he rose from his
+bed, and opened one of the sliding sashes of the skylight, that he might
+overhear the conversation. The first words he heard were from
+Bill Spurey.
+
+"I say, Coble, I wonder what the skipper will say when he comes on
+board, and finds that the dog is gone?"
+
+"Hoh! hoh!" thought Vanslyperken.
+
+"I arn't convinced that he is gone yet," replied Coble.
+
+"Smallbones swears that he's settled, this time," replied Spurey.
+
+"So he did before," replied Coble.
+
+"Smallbones again," thought Vanslyperken. "I'll--Smallbones him, if I
+hang for it."
+
+"Why, he says he buried him two feet deep."
+
+"Ay, ay; but what's the use of burying an animal who's not a human
+creature? For my part, I say this, that the imp belongs to his master,
+and is bound to serve him as long as his master lives. When he dies the
+dog may be killed, and then----"
+
+"Then what?"
+
+"Why, with the blessing of God, they'll both go to hell together, and I
+don't care how soon."
+
+"Kill me, you old villain!" muttered Vanslyperken, grinding his teeth.
+
+"Well, anyhow, if the dog be not made away with, no more be Smallbones.
+He ar'n't afeard of the devil himself."
+
+"No, not he; I'm of opinion Smallbones wa'n't sent here for nothing."
+
+"He's escaped him twice, at all events."
+
+"Then they know it," thought Vanslyperken, turning pale.
+
+"Ay, and I will take you any bet you please, that the skipper never
+takes that boy's life. He's charmed, or I am a gudgeon."
+
+Vanslyperken felt that it was his own suspicion, and he trembled at the
+idea of the lad being supernatural.
+
+"Out of the way, Coble, or I'll fill your shoes," cried out one of the
+men, slashing a bucket of water.
+
+"That's not quite so easy, 'cause I've got boots on," replied Coble.
+"However, I'll take up another berth."
+
+The men walked away, and Vanslyperken could hear no more; but he had
+heard quite enough. The life of the dog had been attempted by
+Smallbones, it was evident. Mr Vanslyperken, after a little agitation,
+rang the bell.
+
+"By all that's blue, the skipper's on board!" exclaimed the men on deck.
+
+"When the devil did he come?"
+
+"Not in my watch, at all events," replied Coble. "Did he come in yours,
+Short?"
+
+"No," replied Short.
+
+"Then it must have been in the corporal's."
+
+"The corporal never called me, nor was he 'on deck," replied Coble.
+"I've a notion he never kept his watch."
+
+The ring at the bell particularly concerned two people, the two
+culprits, Smallbones and Corporal Van Spitter.
+
+The latter made his appearance; but previous to his answering the bell,
+Mr Vanslyperken had time to reflect. "So they think my dog is
+supernatural," said he; "so much the better. I'll make them believe it
+still more." Mr Vanslyperken called the dog, and pointed to his bed. The
+dog, who was fond of a warm berth, and but seldom allowed to get on the
+bed, immediately jumped up into it when invited, and Mr Vanslyperken
+patted him, and covered him up with the bedclothes. He then drew the
+curtains of the bed, and waited to see who would answer the bell.
+Corporal Van Spitter made his appearance.
+
+"Corporal, I came on board very late, where have you put the dog? Bring
+him into the cabin."
+
+Here the corporal, who was prepared, shook his head, smoothed down the
+hair of his forehead, and made a very melancholy face.
+
+"It was all my fault, Mynheer Vanslyperken; yet I do for the best, but
+de tog be lost."
+
+"How is that, corporal?"
+
+The corporal then stated that he had taken the precaution to take the
+dog on shore, as he was afraid to leave it on board when he went to the
+washerwoman's, and that he was not long there, but while he was, the dog
+disappeared. He had looked everywhere, but could not find it.
+
+"You took Smallbones with you?" said Vanslyperken.
+
+"Yes, mynheer, to carry de linen."
+
+"And where was he when you were at the washerwoman's."
+
+"He was here and dere."
+
+"I know that it was he who killed and buried the dog, corporal."
+
+Corporal Van Spitter started, he thought he was discovered.
+
+"Kilt and perryed, mein Gott!" said the corporal, obliged to say
+something.
+
+"Yes, I overheard the men say so on deck, corporal. He must have taken
+the opportunity when you were in the house counting the linen."
+
+Now the corporal had time to recover himself, and he argued that
+anything was better than that he should be suspected. Smallbones was
+already known to have attempted the life of the dog, so he would leave
+the lieutenant in his error.
+
+"Mein Gott' he is von d----d kill-dog feller," observed the corporal. "I
+look everywhere, I no find te tog. Den de dog is dead?"
+
+"Yes," replied Vanslyperken, "but I'll punish the scoundrel, depend upon
+it. That will do, corporal; you may go."
+
+As Snarleyyow remained perfectly quiet during this conversation, we must
+give Vanslyperken great credit for his manoeuvre. The corporal went to
+Smallbones, and repeated what had passed. Smallbones snapped
+his fingers.
+
+"He may keel-haul, or hang me, for all I care. The dog is dead. Never
+fear, corporal, I won't peach upon you. I'm game, and I'll die so--if so
+be I must."
+
+Vanslyperken sent for Smallbones. Smallbones, who was worked up to the
+highest state of excitement, came in boldly.
+
+"So, you villain, you've killed my dog, and buried it."
+
+"No, I ar'n't," replied Smallbones. "I knows nothing about your dog,
+sir."
+
+"Why, the men on deck said so, you scoundrel, I heard them."
+
+"I don't care what the men say; I never killed your dog, sir."
+
+"You rascal, I'll have your life!" exclaimed Vanslyperken.
+
+Smallbones grinned diabolically, and Vanslyperken, who remembered all
+that the men had said in confirmation of his own opinion relative to
+Smallbones, turned pale. Smallbones, on his part, aware from Corporal
+Van Spitter, that the lieutenant had such an idea, immediately took
+advantage of the signs in the lieutenant's countenance, and drawled
+out,--"That's--not--so--easy!"
+
+Vanslyperken turned away. "You may go now, sir, but depend upon it you
+shall feel my vengeance!" and Smallbones quitted the cabin.
+
+Vanslyperken finished his toilet, and then turned the dog out of the
+bed.
+
+He went on deck, and after he had walked a little while, sent for
+Corporal Van Spitter to consult as to the best method of ascertaining
+what had become of Snarleyyow. Having entered apparently very earnestly
+into the corporal's arrangements, who was to go on shore immediately, he
+desired the corporal to see his breakfast got ready in the cabin.
+
+It so happened, that the corporal went into the cabin, followed by
+Smallbones; the first object that met his view, was Snarleyyow, sitting
+upon the chest, scratching his ragged ear as if nothing had happened.
+
+"Gott in himmel!" roared the corporal, turning back, and running out of
+the cabin, upsetting Smallbones, whom he met in the passage, and
+trotting, like an elephant, right over him. Nor was Smallbones the only
+one who suffered; two marines and three seamen were successively floored
+by the corporal, who, blinded with fear, never stopped till he ran his
+head butt against the lining in the forepeak of the cutter, which, with
+the timbers of the vessel, brought him up, not all standing, in one
+sense of the word, for in his mad career his head was dashed so
+violently against them, that the poor corporal fell down, stunned to
+insensibility.
+
+In the meantime Smallbones had gained his feet, and was rubbing his
+ribs, to ascertain if they were all whole. "Well, I'm sure," said he,
+"if I ar'n't flattened for all the world like a pancake, with that 'ere
+corporal's weight. One may as well have a broad-wheel waggon at once go
+over one's body; but what could make him come for to go to run away
+bellowing in that ere manner? He must have seen the devil; or, perhaps,"
+thought Smallbones, "that imp of the devil, Snarleyyow. I'll go and see
+what it was, anyhow."
+
+Smallbones, rubbing his abdomen, where the corporal had trod hardest,
+walked into the cabin, where he beheld the dog. He stood with his mouth
+wide open.
+
+"I defy the devil and all his works," exclaimed he, at last, "and you be
+one of his, that's sartain. I fear God, and I honour the king, and the
+parish taught me to read the bible. There you be resurrectioned up
+again. Well, it's no use, I suppose. Satan, I defy you, anyhow, but it's
+very hard that a good Christian should have to get the breakfast ready,
+of which you'll eat one half; I don't see why I'm to wait upon the devil
+or his imps."
+
+Then Smallbones stopped, and thought a little. "I wonder whether he
+bee'd dead, as I thought. Master came on board last night without no one
+knowing nothing about it, and he might have brought the dog with him, if
+so be he came to again. I won't believe that he's hal-together not to be
+made away with, for how come his eye out? Well, I don't care, I'm a good
+Christian, and may I be swamped if I don't try what he's made of yet!
+First time we cuts up beef, I'll try and chop your tail, anyhow, that I
+will, if I am hung for it."
+
+Smallbones regained his determination. He set about laying the things
+for breakfast, and when they were ready he went up to the quarter-deck,
+reporting the same to Mr Vanslyperken, who had expected to see him
+frightened out of his wits, and concluding his speech by saying, "If you
+please, sir, the dog be in the cabin, all right; I said as how I never
+kilt your dog, nor buried him neither."
+
+"The dog in the cabin!" exclaimed Mr Vanslyperken, with apparent
+astonishment. "Why, how the devil could he have come there?"
+
+"He cummed off, I suppose, sir, same way as you did, without nobody
+knowing nothing about it," drawled out Smallbones, who then walked away.
+
+In the meantime the corporal had been picked up, and the men were
+attempting to recover him. Smallbones went forward to see what had
+become of him, and learnt how it was that he was insensible.
+
+"Well, then," thought Smallbones, "it may have been all the same with
+the dog, and I believe there's humbug in it, for if the dog had made his
+appearance, as master pretends he did, all of a sudden, he'd a been more
+frightened than me."
+
+So reasoned Smallbones, and he reasoned well. In the meantime the
+corporal opened his eyes, and gradually returned to his senses, and then
+for the first time, the ship's company, who were all down at their
+breakfast, demanded of Smallbones the reason of the corporal's conduct.
+
+"Why," replied Smallbones, "because that 'ere beast, Snarleyyow, be come
+back again, all alive, a'ter being dead and buried--he's in the cabin
+now--that's all."
+
+"That's all!" exclaimed one. "All!" cried another. "The devil!" said a
+third.
+
+"I said as how it would be," said Obadiah Coble--"that dog is no dog, as
+sure as I sit here."
+
+The return of the dog certainly had a strong effect upon the whole of
+the ship's company. The corporal swore that he was not in the cabin, and
+that Mr Vanslyperken had arranged for his going on shore to look for
+him, when all of a sudden the dog made his appearance, no one knew how.
+Smallbones found himself so much in the minority, that he said nothing.
+It was perfect heresy not to believe that the dog was sent from the
+lower regions; and as for any further attempts to destroy it, it was
+considered as perfect insanity.
+
+But this renewed attempt on the part of Smallbones, for Vanslyperken
+was convinced that an attempt had been made, although it had not been
+successful, again excited the feelings of Mr Vanslyperken against the
+lad, and he resolved somehow or another to retaliate. His anger overcame
+his awe, and he was reckless in his desire of vengeance. There was not
+the least suspicion of treachery on the part of Corporal Van Spitter in
+the heart of Mr Vanslyperken, and the corporal played his double part so
+well, that if possible he was now higher in favour than ever.
+
+After a day or two, during which Mr Vanslyperken remained on board, he
+sent for the corporal, determining to sound him as to whether he would
+make any attempts upon Smallbones; for to such a height had
+Vanslyperken's enmity arrived, that he now resolved to part with some of
+his darling money, to tempt the corporal, rather than not get rid of the
+lad. After many hints thrown out, but not taken by the wily corporal,
+who was resolved that Vanslyperken should speak plainly, the deed and
+the reward of ten guineas were openly proclaimed, and Vanslyperken
+waited for the corporal's reply.
+
+"Mein Gott, Mynheer Vanslyperken! suppose it vas possible, I not take
+your money, I do it wid pleasure; but, sir, it not possible."
+
+"Not possible!" exclaimed Vanslyperken.
+
+"No, mynheer," replied the corporal, "I not tell you all, tousand tyfel,
+I not tell you all;" and here the corporal put his hand to his forehead
+and was silent, much to Vanslyperken's amazement. But the fact was, that
+Corporal Van Spitter was thinking what he possibly could say. At last, a
+brilliant thought struck him--he narrated to the lieutenant how he had
+seen the ghost of Smallbones, as he thought, when he was floating about,
+adrift on the Zuyder Zee--described with great force his horror at the
+time of the appearance of the supernatural object, and tailed on to what
+he believed to be true, that which he knew to be false, to wit, that the
+apparition had cried out to him, that "_he was not to be hurt by mortal
+man_." "Gott in Himmel," finished the corporal, "I never was so
+frightened in my life. I see him now, as plain as I see you, mynheer.
+Twenty tousand tyfels, but the voice was like de tunder--and his eye
+like de lightning--I fell back in one swoon. Ah, mein Gott, mein Gott!"
+
+So well did the corporal play his part, that Vanslyperken became quite
+terrified; the candle appeared to burn dim, and he dared not move to
+snuff it. He could not but credit the corporal, for there was an
+earnestness of description, and a vividness of colouring, which could
+not have been invented; besides, was not the corporal his earnest and
+only friend? "Corporal," said Vanslyperken, "perhaps you'll like a glass
+of scheedam; there's some in the cupboard."
+
+This was very kind of Mr Vanslyperken, but he wanted one himself, much
+more than the corporal. The corporal produced the bottle and the glass,
+poured it out, made his military salute, and tossed it off.
+
+"Give me another glass, corporal," said Vanslyperken, in a tremulous
+tone. The lieutenant took one, two, three glasses, one after another, to
+recover himself.
+
+The corporal had really frightened him. He was convinced that Smallbones
+had a charmed life. Did he not float to the Nab buoy and back
+again?--did not a pistol ball pass through him without injury?
+Vanslyperken shuddered; he took a fresh glass, and then handed the
+bottle to the corporal, who helped himself, saluted, and the liquor
+again disappeared in a moment.
+
+Dutch courage is proverbial, although a libel upon one of the bravest of
+nations. Vanslyperken now felt it, and again he commenced with the
+corporal. "What were the words?" inquired he.
+
+"Dat he was not to be hurt by mortal man, mynheer. I can take mine piple
+oath of it," replied the corporal.
+
+"Damnation!" cried Vanslyperken; "but stop--mortal man--perhaps he may
+be hurt by woman."
+
+"Dat is quite anoder ting, mynheer."
+
+"He shan't escape if I can help it," retorted Vanslyperken. "I must
+think about it." Vanslyperken poured out another glass of scheedam, and
+pushed the stone bottle to the corporal, who helped himself without
+ceremony. Mr Vanslyperken was now about two-thirds drunk, for he was not
+used to such a quantity of spirits.
+
+"Now, if I had only been friends with that--that--hell-fire Moggy
+Salisbury," thought Vanslyperken, speaking aloud to himself.
+
+"Mein Gott, yes, mynheer," replied the corporal.
+
+Vanslyperken took another glass--spilling a great deal on the table as
+he poured it out; he then covered his eyes with his hand, as if in
+thought. Thereupon the corporal filled without being asked, and, as he
+perceived that his superior remained in the same position, and did not
+observe him, he helped himself to a second glass, and then waited till
+Vanslyperken should speak again; but the liquor had overpowered him, and
+he spoke no more.
+
+The corporal, after a few minutes, went up to his superior; he touched
+him on the shoulder, saying, "Mynheer," but he obtained no reply. On the
+contrary, the slight touch made Mr Vanslyperken fall forward on the
+table. He was quite insensible.
+
+So the corporal took him up in his arms, laid him in his bed, then
+taking possession of the lieutenant's chair, for he was tired of
+standing so long, he set to work to empty the bottle, which, being large
+and full at the time that it was produced from the cupboard, took some
+time, and before it was accomplished, the Corporal Van Spitter had
+fallen fast asleep in the chair. Shortly afterwards the candle burnt
+out, and the cabin was in darkness.
+
+It was about three o'clock in the morning when Mr Vanslyperken began to
+recover his senses, and as his recollection returned, so were his ears
+met with a stupendous roaring and unusual noise. It was, to his
+imagination, unearthly, for he had been troubled with wild dreams about
+Smallbones, and his appearance to the corporal. It sounded like thunder,
+and Mr Vanslyperken thought that he could plainly make out, "_Mortal
+man! mortal man!_" and, at times, the other words of the supernatural
+intimation to the corporal. The mortal man was drawn out in lengthened
+cadence, and in a manner truly horrible. Vanslyperken called out,
+"Mor--tal--man," was the reply.
+
+Again Vanslyperken almost shrieked in a perspiration of fear. The sound
+now ceased; but it was followed up by a noise like the rattling of
+glasses, tumbling about of the chairs and table, and Vanslyperken buried
+his face under the clothes. Then the door, which had been shut, was
+heard by him to slam like thunder; and then Snarleyyow barked loud and
+deep. "Oh! God forgive me!" cried the terrified lieutenant. "Our
+Father--which art in heaven--save me--save me!"
+
+Shortly afterwards the corporal made his appearance with a light, and
+inquired if Mr Vanslyperken had called. He found him reeking with
+perspiration, and half dead with fear. In broken words he stated how he
+had been visited, and how the same intimation that no mortal man could
+hurt Smallbones had been rung into his ears.
+
+"It was only one dream, Mynheer Vanslyperken," observed the corporal.
+
+"No--it was no dream," replied Vanslyperken. "Stay in the cabin, good
+corporal."
+
+"Yes, mynheer," replied the corporal, drawing the curtains of the bed;
+and then quietly picking up the various articles on the floor, the table
+and chairs which had been overturned.
+
+Alas! Fear is the mate of guilt. All this horrid visitation was simply
+that Mr Vanslyperken had heard the corporal's tremendous snoring, as he
+slept in the chair, and which his imagination had turned into the words,
+"Mortal man." The first exclamation of Mr Vanslyperken had awoke the
+corporal, who, aware of the impropriety of his situation, had attempted
+to retreat; in so doing he had overturned the table and chairs, with the
+bottles and glasses upon them.
+
+Fearful of discovery upon this unexpected noise, he had hastened out of
+the cabin, slammed the door, and waked up Snarleyyow; but he knew, from
+the exclamations of Vanslyperken, that the lieutenant was frightened out
+of his wits; so he very boldly returned with a candle to ascertain the
+result of the disturbance, and was delighted to find that the lieutenant
+was still under the delusion.
+
+So soon as he had replaced everything, the corporal took a chair, and
+finding that he had fortunately put the cork into the stone bottle
+before he fell asleep, and that there was still one or two glasses in
+it, he drank them off, and waited patiently for daylight. By this time
+Vanslyperken was again asleep and snoring; so the corporal took away all
+the broken fragments, put the things in order, and left the cabin.
+
+When Vanslyperken awoke and rang his bell, Smallbones entered.
+Vanslyperken got up, and finding the cabin as it was left the night
+before, was more than ever persuaded that he had been supernaturally
+visited. Fear made him quite civil to the lad, whose life he now
+considered, as the ship's company did that of the dog's, it was quite
+useless for him, at least, to attempt, and thus ends this chapter
+of horrors.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXXIII
+
+In which there is nothing very particular or very interesting.
+
+
+We must now change the scene for a short time, and introduce to our
+readers a company assembled in the best inn which, at that time, was to
+be found in the town of Cherbourg. The room in which they were assembled
+was large in dimensions, but with a low ceiling--the windows were
+diminutive, and gave but a subdued light, on account of the vicinity of
+the houses opposite. The window-frames were small, and cut diamond-wise;
+and, in the centre of each of the panes, was a round of coarsely-painted
+glass. A narrow table ran nearly the length of the room, and, at each
+end of it, there was a large chimney, in both of which logs of wood were
+burning cheerfully. What are now termed _chaises longues_, were drawn to
+the sides of the table, or leaning against the walls of the room, which
+were without ornament, and neatly coloured with yellow ochre.
+
+The company assembled might have been about thirty in number, of which
+half a dozen, perhaps, were in the ecclesiastical dress of the time;
+while the others wore the habiliments then appropriated to cavaliers or
+gentlemen, with very little difference from those as worn in the times
+of the Charleses in England, except that the cloak had been discarded,
+and the more substantial roquelaure substituted in its place. Most of
+the party were men who had not yet arrived to middle age, if we except
+the clericals, who were much more advanced in life; and any one, who had
+ever fallen in with the smuggling lugger and its crew, would have had no
+difficulty in recognising many of them, in the well-attired and
+evidently high-born and well-educated young men, who were seated or
+standing in the room. Among them Sir Robert Barclay was eminently
+conspicuous; he was standing by the fire conversing with two of the
+ecclesiastics.
+
+"Gentlemen," said he at last, "our worthy Father Lovell has just arrived
+from St Germains; and, as the most rapid communication is now necessary,
+he is empowered to open here and before us, every despatch which we
+bring over, before it is transmitted to head-quarters, with permission
+to act as may seem best to the friends of his Majesty here assembled."
+
+The fact was, that King James had lately completely given himself up to
+religious exercises and mortification, and any communication to him was
+attended with so much delay, that it had been considered advisable to
+act without consulting him; and to avoid the delay consequent on the
+transmission of communications to Paris, the most active parties had
+determined that they would, for the present, take up their residence at
+Cherbourg, and merely transmit to their friends at St Germains, an
+account of their proceedings, gaining, at least, a week by this
+arrangement. The party assembled had many names of some note. Among the
+ecclesiastics were Lovell, Collier, Snatt, and Cooke; among the
+cavaliers were those of Musgrave, Friend, and Perkins, whose relatives
+had suffered in the cause; Smith, Clancey, Herbert, Cunningham, Leslie,
+and many others.
+
+When Sir Robert Barclay approached the table, the others took their
+seats in silence.
+
+"Gentlemen," said Sir Robert, laying down the despatches, which had been
+opened, "you must be aware that our affairs now wear a very prosperous
+appearance. Supported as we are by many in the government of England,
+and by more in the House of Commons, with so many adherents here to our
+cause, we have every rational prospect of success. During the first
+three months of this year, much has been done; and, at the same time, it
+must be confessed that the usurper and the heretics have taken every
+step in their power to assail and to crush us. By this despatch, now in
+my hand, it appears that a Bill has passed the Commons, by which it is
+enacted, 'that no person born after the 25th March next, being a Papist,
+shall be capable of inheriting any title of honour or estate,
+within the kingdom of England, dominion of Wales, or town of
+Berwick-on-the-Tweed.'"
+
+Here, some of the ecclesiastics lifted up their eyes, others struck
+their clenched hands on the table, and the cavaliers, as if
+simultaneously, made the room ring, by seizing hold of the handles of
+their swords.
+
+"And further, gentlemen, 'that no Papist shall be capable of purchasing
+any lands, tenements, or hereditaments, either in his own name, or in
+the name of any other person in trust for him.'"
+
+The reader must be reminded, that in those days, there was no _Times_ or
+_Morning Herald_ laid upon the breakfast table with the debates of the
+House--that communication was anything but rapid, there being no
+regular post--so that what had taken place two months back, was very
+often news.
+
+"It appears then, gentlemen, that our only chance is to win our
+properties with our own good swords."
+
+"We will!" was the unanimous reply of the laity present.
+
+"In Scotland, our adherents increase daily; the interests of so many
+have been betrayed by the usurper, that thousands of swords will start
+from their scabbards so soon as we can support the cause with the
+promised assistance of the court of Versailles: and we have here
+intelligence that the parliament are in a state of actual hostility to
+the usurper, and that the national ferment is so great as to be almost
+on the verge of rebellion. I have also gained from a private
+communication from our friend Ramsay, who is now at Amsterdam, and in a
+position to be most useful to us, that the usurper has intimated to his
+own countrymen, although it is not yet known in England, that he will
+return to the Hague in July. Such, gentlemen, is the intelligence I have
+to impart as respects our own prospects in our own country--to which I
+have to add, that the secret partition treaty, which is inimical to the
+interests of the French king, has been signed both in London and the
+Hague, as well as by the French envoy there. A more favourable
+occurrence for us, perhaps, never occurred, as it will only increase the
+already well-known ill-will of his Catholic Majesty against the usurper
+of his own father-in-law's crown. I have now, gentlemen, laid before you
+our present position and future prospects; and, as we are met to consult
+upon the propriety of further measures, I shall be most happy to hear
+the suggestions of others."
+
+Sir Robert Barclay then sat down.
+
+Lovell, the Jesuit, first rose. "I have," said he, "no opinion to offer
+relative to warlike arrangements, those not being suitable to my
+profession. I leave them to men like Sir Robert, whose swords are always
+ready, and whose talents are so well able to direct their swords; still,
+it is well known, that the sources of war must be obtained, if war is
+to be carried on; and I have great pleasure in announcing to those
+assembled, that from our friends in England, I have received advice of
+the two several sums of ninety-three thousand pounds and twenty-nine
+thousand pounds, sterling money, having been actually collected, and now
+held in trust for the support of the good cause; and, further, that the
+collections are still going on with rapidity and success. From his most
+Catholic Majesty we have received an order upon the minister for the sum
+of four thousand louis, which has been duly honoured, and from our
+blessed father, the Pope, an order for five hundred thousand paolis,
+amounting to about thirteen thousand pounds in sterling money, together
+with entire absolution for all sins already committed, and about to be
+committed, and a secure promise of paradise to those who fall in the
+maintenance of the true faith and the legitimate king. I have, further,
+great expectations from Ireland, and many promises from other quarters,
+in support of the cause which, with the blessing of God, I trust will
+yet triumph,"
+
+As soon as Lovell sat down, Collier, the ecclesiastic, rose.
+
+"That we shall find plenty of willing swords, and a sufficient supply of
+money for our purposes, there can be no doubt; but I wish to propose one
+question to the company here assembled. It is an undoubted article of
+the true faith, that we are bound to uphold it by any and by every
+means. All human attempts are justifiable in the service of God. Many
+have already been made to get rid of the usurper, but they have not been
+crowned with success, as we too well know; and the blood of our friends,
+many of whom were not accessories to the act, has been lavishly spilt by
+the insatiate heretic.
+
+"But they have, before this, received immortal crowns, in suffering as
+martyrs in the cause of religion and justice. I still hold that our
+attempts to cut off the usurper should be continued; some hand more
+fortunate may succeed. But not only is his life to be taken, if
+possible, but the succession must be cut off root and branch. You all
+know that, of the many children born to the heretic William, all but one
+have been taken away from him in judgment for his manifold crimes. One
+only remains, the present Duke of Gloucester, and I do consider that
+this branch of heresy should be removed, even in preference to his
+parent, whose conduct is such as to assist our cause, and whose death
+may weaken the animosity of his Catholic Majesty, whose hostility is
+well known to be personal. I have neither men nor money to offer to you,
+but I have means, I trust, soon to accomplish this point, and I dedicate
+my useless life to the attempt."
+
+It would occupy too much of our pages, if we were to narrate all that
+was said and done at this conference, which we have been obliged to
+report, as intimately connected with our history. Many others addressed
+the meeting, proposals were made, rejected, and acceded to. Lists of
+adherents were produced, and of those who might be gained over.
+Resolutions were entered into and recorded, and questions debated.
+Before the breaking up, the accounts of the sums expended, and the
+monies still on hand, were brought forward; and in the former items, the
+name of Vanslyperken appeared rather prominent. As soon as the accounts
+were audited, the conference broke up.
+
+We have said that, among those who were at the conference, might be
+observed some persons who might be recognised as part of the crew of the
+lugger. Such was the case; Sir Robert Barclay and many others were men
+of good family, and stout Jacobites. These young men served in the boat
+with the other men, who were no more than common seamen; but this was
+considered necessary in those times of treachery. The lugger pulled
+eighteen oars, was clinker built, and very swift, even with a full
+cargo. The after-oars were pulled by the adherents of Sir Robert, and
+the arm-chest was stowed in the stern-sheets: so that these young men
+being always armed, no attempt to betray them, or to rise against them,
+on the part of the smugglers, had they been so inclined, could have
+succeeded. Ramsay's trust as steersman had been appropriated to Jemmy
+Salisbury, but no other alteration had taken place. We have entered into
+this detail to prove the activity of the Jacobite party. About an hour
+after the conference, Sir Robert and his cavaliers had resumed their
+seamen's attire, for they were to go over that night; and two hours
+before dusk, those who had been at a conference, in which the fate of
+kingdoms and crowned heads was at stake, were to be seen labouring at
+the oar, in company with common seamen, and urging the fast boat through
+the yielding waters, towards her haven at the cove.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXXIV
+
+Besides other Matter, containing an Argument.
+
+
+We left Ramsay domiciliated in the house of the syndic Van Krause, on
+excellent terms with his host, who looked upon him as the mirror of
+information, and not a little in the good graces of the syndic's
+daughter, Wilhelmina. There could not be a more favourable opportunity,
+perhaps, for a handsome and well-informed young man to prosecute his
+addresses and to gain the affections of the latter, were he so inclined.
+Wilhelmina had been brought up in every luxury, but isolated from the
+world. She was now just at the age at which it was her father's
+intention to introduce her; but romantic in her disposition, she cared
+little for the formal introduction which it was intended should take
+place. Neither had she seen, in any of the young Dutch aristocracy, most
+of whom were well known to her by sight, as pointed out to her by her
+father when riding with him, that form and personal appearance which her
+mind's eye had embodied in her visions of her future lover. Her mind was
+naturally refined, and she looked for that elegance and grace of
+deportment which she sought for in vain among her countrymen, but which
+had suddenly been presented to her in the person of Edward Ramsay.
+
+In the few meetings of her father's friends at their house, the
+conversation was uninteresting, if not disgusting; for it was about
+goods and merchandise, money and speculation, occasionally interrupted
+by politics, which were to her of as little interest. How different was
+the demeanour, the address, and the conversation of the young
+Englishman, who had been bred in courts, and, at the same time, had
+travelled much! There was an interest in all he said, so much
+information blended with novelty and amusement, so much wit and
+pleasantry crowning all, that Wilhelmina was fascinated without her
+being aware of it; and, before the terms of intimacy had warranted her
+receiving his hand on meeting, she had already unconsciously given her
+heart. The opportunities arising from her father's close attention to
+his commercial affairs, and the mutual attraction which brought them
+together during the major part of the day, she, anxious to be amused,
+and he attracted by her youth and beauty, were taken advantage of by
+them both, and the consequence was that, before ten days, they were
+inseparable.
+
+The syndic either did not perceive the danger to which his child was
+exposed, provided that there was any objection to the intimacy, or else,
+equally pleased with Ramsay, he had no objection to matters taking
+their course.
+
+As for Ramsay, that he had at first cultivated the intimacy with
+Wilhelmina more perhaps from distraction than with any definite purpose,
+is certain; but he soon found that her attractions were too great to
+permit him to continue it, if he had not serious intentions. When he had
+entered his own room, before he had been a week in the house, he had
+taxed himself severely as to the nature of his feelings, and he was then
+convinced that he must avoid her company, which was impossible if he
+remained in the house, or, as a man of honour, make a timely retreat;
+for Ramsay was too honourable to trifle with the feelings of an innocent
+girl. Having well weighed this point, he then calculated the probability
+of his being discovered, and the propriety of his continuing his
+attentions to the daughter of one whom he was deceiving, and whose
+political opinions were at such variance with his own--but this was a
+point on which he could come to no decision. His duty to the cause he
+supported would not allow him to quit the house--to remain in the house
+without falling in love was impossible.
+
+Why should his political opinions ever be known? and why should not
+Wilhelmina be of the same opinion as he was?--and why--Ramsay fell
+asleep, putting these questions to himself, and the next morning he
+resolved that things should take their chance.
+
+It was about a fortnight since the cutter had left for England. Ramsay
+was rather impatient for intelligence, but the cutter had not yet
+returned. Breakfast had been over some time, Mynheer Van Krause had
+descended to his warehouses, and Ramsay and Wilhelmina were sitting
+together upon one of the sofas in the saloon, both reclining and free
+from that restraint of which nothing but extreme intimacy will
+divest you.
+
+"And so, my Wilhelmina," said Ramsay, taking up her hand, which lay
+listless at her side, and playing with her taper fingers, "you really
+think William of Nassau is a good man."
+
+"And do not you, Ramsay?" replied Wilhelmina, surprised.
+
+"However I may rejoice at his being on the throne of England, I doubt
+whether I can justify his conduct to the unfortunate King James; in
+leaguing against his own father-in-law and dispossessing him of his
+kingdom. Suppose now, Wilhelmina, that any fortunate man should become
+one day your husband: what a cruel--what a diabolical conduct it would
+be on his part--at least, so it appears to me--if, in return for your
+father putting him in possession of perhaps his greatest treasure on
+earth, he were to seize upon all your father's property, and leave him
+a beggar, because other people were to invite him so to do."
+
+"I never heard it placed in that light before, Ramsay; that the alliance
+between King William and his father-in-law should have made him very
+scrupulous, I grant, but when the happiness of a nation depended upon
+it, ought not a person in William's situation to waive all minor
+considerations?"
+
+"The happiness of a nation, Wilhelmina? In what way would you prove that
+so much was at stake?"
+
+"Was not the Protestant religion at stake? Is not King James a bigoted
+Catholic?"
+
+"I grant that, and therefore ought not to reign over a Protestant
+nation; but if you imagine that the happiness of any nation depends upon
+his religion, I am afraid you are deceived. Religion has been made the
+excuse for interfering with the happiness of a nation whenever no better
+excuse could be brought forward; but depend upon it, the mass of the
+people will never quarrel about religion if they are left alone, and
+their interests not interfered with. Had King James not committed
+himself in other points, he might have worshipped his Creator in any
+form he thought proper. That a Protestant king was all that was
+necessary to quiet the nation, is fully disproved by the present state
+of the country, now that the sceptre has been, for some years, swayed by
+King William, it being, at this moment, in a state very nearly
+approaching to rebellion."
+
+"But is not that occasioned by the machinations of the Jacobite party,
+who are promoting dissension in every quarter?" replied Wilhelmina.
+
+"I grant that they are not idle," replied Ramsay; "but observe the state
+of bitter variance between William and the House of Commons, which
+represents the people of England. What can religion have to do with
+that? No, Wilhelmina; although, in this country there are few who do not
+rejoice at their king being called to the throne of England, there are
+many, and those the most wise, in that country, who lament it quite
+as much."
+
+"But why so?"
+
+"Because mankind are governed by interest, and patriotism is little more
+than a cloak. The benefits to this country, by the alliance with
+England, are very great, especially in a commercial point of view, and
+therefore you will find no want of patriots; but to England the case is
+different; it is not her interest to be involved and mixed up in
+continental wars and dissensions, which must now inevitably be the case.
+Depend upon it, that posterity will find that England will have paid
+very dear for a Protestant king; religion is what everyone is willing to
+admit the propriety and necessity of, until they are taxed to pay for
+it, and then it is astonishing how very indifferent, if not disgusted,
+they become to it."
+
+"Why, Ramsay, one would never imagine you to be such a warm partisan of
+the present government, as I believe you really are, to hear you talk
+this morning," replied Wilhelmina.
+
+"My public conduct, as belonging to a party, does not prevent my having
+my private opinions. To my party, I am, and ever will be steadfast; but
+knowing the world, and the secret springs of most people's actions, as I
+do, you must not be surprised at my being so candid with you,
+Wilhelmina. Our conversation, I believe, commenced upon the character of
+King William; and I will confess to you, that estimating the two
+characters in moral worth, I would infinitely prefer being the exiled
+and Catholic James than the unnatural and crowned King William?"
+
+"You will say next, that you would just as soon be a Catholic as a
+Protestant."
+
+"And if I had been brought up in the tenets of the one instead of the
+other, what difference would it have made, except that I should have
+adhered to the creed of my forefathers, and have worshipped the Almighty
+after their fashion, form, and ceremonies? And are not all religions
+good if they be sincere?--do not they all tend to the same object, and
+have the same goal in view--that of gaining heaven? Would you not prefer
+a good, honest, conscientious man, were he a Catholic, to a mean,
+intriguing, and unworthy person, who professed himself a Protestant?"
+
+"Most certainly; but I should prefer to the just Catholic, a man who was
+a just Protestant."
