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, _ThePhantom Ship_ and _The Privateersman_ being the other two, in whichMarryat made use of historical events and attempted to project hischaracters into the past. The research involved is not profound, but themachinations of Jacobite conspirators provide appropriate material forthe construction of an adventure plot and for the exhibition of asingularly despicable villain. Mr Vanslyperken and his acquaintances, male and female, at home and abroad, are all--except perhaps hiswitch-like mother--thoroughly life-like and convincing: their conduct issufficiently probable to retain the reader's attention for a rapid andexciting narrative. 

The numerous escapes of the vile cur, after whom the novel ischristened, and of his natural enemy Peter Smallbones are not allequally well contrived, and they become a little wearisome byrepetition; but a general atmosphere of _diablerie_ is very effectivelyproduced by their means. Some such element of unreality is absolutelydemanded to relieve the sordid and brutal details by which the main plotis worked out; and it must be admitted that in certain passages--thedeath-struggle between Smallbones and the lieutenant's mother, thediscovery of the woman's body, and the descriptions of kisses betweenCorporal Van Spitter and the Frau Vandersloosh--Marryat's habitualliteralness becomes unpleasantly coarse. The offensive touches, however, are incidental, and the execution of the two villains, Vanslyperken andSnarleyyow, with its dash of genuine pathos, is dramatic andimpressive:--"They were damnable in their lives, and in their deathsthey were not divided. "

As usual the interest of the novel depends almost entirely upon men, buton the character of Mrs Corbett, _née_ Nancy Dawson, Marryat hasexpended considerable care with satisfactory results. Barring theindecorous habit of regretting her past in public, which is not perhapsuntrue to nature, she is made attractive by her wit and sincererepentance, without becoming unnaturally refined. The song in her honourreferred 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 notbe confounded with her more celebrated namesake (1730-1767) of Sadler'sWells, Covent Garden, and Drury Lane, who danced a horn-pipe in _TheBeggar's Opera_ to the air of "Nancy Dawson, " which is mentioned in theepilogue 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 MetropolitanMagazine_, 1836 and 1837; but on reaching Chapter xl. , just as the novelhad appeared in book form, the editor--not then Marryat himself--toldhis readers that it was not his intention to give an extended review ofthis work, as they had already "ample means of forming their own opinionof its varied merits:"--"We shall therefore content ourselves with a fewremarks, in announcing its publication and giving a brief outline of thetermination of the story from our last number. " At the close of the saidextracts he writes:--

"And so ends Snarleyyow, with as much quaintness, spirit, and characteras it commenced. "

The book was evidently written in haste, and few of the minor charactersretained one Christian name throughout its pages. It is here reprinted, with the corrections of such slips as those just mentioned, from thefirst 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, withblack sides, was running along the coast near Beachy Head, at the rateof about five miles per hour. The wind was from the northward and blewkeenly, the vessel was under easy sail, and the water was smooth. It wasnow broad daylight, and the sun rose clear of clouds and vapour; but hethrew out light without heat. The upper parts of the spars, the hammockrails, 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 ina thick pea-jacket and mittens, which made his hands appear as large ashis feet. His nose was a pug of an intense bluish red, one tint arisingfrom the present cold, and the other from the preventive checks which hehad been so long accustomed to take to drive out such an unpleasantintruder. His grizzled hair waved its locks gently to the wind, and hisface was distorted with an immoderate quid of tobacco which protrudedhis right cheek. This personage was second officer and steersman onboard of the vessel, and his name was Obadiah Coble. He had beenbaptised Obadiah about sixty years before; that is to say if he had beenbaptised at all. He stood so motionless at the helm, that you might haveimagined him to have been frozen there as he stood, were it not thathis eyes occasionally wandered from the compass on the binnacle to thebows of the vessel, and that the breath from his mouth, when it wasthrown out into the clear frosty air, formed a smoke like to that fromthe spout of a half-boiling tea-kettle. 

The crew belonging to the cutter, for she was a vessel in the service ofhis Majesty, King William the Third, at this time employed in protectinghis Majesty's revenue against the importation of alamodes andlutestrings, were all down below at their breakfasts, with the exceptionof the steersman and lieutenant-commandant, who now walked thequarter-deck, if so small an extent of plank could be dignified withsuch a name. He was a Mr Cornelius Vanslyperken, a tall, meagre-lookingpersonage, with very narrow shoulders and very small head. Perfectlystraight up and down, protruding in no part, he reminded you of sometall parish pump, with a great knob at its top. His face was gaunt, cheeks hollow, nose and chin showing an affection for each other, andevidently lamenting the gulf between them which prevented their meeting. Both appeared to have fretted themselves to the utmost degree of tenuityfrom disappointment in love: as for the nose, it had a pearly round tearhanging at its tip, as if it wept. The dress of Mr Vanslyperken washidden 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'shands were deeply inserted, and so close did his arms lie to his sides, that they appeared nothing more than as would battens nailed to atopsail yard. The only deviation from the perpendicular was from theinsertion of a speaking-trumpet under his left arm, at right angles withhis body. It had evidently seen much service, was battered, and theclack Japan worn off in most parts of it. As we said before, MrVanslyperken walked his quarter-deck. He was in a brown study, yetlooked blue. Six strides brought him to the taffrail of the vessel, sixmore to the bows, such was the length of his tether--and he turned, andturned again. 

But there was another personage on the deck, a personage of no smallimportance, as he was all in all to Mr Vanslyperken, and Mr Vanslyperkenwas all in all to him; moreover, we may say, that he is the hero of theTAIL. This was one of the ugliest and most ill-conditioned curs whichhad 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'sdock-yards:--ugly in face; for he had one wall-eye, and was so farunder-jawed as to prove that a bull-dog had had something to do with hiscreation:--ugly in shape; for although larger than a pointer, andstrongly built, he was coarse and shambling in his make, with hisforelegs bowed out. His ears and tail had never been docked, which was apity, as the more you curtailed his proportions, the better looking thecur would have been. But his ears, although not cut, were torn toribbons by the various encounters with dogs on shore, arising from theacidity of his temper. His tail had lost its hair from an inveteratemange, and reminded you of the same appendage to a rat. Many parts ofhis body were bared from the same disease. He carried his head and taillow, and had a villanous sour look. To the eye of a casual observer, there was not one redeeming quality that would warrant his keep; tothose who knew him well, there were a thousand reasons why he should behanged. He followed his master with the greatest precision andexactitude, walking aft as he walked aft, and walking forward with thesame regular motion, turning when his master turned, and moreover, turning in the same direction; and, like his master, he appeared to benot a little nipped with the cold, and, as well as he, in a state ofprofound meditation. The name of this uncouth animal was veryappropriate to his appearance, and to his temper. It was Snarleyyow. 

At last, Mr Vanslyperken gave vent to his pent-up feelings. "I can't, Iwon't stand this any longer, " muttered the lieutenant, as he took hissix strides forward. At this first sound of his master's voice the dogpricked up the remnants of his ears, and they both turned aft. "She hasbeen now fooling me for six years;" and as he concluded this sentence, Mr Vanslyperken and Snarleyyow had reached the taffrail, and the dograised his tail to the half cock. 

They turned, and Mr Vanslyperken paused a moment or two, and compressedhis thin lips--the dog did the same. "I will have an answer, by allthat's blue!" was the ejaculation of the next six strides. Thelieutenant 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 yethad his breakfast. 

The lieutenant leant over the hatchway, took his batteredspeaking-trumpet from under his arm, and putting it to his mouth, thedeck reverberated with, "Pass the word for Smallbones forward. " The dogput himself in a baying attitude, with his forefeet on the coamings ofthe hatchway, and enforced his master's orders with a deep-toned andmeasured bow, wow, wow. 

Smallbones soon made his appearance, rising from the hatchway like aghost; a thin, shambling personage, apparently about twenty years old--apale, cadaverous face, high cheek-bones, goggle eyes, with lank hairvery thinly sown upon a head, which, like bad soil, would return but ascanty harvest. He looked like Famine's eldest son just arriving toyears of discretion. His long lanky legs were pulled so far through histrousers, that his bare feet, and half way up to his knees, were exposedto the chilling blast. The sleeves of his jacket were so short, thatfour inches of bone above his wrist were bared to view--hat he hadnone--his ears were very large, and the rims of them red with cold, andhis neck was so immeasurably long and thin, that his head appeared totopple for want of support. When he had come on deck, he stood with onehand raised to his forehead, touching his hair instead of his hat, andthe other occupied with a half-roasted red-herring. "Yes, sir, " saidSmallbones, standing before his master. 