+
+"That is but natural; but recollect, Wilhelmina, you have seen and
+heard, as yet, but one side of the question; and if I speak freely to
+you, it is only to give you the advantage of my experience from having
+mixed with the world. I am true to my party, and, as a man, I must
+belong to a party, or I become a nonentity. But were I in a condition so
+unshackled that I might take up or lay down my opinions as I pleased,
+without loss of character--as a woman may, for instance--so little do I
+care for party--so well balanced do I know the right and the wrong to be
+on both sides--that I would, to please one I loved, at once yield up my
+opinions, to agree with her, if she would not yield up hers to agree
+with mine."
+
+"Then you think a woman might do so? that is no compliment to the sex,
+Ramsay; for it is as much as to assert that we have not only no weight
+or influence in the world, but also that we have no character or
+stability."
+
+"Far from it; I only mean to say that women do not generally enter
+sufficiently into politics to care much for them; they generally imbibe
+the politics of those they live with, without further examination, and
+that it is no disgrace to them if they change them. Besides, there is
+one feeling in women so powerful as to conquer all others, and when once
+that enters the breast, the remainder are absorbed or become obedient
+to it."
+
+"And that feeling is"
+
+"Love, Wilhelmina; and if a woman happens to have been brought up in one
+way of thinking by her parents, when she transfers her affections to her
+husband, should his politics be adverse, she will soon come round to his
+opinion, if she really loves him."
+
+"I am not quite so sure of that, Ramsay."
+
+"I am quite sure she ought. Politics and party are ever a subject of
+dispute, and therefore should be avoided by a wife; besides, if a woman
+selects one as her husband, her guide and counsellor through life, one
+whom she swears to love, honour, cherish, and obey, she gives but a poor
+proof of it, if she does not yield up her judgment in all matters more
+peculiarly his province."
+
+"You really put things in such a new light, Ramsay, that I hardly know
+how to answer you, even when I am not convinced."
+
+"Because you have not had sufficient time for reflection, Wilhelmina;
+but weigh well, and dwell upon what I have said, and then you will
+either acknowledge that I am right, or find arguments to prove that I am
+wrong. But you promised me some singing. Let me lead you into the
+music-room."
+
+We have introduced this conversation between Wilhelmina and Ramsay, to
+show not only what influence he had already gained over the artless, yet
+intelligent girl, but also the way by which he considerately prepared
+her for the acknowledgment which he resolved to make to her on some
+future opportunity; for, although Ramsay cared little for deceiving the
+father, he would not have married the daughter without her being fully
+aware of who he was. These conversations were constantly renewed, as if
+accidentally, by Ramsay; and long before he had talked in direct terms
+of love, he had fully prepared her for it, so that he felt she would not
+receive a very severe shock when he threw off the mask, even when she
+discovered that he was a Catholic, and opposed to her father in religion
+as well as in politics. The fact was, that Ramsay, at first, was as much
+attracted by her wealth as by her personal charms; but, like many other
+men, as his love increased, so did he gradually become indifferent to
+her wealth, and he was determined to win her for his wife in spite of
+all obstacles, and even if he were obliged, to secure her hand, by
+carrying her off without the paternal consent.
+
+Had it been requisite, it is not certain whether Ramsay might not have
+been persuaded to have abandoned his party, so infatuated had he at last
+become with the really fascinating Wilhelmina.
+
+But Ramsay was interrupted in the middle of one of his most favourite
+songs by old Koops, who informed him that the lieutenant of the cutter
+was waiting for him in his room. Apologising for the necessary absence,
+Ramsay quitted the music-room, and hastened to meet Vanslyperken.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken had received his orders to return to the Hague a few
+days after the fright he had received from the nasal organ of the
+corporal. In pursuance of his instructions from Ramsay, he had not
+failed to open all the government despatches, and extract their
+contents. He had also brought over letters from Ramsay's adherents.
+
+"You are sure these extracts are quite correct?" said Ramsay, after he
+had read them over.
+
+"Quite so, sir," replied Vanslyperken.
+
+"And you have been careful to seal the letters again, so as to avoid
+suspicion?"
+
+"Does not my life depend upon it, Mr Ramsay?"
+
+"Very true, and also upon your fidelity to us. Here's your money. Let me
+know when you sail, and come for orders."
+
+Vanslyperken then took his bag of money, made his bow, and departed, and
+Ramsay commenced reading over the letters received from his friends.
+Mynheer Van Krause observed Vanslyperken as he was leaving the house,
+and immediately hastened to Ramsay's room to inquire the news. A portion
+of the contents of the despatches were made known to him, and the syndic
+was very soon afterwards seen to walk out, leaving his people to mark
+and tally the bales which were hoisting out from a vessel in the canal.
+The fact was, that Mynheer Van Krause was so anxious to get rid of his
+secret, that he could not contain himself any longer, and had set off to
+communicate to one of the authorities what he had obtained.
+
+"But from whence did you receive this intelligence, Mynheer Krause,"
+demanded the other. "The despatches have not yet been opened; we are
+waiting for Mynheer Van Wejen. I suppose we shall learn something there.
+You knew all before we did, when the cutter arrived last time. You must
+have some important friends at the English court, Mynheer Van Krause."
+
+Here Mynheer Krause nodded his head, and looked very knowing, and
+shortly afterwards took his leave.
+
+But this particular friend of Mynheer Krause was also his particular
+enemy. Krause had lately imparted secrets which were supposed to be
+known and entrusted to none but those in the entire confidence of the
+government. How could he have obtained them unless by the treachery of
+some one at home; and why should Mynheer Krause, who was not trusted by
+the government there, notwithstanding his high civil office, because he
+was known to be unsafe, be trusted by some one at home, unless it were
+for treacherous purposes? So argued Mr Krause's most particular friend,
+who thought it proper to make known his opinions on the subject, and to
+submit to the other authorities whether this was not a fair subject for
+representation in their next despatches to England; and in consequence
+of his suggestion, the representation was duly made. Mynheer Krause was
+not the first person whose tongue had got him into difficulties.
+
+So soon as Vanslyperken had delivered his despatches to Ramsay, he
+proceeded to the widow Vandersloosh, when, as usual, he was received
+with every apparent mark of cordial welcome, was again installed on the
+little sofa, and again drank the beer of the widow's own brewing, and
+was permitted to take her fat hand. Babette inquired after the corporal,
+and, when rallied by the lieutenant, appeared to blush, and turned her
+head away. The widow also assisted in the play, and declared that it
+should be a match, and that Babette and herself should be married on the
+same day. As the evening drew nigh, Vanslyperken took his leave, and
+went on board, giving permission to the corporal to go on shore, and
+very soon the corporal was installed in his place.
+
+This is a sad world of treachery and deceit.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXXV
+
+In which the agency of a red-herring is again introduced into our
+wonderful history.
+
+
+We are somewhat inclined to moralise. We did not intend to write this
+day. On the contrary, we had arranged for a party of pleasure and
+relaxation, in which the heels, and every other portion of the body
+upwards, except the brain, were to be employed, and that was to have a
+respite. The morning was fair, and we promised ourselves amusement, but
+we were deceived, and we returned to our task, as the rain poured down
+in torrents, washing the dirty face of mother earth. Yes, deceived; and
+here we cannot help observing, that this history of ours is a very true
+picture of human life--for what a complication of treachery does it
+not involve!
+
+Smallbones is deceiving his master, Mr Vanslyperken--the corporal is
+deceiving Mr Vanslyperken--the widow is deceiving Mr Vanslyperken, so is
+Babette, and the whole crew of the _Yungfrau_. Ramsay is deceiving his
+host and his mistress. All the Jacobites, in a mass, are plotting
+against and deceiving the government, and as for Mr Vanslyperken; as it
+will soon appear, he is deceiving everybody, and will ultimately deceive
+himself. The only honest party in the whole history is the one most
+hated, as generally is the case in this world--I mean Snarleyyow. There
+is no deceit about him, and therefore, _par excellence_, he is fairly
+entitled to be the hero of, and to give his name to, the work. The next
+most honest party in the book is Wilhelmina; all the other women, except
+little Lilly, are cheats and impostors--and Lilly is too young; our
+readers may, therefore, be pleased to consider Snarleyyow and
+Wilhelmina as the hero and the heroine of the tale, and then it will
+leave one curious feature in it, the principals will not only not be
+united, but the tale will wind up without their ever seeing each other.
+_Allons en avant_.
+
+But of all the treachery practised by all the parties, it certainly
+appears to us that the treachery of the widow was the most odious and
+diabolical. She was like a bloated spider, slowly entwining those
+threads for her victim which were to entrap him to his destruction, for
+she had vowed that she never would again be led to the hymeneal altar
+until Mr Vanslyperken was hanged. Perhaps, the widow Vandersloosh was in
+a hurry to be married, at least, by her activity, it would so
+appear--but let us not anticipate.
+
+The little sofa was fortunately like its build, strong as a cob, or it
+never could have borne the weight of two such lovers as the widow
+Vandersloosh and the Corporal Van Spitter; there they sat, she radiant
+with love and beer, he with ditto; their sides met, for the sofa exactly
+took them both in, without an inch to spare; their hands met, their eyes
+met, and whenever one raised the glass, the other was on the alert, and
+their glasses met and jingled--a more practical specimen of hob and nob
+was never witnessed. There was but one thing wanting to complete their
+happiness, which, unlike other people's, did not hang upon a thread, but
+something much stronger, it hung upon a cord; the cord which was to hang
+Mr Vanslyperken.
+
+And now the widow, like the three fates rolled into one, is weaving the
+woof, and, in good Dutch, is pouring into the attentive ear of the
+corporal her hopes and fears, her surmises, her wishes, her
+anticipations, and her desires--and he imbibes them all greedily,
+washing them down with the beer of the widow's own brewing.
+
+"He has not been to the house opposite these two last arrivals," said
+the widow, "that is certain; for Babette and I have been on the watch.
+There was hanging matter there. Now I won't believe but that he must go
+somewhere; he carries his letters, and takes his gold as before, depend
+upon it. Yes, and I will find it out. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, we will
+see who is the 'cutest--you, or the widow Vandersloosh."
+
+"Mein Gott, yes!" replied the corporal.
+
+"Now he landed a passenger last time, which he called a king's
+messenger, and I am as sure as I sit here that he was no king's
+messenger, unless he was one of King James's as was; for look you,
+Corporal Van Spitter, do you suppose that King William would employ an
+Englishman, as you say he was, for a messenger, when a Dutchman was to
+be had for love or money?"
+
+"No, no, we must find out where he goes to. I will have some one on the
+look out when you come again, and then set Babette on the watch; she
+shall track him up to the den of his treachery. Yes, yes, Mr
+Vanslyperken, we will see who gains the day, you or the widow
+Vandersloosh."
+
+"Mein Gott! yes," replied the corporal.
+
+"And now, corporal, I've been thinking over all this ever since your
+absence, and all you have told me about his cowardly attempts upon that
+poor boy's life, and his still greater cowardice in believing such stuff
+as you have made him believe about the lad not being injured by mortal
+man. Stuff and nonsense! the lad is but a lad."
+
+"Mein Gott! yes," said the corporal.
+
+"And now, corporal, I'll tell you something else, which is, that you and
+the _Yungfraus_ are just as great fools as Mynheer Vanslyperken, in
+believing all that stuff and nonsense about the dog. The dog is but
+a dog."
+
+This was rather a trial to the corporal's politeness; to deny what the
+widow said, might displease, and, as he firmly believed otherwise, he
+was put to a nonplus; but the widow looked him full in the face,
+expecting assent, so at last the corporal drawled out, "Mein Gott! yes a
+tog is but a tog."
+
+The widow was satisfied, and not perceiving the nice distinction,
+continued.
+
+"Well, then, corporal, as a lad is but a lad, and a dog is but a dog, I
+have been setting my wits to work about getting the rascally traitor in
+my power. I mean to pretend to take every interest in him, and to get
+all his secrets, and then, when he tells me that Smallbones cannot be
+hurt by mortal man, I shall say he can by woman, at all events; and then
+I shall make a proposition, which he'll accept fast enough, and then
+I'll have more hanging matter for him, besides getting rid of the cur.
+Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, match a woman if you can. We'll see if your
+dog is to take possession of my bedroom again."
+
+"Mein Gott! yes," replied the corporal again.
+
+"And now I'll tell you what I'll do, Mr Corporal; I will prepare it
+myself; and, then, Mr Vanslyperken shall have it grilled for his
+breakfast, and then he shall not eat it, but leave it for Smallbones,
+and then Smallbones shall pretend to eat it, but put it in his pocket,
+and then (for it won't do to do it on board, or he'll find out that the
+lad has given it to the dog) he shall bring it on shore, and give it to
+the dog here in the yard, so that he shall kill the dog himself, by
+wishing to kill others. Do you understand, corporal?"
+
+"Mein Gott! yes, I understand what you say; but what is it that you are
+to prepare?"
+
+"What? why, a red-herring to be sure."
+
+"But how will a red-herring kill a body or a dog?"
+
+"Lord, corporal, how stupid you are; I'm to put arsenic in."
+
+"Yes; but you left that out till now."
+
+"Did I? well, that was an oversight; but now, corporal, you understand
+it all?"
+
+"Mein Gott! yes; but if the lad does not die, what will he think?"
+
+"Think! that he can take poison like pea-soup, without injury, and that
+neither man nor woman can take his life; be afraid of the lad, and leave
+him alone."
+
+"Mein Gott! yes," replied the rather obtuse corporal, who now
+understood the whole plot.
+
+Such was the snare laid for Mr Vanslyperken by the treacherous widow,
+and before the cutter sailed, it was put in execution. She received the
+lieutenant now as an accepted lover, allowed him to talk of the day,
+wormed out of him all his secrets except that of his treason, abused
+Smallbones, and acknowledged that she had been too hasty about the dog,
+which she would be very happy to see on shore. Vanslyperken could hardly
+believe his senses--the widow forgive Snarleyyow, and all for his sake,
+he was delighted, enchanted, threw himself at her feet, and vowed
+eternal gratitude with his lips--but vengeance in his heart.
+
+Oh! Mr Vanslyperken, you deserved to be deceived.
+
+The dislike expressed by the widow against Smallbones was also very
+agreeable to the lieutenant, and he made her his confidant, stating what
+the corporal had told him relative to the appearance of Smallbones when
+he was adrift.
+
+"Well then, lieutenant," said the widow, "if mortal man can't hurt him,
+mortal woman may; and for my love for you I will prepare what will rid
+you of him. But, Vanslyperken, recollect there's nothing I would not do
+for you; but if it were found out--O dear! O dear!"
+
+The widow then informed him that she would prepare a red-herring with
+arsenic, which he should take on board, and order Smallbones to grill
+for his breakfast; that he was to pretend not to be well, and to allow
+it to be taken away by the lad, who would, of course, eat it
+fast enough.
+
+"Excellent!" replied Vanslyperken, who felt not only that he should get
+rid of Smallbones, but have the widow in his power. "Dearest widow, how
+can I be sufficiently grateful? Oh! how kind, how amiable you are!"
+continued Vanslyperken, mumbling her fat fingers, which the widow
+abandoned to him without reserve.
+
+Who would have believed that, between these two, there existed a deadly
+hatred? We might imagine such a thing to take place in the refinement
+and artificial air of a court, but not in a Dutch Lust Haus at
+Amsterdam. That evening, before his departure, did the widow present her
+swain with the fatal herring; and the swain received it with as many
+marks of gratitude and respect, as some knight in ancient times would
+have shown when presented with some magical gift by his
+favouring genius.
+
+The red-herring itself was but a red-herring, but the charm consisted in
+the two-pennyworth of arsenic.
+
+The next morning Vanslyperken did not fail to order the red-herring for
+his breakfast, but took good care not to eat it.
+
+Smallbones, who had been duly apprised of the whole plan, asked his
+master, as he cleared away, whether he should keep the red-herring for
+the next day; but Mr Vanslyperken very graciously informed him that he
+might eat it himself. About an hour afterwards Mr Vanslyperken went on
+shore, taking with him, for the first time, Snarleyyow, and desiring
+Smallbones to come with him, with a bag of biscuit for the widow. This
+plan had been proposed by the widow, as Smallbones might be supposed to
+have eaten something on shore. Smallbones took as good care as his
+master not to eat the herring, but put it in his pocket as a _bonne
+bouche_ for Snarleyyow. Mr Vanslyperken, as they pulled on shore,
+thought that the lad smelt very strong of herring, and this satisfied
+him that he had eaten it; but to make more sure, he exclaimed, "Confound
+it, how you smell of red-herring!"
+
+"That's all along of having eaten one, sir," replied Smallbones,
+grinning.
+
+"You'll grin in another way before an hour is over," thought his master.
+
+The lieutenant, the dog, and the biscuit were all graciously received.
+
+"Has he eaten it?" inquired the widow.
+
+"Yes," replied Vanslyperken, with a nod. "Empty the bag, and I will send
+him on board again."
+
+"Not yet, not yet--give him half an hour to saunter, it will be better.
+That poor dog of yours must want a little grass," said the widow,
+"always being on board. Let him run a little in the yard, he will find
+plenty there."
+
+The obedient lieutenant opened the back-door, and Snarleyyow, who had
+not forgotten either the widow Or Babette, went out of his own accord.
+Mr Vanslyperken looked to ascertain if the yard-door, which led to the
+street, was fast, and then returned, shutting the back-door after him.
+
+Smallbones was waiting at the porch as usual.
+
+"Babette," cried the widow, "mind you don't open the yard-door and let
+Mr Vanslyperken's dog out. Do you hear?"
+
+Smallbones, who understood this as the signal, immediately slipped
+round, opened the yard-door, took the herring out of his pocket, and
+threw it to Snarleyyow. The dog came to it, smelt it, seized it, and
+walked off, with his ears and tail up, to the sunny side of the yard,
+intending to have a good meal; and Smallbones, who was afraid of Mr
+Vanslyperken catching him in the act, came out of the yard, and hastened
+to his former post at the porch. He caught Babette's eye, coming down
+stairs, and winked and smiled. Babette walked into the room, caught the
+eye of the mistress, and winked and smiled. Upon which, the widow
+ordered Babette to empty the bread-bag and give it to Smallbones, to
+take on board,--an order repeated by Vanslyperken. Before he returned to
+the boat, Smallbones again passed round to the yard-door. Snarleyyow was
+there, but no signs of the red-herring. "He's a eaten it all, by gum,"
+said Smallbones, grinning, and walking away to the boat, with the
+bread-bag over his shoulder. As soon as he had arrived on board, the lad
+communicated the fact to the crew of the _Yungfrau_, whose spirits were
+raised by the intelligence, with the exception still of old Coble, who
+shook his head, and declared, "It was twopence and a red-herring
+thrown away."
+
+Mr Vanslyperken returned on board in the afternoon, fully expecting to
+hear of Smallbones being very ill. He was surprised that the man in the
+boat did not tell him, and he asked them carelessly if there was
+anything new on board, but received a reply in the negative. When he
+came on board, followed by Snarleyyow, the eyes of the crew were
+directed towards the dog, to see how he looked; but he appeared just as
+lively and as cross-grained as ever, and they all shook their heads.
+
+Vanslyperken sent for Smallbones, and looked him hard in the face.
+"Ar'n't you well?" inquired he.
+
+"Well, sir!" replied Smallbones: "I'd a bit of a twinge in my stummick
+this morning, but it's all gone off now."
+
+Mr Vanslyperken waited the whole day for Smallbones to die, but he did
+not. The crew of the vessel waited the whole day for the cur to die, but
+he did not. What inference could be drawn. The crew made up their minds
+that the dog was supernatural; and old Coble told them that he told them
+so. Mr Vanslyperken made up his mind that Smallbones was supernatural,
+and the corporal shook his head, and told him that he told him so.
+
+The reason why Snarleyyow did not die was simply this, that he did not
+eat the red-herring. He had just laid it between his paws, and was about
+to commence, when Smallbones, having left the yard-door open in his
+hurry, the dog was perceived by a dog bigger than he, who happened to
+pass that way, and who pounced upon Snarleyyow, trampling him over and
+over, and walked off with the red-herring, which he had better have left
+alone, as he was found dead the next morning.
+
+The widow heard, both from the corporal and Vanslyperken, the failure of
+both their projects. That Smallbones was not poisoned she was not
+surprised to hear, but she took care to agree with Vanslyperken that all
+attempts upon him were useless; but that the dog still lived was indeed
+a matter of surprise, and the widow became a convert to the corporal's
+opinion that the dog was not to be destroyed.
+
+"A whole two-pennyworth of arsenic! Babette, only think what a cur it
+must be!" And Babette, as well as her mistress, lifted up her hands in
+amazement, exclaiming, "What a cur indeed!"
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXXVI
+
+In which Mr Vanslyperken, although at fault, comes in for the brush.
+
+
+Vanslyperken having obtained his despatches from the States General,
+called at the house of Mynheer Krause, and received the letters of
+Ramsay, then, once more, the cutter's head was turned towards England.
+
+It may be as well to remind the reader, that it was in the month of
+January, sixteen hundred and ninety-nine, that we first introduced Mr
+Vanslyperken and his contemporaries to his notice, and that all the
+important events, which we have recorded, have taken place between that
+date and the month of May, which is now arrived. We think, indeed, that
+the peculiar merit of this work is its remarkable unity of time and
+place; for, be it observed, we intend to finish it long before the year
+is out, and our whole scene is, it may be said, laid in the channel, or
+between the channel and the Texel, which, considering it is an
+historical novel, is remarkable. Examine other productions of this
+nature, founded upon historical facts, like our own, and observe the
+difference. Read Scott, Bulwer, James, or Grattan, read their historical
+novels, and observe how they fly about from country to country, and from
+clime to clime. As the Scythians said to Alexander, their right arm
+extends to the east, and their left to the west, and the world can
+hardly contain them. And over how many years do they extend their pages?
+while our bantling is produced in the regular nine months, being the
+exact period of time which is required for my three volumes. It must,
+therefore, be allowed that in unity of time, and place and design, and
+adherence to facts, our historical novel is unique.
+
+We said that it was the month of May--not May coming in as she does
+sometimes in her caprice, pouting, and out of humour--but May all in
+smiles. The weather was warm, and the sea was smooth, and the men of the
+cutter had stowed away their pea-jackets, and had pulled off their
+fishermen's boots, and had substituted shoes. Mr Vanslyperken did not
+often appear on deck during the passage. He was very busy down below,
+and spread a piece of bunting across the skylight, so that no one could
+look down and see what he was about, and the cabin-door was almost
+always locked. What could Mr Vanslyperken be about? No one knew but
+Snarleyyow, and Snarleyyow could not or would not tell.
+
+The cutter anchored in her old berth, and Vanslyperken, as usual, went
+on shore, with his double set of despatches, which were duly delivered;
+and then Mr Vanslyperken went up the main street, and turned into a
+jeweller's shop. What could Mr Vanslyperken do there? Surely it was to
+purchase something for the widow Vandersloosh--a necklace or pair of
+ear-rings. No, it was not with that intention; but nevertheless, Mr
+Vanslyperken remained there for a long while, and then was seen to
+depart. Seen by whom? By Moggy Salisbury, who had observed his entering,
+and who could not imagine why; she, however, said nothing, but she
+marked the shop, and walked away.
+
+The next day, Mr Vanslyperken went on shore, to put into his mother's
+charge the money which he had received from Ramsay, and narrated all
+that had passed--how Smallbones had swallowed two-pennyworth of arsenic
+with no more effect upon him than one twinge in his stomach, and how he
+now fully believed that nothing would kill the boy.
+
+"Pshaw! child--phut!--nonsense!--nothing kill him?--had he been in my
+hands, old as they are, and shaking as they do, he would not have lived;
+no, no--nobody escapes me when I am determined. We'll talk about that,
+but not now, Cornelius; the weather has turned warm at last, and there
+is no need of fire. Go, child, the money is locked up safe, and I have
+my mood upon me--I may even do you a mischief."
+
+Vanslyperken, who knew that it was useless to remain after this hint,
+walked off and returned on board. As he pulled off, he passed a boat,
+apparently coming from the cutter, with Moggy Salisbury sitting in the
+stern-sheets. She waved her hand at him, and laughed ironically.
+
+"Impudent hussy!" thought Vanslyperken, as she passed, but he dared not
+say a word. He turned pale with rage, and turned his head away; but
+little did he imagine, at the time, what great cause he had of
+indignation. Moggy had been three hours on board of the cutter talking
+with the men, but more particularly with Smallbones and the corporal,
+with which two she had been in earnest conference for the first hour
+that she was on board.
+
+Moggy's animosity to Vanslyperken is well known, and she ridiculed the
+idea of Snarleyyow being anything more than an uncommon lucky dog in
+escaping so often. Smallbones was of her opinion, and again declared his
+intention of doing the dog a mischief as soon as he could. Moggy, after
+her conference with these two, mixed with the ship's company, with whom
+she had always been a favourite, and the corporal proceeded to
+superintend the cutting up and the distribution of the fresh beef which
+had that morning come on board.
+
+The beef block was on the forecastle, where the major part of the crew,
+with Moggy, were assembled; Snarleyyow had always attended the corporal
+on these occasions, and was still the best of friends with him; for
+somehow or another, the dog had not seemed to consider the corporal a
+party to his brains being knocked out, but had put it all down to his
+natural enemy, Smallbones. The dog was, as usual, standing by the block
+close to the corporal, and picking up the fragments of beef which
+dropped from the chopper.
+
+"I vowed by gum, that I'd have that ere dog's tail off," observed
+Smallbones; "and if no one will peach, off it shall go now. And who
+cares? If I can't a kill him dead, I'll get rid of him by bits. There's
+one eye out already, and now I've a mind for his tail. Corporal, lend me
+the cleaver."
+
+"Bravo, Smallbones, we won't peach--not one of us."
+
+"I'm not sure of that," replied Moggy; "some won't, I know; but there
+are others who may, and then Smallbones will be keel-hauled as sure as
+fate, and Vanslyperken will have right on his side. No, no,
+Smallbones--you must not do it. Give me the cleaver, corporal, I'll do
+it; and anyone may tell him who pleases, when he comes on board. I don't
+care for him--and he knows it, corporal. Hand me the cleaver."
+
+"That's right, let Moggy do it," said the seamen.
+
+The corporal turned the dog round, so as to leave his tail on the block,
+and fed him with small pieces of meat, to keep him in the same position.
+
+"Are you all ready, Moggy?" said Smallbones.
+
+"Back him a little more on the block, corporal, for I won't leave him an
+inch if I can help it," said Moggy; "and stand farther back, all
+of you."
+
+Moggy raised the cleaver, took good aim--down it came upon the dog's
+tail, which was separated within an inch of its insertion, and was left
+bleeding on the block, while the dog sprang away aft, howling most
+terribly, and leaving a dotted line of blood to mark his course upon
+the deck.
+
+"There's a nice skewer-piece for anyone who fancies it," observed Moggy,
+looking at the dog's tail, and throwing down the cleaver. "I think Mr
+Vanslyperken has had enough now for trying to flog my Jemmy--my own duck
+of a husband."
+
+"Well," observed Coble, "seeing's believing; but, otherwise, I never
+should have thought it possible to have divided that ere dog's tail in
+that way."
+
+"He can't be much of a devil now," observed Bill Spurey; "for what's a
+devil without a tail? A devil is like a sarpent, whose sting is in
+his tail."
+
+"Yes," replied Short, who had looked on in silence.
+
+"But, I say, Moggy, perhaps it's as well for him not to find you on
+board."
+
+"What do I care?" replied Moggy. "He is more afraid of me than I of him;
+but, howsomever, it's just as well not to be here, as it may get others
+in trouble. Mind you say at once it was me--I defy him."
+
+Moggy then wished them good-bye, and quitted the cutter, when she was
+met, as we have already observed, by Vanslyperken.
+
+"Mein Gott! vat must be done now?" observed the corporal to those about
+him, looking at the mangy tail which still remained on the beef-block.
+
+"Done, corporal," replied Smallbones, "why, you must come for to go for
+to complain on it, as he comes on board. You must take the tail, and
+tell the tale, and purtend to be as angry and as sorry as himself, and
+damn _her_ up in heaps. That's what must be done."
+
+This was not bad advice on the part of Smallbones--the ship's company
+agreed to it, and the corporal perceived the propriety of it.
+
+In the meantime, the dog had retreated to the cabin, and his howlings
+had gradually ceased; but he had left a track of blood along the deck,
+and down the ladder, which Dick Short perceiving, pointed to it, and
+cried out "Swabs."
+
+The men brought swabs aft, and had cleaned the deck and the ladder down
+to the cabin door, when Mr Vanslyperken came on board.
+
+"Has that woman been here?" inquired Mr Vanslyperken, as he came on
+deck.
+
+"Yes," replied Dick Short.
+
+"Did not I give positive orders that she should not?" cried
+Vanslyperken.
+
+"No," replied Dick Short.
+
+"Then I do now," continued the lieutenant.
+
+"Too late," observed Short, shrugging up his shoulders, and walking
+forward.
+
+"Too late! what does he mean?" said Vanslyperken, turning to Coble.
+
+"I knows nothing about it, sir," replied Coble. "She came for some of
+her husband's things that were left on board."
+
+Vanslyperken turned round to look for the corporal for explanation.
+
+There stood Corporal Van Spitter, perfectly erect, with a very
+melancholy face, one hand raised as usual to his cap, and the other
+occupied with the tail of Snarleyyow.
+
+"What is it? what is the matter, corporal?"
+
+"Mynheer Vanslyperken," replied the corporal, retaining his respectful
+attitude, "here is de tail."
+
+"Tail! what tail?" exclaimed Vanslyperken, casting his eyes upon the
+contents of the corporal's left hand.
+
+"Te tog's tail, mynheer," replied the corporal, gravely, "which de dam
+tog's wife--Moggy--"
+
+Vanslyperken stared; he could scarcely credit his eyesight, but there it
+was. For a time he could not speak for agitation; at last, with a
+tremendous oath, he darted into the cabin.
+
+What were his feelings when he beheld Snarleyyow lying in a corner
+tailless, with a puddle of blood behind him.
+
+"My poor, poor dog!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, covering up his face.
+
+His sorrow soon changed to rage--he invoked all the curses he could
+imagine upon Moggy's head--he vowed revenge--he stamped with rage--and
+then he patted Snarleyyow; and as the beast looked wistfully in his
+face, Vanslyperken shed tears. "My poor, poor dog! first your eye--and
+now your tail--what will your persecutors require next? Perdition seize
+them! may perdition be my portion if I am not revenged. Smallbones is at
+the bottom of all this; I can--I will be revenged on him."
+
+Vanslyperken rang the bell, and the corporal made his appearance with
+the dog's tail still in his hand.
+
+"Lay it down on the table, corporal," said Vanslyperken, mournfully,
+"and tell me how this happened."
+
+The corporal then entered into a long detail of the way in which the
+dog had been _de_tailed--how he had been cutting up beef--and how while
+his back was turned, and Snarleyyow, as usual, was at the block, picking
+up the bits, Moggy Salisbury, who had been allowed to come on board by
+Mr Short, had caught up the cleaver and chopped off the dog's tail.
+
+"Was Smallbones at the block?" inquired Vanslyperken.
+
+"He was, mynheer," replied the corporal.
+
+"Who held the dog while his tail was chopped off?" inquired
+Vanslyperken, "some one must have held him."
+
+This was a home question; but the corporal replied, "Yes, mynheer, some
+one must have held the dog."
+
+"You did not hear who it was, or if it were Smallbones?"
+
+"I did not, mynheer," replied the corporal; "but," added he with a
+significant look, "I tink I could say."
+
+"Yes, yes, corporal, I know who you mean. It was him--I am sure--and as
+sure as I sit here I'll be revenged. Bring a swab, corporal, and wipe up
+all this blood. Do you think the poor animal will recover?"
+
+"Yes, mynheer; there be togs with tail and togs without tail."
+
+"But the loss of blood--what must be done to stop the bleeding?"
+
+"Dat d----n woman Moggy, when I say te tog die--tog bleed to death, she
+say, tell Mynheer Vanslyperken dat de best ting for cure de cur be de
+red hot poker."
+
+Here Vanslyperken stamped his feet and swore horribly.
+
+"She say, mynheer, it stop all de bleeding."
+
+"I wish she had a hot poker down her body," exclaimed Vanslyperken,
+bitterly.
+
+"Go for the swab, corporal, and send Smallbones here."
+
+Smallbones made his appearance.
+
+"Did you come for--to want me, sir?"
+
+"Yes, sir. I understand from the corporal that you held the dog while
+that woman cut off his tail."
+
+"If so be as how as the corporal says that ere," cried Smallbones,
+striking the palm of his left hand with his right fist, "why I am
+jiggered if he don't tell a lie as big as himself--that's all. That ere
+man is my mortal henemy; and if that ere dog gets into trouble I'm a
+sartain to be in trouble too. What should I cut the dog's tail off for,
+I should like for to know? I arn't so hungry as all that, any how."
+
+The idea of eating his dog's tail increased the choler of Mr
+Vanslyperken. With looks of malignant vengeance he ordered Smallbones
+out of the cabin.
+
+"Shall I shy this here overboard, sir?" said Smallbones, taking up the
+dog's tail, which lay on the table.
+
+"Drop it, sir," roared Vanslyperken.
+
+Smallbones walked away, grinning with delight, but his face was turned
+from Mr Vanslyperken.
+
+The corporal returned, swabbed up the blood, and reported that the
+bleeding had stopped. Mr Vanslyperken had no further orders for him--he
+wished to be left alone. He leaned his head upon his hand, and remained
+for some time in a melancholy reverie, with his eyes fixed upon the
+tail, which lay before him--that tail, now a "bleeding piece of earth,"
+which never was to welcome him with a wag again. What passed in
+Vanslyperken's mind during this time, it would be too difficult and too
+long to repeat, for the mind flies over time and space with the rapidity
+of the lightning's flash. At last he rose, took up the dog's tail, put
+it into his pocket, went on deck, ordered his boat, and pulled on shore.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXXVII
+
+In which Mr Vanslyperken drives a very hard bargain.
+
+
+We will be just and candid in our opinion relative to the historical
+facts which we are now narrating. Party spirit, and various other
+feelings, independent of misrepresentation do, at the time, induce
+people to form their judgment, to say the best, harshly, and but too
+often, incorrectly. It is for posterity to calmly weigh the evidence
+handed down, and to examine into the merits of a case divested of party
+bias. Actuated by these feelings, we do not hesitate to assert, that, in
+the point at question, Mr Vanslyperken had great cause for being
+displeased; and that the conduct of Moggy Salisbury, in cutting off the
+tail of Snarleyyow was, in our opinion, not justifiable.
+
+There is a respect for property, inculcated and protected by the laws,
+which should never be departed from; and, whatever may have been the
+aggressions on the part of Mr Vanslyperken, or of the dog, still a tail
+is a tail, and whether mangy or not, is _bond fide_ a part of the living
+body; and this aggression must inevitably come under the head of the
+cutting and maiming act, which act, however, it must, with the same
+candour which will ever guide our pen, be acknowledged, was not passed
+until a much later period than that to the history of which our
+narrative refers.
+
+Having thus, with all deference, offered our humble opinion, we shall
+revert to facts. Mr Vanslyperken went on shore, with the dog's tail in
+his pocket. He walked with rapid strides towards the half-way houses, in
+one of which was the room tenanted by his aged mother; for, to whom else
+could he apply for consolation in this case of severe distress? That it
+was Moggy Salisbury who gave the cruel blow, was a fact completely
+substantiated by evidence; but that it was Smallbones who held the dog,
+and who thereby became an active participator, and therefore equally
+culpable, was a surmise to which the insinuations of the corporal had
+given all the authority of direct evidence. And, as Mr Vanslyperken felt
+that Moggy was not only out of his power, but even if in his power, that
+he dare not retaliate upon her, for reasons which we have already
+explained to our readers; it was, therefore, clear to him, that
+Smallbones was the party upon whom his indignation could be the most
+safely vented: and, moreover, that in so doing, he was only paying off a
+long accumulating debt of hatred and ill-will. But, at the same time, Mr
+Vanslyperken had made up his mind that a lad who could be floated out to
+the Nab buoy and back again without sinking--who could have a bullet
+through his head without a mark remaining--and who could swallow a whole
+twopenny-worth of arsenic without feeling more than a twinge in his
+stomach, was not so very easy to be made away with. That the corporal's
+vision was no fiction, was evident--the lad was not to be hurt by mortal
+man; but although the widow's arsenic had failed, Mr Vanslyperken, in
+his superstition, accounted for it on the grounds that the woman was not
+the active agent on the occasion, having only prepared the herring, it
+not having been received from her hands by Smallbones. The reader may
+recollect that, in the last interview between Vanslyperken and his
+mother, the latter had thrown out hints that if she took Smallbones in
+hand he would not have such miraculous escapes as he had had, as, in all
+she undertook, she did her business thoroughly. Bearing this in mind, Mr
+Vanslyperken went to pour forth his sorrows, and to obtain the
+assistance of his much-to-be-respected and venerable mother.