"Be quick!"--commenced the lieutenant; but here his attention wasdirected to the red-herring by Snarleyyow, who raised his head andsnuffed at its fumes. Among other disqualifications of the animal, be itobserved, that he had no nose except for a red-herring, or a post by theway side. Mr Vanslyperken discontinued his orders, took his hand out ofhis great coat pocket, wiped the drop from off his nose, and then roaredout, "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 goto 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 andregulations of the service. Now, sir, hear me--"

"O Lord, sir! let me off this time, it's only a _soldier_, " repliedSmallbones, deprecatingly; but Snarleyyow's appetite had been very muchsharpened 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 theherring, had not Smallbones bolted after him and overtaken him just ashe had laid it down on the deck preparatory to commencing his meal. Afight ensued; Smallbones received a severe bite in the leg, whichinduced him to seize a handspike, and make a blow with it at the dog'shead, which, if it had been well aimed, would have probably put an endto all further pilfering. As it was, the handspike descended upon one ofthe dog's fore toes, and Snarleyyow retreated, yelling, to the otherside of the forecastle, and as soon as he was out of reach, like allcurs, bayed in defiance. 

Smallbones picked up the herring, pulled up his trousers to examine thebite, poured down an anathema upon the dog, which was, "May you bestarved, as I am, you beast!" and then turned round to go aft, when hestruck against the spare form of Mr Vanslyperken, who, with his hands inhis 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, indefiance of all the rules of the service, you have brought on hisMajesty'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 onlyone 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 mybreakfast is ready. "

Smallbones obeyed immediately, too glad to escape so easily. 

"Snarleyyow, " said his master, looking at the dog, who remained on theother 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 anticipatedbreakfast, was contumacious, and would not come. He stood at the otherside of the forecastle, while his master apostrophised him, looking himin the face. Then, after a pause of indecision, he gave a howling sortof bark, trotted away to the main hatchway, and disappeared below. MrVanslyperken returned to the quarter-deck, and turned, and turnedas before. 

Chapter II

Showing what became of the red-herring. 

Smallbones soon made his re-appearance, informing Mr Vanslyperken thathis breakfast was ready for him, and Mr Vanslyperken, feeling himselfquite ready for his breakfast, went down below. A minute after he haddisappeared, another man came up to relieve the one at the wheel, who, as soon as he had surrendered up the spokes, commenced warming himselfafter the most approved method, by flapping his arms round his body. 

"The skipper's out o' sorts again this morning, " said Obadiah, after atime. "I heard him muttering about the woman at the Lust Haus. "

"Then, by Got, we will have de breeze, " replied Jansen, who was a Dutchseaman of huge proportions, rendered still more preposterous by themultiplicity of his nether clothing. 

"Yes, as sure as Mother Carey's chickens raise the gale, so does thename of the Frau Vandersloosh. I'll be down and get my breakfast, theremay 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 sametime?--not possible. "

"That's no consarn o' mine. Those are the orders, and I passes them--youmust get over the unpossibility how you can. " So saying, Obadiah Coblewalked below. 

We must do the same, and introduce the reader to the cabin of LieutenantVanslyperken, which was not very splendid in its furniture. One smalltable, one chair, a mattress in a standing bed-place, with curtains madeof bunting, an open cupboard, containing three plates, one tea-cup andsaucer, two drinking glasses, and two knives. More was not required, asMr Vanslyperken never indulged in company. There was another cupboard, but it was carefully locked. On the table before the lieutenant was awhite wash-hand basin, nearly half full of burgoo, a composition ofboiled oatmeal and water, very wholesome, and very hot. It was theallowance, from the ship's coppers, of Mr Vanslyperken and his servantSmallbones. Mr Vanslyperken was busy stirring it about to cool it alittle, with a leaden spoon. Snarleyyow sat close to him, waiting forhis 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 methe 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 itafter the dog had had it in his nasty mouth; and so, sir--if youplease, 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 youaware that you have committed a theft--and are you aware of thepunishment 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 formercy. 

"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 hisknees, flew at him, and threw him on his back, growling over him, andoccasionally looking at his master. 

"Come here, Snarleyyow, " said Mr Vanslyperken. "Come here, sir, and liedown. " 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 wasto suffer, from indignation against the dog: with flashing eyes, andwhimpering with rage, he cried out, as the tears fell, and his armsswung 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 atonce, 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--Idon't mind being hung--that I don't--starved to death, bitten to deathin 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 afull meal"

"A full meal, you rascal! there's no filling a thing like you--hollowfrom top to bottom, like a bamboo. "

"And what I does get, " continued Smallbones, with energy, "I pays dearfor; that ere dog flies at me, if I takes a bit o' biscuit. I never hasa bite without getting a bite, and it's all my own allowance. "

"A proof of his fidelity, and an example to you, you wretch, " repliedthe lieutenant, fondly patting the dog on the head. 

"Well, I wish you'd discharge me--or hang me, I don't care which. Youeats so hearty, and the dog eats so hearty, that I gets nothing. We areonly victualled for two. "

"You insolent fellow! recollect the thief's cat. "

"It's very hard, " continued Smallbones, unmindful of the threat, "thatthat ere beast is to eat my allowance, and be allowed to half eatme 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 yourbreakfast soon, " continued his master, eating the burgoo between hisaddresses to the animal. "Yes, Snarleyyow, you have done wrong thismorning--you ought to have no breakfast. " Snarleyyow growled. "We areonly 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 dogtumbled down his throat most rapidly. "Nay, my dog, not so fast; youmust leave some for Smallbones, he will require some breakfast beforehis punishment. There, that will do;" and Mr Vanslyperken wished toremove the basin with a little of the burgoo remaining in it. Snarleyyowgrowled, would have snapped at his master, but Mr Vanslyperken shovedhim away with the bell mouth of his speaking-trumpet, and recovering aportion 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 theladder, Snarleyyow turned back, leaped on the chair, from the chair tothe table, and then finished the whole of the breakfast appropriated forSmallbones. 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 forepeak of the vessel, and Mr Vanslyperken and his dog to walk thequarter-deck, while we make our readers a little better acquainted withthe times in which the scenes passed which we are now describing, aswell as with the history of Mr Vanslyperken. 

The date in our first chapter, that of the year 1699, will, if theyrefer back to history, show them that William of Nassau had been a fewyears on the English throne, and that peace had just been concludedbetween England with its allies and France. The king occasionally passedhis time in Holland, among his Dutch countrymen, and the English andDutch fleets, which but a few years before were engaging with such anobstinacy of courage, had lately sailed together, and turned their gunsagainst the French. William, like all those continental princes who havebeen called to the English throne, showed much favour to his owncountrymen, and England was overrun with Dutch favourites, Dutchcourtiers, and peers of Dutch extraction. He would not even part withhis Dutch guards, and was at issue with the Commons of England on thatvery account. But the war was now over, and most of the English andDutch navy lay dismantled in port, a few small vessels only being incommission to intercept the smuggling from France that was carrying on, much to the detriment of English manufacture, of certain articles thendenominated alamodes and lutestrings. The cutter we have described wason this service, and was named the _Yungfrau_, although built inEngland, and forming a part of the English naval force. 

It may readily be supposed that Dutch interest, during this period, wasin the ascendant. Such was the case: and the Dutch officers and seamenwho could not be employed in their own marine were appointed in theEnglish vessels, to the prejudice of our own countrymen. Mr Vanslyperkenwas of Dutch extraction, but born in England long before the Prince ofOrange had ever dreamt of being called to the English throne. He was anear relation of King William's own nurse, and even in these days, thatwould cause powerful interest. Previous to the revolution he had beenlaid on the shelf for cowardice in one of the engagements between theDutch and the English, he being then a lieutenant on board of atwo-decked ship, and of long standing in the service; but before he hadbeen 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 wassufficient for his again obtaining the command of a small vessel. Inthose days, the service was very different from what it is now. Thecommanders of vessels were also the pursers, and could save a great dealof money by defrauding the crew; and further, the discipline of theservice was such as would astonish the modern philanthropist; there wasno appeal for subordinates, and tyranny and oppression, even amountingto the destruction of life, were practised with impunity. Smollett hasgiven his readers some idea of the state of the service a few yearsafter the time of which we are now writing, when it was infinitelyworse, for the system of the Dutch, notorious for their cruelty, hadbeen grafted upon that of the English: the consequence was, acombination of all that was revolting to humanity was practised withoutany notice being taken of it by the superior powers, provided that thecommanders of the vessels did their duty when called upon, and showedthe necessary talent and courage. 

Lieutenant Vanslyperken's character may be summed up in the three vicesof avarice, cowardice, and cruelty. A miser in the extreme, he had savedup much money by his having had the command of a vessel for so manyyears, during which he had defrauded and pilfered both from the men andthe government. Friends and connections he had none on this side of thewater, 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-fiveyears of age. Since he had been appointed to the _Yungfrau_, he had beenemployed in carrying despatches to the States-General from King William, and had, during his repeated visits to the Hague, made acquaintance withthe widow Vandersloosh, who kept a Lust Haus[1], a place of resort forsailors, where they drank and danced. Discovering that the comfortablyfat landlady was also very comfortably rich, Mr Vanslyperken had madeadvances, with the hope of obtaining her hand and handling her money. The widow had, however, no idea of accepting the offer, but was too wiseto give him a decided refusal, as she knew it would be attended with hispreventing the crew of the cutter from frequenting her house, and, thereby, losing much custom. Thus did she, at every return, receive himkindly and give him hopes, but nothing more. Since the peace, as webefore observed, the cutter had been ordered for the prevention ofsmuggling. 