+
+"Well, child, what is it--is it money you bring?" cried the old woman,
+when Vanslyperken entered the room.
+
+"No, mother," replied Vanslyperken, throwing himself on the only chair
+in the room, except the one with the legs cut off half-way up, upon
+which his mother was accustomed to rock herself before the grate.
+
+"No, mother; but I have brought something--and I come to you for advice
+and assistance."
+
+"Brought no money--yet brought something!--well, child, what have you
+brought?"
+
+"This!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, throwing the dog's tail down upon the
+table.
+
+"This!" repeated the old beldame, lifting up the tail, and examining it
+as well as she could, as the vibration of her palsied members were
+communicated to the article--and pray, child, what is this?"
+
+"Are you blind, old woman," replied Vanslyperken in wrath, "not to
+perceive that it is my poor dog's tail?"
+
+"Blind old woman! and dog's tail, eh! Blind old woman, eh! Mr Cornelius,
+you dare to call me a blind old woman, and to bring here the mangy tail
+of a dog--and to lay it on my table! Is this your duty, sirrah? How dare
+you take such liberties? There, sir," cried the hag in a rage, catching
+hold of the tail, and sending it flying out of the casement, which was
+open--"there, sir--and now you may follow your tail. D'ye hear?--leave
+the room instantly, or I'll cleave your craven skull. Blind old woman,
+forsooth--undutiful child--"
+
+Vanslyperken, in spite of his mother's indignation, could not prevent
+his eyes from following the tail of his dog, as it sailed through the
+ambient air surrounding the half-way houses, and was glad to observe it
+landed among some cabbage-leaves thrown into the road, without
+attracting notice. Satisfied that he should regain his treasure when he
+quitted the house, he now turned round to deprecate his mother's wrath,
+who had not yet completed the sentence which we have quoted above.
+
+"I supplicate your pardon, my dear mother," said Vanslyperken, who felt
+that in her present humour he was not likely to gain the point with her
+that he had in contemplation. "I was so vexed--so irritated--that I knew
+not what I was saying."
+
+"Blind old woman, indeed," repeated the beldame.
+
+"I again beg you to forgive me, dearest mother," continued Vanslyperken.
+
+"All about a dog's tail cut off. Better off than on--so much the less
+mange on the snarling cur."
+
+This was touching up Vanslyperken on the raw; but he had a great object
+in view, and he restrained his feelings.
+
+"I was wrong, mother--very wrong--but I have done all I can, I have
+begged your pardon. I came here for your advice and assistance."
+
+"What advice or assistance can you expect from a blind old woman?"
+retorted the old hag. "And what advice or assistance does so undutiful a
+child deserve?"
+
+It was some time before the ruffled temper of the beldame could be
+appeased: at last, Vanslyperken succeeded. He then entered into a detail
+of all that had passed, and concluded by observing, "that as Smallbones
+was not to be injured by mortal man, he had come to her for assistance."
+
+"That is to say--you have come to me to ask me to knock the lad's brains
+out--to take away his life--to murder him, in fact. Say, Cornelius, is
+it not so?"
+
+"It is exactly so, my dearest mother. I know your courage--your--"
+
+"Yes, yes, I understand all that; but, now hear me, child. There are
+deeds which are done, and which I have done, but those deeds are only
+done upon strong impulses. Murder is one, but people murder for two
+reasons only--for revenge and for gold. People don't do such acts as are
+to torture their minds here, and perhaps be punished hereafter--that is,
+if there be one, child. I say, people don't do such deeds as these,
+merely because a graceless son comes to them, and says, 'if you please,
+mother.' Do you understand that, child? I've blood enough on my hands
+already--good blood too--they are not defiled with the scum of a parish
+boy, nor shall they be, without--"
+
+"Without what, mother?"
+
+"Have I not told you, Cornelius, that there are but two great
+excitements--revenge and gold? I have no revenge against the lad. If you
+have--if you consider that a dog's, tail demands a human victim--well
+and good--do the deed yourself."
+
+"I would," cried Vanslyperken, "but I have tried in vain. It must be
+done by woman."
+
+"Then hear me, Cornelius; if it must be done by woman, you must find a
+woman to do it, and you must pay her for the deed. Murder is at a high
+price. You apply to me--I am content to do the deed; but I must have
+gold--and plenty too."
+
+Vanslyperken paused before he replied. The old woman had charge of all
+his money--she was on the verge of the grave--for what could she require
+his gold?--could she be so foolish?--it was insanity. Vanslyperken was
+right--it was insanity, for avarice is no better.
+
+"Do you mean, mother," replied Vanslyperken, "that you want gold from
+me?"
+
+"From whom else?" demanded the old woman sharply.
+
+"Take it, then, mother--take as many pieces as you please."
+
+"I must have all that there is in that chest, Cornelius."
+
+"All, mother?"
+
+"Yes, all; and what is it, after all? What price is too high for blood
+which calls for retribution? Besides, Cornelius, it must be all yours
+again when I die; but I shall not die yet--no, no."
+
+"Well, mother," replied Vanslyperken, "if it must be so, it shall all be
+yours--not that I can see what difference it makes, whether it is called
+yours or mine."
+
+"Then why not give it freely? Why do you hesitate to give to your poor
+old mother what may be again yours before the leaf again falls? Ask
+yourself why, Cornelius, and then you have my answer. The gold is here
+in my charge, but it is not _my_ gold--it is yours. You little think how
+often I've laid in bed and longed that it was all _mine_. Then I would
+count it--count it again and again--watch over it, not as I do now as a
+mere deposit in my charge, but as a mother would watch and smile upon
+her first-born child. There is a talisman in that word _mine_, that not
+approaching _death_ can wean from _life_. It is our natures, child--say,
+then, is all that gold _mine_?"
+
+Vanslyperken paused; he also felt the magic of the word; and although it
+was but a nominal and temporary divestment of the property, even that
+gave him a severe struggle; but his avarice was overcome by his feelings
+of revenge, and he answered solemnly, "As I hope for revenge, mother,
+_all_ that gold is _yours_, provided that you do the deed."
+
+Here the old hag burst into a sort of shrieking laugh. "Send him here,
+child;" and the almost unearthly cachinnation was continued--"send him
+here, child--I can't go to seek him--and it is done--only bring
+him here."
+
+So soon as this compact had been completed, Vanslyperken and his mother
+had a consultation; and it was agreed, that it would be advisable not to
+attempt the deed until the day before the cutter sailed, as it would
+remove all suspicion, and be supposed that the boy had deserted. This
+arrangement having been made, Vanslyperken made rather a hasty retreat.
+The fact was, that he was anxious to recover the fragment of Snarleyyow,
+which his mother had so contemptuously thrown out of the casement.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXXVIII
+
+In which Mr Vanslyperken is taken for a witch.
+
+
+Mr Vanslyperken hastened into the street, and walked towards the heap of
+cabbage-leaves, in which he observed the object of his wishes to have
+fallen; but there was some one there before him, an old sow, very busy
+groping among the refuse. Although Vanslyperken came on shore without
+even a stick in his hand, he had no fear of a pig, and walked up boldly
+to drive her away, fully convinced that, although she might like
+cabbage, not being exactly carnivorous, he should find the tail in
+_status quo_. But it appeared that the sow not only would not stand
+being interfered with, but, moreover, was carnivorously inclined; for
+she was at that very moment routing the tail about with her nose, and
+received Vanslyperken's advance with a very irascible grunt, throwing
+her head up at him with a savage augh; and then again busied herself
+with the fragment of Snarleyyow. Vanslyperken, who had started back,
+perceived that the sow was engaged with the very article in question;
+and finding it was a service of more danger than he had expected, picked
+up one or two large stones, and threw them at the animal to drive her
+away. This mode of attack had the effect desired in one respect; the sow
+made a retreat, but at the same time she would not retreat without the
+_bonne bouche_, which she carried away in her mouth.
+
+Vanslyperken followed; but the sow proved that she could fight as well
+as run, every minute turning round to bay, and chumping and grumbling in
+a very formidable manner. At last, after Vanslyperken had chased for a
+quarter of a mile, he received unexpected assistance from a large dog,
+who bounded from the side of the road, where he lay in the sun, and
+seizing the sow by the ear, made her drop the tail to save her
+own bacon.
+
+Vanslyperken was delighted; he hastened up as fast as he could to regain
+his treasure, when, to his mortification, the great dog, who had left
+the sow, arrived at the spot before him, and after smelling at the not
+one bone, but many bones of contention, he took it in his mouth, and
+trotted off to his former berth in the sunshine, laid himself down, and
+the tail before him.
+
+"Surely one dog won't eat another dog's tail," thought Vanslyperken, as
+he walked up to the animal; but an eye like fire, a deep growl, and
+exposure of a range of teeth equal to a hyena's, convinced Mr
+Vanslyperken that it would be wise to retreat--which he did, to a
+respectable distance, and attempted to coax the dog. "Poor doggy,
+there's a dog," cried Vanslyperken, snapping his fingers, and
+approaching gradually. To his horror, the dog did the same thing
+exactly: he rose, and approached Mr Vanslyperken gradually, and snapped
+his fingers: not content with that, he flew at him, and tore the skirt
+of his great-coat clean off, and also the hinder part of his trousers
+for Mr Vanslyperken immediately turned tail, and the dog appeared
+resolved to have his tail as well as that of his darling cur. Satisfied
+with about half a yard of broadcloth as a trophy, the dog returned to
+his former situation, and remained with the tail of the coat and the
+tail of the cur before him, with his fierce eyes fixed upon Mr
+Vanslyperken, who had now retreated to a greater distance.
+
+But this transaction was not unobserved by several of the people who
+inhabited the street of cottages. Many eyes were directed to where Mr
+Vanslyperken and the sow and dog had been at issue, and many were the
+conjectures thereon.
+
+When the dog retreated with the skirt of the great-coat, many came out
+to ascertain what was the cause of the dispute, and among others, the
+man to whom the dog belonged, and who lived at the cottage opposite to
+where the dog had lain down. He observed Vanslyperken, looking very much
+like a vessel whose sails have been split in a gale, and very rueful at
+the same time, standing at a certain distance, quite undecided how to
+act, and he called out to him, "What is it you may want with my
+dog, man?"
+
+Man! Vanslyperken thought this designation an affront; whereas, in our
+opinion, Vanslyperken was an affront to the name of man. "Man!"
+exclaimed Vanslyperken; "why your dog has taken my property!"
+
+"Then take your property," replied the other, tossing to him the skirt
+of his coat, which he had taken from the dog.
+
+By this time there was a crowd collected from out of the various
+surrounding tenements.
+
+"That's not all," exclaimed Vanslyperken; "he has got my dog's tail
+there."
+
+"Your dog's tail!" exclaimed the man, "what do you mean? Is it this
+ragged mangy thing you would have?" and the man took the tail of
+Snarleyyow, and held it up to the view of the assembled crowd.
+
+"Yes," replied Vanslyperken, coming towards the man with eagerness;
+"that is what I want," and he held out his hand to receive it.
+
+"And pray, may I ask," replied the other, looking very suspiciously at
+Vanslyperken, "what can you want with this piece of carrion?"
+
+"To make soup of," replied another, laughing; "he can't afford ox-tail."
+
+Vanslyperken made an eager snatch at his treasure; but the man lifted it
+up on the other side, out of his reach.
+
+"Let us have a look at this chap," said the first, examining
+Vanslyperken, whose peaked nose and chin, small ferret eyes, and
+downcast look were certainly not in his favour; neither were his old and
+now tattered habiliments. Certainly no one would have taken Vanslyperken
+for a king's officer--unfortunately they took him for something else.
+
+"Now tell me, fellow, what were you going to do with this?" inquired the
+man in a severe tone.
+
+"I sha'n't tell you," replied Vanslyperken.
+
+"Why that's the chap that I sees go in and out of the room where that
+old hell-fire witch lives, who curses all day long."
+
+"I thought as much," observed the man, who still held up the cur's tail.
+"Now I appeal to you all, what can a fellow want with such as this--ay,
+my good people, and want it so much too, as to risk being torn to pieces
+for it--if he arn't inclined to evil practices?"
+
+"That's sartain sure," replied another.
+
+"A witch--a witch!" cried the whole crowd.
+
+"Let's duck him--tie his thumbs--away with him--come along, my lads,
+away with him."
+
+Although there were not, at the time we write about, regular
+witch-finders, as in the time of James I., still the feeling against
+witches, and the belief that they practised, still existed. They were no
+longer handed over to summary and capital punishment, but whenever
+suspected they were sure to meet with very rough treatment. Such was the
+fate of Mr Vanslyperken, who was now seized by the crowd, buffeted, and
+spit upon, and dragged to the parish pump, there being, fortunately for
+him, no horse-pond near. After having been well beaten, pelted with mud,
+his clothes torn off his back, his hat taken away and stamped upon, he
+was held under the pump and drenched for nearly half-an-hour, until he
+lay beneath the spout in a state of complete exhaustion. The crowd were
+then satisfied, and he was left to get away how he could, which he did,
+after a time, in a most deplorable plight, bare-headed, in his shirt and
+torn trousers. He contrived to walk as far as to the house where his
+mother resided, was admitted to her room, when he fell exhausted on the
+bed. The old woman was astonished; and having some gin in her cupboard,
+revived him by administering a small quantity, and, in the course of
+half-an-hour, Vanslyperken could tell his story; but all the consolation
+he received from the old beldame was, "Serve you right too, for being
+such an ass. I suppose you'll be bringing the stupid people about my
+ears soon--they've hooted me before now. Ah, well--I'll not be pumped
+upon for nothing--my knife is a sharp one."
+
+Vanslyperken had clothes under his mother's charge, and he dressed
+himself in another suit, and then hastened away, much mortified and
+confounded with the latter events of the day. The result of his
+arrangements with his mother was, however, a balm to his wounded spirit,
+and he looked upon Smallbones as already dead. He hastened down into his
+cabin, as soon as he arrived on board, to ascertain the condition of
+Snarleyyow, whom he found as well as could be expected, and occasionally
+making unavailing attempts to lick the stump of his tail.
+
+"My poor dog!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, "what have you suffered, and what
+have I suffered for you? Alas! if I am to suffer as I have to-day for
+only your tail, what shall I go through for your whole body?" And, as
+Vanslyperken recalled his misfortunes, so did his love increase for the
+animal who was the cause of them. Why so, we cannot tell, except that it
+has been so from the beginning, is so now, and always will be the case,
+for the best of all possible reasons--that it is _human nature_.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXXIX
+
+In which is recorded a most barbarous and bloody murder.
+
+
+We observed, in a previous chapter, that Mr Vanslyperken was observed by
+Moggy Salisbury to go into a jeweller's shop, and remain there some
+time, and that Moggy was very inquisitive to know what it was that could
+induce Mr Vanslyperken to go into so unusual a resort for him.
+
+The next day she went into the shop upon a pretence of looking at some
+ear-rings, and attempted to enter into conversation with the jeweller;
+but the jeweller, not perhaps admiring Moggy's appearance, and not
+thinking her likely to be a customer, dismissed her with very short
+answers. Failing in her attempt, Moggy determined to wait till Nancy
+Corbett should come over, for she knew that Nancy could dress and assume
+the fine lady, and be more likely to succeed than herself. But although
+Moggy could not penetrate into the mystery, it is necessary the reader
+should be informed of the proceedings of Mr Vanslyperken.
+
+When Ramsay had shown him how to open the government despatches, and had
+provided him with the false seals for the re-impressions, he forgot that
+he also was pointing out to Vanslyperken the means of also opening his
+own, and discovering his secrets, as well as those of government; but
+Vanslyperken, who hated Ramsay, on account of his behaviour towards him,
+and would with pleasure have seen the whole of his party, as well as
+himself, on the gibbet, thought that it might be just as well to have
+two strings to his bow; and he argued, that if he could open the letters
+of the conspirators, and obtain their secrets, they would prove
+valuable to him, and perhaps save his neck, if he were betrayed to the
+government. On his passage, therefore, to Amsterdam, he had carefully
+examined the seal of Ramsay, and also that on the letters forwarded to
+him; and, having made a drawing, and taken the impression in wax, as a
+further security, he had applied to the jeweller in question to get him
+seals cut out with these impressions, and of the exact form and size.
+The jeweller, who cared little what he did, provided that he was well
+paid, asked no questions, but a very high price, and Vanslyperken,
+knowing that they would be cheap to him at any price, closed with him on
+his own terms, provided that they were immediately forthcoming. In the
+week, according to the agreement, the seals were prepared. Mr
+Vanslyperken paid his money, and now was waiting for orders to sail.
+
+The dog's stump was much better.
+
+On the ninth day, a summons to the admiral's house was sent, and
+Vanslyperken was ordered to hold himself in readiness to sail the next
+morning at daylight. He immediately repaired to the Jew's, to give
+intimation, and from thence to his mother's to prepare her for the
+arrival of Smallbones that evening a little before dusk.
+
+Vanslyperken had arranged that, as soon as the murder had been
+committed, he would go to the Jew's for letters, and then hasten on
+board, sailing the next morning at daylight; so that if there was any
+discovery, the whole onus might be on his mother, who, for all he cared,
+might be hung. It is a true saying, that a good mother makes a good son.
+
+When Vanslyperken intimated to Smallbones that he was going on shore in
+the evening, and should take him with him, the lad did not forget the
+last walk that he had in company with his master, and, apprehensive that
+some mischief was intended, he said, "I hope it arn't for to fetch
+another walk in the country, sir?"
+
+"No, no," replied Vanslyperken, "it's to take some biscuit up to a poor
+old woman close by. I don't want to be robbed, any more than you do,
+Smallbones."
+
+But the very quick reply of his master only increased the apprehension
+of Smallbones, who left the cabin, and hastened to Corporal Van Spitter,
+to consult with him.
+
+Corporal Van Spitter was of the same opinion as Smallbones, that
+mischief was intended him, and offered to provide him with a pistol; but
+Smallbones, who knew little about fire-arms, requested that he might
+have a bayonet instead, which he could use better. He was supplied with
+this, which he concealed within his shirt, and when ordered, he went
+into the boat with Vanslyperken. They landed, and it was dark before
+they arrived at the half-way houses. Vanslyperken ascended the stairs,
+and ordered Smallbones to follow him. As soon as they were in the room,
+Mr Vanslyperken said, "Here is the biscuit, good woman, and much good
+may it do you."
+
+"It's very kind of you, sir, and many thanks. It's not often that people
+are charitable now-a-days, and this has been a hard winter for poor
+folk. Put the bag down there, my good little fellow," continued the old
+hypocrite, addressing Smallbones.
+
+"And now, good woman, I shall leave my lad with you, till I come back. I
+have to call at a friend's, and I need not take him. Smallbones, stay
+here till I return; get the biscuit out of the bag, as we must take that
+on board again."
+
+Smallbones had no objection to remain with a withered, palsied old
+woman. He could have no fear of her, and he really began to think that
+his master had been guilty of charity.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken departed, leaving Smallbones in company with his mother.
+
+"Come now, my lad, come to the chair, and sit down by the fire," for a
+fire had been lighted by the old woman expressly, "sit down, and I'll
+see if I can find you something in my cupboard; I have, I know, a drop
+of cordial left somewhere. Sit down, child; you have had the kindness to
+bring the bread up for me, and I am grateful."
+
+The tones of the old beldame's voice were very different from those she
+usually indulged in; there was almost a sweetness about them, which
+proved what she might have effected at the period when she was fair and
+young. Smallbones felt not the least disquietude; he sat down in the
+chair by the fire, while the old woman looked in the cupboard behind him
+for the cordial, of which she poured him a good allowance in a tea-cup.
+
+Smallbones sipped and sipped, he was not in a hurry to get rid of it, as
+it was good; the old woman went again to the cupboard, rattled the
+things about a little, and then, on a sudden, taking out a large hammer,
+as Smallbones unconsciously sipped, she raised it with both her hands,
+and down came the blow on his devoted head.
+
+The poor lad dropped the cup, sprang up convulsively, staggered, and
+then fell. Once he rolled over, his leg quivered, and he then moved
+no more.
+
+The beldame watched him with the hammer in her hand, ready to repeat the
+blow if necessary, indeed she would have repeated it had it not been
+that after he fell, in turning over, Smallbones' head had rolled under
+the low bedstead where she slept.
+
+"My work is sure," muttered she, "and _all_ the _gold_ is _mine_."
+
+Again she watched, but there was no motion--a stream of blood appeared
+from under the bed, and ran in a little rivulet towards the fire-place.
+
+"I wish I could pull him out," said the old woman, lugging at the lad's
+legs; "another blow or two would make more sure." But the effort was
+above her strength, and she abandoned it. "It's no matter," muttered
+she; "he'll never tell tales again."
+
+But there the old hag was mistaken; Smallbones had been stunned, but not
+killed; the blow of the hammer had fortunately started off, divided the
+flesh of the skull for three inches, with a gash which descended to his
+ear. At the very time that she uttered her last expressions, Smallbones
+was recovering his senses, but he was still confused, as if in a dream.
+
+"Yes, yes," said the old woman, after some minutes' pause, "all the gold
+is mine."
+
+The lad heard this sentence, and he now remembered where he was, and
+what had taken place. He was about to rise, when there was a knocking at
+the door, and he lay still. It was Vanslyperken. The door was opened by
+the old beldame.
+
+"Is it done?" said he, in a loud whisper.
+
+"Done!" cried the hag; "yes, and well done. Don't tell me of charmed
+life. My blows are sure--see there."
+
+"Are you sure that he is dead?"
+
+"Quite sure, child--and all the gold is mine."
+
+Vanslyperken looked with horror at the stream of blood still flowing,
+and absorbed by the ashes in the grate.
+
+"It was you did it, mother; recollect it was not I," cried he.
+
+"I did it--and you paid for it--and all the gold is mine."
+
+"But are you quite sure that he is dead?"
+
+"Sure--yes, and in judgment now, if there is any."
+
+Vanslyperken surveyed the body of Smallbones, who, although he had heard
+every word, lay without motion, for he knew his life depended on it.
+After a minute or two the lieutenant was satisfied.
+
+"I must go on board now, mother; but what will you do with the body?"
+
+"Leave that to me; who ever comes in here? Leave that to me, craven,
+and, as you say, go on board."
+
+Vanslyperken opened the door, and went out of the room; the old hag made
+the door fast, and then sat down on the chair, which she replaced by the
+side of the fire with her back to Smallbones.
+
+The lad felt very faint from loss of blood, and was sick at the stomach,
+but his senses were in their full vigour.
+
+He now was assured that Vanslyperken was gone, and that he had only the
+old woman opposed to him. His courage was unsubdued, and he resolved to
+act in self-defence if required; and he softly drew the bayonet out of
+his breast, and then watched the murderous old hag, who was rocking
+herself in the chair.
+
+"Yes, yes, the gold is mine," muttered she--"I've won it, and I'll count
+it. I won it dearly;--another murder--well, 'tis but one more. Let me
+see, what shall I do with the body? I must burn it, by bits and
+bits--and I'll count the gold--it's all mine, for he's dead."
+
+Here the old woman turned round to look at the body, and her keen eyes
+immediately perceived that there was a slight change of position.
+
+"Heh'" cried she, "not quite dead yet; we must have the hammer again,"
+and she rose from her chair, and walked with an unsteady pace to pick up
+the hammer, which was at the other side of the fire-place. Smallbones,
+who felt that now was his time, immediately rose, but before he could
+recover his _feet_, she had turned round to him: with a sort of low
+yell, she darted at him with an agility not to be imagined in one of her
+years and decrepit appearance, and struck at him. Smallbones raised his
+left arm, and received the blow, and with his right plunged the bayonet
+deep into the wrinkled throat of the old woman. She grappled with him,
+and the struggle was dreadful; she caught his throat in one of her bony
+hands, and the nails pierced into it like the talons of a bird of
+prey--the fingers of the other she inserted into the jagged and gaping
+wound on his head, and forced the flesh still more asunder, exerting all
+her strength to force him on his back; but the bayonet was still in her
+throat, and with the point descending towards the body, and Smallbones
+forced and forced it down, till it was buried to the hilt. In a few
+seconds the old hag loosed her hold, quivered, and fell back dead; and
+the lad was so exhausted with the struggle, and his previous loss of
+blood, that he fell into a swoon at the side of the corpse.
+
+When Smallbones recovered, the candle was flickering in the socket. He
+rose up in a sitting posture, and tried to recollect all that
+had passed.
+
+The alternating light of the candle flashed upon the body of the old
+woman, and he remembered all. After a few minutes he was able to rise,
+and he sat down upon the bed giddy and faint. It occurred to him that he
+would soon be in the dark, and he would require the light to follow up
+his intended movements, so he rose, and went to the cupboard to find
+one. He found a candle, and he also found the bottle of cordial, of
+which he drank all that was left, and felt himself revived, and capable
+of acting. Having put the other candle into the candlestick, he looked
+for water, washed himself, and bound up his head with his handkerchief.
+He then wiped up the blood from the floor, threw some sand over the
+part, and burnt the towel in the grate. His next task was one of more
+difficulty, to lift up the body of the old woman, put it into the bed,
+and cover it up with the clothes, previously drawing out the bayonet. No
+blood issued from the wound--the hemorrhage was all internal. He covered
+up the face, took the key of the door, and tried it in the lock, put the
+candle under the grate to burn out safely, took possession of the
+hammer; then having examined the door, he went out, locked it from the
+outside, slid the key in beneath the door, and hastened away as fast as
+he could. He was not met by anybody, and was soon safe in the street,
+with the bayonet, which he again concealed in his vest.
+
+These precautions taken by Smallbones, proved that the lad had conduct
+as well as courage. He argued that it was not advisable that it should
+be known that this fatal affray had taken place between the old woman
+and himself. Satisfied with having preserved his life, he was unwilling
+to be embroiled in a case of murder, as he wished to prosecute his
+designs with his companions on board.
+
+He knew that Vanslyperken was capable of swearing anything against him,
+and that his best safety lay in the affair not being found out, which it
+could not be until the cutter had sailed, and no one had seen him
+either enter or go out. There was another reason which induced
+Smallbones to act as he did--without appealing to the authorities--which
+was, that if he returned on board, it would create such a shock to Mr
+Vanslyperken, who had, as he supposed, seen him lying dead upon the
+floor. But there was one person to whom he determined to apply for
+advice before he decided how to proceed, and that was Moggy Salisbury,
+who had given her address to him when she had gone on board the
+_Yungfrau_. To her house he therefore repaired, and found her at home.
+It was then about nine o'clock in the evening.
+
+Moggy was much surprised to see Smallbones enter in such a condition;
+but Smallbones' story was soon told, and Moggy sent for a surgeon, the
+services of whom the lad seriously required. While his wound was
+dressing, which was asserted by them to have been received in a fray,
+Moggy considered what would be the best method to proceed. The surgeon
+stated his intention of seeing Smallbones the next day, but he was
+requested to leave him sufficient dressing, as it was necessary that he
+should repair on board, as the vessel which he belonged to sailed on the
+following morning. The surgeon received his fee, recommended quiet and
+repose, and retired.
+
+A consultation then took place. Smallbones expressed his determination
+to go on board; he did not fear Mr Vanslyperken, as the crew of the
+cutter would support him--and, moreover, it would frighten Mr
+Vanslyperken out of his wits. To this Moggy agreed, but she proposed
+that instead of making his appearance on the following morning, he
+should not appear to Mr Vanslyperken until the vessel was in the blue
+water; if possible, not till she was over on the other side. And Moggy
+determined to go on board, see the corporal, and make the arrangements
+with him and the crew, who were now unanimous, for the six marines were
+at the beck of the corporal, so that Mr Vanslyperken should be
+frightened out of his wits. Desiring Smallbones to lie down on her bed,
+and take the rest he so much needed, she put on her bonnet and cloak,
+and taking a boat, pulled gently alongside the cutter.
+
+Vanslyperken had been on board for two hours, and was in his cabin; the
+lights, however, were still burning. The corporal was still up,
+anxiously waiting for the return of Smallbones, and he was very much
+alarmed when he heard Moggy come alongside. Moggy soon detailed to the
+corporal, Dick Short, and Coble, all that had taken place, and what it
+was proposed should be done. They assented willingly to the proposal,
+declaring that if Vanslyperken attempted to hurt the lad, they would
+rise, and throw Mr Vanslyperken overboard; and everything being
+arranged, Moggy was about to depart, when Vanslyperken, who was in a
+state of miserable anxiety and torture, and who had been drowning his
+conscience in scheedam, came on deck not a little the worse for what he
+had been imbibing.
+
+"Who is that woman?" cried Vanslyperken.
+
+"That woman is Moggy Salisbury," cried Moggy, walking up to
+Vanslyperken, while the corporal skulked forward without being detected.
+
+"Have I not given positive orders that this woman does not come on
+board?" cried Vanslyperken, holding on by the skylight. "Who is
+that--Mr Short?"
+
+"Yes," replied Short.
+
+"Why did you allow her to come on board?"
+
+"I came without leave," said Moggy. "I brought a message on board."
+
+"A message! what message--to whom?"
+
+"To you," replied Moggy.
+
+"To me--from whom, you cockatrice?"
+
+"I'll tell you," replied Moggy, walking close up to him; "from Lazarus
+the Jew. Will you hear it, or shall I leave it with Dick Short?"
+
+"Silence--silence--not a word; come down into the cabin, good Moggy.
+Come down--I'll hear it then"
+
+"With all my heart, Mr Vanslyperken, but none of your attacks on my
+vartue; recollect I am an honest woman."
+
+"Don't be afraid, my good Moggy--I never hurt a child."
+
+"I don't think you ever did," retorted Moggy, following Vanslyperken,
+who could hardly keep his feet.
+
+"Well, there's Abacadabra there, anyhow," observed Coble to Short, as
+they went down.
+
+"Why she turns him round her finger."
+
+"Yes," quoth Short.
+
+"I can't comprehend this not no how."
+
+"No," quoth Short.
+
+As soon as they were in the cabin, Moggy observed the bottle of scheedam
+on the table. "Come, Mr Vanslyperken, you'll treat me to-night, and
+drink my health again, won't you?"
+
+"Yes, Moggy, yes--we're friends now, you know;" for Vanslyperken, like
+all others suffering under the stings of conscience, was glad to make
+friends with his bitterest enemy.
+
+"Come, then, help me, Mr Vanslyperken, and then I'll give my message."
+
+As soon as Moggy had taken her glass of scheedam, she began to think
+what she should say, for she had no message ready prepared; at last a
+thought struck her.
+
+"I am desired to tell you, that when a passenger, or a person disguised
+as a sailor, either asks for a passage, or volunteers for the vessel,
+you are to take him on board immediately, even if you should know them
+in their disguise not to be what they pretend to be--do you understand?"
+
+"Yes," replied Vanslyperken, who was quite muddled.
+
+"Whether they apply from here, or from the other side of the channel, no
+consequence, you must take them--if not--"
+
+"If not, what?" replied Vanslyperken.
+
+"You'll swing, that's all, my buck. Good-night to you," replied Moggy,
+leaving the cabin.
+
+"I'll swing," muttered Vanslyperken, rolling against the bulkhead.
+"Well, if I do, others shall swing too. Who cares? damn the faggot!"
+
+Here Mr Vanslyperken poured out another glass of scheedam, the contents
+of which overthrew the small remnant of his reasoning faculties. He then
+tumbled into his bed with his clothes on, saying, as he turned on his
+side, "Smallbones is dead and gone, at all events."
+
+Moggy took leave of her friends on deck, and pushed on shore. She
+permitted Smallbones, whom she found fast asleep, to remain undisturbed
+until nearly three o'clock in the morning, during which time she watched
+by the bedside. She then roused him, and they sallied forth, took a
+boat, and dropped alongside of the cutter. Smallbones' hammock had been
+prepared for him by the corporal. He was put into it, and Moggy then
+left the vessel.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken was in a state of torpor during this proceeding, and
+was, with great difficulty, awoke by the corporal, according to orders
+given, when it was daylight, and the cutter was to weigh anchor.
+
+"Smallbones has not come off, sir, last night," reported the corporal.
+
+"I suppose the scoundrel has deserted," replied Vanslyperken, "I fully
+expected that he would. However, he is no loss, for he was a useless,
+idle, lying rascal." And Mr Vanslyperken turned out; having all his
+clothes on, he had no occasion to dress. He went on deck, followed by
+the tail-less Snarleyyow, and in half an hour the cutter was standing
+out towards St Helen's.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XL
+
+In which a most horrid spectre disturbs the equanimity of Mr
+Vanslyperken.
+
+
+Two days was the cutter striving with light winds for the Texel, during
+which Mr Vanslyperken kept himself altogether in his cabin. He was
+occasionally haunted with the memory of the scene in his mother's
+room.--Smallbones dead, and the stream of blood running along the floor,
+and his mother's diabolical countenance, with the hammer raised in her
+palsied hands; but he had an instigator to his vengeance beside him,
+which appeared to relieve his mind whenever it was oppressed; it was the
+stump of Snarleyyow, and when he looked at that he no longer regretted,
+but congratulated himself on the deed being done. His time was fully
+occupied during the day, for with locked doors he was transcribing the
+letters sent to Ramsay, and confided to him.
+
+He was not content with taking extracts, as he did of the government
+despatches for Ramsay; he copied every word, and he replaced the seals
+with great dexterity. At night his mind was troubled, and he dare not
+lie himself down to rest until he had fortified himself with several
+glasses of scheedam; even then his dreams frightened him; but he was to
+be more frightened yet.
+
+Corporal Van Spitter came into the cabin on the third morning with a
+very anxious face.--"Mein Gott! Mynheer Vanslyperken, de whole crew be
+in de mutinys."
+
+"Mutiny!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, "what's the matter?"
+
+"They say, sir, dat dey see de ghost of Smallbones last night on de
+bowsprit, with one great cut on his head, and de blood all over
+de face."
+
+"Saw what? who saw him?"
+
+"Mein Gott, mynheer! it all true, I really think I see it myself at de
+taffrail, he sit there and have great wound from here down to," said the
+corporal, pointing to his own head, and describing the wound exactly.
+"The people say that he must have been murdered, and dey kick up
+de mutiny."
+
+"I did not do it, corporal, at all events," replied Vanslyperken, pale
+and trembling.
+
+"So Smallbones tell Dick Short, when he speak to him on bowsprit."
+
+"Did it speak to Short?" inquired Vanslyperken, catching the corporal's
+arm.
+
+"Yes, mynheer; Mynheer Short speak first, and den the ghost say dat you
+not do it, but dat you give gold to old woman to do it, and she knock
+him brain out vid de hammer."
+
+To portray Vanslyperken's dismay at this intelligence would be
+impossible. He could not but be certain that there had been a
+supernatural communication. His knees knocked and trembled, and he
+turned sick and faint.
+
+"O Lord, O Lord! corporal, I am a great sinner," cried he at last, quite
+unaware of what he was saying. "Some water, corporal." Corporal Van
+Spitter handed some water, and Vanslyperken waved his hand to be left
+alone; and Mr Vanslyperken attempted to pray, but it ended in
+blaspheming.
+
+"It's a lie, all a lie," exclaimed he, at last, pouring out a tumbler of
+scheedam. "They have frightened the corporal. But--no--he must have seen
+him, or how could they know how he was murdered. He must have told them;
+and him I saw dead and stiff, with these own eyes. Well, I did not do
+the deed," continued Vanslyperken, attempting to palliate his crime to
+himself; but it would not do, and Mr Vanslyperken paced the little cabin
+racked by fear and guilt.
+
+Remorse he felt none, for there was before his eyes the unhealed stump
+of Snarleyyow. In the evening Mr Vanslyperken went on deck; the weather
+was now very warm, for it was the beginning of July; and Mr
+Vanslyperken, followed by Snarleyyow, was in a deep reverie, and he
+turned and turned again.
+
+The sun had set, and Mr Vanslyperken still continued his walk, but his
+steps were agitated and uneven, and his face was haggard. It was rather
+the rapid and angry pacing of a tiger in his den, who has just been
+captured, than that of a person in deep contemplation. Still Mr
+Vanslyperken continued to tread the deck, and it was quite light with a
+bright and pale moon.
+
+The men were standing here and there about the forecastle and near the
+booms in silence and speaking in low whispers, and Vanslyperken's eye
+was often directed towards them, for he had not forgotten the report of
+the corporal, that they were in a state of mutiny.
+
+Of a sudden, Mr Vanslyperken was roused by a loud cry from forward, and
+a rush of all the men aft. He thought that the crew had risen, and that
+they were about to seize him, but, on the contrary, they passed him and
+hastened to the taffrail with exclamations of horror.
+
+"What! what is it?" exclaimed Vanslyperken, fully prepared for the reply
+by his own fears.
+
+"O Lord! have mercy upon us," cried Bill Spurey.
+
+"Good God, deliver us!" exclaimed another.
+
+"Ah, Mein Gott!" screamed Jansen, rushing against Vanslyperken and
+knocking him down on the deck.
+
+"Well, well, murder will out!--that's sartain," said Coble, who stood by
+Vanslyperken when he had recovered his legs.
+
+"What, what!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, breathless.
+
+"There, sir,--look there," said Coble, breathless, pointing to the
+figure of Smallbones, who now appeared from the shade in the broad
+moonshine.
+
+His head was not bound up, and his face appeared pale and streaked with
+blood. He was in the same clothes in which he had gone on shore, and in
+his hand he held the hammer which had done the deed.
+
+The figure slowly advanced to the quarter-deck, Vanslyperken attempted
+to retreat, but his legs failed him, he dropped down on his knees,
+uttered a loud yell of despair, and then threw himself flat on the deck
+face downwards.
+
+Certainly, the pantomime was inimitably got up, but it had all been
+arranged by Moggy, the corporal, and the others. There was not one man
+of the crew who had not been sworn to secrecy, and whose life would not
+have been endangered if, by undeceiving Vanslyperken, they had been
+deprived of such just and legitimate revenges.
+
+Smallbones disappeared as soon as Vanslyperken had fallen down.
+
+He was allowed to remain there for some time to ascertain if he would
+say anything, but as he still continued silent, they raised him up and
+found that he was insensible. He was consequently taken down into the
+cabin and put into his bed.
+
+The effect produced by this trial of Mr Vanslyperken's nerves, was most
+serious. Already too much heated with the use of ardent spirits, it
+brought on convulsions, in which he continued during the major part of
+the night. Towards the morning, he sank into a perturbed slumber.
+
+It was not till eleven o'clock in the forenoon that he awoke and
+perceived his _faithful_ corporal standing by the side of the bed.
+
+"Have I not been ill, corporal?" said Mr Vanslyperken, whose memory was
+impaired for the time.
+
+"Mein Gott! yes, mynheer."
+
+"There was something happened, was not there?"
+
+"Mein Gott! yes, mynheer."
+
+"I've had a fit; have I not?"
+
+"Mein Gott! yes, mynheer."
+
+"My head swims now; what was it, corporal?"
+
+"It was de ghost of de poy," replied the corporal.
+
+"Yes, yes," replied Vanslyperken, falling back on his pillow.
+
+It had been intended by the conspirators, that Smallbones should make
+his appearance in the cabin, as the bell struck one o'clock; but the
+effect had already been so serious that it was thought advisable to
+defer any further attempts. As for Smallbones being concealed in the
+vessel for any length of time there was no difficulty in that; for
+allowing that Vanslyperken should go forward on the lower deck of the
+vessel, which he never did, Smallbones had only to retreat into the eyes
+of her, and it was there so dark that he could not be seen. They
+therefore regulated their conduct much in the same way as the members of
+the inquisition used to do in former days; they allowed their patient
+to recover, that he might be subjected to more torture.
+
+It was not until the fourth day, that the cutter arrived at the port of
+Amsterdam, and Mr Vanslyperken had kept his bed ever since he had been
+put into it; but this he could do no longer, he rose weak and emaciated,
+dressed himself, and went on shore with the despatches which he first
+delivered, and then bent his steps to the syndic's house, where he
+delivered his letters to Ramsay.
+
+The arrival of the cutter had been duly notified to the widow
+Vandersloosh, before she had dropped her anchor, and in pursuance with
+her resolution she immediately despatched Babette to track Mr
+Vanslyperken, and watch his motions. Babette took care not to be seen by
+Mr Vanslyperken, but shrouding herself close in her cotton print cloak,
+she followed him to the Stadt House, and from the Stadt House to the
+mansion of Mynheer Van Krause, at a short distance from the gates of
+which she remained till he came out. Wishing to ascertain whether he
+went to any other place, she did not discover herself until she
+perceived that he was proceeding to the widow's--she then quickened her
+pace so as to come up with him.
+
+"Oh! Mynheer Vanslyperken, is this you? I heard you had come in and so
+did my mistress, and she has been expecting you this last half-hour."
+
+"I have made all the haste I can, Babette. But I was obliged to deliver
+my despatches first," replied Vanslyperken.
+
+"But I thought you always took your despatches to the Stadt House?"
+
+"Well, so I do, Babette; I have just come from thence."
+
+This was enough for Babette, it proved that his visit to the syndic's
+was intended to be concealed; she was too prudent to let him know that
+she had traced him.
+
+"Why, Mr Vanslyperken, you look very ill. What has been the matter with
+you? My mistress will be quite frightened."
+
+"I have not been well, Babette," replied Vanslyperken.
+
+"I really must run home as fast as I can. I will tell my mistress you
+have been unwell, for otherwise she will be in such a quandary;" and
+Babette hastened ahead of Mr Vanslyperken, who was in too weak a state
+to walk fast.
+
+"The syndic's house--heh!"--said the widow, "Mynheer Van Krause. Why he
+is thorough king's man, by all report," continued she. "I don't
+understand it. But there is no trusting any man now-a-days.
+
+"Babette, you must go there by-and-bye and see if you can find out
+whether that person he brought over, and he called a king's messenger,
+is living at the syndic's house. I think he must be, or why would
+Vanslyperken go there? and if he is, there's treason going on--that's
+all! and I'll find it out, or my name is not Vandersloosh."
+
+Shortly after, Mr Vanslyperken arrived at the house and was received
+with the usual treacherous cordiality; but he had not remained more than
+an hour when Coble came to him (having been despatched by Short), to
+inform Mr Vanslyperken that a frigate was coming in with the royal
+standard at the main, indicating that King William was on board of her.
+
+This intelligence obliged Mr Vanslyperken to hasten on board, as it was
+necessary to salute, and also to pay his respects on board of
+the frigate.
+
+The frigate was within a mile when Mr Vanslyperken arrived on board of
+the cutter, and when the batteries saluted, the cutter did the same.
+Shortly afterwards the frigate dropped her anchor and returned the
+salute. Mr Vanslyperken, attired in his full uniform, ordered his boat
+to be manned and pulled on board.
+
+On his arrival on the quarter-deck Vanslyperken was received by the
+captain of the frigate, and then presented to King William of Nassau,
+who was standing on the other side of the deck, attended by the Duke of
+Portland, Lord Albemarle, and several others of his courtiers, not all
+of them quite as faithful as the two whom we have named.
+
+When Mr Vanslyperken was brought forward to the presence of his Majesty,
+he trembled almost as much as when he had beheld the supposed spirit of
+Smallbones, and well he might, for his conscience told him as he bowed
+his knee that he was a traitor. His agitation was, however, ascribed to
+his being daunted by the unusual presence of royalty. And Albemarle, as
+Vanslyperken retreated with a cold sweat on his forehead, observed to
+the king with a smile,
+
+"That worthy lieutenant would show a little more courage, I doubt not,
+your Majesty, if he were in the presence of your enemies."
+
+"It is to be hoped so," replied the king, with a smile. "I agree with
+you, Keppel."
+
+But his Majesty and Lord Albemarle did not know Mr Vanslyperken, as the
+reader will acknowledge.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XLI
+
+In which is shown how dangerous it is to tell a secret.
+
+
+Mr Vanslyperken received orders to attend with his boat upon his
+Majesty's landing, which took place in about a quarter of an hour
+afterwards, amidst another war of cannon.
+
+King William was received by the authorities at the landing-stairs, and
+from thence he stepped into the carriage, awaiting him, and drove off to
+his palace at the Hague; much to the relief of Mr Vanslyperken, who felt
+ill at ease in the presence of his sovereign. When his Majesty put his
+foot on shore, the foremost to receive him, in virtue of his office, was
+the syndic Mynheer Van Krause, who, in full costume of gown, chains, and
+periwig, bowed low, as his Majesty advanced, expecting as usual the
+gracious smile and friendly nod of his sovereign; but to his
+mortification, his reverence was returned with a grave, if not stern
+air, and the king passed him without further notice. All the courtiers
+also, who had been accustomed to salute, and to exchange a few words
+with him, to his astonishment turned their heads another way. At first,
+Mynheer Van Krause could hardly believe his senses, he who had always
+been so graciously received, who had been considered most truly as such
+a staunch supporter of his king, to be neglected, mortified in this way,
+and without cause. Instead of following his Majesty to his carriage,
+with the rest of the authorities, he stood still and transfixed, the
+carriage drove off, and the syndic hardly replying to some questions put
+to him, hurried back to his own house in a state of confusion and
+vexation almost indescribable. He hastened upstairs and entered the room
+of Ramsay, who was very busy with the despatches which he had received.
+"Well, Mynheer Van Krause, how is his Majesty looking," inquired Ramsay,
+who knew that the syndic had been down to receive him on his landing.
+
+Mynheer Krause threw himself down in a chair, threw open his gown, and
+uttered a deep sigh.
+
+"What is the matter, my dear sir, you appear ruffled," continued Ramsay,
+who from the extracts made by Vanslyperken from the despatches, was
+aware that suspicions had been lodged against his host.
+
+"Such treatment--to one of his most devoted followers," exclaimed
+Krause, at last, who then entered into a detail of what had occurred.
+
+"Such is the sweet aspect, the smile, we would aspire to of kings,
+Mynheer Krause."
+
+"But there must be some occasion for all this," observed the syndic.
+
+"No doubt of it," replied Ramsay--"some reason--but not a just one."
+
+"That is certain," replied the syndic, "some one must have maligned me
+to his Majesty."
+
+"It may be," replied Ramsay, "but there may be other causes, kings are
+suspicious, and subjects may be too rich and too powerful. There are
+many paupers among the favourites of his Majesty, who would be very glad
+to see your property confiscated, and you cast into prison."
+
+"But, my dear sir,--"
+
+"You forget also, that the Jacobites are plotting, and have been
+plotting for years; that conspiracy is formed upon conspiracy, and that
+when so surrounded and opposed, kings will be suspicious."
+
+"But his Majesty, King William,--"
+
+"Firmly attached, and loyal as I am to my sovereign, Mynheer Krause, I
+do not think that King William is more to be relied upon than King
+James. Kings are but kings, they will repay the most important services
+by smiles, and the least doubtful act with the gibbet. I agree with you
+that some one must have maligned you, but allow me to make a remark that
+if once suspicion or dislike enters into a royal breast, there is no
+effacing it, a complete verdict of innocence will not do it; it is like
+the sapping of one of the dams of this country, Mynheer Krause, the
+admission of water is but small at first, but it increases and
+increases, till it ends in a general inundation."
+
+"But I must demand an audience of his Majesty and explain."
+
+"Explain--the very attempt will be considered as a proof of your guilt;
+no, no, as a sincere friend I should advise you to be quiet, and to take
+such steps as the case requires. That frown, that treatment of you in
+public, is sufficient to tell me that you must prepare for the event.
+Can you expect a king to publicly retract?"
+
+"Retract! no--I do not require a public apology from my sovereign."
+
+"But if having frowned upon you publicly, he again smiles upon you
+publicly, he does retract. He acknowledges that he was in error, and it
+becomes a public apology."
+
+"God in heaven! then I am lost," replied the syndic, throwing himself
+back in his chair. "Do you really think so, Mynheer Ramsay?"
+
+"I do not say that you are lost. At present, you have only lost the
+favour of the king; but you can do without that, Mynheer Krause."
+
+"Do without that--but you do not know that without that I am lost. Am I
+not Syndic of this town of Amsterdam, and can I expect to hold such an
+important situation if I am out of favour?"
+
+"Very true, Mynheer Krause; but what can be done? you are assailed in
+the dark, you do not know the charges brought against you, and therefore
+cannot refute or parry with them."
+
+"But what charges can they bring against me?"
+
+"There can be but one charge against a person in your high situation,
+that of disaffection."
+
+"Disaffection! I who am and have always been so devoted."
+
+"The most disaffected generally appear the most devoted, Mynheer Krause,
+that will not help you."
+
+"My God! then," exclaimed Krause, with animation, "what will, if loyalty
+is to be construed into a sign of disaffection?"
+
+"Nothing," replied Ramsay, coolly. "Suspicion in the heart of a king is
+never to be effaced, and disaffection may soon be magnified into
+high treason."
+
+"Bless me!" exclaimed Van Krause, crossing his hands on his heart in
+utter despair. "My dear Mynheer Ramsay, will you give me your opinion
+how I should act?"
+
+"There is no saying how far you may be right in your conjectures,
+Mynheer Krause," replied Ramsay: "you may have been mistaken."
+
+"No, no, he frowned--looked cross--I see his face now."
+
+"Yes, but a little thing will sour the face of royalty, his corn may
+have pinched him, at the time he might have had a twinge in the
+bowels--his voyage may have affected him."
+
+"He smiled upon others, upon my friend, Engelback, very graciously."
+
+This was the very party who had prepared the charges against Krause--his
+own very particular friend.
+
+"Did he?" replied Ramsay. "Then depend upon it, that's the very man who
+has belied you."
+
+"What, Engelback? my particular friend?"
+
+"Yes, I should imagine so. Tell me, Mynheer Krause, I trust you have
+never entrusted to him the important secrets which I have made you
+acquainted with, for if you have, your knowledge of them would be quite
+sufficient."
+
+"My knowledge of them. I really cannot understand that. How can my
+knowledge of what is going on among the king's friends and councillors
+be a cause of suspicion?"
+
+"Why, Mynheer Krause, because the king is surrounded by many who are
+retained from policy and fear of them. If these secrets are made known
+contrary to oath, is it not clear that the parties so revealing them
+must be no sincere friends of his Majesty's, and will it not be
+naturally concluded that those who have possession of them, are equally
+his open or secret enemies."
+
+"But then, Mynheer Ramsay, by that rule you must be his Majesty's
+enemy."
+
+"That does not follow, Mynheer Krause, I may obtain the secrets from
+those who are not so partial to his Majesty as they are to me, but that
+does not disprove my loyalty. To expose them would of course render me
+liable to suspicion--but I guard them carefully. I have not told a word
+to a soul, but to you, my dear Mynheer Krause, and I have felt assured
+that you were much too loyal to make known to anyone, what it was your
+duty to your king to keep secret; surely, Mynheer Krause, you have not
+trusted that man?"
+
+"I may have given a hint or so--I'm afraid that I did; but he is my most
+particular friend."
+
+"If that is the case," replied Ramsay, "I am not at all surprised at the
+king's frowning on you: Engelback having intelligence from you, supposed
+to be known only to the highest authorities, has thought it his duty to
+communicate it to government, and you are now suspected."
+
+"God in heaven! I wish I never had your secrets, Mynheer Ramsay. It
+appears then that I have committed treason without knowing it."
+
+"At all events, you have incurred suspicion. It is a pity that you
+mentioned what I confided to you, but what's done cannot be helped, you
+must now be active."
+
+"What must I do, my dear friend?"
+
+"Expect the worst and be prepared for it--you are wealthy, Mr Van
+Krause, and that will not be in your favour, it will only hasten the
+explosion, which sooner or later will take place. Remit as much of your
+money as you can to where it will be secure from the spoilers. Convert
+all that you can into gold, that you may take advantage of the first
+opportunity, if necessary, of flying from their vengeance. Do all this
+very quietly. Go on, as usual, as if nothing had occurred--talk with
+your friend Engelback--perform your duties as syndic. It may blow over,
+although I am afraid not. At all events you will have, in all
+probability, some warning, as they will displace you as syndic before
+they proceed further. I have only one thing to add. I am your guest, and
+depend upon it, shall share your fortune whatever it may be; if you are
+thrown into prison, I am certain to be sent there also. You may
+therefore command me as you please. I will not desert you, you may
+depend upon it."
+
+"My dear young man, you are indeed a friend, and your advice is good. My
+poor Wilhelmina, what would become of her."
+
+"Yes, indeed, used to luxury--her father in prison, perhaps his head at
+the gates--his whole property confiscated, and all because he had the
+earliest intelligence. Such is the reward of loyalty."
+
+"Yes, indeed," repeated the syndic, "'put not your trust in princes,'
+says the psalmist. If such is to be the return for my loyalty--but there
+is no time to lose. I must send this post, to Hamburgh and Frankfort.
+Many thanks, my dear friend for your kind council, which I shall
+follow," so saying, Mynheer Krause went to his room, threw off his gown
+and chains in a passion, and hastened to his counting-house to write his
+important letters.
+
+We may now take this opportunity of informing the reader of what had
+occurred in the house of the syndic. Ramsay had, as may be supposed,
+gained the affections of Wilhelmina; had told his love, and received her
+acknowledgment in return; he had also gained such a power over her, that
+she had agreed to conceal their attachment from her father; as Ramsay
+wished first, he asserted, to be possessed of a certain property which
+he daily expected would fall to him, and, until that, he did not think
+that he had any right to aspire to the hand of Wilhelmina.
+
+That Ramsay was most seriously in love there was no doubt; he would have
+wedded Wilhelmina, even if she had not a sixpence; but at the same time,
+he was too well aware of the advantages of wealth not to fully
+appreciate it, and he felt the necessity and the justice to Wilhelmina,
+that she should not be deprived, by his means, of those luxuries to
+which she had been brought up. But here there was a difficulty, arising
+from his espousing the very opposite cause to that espoused by Mynheer
+Krause, for the difference of religion he very rightly considered as a
+mere trifle compared with the difference in political feelings. He had
+already weaned Wilhelmina from the political bias, imbibed from her
+father and his connections, without acquainting her with his belonging
+to the opposite party, for the present. It had been his intention as
+soon as his services were required elsewhere, to have demanded
+Wilhelmina's hand from her father, still leaving him in error as to his
+politics; and by taking her with him, after the marriage, to the court
+of St Germains, to have allowed Mynheer Krause to think what he pleased,
+but not to enter into any explanation; but, as Ramsay truly observed,
+Mynheer Krause had, by his not retaining the secrets confided to him,
+rendered himself suspected, and once suspected with King William, his
+disgrace, if not ruin, was sure to follow. This fact, so important to
+Ramsay's plans, had been communicated in the extracts made by
+Vanslyperken from the last despatches, and Ramsay had been calculating
+the consequences when Mynheer Krause returned discomfited from the
+presence of the king.
+
+That Ramsay played a very diplomatic game in the conversation which we
+have repeated is true; but still it was the best game for Krause as well
+as for his own interests, as the events will show. We must, however,
+remind the reader that Ramsay had no idea whatever of the double
+treachery on the part of Vanslyperken, in copying all the letters sent
+by and to him, as well as extracting from the government despatches.
+
+"My dearest Edward, what has detained you so long from me this morning,"
+inquired Wilhelmina when he entered the music-room, about an hour after
+his conversation with the syndic.
+
+Ramsay then entered into the detail of what had occurred, and wove in
+such remarks of his own as were calculated to disgust Wilhelmina with
+the conduct of King William, and to make her consider her father as an
+injured man. He informed her of the advice he had given him, and then
+pointed out to her the propriety of her enforcing his following it with
+all the arguments of persuasion in her power.
+
+Wilhelmina's indignation was roused, and she did not fail, when speaking
+with her father, to rail in no measured tones against the king, and to
+press him to quit a country where he had been so ill-used. Mynheer
+Krause felt the same, his pride had been severely wounded; and it may be
+truly said, that one of the staunchest adherents of the Protestant king
+was lost by a combination of circumstances as peculiar as they were
+unexpected.
+
+In the meantime, the corporal had gone on shore as usual and made the
+widow acquainted with the last attempt upon Smallbones, and the revenge
+of the ship's company. Babette had also done her part.
+
+She had found out that Ramsay lived in the house of the syndic, and
+that he was the passenger brought over by Vanslyperken in the cutter.
+
+The widow, who had now almost arranged her plans, received Vanslyperken
+more amicably than ever; anathematised the--supposed defunct Smallbones;
+shed tears over the stump of Snarleyyow, and asked Vanslyperken when he
+intended to give up the nasty cutter and live quietly on shore.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XLII
+
+In which is shown the imprudence of sleeping in the open air, even in a
+summer's night.
+
+
+The _Yungfrau_ was not permitted to remain more than two days at her
+anchorage. On the third morning Mr Vanslyperken's signal was made to
+prepare to weigh. He immediately answered it, and giving his orders to
+Short, hastened, as fast as he could, up to the syndic's house to inform
+Ramsay, stating, that he must immediately return on board again, and
+that the letters must be sent to him: Ramsay perceived the necessity of
+this, and consented. On his return to the boat, Mr Vanslyperken found
+that his signal to repair on board the frigate had been hoisted, and he
+hastened on board to put on his uniform and obey this order. He received
+his despatches from the captain of the frigate, with orders to proceed
+to sea immediately. Mr Vanslyperken, under the eye of his superior
+officer, could not dally or delay: he hove short, hoisted his mainsail,
+and fired a gun as a signal for sailing; anxiously looking out for
+Ramsay's boat with his letters, and afraid to go without them; but no
+boat made its appearance, and Mr Vanslyperken was forced to heave up his
+anchor. Still he did not like to make sail, and he remained a few
+minutes more, when he at last perceived a small boat coming off. At the
+same time he observed a boat coming from the frigate, and they arrived
+alongside the cutter about the same time, fortunately Ramsay's boat the
+first, and Mr Vanslyperken had time to carry the letters down below.
+
+"The commandant wishes to know why you do not proceed to sea, sir, in
+obedience to your orders," said the officer.
+
+"I only waited for that boat to come on board, sir," replied
+Vanslyperken to the lieutenant.
+
+"And pray, sir, from whom does that boat come?" inquired the officer.
+
+"From the syndic's, Mynheer Van Krause," replied Vanslyperken, not
+knowing what else to say, and thinking that the name of the syndic would
+be sufficient.
+
+"And what did the boat bring off, to occasion the delay, sir?"
+
+"A letter or two for England," replied Vanslyperken.
+
+"Very well, sir, I wish you a good morning," said the lieutenant, who
+then went into his boat, and Vanslyperken made sail.
+
+The delay of the cutter to receive the syndic's letters was fully
+reported the same evening to the commandant, who, knowing that the
+syndic was suspected, reported the same to the authorities, and this
+trifling circumstance only increased the suspicions against the
+unfortunate Mynheer Van Krause; but we must follow the cutter and those
+on board of her. Smallbones had remained concealed on board, his wounds
+had been nearly healed, and it was now again proposed that he should, as
+soon as they were out at sea, make his appearance to frighten
+Vanslyperken; and that, immediately they arrived at Portsmouth, he
+should go on shore and desert from the cutter, as Mr Vanslyperken would,
+of course, find out that his mother was killed, and the consequences to
+Smallbones must be dangerous, as he had no evidence, if Vanslyperken
+swore that he had murdered his mother; but this arrangement was
+overthrown by events which we shall now narrate. It was on the third
+morning after they sailed, that Vanslyperken walked the deck: there was
+no one but the man at the helm abaft. The weather was extremely sultry,
+for the cutter had run with a fair wind for the first eight-and-forty
+hours, and had then been becalmed for the last twenty-four, and had
+drifted to the back of the Isle of Wight, when she was not three leagues
+from St Helen's. The consequence was, that the ebb-tide had now drifted
+her down very nearly opposite to that part of the island where the cave
+was situated of which we have made mention. Vanslyperken heard the
+people talking below, and, as usual, anxious to overhear what was said,
+had stopped to listen. He heard the name of Smallbones repeated several
+times, but could not make out what was said.
+
+Anxious to know, he went down the ladder, and, instead of going into his
+cabin, crept softly forward on the lower deck, when he overheard Coble,
+Short, and Spurey in consultation.
+
+"We shall be in to-morrow," said Spurey, "if a breeze springs up, and
+then it will be too late: Smallbones must frighten him again to-night."
+
+"Yes," replied Short.
+
+"He shall go into his cabin at twelve o'clock, that will be the best
+way."
+
+"But the corporal."
+
+"Hush!--there is someone there," said Spurey, who, attracted by a slight
+noise made by Vanslyperken's boots, turned short round.
+
+Vanslyperken retreated and gained the deck by the ladder; he had hardly
+been up when he observed a face at the hatchway, who was evidently
+looking to ascertain if he was on deck.
+
+These few words overheard, satisfied Vanslyperken that Smallbones was
+alive and on board the cutter; and he perceived how he had been played
+with. His rage was excessive, but he did not know how to act. If
+Smallbones was alive, and that he appeared to be, he must have escaped
+from his mother, and, of course, the ship's company must know that his
+life had been attempted. That he did not care much about; he had not
+done the deed; but how the lad could have come on board! did he not see
+him lying dead? It was very strange, and the life of the boy must be
+charmed. At all events, it was a mystery which Mr Vanslyperken could not
+solve; at first, he thought that he would allow Smallbones to come into
+the cabin, and get a loaded pistol ready for him. The words, "But the
+corporal," which were cut short, proved to him that the corporal was no
+party to the affair; yet it was strange that the ship's company could
+have concealed the lad without the corporal's knowledge. Vanslyperken
+walked and walked, and thought and thought; at last he resolved to go
+down into his cabin, pretend to go to bed, lock his door, which was not
+his custom, and see if they would attempt to come in. He did so, the
+corporal was dismissed, and at twelve o'clock his door was tried and
+tried again; but being fast, the party retreated. Vanslyperken waited
+till two bells to ascertain if any more attempts would be made; but none
+were, so he rose from his bed, where he had thrown himself with his
+clothes on, and, opening the door softly, crept upon deck. The night was
+very warm, but there was a light and increasing breeze, and the cutter
+was standing in and close to the shore to make a long board upon next
+tack. Vanslyperken passed the man at the helm, and walked aft to the
+taffrail; he stood up on the choak to ascertain what way she was making
+through the water, and he was meditating upon the best method of
+proceeding. Had he known where Smallbones' hammock was hung, he would
+have gone down with the view of ascertaining the fact; but with a crew
+so evidently opposed to him, he could not see how even the ascertaining
+that Smallbones was on board, would be productive of any good
+consequences. The more Vanslyperken thought, the more he was puzzled.
+The fact is, that he was between the horns of a dilemma; but the devil,
+who always helps his favourites, came to the aid of Mr Vanslyperken. The
+small boat was, as usual, hoisted up astern, and Mr Vanslyperken's eyes
+were accidentally cast upon it. He perceived a black mass lying on the
+thwarts, and he examined it more closely: he heard snoring; it was one
+of the ship's company sleeping there against orders. He leant over the
+taffrail, and putting aside the great-coat which covered the party, he
+looked attentively on the face--there was no doubt it was Smallbones
+himself. From a knowledge of the premises, Vanslyperken knew at once
+that the lad was in his power.
+
+The boat, after being hauled up with tackles, was hung by a single rope
+at each davit. It was very broad in proportion to its length, and was
+secured from motion by a single gripe, which confined it in its place,
+bowsing it close to the stern of the cutter, and preventing it from
+turning over bottom up, which, upon the least weight upon one gunnel or
+the other, would be inevitably the case. Smallbones was lying close to
+the gunnel next to the stern of the cutter. By letting go the gripe,
+therefore, the boat would immediately turn bottom up, and Smallbones
+would be dropped into the sea. Vanslyperken carefully examined the
+fastenings of the gripe, found that they were to be cast off by one
+movement, and that his success was certain; but still he was cautious.
+The man at the helm must hear the boat go over; he might hear
+Smallbones' cry for assistance. So Vanslyperken went forward to the man
+at the helm, and desired him to go down and to order Corporal Van
+Spitter to mix a glass of brandy-and-water, and send it up by him, and
+that he would steer the vessel till he came up again. The man went down
+to execute the order, and Vanslyperken steered the cutter for half a
+minute, during which he looked forward to ascertain if any one was
+moving. All was safe, the watch was all asleep forward, and
+Vanslyperken, leaving the cutter to steer itself, hastened aft, cast off
+the gripe, the boat, as he calculated, immediately turning over, and the
+sleeping Smallbones fell into the sea. Vanslyperken hastened back to the
+helm, and put the cutter's head right. He heard the cry of Smallbones,
+but it was not loud, for the cutter had already left him astern, and it
+was fainter and fainter, and at last it was heard no more, and not one
+of the watch had been disturbed.
+
+"If ever you haunt me again," muttered Vanslyperken, "may I be hanged."
+
+We particularly call the reader's attention to these words of Mr
+Vanslyperken.
+
+The man returned with the brandy-and-water, with which Vanslyperken
+drank _bon voyage_ to poor Smallbones. He then ordered the cutter to be
+put about, and as soon as she was round, he went down into his cabin and
+turned in with greater satisfaction than he had for a long time.
+
+"We shall have got rid of him at last, my poor dog," said he, patting
+Snarleyyow's head. "Your enemy is gone for ever."
+
+And Mr Vanslyperken slept soundly, because, although he had committed a
+murder, there was no chance of his being found out. We soon get
+accustomed to crime: before, he started at the idea of murder; now, all
+that he cared for was detection.
+
+"Good-night to you, Mr Vanslyperken."
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XLIII
+
+In which Smallbones changes from a king's man into a smuggler, and also
+changes his sex.
+
+
+If we adhered to the usual plans of historical novel writers, we should,
+in this instance, leave Smallbones to what must appear to have been his
+inevitable fate, and then bring him on the stage again with a _coup de
+théâtre_, when least expected by the reader. But that is not our
+intention; we consider that the interest of this our narration of bygone
+events is quite sufficient, without condescending to what is called
+claptrap; and there are so many people in our narrative continually
+labouring under deception of one kind or another, that we need not add
+to it by attempting to mystify our readers; who, on the contrary, we
+shall take with us familiarly by the hand, and, like a faithful
+historian, lead them through the events in the order in which they
+occurred, and point out to them how they all lead to one common end.
+With this intention in view, we shall now follow the fortunes of
+Smallbones, whom we left floundering in about seven fathoms water.
+
+The weather was warm, even sultry, as we said before; but
+notwithstanding which, and notwithstanding he was a very tolerable
+swimmer, considering that he was so thin, Smallbones did not like it. To
+be awoke out of a profound sleep, and all of a sudden to find yourself
+floundering out of your depth about half a mile from the nearest land,
+is anything but agreeable; the transition is too rapid. Smallbones
+descended a few feet before he could divest himself of the folds of the
+Flustering coat which he had wrapped himself up in. It belonged to
+Coble, he had purchased it at a sale-shop on the Point for seventeen
+shillings and sixpence, and, moreover, it was as good as new. In
+consequence of this delay below water-mark, Smallbones had very little
+breath left in his body when he rose to the surface, and he could not
+inflate his lungs so as to call loud until the cutter had walked away
+from him at least one hundred yards, for she was slipping fast through
+the water, and another minute plainly proved to Smallbones that he was
+left to his own resources.
+
+At first, the lad had imagined that it was an accident, and that the
+rope had given way with his weight; but when he found that no attention
+was paid to his cries, he then was convinced that it was the work of Mr
+Vanslyperken.
+
+"By _gum_, he's a done for me at last. Well, I don't care, I can die but
+once, that's sartin sure; and he'll go to the devil, that's
+sartin sure."
+
+And Smallbones, with this comfortable assurance, continued to strike out
+for the land, which, indeed, he had but little prospect of ever making.
+
+"A shame for to come for to go to murder a poor lad three or four times
+over," sputtered Smallbones, after a time, feeling his strength fail
+him. He then turned on his back, to ease his arms.
+
+"I can't do it no how, I sees that," said Smallbones, "so I may just as
+well go down like a dipsey lead."
+
+But, as he muttered this, and was making up his mind to discontinue
+further exertions,--not a very easy thing to do, when you are about to
+go into another world, still floating on his back, with his eyes fixed
+on the starry heavens, thinking, as Smallbones afterwards narrated
+himself, that there wa'n't much to live for in this here world, and
+considering what there could be in that 'ere, his head struck against
+something hard. Smallbones immediately turned round in the water to see
+what it was, and found that it was one of the large corks which
+supported a heavy net laid out across the tide for the taking of
+shoal-fish. The cork was barely sufficient to support his weight, but it
+gave him a certain relief, and time to look about him, as the saying is.
+The lad ran under the net and cork with his hands until he arrived at
+the nearest shoal, for it was three or four hundred yards long. When he
+arrived there, he contrived to bring some of the corks together, until
+he had quite sufficient for his support, and then Smallbones voted
+himself pretty comfortable after all, for the water was very warm, and
+now quite smooth.
+
+Smallbones, as the reader may have observed during the narration, was a
+lad of most indisputable courage and of good principles. Had it been his
+fortune to have been born among the higher classes, and to have had all
+the advantages of education, he might have turned out a hero; as it was,
+he did his duty well in that state of life to which he had been called,
+and as he said in his speech to the men on the forecastle, he feared
+God, honoured the king, and was the natural enemy to the devil.
+
+The Chevalier Bayard was nothing more, only he had a wider field for his
+exertions and his talents; but the armed and accoutred Bayard did not
+show more courage and conduct when leading armies to victory, than did
+the unarmed Smallbones against Vanslyperken and his dog. We consider
+that _in his way_, Smallbones was quite as great a hero as the
+Chevalier, for no man can do more than his best; indeed, it is
+unreasonable to expect it.
+
+While Smallbones hung on to the corks, he was calculating his chances of
+being saved.
+
+"If so be as how they comes to take up the nets in the morning, why then
+I think I may hold on; but if so be they waits, why they'll then find me
+dead as a fish," said Smallbones, who seldom ventured above a
+monosyllable, and whose language if not considered as pure English, was
+certainly amazingly Saxon; and then Smallbones began to reflect, whether
+it was not necessary that he should forgive Mr Vanslyperken before he
+died, and his pros and cons ended with his thinking he could, for it was
+his duty; however he would not be in a hurry about it, he thought that
+was the last thing that he need do; but as for the dog, he wa'n't
+obliged to forgive him that was certain--as certain as that his tail was
+off; and Smallbones, up to his chin in the water, grinned so at the
+remembrance, that he took in more salt water than was pleasant.
+
+He spit it out again, and then looked up to the stars, which were
+twinkling above him.
+
+I wonder what o'clock it is, thought Smallbones, when he thought he
+heard a distant sound. Smallbones pricked up his ears and
+listened;--yes, it was in regular cadence, and became louder and louder.
+It was a boat pulling.
+
+"Well, I am sure," thought Smallbones, "they'll think they have caught a
+queer fish anyhow:" and he waited very patiently for the fisherman to
+come up. At last he perceived the boat, which was very long and pulled
+many oars. "They be the smuglars," thought Smallbones.
+
+"I wonder whether they'll pick up a poor lad? Boat ahoy!"
+
+The boat continued to pass towards the coast, impelled at the speed of
+seven or eight miles an hour, and was now nearly abreast of Smallbones,
+and not fifty yards from him.
+
+"I say, boat ahoy!" screamed Smallbones, to the extent of his voice.