[Footnote 1: Pleasure House. ]

When and how Mr Vanslyperken had picked up his favourite Snarleyyowcannot be discovered, and must remain a secret. The men said that thedog had appeared on the deck of the cutter in a supernatural way, andmost 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 astate of mutiny, and a forcible entry attempted at night into thelieutenant's cabin. It is therefore not unreasonable to suppose thatVanslyperken felt that a good watch-dog might be a very useful appendageto his establishment, and had procured one accordingly. All theaffection he ever showed to anything living was certainly concentratedon this one animal, and, next to his money, Snarleyyow had possession ofhis master's heart. 

Poor Smallbones, cast on the world without father or mother, had becomestarved before he was on board the cutter, and had been starved eversince. As the reader will perceive, his allowance was mostly eaten up bythe dog, and he was left to beg a precarious support from the good-willand charity of his shipmates, all of whom were equally disgusted withthe commander's cruelty and the ungainly temper of his brute companion. 

Having entered into this retrospect for the benefit of the reader, wewill now proceed. 

Mr Vanslyperken walked the deck for nearly a quarter of an hour withoutspeaking: the men had finished their breakfasts, and were lounging aboutthe deck, for there was nothing for them to do, except to look out forthe 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, tothe magnitude of the offence. While discussing these two importantmatters, one of the men reported the boats ahead, and broke up thecommander'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 tobe hove-to. 

"I tink de men have pull enough all night, " said Jansen, who had justbeen relieved at the wheel, to Obadiah Coble, who was standing by him onthe 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 usDutchmen here when you Englishmen wouldn't fight. "

"Mind what you say, old twenty breeches--wouldn't fight--when wouldn'twe fight?"

"Here, where we were now, by Got, you leave us all in the lurch, and notcome down. "

"Why, we couldn't come down. "

"Bah!" replied Jansen, who referred to the defeat of the combined Dutchand English fleet by the French off Beachy Head in 1690. 

"We wouldn't fight, heh?" exclaimed Obadiah in scorn, "what do you sayto the Hogue?"

"Yes, den you fought well--dat was good. "

"And shall I tell you why we fought well at the Hogue--you Dutchporpoise--just because we had no Dutchmen to help us. "

"And shall I tell you why the Dutch were beat off this Head?--becausethe English wouldn't come down to help us. "

Here Obadiah put his tongue into his right cheek. Jansen in return threwhis into his left, and thus the argument was finished. These disputeswere 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 beenhove-to, every stroke of their oars having been accompanied with anautical anathema from the crews upon the head of their commander. Thesteersman and first officer, who had charge of the boats, came over thegangway and went up to Vanslyperken. He was a thickset, stout man, aboutfive feet four inches high, and, wrapped up in Flushing garments, lookedvery much like a bear in shape as well as in skin. His name was DickShort, and in every respect he answered to his name, for he was short instature, short in speech, and short in decision and action. 

Now when Short came up to the lieutenant, he did not consider it at allnecessary to say as usual, "Come on board, sir, " for it was self-evidentthat he had come on board. He therefore said nothing. So abrupt was hein his speech, that he never even said "Sir, " when he spoke to hissuperior, which it may be imagined was very offensive to MrVanslyperken: so it was, but Mr Vanslyperken was afraid of Short, andShort 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 hisheels. 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 agreat rage. Not venturing to resent this affront upon his first officer, he was reminded of Smallbones, and immediately sent for Corporal VanSpitter 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 afew soldiers on board of the vessels of war, and the _Yungfrau_ cutterhad been supplied with a corporal and six men, all of whom werebelonging to the Dutch marine. To a person who was so unpopular as MrVanslyperken, this little force was a great protection, and bothCorporal Van Spitter and his corps were well treated by him. Thecorporal 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, hisprime minister, and an obedient executor of all his tyranny, forCorporal Van Spitter was without a shadow of feeling--on the contrary, he had pleasure in administering punishment; and if Vanslyperken hadtold him to blow any man's brains out belonging to the vessel, VanSpitter would have immediately obeyed the order without the change of amuscle in his fat, florid countenance. The corporal was an enormous man, tall, and so corpulent, that he weighed nearly twenty stone. Jansen wasthe 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 VanSpitter was seen to emerge slowly from the hatchway, which appearedbarely wide enough to admit the egress of his broad shoulders. He had aflat foraging cap on his head, which was as large as a buffalo's, andhis person was clothed in blue pantaloons, tight at the ankle, rapidlyincreasing in width as they ascended, until they diverged at the hips toan expanse which was something between the sublime and the ridiculous. The upper part of his body was cased in a blue jacket, with leadenbuttons, stamped with the rampant lion, with a little tail behind, whichwas shoved up in the air by the protuberance of the parts. Having gainedthe deck, he walked to Vanslyperken, and raised the back of his righthand to his forehead. 

"Corporal Van Spitter, get your cats up for punishment, and when you areready fetch up Smallbones. "

Whereupon, without reply, Corporal Van Spitter put his left foot behindthe heel of his right, and by this manoeuvre turned his body round likea capstern, so as to bring his face forward, and then walked off inthat direction. He soon re-appeared with all the necessary implementsof torture, laid them down on one of the lee guns, and again departed toseek out his victim. 

After a short time, a scuffle was heard below, but it was soon over, andonce more appeared the corporal with the spare, tall body of Smallbonesunder his arm. He held him, grasped by the middle part, about whereSmallbones' stomach ought to have been, and the head and heels of thepoor wretch both hung down perpendicularly, and knocked together as thecorporal 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 thefate which awaited him, and made no resistance when he was stripped byone of the marines, and stretched over the gun. The men, who were ondeck, said nothing; they looked at each other expressively as thepreparations were made. Flogging a lad like Smallbones was too usual anoccurrence to excite surprise, and to show their disgust would have beendangerous. Smallbones' back was now bared, and miserable was thespectacle; the shoulder-blades protruded, so that you might put yourhand sideways under the scapula, and every bone of the vertebræ, andevery process was clearly defined through the skin of the poor skeleton. The punishment commenced, and the lad received his three dozen without amurmur, the measured sound of the lash only being broken in upon by thebaying 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 hiscat, when Snarleyyow, whom the marine had not watched, ran up to thelad, and inflicted a severe bite. Smallbones, who appeared, at themoment, to be faint and lifeless--not having risen from his knees afterthe marine had thrown his shirt over him, roused by this new attack, appeared to spring into life and energy; he jumped up, uttered a savageyell, and to the astonishment of everybody, threw himself upon the dogas he retreated, and holding him fast with his naked arms, met theanimal with his own weapons, attacking him with a frenzied resolutionwith his teeth. Everybody started back at this unusual conflict, and noone interfered. 

Long was the struggle, and such was the savage energy of the lad, thathe bit and held on with the tenacity of a bull-dog, tearing the lips ofthe animal, his ears, and burying his face in the dog's throat, as histeeth were firmly fixed on his windpipe. The dog could not escape, forSmallbones held him like a vice. At last, the dog appeared to have theadvantage, for as they rolled over and over, he caught the lad by theside of the neck; but Smallbones recovered himself, and getting the footof Snarleyyow between his teeth, the dog threw up his head and howledfor succour. Mr Vanslyperken rushed to his assistance, and struckSmallbones a heavy blow on the head with his speaking-trumpet, whichstunned him, and he let go his hold. 

Short, who had come on deck, perceiving this, and that the dog was aboutto resume the attack, saluted Snarleyyow with a kick on his side, whichthrew him down the hatchway, which was about three yards off from wherethe 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 raisedhis head. The lad revived. He was terribly bitten about the face andneck, 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 theyreadily assisted; they washed him all over with salt water, and thesmarting from his various wounds brought him to his senses. He was thenput in his hammock. 

Vanslyperken and the corporal looked at each other during the time thatShort was giving his directions--neither interfered. The lieutenant wasafraid, and the corporal waited for orders. So soon as the men hadcarried the lad below, Corporal Van Spitter put his hand up to hisforaging cap, and with his cat and seizings under his arm, went downbelow. As for Vanslyperken, his wrath was even greater than before, andwith hands thrust even further down in his pockets than ever, and thespeaking-trumpet now battered flat with the blow which he hadadministered to Smallbones, he walked up and down, muttering every twominutes, "I'll keel-haul the scoundrel, by heavens! I'll teach him tobite my dog. "

Snarleyyow did not re-appear on deck; he had received such punishment ashe did not expect. He licked the wounds where he could get at them, andthen remained in the cabin in a sort of perturbed slumber, growlingevery 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 majorpart of the crew attended; all but the Corporal Van Spitter, who, onthese points, was known to split with the crew, and his six marines, whoformed the corporal's tail, at which they were always to be found. Theprincipal personage was not the most eloquent speaker, for it was DickShort, who was supported by Obadiah Coble, Yack Jansen, and anotherpersonage, whom we must introduce, the boatswain or boatswain's mate ofthe cutter; for although he received the title of the former, he onlyreceived the pay of the latter. This person's real name was JamesSalisbury, but for reasons which will be explained he was invariablyaddressed or spoken of as Jemmy Ducks. He was indeed a very singularvariety of human discrepancy as to form: he was handsome in face, with amanly countenance, fierce whiskers and long pigtail, which on himappeared more than unusually long, as it descended to within a foot ofthe deck. His shoulders were square, chest expanded, and, as far ashalf-way down, that is, to where the legs are inserted into the humanframe, he was a fine, well-made, handsome, well-proportioned man. Butwhat a falling off was there!--for some reason, some accident, it issupposed, in his infancy, his legs had never grown in length since hewas three years old: they were stout as well as his body, but not morethan eighteen inches from the hip to the heel; and he consequentlywaddled 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 hislegs, and you would say at a distance, "What a fine looking sailor!" butlet him get down and walk up to you, and you would find that nature hadnot finished what she had so well begun, and that you are exactly halfmistaken. This malconformation below did not, however, affect hisstrength, it rather added to it; and there were but few men in the shipwho would venture a wrestle with the boatswain, who was veryappropriately distinguished by the cognomen of Jemmy Ducks. Jemmy was asensible, merry fellow, and a good seaman: you could not affront him byany jokes on his figure, for he would joke with you. He was indeed thefiddle of the ship's company, and he always played the fiddle to themwhen they danced, on which instrument he was no mean performer; and, moreover, accompanied his voice with his instrument when he sang to themafter they were tired of dancing. We shall only observe that Jemmy was amarried man, and he had selected one of the tallest of the other sex: ofher 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 himas it did who were to those more on a level with it. The effect ofperspective is well known, and even children now have as playthings, castles, &c. , laid down on card, which, when looked at in a properdirection, appear just as correct as they do preposterous when lyingflat before you. 

Now it happened that from the level that Jemmy looked up from to hiswife's face, her inharmonious features were all in harmony, and thus didshe appear--what is very advantageous in the marriage state--perfectionto her husband, without sufficient charms in the eyes of others toinduce them to seduce her from her liege lord. Moreover, let it berecollected, that what Jemmy _wanted_ was _height_, and he had gainedwhat he required in his wife, if not in his own person: his wife waspassionately fond of him, and very jealous, which was not to be wonderedat, for, as she said, "there never was such a husband before or since. "

We must now return to the conference, observing, that all these partieswere sitting down on the deck, and that Jemmy Ducks had his fiddle inhis hand, holding it with the body downwards like a bass viol, for healways played it in that way, and that he occasionally fingered thestrings, pinching them as you do a guitar, so as to send the sound of itaft, that Mr Vanslyperken might suppose that they were all met formirth. Two or three had their eyes directed aft, that the appearance ofCorporal Van Spitter or the marines might be immediately perceived; for, although the corporal was not a figure to slide into a conferenceunperceived, 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 partin the conference. 

"That poor boy will be killed if things go on this way: the skipper willnever be content till he has driven his soul out of his body--poorcreature; 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, " observedCoble, "and I don't see why the preference should be given to a humanindividual, although the dog is the skipper's dog--now then, what d'yesay, 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 withthe 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'sdone 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 firstlike 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 touchingthe strings of his fiddle. 

The fact was, that, although every one of the sailors wished the dogwas overboard, there was not one who wished to commit the deed, not onaccount of the fear of its being discovered who was the party by MrVanslyperken, but because there was a great deal of superstition amongthem. It was considered unlucky to throw any dog or animal overboard;but the strange stories told about the way in which Snarleyyow firstmade his appearance in the vessel, added to the peculiarly diabolicaltemper 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 toVanslyperken, and that, to injure or to attempt to destroy it wouldinfallibly be followed up with terrible consequences to the party, ifnot to the vessel and all the crew. Even Short, Coble, and Jansen, whowere the boldest and leading men, although when their sympathies wereroused by the sufferings of poor Smallbones they were anxious to revengehim, had their own misgivings, and, on consideration, did not like tohave anything to do with the business. But each of them kept theirreflections to themselves, for, if they could not combat, they were tooproud to acknowledge them. 

The reader will observe that all their plans were immediately put an endto until this important question, and not a little difficult one, wasdecided--Was the dog a dog?

Now, although the story had often been told, yet, as the crew of thecutter 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 ownknowledge, the facts connected with his first appearance--there was onlytradition, and, to solve this question, to tradition they were obligedto repair. 

"Now, Bill Spurey, " said Coble, "you know more about this matter thanany one, so just spin us the yarn, and then we shall be able to talk thematter over soberly. "

"Well, " replied Bill Spurey, "you shall have it just as I got it wordfor word, as near as I can recollect. You know I wasn't in the craftwhen the thing came on board, but Joe Geary was, and it was one nightwhen we were boozing over a stiff glass at the new shop there, theOrange Boven, as they call it, at the Pint at Portsmouth--and so yousee, falling in with him, I wished to learn something about my newskipper, and what sort of a chap I should have to deal with. When Ilearnt all about _him_, I'd half-a-dozen minds to shove off again, butthen I was adrift, and so I thought better of it. It won't do to be nicein peace times you know, my lads, when all the big ships are rotting inSouthampton and Cinque Port muds. Well, then, what he told me Irecollect as well--ay, every word of it--as if he had whispered it intomy ear but this minute. It was a blustering night, with a dirtysouthwester, and the chafing of the harbour waves was thrown up infoams, which the winds swept up the street, they chasing one another asif 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, blowingterribly, with the coast under our lee, clawing off under storm canvas, and fighting with the elements for every inch of ground, a hand in thechains, for we had nothing but the lead to trust to, and the vessel soflogged by the waves, that he was lashed to the rigging, that he mightnot be washed away; all of a sudden the wind came with a blast loudenough for the last trump, and the waves roared till they were hoarserthan ever; away went the vessel's mast, although there was no morecanvas on it than a jib pocket-handkerchief, and the craft rolled andtossed in the deep troughs for all the world like a wicked man dying indespair; and then she was a wreck, with nothing to help us but GodAlmighty, fast borne down upon the sands which the waters had disturbed, and were dashing about until they themselves were weary of the load; andall the seamen cried unto the Lord, as well they might. 

"Now, they say, that _he_ did not cry as they did, like men andChristians, to Him who made them and the waters which surrounded andthreatened them; for Death was then in all his glory, and the foamingcrests of the waves were as plumes of feathers to his skeleton headbeneath them; but he cried like a child--and swore terribly as well ascried--talking about his money, his dear money, and not caring about hismore precious soul. 

"And the cutter was borne down, every wave pushing her with giant forcenearer and nearer to destruction, when the man at the chains shriekedout--'Mark three, and the Lord have mercy on our souls!" and all thecrew, when they heard this, cried out--'Lord, save us, or we perish. 'But still they thought that their time was come, for the breaking waveswere under their lee, and the yellow waters told them that, in a fewminutes, the vessel, and all who were on board, would be shivered infragments; and some wept and some prayed as they clung to the bulwarksof the unguided vessel, and others in a few minutes thought over theirwhole life, and waited for death in silence. But _he_, he did all; hecried, and he prayed, and he swore, and he was silent, and at last hebecame furious and frantic; and when the men said again and again, 'TheLord 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 aflash of lightning, that appeared to strike the vessel, but it harmedher not, neither did any thunder follow the flash; but a ball of blueflame pitched upon the knight heads, and then came bounding and dancingaft to the taffrail, where _he_ stood alone, for the men had left him toblaspheme by himself. Some say he was heard to speak, as if inconversation, but no one knows what passed. Be it as it may, on a suddenhe walked forward as brave as could be, and was followed by thiscreature, 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 hadbarked the wind appeared to lull--he barked again twice, and there was adead 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 minuteor two, and then, to the astonishment and fear of all, instead of thevessel 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 beamwith a clear sky and smooth water. "

The seaman finished his legend, and there was a dead silence for aminute or two, broken first by Jansen, who in a low voice said, "Then tetog is not a tog. "

"No, " replied Coble, "an imp sent by the devil to his follower indistress. "

"Yes, " said Short. 

"Well, but, " said Jemmy Ducks, who for some time had left off touchingthe strings of his fiddle, "it would be the work of a good Christian tokill 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 anyChristian brute with such a damnable name?"

"Well, what's to be done?"

"Why, " replied Jemmy Ducks, "at all events, imp o' Satan or not, thatere 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, " continuedJemmy 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 youmay 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 hishammock, " rejoined Jemmy Ducks. 

A little more conversation took place, and then it was carriedunanimously that Smallbones should destroy the animal, if it waspossible to destroy it. 

The only party who was not consulted was Smallbones himself, who layfast asleep in his hammock. The consultation then broke up, and they allwent below. 

Chapter VI

In which, as often happens at sea when signals are not made out, friendsexchange broadsides. 