+
+He was heard this time, and there was a pause in the pulling, the boat
+still driving through the water with the impulse which had been given
+her, as if she required no propelling power.
+
+"I say you arn't a going for to come for to leave a poor lad here to be
+drowned, are you?"
+
+"That's Smallbones, I'll swear," cried Jemmy Ducks, who was steering the
+boat, and who immediately shifted the helm.
+
+But Sir Robert Barclay paused; there was too much at stake to run any
+risk, even to save the life of a fellow-creature.
+
+"You takes time for to think on it anyhow," cried Smallbones--"you are
+going for to leave a fellow-christian stuck like a herring in a fishing
+net, are you? you would not like it yourself, anyhow."
+
+"It is Smallbones, sir," repeated Jemmy Ducks, "and I'll vouch for him
+as a lad that's good and true."
+
+Sir Barclay no longer hesitated: "Give way, my lads, and pick him up."
+
+In a few minutes, Smallbones was hauled in over the gunnel, and was
+seated on the stern-sheets opposite to Sir Robert.
+
+"It's a great deal colder out of the water than in, that's sartain,"
+observed Smallbones, shivering.
+
+"Give way, my lads, we've no time to stay," cried Sir Robert.
+
+"Take this, Smallbones," said Jemmy.
+
+"Why, so it is, Jemmy Ducks!" replied Smallbones, with
+astonishment--"why, how did you come here?"
+
+"Sarcumstances," replied Jemmy; "how did you come there?"
+
+"Sarcumstances too, Jemmy," replied Smallbones.
+
+"Keep silence," said Sir Robert, and nothing more was said until the
+lugger dashed into the cave.
+
+The cargo was landed, and Smallbones who was very cold was not sorry to
+assist. He carried up his load with the rest, and as usual the women
+came half-way down to receive it.
+
+"Why, who have we here?" said one of the women to whom Smallbones was
+delivering his load, "why, it's Smallbones."
+
+"Yes," replied Smallbones, it is me; "but how came you here, Nancy?"
+
+"That's tellings, but how came you, my lad?" replied Nancy.
+
+"I came by water anyhow."
+
+"Well, you are one of us now, you know there's no going back."
+
+"I'm sure I don't want to go back, Nancy; but what is to be done?
+nothing unchristianlike I hope."
+
+"We're all good Christians here, Smallbones; we don't bow down to idols
+and pay duty to them as other people do."
+
+"Do you fear God, and honour the king?"
+
+"We do; the first as much as the other people, and as for the king, we
+love him and serve him faithfully."
+
+"Well, then I suppose that's all right," replied Smallbones; "but where
+do you live?"
+
+"Come with me, take your load up, and I will show you, for the sooner
+you are there the better; the boat will be off again in half-an-hour, if
+I mistake not."
+
+"Off, where?"
+
+"To France, with a message to the king."
+
+"Why, the king's in Holland! we left him there when we sailed."
+
+"Pooh! nonsense! come along."
+
+When Sir Robert arrived at the cave, he found an old friend anxiously
+awaiting his arrival; it was Graham, who had been despatched by the
+Jacobites to the court of St Germains, with intelligence of great
+importance, which was the death of the young Duke of Gloucester, the
+only surviving son of King William. He had, it was said, died of a
+malignant fever; but if the reader will call to mind the address of one
+of the Jesuits on the meeting at Cherbourg, he may have some surmises as
+to the cause of the duke's decease. As this event rendered the
+succession uncertain, the hopes of the Jacobites were raised to the
+highest pitch: the more so as the country was in a state of anxiety and
+confusion, and King William was absent at the Hague. Graham had,
+therefore, been despatched to the exiled James, with the propositions
+from his friends in England, and to press the necessity of an invasion
+of the country. As Nancy had supposed, Sir Robert decided upon
+immediately crossing over to Cherbourg, the crew were allowed a short
+time to repose and refresh themselves, and once more returned to their
+laborious employment; Jemmy Ducks satisfied Sir Robert that Smallbones
+might be trusted and be useful, and Nancy corroborated his assertions.
+He was, therefore, allowed to remain in the cave with the women, and Sir
+Robert and his crew, long before Smallbones' garments were dry, were
+again crossing the English Channel.
+
+Now, it must be observed, that Smallbones was never well off for
+clothes, and, on this occasion, when he fell overboard, he had nothing
+on but an old pair of thin linen trousers and a shirt which, from dint
+of long washing, from check had turned to a light cerulean blue: what
+with his struggles at the net and the force used to pull him into the
+boat, the shirt had more than one-half disappeared--that is to say, one
+sleeve and the back were wholly gone, and the other sleeve was well
+prepared to follow its fellow, on the first capful of wind. His trousers
+also were in almost as bad a state. In hauling him in, when his head was
+over the gunnel, one of the men had seized him by the seat of his
+trousers to lift him into the boat, and the consequence was, that the
+seat of his trousers having been too long set upon, was also left in his
+muscular gripe. All these items put together, the reader may infer,
+that, although Smallbones might appear merely ragged in front, that in
+his rear he could not be considered as decent, especially as he was the
+only one of the masculine sex among a body of females. No notice was
+taken of this by others, nor did Smallbones observe it himself, during
+the confusion and bustle previous to the departure of the smugglers; but
+now they were gone, Smallbones perceived his deficiencies, and was very
+much at a loss what to do, as he was aware that daylight would discover
+them to others as well as to himself: so he fixed his back up against
+one of the rocks, and remained idle while the women were busily employed
+storing away the cargo in the various compartments of the cave.
+
+Nancy, who had not forgotten that he was with them, came up to him.
+
+"Why do you stay there, Smallbones? you must be hungry and cold, come in
+with me, and I will find you something to eat."
+
+"I can't, Mistress Nancy, I want your advice first. Has any of the men
+left any of their duds in this here cavern?"
+
+"Duds, men! No, they keep them all on the other side. We have nothing
+but petticoats here and shimmeys."
+
+"Then what must I do?" exclaimed Smallbones.
+
+"Oh, I see, your shirt is torn off your back. Well, never mind, I'll
+lend you a shimmey."
+
+"Yes, Mistress Nancy, but it be more worse than that, I an't got no
+behind to my trousers, they pulled it out when they pulled me into the
+boat. I sticks to this here rock for decency's sake. What must I do?"
+
+Nancy burst into a laugh. "Do, why if you can't have men's clothes, you
+must put on the women's, and then you'll be in the regular uniform of
+the cave."
+
+"I do suppose that I must, but I can't say that I like the idea much,
+anyhow," replied Smallbones.
+
+"Why, you don't mean to stick to that rock like a limpit all your life,
+do you? there's plenty of work for you."
+
+"If so be, I must, I must," replied Smallbones.
+
+"You can't appear before Mistress Alice in that state," replied Nancy.
+"She's a lady bred and born, and very particular too, and then there's
+Miss Lilly, you will turn her as red as a rose, if she sees you."
+
+"Well then, I suppose I must, Mistress Nancy, for I shall catch my death
+of cold here, I'm all wet and shivery, from being so long in the water,
+and my back against the rock, feels just as ice."
+
+"No wonder, I'll run and fetch you something," replied Nancy, who was
+delighted at the idea of dressing up Smallbones as a woman.
+
+Nancy soon returned with a chemise, a short flannel petticoat, and a
+shawl, which she gave to Smallbones, desiring him to take off his wet
+clothes, and substitute them. She would return to him as soon as he had
+put them on, and see that they were put tidy and right.
+
+Smallbones retired behind one of the rocks, and soon shifted his
+clothes, he put everything on the hind part before, and Nancy had to
+alter them when she came. She adjusted the shawl, and then led him into
+the cave where he found Mistress Alice, and some of the women who were
+not busy with the cargo.
+
+"Here's the poor lad who was thrown overboard, madam," said Nancy,
+retaining her gravity. "All his clothes were torn off his back, and I
+have been obliged to give him these to put on."
+
+Lady Barclay could hardly repress a smile. Smallbones' appearance was
+that of a tall gaunt creature, pale enough, and smooth enough to be a
+woman certainly, but cutting a most ridiculous figure. His long thin
+arms were bare, his neck was like a crane's, and the petticoats were so
+short as to reach almost above his knees. Shoes and stockings he had
+none. His long hair was platted and matted with the salt water, and one
+side of his head was shaved, and exhibited a monstrous half-healed scar.
+
+Lady Barclay asked him a few questions, and then desired Nancy to give
+him some refreshment, and find him something to lie down upon in the
+division of the cave which was used as a kitchen.
+
+But we must now leave Smallbones to entertain the inhabitants of the
+cave with the history of his adventures, which he did at intervals,
+during his stay there. He retained his women's clothes, for Nancy would
+not let him wear any other, and was a source of great amusement not only
+to the smugglers' wives, but also to little Lilly, who would listen to
+his conversation and remarks which were almost as naive and
+unsophisticated as her own.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XLIV
+
+In which Mr Vanslyperken meets with a double defeat.
+
+
+It was late in the evening of the day after Smallbones had been so
+satisfactorily disposed of that the cutter arrived at Portsmouth; but
+from daylight until the time that the cutter anchored, there was no
+small confusion and bustle on board of the _Yungfrau_. When
+Vanslyperken's cabin door was found to be locked, it was determined that
+Smallbones should not appear as a supernatural visitant that night, but
+wait till the one following; consequently the parties retired to bed,
+and Smallbones, who found the heat between decks very oppressive, had
+crept up the ladder and taken a berth in the small boat that he might
+sleep cool and comfortable, intending to be down below again long before
+Mr Vanslyperken was up; but, as the reader knows, Mr Vanslyperken was up
+before him, and the consequence was that Smallbones went down into the
+sea instead of the lower deck as he had intended.
+
+The next morning it was soon ascertained that Smallbones was not to be
+found, and the ship's company were in a state of dismay. The boat, as
+soon as Smallbones had been turned out, had resumed her upright
+position, and one of the men when busy washing the decks, had made fast
+the gripe again, which he supposed had been cast off by accident when
+the ropes had been coiled up for washing, Smallbones not being at that
+time missed. When, therefore, the decks had been searched everywhere and
+the lad was discovered not to be in the ship, the suspicion was very
+great. No one had seen him go aft to sleep in the boat. The man who was
+at the wheel stated that Mr Vanslyperken had sent him down for a glass
+of grog, and had taken the helm for the time; but this proved nothing.
+His disappearance was a mystery not to be unravelled. An appeal to Mr
+Vanslyperken was, of course, impossible, for he did not know that the
+lad was on board. The whole day was spent in surmises and suppositions;
+but things all ended in the simple fact, that somehow or another
+Smallbones had fallen overboard, and there was an end of the
+poor fellow.
+
+So soon as the cutter was at anchor, Mr Vanslyperken hastened to perform
+his official duties, and anxious to learn how Smallbones had contrived
+to escape the clutches of his mother, bent his steps towards the
+half-way houses. He arrived at the door of his mother's room, and
+knocked as usual, but there was no reply. It was now the latter end of
+July, and although it was past seven o'clock it was full daylight.
+Vanslyperken knocked again and again. His mother must be out, he
+thought; and if so, she always took the key with her. He had nothing to
+do but to wait for her return. The passage and staircase was dark, but
+there was a broad light in the room from the casement, and this light
+streamed from under the door of the room. A shade crossing the light
+attracted Vanslyperken's attention, and to while away the tediousness of
+waiting he was curious to see what it was; he knelt down, looked under
+the door, and perceived the key which Smallbones had placed there; he
+inserted his finger and drew it forth, imagining that his mother had
+slid it beneath till her return.
+
+He fitted it to the lock and opened the door, when his olfactory nerves
+were offended with a dreadful stench, which surprised him the more as
+the casement was open. Vanslyperken surveyed the room, he perceived that
+the blood had been washed from the floor and sand strewed over it. Had
+he not known that Smallbones had been on board of the cutter the day
+before, he would have thought that it had been the smell of the dead
+body not yet removed. This thought crossing his imagination, immediately
+made the truth flash upon him, and, as if instinctively, he went up to
+the bed and pulled down the clothes, when he recoiled back with horror
+at uncovering the face of his mother, now of a livid blue and in the
+last stage of putrefaction.
+
+Overcome with the horrid sight, and the dreadful stench which
+accompanied it, he reeled to the casement and gasped for breath. A
+sickness came over him, and for some time he was incapable of acting and
+barely capable of reflection.
+
+"She is gone then," thought he at last, and he shuddered when he asked
+himself _where_. "She must have fallen by the hands of the lad,"
+continued he, and immediately the whole that had happened appeared to be
+revealed to him. "Yes, yes, he has recovered from the blow--killed her
+and locked the door--all is clear now, but I have revenged her death."
+
+Vanslyperken, who had now recovered himself, went softly to the door,
+took out the key and locked himself in. He had been debating in his mind
+whether he should call in the neighbours; but, on reflection, as no one
+had seen him enter, he determined that he would not. He would take his
+gold and leave the door locked and the key under it, as he found it
+before her death was discovered: it would be supposed that she died a
+natural death, for the state of the body would render it impossible to
+prove the contrary. But there was one act necessary to be performed at
+which Vanslyperken's heart recoiled. The key of the oak chest was about
+his mother's person and he must obtain it, he must search for it in
+corruption and death, amongst creeping worms and noisome stench. It was
+half an hour before he could make up his mind to the task! but what will
+avarice not accomplish!
+
+He covered up the face, and with a trembling hand turned over the
+bedclothes. But we must not disgust our readers, it will suffice to say,
+that the key was obtained, and the chest opened.
+
+Vanslyperken found all his own gold, and much more than he had ever
+expected belonging to his mother. There were other articles belonging to
+him, but he thought it prudent not to touch them. He loaded himself with
+the treasure, and when he felt that it was all secure, for he was
+obliged to divide it in different parcels and stow it in various manners
+about his person, he relocked the chest, placed the key in the cupboard,
+and quitting the room made fast the door, and like a dutiful son, left
+the remains of his mother to be inhumed at the expense of the parish.
+
+As he left the house without being observed, and gained the town of
+Portsmouth, never was Mr Vanslyperken's body so heavily loaded, or his
+heart lighter. He had got rid of Smallbones and of his mother, both in a
+way perfectly satisfactory to himself.
+
+He had recovered his own gold, and had also been enriched beyond his
+hopes by his mother's savings. He felt not the weight which he carried
+about his person, he wished it had been heavier. All he felt was, very
+anxious to be on board and have his property secured. His boat waited
+for him, and one of the men informed him his presence was required at
+the admiral's immediately; but Mr Vanslyperken first went on board, and
+having safely locked up all his treasures, then complied with the
+admiral's wishes. They were to sail immediately, for the intelligence of
+the Duke of Gloucester's death had just arrived with the despatches,
+announcing the same to be taken to King William, who was still at the
+Hague. Vanslyperken sent the boat on board with orders to Short, to
+heave short and loose sails, and then hastened up to the house of
+Lazarus, the Jew, aware that the cutter would, in all probability, be
+despatched immediately to the Hague. The Jew had the letters for Ramsay
+all prepared. Vanslyperken once more touched his liberal fee, and, in an
+hour, he was again under way for the Texel.
+
+During the passage, which was very quick, Mr Vanslyperken amused himself
+as usual, in copying the letters to Ramsay, which contained the most
+important intelligence of the projects of the Jacobites, and, from the
+various communications between Ramsay and the conspirators, Vanslyperken
+had also been made acquainted with the circumstance hitherto unknown to
+him, of the existence of the caves above the cove, where he had been
+taken to by the informer, as mentioned in the early part of this work,
+and also of the names of the parties who visited it.
+
+Of this intelligence Vanslyperken determined to avail himself
+by-and-bye. It was evident that there were only women in the cave, and
+Mr Vanslyperken counted his gold, patted the head of Snarleyyow, and
+indulged in anticipations of further wealth, and the hand of the widow
+Vandersloosh.
+
+All dreams! Mr Vanslyperken.
+
+The cutter arrived, and he landed with his despatches for the
+government; and his letters to Ramsay being all delivered, Vanslyperken
+hastened to the widow's, who, as usual, received him, all smiles. He now
+confided to her the death of his mother, and astonished her by
+representing the amount of his wealth, which he had the precaution to
+state, that the major part of it was left him by his mother.
+
+"Where have you put it all, Mr Vanslyperken?" inquired the widow. And
+Vanslyperken replied that he had come to ask her advice on the subject,
+as it was at present all on board of the cutter. The widow, who was not
+indifferent to money, was more gracious than ever. She had a scheme in
+her head of persuading him to leave the money under her charge; but
+Vanslyperken was anxious to go on board again, for he discovered that
+the key was not in his pocket, and he was fearful that he might have
+left it on the cabin table; so he quitted rather abruptly, and the widow
+had not time to bring the battery to bear. As soon as Mr Vanslyperken
+arrived on board, Corporal Van Spitter, without asking leave, for he
+felt it was not necessary, went on shore, and was soon in the arms of
+his enamoured widow Vandersloosh. In the meantime, Mr Vanslyperken
+discovered the key in the pocket of the waistcoat he had thrown off, and
+having locked his door, he again opened his drawer, and delighted
+himself for an hour or two in re-arranging his treasure; after which,
+feeling himself in want of occupation, it occurred to him, that he might
+as well dedicate a little more time to the widow, so he manned his boat
+and went on shore again.
+
+It is all very well to have a morning and afternoon lover if ladies are
+so inclined, just as they have a morning and afternoon dress, but they
+should be worn separately. Now, as it never entered the head of Mr
+Vanslyperken that the corporal was playing him false, so did it never
+enter the idea of the widow, that Mr Vanslyperken would make his
+appearance in the evening, and leave the cutter and Snarleyyow, without
+the corporal being on board to watch over them.
+
+But Mr Vanslyperken did leave the cutter and Snarleyyow, did come on
+shore, did walk to the widow's house, and did most unexpectedly enter
+it, and what was the consequence?--that he was not perceived when he
+entered it, and the door of the parlour as well as the front door being
+open to admit the air, for the widow and the corporal found that making
+love in the dog days was rather warm work for people of their
+calibre--to his mortification and rage the lieutenant beheld the
+corporal seated in his berth, on the little fubsy sofa, with one arm
+round the widow's waist, his other hand joined in hers, and, _proh
+pudor!_ sucking at her dewy lips like some huge carp under the
+water-lilies on a midsummer's afternoon.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken was transfixed--the parties were too busy with their
+amorous interchange to perceive his presence; at last the corporal
+thought that his lips required moistening with a little of the beer of
+the widow's own brewing, for the honey of her lips had rather glued them
+together--he turned towards the table to take up his tumbler, and he
+beheld Mr Vanslyperken.
+
+The corporal, for a moment, was equally transfixed, but on these
+occasions people act mechanically because they don't know what to do.
+The corporal had been well drilled, he rose from the sofa, held himself
+perfectly upright, and raised the back of his right hand to his
+forehead, there he stood like a statue saluting at the presence of his
+superior officer.
+
+The widow had also perceived the presence of Vanslyperken almost as soon
+as the corporal, but a woman's wits are more at their command on these
+occasions than a man's. She felt that all concealment was now useless,
+and she prepared for action. At the same time, although ready to
+discharge a volley of abuse upon Vanslyperken, she paused, to ascertain
+how she should proceed. Assuming an indifferent air, she said--"Well, Mr
+Vanslyperken?"
+
+"Well!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, but he could not speak for passion.
+
+"Eaves-dropping, as usual, Mr Vanslyperken?"
+
+"May the roof of this house drop on you, you infernal----."
+
+"No indelicate language, if you please, sir," interrupted the widow, "I
+won't put up with it in my house, I can tell you--ho, ho, Mr
+Vanslyperken," continued the widow, working herself into a rage, "that
+won't do here, Mr Vanslyperken."
+
+"Why, you audacious--you double-faced----"
+
+"Double-faced!--it's a pity you wer'n't double-faced, as you call it,
+with that snivelling nose and crooked chin of yours. Double-faced,
+heh!--oh! oh! Mr Vanslyperken--we shall see--wait a little--we shall
+see who's double-faced. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken--that for you, Mr
+Vanslyperken--I can hang you when I please, Mr Vanslyperken. Corporal,
+how many guineas did you see counted out to him at the house opposite?"
+
+During all this the corporal remained fixed and immovable with his hand
+up to the salute; but on being questioned by his mistress, he replied,
+remaining in the same respectful attitude.
+
+"Fifty golden guineas, Mistress Vandersloosh."
+
+"A lie! an infamous lie!" cried Vanslyperken, drawing his sword.
+"Traitor, that you are," continued he to the corporal, "take your
+reward." This was a very critical moment. The corporal did not attempt
+the defensive, but remained in the same attitude, and Vanslyperken's
+rage at the falsehood of the widow, and the discovery of his treason was
+so great, that he had lost all command of himself. Had not a third party
+come in just as Vanslyperken drew his sword, it might have gone hard
+with the corporal; but fortunately Babette came in from the yard, and
+perceiving the sword fly out of the scabbard, she put her hand behind
+the door, and snatched two long-handled brooms, one of which she put
+into the hands of her mistress, and retained the other herself.
+
+"Take your reward!" cried Vanslyperken, running furiously to cut down
+the corporal. But his career was stopped by the two brooms, one of which
+took him in the face, and the other in the chest. The widow and Babette
+now ranged side by side, holding their brooms as soldiers do their arms
+in charge of bayonets.
+
+How did the corporal act? He retained his former respectful position,
+leaving the defensive or offensive in the hands of the widow
+and Babette.
+
+This check on the part of Vanslyperken only added to his rage. Again he
+flew with his sword at the corporal, and again he was met with the
+besoms in his face. He caught one with his hand, and he was knocked back
+with the other. He attempted to cut them in two with his sword, but
+in vain.
+
+"Out of my house, you villain!--you traitor--out of my house," cried
+the widow, pushing at him with such force as to drive him against the
+wall, and pinning him there while Babette charged him in his face which
+was now streaming with blood. The attack was now followed up with such
+vigour, that Vanslyperken was first obliged to retreat to the door, then
+out of the door into the street, followed into the street he took to his
+heels, and the widow and Babette returned victorious into the parlour to
+the corporal. Mr Vanslyperken could not accuse him of want of respect to
+his superior officer; he had saluted him on entering, and he was still
+saluting him when he made his exit.
+
+The widow threw herself on the sofa--Corporal Van Spitter then took his
+seat beside her. The widow overcome by her rage and exertion, burst into
+tears and sobbed in his arms.
+
+The corporal poured out a glass of beer, and persuaded her to drink it.
+
+"I'll have him hanged to-morrow, at all events. I'll go to the Hague
+myself," cried the widow. "Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, we shall see who
+will gain the day," continued the widow, sobbing.
+
+"You can prove it, corporal?"
+
+"Mein Gott, yes," replied the corporal.
+
+"As soon as he's hung, corporal, we'll marry."
+
+"Mein Gott, yes."
+
+"Traitorous villain!--sell his king and his country for gold!"
+
+"Mein Gott, yes."
+
+"You're sure it was fifty guineas, corporal?"
+
+"Mein Gott, yes."
+
+"Ah, well, Mr Vanslyperken, we shall see," said the widow, drying her
+eyes. "Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, you shall be hanged, and your cur with
+you, or my name's not Vandersloosh."
+
+"Mein Gott, yes," replied the corporal.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XLV
+
+In which Mr Vanslyperken proves his loyalty and his fidelity to King
+William.
+
+
+Mr Vanslyperken hastened from his inglorious conflict, maddened with
+rage and disappointment. He returned on board, went down into his cabin,
+and threw himself on his bed. His hopes and calculations had been so
+brilliant--rid of his enemy Smallbones--with gold in possession, and
+more in prospect, to be so cruelly deceived by the widow--the
+cockatrice! Then by one to whom he fully confided, and who knew too many
+of his secrets already--Corporal Van Spitter--he too!--and to dare to
+aspire to the widow--it was madness--and then their knowledge of his
+treason--the corporal having witnessed his receiving the gold--with such
+bitter enemies what could he expect but a halter--he felt it even now
+round his neck, and Vanslyperken groaned in the bitterness of
+his spirit.
+
+In the meantime, there was a consultation between the widow and the
+corporal as to the best method of proceeding. That the corporal could
+expect nothing but the most determined hostility from Vanslyperken was
+certain; but for this the corporal cared little, as he had all the crew
+of the cutter on his side, and he was in his own person too high in rank
+to be at the mercy of Vanslyperken.
+
+After many pros and cons, and at least a dozen bottles of beer--for the
+excitement on the part of the corporal, and the exertion of the widow,
+had made them both dry--it was resolved that the Frau Vandersloosh
+should demand an audience at the Hague the next morning, and should
+communicate the treasonable practices of Mr Vanslyperken, calling upon
+the corporal as a witness to the receipt of the money from the Jesuit.
+
+"Mein Gott!" exclaimed the corporal, striking his bull forehead as if a
+new thought had required being forced out, "but they will ask me how I
+came there myself, and what shall I say?"
+
+"Say that the Jesuit father had sent for you to try and seduce you to do
+his treason, but that you would not consent."
+
+"Mein Gott, yes--that will do."
+
+The corporal then returned on board, but did not think it worth while to
+report himself to Mr Vanslyperken.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken had also been thinking over the matter, and in what way
+he should be able to escape from the toils prepared for him. That the
+widow would immediately inform the authorities he was convinced. How was
+he to get out of his scrape?
+
+Upon mature reflection, he decided that it was to be done. He had copies
+of all Ramsay's letters, and those addressed to Ramsay, and the last
+delivered were very important. Now, his best plan would be to set off
+for the Hague early the next morning--demand an interview with one of
+the ministers, or even his Majesty himself--state that he had been
+offered money from the Jacobite party to carry their letters, and that,
+with a view to serve his Majesty by finding out their secrets, he had
+consented to do it, and had taken the money to satisfy them that he was
+sincere. That he had opened the letters and copied them, and that now as
+the contents were important, he had thought it right to make them
+immediately known to the government, and at the same time to bring the
+money received for the service, to be placed at his Majesty's disposal.
+
+"Whether she is before or after me," thought Vanslyperken, "it will then
+be little matter, all I shall have to fear will be from Ramsay and his
+party, but the government will be bound to protect me."
+
+There certainly was much wisdom in this plan of Vanslyperken, it was the
+only one which could have been attended with success, or with any
+chance of it.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken was up at daylight, and dressed in his best uniform; he
+put in his pocket all the copies of the Jacobite correspondence, and
+went on shore--hired a calash, for he did not know how to ride, and set
+off for the Hague, where he arrived about ten o'clock. He sent up his
+name, and requested an audience with the Duke of Portland, as an officer
+commanding one of his Majesty's vessels: he was immediately admitted.
+
+"What is your pleasure, Mr Vanslyperken?" said the duke, who was
+standing at the table, in company with Lord Albemarle.
+
+Vanslyperken was a little confused--he muttered, and stammered about
+anxiety, and loyalty, and fidelity, and excess of zeal, &c.--
+
+No wonder he stammered, for he was talking of what he knew nothing
+about--but these two noblemen recollecting his confusion when presented
+to his sovereign on board of the frigate, made allowances.
+
+"I have at last," cried Vanslyperken, with more confidence, "been able
+to discover the plots of the Jacobites, your grace."
+
+"Indeed! Mr Vanslyperken," replied the duke, smiling incredulously, "and
+pray what may they be? you must be as expeditious as possible, for his
+Majesty is waiting for us."
+
+"These letters will take some time to read," replied Vanslyperken; "but
+their contents are most important."
+
+"Indeed, letters--how have you possession of their letters?"
+
+"It will be rather a long story, sir--my lord! I mean," replied
+Vanslyperken; "but they will amply repay an hour of your time, if you
+can spare it."
+
+At this moment, the door opened and his Majesty entered the room. At the
+sight of the king, Vanslyperken's confidence was again taking
+French leave.
+
+"My lords, I am waiting for you," said the king, with a little asperity
+of manner.
+
+"May it please your Majesty, here is Lieutenant Vanslyperken, commanding
+one of your Majesty's vessels, who states that he has important
+intelligence, and that he has possession of Jacobite papers."
+
+"Indeed!" replied King William, who was always alive to Jacobite
+plotting, from which he had already run so much risk.
+
+"What is it, Mr Vanslyperken? speak boldly what you have to
+communicate."
+
+"Your Majesty, I beg your gracious pardon, but here are copies of the
+correspondence carried on by the traitors in England and this country.
+If your Majesty will deign to have it read, you will then perceive how
+important it is--after your Majesty has read it, I will have the honour
+to explain to you by what means it came into my possession."
+
+King William was a man of business, and Vanslyperken had done wisely in
+making this proposal. His Majesty at once sat down, with the Duke of
+Portland on the one side and Lord Albemarle on the other: the latter
+took the letters which were arranged according to their dates, and read
+them in a clear distinct voice.
+
+As the reading went on, his Majesty made memorandums and notes with his
+pencil on a sheet of paper, but did not interrupt during the whole
+progress of the lecture. When the last and most important was finished,
+the two noblemen looked at his Majesty with countenances full of
+meaning. For a few moments his Majesty drummed with the second and third
+finger of his left hand upon the table, and then said--
+
+"Pray, Mr Vanslyperken, how did you obtain possession of these papers
+and letters, or make copies of these letters?"
+
+Vanslyperken, who had been standing at the other side of the table
+during the time of the reading, had anxiously watched the countenance of
+his Majesty and the two noblemen, and perceived that the intelligence
+which the letters contained, had created a strong feeling, as he
+expected. With a certain degree of confidence, he commenced his
+explanation.
+
+He stated that the crew of the cutter had been accustomed to frequent
+the Lust Haus of a certain widow Vandersloosh, and that he had made her
+acquaintance, by several times going there to look after his seamen.
+
+That this widow had often hinted to him, and at last proposed to him,
+that he should take letters for some friends of hers--at last she had
+told him plainly that it was for the Jacobite party, and he pretended
+to consent.
+
+That he had been taken by her to the house of a Jesuit, 169, in the Bur
+street, nearly opposite to her Lust Haus, and that the Jesuit had given
+him some letters and fifty guineas for his trouble.
+
+He then stated, that he had opened, copied, and resealed them; further,
+that he had brought over one of the confederates, who was now residing
+in the house of the syndic, Van Krause. That he should have made all
+this known before, only that he waited till it was more important. That
+the last letters appeared of such consequence, that he deemed it his
+duty no longer to delay.
+
+"You have done well, Mr Vanslyperken," replied his Majesty.
+
+"And played a bold game," observed Lord Albemarle, fixing his eyes upon
+Vanslyperken. "Suppose you had been found out co-operating with
+traitors, before you made this discovery!"
+
+"I might have forfeited my life in my zeal," replied Mr Vanslyperken,
+with adroitness; "but that is the duty of a king's officer."
+
+"That is well said," observed the Duke of Portland.
+
+"I have a few questions to put to you, Mr Vanslyperken," observed his
+Majesty.
+
+"What is the cave they mention so often?"
+
+"It is on the bank of the Isle of Wight, your Majesty. I did not know of
+its existence, but from the letters--but I once laid a whole night in
+the cove underneath it, to intercept the smugglers, upon information
+that I had received, but the alarm was given, and they escaped."
+
+"Who is their agent at Portsmouth?"
+
+"A Jew of the name of Lazarus, residing in little Orange Street, at the
+back of the Point, your Majesty!"
+
+"Do you know of any of the names of the conspirators?"
+
+"I do not, your Majesty, except a woman, who is very active, one Moggy
+Salisbury--her husband not a month back, was the boatswain of the
+cutter, but by some interest or another, he has obtained his discharge."
+
+"My Lord of Portland, take a memorandum to inquire who it was applied
+for the discharge of that man. Mr Vanslyperken you may retire--we will
+call you in by-and-bye--you will be secret as to what has passed."
+
+"I have one more duty to perform," replied Vanslyperken, taking some
+rouleaus of gold out of his pocket; "this is the money received from the
+traitors--it is not for a king's officer to have it in his possession."
+
+"You are right, Mr Vanslyperken, but the gold of traitors is forfeited
+to the crown, and it is now mine, you will accept it as a present from
+your king."
+
+Mr Vanslyperken took the gold from the table, made a bow, and retired
+from the royal presence.
+
+The reader will acknowledge that it was impossible to play his cards
+better than Mr Vanslyperken had done in this interview, and that he
+deserved great credit for his astute conduct. With such diplomatic
+talents, he would have made a great prime minister.
+
+"The council was ordered at twelve o'clock, my lords. These letters must
+be produced. That they are genuine appears to me beyond a doubt."
+
+"That they are faithful copies, I doubt not," replied Lord Albemarle,
+"but--"
+
+"But what, my Lord Albemarle?"
+
+"I very much suspect the fidelity of the copier--there is something more
+that has not been told, depend upon it."
+
+"Why do you think so, my lord?"
+
+"Because, your Majesty, allowing that a man would act the part that Mr
+Vanslyperken says that he has done to discover the conspiracy, still,
+would he not naturally, to avoid any risk to himself, have furnished
+government with the first correspondence, and obtained their sanction
+for prosecuting his plans? This officer has been employed for the last
+two years or more in carrying the despatches to the Hague, and it must
+at once strike your Majesty, that a person who can, with such dexterity,
+open the letters of others can also open those of his own government."
+
+"That is true, my lord," replied his Majesty, musing.
+
+"Your Majesty is well aware that suspicions were entertained of the
+fidelity of the syndic, suspicions which the evidence of this officer
+have verified. But why were these suspicions raised? Because he knew of
+the government secrets, and it was supposed he obtained them from some
+one who is in our trust, but inimical to us and unworthy of the
+confidence reposed in him.
+
+"Your Majesty's acuteness will at once perceive that the secrets may
+have been obtained by Mynheer Krause, by the same means as have been
+resorted to, to obtain the secrets of the conspirators. I may be in
+error, and if I do this officer wrong by my suspicions, may God forgive
+me, but there is something in his looks which tells me----"
+
+"What, my lord?"
+
+"That he is a traitor to both parties. May it please your Majesty."
+
+"By the Lord, Albermarle, I think you have hit upon the truth," replied
+the Duke of Portland.
+
+"Of that we shall soon have proof--at present, we have to decide whether
+it be advisable to employ him to discover more, or at once to seize upon
+the parties he has denounced. But that had better be canvassed in the
+council-chamber. Come, my lords, they be waiting for us."
+
+The affair was of too great importance not to absorb all other business,
+and it was decided that the house of Mynheer Krause, and of the Jesuit,
+and the widow Vandersloosh should be entered by the peace-officers, at
+midnight, and that they and any of the conspirators who might be found
+should be thrown into prison. That the cutter should be despatched
+immediately to England, with orders to seize all the other parties
+informed against by Vanslyperken, and that a force should be sent to
+attack the cave, and secure those who might be found there, with
+directions to the admiral, that Mr Vanslyperken should be employed both
+as a guide, and to give the assistance of the cutter and his crew.
+
+These arrangements having been made, the council broke up, King William
+had a conference with his two favourites, and Vanslyperken was sent for.
+
+"Lieutenant Vanslyperken, we feel much indebted to you for your
+important communications, and we shall not forget, in due time, to
+reward your zeal and loyalty as it deserves. At present, it is necessary
+that you sail for England as soon as our despatches are ready, which
+will be before midnight; you will then receive your orders from the
+admiral, at Portsmouth, and I have no doubt you will take the
+opportunity of affording us fresh proofs of your fidelity and
+attachment."
+
+Mr Vanslyperken bowed humbly and retired, delighted with the successful
+result of his manoeuvre, and, with a gay heart he leaped into his
+calash, and drove off.
+
+"Yes, yes," thought he, "Madam Vandersloosh, you would betray me. We
+shall see. Yes, yes, we shall see, Madam Vandersloosh."
+
+And sure enough he did see Madam Vandersloosh, who in another calash was
+driving to the palace, and who met him face to face.
+
+Vanslyperken turned up his nose at her as he passed by, and the widow
+astonished at his presumption, thought as she went on her way, "Well,
+well, Mr Vanslyperken, we shall see, you may turn up your snivelling
+nose, but stop till your head's in the halter--yes, Mr Vanslyperken,
+stop till your head's in the halter."
+
+We must leave Mr Vanslyperken to drive, and the widow Vandersloosh to
+drive, while we drive on ourselves.