Notwithstanding all the precautions of the party on the forecastle, thisconsultation had been heard by no less a person than the huge CorporalVan Spitter, who had an idea that there was some mystery going onforward, and had contrived to crawl up under the bulwark, and throwhimself down on the forestaysail, which lay between two of the guns. Having so done without being perceived, for it was at the very momentthat the party were all listening to Bill Spurey's legend of the dog'sfirst appearance on board, he threw a part of the sail over his fatcarcass, and thus remained undiscovered during the remainder of thecolloquy. He heard them all descending below, and remained still quiet, till he imagined that the forecastle was clear. In the meantime MrVanslyperken, who had been walking the deck abaft, unaccompanied by hisfaithful attendant (for Snarleyyow remained coiled up on his master'sbed), was meditating deeply how to gratify the two most powerfulpassions in our nature, love and revenge: at one moment thinking of thefat fair Vandersloosh, and of hauling in her guilders, at anotherreverting to the starved Smallbones and the comfort of a keel-hauling. The long conference on the forecastle had not been unperceived by thehawk's eye of the lieutenant, and as they descended, he walked forwardto ascertain if he could not pick up some straggler who, unsupported byhis comrades, might be induced by fear to acquaint him with the subjectof the discussion. Now, just as Mr Vanslyperken came forward CorporalVan Spitter had removed the canvas from his body, and was about to risefrom his bed, when he perceived somebody coming forward. Not making itout to be the lieutenant, he immediately dropped down again and drew thecanvas over him. Mr Vanslyperken perceived this manoeuvre, and thoughthe had now caught one of the conspirators, and, moreover, one who showedsuch fear as to warrant the supposition that he should be able toextract from him the results of the night's unusually long conference. 

Mr Vanslyperken walked up to where the corporal lay as quiet, but notquite so small, as a mouse. It occurred to Mr Vanslyperken that a littletaste of punishment _in esse_ would very much assist the threats of whatmight be received _in posse_; so he laid aside his speaking-trumpet, looked round, picked up a handspike, and raising it above his head, downit came, with all the force of the lieutenant's arm, upon Corporal VanSpitter, whose carcass resounded like a huge kettle-drum. 

"Tunder and flame, " roared the corporal under the canvas, thinking thatone of the seamen, having discovered him eavesdropping, had thus wreakedhis revenge, taking advantage of his being covered up, and pretendingnot to know him. "Tunder and flame!" roared the corporal, muffled up inthe canvas, and trying to extricate himself; but his voice was notrecognised by the lieutenant, and, before he could get clear of hisenvelope, 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, andprecipitated his senior officer and commander headlong down thefore-hatchway. 

Vanslyperken fell with great force, was stunned, and lay without motionat the foot of the ladder, while the corporal, whose wrath was alwaysexcessive when his blood was up, but whose phlegmatic blood could not beraised without some such decided stimulus as a handspike, now turnedround and round the forecastle, like a bull looking for his assailants;but the corporal had the forecastle all to himself, and, as hegradually cooled down, he saw lying close to him the speaking-trumpet ofhis senior officer. 

"Tousand tyfels, " murmured Corporal Van Spitter, "but it must have beenthe skipper. Got for damn, dis is hanging matter!" Corporal Van Spitterwas as cool as a cucumber as soon as he observed what a mistake he hadmade; in fact, he quivered and trembled in his fat. "But then, " thoughthe, "perhaps he did not know me--no, he could not, or he never wouldhave 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 ofSnarleyyow, he went in, and then ascended to the quarter-deck, lookedround him, and inquired of the man at the wheel where Mr Vanslyperkenmight be. The man replied that he had gone forward a few minutes before, and thither the corporal proceeded. Of course, not finding him, hereturned, telling the man that the skipper was not in the cabin or theforecastle, and wondering where he could be. He then descended to thenext 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 decabin, --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 lightingwith his feet on the deck in his shirt. 

While Short was dressing himself, the corporal summoned up all hismarines; and the noise occasioned by this turn out, and the conversationoverheard by those who were awake, soon gave the crew of the cutter tounderstand that some accident had happened to their commander. EvenSmallbones had it whispered in his ear that Mr Vanslyperken had fallenoverboard, and he smiled as he lay in the dark, smarting with hiswounds, muttering to himself that Snarleyyow should soon follow hismaster. By the time that Short was on the quarter-deck, Corporal VanSpitter, who knew very well where to look for it, had, very much to thedisappointment of the crew, found the body of Mr Vanslyperken, and themarines had brought it aft to the cabin, and would have laid it on thebed, 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 turninginto 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 hismaster. "

So the marines lifted up the still insensible Mr Vanslyperken, andalmost tossed him into his standing bed-place, right on the body of thesnarling dog, who, as soon as he could disengage himself from theweight, revenged himself by making his teeth meet more than once throughthe 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, lookingafter Snarleyyow in his retreat. 

Now, there was no medical assistance on board so small a vessel. MrVanslyperken, was allowed a small quantity of medicine, unguents, &c. , but these he always sold to an apothecary, as soon as he had procuredthem from the authorities. The teeth of the dog had, however, theireffect, 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 thenhave been stung with remorse at his ingratitude to so kind a master! Buthe apparently showed none, at least, report does not say that anysymptoms were manifest. 

After a little burnt oakum had excoriated his nose, and a certainquantity of the cold salt-water from alongside had wetted through hisbedclothes, Mr Vanslyperken was completely recovered, and was able tospeak and look about him. Corporal Van Spitter trembled a little as hiscommandant fixed his eyes upon him, and he redoubled his attention. 

"Mein Got, Mynheer Vanslyperken, how was this happen?" exclaimed thecorporal in a pathetic tone. Whereupon Mr Vanslyperken ordered every oneto leave the cabin but Corporal Van Spitter. 

Mr Vanslyperken then communicated to the corporal that he had beenknocked down the hatchway by one of the men when he went forward; thathe could not distinguish who it was, but thought that it must have beenJansen from his size. Corporal Van Spitter, delighted to find that hisskipper was on a wrong scent, expressed his opinion in corroboration ofthe lieutenant's: after which a long consultation took place relative tomutiny, disaffection, and the proper measures to be taken. Vanslyperkenmentioned the consultation of the men during the first watch, and thecorporal, to win his favour, was very glad to be able to communicate theparticulars of what he had overheard, stating that he had concealedhimself for that purpose. 

"And where did you conceal yourself?" said Vanslyperken with a keeninquiring look: for it immediately occurred to him that, unless it wasunder the sail, there could be no concealment for such a huge body asthat of the corporal; and he had his misgivings. But the corporal veryadroitly observed, that he stood at the lower step of the fore-ladder, with his head level with the coamings; and had, by this means, overheardthe conversation unperceived, and had only walked away when the partybroke up. This restored the confidence of Mr Vanslyperken, and a longdiscussion took place, in which it was agreed between them, that theonly way to prevent Snarleyyow from being destroyed, was to try somemeans to make away quietly with poor Smallbones. But this part of theconversation was not carried to any length: for Mr Vanslyperken, indignant at having received such injury in his face from his ungratefulcur, did not, at that moment, feel the current of his affection run sostrong as usual in that direction. After this, the corporal touched hishat, swung round to the right about in military style, and leftthe 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 MrVanslyperken recovered of his wounds and accident, and meditated how heshould make away with Smallbones. The latter also recovered of hisbites, and meditated how he should make away with Snarleyyow. Smallboneshad returned to his avocations, and Vanslyperken, intending mischief, treated him more kindly, as a blind. Snarleyyow also, not forgetting hisdefeat on the quarter-deck, did not renew his attacks, even when thepoor lad helped himself to biscuit. 

The _Yungfrau_ anchored in the Downs, and Mr Vanslyperken receiveddespatches for the Hague; King William having written some letters tohis friends, and sent over to them a little English money, which he knewwould be acceptable; for continental kings on the English throne havenever appeared to have a clear sense of the honour conferred upon them. England, in their ideas, has always been a _parvenue_ kingdom; hernobles not able to trace farther back than the Conquest; while, in theircountry, the lowest baron will prove his sixteen quarters, and hisdescent from the darkest ages. But, nevertheless, upon the sameprinciple that the poor aristocracy will condescend to unite themselvesoccasionally to city wealth, so have these potentates condescended toreign over us. 

Mr Vanslyperken received his despatches, and made the best of his way toAmsterdam, where he anchored, delivered his credentials, and therewaited 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 Spitterpushing to and fro with the dog-trot of an elephant; and even Snarleyyowappears to be unusually often up and down the hatchway. What can it allbe about? Oh! Mr Vanslyperken is going on shore to pay his respects, andcontinue his addresses, to the widow Vandersloosh. His boat is mannedalongside, and he now appears on the cutter's quarter-deck. 

Is it possible that this can be Mr Vanslyperken? Heavens, how gay! Anuniform certainly does wonders with some people: that is to say, thosewho do not look well in plain clothes are invariably improved by it;while those, who look most like gentlemen in plain clothes, lose in thesame proportion. At all events Mr Vanslyperken is wonderfully improved. 

He has a loose pair of blue pantaloons, with boots rising above hisknees pulled over them: his lower parts remind you of Charles theTwelfth. He has a long scarlet waiscoat, with large gilt buttons andflap pockets, and his uniform coat over all, of blue turned up with red, has a very commanding appearance. To a broad black belt over hisshoulder hangs his cutlass, the sheath of which is mounted with silver, and the hilt of ivory and gold threads; and, above all, his small headis almost dignified by being surmounted with a three-cornered turned-upand gold-banded cocked hat, with one corner of the triangle in frontparallel with his sharp nose. Surely the widow must strike her coloursto scarlet, and blue, and gold. But although women are said, likemackerel, to take such baits, still widows are not fond of a man who isas thin as a herring: they are too knowing, they prefer stamina, andwill not be persuaded to take the shadow for the substance. 

Mr Vanslyperken was, nevertheless, very well pleased with himself, whichwas something, but still not quite enough on the present occasion, andhe strutted the deck with great complacency, gave his final orders toDick Short, who, as usual, gave a short answer; also to Corporal VanSpitter, who, as usual, received them with all military honour; and, lastly, to Smallbones, who received them with all humility. Thelieutenant was about to step into the boat, when a doubt arose, and hestopped in his advance, perplexed. It was one of no smallimportance--was Snarleyyow to accompany him or not? That was the knottyquestion, and it really was a case which required some deliberation. Ifhe left him on board after the conspiracy which had been formed againsthim, the dog would probably be overboard before he returned; that is, ifSmallbones were also left on board; for Mr Vanslyperken knew that it hadbeen decided that Smallbones alone could and should destroy the dog. Hecould not, therefore, leave the dog on board with safety; and, as fortaking him on shore with him, in that there was much danger, for thewidow Vandersloosh had set her face against the dog. No wonder: he hadbehaved in her parlour as bad as the dog Crab in the Two Gentlemen ofVerona; and the Frau was a very clean person, and had no fancy for dogscomparing their legs with those of her polished mahogany chairs andtables. If Mr Vanslyperken's suit was to be decided according to the oldadage, "love me, love my dog, " he certainly had but a poor chance; forthe widow detested the cur, and had insisted that it should never bebrought into her house. Take the dog on shore, therefore, he could not;but, thought Mr Vanslyperken, I can take Smallbones on shore, that willdo as well. I have some biscuit to dispose of, and he shall go with itand wait till I come off again. Smallbones was, therefore, ordered toput on his hat and step into the boat with two half bags of biscuit tocarry up to the widow's house, for she did a little business with MrVanslyperken, as well as allowing him to make love to her; and was neverso sweet or so gracious, as when closing a bargain. So Mr Vanslyperkenwaited for Smallbones, who was soon ready, for his best consisted onlyin a pair of shoes to his usually naked feet, and a hat for hisgenerally uncovered head. And Mr Vanslyperken, and Smallbones, and thebiscuit, were in the boat, when Snarleyyow intimated his intention tojoin the party; but this was refused, and the boat shoved offwithout 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 hewent down, put on his best, and ordered the other boat to be manned, andleaving Obadiah Coble on board as the next officer, he took with himJansen, Jemmy Ducks, and four or five others, to have a cruise. Now, asSnarleyyow had this time made up his mind that he would go on shore, andShort was willing to indulge him, for he knew that Smallbones, if hefell in with him, would do his best to launch him into one of thecanals, so convenient in every street, the cur was permitted to get intothe 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 leavethem for the present, and return to our friend, Mr Vanslyperken. 

Chapter VIII

In which the Widow lays a trap for Mr Vanslyperken, and Smallbones laysa trap for Snarleyyow, and both bag their game. 

The widow Vandersloosh, as we have informed the reader, was the owner ofa Lust Haus, or pleasure-house for sailors: we will describe thatportion of her tenements more particularly by-and-bye: at present, wemust advert to her own private house, which stood adjoining, and had acommunication with the Lust Haus by a private door through the partywall. This was a very small, snug little habitation, with one window ineach front, and two stories high; containing a front parlour and kitchenon the basement, two small rooms on the first, and two on the secondfloor. Nothing could be better arranged for a widow's residence. Moreover, she had a back-yard running the whole length of the wall ofthe Lust Haus in the rear, with convenient offices, and a back-door intothe street behind. 

Mr Vanslyperken had arrived, paid his humble devoirs to the widow, morehumble, because he was evidently pleased with his own person, and hadbeen followed by Smallbones, who laid the biscuit by the scraper at thedoor, watching it as in duty bound. The lieutenant imagined that he wasmore graciously received than usual. Perhaps he was, for the widow hadnot had so much custom lately, and was glad the crew of the cutter werearrived to spend their money. Already had Vanslyperken removed his swordand belt, and laid them with his three-cornered laced hat on theside-table; he was already cosily, as of wont, seated upon the widow'slittle fubsy sofa, with the lady by his side, and he had just taken herhand and was about to renew his suit, to pour forth the impromptueffusions 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 intomy house?" cried the widow, jumping up from the sofa, with herfull-moon-face red with anger. 

"Indeed, widow, " replied Vanslyperken, "I left him on board, knowingthat you were not fond of animals; but some one has brought him onshore. However, I'll find out who it was, and keel-haul him in honour ofyour charms. "

"I am fond of animals, Mr Vanslyperken, but I am not fond of suchanimals as that--such a filthy, ugly, disagreeable, snarling brute; norcan I think how you can keep him after what I have said about it. Itdon't prove much regard, Mr Vanslyperken, when such a dog as that iskept on purpose to annoy me. "

"I assure you, widow--"

"Don't assure me, Mr Vanslyperken, there's no occasion--your dog is yourown--but I'll thank you to take him out of this house; and, perhaps, ashe won't go without you, you had better go with him. "

Now the widow had never spoken so indignantly before: if the readerwishes to know why she did so now, we will acquaint him; the widowVandersloosh had perceived Smallbones, who sat like Patience on amonument, upon the two half bags of biscuit before her porch. It was aquery to the widow whether they were to be a present, or an article tobe 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 thesuccess which it deserved. In the first place, Mr Vanslyperken did whathe never would have believed himself capable of, but the wrath of thewidow had worked him also up to wrath, and he saluted Snarleyyow withsuch 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 partof the dog, which the lieutenant's high boots rendered harmless, Snarleyyow was fairly or unfairly, as you may please to think it, kickedinto an outhouse, the door shut, and the key turned upon him. Afterwhich Mr Vanslyperken returned to the parlour, where he found the widow, erect, with her back turned to the stove, blowing and bristling, herbosom heaving, reminding you of seas mountains high, as if she werestill under the effect of a just resentment for the affront offered toher. There she stood waiting in all dignity for Mr Vanslyperken torepair the injury done, whether unintentional or not. In few words, there she waited, for the _biscuit_ to be presented to her. And it waspresented, for Vanslyperken knew no other way of appeasing her wrath. Gradually the storm was allayed--the flush of anger disappeared, thecorners of the scornfully-turned-down mouth, were turned upagain--Cupid's bow was no longer bent in anger, and the widow's bosomslept as when the ocean sleeps, like "an unweaned child. " The biscuitbags were brought in by Smallbones, their contents stored, and harmonyrestored. Once more was Mr Vanslyperken upon the little sofa by the sideof the fat widow, and once more did he take her melting hand. Alas! thather 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 occupyourselves with the two principal personages of this our drama, Smallbones and Snarleyyow. 

When Smallbones had retired, with the empty bread-bags under his arm, heremained some time reflecting at the porch, and then having apparentlymade up his mind, he walked to a chandler's shop just over the bridge ofthe canal opposite, and purchased a needle, some strong twine, and ared-herring. He also procured, "without purchase, " as they say in ourWar 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 lethimself in. Little did Mr Vanslyperken imagine what mischief wasbrewing, while he was praising and drinking the beer of the widow'sown brewing. 

Smallbones had no difficulty in finding out where Snarleyyow wasconfined, 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, therewas a small hatch for the ingress and egress of these bipeds, theoriginal invention of some thrifty spinster, to prevent the maids fromstealing eggs. But this hatch was closed, or Snarleyyow would haveescaped 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 onthe other to make it longer; he then ran a string through the mouth, soas to draw it close when necessary, and cut his sticks so as to supportit and keep it open. All this being arranged, he went to whereSnarleyyow was busy gnawing wood with great pertinacity, and allowed himnot only to smell, but to tear off the tail of the red-herring, underthe door; and then gradually drew the herring along until he had broughtit right under the hatch in the middle, which left it at the precisedistance that the dog could snuff it but not reach it, which Snarleyyownow did, in preference to gnawing wood. When you lay a trap, muchdepends upon the bait; Smallbones knew his enemy's partiality forsavoury 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. Withthe string in one hand, he lifted up the hatch with the other. Snarleyyow rushed out and rushed in, and in a moment the strings weredrawn, 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 theright and now to the left, while Smallbones grinned with delight. Afteramusing himself a short time with the evolutions of his prisoner, hedragged 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 anysuspicion on the part of Mr Vanslyperken; and to effect this, Smallbonestore off the hatch, and broke it in two or three pieces, bit parts of itwith his own teeth, and laid them down before the door, making it appearas if the dog had gnawed his own way out. The reason for allowing thedog still to remain in prison, was that Smallbones dared not attemptanything further until it was dark, and there was yet an hour or more towait for the close of the day. 