+
+The subsequent events of this eventful day we will narrate in the
+following chapter.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XLVI
+
+In which there is much bustle and confusion, plot and counter-plot.
+
+
+About two hours after the council had broken up, the following
+communication was delivered into the hands of Ramsay by an old woman,
+who immediately took her departure.
+
+"The lieutenant of the cutter has taken copies of all your
+correspondence and betrayed you. You must fly immediately, as at
+midnight you and all of you will be seized. In justice to Mynheer
+Krause, leave documents to clear him.
+
+"The cutter will sail this evening--with orders to secure your friends
+at Portsmouth and the cave."
+
+"Now, by the holy cross of our Saviour! I will have revenge upon that
+dastard; there is no time to lose; five minutes for reflection, and then
+to act," thought Ramsay, as he twisted up this timely notice, which, it
+must be evident to the reader, must have been sent by one who had been
+summoned to the council. Ramsay's plans were soon formed, he despatched
+a trusty messenger to the Jesuit's, desiring him to communicate
+immediately with the others, and upon what plan to proceed. He then
+wrote a note to Vanslyperken, requesting his immediate presence, and
+hastened to the morning apartment of Wilhelmina. In a few words, he told
+her that he had received timely notice that it was the intention of the
+government to seize her father and him as suspected traitors, and throw
+them that very night in prison.
+
+Wilhelmina made no reply.
+
+"For your father, my dearest girl, there is no fear: he will be fully
+acquitted; but I, Wilhelmina, must depart immediately, or my life is
+forfeited."
+
+"Leave me, Edward?" replied Wilhelmina.
+
+"No, you must go with me, Wilhelmina, for more than one reason; the
+government have ordered the seizure of the persons to be made in the
+night, to avoid a disturbance; but that they will not be able to
+prevent; the mob are but too happy to prove their loyalty, when they can
+do so by rapine and plunder, and depend upon it that this house will be
+sacked and levelled to the ground before to-morrow evening. You cannot
+go to prison with your father; you cannot remain here, to be at the
+mercy of an infuriated and lawless mob. You must go with me, Wilhelmina;
+trust to me, not only for my sake, but for your father's."
+
+"My father's, Edward, it is that only I am thinking of; how can I leave
+my father at such a time?"
+
+"You will save your father by so doing. Your departure with me will
+substantiate his innocence; decide, my dearest girl; decide at once; you
+must either fly with me, or we must part for ever."
+
+"Oh no, that must not be, Edward," cried Wilhelmina, bursting into
+tears.
+
+After some further persuasions on the part of Ramsay, and fresh tears
+from the attached maiden, it was agreed that she should act upon his
+suggestions, and with a throbbing heart, she went to her chamber to make
+the necessary preparations, while Ramsay requested that Mynheer Krause
+would give him a few minutes of his company in his room above.
+
+The syndic soon made his appearance; "Well, Mynheer Ramsay, you have
+some news to tell me, I am sure;" for Mynheer Krause, notwithstanding
+his rebuff from the king, could not divest himself of his failing of
+fetching and carrying reports. Ramsay went to the door and turned
+the key.
+
+"I have, indeed, most important news, Mynheer Krause, and, I am sorry to
+say, very unpleasant also."
+
+"Indeed," replied the syndic, with alarm.
+
+"Yes; I find from a notice given me by one of his Majesty's council,
+assembled this morning at the Hague, that you are suspected of
+treasonable practices."
+
+"God in heaven!" exclaimed the syndic.
+
+"And that this very night you are to be seized and thrown into prison."
+
+"I, the syndic of the town! I, who put everybody else into prison!"
+
+"Even so; such is the gratitude of King William for your long and
+faithful services, Mynheer Krause! I have now sent for you, that we may
+consult as to what had best be done. Will you fly? I have the means for
+your escape."
+
+"Fly, Mynheer Ramsay; the syndic of Amsterdam fly? Never! they may
+accuse me falsely; they may condemn me and take off my head before the
+Stadt House, but I will not fly."
+
+"I expected this answer; and you are right, Mynheer Krause; but there
+are other considerations worthy of your attention. When the populace
+know you are in prison for treason, they will level this house to
+the ground."
+
+"Well, and so they ought, if they suppose me guilty; I care little for
+that."
+
+"I am aware of that; but still your property will be lost; but it will
+be but a matter of prudence to save all you can: you have already a
+large sum of gold collected."
+
+"I have four thousand guilders, at least."
+
+"You must think of your daughter, Mynheer Krause. This gold must not
+find its way into the pockets of the mob. Now, observe, the king's
+cutter sails to-night, and I propose that your gold be embarked, and I
+will take it over for you and keep it safe. Then, let what will happen,
+your daughter will not be left to beggary."
+
+"True, true, my dear sir, there is no saying how this will end: it may
+end well; but, as you say, if the house is plundered, the gold is gone
+for ever. Your advice is good, and I will give you, before you go,
+orders for all the monies in the hands of my agents at Hamburgh and
+Frankfort and other places. I have taken your advice my young friend,
+and, though I have property to the amount of some hundred thousand
+guilders, with the exception of this house they will hold little of it
+which belongs to Mynheer Krause. And my poor daughter, Mynheer Ramsay!"
+
+"Should any accident happen to you, you may trust to me, I swear it to
+you, Mynheer Krause, on my hope of salvation."
+
+Here the old man sat down much affected, and covered his face.
+
+"Oh! my dear young friend, what a world is this, where they cannot
+distinguish a true and a loyal subject from a traitor. But why could you
+not stay here,--protect my house from the mob,--demand the civic guard."
+
+"I stay here, my dear sir, why I am included in the warrant of treason."
+
+"You?"
+
+"Yes; and there would be no chance of my escaping from my enemies, they
+detest me too much. But cheer up, sir, I think that, by my means, you
+may be cleared of all suspicions."
+
+"By your means?"
+
+"Yes; but I must not explain; my departure is necessary for your safety:
+I will take the whole upon myself, and you shall be saved."
+
+"I really cannot understand you, my dear friend; but it appears to me,
+as if you were going to make some great sacrifice for my sake."
+
+"I will not be questioned, Mynheer Krause; only this I say, that I am
+resolved that you shall be proved innocent. It is my duty. But we have
+no time to lose. Let your gold be ready at sunset: I will have
+everything prepared."
+
+"But my daughter must not remain here; she will be by herself, at the
+mercy of the mob."
+
+"Be satisfied, Mynheer Krause, that is also cared for, your daughter
+must leave this house, and be in a safe retreat before the officers come
+in to seize you: I have arranged everything."
+
+"Where do you propose sending her?"
+
+"Not to any of your friends' houses, Mynheer Krause, no--no, but I'll
+see her in safety before I leave, do not be afraid; it must depend upon
+circumstances, but of that hereafter, you have no time to lose."
+
+"God in heaven!" exclaimed Mynheer Krause, unlocking the door, "that I,
+the syndic, the most loyal subject!--well, well, you may truly say, 'put
+not your trust in princes.'"
+
+"Trust in me, Mynheer Krause," replied Ramsay, taking his hand.
+
+"I do, I will, my good friend, and I will go to prison proudly, and like
+an innocent and injured man."
+
+And Mynheer Krause hastened down to his counting-house, to make the
+proposed arrangements, Ramsay returning to Wilhelmina, to whom he
+imparted what had taken place between him and her father, and which had
+the effect of conforming her resolution.
+
+We must now return to the widow Vandersloosh, who has arrived safely,
+but melting with the heat of her journey, at the Palace of the Hague.
+She immediately informed one of the domestics that she wished to speak
+with his Majesty upon important business.
+
+"I cannot take your name into his Majesty, but if you will give it me, I
+will speak to Lord Albemarle."
+
+The widow wrote her name down upon a slip of paper; with which the
+servant went away, and then the widow sat down upon a bench in the hall,
+and cooled herself with her fan.
+
+"Frau Vandersloosh," said Lord Albemarle, on reading the name.
+
+"Let her come up,--why this," continued he, turning to the Duke of
+Portland, who was sitting by him, "is the woman who is ordered to be
+arrested this night, upon the evidence of Lieutenant Vanslyperken; we
+shall learn something now, depend upon it."
+
+The Frau Vandersloosh made her appearance, sailing in the room like a
+Dutch man-of-war of that period, under full sail, high pooped and broad
+sterned. Never having stood in the presence of great men, she was not a
+little confused, so she fanned herself most furiously.
+
+"You wish to speak with me," said Lord Albemarle.
+
+"Yes, your honour's honour, I've come to expose a snivelling traitor to
+his Majesty's crown. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, we shall see now,"
+continued the widow, talking to herself, and fanning away.
+
+"We are all attentive, madam."
+
+Mistress Vandersloosh then began, out of breath, and continued out of
+breath till she had told the whole of her story, which, as the reader
+must be aware, only corroborated all Vanslyperken had already stated,
+with the exception that he had denounced the widow. Lord Albemarle
+allowed her to proceed without interruption, he had a great insight into
+character, and the story of the widow confirmed him in his opinion of
+Vanslyperken.
+
+"But my good woman," said Lord Albemarle, "are you aware that Mr
+Vanslyperken has already been here?"
+
+"Yes, your honour, I met him going back, and he turned his nose up at
+me, and I then said, 'Well, well, Mr Vanslyperken, we shall see; wait a
+little, Mr Vanslyperken.'"
+
+"And," continued Lord Albemarle, "that he has denounced you as being a
+party to all these treasonable practices."
+
+"Me--denounced me--he--O Lord, O Lord, only let me meet
+him face to face--let him say it then if he dares, the
+snivelling--cowardly--murdering wretch."
+
+Thereupon Mrs Vandersloosh commenced the history of Vanslyperken's
+wooing, of his cur Snarleyyow, of her fancy for the corporal, of his
+finding her with the corporal the day before, of her beating him off
+with the brooms, and of her threats to expose his treason. "And so, now,
+when he finds that he was to be exposed, he comes up first himself;
+that's now the truth of it, or my name's not Vandersloosh, your honour,"
+and the widow walked up and down with the march of an elephant, fanning
+herself violently, her bosom heaving with agitation, and her face as red
+as a boiled lobster.
+
+"Mistress Vandersloosh," said Lord Albemarle, "let the affair rest as
+it is for the present, but I shall not forget what you have told me. I
+think now that you had better go home."
+
+At this dismissal the widow turned round.
+
+"Thank your worship kindly," said she, "I'm ready to come whenever I'm
+wanted. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken," resumed the widow, as she walked to
+the door, quite forgetting the respect due to the two noblemen, "we
+shall see; yes, yes, we shall see."
+
+"Well, my lord, what think you of this?" said Lord Albemarle to the
+duke, as the widow closed the door.
+
+"Upon my soul I think she is honest; she is too fat for a traitor."
+
+"I am of your opinion. The episode of the corporal was delightful, and
+has thrown much light upon the lieutenant's conduct, who is a traitor in
+my opinion, if ever there was one; but he must be allowed to fulfil his
+task, and then we will soon find out the traitor; but if I mistake not,
+that man was born to be hung."
+
+We must now return to Mr Vanslyperken, who received the note from
+Ramsay, just as he was going down to the boat. As he did not know what
+steps were to be taken by government, he determined to go up to Ramsay,
+and inform him of his order for immediately sailing.
+
+He might gain further information from his letters, and also remove the
+suspicion of his having betrayed him. Ramsay received Mr Vanslyperken
+with an air of confidence.
+
+"Sit down, Mr Vanslyperken, I wish to know whether there is any chance
+of your sailing."
+
+"I was about to come up to you to state that I have orders to sail this
+evening."
+
+"That is fortunate, as I intended to take a passage with you, and what
+is more, Mr Vanslyperken, I have a large sum in specie, which we must
+contrive to get on board. Cannot we contrive it, I cannot go
+without it."
+
+"A large sum in specie?" Vanslyperken reflected. "Yes, he would secure
+Ramsay as a prisoner, and possess himself of the specie if he could.
+His entrapping Ramsay on board would be another proof of his fidelity
+and dexterity. But then Vanslyperken thought of the defection of the
+corporal, but that was of no great consequence. The crew of the cutter
+dare not disobey him, when they were ordered to seize a traitor."
+
+While Vanslyperken was meditating this, Ramsay fixed his eyes upon him
+waiting for his reply.
+
+"It will be difficult," observed Vanslyperken, "to get the specie on
+board without being seen."
+
+"I'm afraid so too, but I have a proposition to make. Suppose you get
+under way, and--heave to a mile outside, I will then come off in the
+syndic's barge. I can have the use of it. Then nothing will be
+discovered."
+
+Vanslyperken appeared to reflect again.
+
+"I shall still run a great risk, Mr Ramsay."
+
+"You will run some little perhaps, but you will be well paid for it, I
+promise you."
+
+"Well, sir, I consent," replied Vanslyperken. "At what hour do you
+propose to embark?"
+
+"About eleven or a little earlier. You will have a light over the stern;
+hail the boat when you see it coming, and I shall answer, 'King's
+messenger, with despatches;' that will be a blind to your crew--they
+supposed me a king's messenger before."
+
+"Yes, that will be prudent," replied Vanslyperken, who then took his
+leave with great apparent cordiality.
+
+"Villain," muttered Ramsay, as Vanslyperken shut the door, "I know your
+thoughts."
+
+We must pass over the remainder of this eventful day. Wilhelmina had
+procured the dress of a boy, in which disguise she proposed to elope
+with Ramsay, and all her preparations were made long before the time.
+Mynheer Krause was also occupied in getting his specie ready for
+embarkation, and Ramsay in writing letters. The despatches from the
+Hague came down about nine o'clock, and Vanslyperken received them on
+board. About ten, he weighed and made sail, and hove-to about a mile
+outside, with a light shown as agreed. About the time arranged, a large
+boat appeared pulling up to the cutter. "Boat, ahoy!" "King's messenger
+with despatches," was the reply. "All's right," said Vanslyperken, "get
+a rope there from forward."
+
+The boat darted alongside of the cutter. She pulled ten oars, but, as
+soon as she was alongside, a number of armed men sprang from her on the
+decks, and beat the crew below, while Ramsay, with pistols in his belt,
+and his sword in his hand, went aft to Vanslyperken.
+
+"What is all this?" exclaimed the terrified lieutenant.
+
+"Nothing, sir, but common prudence on my part," replied Ramsay. "I have
+an account to settle with you."
+
+Vanslyperken perceived that his treachery was discovered, and he fell
+upon his knees. Ramsay turned away to give orders, and Vanslyperken
+darted down the hatchway, and gained the lower deck.
+
+"Never mind," said Ramsay, "he'll not escape me; come, my lads, hand up
+the boxes as fast as you can."
+
+Ramsay then went to the boat, and brought up Wilhelmina, who had
+remained there, and conducted her down into the cabin. The boxes were
+also handed down, the boat made fast, and the conspirators remained in
+possession of the deck. The helm was taken by one of them; sail again
+made on the cutter, and the boat with a boat-keeper towed astern.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XLVII
+
+Which is rather interesting.
+
+
+Mr Vanslyperken's retreat was not known to the crew, they thought him
+still on deck, and he hastened forward to secrete himself, even from his
+own crew, who were not a little astonished at this unexpected attack
+which they could not account for. The major part of the arms on board
+were always kept in Mr Vanslyperken's cabin, and that was not only in
+possession of the assailants, but there was a strong guard in the
+passage outside which led to the lower deck.
+
+"Well, this beats my comprehension entirely," said Bill Spurey.
+
+"Yes," replied Short.
+
+"And mine too," added Obadiah Coble, "being as we are, as you know, at
+peace with all nations, to be boarded and carried in this way."
+
+"Why, what, and who can they be?"
+
+"I've a notion that Vanslyperken's at the bottom of it," replied Spurey.
+
+"Yes," said Short.
+
+"But it's a bottom that I can't fathom," continued Spurey.
+
+"My dipsey line arn't long enough either," replied Coble.
+
+"Gott for dam, what it can be!" exclaimed Jansen. "It must be the
+treason."
+
+"Mein Gott! yes," replied Corporal Van Spitter. "It is all treason, and
+the traitor be Vanslyperken." But although the corporal had some
+confused ideas, yet he could not yet arrange them.
+
+"Well, I've no notion of being boxed up here," observed Coble, "they
+can't be so many as we are, even if they were stowed away in the boat,
+like pilchards in a cask. Can't we get at the arms, corporal, and make a
+rush for it."
+
+"Mein Gott! de arms are all in the cabin, all but three pair pistols and
+the bayonets."
+
+"Well, but we've handspikes," observed Spurey.
+
+"Got for dam, gif me de handspike," cried Jansen.
+
+"We had better wait till daylight, at all events," observed Coble, "we
+shall see our work better."
+
+"Yes," replied Short.
+
+"And, in the meantime, get everything to hand that we can."
+
+"Yes," replied Short.
+
+"Well, I can't understand the manoeuvre. It beats my comprehension, what
+they have done with Vanslyperken."
+
+"I don't know, but they've kicked the cur out of the cabin."
+
+"Then they've kicked him out too, depend upon it."
+
+Thus did the crew continue to surmise during the whole night, but, as
+Bill Spurey said, the manoeuvre beat their comprehension.
+
+One thing was agreed upon, that they should make an attempt to recover
+the vessel as soon as they could.
+
+In the meantime, Ramsay with Wilhelmina, and the Jesuits, had taken
+possession of the cabin, and had opened all the despatches which
+acquainted them with the directions in detail, given for the taking of
+the conspirators at Portsmouth, and in the cave. Had it not been to save
+his friends, Ramsay would, at once, have taken the cutter to Cherbourg,
+and have there landed Wilhelmina and the treasure; but his anxiety for
+his friends, determined him to run at once for the cave, and send
+overland to Portsmouth. The wind was fair and the water smooth, and,
+before morning, the cutter was on her way.
+
+In the meantime, the crew of the cutter had not been idle; the ladders
+had been taken up and hatches closed. The only chance of success was an
+attack upon the guard, who was stationed outside of the cabin.
+
+They had six pistols, about two hundred pounds of ammunition, but with
+the exception of half-a-dozen bayonets, no other weapons. But they were
+resolute men, and as soon as they had made their arrangements, which
+consisted of piling up their hammocks, so as to make a barricade to fire
+over, they then commenced operations, the first signal of which, was a
+pistol-shot discharged at the men who were on guard in the passage, and
+which wounded one of them. Ramsay darted out of the cabin, at the report
+of the pistol, another and another was discharged, and Ramsay then gave
+the order to fire in return. This was done, but without injury to the
+seamen of the cutter, who were protected by the hammocks, and Ramsay
+having already three of his men wounded, found that the post below was
+no longer tenable. A consultation took place, and it was determined
+that the passage on the lower deck and the cabin should be abandoned, as
+the upper deck it would be easy to retain.
+
+The cabin's skylight was taken off, and the boxes of gold handed up,
+while the party outside the cabin door maintained the conflict with the
+crew of the _Yungfrau_. When all the boxes were up, Wilhelmina was
+lifted on deck, the skylight was shipped on again, and, as soon as the
+after hatches were ready to put on, Ramsay's men retreated to the
+ladder, which they drew up after them, and then put on the hatches.
+
+Had not the barricade of hammocks prevented them, the crew of the
+_Yungfrau_ might have made a rush, and followed the others on deck; but,
+before they could beat down the barricades, which they did as soon as
+they perceived their opponents' retreat, the ladder was up, and the
+hatches placed over the hatchways.
+
+The _Yungfraus_ had gained the whole of the lower deck, but they could
+do no more; and Ramsay perceived that if he could maintain possession of
+the upper deck, it was as much as he could expect with such determined
+assailants. This warfare had been continued during the whole morning,
+and it was twelve o'clock before the cabin and lower deck had been
+abandoned by Ramsay's associates. During the whole day the skirmishes
+continued, the crew of the _Yungfrau_ climbing on the table of the
+cabin, and firing through the skylight, but in so doing, they exposed
+themselves to the fire of the other party who sat like cats watching for
+their appearance, and discharging their pieces the moment that a head
+presented itself. In the meantime, the cutter darted on before a strong
+favourable breeze, and thus passed the first day. Many attempts were
+made during the night by the seamen of the cutter to force their way on
+deck, but they were all prevented by the vigilance of Ramsay; and the
+next morning the Isle of Wight was in sight. Wilhelmina had passed the
+night on the forecastle, covered up with a sail; none of his people had
+had anything to eat during the time that they were on board, and Ramsay
+was most anxious to arrive at his destination.
+
+About noon, the cutter was abreast of the Black Gang Chine: Ramsay had
+calculated upon retaining possession of the cutter, and taking the whole
+of the occupants of the cave over to Cherbourg, but this was now
+impossible. He had five of his men wounded, and he could not row the
+boat to the cave without leaving so few men on board, that they would be
+overpowered, for his ammunition was expended, with the exception of one
+or two charges, which were retained for an emergency. All that he could
+do now, was, therefore, to put his treasure in the boat, and with
+Wilhelmina and his whole party make for the cave, when he could send
+notice to Portsmouth for the others to join them, and they must be
+content to await the meditated attack upon the cave, and defend it till
+they could make their escape to France. The wind being foul for the
+cutter's return to Portsmouth, would enable him to give notice at
+Portsmouth, over land, before she could arrive.
+
+There was a great oversight committed when the lower deck was abandoned,
+the despatches had been left on Mr Vanslyperken's bed. Had they been
+taken away or destroyed, there would have been ample time for the whole
+of his party to have made their escape from England, before duplicates
+could arrive. As it was, he could do no more than what we have already
+mentioned.
+
+The boat was hauled up, the boxes of specie put in, the wounded men laid
+at the bottom of the boat, and having, at the suggestion of one of the
+men, cut the lower riggings, halyards, &c., of the cutter to retard its
+progress to Portsmouth, Ramsay and his associates stepped into the boat,
+and pulled for the cave.
+
+Their departure was soon ascertained by the crew of the _Yungfrau_ who
+now forced the skylight, and gained the deck, but not before the boat
+had entered the cave.
+
+"What's to be done now?" said Coble. "Smash my timbers, but they've
+played old Harry with the rigging. We must knot and splice."
+
+"Yes," replied Short.
+
+"What the devil have they done with Vanslyperken?" cried Bill Spurey.
+
+"Either shoved him overboard, or taken him with them, I suppose," cried
+Coble.
+
+"Well, it's a nice job altogether," observed Spurey.
+
+"Mein Gott! yes," replied the corporal; "we will have a pretty story to
+tell de admiral."
+
+"Well, they've rid us of him at all events; I only hope they'll hang
+him."
+
+"Mein Gott! yes."
+
+"He'll have his desarts," replied Coble.
+
+"Got for tam! I like to see him swing."
+
+"Now he's gone, let's send his dog after him. Hurrah, my lads! get a
+rope up on the yard, and let us hang Snarleyyow."
+
+"Mein Gott! I'll go fetch him," cried the corporal.
+
+"You will--will you?" roared a voice.
+
+The corporal turned round, so did the others, and there, with his drawn
+sword, stood Mr Vanslyperken.
+
+"You d----d mutinous scoundrel," cried Vanslyperken, "touch my dog, if
+you dare."
+
+The corporal put his hand up to the salute, and Vanslyperken shook his
+head with a diabolical expression of countenance.
+
+"Now where the devil could he come from?" whispered Spurey.
+
+Coble shrugged up his shoulders, and Short gave a long whistle expending
+more breath than usual.
+
+However, there was no more to be said; and as soon as the rigging was
+knotted and spliced, sail was made in the cutter; but the wind being
+dead in their teeth, they did not arrive until late the next evening,
+and the admiral did not see despatches till the next morning, for the
+best of all possible reasons, that Vanslyperken did not take them on
+shore. He had a long story to tell, and he thought it prudent not to
+disturb the admiral after dinner, as great men are apt to be very
+choleric during the progress of digestion.
+
+The consequence was, that when, the next morning, Mr Vanslyperken
+called upon the admiral, the intelligence had been received from the
+cave, and all the parties had absconded. Mr Vanslyperken told his own
+tale, how he had been hailed by a boat purporting to have a messenger on
+board, how they had boarded him and beat down himself and his crew, how
+he and his crew had fought under hatches and beat them on deck, and how
+they had been forced to abandon the cutter. All this was very plausible,
+and then Vanslyperken gave the despatches opened by Ramsay.
+
+The admiral read them in haste, gave immediate orders for surrounding
+and breaking into the house of the Jew Lazarus, in which the military
+found nobody but an old tom-cat, and then desired Mr Vanslyperken to
+hold the cutter in readiness to embark troops and sail that afternoon;
+but troops do not move so fast as people think, and before one hundred
+men had been told off by the sergeant with their accoutrements,
+knapsacks, and sixty pounds of ammunition, it was too late to embark
+them that night, so they waited until the next morning. Moreover, Mr
+Vanslyperken had orders to draw from the dock-yard three large boats for
+the debarkation of the said troops; but the boats were not quite ready,
+one required a new gunnel, another three planks in the bottom, and the
+third having her stern out, it required all the carpenters in the yard
+to finish it by the next morning. Mr Vanslyperken's orders were to
+proceed to the cave, and land the troops, to march up to the cave, and
+to cover the advance of the troops, rendering them all the assistance in
+his power in co-operating with the major commanding the detachment; but
+where the cave was, no one knew, except that it was thereabouts.
+
+The next morning, at eight o'clock, the detachment, consisting of one
+hundred men, were embarked on board of the cutter, but the major
+commandant finding that the decks were excessively crowded, and that he
+could hardly breathe, ordered section first, section second, and section
+third, of twenty-five men each, to go into the boats and be towed.
+After which there was more room, and the cutter stood out for
+St Helen's.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XLVIII
+
+In which there is a great deal of correspondence, and the widow is
+called up very early in the morning.
+
+
+We must now return to Mynheer Krause, who, after he had delivered over
+his gold, locked up his counting-house and went up to the saloon,
+determining to meet his fate with all the dignity of a Roman senator. He
+sent for his daughter, who sent word back that she was packing up her
+wardrobe, and this answer appeared but reasonable to the syndic, who,
+therefore, continued in his chair, reflecting upon his approaching
+incarceration, conning speeches, and anticipating a glorious acquittal,
+until the bell of the cathedral chimed the half-hour after ten. He then
+sent another message to his daughter, and the reply was that she was not
+in the room, upon which he despatched old Koop to Ramsay, requesting his
+attendance. The reply to this second message was a letter presented to
+the syndic, who broke the seal and read as follows:
+
+     "MY DEAR AND HONOURED SIR,
+
+     "I have sought a proper asylum for your daughter during the
+     impending troubles, and could not find one which pleased, and
+     in consequence I have taken the bold step, aware that I might
+     not have received your sanction if applied for, of taking her
+     on board the cutter with me; she will there be safe, and as
+     her character might be, to a certain degree, impeached by
+     being in company with a man of my age, I intend, as soon as
+     we arrive in port, to unite myself to her, for which act, I
+     trust, you will grant me your pardon. As for yourself, be
+     under no apprehension, I have saved you. Treat the
+     accusation with scorn, and if you are admitted into the
+     presence of his Majesty, accuse him of the ingratitude which
+     he has been guilty of; I trust that we shall soon meet again,
+     that I may return to you the securities and specie of which I
+     have charge, as well as your daughter, who is anxious once
+     more to receive your blessing.
+
+     "Yours ever, till death,
+
+       "EDWARD RAMSAY."
+
+Mynheer Krause read this letter over and over again, it was very
+mystifying. Much depends in this world upon the humour people are in at
+the time; Mynheer Krause was, at that time, full of Cato-like devotion
+and Roman virtue, and he took the contents of the letter in true
+Catonic style.
+
+"Excellent young man--to preserve my honour he has taken her away with
+him! and, to preserve her reputation he intends to marry her! Now, I can
+go to prison without a sigh. He tells me that he has saved me--saved
+me!--why, he has saved everything; me, my daughter, and my property!
+Well, they shall see how I behave! They shall witness the calmness of a
+stoic; I shall express no emotion or surprise at the arrest, as they
+will naturally expect, because I know it is to take place--no fear--no
+agitation when in prison, because I know that I am to be saved. I shall
+desire them to bear in mind that I am the syndic of this town, and must
+receive that respect which is due to my exalted situation," and Mynheer
+Van Krause lifted his pipe and ordered Koop to bring him a stone jug of
+beer, and thus doubly-armed like Cato, he awaited the arrival of the
+officer with all the stoicism of beer and tobacco.
+
+About the same hour of night that the letter was put into the hands of
+Mynheer Krause, a packet was brought up to Lord Albemarle, who was
+playing a game of put with his Grace the Duke of Portland; at that time
+put was a most fashionable game; but games are like garments, as they
+become old they are cast off, and handed down to the servants. The
+outside of the despatch was marked "To Lord Albemarle's own hands.
+Immediate and most important." It appeared, however, as if the two noble
+lords considered the game of put as more important and immediate, for
+they finished it without looking at the packet in question, and it was
+midnight before they threw up the cards. After which, Lord Albemarle
+went to a side table, apart from the rest of the company, and broke the
+seals. It was a letter with enclosures, and ran as follows:
+
+     "MY LORD ALBEMARLE,
+
+     "Although your political enemy, I do justice to your merits,
+     and to prove my opinion of you, address to you this letter,
+     the object of which is to save your government from the
+     disgrace of injuring a worthy man, and a staunch supporter,
+     to expose the villany of a coward and a scoundrel. When I
+     state that my name is Ramsay, you may at once be satisfied
+     that, before this comes to your hands, I am out of your
+     reach. I came here in the king's cutter, commanded by Mr
+     Vanslyperken, with letters of recommendation to Mynheer
+     Krause, which represented me as a staunch adherent of William
+     of Orange and a Protestant, and, with that impression, I was
+     well received, and took up my abode in his house. My object
+     you may imagine, but fortune favoured me still more, in
+     having in my power Lieutenant Vanslyperken. I opened the
+     government despatches in his presence, and supplied him with
+     false seals to enable him to do the same, and give me the
+     extracts which were of importance, for which I hardly need
+     say he was most liberally rewarded; this has been carried on
+     for some time, but it appears, that in showing him how to
+     obtain your secrets, I also showed him how to possess himself
+     of ours, and the consequence has been that he has turned
+     double traitor, and I have now narrowly escaped.
+
+     "The information possessed by Mynheer Krause was given by
+     me, to win his favour for one simple reason, that I fell in
+     love with his daughter, who has now quitted the country with
+     me. He never was undeceived as to my real position, nor is he
+     even now. Let me do an honest man justice. I enclose you the
+     extracts from your duplicates made by Mr Vanslyperken,
+     written in his own hand, which I trust will satisfy you as to
+     his perfidy, and induce you to believe in the innocence of
+     the worthy syndic from the assurance of a man, who, although
+     a Catholic, a Jacobite, and if you please an attainted
+     traitor, is incapable of telling you a falsehood. I am, my
+     lord, with every respect for your noble character.
+
+     "Yours most obediently,
+
+       "EDWARD RAMSAY."
+
+"This is corroborative of my suspicions," said Lord Albemarle, putting
+down the papers before the Duke of Portland.
+
+The duke read the letter and examined the enclosures.
+
+"Shall we see the king to-night?"
+
+"No, he is retired, and it is of no use, they are in prison by this
+time; we will wait the report to-morrow morning--ascertain how many have
+been secured--and then lay these documents before his Majesty."
+
+Leaving the two noble lords to go to bed, we shall now return to
+Amsterdam at twelve o'clock at night precisely; as the bell tolled, a
+loud knock was heard at the syndic's house. Koop, who had been ordered
+by his master to remain up, immediately opened the door, and a _posse
+comitatus_ of civil power filled the yard.
+
+"Where is Mynheer Krause?" inquired the chief in authority.
+
+"Mynheer, the syndic, is upstairs in the saloon."
+
+Without sending up his name, the officer went up, followed by three or
+four others, and found Mynheer Krause smoking his pipe.
+
+"Ah, my very particular friend, Mynheer Engelback, what brings you here
+at this late hour with all your people? Is there a fire in the town?"
+
+"No, Mynheer Syndic. It is an order I am very sorry to say to arrest
+you, and conduct you to prison."
+
+"Arrest and conduct me to prison--me the syndic of the town--that is
+strange--will you allow me to see your warrant--yes, it is all true and
+countersigned by his Majesty; I have no more to say, Mynheer Engelback.
+As syndic of this town, and administrator of the laws, it is my duty to
+set the example of obedience to them, at the same time protesting my
+entire innocence. Koop, get me my mantle. Mynheer Engelback, I claim to
+be treated with the respect due to me, as syndic of this town."
+
+The officers were not a little staggered at the coolness and _sang
+froid_ of Mynheer Krause, he had never appeared to so much advantage;
+they bowed respectfully as he finished his speech.
+
+"I believe, Mynheer Krause, that you have some friends staying with
+you?"
+
+"I have no friend in the house except my very particular friend, Mynheer
+Engelback," replied the syndic.
+
+"You must excuse us, but we must search the house."
+
+"You have his Majesty's warrant so to do, and no excuse is necessary."
+
+After a diligent search of half an hour, nobody was found in the house,
+and the officers began to suspect that the government had been imposed
+upon. Mynheer Krause, with every mark of attention and respect, was then
+walked off to the Hotel de Ville, where he remained in custody, for it
+was not considered right by the authorities, that the syndic should be
+thrown into the common prison upon suspicion only. When he arrived
+there, Mynheer Krause surprised them all by the philosophy with which he
+smoked his pipe.
+
+But, although there was nobody to be found, except the syndic in the
+syndic's house, and not a soul at the house inhabited by the Jesuit,
+there was one more person included in the warrant, which was the widow
+Vandersloosh; for Lord Albemarle, although convinced in his own mind of
+her innocence, could not take upon himself to interfere with the
+decisions of the council; so, about one o'clock, there was a loud
+knocking at the widow's door, which was repeated again and again before
+it awoke the widow, who was fatigued with her long and hot journey to
+the Hague. As for Babette, she made a rule never to wake at anything,
+but the magical No. 6, sounded by the church clock, or by her
+mistress's voice.
+
+"Babette," cried the widow Vandersloosh, "Babette."
+
+"Yes, ma'am."
+
+"There's a knock at the door, Babette."
+
+"Only some drunken sailors, ma'am--they go away when they find they
+cannot get in."
+
+Here the peals were redoubled.
+
+"Babette, get up, Babette--and threaten them with the watch."
+
+"Yes, ma'am," replied Babette, with a terrible yawn.
+
+Knocking and thumping with strokes louder than before.
+
+"Babette, Babette!"
+
+"I must put something on, ma'am," replied Babette, rather crossly.
+
+"Speak to them out of the window, Babette."
+
+Here poor Babette came down to the first floor, and opening the window
+at the landing-place on the stairs, put her head out and cried,
+
+"If you don't go away, you drunken fellows, my mistress will send for
+the watch."
+
+"If you don't come down and open the door, we shall break it open,"
+replied the officer sent to the duty.
+
+"Tell them it's no inn, Babette, we won't let people in after hours,"
+cried the widow, turning in her bed and anxious to resume her
+sound sleep.
+
+Babette gave the message and shut down the window.
+
+"Break open the door," cried the officer to his attendants. In a minute
+or two the door was burst open, and the party ascended the staircase.
+
+"Mercy on me! Babette, if they arn't come in," cried the widow, who
+jumped out of her bed, and nearly shutting her door, which had been left
+open for ventilation, she peeped out to see who were the bold intruders;
+she perceived a man in black with a white staff.
+
+"What do you want?" screamed the widow, terrified.
+
+"We want Mistress Vandersloosh. Are you that person?" said the officer.
+
+"To be be sure I am. But what do you want here?"
+
+"I must request you to dress and come along with me directly to the
+Stadt House," replied the officer, very civilly.
+
+"Gott in himmel! what's the matter?"
+
+"It's on a charge of treasonable practices, madam."
+
+"Oh, ho! I see: Mr Vanslyperken. Very well, good sir; I'll put on my
+clothes directly. I'll get up any hour in the night, with pleasure, to
+bring that villain--. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, we shall see. Babette,
+take the gentleman down in the parlour, and give them some bottled beer.
+You'll find it very good, sirs; it's of my own brewing. And Babette, you
+must come up and help me."