Smallbones had but just finished his work in time; for the widow havingbeen summoned to her guests in the Lust Haus, had left Vanslyperkenalone, and the lieutenant thought this a good opportunity to look afterhis four-footed favourite. He came out into the yard, where he foundSmallbones, 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 thedoor 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, andSmallbones trembled: fortunately, at that moment, the widow's ample formappeared at the back-door of the house, and she called to MrVanslyperken. The widow's voice drowned the whine of the dog, and hismaster did not hear it. At the summons, Vanslyperken but half convinced, but not daring to show any interest about the animal in the presence ofhis mistress, returned to the parlour, and very soon the dog wasforgotten. 

But as the orgies in the Lust Haus increased, so did it become morenecessary for the widow to make frequent visits there; not only tosupply her customers, but to restrain them by her presence; and as theevening wore away, so did the absences of the widow become morefrequent. This Vanslyperken well knew, and he therefore always pressedhis 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 heknew this to be the signal for departure. It was now quite dark, hetherefore hastened to the outhouse, and dragged out Snarleyyow in thebag, 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 intothe stagnant water below, just as Mr Vanslyperken, who had bidden adieuto the widow, came out of the house. There was a heavy splash--andsilence. Had such been heard on the shores of the Bosphorus on such anight, it would have told some tale of unhappy love and a husband'svengeance; but, at Amsterdam, it was nothing more than the drowning ofa 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? Andpray where are the bread-bags?"

"The bread-bags, sir? Oh, Mr Short took them to tie up some vegetablesin them. "

"Mr Short! O, very well. Come along, sir, and no more throwing stonesinto the canal; why you might have killed somebody--there is a boat downthere now, I hear the people talking. " And Mr Vanslyperken hastened tohis boat, which was waiting for him; anxious to ascertain if Snarleyyow, as he fully expected, was in it. But to his grief and disappointment hewas not there, and Mr Vanslyperken sat in the stern sheets, in nopleasant humour, thinking whether it was or was not a paving-stonewhich Smallbones had thrown into the canal, and resolving that if thedog 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, anddancing. 

It may readily be supposed, that the first question asked by MrVanslyperken, on his gaining the quarter-deck, was, if Snarleyyow wereon board. He was received with the military salute of Corporal VanSpitter, for Obadiah Coble, having been left commanding officer, hadgiven himself leave, and, with a few men, had joined Dick Short and thefirst party at the Lust Haus, leaving the corporal as the next seniorofficer in charge. The answer in the negative was a great mortificationto Mr Vanslyperken, and he descended to his cabin in no very goodhumour, and summoned Smallbones. But before Smallbones was summoned, hehad time to whisper to one or two of the conspirators--"_He's gone_. " Itwas enough; in less than a minute the whisper was passed throughout thecutter. "He's gone, " was sibilated above and below, until it met theears of even Corporal Van Spitter, who had it from a marine, who had itfrom another marine, who had it from a seaman, who--but it was, however, soon traced up to Smallbones by the indefatigable corporal--whoconsidered 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 uponSmallbones, having, as he took off from his person, and replaced in hisdrawers, his unusual finery, administered an unusual quantity of kicks, as well as a severe blow on the head with his sheathed cutlass to theunfortunate lad, who repeated to himself, by way of consolation, themagic words--"_He's gone_. "

"If you please, sir, " said Corporal Van Spitter, "I've discovered fromthe 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, youvillain, where is he?"

"If you please, I did say that the dog was gone, and so he is; but Ididn'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'clockto-morrow morning, you will get all ready for keel-hauling thisscoundrel. "

"Yes, mynheer, " replied the corporal, delighted at having something todo 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 noreason why I'm to be dragged under the bottom of the cutter. "

"Yes, yes, " replied Vanslyperken, "I'll teach you to throw paving-stonesoff the wharf. Leave the cabin, sir. "

Smallbones, whose guilty conscience flew into his pallid face at themention of the paving-stones, immediately made a hasty retreat; andVanslyperken turned into his bed and dreamt of vengeance. 

We must now return to the Lust Haus, and the party on shore; and ourfirst task must be, to give the reader an idea of what a Lust Haus maybe. It is, as its name imports, a resort for pleasure and amusement; andin this respect the Dutch are certainly very much in advance of theEnglish, 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 itin a reel, the tap-room is so small; and as Jack is soon reeling afterhe is once on shore, it is a very great defect. Now, the Lust Haus is aroom as large as an assembly-room in a country-town, well lighted upwith lamps and chandeliers, well warmed with stoves, where you have roomto dance fifty reels at once, and still have plenty of accommodation atthe chairs and tables ranged round on each side. At the end of the roomis a raised chair, with a protecting railing, on which the musicians, tothe number of seven or eight, are posted, and they continue during theevening to play when requested. The people of the Lust Haus furnish wineand spirits of every description, while cakes, nuts, walnuts, oranges, &c, are supplied from the baskets of numerous young women who hand themround, and press their customers to purchase. Police officerssuperintend these resorts to remove those who are violent, and interferewith the amusements of others. On the whole, it is a very gay scene, andis resorted to by seamen of all nations, with a sprinkling of those whoare not sailors, but who like amusement, and there are plenty of femaleswho are ready to dance with them, and to share their beer or grog. Be itfurther known, that there is a great deal of decorum in a Lust Haus, particularly among the latter sex; and altogether it is infinitely morerational and less debasing, than the low pot-houses of Portsmouthor Plymouth. 

Such was the place of amusement kept by the Frau Vandersloosh, and inthis 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 beso. Some sixteen couples were dancing a quadrille to a lively tuneplayed by the band, and among the dancers were to be seen old women, andchildren of ten or twelve: for it was not considered improper to be seendancing at this humble assembly, and the neighbours frequently came in. The small tables and numerous chairs round the room were nearly allfilled, beer was foaming from the mouths of the opened bottles, andthere was the ringing of the glasses as they pledged each other. Atseveral tables were assemblages of Dutch seamen, who smoked with all thephlegm of their nation, as they gravely looked upon the dancers. Atanother were to be seen some American seamen, scrupulously neat in theirattire, and with an air _distinguee_, from the superiority of theireducation, and all of them quiet and sober. The basket-women flittedabout displaying their stores, and invited every one to purchase fruit, and particularly hard-boiled eggs, which they had brought in at thishour, when those who dined at one might be expected to be hungry. Sailors' wives were also there, and perhaps some who could not producethe 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 smalltables joined together, were to be seen the party from the _Yungfrau_:some were drinking beer, some grog, and Jemmy Ducks was perched on thetable, with his fiddle as usual held like a bass viol. He was known bythose who frequented the house by the name of the Manikin, and was auniversal 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 asong 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, andaccompanying his voice, sang as follows: all those who were presentimmediately 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 usanother dose of the stuff; and d'ye hear, a short pipe for me, and apaper o' baccy. "

The short, fat Babette, whose proportions all the exercise of waitingupon the customers could not reduce, knew quite enough English torequire no further explanation. 

"Come, Jemmy, my hearty, take your fingers off your fiddle, and hand inyour pot, " continued Coble; "and then if they are not going to dance, we'll have another song. Bill Spurey, wet your whistle, and just clearthe cobwebs out of your throat. Here's more 'baccy, Short. "

Short made no reply, but he shook out the ashes and filled his pipe. Themusic 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 flourishon 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 inknowledge; but, like a blind fiddler, he'll be led by his dogsomewhere else. "

"From vere de dog did come from, " observed Jansen. 

The band now struck up again, and played a waltz--a dance new to ourcountry, but older than the heptarchy. Jansen, with his pipe in hismouth, took one of the women by the waist, and steered round the roomabout as leisurely as a capstern heaving up. Dick Short also tookanother, made four turns, reeled up against a Dutchman who was doing itwith _sang froid_, and then suddenly left his partner and dropped intohis chair. 

"I say, Jemmy, " said Obadiah Coble, "why don't you give a girl a twistround?"

"Because I can't, Oby; my compasses arn't long enough to describe acircle. You and I are better here, old boy. I, because I've very littlelegs, and you, because you havn't a leg to stand upon. "

"Very true--not quite so young as I was forty years ago. Howsomever Imean this to be my last vessel. I shall bear up for one of the Londondock-yards as a rigger. "

"Yes, that'll do; only keep clear of the girt-lines, you're too stifffor that. "

"No, that would not exactly tell; I shall pick my own work, and that'swhere 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 bitof 'baccy. "

Short pulled out his box without saying a word. Coble took a quid, andShort thrust the box again into his pocket. 

In the meantime the waltz continued, and being a favourite dance, therewere about fifty couples going round and round the room. Such was thevariety in the dress, country, language, and appearance of the partiescollected, that you might have imagined it a masquerade. It was, however, getting late, and Frau Vandersloosh had received the intimationof the people of the police who superintend these resorts, that it wasthe time for shutting up; so that, although the widow was sorry on herown account to disperse so merry and so thirsty a party as they were nowbecoming, so soon as the waltz was ended the musicians packed up theirinstruments and departed. 