+
+The officer did not think it necessary to undeceive the widow, who
+imagined that she was to give evidence against Vanslyperken, not that
+she was a prisoner herself. Still, the widow Vandersloosh did not like
+being called up at such an unseasonable hour, and thus expressed herself
+to Babette as she was dressing herself.
+
+"Well, we shall see the ending of this, Babette.--My under petticoat is
+on the chair.--I told the lords the whole truth, every word of it; and I
+am convinced that they believed me, too.--Don't pull tight all at once,
+Babette; how often do I tell you that. I do believe you missed a
+hole.--The cunning villain goes there and says that I--yes,
+Babette--that I was a traitor myself; and I said to the lords, 'Do I
+look like a traitor?'--My petticoats, Babette; how stupid you are, why,
+your eyes are half shut now; you know I always wear the blue first,
+then the green, and the red last, and yet you will give me the first
+which comes.--He's a handsome lord, that Duke of Portland; he was one of
+the _bon_--before King William went over and conquered England, and he
+was made a lord for his valour.--My ruff, Babette. The Dutch are a brave
+nation.--My bustle now.--How much beer did you give the officers? Mind
+you take care of everything while I am gone. I shall be home by nine, I
+dare say. I suppose they are going to try him now, that he may be hanged
+at sunrise. I knew how it would be. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, every dog
+has his day; and there's an end of you, and of your cur also, I've
+a notion."
+
+The widow being now duly equipped, walked down stairs to them, and
+proceeded with the officers to the Stadt House. She was brought into the
+presence of Mynheer Engelback, who held the office of provost.
+
+"Here is the widow Vandersloosh, mynheer."
+
+"Very well," replied Engelback, who was in a very bad humour at the
+unsuccessful search after the conspirators, "away with her."
+
+"Away! where?" exclaimed the widow.
+
+Engelback did not condescend to make a reply. The officers were mute;
+but one stout man on either side seized her arm and led her away,
+notwithstanding expostulation, and some resistance on her part.
+
+"Where am I going? what is all this?" exclaimed the, widow, terrified;
+but there was no answer.
+
+At last they came to a door, held open already by another man with a
+bunch of keys. The terrified woman perceived that it was a paved stone
+cell, with a brick arch over it; in short, a dungeon. The truth flashed
+upon her, for the first time. It was she who had been arrested for
+treason. But before she could shriek she was shoved in, and the door
+closed and locked upon her; and the widow sank down into a sitting
+posture on the ground, overcome with astonishment and indignation. "Was
+it possible? Had the villain prevailed?" was the question, which she
+asked herself over and over again, changing alternately from sorrow to
+indignation: at one time wringing her hands, and at others exclaiming,
+"Well, well, Mr Vanslyperken, we shall see."
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XLIX
+
+In which is related much appertaining to the "pomp and glorious
+circumstance" of war.
+
+
+The arrival of Ramsay and his party was so unexpected, that, at first,
+Lady Barclay imagined they had been betrayed, and that the boat was
+filled with armed men from the king's cutter, who had come on shore with
+a view of forcing an entrance into the cave. In a minute every
+preparation was made for defence; for it had long been arranged, that,
+in case of an unexpected attack, the women should make all the
+resistance in their power, and which the nature of the place enabled
+them to do.
+
+But, as many observed, the party, although coming from the cutter, and
+not badly armed, did not appear to advance in a hostile manner. After
+waiting some time near the boat, they advanced, each with a box on his
+shoulder; but what those boxes might be was a puzzle; they might be
+hand-grenades for throwing into the cave. However, they were soon down
+to the rock at which the ladder was let down, and then Smallbones stood
+up with a musket in his hands, with his straddling legs and short
+petticoat, and bawled out, "Who comes there?"
+
+Ramsay, who was assisting Wilhelmina, looked up surprised at this
+singular addition to the occupants of the cave. And Wilhelmina also
+looked at him, and said, "Can that be a woman, Ramsay?"
+
+"At all events, I've not the honour of her acquaintance. But she is
+pointing her musket,--we are friends," cried Ramsay. "Tell Mistress
+Alice it is Ramsay."
+
+Smallbones turned round and reported the answer; and then, in obedience
+to his orders from Mistress Alice, he cried out, in imitation of the
+sentinels, "Pass, Ramsay, and all's well!" presented his arms, and made
+a flying leap off the rock where he stood, down on the platform, that he
+might lower the ladder as soon as Ramsay was up, who desired everybody
+might be sent down to secure the boxes of specie as fast as they could,
+lest the cutter's people, releasing themselves, should attempt an
+attack. Now, there was no more concealment necessary, and the women as
+well as the men went down the precipitous path and brought up the
+treasure, while Ramsay introduced Wilhelmina to Lady Barclay, and, in a
+brief, but clear narrative, told her all that had passed, and what they
+had now to expect. There was not a moment for delay; the cutter's people
+might send the despatches over land if they thought of it, and be there
+as soon, if not sooner than themselves. Nancy Corbett was summoned
+immediately, and her instructions given. The whole of the confederates
+at Portsmouth were to come over to the cave with what they could collect
+and carry about their persons; and, in case of the cutter sending over
+land, with the precaution of being in disguise. Of arms and ammunition
+there was sufficient in the cave, which Ramsay now felt was to be
+defended to the last, until they could make a retreat over to the other
+side of the channel. In half an hour, Nancy was gone, and that very
+night had arrived at Portsmouth, and given notice to the whole of the
+confederates. Upon consultation, it was considered that the best
+disguise would be that of females; and, in consequence, they were all so
+attired, and before morning had all passed over, two or three in a boat,
+and landed at Ryde, where they were collected by Moggy Salisbury, who
+alone, of the party, knew the way to the retreat. They walked across the
+island by two and three, one party just keeping sight of the next ahead
+of them, and arrived without suspicion or interruption, conducted by
+Moggy Salisbury, Lazarus the Jew, and sixteen stout and desperate men,
+who had remained secreted in the Jew's house, ready to obey any order,
+however desperate the risk might be, of their employers.
+
+When they were all assembled at the brow of the precipice, with the
+exception of Lazarus, who looked like a little old woman, a more
+gigantic race of females was never seen; for, determined upon a
+desperate resistance if discovered, they had their buff jerkins under
+their female garments. They were soon in the cave, and very busy, under
+Ramsay's directions, preparing against the expected attack. Sir Robert
+Barclay, with his boat, had been over two days before, and it was not
+known when he would return. That his presence was most anxiously looked
+for may be readily conceived, as his boat's crew would double their
+force if obliged to remain there; and his boat would enable them, with
+the one brought by Ramsay, to make their escape without leaving one
+behind, before the attack could be made.
+
+Nancy Corbett, as the reader may have observed, did not return to the
+cave with the conspirators. As she was not suspected, she determined to
+remain at Portsmouth till the last, and watch the motions of the
+authorities.
+
+The cutter did not arrive till the evening of the second day, and the
+despatches were not delivered to the admiral till the third morning,
+when all was bustle and preparation. Nancy Corbett was everywhere, she
+found out what troops were ordered to embark on the expedition, and she
+was acquainted with some of the officers, as well as the sergeants and
+corporals; an idea struck her which she thought she could turn to
+advantage. She slipped into the barrack-yard, and to where the men were
+being selected, and was soon close to a sergeant whom she was
+acquainted with.
+
+"So, you've an expedition on hand, Sergeant Tanner."
+
+"Yes, Mistress Corbett, and I'm one of the party."
+
+"I wish you joy," replied Nancy, sarcastically.
+
+"Oh, it's nothing, Mistress Corbett, nothing at all, only some smugglers
+in a cave; we'll soon rout them out."
+
+"I've heard a different account from the admiral's clerk."
+
+"Why, what have you heard?"
+
+"First, tell me how many men are ordered out."
+
+"A hundred rank and file--eight non-commissioned officers--two
+lieutenants--one captain--and one major."
+
+"Bravo, sergeant, you'll carry all before you."
+
+"Why, I hope so, Mistress Corbett, especially as we are to have the
+assistance of the cutter's crew."
+
+"Better and better still," replied Nancy, ironically. "I wish you joy of
+your laurels, sergeant, ha, ha, ha."
+
+"Why do you laugh, Mistress Corbett, and what is that you have heard at
+the admiral's office?"
+
+"What you may hear yourself, and what I know to be true; there is not a
+single smuggler in the cave."
+
+"No!" exclaimed the sergeant. "What, nobody there?"
+
+"Yes, there is somebody there, the cave has been chosen by the smugglers
+to land their goods in."
+
+"But some of them must be there in charge of the goods."
+
+"Yes, so there are, but they are all women, the smugglers' wives, who
+live there; what an expedition! Let me see:--one gallant major, one
+gallant captain, two gallant lieutenants, eight gallant non-commissioned
+officers, and a hundred gallant soldiers of the Buffs, all going to
+attack, and rout, and defeat a score of old women."
+
+"But you're joking, Mistress Nancy."
+
+"Upon my life I'm not, sergeant, you'll find it true; the admiral's
+ashamed of the whole affair, and the cutter's crew swear they won't fire
+a single shot."
+
+"By the god of war!" exclaimed the sergeant, "but this is cursed bad
+news you bring, Mistress Corbett."
+
+"Not at all; your regiment will become quite the fancy, you'll go by the
+name of the lady-killers, ha, ha, ha. I wish you joy, sergeant, ha,
+ha, ha."
+
+Nancy Corbett knew well the power of ridicule, she left the sergeant,
+and was accosted by one of the lieutenants; she rallied him in the
+same way.
+
+"But are you really in earnest, Nancy?" said Lieutenant Dillon, at
+last.
+
+"Upon my soul I am; but, at the same time I hear, that they will fight
+hard, for they are well-armed and desperate, like their husbands, and
+they swear that they'll all die to a woman, before they yield; so now we
+shall see who fights best, the women or the men. I'll back my own sex
+for a gold Jacobus, lieutenant: will you take the bet?"
+
+"Good God, how very annoying! I can't, I won't order the men to fire at
+women; I could not do so if they were devils incarnate; a woman is a
+woman still."
+
+"And never the worse for being brave, Lieutenant Dillon; as I said to
+Sergeant Tanner, your regiment, after this, will always go by the name
+of the lady-killers."
+
+"D--n!" exclaimed the lieutenant; "but now I recollect there must be
+more there; those who had possession of the cutter and who landed in
+her boat."
+
+"Yes, with forty boxes of gold they say; but do you think they would be
+such fools as to remain there and allow you to take their money--that
+boat started for France yesterday night with all the treasure, and are
+now safe at Cherbourg. I know it for a fact, for one of the men's wives
+who lives here, showed me a letter to that effect, from her husband, in
+which he requests her to follow him. But I must go now, good-bye, Mr
+Lady-killer."
+
+The lieutenant repeated what Nancy had told him to the officers, and the
+major was so much annoyed, that he went up to the admiral and stated
+what the report was, and that there were only women to contend with.
+
+"It is mentioned in the despatches, I believe," observed the admiral,
+"that there are only women supposed to be in the cave; but the smugglers
+who were on board the cutter--"
+
+"Have left with their specie yesternight, admiral; so that we shall gain
+neither honour nor profit."
+
+"At all events, you will have the merit of obeying your orders, Major
+Lincoln."
+
+The major made no reply, but went away very much dissatisfied. In the
+meantime, the sergeant had communicated with his non-commissioned
+officers and the privates ordered on the duty, and the discontent was
+universal. Most of the men swore that they would not pull a trigger
+against women, if they were shot for it, and the disaffection almost
+amounted to mutiny. Nancy, in the meantime, had not been idle, she had
+found means to speak with the boats' crews of the _Yungfrau_, stated the
+departure of the smugglers with their gold, and the fact that they were
+to fight with nothing but women, that the soldiers had vowed that they
+would not fire a shot, and that Moggy Salisbury, who was with them,
+swore that she would hoist up her smock as a flag, and fight to the
+last. This was soon known on board of the _Yungfrau_, and gave great
+disgust to every one of the crew, who declared to a man, that they would
+not act against petticoats, much less fire a shot at Moggy Salisbury.
+
+What a mountain of mischief can be heaped up by the insidious tongue of
+one woman!
+
+After this explanation, it may be supposed that the zeal of the party
+despatched was not very great. The fact is, they were all sulky, from
+the major downwards, among the military, and from Vanslyperken
+downwards, among the naval portion of the detachment. Nancy Corbett,
+satisfied with having effected her object, had crossed over the night
+before, and joined her companions in the cave, and what was extremely
+fortunate, on the same night Sir Robert Barclay came over in the lugger,
+and finding how matters stood, immediately hoisted both the boats up on
+the rocks, and taking up all the men, prepared with his followers for a
+vigorous resistance, naturally to be expected from those whose lives
+depended upon the issue of the conflict.
+
+Next morning the cutter was seen coming down with the boats in tow,
+hardly stemming the flood, from the lightness of the breeze, when Nancy
+Corbett requested to speak with Sir Robert Barclay. She stated to him
+what she had done, and the dissatisfaction among the troops and seamen
+in consequence, and submitted to him the propriety of all the smugglers
+being dressed as women, as it would operate more in their favour than if
+they had fifty more men to defend the cave. Sir Robert perceived the
+good sense of this suggestion, and consulted with Ramsay, who strongly
+urged the suggestion being acted upon. The men were summoned, and the
+affair explained to them, and the consequence was, that there was a
+scene of mirth and laughter, which ended with every man being fitted
+with woman's attire. The only one who remained in the dress of a man was
+a woman, Wilhelmina Krause, but she was to remain in the cave with the
+other women, and take no part in the coming fray.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter L
+
+In which the officers, non-commissioned officers, and rank and file, are
+all sent to the right about.
+
+
+About noon the _Yungfrau_ hove-to off the cave, and the troops were told
+off into the boats.
+
+About half-past twelve the troops were in the boats all ready.
+
+About one Mr Vanslyperken had hoisted out his own boats, and they were
+manned. Mr Vanslyperken, with his pistols in his belt, and his sword
+drawn, told Major Lincoln that he was all ready. Major Lincoln, with his
+spy-glass in his hand, stepped into the boat with Mr Vanslyperken, and
+the whole detachment pulled for the shore, and landed in the small cove,
+where they found the smugglers' boats hoisted up on the rocks, at which
+the men appeared to be rejoiced, as they took it for granted that they
+would find some men to fight with instead of women. The major headed his
+men, and they commenced a scramble up the rocks and arrived at the foot
+of the high rock which formed the platform above at the mouth of the
+cave, when the major cried "Halt!"--a very judicious order, considering
+that it was impossible to go any further. The soldiers looked about
+everywhere, but could find no cave, and after an hour's strict search,
+Major Lincoln and his officers, glad to be rid of the affair, held a
+consultation, and it was agreed that the troops should be re-embarked.
+The men were marched down again very hot from their exertions, and thus
+the expedition would have ended without bloodshed, had it not been for
+the incautious behaviour of a woman. That woman was Moggy Salisbury,
+who, having observed that the troops were re-embarking, took the
+opportunity, while Sir Robert and all the men were keeping close, to
+hoist up a certain under-garment to a pole, as if in derision, thus
+betraying the locality of the cave, and running the risk of sacrificing
+the whole party in it. This, as it was going up, caught the eye of one
+of the seamen in the boat, who cried out, "There goes the ensign up to
+the peak at last."
+
+"Where?" exclaimed the major, pulling out his telescope, "Yes, by
+heavens! there it is--and there then must be the cave."
+
+Neither Sir Robert nor any of the conspirators were aware of this
+manoeuvre of Moggy's; for Smallbones, perceiving what she had done,
+hauled it down again in a minute afterwards. But it had been hoisted,
+and the major considered it his duty to return, so once more the troop
+ascended the precipitous path.
+
+Moggy then went into the cave. "They have found us out, sir," said she,
+"they point to us, and are coming up again. I will stand as sentry. The
+men won't fire at me, and if they do I don't care."
+
+Sir Robert and Ramsay were in close consultation. It appeared to them
+that by a bold manoeuvre they would be able to get out of their scrape.
+The wind had gone down altogether, the sea was as smooth as glass, and
+there was every appearance of a continued calm.
+
+"If we could manage it--and I think we may--then the sooner the affair
+is brought to an issue the better."
+
+Moggy had now taken a musket on her shoulder, and was pacing up and
+down the edge of the flat in imitation of a sentry. She was soon pointed
+out, and a titter ran through the whole line: at last, as the major
+approached, she called out,
+
+"I say, soger, what are you doing here? keep off, or I'll put a bullet
+in your jacket."
+
+"My good woman," replied the major, while his men laughed, "we do not
+want to hurt you, but you must surrender."
+
+"Surrender!" cried Moggy, "who talks of surrender?--hoist the colours
+there."
+
+Up went the chemise to the end of the pole, and Smallbones grinned as he
+hoisted it.
+
+"My good woman, we must obey our orders."
+
+"And I must obey mine," retorted Moggy. "Turn out the guard there."
+
+All the women now made their appearance, as had been arranged, with
+muskets on their shoulders, headed by little Lilly, with her
+drawn sword.
+
+The sight of the child commanding the detachment was hailed with loud
+cheers and laughter.
+
+"That will do, that will do," cried Sir Robert, fearful for Lilly, "let
+them come in again."
+
+"They'll not fire first at all events," cried Moggy, "never fear, sir.
+Guard, turn in," continued she; upon which, Lilly and her squadron then
+disappeared.
+
+"Upon my honour this is too ridiculous," said Lieutenant Dillon.
+
+"Upon my soul I don't know what is to be done," rejoined the major.
+
+"Moggy, we must commence hostilities somehow or another," cried Sir
+Robert from within. Smallbones here came out with his musket to release
+Moggy, and Moggy retired into the cave.
+
+The major, who imagined that there must be a path to the cave on the
+other side, now advanced with the determination of finding it out, and
+somehow or another putting an end to this unusual warfare.
+
+"If you please you'll keep back, or I'll fire," cried Smallbones,
+levelling his musket.
+
+The major went on, heedless of the threat. Smallbones discharged his
+piece, and the major fell.
+
+"Confound that she-devil!--Are you hurt, major?" cried Lieutenant
+Dillon.
+
+"Yes, I am--I can't move."
+
+Another shot was now fired, and the sergeant fell.
+
+"Hell and flames! what must we do?"
+
+But now the whole party of smugglers poured out of the cave as women
+with bonnets on, and commenced a murderous fire upon the troops who fell
+in all directions. The captain who had assumed the command, now
+attempted to find his way to the other side of the cave, where he had no
+doubt he should find the entrance, but in so doing the soldiers were
+exposed to a most galling fire, without being able to return it.
+
+At first, the troops refused to fire again, for that they had to deal
+with the smugglers' wives, they made certain of: even in the thickest of
+the smoke there was nothing masculine to be seen; and those troops who
+were at a greater distance, and who could return the fire, did not. They
+were rather amused at the character of the women, and not being aware
+that their comrades were falling so fast, remained inactive. But there
+is a limit to even gallantry, and as the wounded men were carried past
+them, their indignation was roused, and, at last, the fire was as warmly
+returned, but before that took place, one half of the detachment were
+_hors de combat_.
+
+All the assistance which they might have received from the covering
+party of sailors on the beach, was neutralised; they did not know how
+much the soldiers had suffered, and although they fired in pursuance of
+orders, they would not take any aim.
+
+For some time the soldiers were forced on to the eastern side of the
+rock, which, as the reader may recollect, was much more precipitous
+than the western side, where it was descended from by the ladder. Here
+they were at the mercy of the conspirators, who, concealed below the
+masses of the rock on the platform, took unerring aim. The captain had
+fallen, Lieutenant Dillon was badly wounded and led back to the boats,
+and the command had devolved upon a young man who had but just joined
+the regiment, and who was ignorant of anything like military tactics,
+even if they could have been brought into play upon the service.
+
+"Do you call this fighting with women, Sergeant Tanner?" said one of the
+men. "I've seen service, but such a murderous fire I was never in. Why,
+we've lost two-thirds of our men."
+
+"And shall lose them all before we find out the mouth of this cursed
+cave. The regiment has lost its character for ever, and I don't care how
+soon a bullet settles my business."
+
+Ramsay now detached a party of the men to fire at the covering party of
+seamen who were standing by the boats in the cove and who were
+unprotected, while his men were concealed behind the masses of rocks.
+Many fell, wounded or killed; and Vanslyperken, after shifting about
+from one position to another, ordered the wounded men to be put into his
+boat, and with two hands he pulled off as he said to procure more
+ammunition, leaving the remainder of his detachment on shore, to do as
+well as they could.
+
+"I thought as how this work would be too warm for him," observed Bill
+Spurey.
+
+"Yes," replied Short, who, at the moment received a bullet in his thigh,
+and fell down among the rocks.
+
+The fire upon the seamen continued to be effective. Move from their post
+they did not, but one after another they sank wounded on the ground. The
+soldiers who were now without any one to command them, for those who had
+forced their way to the western side of the rock, finding that advance
+or retreat was alike impossible, crawled under the sides of the
+precipice to retreat from a murderous fire which they could not return.
+The others were scattered here and there, protecting themselves as well
+as they could below the masses of stone, and returning the fire of the
+conspirators surely and desperately. But of the hundred men sent on the
+expedition, there were not twenty who were not killed or wounded, and
+nearly the whole detachment of seamen had fallen where they stood.
+
+It was then four o'clock, the few men who remained unhurt were suffering
+from the extreme heat and exertion, and devoured with thirst. The
+wounded cried for water. The sea was still, calm, and smooth as a
+mirror; not a breath of wind blew to cool the fevered brows of the
+wounded men, and the cutter, with her sails hanging listless, floated
+about on the glassy water, about a quarter of a mile from the beach.
+
+"Now is our time, Sir Robert."
+
+"Yes, Ramsay--now for one bold dash--off with this woman's gear, my
+men--buckle on your swords and put pistols in your belts."
+
+In a very short time this order was complied with, and, notwithstanding
+some of the men were wounded in this day's affair, as well as in the
+struggle for the deck of the cutter, the three bands from Amsterdam,
+Portsmouth, and Cherbourg mustered forty resolute and powerful men.
+
+The ladder was lowered down, and they descended. Sir Robert ordered
+Jemmy Ducks and Smallbones to remain and haul up the ladder again, and
+the whole body hastened down to the cove, headed by Sir Robert and
+Ramsay, seized the boats, and shoved off for the cutter.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter LI
+
+In which the Jacobite cause is triumphant by sea as well as by land.
+
+
+The great difficulty which Sir Robert Barclay had to surmount, was to
+find the means of transport over the channel for their numerous friends,
+male and female, then collected in the cave: now that their retreat was
+known, it was certain that some effective measures would be taken by
+government, by which, if not otherwise reduced, they would be surrounded
+and starved into submission.
+
+The two boats which they had were not sufficient for the transport of so
+numerous a body, consisting now of nearly one hundred and fifty
+individuals, and their means of subsistence were limited to a few days.
+
+The arrival of the cutter with the detachments was no source of regret
+to Sir Robert, who hoped, by the defeat of the troops, to obtain their
+boats, and thus make his escape; but this would have been difficult, if
+not impossible, if the cutter had been under command, as she carried
+four guns, and could have prevented their escape, even if she did not
+destroy the boats; but when Sir Robert observed that it had fallen calm,
+it at once struck him, that if, after defeating the troops, they could
+board and carry the cutter, that all their difficulties were over: then
+they could embark the whole of their people, and run her over to
+Cherbourg.
+
+This was the plan proposed by Sir Robert, and agreed to by Ramsay, and
+to accomplish this, now that the troops were put to the rout, they had
+made a rush for, and obtained the boats. As for the women left in the
+cave, they were perfectly secure for the time, as, without
+scaling-ladders, there was no possibility of the remaining troops, even
+if they were rallied, being able to effect anything.
+
+That part of the crew of the _Yungfrau_ who had perceived them rush down
+to the beach, reported it to Mr Vanslyperken, who had gone down to his
+cabin, not choosing to take any further part in the affray, or to risk
+his valuable life. Vanslyperken came on deck, where he witnessed the
+manning of the boats, and their pushing out of the cove.
+
+"They are coming to attack us, sir," said Coble, who had been left in
+charge of the cutter when Mr Vanslyperken went on shore.
+
+Mr Vanslyperken turned pale as a sheet; his eyes were fixed upon the
+form of Ramsay, standing up on the stern-sheets of the first boat, with
+his sabre raised in the air--he immediately recognised him, panted for
+breath, and could make no reply.
+
+The crew of the cutter, weakened as they were by the loss of most of
+their best men, flew to their arms; Coble, Cornelius, and Jansen, and
+Corporal Van Spitter were to be seen in the advance, encouraging them.
+
+"Gott for dam--let us have one slap for it," cried Jansen.
+
+"Mein Gott, yes," shouted the corporal.
+
+Vanslyperken started up. "It's no use, my men--it's madness--useless
+sacrifice of life; they are two to one--we must surrender. Go down
+below, all of you--do you hear, obey my orders?"
+
+"Yes, and report them, too, to the admiral," replied Coble; "I never
+heard such an order given in my born days, and fifty odd years I have
+served in the king's fleet."
+
+"Corporal Van Spitter, I order you below--all of you below," cried
+Vanslyperken; "I command here--will you obey, sir?"
+
+"Mein Gott, yes," replied the corporal, walking away, and coolly
+descending the ladder.
+
+The boats were now within ten yards of the cutter, and the men stood
+irresolute; the corporal obeying orders had disheartened them: some of
+them followed the corporal.
+
+"It's no use," said Coble, "I sees now it's of no use; it's only being
+cut to pieces for nothing, my men; but I won't leave the deck." Coble
+threw away his cutlass, and walked aft; the other men did the same, all
+but Jansen, who still hesitated. Coble caught the cutlass out of his
+hand, and threw it overboard, just as the boats dashed alongside.
+
+"Gott for dam," muttered Jansen, folding his arms and facing the men who
+jumped on the cutter's decks. Ramsay, who was first on board when he
+perceived that the men were standing on the decks without making any
+opposition, turned and threw up the points of the swords of some of his
+men who were rushing blindly on, and, in a minute all was quiet on the
+decks of the _Yungfrau_. Mr Vanslyperken was not to be seen. At the near
+approach of the boats he had hastened into his cabin and locked himself
+in; his only feeling being, that Ramsay's wrath must cool, and his life
+be spared.
+
+"My lads," said Sir Robert to the crew of the cutter, "I am very glad
+that you made no resistance to a force which you could not resist, as I
+should have been sorry if one of you had lost his life; but you must now
+go down below and leave the cutter's deck in our possession. Perhaps it
+would be better if some of you took one of your boats and went on shore
+to pick up your messmates who are wounded."
+
+"If you please, sir, we will," said Coble, coming forward, "and the
+cutter is yours, as far as we are concerned. We will make no attempts to
+retake her, at all events, for your kindness in thinking of our poor
+fellows lying there on the beach. I think you will promise that, my
+lads," continued Coble, turning to the men.
+
+"Yes, we promise that," said the men.
+
+Coble then took the crew with him and pulled on shore to the cove, on
+the margin of which they found all their men lying either killed or
+wounded. Dick Short, Spurey, and nine others were taken on board: those
+that were quite dead were left upon the sand. Leaving only ten men on
+board the cutter, which, however, was sufficient to cope with the few of
+the _Yungfrau_ remaining on board, had they been inclined to forfeit
+their word, Sir Robert and Ramsay then returned with the rest of the
+party to-the boats, and pulled on shore, for the rest of their
+assailants were not subdued; about twenty of the soldiers still remained
+unhurt and were sitting down on the rocks.
+
+Ramsay, as soon as he landed, showed a white handkerchief on a bayonet
+fixed to the muzzle of a musket.
+
+"Sergeant Tanner," said one of the men, "there's a flag of truce."
+
+"Is there? I'm not sorry for it,--they are two to one even now. I'll go
+forward to meet it."
+
+The sergeant advanced to meet Ramsay.
+
+"We might, if we pleased, oblige you to surrender or cut you to
+pieces--that you must own; but we have no wish to hurt you--there are
+too many good men dead already."
+
+"That's true," replied the sergeant, "but it's one comfort you have
+turned out at last to be men and not women."
+
+"We have; but to the terms. You were sent to take possession of the
+cave,--you shall have possession as soon as we are gone, if you will
+draw off your party higher up this cliff and allow us to embark without
+molestation. If you do not immediately accept these terms, we shall
+certainly attack you, or you may do better if you please--pile your
+muskets, collect your wounded men, bring them down to the beach all
+ready to put into the boats, which, as soon as we are safe, we will give
+you possession of--now is it a truce or not?--you must be immediate."
+
+"Yes, then, it is a truce, for I see no chance of better terms. I am
+commanding officer, and you have the faith of Sergeant Tanner."
+
+The sergeant then returned, and when half way, called to his men:
+
+"Party fall in--pile arms." The soldiers, worn out by the long conflict,
+and aware that they had no chance against such superior numbers, gladly
+obeyed, and were now divided in sections of three and four, collecting
+the wounded and carrying them down to the cove.
+
+Sir Robert and his men hastened to the rock--the ladder was lowered, and
+all was on the alert for embarkation--Lady Barclay and Lilly flew into
+his arms, while Wilhelmina hung on Ramsay; but they allowed but a short
+time for endearment--time was too precious. The luggage had all been
+prepared and the chests of specie were lowered, the bundles thrown down,
+and, in a quarter of an hour, the cave was cleared of all that they
+could take away with them.
+
+The women then descended, and all hands were employed carrying away the
+specie and luggage down to the boats. As soon as one boat was loaded
+with the boxes of money, Lady Ramsay, Lilly, and Wilhelmina were put in
+it, and one half of the men went with them on board of the cutter where
+Coble had already arrived with the wounded seamen. Ramsay remained with
+the other boat to embark the women and luggage; when all was in, he
+called the sergeant, pointed out to him the ladder, and told him that he
+might find something worth his trouble in the cave.
+
+"Is there a drop of anything to drink, sir? for we who are whole are
+dying with thirst, and it's cruel to hear the poor wounded fellows beg
+for water."
+
+"You will find both water and spirits in plenty there, sergeant, and you
+may tell your own story when you arrive at Portsmouth, we shall never
+contradict you."
+
+"The list of killed, wounded, and missing, will tell the story fast
+enough," replied the sergeant; "but run up there, my lads, and get some
+water for these poor fellows. Good-bye, sir, and many thanks."
+
+"Good-bye to you, Sergeant Tanner," said one of the women in the boat.
+
+"Nancy Corbett, by all that's wonderful!" cried the sergeant.
+
+"I told you so, sergeant--you'll never lose the name of lady-killer."
+
+"Pretty lady killing," muttered the sergeant, turning away in a rage.
+Ramsay took the boats on board, and, as soon as they were cleared, they
+were towed on shore to the cove by some of the _Yungfrau's_ men.
+
+During this time the ladies, as well as the women, had remained aft on
+deck, Vanslyperken having locked himself up in his cabin; but Sir Robert
+now ordered his men to force the cabin door, and take Mr Vanslyperken
+forward on the lower deck. When the door was opened, Vanslyperken was
+found in his bed more dead than alive: he was pulled out and dragged
+forward. The ladies were then handed below, and, as soon as the specie
+had been put down, and the luggage cleared from the upper deck, the
+women were ordered to go down on the lower deck, and Mr Vanslyperken
+ordered to be brought up.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter LII
+
+In which a great deal of loyalty is shown to counterbalance the treason
+of Vanslyperken.
+
+
+We must not, however, forget the syndic and the widow Vandersloosh, whom
+we left in confinement at Amsterdam. We left Mynheer Krause smoking his
+pipe, and showing to those about him how great a great man always proves
+himself when under adversity. The widow also, had she performed in
+public, would have been acknowledged to have been a great woman. She
+could not but lament the present, for she was on the floor of a dungeon,
+so she occasionally wrung her hands; but she looked forward to the
+future, and to better times, not abandoning herself to despair, but
+comforting herself with hope, as might have been clearly proved by her
+constant repetition of these words: "Well, well, Mr Vanslyperken, we
+shall see."
+
+That the night appeared long to both parties is not to be denied, but
+the longest night will have its end, so long as the world continues to
+turn round; the consequence was, that the morning came as usual to the
+syndic, although the widow from the peculiarity of her situation, had
+not the same advantage.
+
+After morning, comes breakfast, in the natural order of mundane affairs,
+and kings, being but men, and subject to the same wants as other
+mortals, his Majesty, King William, sat down, and despatched a very
+hasty meal, in company with his Grace the Duke of Portland, and the
+Right Honourable the Lord Albemarle. History does not record, as it
+sometimes does in works of this description, by what viands his
+Majesty's appetite was stimulated; we must therefore pass it over, and
+as his Majesty did on that occasion, as soon as breakfast was over,
+proceed to business.
+
+"Have you received information, my Lord Albemarle, how many of the
+conspirators have been seized?"
+
+"May it please your Majesty, I am sorry to inform you, that all who were
+innocent have been imprisoned, and all who were guilty, have escaped."
+
+Upon this intelligence his Majesty looked very grave.
+
+"How do you mean, my lord?" said he, after a pause.
+
+"The conspirators have all received some friendly notice, and the only
+two who are in custody are the syndic, Mynheer Krause, and the woman who
+keeps the Lust Haus."
+
+"And you put the syndic down as an innocent person, my lord?"
+
+"If your Majesty will be pleased to read this communication," replied
+Lord Albemarle, presenting Ramsay's letter and enclosures, "you will
+then be of my opinion."
+
+King William took the letter and read it. "What Ramsay--he who was
+attainted with Sir Robert Barclay?"
+
+"The same, your Majesty."
+
+"So near us, and escaped--but what credence would you place in him?"
+
+"Every credence, may it please your Majesty. I believe him to be
+incapable of a lie."
+
+"A traitor, like him!"
+
+"A traitor to your Majesty, but most true to his Catholic Majesty, King
+James that was. But if I venture to point out to your Majesty, the
+enclosures prove that Lieutenant Vanslyperken's word is not of much
+value. He, at least, is a double traitor."
+
+"Yes, a little hanging will do him no harm--you are sure this is his
+writing?"
+
+"There can be no doubt of it, your Majesty, I have compared it."
+
+"You will see to this, my lord: and now to the syndic."
+
+"He has, as your Majesty will perceive, been grossly deceived, and
+suspected without reason."
+
+"And the woman?"
+
+"Was here yesterday, and fully convinced me that Vanslyperken was a
+traitor, and that she was innocent. His Grace of Portland was present."
+
+"Well, my lord, you may give orders for their release; of course a
+little surveillance will be advisable. You will justify the proceedings
+to the council, this afternoon."
+
+"But may I presume to submit to your Majesty, that the public affront
+offered to the syndic should be repaired."
+
+"Certainly--send for him," replied his Majesty, carelessly. "I will
+receive him to-morrow morning," and his Majesty left the room.
+
+Lord Albemarle immediately despatched a courier with an order for the
+release of the syndic and the Frau Vandersloosh, with a note to the
+former, stating that his Majesty would receive him on the following day
+at noon. But while this act of justice had been preparing at the palace
+of the Hague, there were other acts, not quite so justifiable performing
+at the town of Amsterdam.
+
+The sun made its appearance more than an hour, before the troops of the
+royal Guard. Mobs were collected in knots in the street, and in front of
+the Hotel de Ville, or Stadt House, and the object of their meeting,
+was to canvas the treason and imprisonment of the syndic, Mynheer Van
+Krause. "Shame--shame,"--"Death to the traitor,"--"Tear him to
+pieces,"--and "Long life to King William," were the first solitary
+remarks made--the noise and hubbub increased. The small knots of people
+gradually joined together, until they formed a large mob, all burning
+with loyalty, and each individual wishing to give a practical evidence
+of it--again were the cries of "Long live the King!" and "Death to
+traitors!" to be heard, with loud huzzas. A confused din followed, and
+the mob appeared, as if simultaneously, to be all impelled in one
+direction. At last the word was given, which they all waited for. "To
+his house--to his house--down with it--death to the traitor!" and the
+loyal mob hastened on, each individual eager to be first to prove his
+loyalty, by helping himself to Mynheer Krause's goods and chattels.
+
+In the low countries, this species of loyalty always has been, and is
+now very much the fashion. In ten minutes, the gates were forced
+open--old Koop knocked down, and trod under foot till he was dead--every
+article of value that was portable, was secured; chairs, tables,
+glasses, not portable, were thrown out of the window; Wilhelmina's harp
+and pianoforte battered to fragments; beds, bedding, everything flew
+about in the air, and then the fragments of the furniture were set fire
+to, and in less than an hour Mynheer Krause's splendid house was burning
+furiously, while the mob cheered and cried, "Long live King William!"
+
+Before the courier could arrive from the Hague, all that was left of Mr
+Krause's property was the bare walls. Merchandises, everything was
+consumed, and part of the building had fallen into the canal and choked
+it up, while fifteen schuyts waiting to be discharged of their cargoes
+had been obliged to retreat from the fury of the flames, the phlegmatic
+skippers looking on with their pipes in their mouths, and their hands in
+their wide breeches-pockets.
+
+The loyal mob having effected their object, gradually retired. It is
+singular, that popular feeling is always expressed in the same way. Had
+the mob collected for disloyal purposes, they would have shown their
+disloyalty just in the like manner, only it would have been the Stadt
+House instead of that of Mynheer Krause.
+
+But now there was a fresh impetus given to the feelings of the mob. The
+news had been spread like wildfire, that Mynheer the syndic had been
+proved innocent, and ordered to be immediately liberated, and was sent
+for by his Majesty; upon which, the mob were undecided, whether they
+should prove their indignation, at this unjust imprisonment of their
+worthy magistrate, by setting fire to some public building, or by
+carrying him in triumph to his own house, which they forgot they
+had burnt down. Fortunately they decided upon the latter, they
+surrounded the Stadt House with cries of "Long life to our worthy
+syndic--prosperity to Mynheer Krause," and rushing up stairs, they
+caught him in their arms, and carried him triumphantly through the
+streets bringing him at last to the smoking ruins of his own house, and
+there they left him; they had done all they could, they had carried him
+there in triumph, but, as for building the house up again, that was
+impossible; so, as Mynheer Krause looked with dismay at the wreck of all
+his property, the loyal mob dispersed, each feeling that he had been a
+little too hasty in possessing himself of a small share of it. What a
+fine thing is loyalty! Mynheer Krause found himself alone; he looked
+with scorn and indignation upon the scene of violence, and then walked
+away to an hotel, particularly disgusted with the loyal cry of "Long
+live King William."
+
+In the meantime, the door of the dungeon where the widow Vandersloosh
+was incarcerated was thrown open, and she was informed that she was no
+longer a prisoner. The widow indignant that she should have been
+confined for her loyalty, raved and walked majestically out of the Stadt
+House, not deigning to answer to the compliments offered to her by some
+of the inferior officers. Her bosom swelled with indignation, and she
+was determined to tell his Majesty a bit of her mind, if she should
+obtain access to him; and the next day she took the trouble to go all
+the way to the Hague, again to see his Majesty, but his Majesty wasn't
+at home, and Lord Albemarle to whom she sent in, was indisposed, and his
+Grace the Duke of Portland was particularly engaged; so the widow had
+the journey for nothing, and she declared to Babette, that she never
+would put her foot under the palace roof again as long as she lived.
+
+But, although Madam Vandersloosh was not received at court that day, the
+syndic Mynheer Krause was; when he sent in his name, Lord Albemarle led
+the syndic by the hand to his Majesty.
+
+"We have been too hasty, Mynheer Krause," said his Majesty, with a
+gracious smile.
+
+Mynheer bowed low.
+
+"I regret to hear that the populace in their loyalty have burnt down
+your house, Mr Krause--they were too hasty."
+
+Mynheer Krause made another low bow.
+
+"You will continue your office of syndic of the town of Amsterdam."
+
+"Pardon me, your Majesty," replied Mynheer Krause respectfully, but
+firmly, "I have obeyed your summons to appear in your presence, but will
+request that your Majesty will release me from the burden. I have come
+to lay my chain and staff of office at your Majesty's feet, it being my
+intention to quit the town."
+
+"You are too hasty, Mynheer Krause," replied his Majesty with
+displeasure.
+
+"May it please your Majesty," replied Krause. "He who has been confined
+as a prisoner in the Stadt House, is not fit to exercise his duties
+there as a judge; I have served your Majesty many years with the utmost
+zeal and fidelity. In return, I have been imprisoned and my property
+destroyed, I must now return to a station more suitable to my present
+condition, and once more with every assurance of loyalty, I beg to be
+permitted to lay my insignia of office at your Majesty's feet."
+
+Mynheer Krause suited the action to the word. The king frowned and
+turned away to the window, and Mynheer Krause perceiving that his
+Majesty's back was turned upon him, walked out of the door.
+
+"Too hasty," thought Mynheer Krause, "I am loyal and thrown into prison,
+and am expected to be satisfied with the plea of being too hasty. My
+house is burnt down, and the plundering mob have been too hasty.
+Well--well--it is fortunate I took Ramsay's advice, my house and what
+was in it was a trifle; but if all my gold at Hamburgh and Frankfort,
+and in the charge of Ramsay had been there, and I had been made a
+beggar, all the satisfaction I should have received would have been a
+smile, and the excuse of being too hasty. I wonder where my daughter and
+Ramsay are? I long to join them."
+
+From which mental soliloquy, it will be evident to the reader, that
+Mynheer Krause's loyalty had been considerably diminished, perhaps
+thinking that he had paid too dear for the commodity.
+
+Upon his return, Mynheer Krause publicly announced that he had resigned
+the office of syndic, much to the astonishment of those who heard of it,
+and much to the delight of his very particular friend Engelback, who,
+the next morning set off for the Hague, and had an interview with his
+Grace the Duke of Portland, the result of which was, that upon grounds
+best known to the parties; for history will not reveal everything,
+Mynheer Engelback was recommended to fill the office of syndic of the
+town of Amsterdam, vacant by the resignation of Mynheer Krause; and that
+in consequence of this, all those who took off their hats to Mynheer
+Krause but two days before, and kept them on when they met Mynheer
+Engelback, now kept them on when they met Mynheer Krause, and pulled
+them off very politely to Mynheer Krause's very particular friend,
+Mynheer Engelback.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter LIII
+
+Trial and execution of two of the principal personages in our history.
+
+
+We left Sir Robert Barclay on the deck of the cutter, the ladies and
+women sent down below, and Mr Vanslyperken on the point of being dragged
+aft by two of Sir Robert's men. The crew of the _Yungfrau_, at the time,
+were on the lower deck, some assisting the wounded men, others talking
+with Jemmy Salisbury and his wife, whom they were astonished to find
+among the assailants.
+
+"Why, Jemmy, how did you get a berth among those chaps?"
+
+"I'll tell you," said Moggy, interrupting: "when he was last at
+Portsmouth, they heard him playing his fiddle and singing, and they took
+such a fancy to him, that they were determined to have him to amuse them
+in the cave. So one evening, they _kidnapped_ him, took him away by main
+force, and kept him a prisoner ever since."
+
+"That's carrying the joke rather too far," observed one of the men.
+
+"Mein Gott! yes," replied the corporal.
+
+"But I am at liberty again now at all events," replied Jemmy, taking the
+cue from his wife; "and if that chap, Vanslyperken, don't command the
+cutter any more, which I've a notion he will not, I shall enter as
+boatswain--heh, Dick."
+
+"Yes," replied Short, who was swinging in his hammock.
+
+"Well--when I found that Jemmy couldn't be found, that my dear darling
+duck of a husband--my jewel, a box of diamonds (arn't you my Jemmy),
+didn't I tear my hair, and run about the streets, like a mad woman,"
+continued Moggy. "At last I met with Nancy Corbett, whose husband is one
+of the gang, and she told me where he was, fiddle and all, and I
+persuaded her to let me go to him, and that's why we both are here."
+
+This was a good invention of Moggy's, and as there was nobody who took
+the trouble to disprove it, it was received as not the least apocryphal.
+But now Mr Vanslyperken was dragged past them by two of the
+conspirators, and all the men of the _Yungfrau_ followed on deck, to see
+what was to take place.
+
+When Mr Vanslyperken had been brought aft, his legs tottered, and he
+could hardly stand. His face was livid, and his lips white with fear,
+and he knew too well that he had little mercy to expect.
+
+"Now, sir," said Sir Robert, with a stern air, "hear the accusation
+against you, for although we may be lawless, we will still be just. You
+voluntarily entered into our service, and received our pay. You were one
+of us, with only this difference, that we have taken up the cause from
+principle and loyalty, and you joined us from mercenary motives. Still
+we kept our faith with you; for every service performed, you were well
+and honourably paid. But you received our money and turned against us;
+revealed our secrets, and gave information to your government, by which
+that gentleman" (pointing to Ramsay) "and many others, had not they
+fortunately received timely notice, would have perished by the gibbet.
+Now, sir, I wish to know, what you can bring forward in your defence,
+what have you to urge that you should not die the death which you so
+traitorously prepared for others."
+
+"Die!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, "no--no--mercy, sir--mercy. I am not fit
+to die."
+
+"Few are--but this is certain--that a villain like you is not fit to
+live."
+
+"On my knees, I ask mercy," cried the frightened wretch, dropping down.
+"Mr Ramsay, speak for me."
+
+"I will speak," replied Ramsay, "but not for you, I will show you, that
+even if you were to escape us, you would still be hung; for all your
+extracts of the despatches, I have, with full explanation, put into the
+hands of the English government. Do you expect mercy from them--they
+have not showed much as yet."
+
+"O God--O God!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, throwing himself down on the
+deck in despair.
+
+"Now, my lads, you have heard the charges against this man, and also
+that he has no defence to offer, what is your sentence?"
+
+"Death!" exclaimed the conspirators.
+
+"You men, belonging to the cutter, you have heard that this man has
+betrayed the present government of England, in whose pay and service he
+was at the time--what is your opinion?"
+
+Hereupon, Obadiah Coble hitched up his trousers, and said, "Why, as a
+matter of opinion, I agrees with you, sir, whomsoever you may be."
+
+"Mein Gott! yes, sir," exclaimed the corporal.
+
+And all the crew cried out together, "Death--death!" which, by-the-bye,
+was very mutinous.
+
+"You perceive that you are doubly condemned as a double traitor," said
+Sir Robert. "So prepare to die; the religion you profess I know not, but
+the time you will be allowed to make your peace with your God is
+fifteen minutes."
+
+"Oh!" groaned Vanslyperken, with his face to the deck.
+
+"Up there, my lads, and get a whip on the yard-arm," said Ramsay.
+
+Some of his party went to obey the order, and they were assisted by the
+seamen of the _Yungfrau_. But while they were getting the whip ready on
+the starboard, Jemmy Ducks was very quietly employed getting another on
+the larboard yard-arm, which nobody took notice of.
+
+As soon as the whip, and the cord with the hangman's noose made fast to
+it, were all ready, it was reported to Sir Robert by Corporal Van
+Spitter, who stepped up to him with his usual military salute. Sir
+Robert took off his hat in return. His watch had been held in his hand,
+from the time that he had passed sentence upon Vanslyperken, who still
+remained prostrate on the deck.
+
+"It is my duty to inform you, sir, that but five minutes are left of
+the time awarded to you," said Sir Robert to Vanslyperken.
+
+"Five minutes!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, jumping up from the deck, "but
+five minutes--to die in five minutes," continued he, looking up with
+horror at the rope at the yard-arm, and the fatal noose at the end of
+it, held in the hand of Corporal Van Spitter. "Stop, I have gold--plenty
+of gold--I can purchase my life."
+
+"Kingdoms would not purchase it," said Sir Robert, scornfully.
+
+"Oh!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, wringing his hands, "must I leave all my
+gold?"
+
+"You have but two minutes, sir," observed Sir Robert. "Let the rope be
+put round his neck."
+
+This office was performed by Corporal Van Spitter. The corporal was
+quite an amateur.
+
+"Mercy, mercy," cried Vanslyperken, again falling on his knees, and
+holding up his hands.
+
+"Call upon Heaven for mercy, you have but one minute left."
+
+But here an interruption took place.
+
+A female made her appearance on the other side of the deck, dragging, by
+a cord, the hero of our novel, Snarleyyow, who held back with all his
+power, jerking his head to the right and to the left, but it was of no
+use, he was dragged opposite to where Vanslyperken knelt. As the reader
+may guess, this person was Smallbones, who had tied on a bonnet, and
+muffled up his face, so as not to be observed when he first went on
+board. Jemmy Ducks now assisted, and the whip on the larboard yard-arm
+was made fast to a cord with a running noose, for the hanging of
+the cur.
+
+The sight roused Vanslyperken. "My dog!" exclaimed he, "woman, leave
+that dog alone--who are you that dare touch my dog?"
+
+The female turned round, threw off her bonnet and handkerchief and
+exhibited to the terrified lieutenant, the face of the supposed departed
+Smallbones.
+
+"Smallbones!" exclaimed the crew of the _Yungfrau_ in a breath.
+
+"God of mercy--help me, God of mercy!" cried Vanslyperken, aghast.
+
+"I suppose that you do come for to go to know me now, anyhow," said
+Smallbones.
+
+"Hath the sea given up its dead?" replied Vanslyperken, in a hollow
+voice.
+
+"No, it arn't, 'cause why? I never was a drowned," replied Smallbones;
+"no thanks to you, though; but if so be as I supposes, you be a going to
+be hung--as I'm a good Christian, I'll forgive you--that is, if you be
+hung, you know."
+
+Vanslyperken, who now perceived that Smallbones had been by some miracle
+preserved, recovered himself.
+
+"If you forgive me," replied Vanslyperken, "then pray do not ill-treat
+my dog."
+
+"I'se not forgiven him, anyhow--I owes him enough, and now I'll have his
+account settled, by gum. When you goes up there, he goes up here, as
+sure as I'm Peter Smallbones."
+
+"Be merciful!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, who, strange to say, forgot his
+own miseries in pleading for his darling cur.
+
+"He be a convicted traitor, and he shall die, by gum!" cried Smallbones,
+smacking his fist into the palm of his hand.
+
+During the conversation, the time allotted to Vanslyperken had long
+expired, but the interest occasioned by it had inclined Sir Robert to
+wait till it was over.
+
+"Enough," cried Sir Robert, "your time is too long expired. Commend your
+soul to God--let the rope be manned."
+
+"Now Jemmy, stand by to toddle forward," cried Smallbones.
+
+"One moment--I ask but one moment," cried Vanslyperken, much agitated,
+"only one moment, sir."
+
+"For what?"
+
+"To kiss my poor dog," replied Vanslyperken, bursting into tears;
+strange and almost ridiculous as was the appeal, there was a seriousness
+and a pathos in Vanslyperken's words and manner, which affected those
+who were present like a gleam of sunshine, this one feeling which was
+unalloyed with baser metal shone upon the close of a worthless and
+wicked life, Sir Robert nodded his head, and Vanslyperken walked with
+his rope round his neck over to where the dog was held by Smallbones,
+bent over the cur and kissed it again and again.
+
+"Enough," cried Sir Robert, "bring him back."
+
+Corporal Van Spitter took hold of Vanslyperken by the arm, and dragged
+him to the other side of the deck. The unfortunate wretch was wholly
+absorbed in the fate of his cur, who had endeavoured to follow his
+master. His eyes were fixed upon Snarleyyow, and Snarleyyow's were fixed
+upon his master, thus they were permitted to remain for a few seconds,
+when Sir Robert gave the signal. Away went the line of men who had
+manned the starboard whip, and away went Jemmy Ducks on the larboard
+side, and, at the yard-arms' of the cutter were suspended the bodies of
+Vanslyperken and Snarleyyow.
+
+Thus perished one of the greatest scoundrels, and one of the vilest
+curs, which ever existed. They were damnable in their lives, and in
+their deaths they were not divided.
+
+By the manuscript records, found in the Jacobite papers, it appears that
+the double execution took place on the 3rd of August in the year of our
+Lord, 1700.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter LIV
+
+In which affairs begin to wind up.
+
+
+There are few people whose vindictive feelings are not satisfied with
+the death of the party against whom those feelings have been excited.
+The eyes of all on deck (that is all except one) were at first directed
+to the struggling Vanslyperken, and then, as if sickened at the sight of
+his sufferings, were turned away with a feeling very near akin to
+compassion.
+
+One only looked or never thought of Vanslyperken, and that one was
+Smallbones, who watched the kicking and plunging of his natural enemy,
+Snarleyyow. Gradually, the dog relaxed his exertions, and Smallbones
+watched, somewhat doubtful, whether a dog who had defied every other
+kind of death, would condescend to be hanged. At last, Snarleyyow was
+quite still. He appeared nearly to have gone to--"Where the wicked cease
+from troubling, and the weary are at rest."
+
+"He won't a cum to life any more this time," said Smallbones; "but I'll
+not let you out of my hands yet. They say a cat have nine lives, but, by
+gum, some dogs have ninety."
+
+There was a dead silence on the deck of the cutter for a quarter of an
+hour, during which the bodies remained suspended. A breeze then came
+sweeping along and ruffled the surface of the water. This was of too
+great importance to allow of further delay. Sir Robert desired the
+seamen of the _Yungfrau_ to come aft, told them he should take their
+cutter to Cherbourg, to land the Women and his own people, and that then
+they would be free to return to Portsmouth; all that he requested of
+them was to be quiet and submissive during the short time that he and
+his party were on board. Coble replied for the ship's company--"As for
+the matter of that 'ere--there was no fear of their being quiet enough
+when there were more than two to one against them; but that, in fact,
+they had no animosity: for even if they did feel a little sore at what
+had happened, and their messmates being wounded, what was swinging at
+the yard-arm made them all friends again. The gentleman might take the
+cutter where he pleased, and might use her as long as he liked, and when
+he had done with her it was quite time enough to take her back to
+Portsmouth."
+
+"Well, then, as we understand one another, we had now better make
+sail," said Sir Robert. "Cut away that rope," continued he, pointing to
+the whip by which Vanslyperken's body was suspended.
+
+Jansen stepped forward with his snickasee, the rope was divided at once,
+and the body of the departed Vanslyperken plunged into the wave and
+disappeared.
+
+"They mayn't cut this tho'!" cried Smallbones. "I'll not trust
+him--Jemmy, my boy, get up a pig of ballast. I'll sink him fifty fathoms
+deep, and then if so be he cum up again, why then I give it up for a
+bad job."
+
+Jemmy brought up the pig of ballast, the body of Snarleyyow was lowered
+on board, and, after having been secured with divers turns of the rope
+to the piece of iron, was plunged by Smallbones into the wave.
+
+"There," said Smallbones, "I don't a think that he will ever bite me any
+more, anyhow; there's no knowing though. Now I'll just go down and see
+if my bag be to be found, and then I'll dress myself like a Christian."
+
+The cutter flew before the breeze which was on her quarter, and now that
+the hanging was over the females came on deck. One of the Jesuit priests
+was a good surgeon, and attended to the wounded men, who all promised to
+do well, and as Bill Spurey said,
+
+"They'd all dance yet at the corporal's wedding."
+
+"I say corporal, if we only could go to Amsterdam instead of going to
+Portsmouth."
+
+"Mein Gott, yes;" replied the corporal, and acting upon this idea, he
+went aft and entered into conversation with Ramsay, giving him a detail
+of the affair with the widow and of her having gone to the Hague to
+accuse Vanslyperken, ending with expressing his wish of himself and the
+crew that they might go to the Hague instead of going to Portsmouth.
+Nothing could please Ramsay better. He was most anxious to send a letter
+to Mynheer Krause to inform him of the safety of his daughter, and he
+immediately answered that they might go if they pleased.
+
+"Mein Gott--but how, mynheer--we no have the excuse."
+
+"But I'll give you one," replied Ramsay--"you shall go to the Hague."
+
+The corporal touched his hat with the greatest respect, and walked
+forward to communicate this good news. The crew of the _Yungfrau_ and
+the conspirators or smugglers were soon on the best of terms, and as
+there was no one to check the wasteful expenditure of stores and no one
+accountable, the liquor was hoisted up on the forecastle, and the night
+passed in carousing.
+
+"Well, he did love his dog after all," said Jemmy Ducks.
+
+"And he's got his love with him," replied one of the smugglers.
+
+"Now, Jemmy, let's have a song."
+
+"It must be without the fiddle then," replied Jemmy, "for that's jammed
+up with the baggage--so here goes,"
+
+     I've often heard the chaplain say, when Davey Jones is nigh,
+     That we must call for help in need, to Providence on high,
+     But then he said, most plainly too, that we must do our best,
+     Our own exertions failing, leave to Providence the rest.
+
+     I never thought of this much till one day there came on board,
+     A chap who ventur'd to join as _seaman_ by the Lord!
+     His hair hung down like reef points, and his phiz was very queer,
+     For his mouth was like a shark's, and turn'd down from ear to ear.
+
+     He hadn't stow'd his hammock, not much longer than a week,
+     When he swore he had a call, and the Lord he was to seek.
+     Now where he went to seek the Lord, I can't at all suppose,
+     'Twas not on deck for there I'm sure, he never show'd his nose.
+
+     He would not read the Bible, it warn't good enough for him,
+     The course we steered by that he said, would lead us all to sin;
+     That we were damn'd and hell would gape, he often would us tell,
+     I know that when I heard his jaw, it made me gape like hell.
+
+     A storm came on, we sprung a leak, and sorely were we tired,
+     We plied the pumps, 'twas spell and spell, with lots of work beside;
+     And what d'ye think this beggar did, the trick I do declare,
+     He called us all to leave the pumps and join with him in prayer.
+
+     At last our boatswain Billy, who was a thund'ring Turk,
+     Goes up to him and says, "My man, why don't you do your work?"
+     "Avaunt you worst of sinners, I must save my soul," he cried,
+     "Confound your soul," says Billy, "then you shall not save your hide."
+
+     Acquaintance then he made soon with the end of the fore-brace,
+     It would have made you laugh to see his methodisty face;
+     He grinn'd like a roast monkey, and he howl'd like a baboon,
+     He had a dose from Billy, that he didn't forget soon.
+
+     "Take that," said Billy, when he'd done, "and now you'll please
+          to work,
+     I read the Bible often--but I don't my duty shirk,
+     The pumps they are not choked yet, nor do we yet despair,
+     When all is up or we are saved, we'll join with you in player."
+
+"And now we'll have one from the other side of the house," said Moggy,
+as soon as the plaudits were over.
+
+"Come then, Anthony, you shall speak for us, and prove that we can sing
+a stave as well as honester men."
+
+"With all my heart, William;--here's my very best."
+
+The smuggler then sang as follows:
+
+       Fill, lads, fill;
+       Fill, lads, fill.
+     Here we have a cure
+       For every ill.
+     If fortune's unkind
+     As the north-east wind,
+     Still we must endure,
+     Trusting to our cure,
+       In better luck still.
+
+       Drink, boys, drink;
+       Drink, boys, drink.
+     The bowl let us drain
+       With right good will.
+     If women deceive
+     Why should we grieve?
+     Forgetting our pain,
+     Love make again,
+       With better luck still.
+
+       Sing, lads, sing;
+       Sing, lads, sing.
+     Our voices we'll raise;
+       Be merry still;
+     If dead to-morrow,
+     We brave all sorrow.
+     Life's a weary maze--
+     When we end our days,
+       'Tis better luck still.
+
+As the wounded men occupied the major part of the lower deck, and there
+was no accommodation for the numerous party of men and women on board,
+the carousing was kept up until the next morning, when, at daylight, the
+cutter was run into Cherbourg. The officers who came on board, went on
+shore with the report that the cutter belonged to the English
+government, and had been occupied by Sir Robert and his men, who were
+well known. The consequence was, an order for the cutter to leave the
+port immediately, as receiving her would be tantamount to an aggression
+on the part of France. But this order, although given, was not intended
+to be rigidly enforced, and there was plenty of time allowed for Sir
+Robert and his people to land with their specie and baggage.
+
+Ramsay did not forget his promise to the corporal. He went to the French
+authorities, stated the great importance of his forwarding a letter to
+Amsterdam immediately, and that the way it might be effected would be
+very satisfactory. That, aware that King William was at the Hague, they
+should write a letter informing him of the arrival of the cutter; and
+that his Majesty might not imagine that the French government could
+sanction such outrages, they had sent her immediately on to him, under
+the charge of one of their officers, to wait upon his Majesty, and
+express their sentiments of regret that such a circumstance should have
+occurred. The authorities were aware that, to obey Sir Robert would not
+be displeasing to the court of Versailles, and that the excuse for so
+doing could only be taken as a compliment to the English court,
+therefore acted upon this suggestion. A French officer was sent on board
+of the cutter with the despatch, and Ramsay's letter to Mynheer Krause
+was committed to the charge of the corporal.
+
+Before the sun had set, the _Yungfrau_ was again at sea, and, on the
+third morning, anchored in her usual berth off the town of Amsterdam.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter LV
+
+In which we trust that everything will be arranged to the satisfaction
+of our readers.
+
+
+The French officer who was sent to explain what had occasioned the
+arrival of the cutter in the port of Cherbourg, immediately set off for
+the Hague, and was received by Lord Albemarle.
+
+As soon as his credentials had been examined, he was introduced to his
+Majesty, King William.
+
+"It appears," said his Majesty to Lord Albemarle, after the
+introduction, "that these Jacobite conspirators have saved us one
+trouble by hanging this traitor, Vanslyperken."
+
+"Yes, your Majesty, he has met with his deserved punishment," replied
+Lord Albemarle.
+
+Then addressing himself to the officer, "We will return our
+acknowledgments for this proof of good will on the part of the French
+government," said his Majesty, bowing. "My Lord Albemarle, you will see
+that this gentleman is suitably entertained."
+
+The officer bowed low and retired.
+
+"This is an over politeness which I do not admire," observed his Majesty
+to Lord Albemarle. "Let that person be well watched, depend upon it the
+letter is all a pretext, there is more plotting going on."
+
+"I am of your Majesty's opinion, and shall be careful that your
+Majesty's commands are put in force," replied his lordship, as King
+William retired into his private apartments.
+
+The cutter had not been half-an-hour at anchor, before Obadiah Coble
+went on shore with the corporal. Their first object was to apply to the
+authorities, that the wounded men might be sent to the hospital, which
+they were before the night; the next was to deliver the letter to
+Mynheer Krause. They thought it advisable to go first to the widow
+Vandersloosh, who was surprised at the sight of her dear corporal, and
+much more enraptured when she heard that Mr Vanslyperken and his cur had
+been hanged.
+
+"I'll keep my word, corporal," cried the widow, "I told you I would not
+marry until he was hung, I don't care if I marry you to-morrow."
+
+"Mein Gott, yes, to-day."
+
+"No, no, not to-day, corporal, or to-morrow either, we must wait till
+the poor fellows are out of the hospital, for I must have them all to
+the wedding."
+
+"Mein Gott, yes," replied the corporal.
+
+The widow then proceeded to state how she had been thrown into a
+dungeon, and how she and Mynheer Krause, the syndic, had been released
+the next day, how Mynheer Krause's house had been burnt to the ground,
+and all the other particulars with which the reader is already
+acquainted.
+
+This reminded the corporal of the letters to the Mynheer Krause, which
+he had for a time forgotten, and he inquired where he was to be found;
+but the widow was too prudent to allow the corporal to go himself--she
+sent Babette, who executed her commission without exciting any
+suspicion, and made Mynheer Krause very happy. He soon made his
+arrangements, and joined his daughter and Ramsay, who had not, however,
+awaited his arrival, but had been married the day after they landed at
+Cherbourg. Mynheer Krause was not a little surprised to find that his
+son-in-law was a Jacobite, but his incarceration and loss of his
+property had very much cooled his loyalty. He settled at Hamburgh, and
+became perfectly indifferent whether England was ruled by King William
+or King James.
+
+Ramsay's marriage made him also less warm in the good cause; he had
+gained a pretty wife and a good fortune, and to be very loyal a person
+should be very poor. The death of King James in the year following,
+released him from his engagements, and, as he resided at Hamburgh, he
+was soon forgotten, and was never called upon to embark in the
+subsequent fruitless attempts on the part of the Jacobites.
+
+As it was necessary to write to the Admiralty in England, acquainting
+them with the fate of Mr Vanslyperken, and demanding that another
+officer should be sent out to take the command of the _Yungfrau_, a
+delay of three or four weeks took place, during which the cutter
+remained at Amsterdam; for Dick Short and Coble were no navigators, if
+they had wished to send her back; and, moreover, she had so many of her
+crew at the hospital, that she was weak-handed.
+
+It was about a month after her arrival at Amsterdam, that every soul
+belonging to the cutter had gone on shore, and she was left to swing to
+the tide and foul her hawse, or go adrift if she pleased, for she had to
+take care of herself. This unusual disregard to naval instructions arose
+from the simple fact, that on that day was to be celebrated the marriage
+of widow Vandersloosh and Corporal Van Spitter.
+
+Great, indeed, had been the preparations; all the ingenuity and talent
+of Jemmy Ducks, and Moggy, and Bill Spurey, for he and all the others
+were now discharged from the hospital, had been summoned to the
+assistance of the widow and Babette, in preparing and decorating the
+Lust Haus for the important ceremony, which the widow declared King
+William himself should hear of, cost what it might. Festoons of flowers,
+wreaths of laurel garlands from the ceiling, extra chandeliers, extra
+musicians, all were dressed out and collected in honour of this
+auspicious day.
+
+The whole of the crew of the cutter were invited, not, however, to feast
+at the widow's expense; neither she nor the corporal would stand
+treat;--but to spend their money in honour of the occasion. And it must
+be observed, that since their arrival in port, the _Yungfrau_ had spent
+a great deal of money at the widow's; which was considered strange, as
+they had not, for some time, received any pay. And it was further
+observed, that none appeared so wealthy as Smallbones and Corporal Van
+Spitter. Some had asserted that it was the gold of Mr Vanslyperken,
+which had been appropriated by the crew to their own wants, considering
+themselves as his legitimate heirs. Whether this be true or not, it is
+impossible to say; certain it is, that there was no gold found in Mr
+Vanslyperken's cabin when his successor took possession of it. And
+equally certain it was, that all the _Yungfraus_ had their pockets full
+of gold, and that the major part of this gold did ultimately fall into
+the possession of the widow Vandersloosh, who was heard to say, that Mr
+Vanslyperken had paid the expenses of her wedding. From these facts
+collected, we must leave the reader to draw what inference he
+may please.
+
+The widow beautifully dressed;--a white kersey petticoat, deep blue
+stockings, silver buckles in her shoes, a scarlet velvet jacket, with
+long flaps before and behind, a golden cross six inches long, suspended
+to a velvet ribbon, to which was attached, half-way between the cross
+and her neck, a large gold heart, gold ear-rings, and on her head an
+ornament, which, in Holland and Germany, is called a _zitternabel_,
+shook and trembled as she walked along to church, hanging on the arm of
+her dear corporal. Some of the bridges were too narrow to admit the
+happy pair to pass abreast. The knot was tied. The name Vandersloosh was
+abandoned without regret, for the sharper one of Van Spitter; and
+flushed with joy, and the thermometer at ninety-six, the cavalcade
+returned home, and refreshed themselves with some beer of the Frau Van
+Spitter's own brewing.
+
+Let it not, however, be supposed, that they dined _tête-à-tête_; no,
+no--the corporal and his wife were not so churlish as that. The dinner
+party consisted of a chosen set, the most particular friends of the
+corporal. Mr Short, first officer and boatswain, Mr William Spurey, Mr
+and Mrs Salisbury; and last, although not the least important person in
+this history, Peter Smallbones, Esquire, who having obtained money
+somehow, was now remarkable for the neatness of his apparel. The fair
+widow, assisted by Moggy and Babette, cooked the dinner, and when it
+was ready came in from the kitchen as red as a fury and announced it:
+and then it was served up, and they all sat down to table in the little
+parlour. It was very close, the gentlemen took off their jackets, and
+the widow and Moggy fanned themselves, and the enormous demand by
+evaporation was supplied with foaming beer. None could have done the
+honours of the table better than the corporal and his lady who sat
+melting and stuck together on the little fubsy sofa, which had been the
+witness of so much pretended and so much real love.
+
+But the Lust Haus is now lighted up, the company are assembling fast;
+Babette is waddling and trotting like an armadillo from corner to
+corner: Babette here, and Babette there, it is Babette everywhere. The
+room is full, and the musicians have commenced tuning their instruments;
+the party run from the table to join the rest. A general cheer greets
+the widow as she is led into the room by the corporal--for she had asked
+many of her friends as well as the crew of the _Yungfrau_, and many
+others came who were not invited; so that the wedding day, instead of
+disbursement, produced one of large receipt to the happy pair.
+
+"Now then, corporal, you must open the ball with your lady," cried Bill
+Spurey.
+
+"Mein Gott, yes."
+
+"What shall it be, Madam Van Spitter?"
+
+"A waltz, if you please."
+
+The musicians struck up a waltz, and Corporal Van Spitter, who had no
+notion of waltzing, further than having seen the dance performed by
+others, seized his wife by the waist, who, with an amorous glance,
+dropped her fat arm upon the corporal's shoulder. This was the signal
+for the rest--the corporal had made but one turn before a hundred couple
+more were turning also--the whole room seemed turning. The corporal
+could not waltz, but he could turn--he held on fast by the widow, and
+with such a firm piece of resistance he kept a centrifugal balance, and
+without regard to time or space, he increased his velocity at a
+prodigious rate. Round they went, with the dangerous force of the two
+iron balls suspended to the fly-wheel which regulate the power of some
+stupendous steam-engine.
+
+The corporal would not, and his better half could not, stop. The first
+couple they came in contact with were hurled to the other side of the
+room; a second and a third fell, and still the corporal wheeled on; two
+chairs and a table were swept away in a moment. Three young women, with
+baskets of cakes and nuts, were thrown down together, and the contents
+of all their baskets scattered on the floor; and "Bravo, corporal!"
+resounded from the crew of the _Yungfrau_--Babette and two bottles of
+ginger beer were next demolished; Jemmy Ducks received a hoist, and
+Smallbones was flatted to a pancake. Every one fled from the orbit of
+these revolving spheres, and they were left to wheel by themselves. At
+last, Mrs Van Spitter finding that nothing else would stop her husband,
+who, like all heavy bodies, once put in motion, returned it in
+proportion to his weight, dropped down, and left him to support her
+whole weight. This was more than the corporal could stand, and it
+brought him up all standing--he stopped, dropped his wife, and reeled to
+a chair, for he was so giddy that he could not keep his legs, and so out
+of breath that he had lost his wind.
+
+"Bravo, corporal!" was shouted throughout the room, while his spouse
+hardly knew whether she should laugh, or scold him well; but, it being
+the wedding night, she deferred the scolding for that night only, and
+she gained a chair, and fanned and wiped, and fanned and wiped again.
+The corporal, shortly afterwards, would have danced again, but Mrs Van
+Spitter having had quite enough for that evening, she thanked him for
+the offer, was satisfied with his prowess, but declined on the score of
+the extreme sultriness of the weather; to which observation, the
+corporal replied, as usual,
+
+"Mein Gott, yes."
+
+The major part of the evening was passed in dancing and drinking. The
+corporal and his wife, with Babette, now attending to the wants of their
+customers, who, what with the exercise, the heat of the weather, and the
+fumes of tobacco, were more than usually thirsty, and as they became
+satisfied with dancing, so did they call for refreshments.
+
+But we cannot find space to dwell upon the quantity of beer, the variety
+of liquors which were consumed at this eventful wedding, with which we
+wind up our eventful history; nor even to pity the breathless, flushed,
+and overheated Babette, who was so ill the next day, as to be unable to
+quit her bed; nor can we detail the jokes, the merriment, and the songs
+which went round, the peals of laughter, the loud choruses, the antic
+feats performed by the company; still more impossible would it be to
+give an idea of the three tremendous cheers, which shook the Lust Haus
+to its foundations, when Corporal and Mistress Van Spitter, upon their
+retiring, bade farewell to the company assembled.
+
+The observation of Jemmy Salisbury, as he waddled out, was as correct as
+it was emphatic:
+
+"Well, Dick, this _has been_ a spree!"
+
+"Yes," replied Dick Short.
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12558 ***