This was a signal for many, but by no means for all, to depart; formusic being over, and the house doors closed, a few who remained, provided they made no disturbance, were not interfered with by thepolice. Among those who stayed were the party from the _Yungfrau_, oneor two American, and some Prussian sailors. Having closed up together, "Come, " cried Jemmy, "now that we are quiet again, let's have anothersong; 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 hislips 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 andall. "

"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 thinkthat 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 doto bowse your jib up too tight here, " said Jemmy; "for it's ratherdangerous 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, saveJemmy 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 withtheir hands and feet, snapping their fingers at _whip_ and _snip_, andsmacking their hands at _smack_ and _crack_, while they danced round inthe most grotesque manner, to Jemmy's fiddle and voice; the chorus endedin loud laughter, for they had now proved the words of the song to betrue, 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, andwith 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 toyawn before the last song, and who had tired herself more with laughingat 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 waydown to the boat. Fortunately, not one of them fell into the canal, andin ten minutes they were all on board; they were not, however, permittedto turn into their hammocks without the important information beingimparted to them, that Snarleyyow had disappeared. 

Chapter X

In which is explained the sublime mystery of keel-hauling--Snarleyyowsaves Smallbones from being drowned, although Smallbones would havedrowned him. 

It is a dark morning; the wind is fresh from the northwest; flakes ofsnow are seen wafting here and there by the wind, the avant-couriers ofa heavy fall; the whole sky is of one murky grey, and the sun is hiddenbehind a dense bank. The deck of the cutter is wet and slippery, andDick Short has the morning watch. He is wrapt up in a Flushingpea-jacket, with thick mittens on his hands; he looks about him, and nowand then a fragment of snow whirls into his eye; he winks it out, itmelts and runs like a tear down his cheek. If it were not that it iscontrary to man-of-war custom he would warm himself with the_double-shuffle_, but such a step would be unheard of on thequarter-deck of even the cutter _Yungfrau_. 

The tarpaulin over the hatchway is pushed on one side, and the spacebetween the coamings is filled with the bull head and broad shoulders ofCorporal Van Spitter, who, at last, gains the deck; he looks round himand apparently is not much pleased with the weather. Before he proceedsto business, he examines the sleeves and front of his jacket, and havingbrushed 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 andto the left, and forward and aft--in less than a minute he goes rightround the compass. What can Corporal Van Spitter want at so early anhour? He has not come up on deck for nothing, and yet he appears to bestrangely puzzled: the fact is, by the arrangements of last night, itwas decided, that this morning, if Snarleyyow did not make hisappearance in the boat sent on shore for fresh beef for the ship'scompany, 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 oldcustoms, has fallen into disuse, must be explained to the non-nauticalreader. It is nothing more nor less than sending a poor navigator on avoyage of discovery under the bottom of the vessel, lowering him[2] downover the bows, and with ropes detaining him exactly in his positionunder the kelson, while he is drawn aft by a hauling line until he makeshis appearance at the rudder-chains, generally speaking quite out ofbreath, not at the rapidity of his motion, but because, when so longunder the water, he has expended all the breath in his body, and isinduced to take in salt water _en lieu. _ There is much merit in thisinvention; people are very apt to be content with walking the deck of aman-of-war, and complain of it as a hardship, but when once they havelearnt, by experience, the difference between being comfortable aboveboard, and the number of deprivations which they have to submit to whenunder board and overboard at the same time, they find that there areworse situations than being on the deck of a vessel--we say privationswhen under board, for they really are very important:--you are deprivedof the air to breathe, which is not borne with patience even by aphilosopher, 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 whichattached themselves, called barnacles, and as these shells were allopen-mouthed and with sharp cutting points, those who underwent thispunishment (for they were made by the ropes at each side, fastened totheir arms, to hug the kelson of the vessel) were cut and scored allover their body, as if with so many lancets, generally coming upbleeding in every part, and with their faces, especially their noses, asif they had been gnawed by the rats; but this was considered ratheradvantageous than otherwise, as the loss of blood restored the patientif he was not quite drowned, and the consequence was, that one out ofthree, it is said, have been known to recover after their submarineexcursion. The Dutch have the credit, and we will not attempt to takefrom them their undoubted right, of having invented this very agreeabledescription of punishment. They are considered a heavy, phlegmatic sortof people, but on every point in which the art of ingeniously tormentingis in request, it must be admitted that they have taken the lead of muchmore vivacious and otherwise more inventive nations. 

[Footnote 2: The author has here explained keel-hauling as practised inthose times in small _fore and aft_ vessels. In large and square-riggedvessels, the man was hauled up to one main-yard arm, and dropped intothe sea, and hauled under the bottom of the vessel to the other; butthis in small fore and aft vessels was not so easily effected, nor wasit considered sufficient punishment. ]

And now the reader will perceive why Corporal Van Spitter was in adilemma. With all the good-will in the world, with every anxiety tofulfil his duty, and to obey his superior officer, he was not a seaman, and did not know how to commence operations. He knew nothing aboutfoddering a vessel's bottom, much less how to fodder it with the carcassof one of his fellow-creatures. The corporal, as we said before, turnedround 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 andanother from the other; those would do for the side ropes, but he wanteda long one from forward and another from aft, and how to get the onefrom aft under the cutter's bottom was a puzzle; and then there was themast and the rigging in his way;--the corporal reflected--the more heconsidered the matter, the more his brain became confused; he was at anonplus, and he gave it up in despair: he stood still, took out a bluecotton handkerchief from the breast of his jacket and wiped hisforehead, for the intensity of thought had made him perspire--anythinglike reflection was very hard work for Corporal Van Spitter. 

"Tousand tyfels!" at last exclaimed the corporal, and he paused andknocked 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 moreknocking his head: but he knocked in vain; like an empty house, therewas no one within to answer the appeal. The corporal could no more: sohe returned his pocket-handkerchief to the breast of his jacket, and aheavy sigh escaped from his own breast. All the devils in hell werementally conjured and summoned to his aid, but they were, it is to bepresumed, better employed, for although the work in hand was diabolicalenough, still, Smallbones was such a poor devil, that probably he mighthave been considered as remotely allied to the fraternity. 

It may be inquired why, as this was _on service_, Corporal Van Spitterdid 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 bein vain, for he was aware that the whole crew sided with Smallbones; itwas only as a last resource that he intended to do this, and being nowat his _wit's_ end, he walked up to Dick Short, who had been watchingthe corporal's motions in silence, and accosted him. 

"If you please, Mynheer Short, Mynheer Vanslyperken give orders dat deboy 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 droppingon the lower deck. 

Corporal Van Spitter, who imagined that Mr Short was about to complywith his request after his own Harpocratic fashion, remained quietly onthe 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 upastern. 

Now as all this was apparently preparatory to the work required, thecorporal was satisfied. The men soon came up with their hammocks ontheir shoulders, which they put into the nettings, and then Jemmyproceeded to lower down the boat. As soon as it was down and hauled upalongside, Short turned round to Coble, and waving his hand towards theshore, said, "Beef. "

Coble, who perfectly understood him, put a new quid into his cheek, wentdown the side, and pulled on shore to bring off the fresh beef andvegetables for the ship's company; after which Dick Short walked thedeck 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 immediatelybacked stern foremost down the hatchway, to report to his commandant thestate of affairs on deck. Mr Vanslyperken had already risen; he hadslept but one hour during the whole night, and that one hour was sooccupied with wild and fearful dreams that he awoke from his sleepunrefreshed. He had dreamed that he was making every attempt to drownSmallbones, but without effect, for, so soon as the lad was dead he cameto life again; he thought that Smallbones' soul was incorporated in asmall animal something like a mouse, and that he had to dislodge it fromits tenement of clay; but as soon as he drove it from one part of thebody it would force its way back again into another; if he forced it outby the mouth after incredible exertions, which made him perspire atevery 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, helaboured apparently in his dream for years, but without success. Andthen the "change came o'er the spirit of his dream;" but still there wasanalogy, for he was now trying to press his suit, which was now a liquidin a vial, into the widow Vandersloosh, but in vain. He administered itagain and again, but it acted as an emetic, and she could not stomachit, and then he found himself rejected by all--the widow kicked him, Smallbones stamped upon him, even Snarleyyow flew at him and bit him; atlast, he fell with an enormous paving-stone round his neck, descendinginto a horrible abyss head foremost, and, as he increased his velocity, he awoke trembling and confused, and could sleep no more. This dream wasnot one to put Mr Vanslyperken into good humour, and two severe cuts onhis cheek with the razor as he attempted to shave, for his hand stilltrembled, had added to his discontent, when it was raised to its climaxby the entrance of Corporal Van Spitter, who made his report of themutinous conduct of the first officer. Never was Mr Vanslyperken in sucha tumult of rage; he pulled off some beaver from his hat to staunch theblood, and wiping off the remainder of the lather, for he put aside theoperation of shaving till his hand was more steady, he threw on his coatand followed the corporal on deck, looked round with a savage air, spiedout the diminutive form of Jemmy Ducks, and desired him to pipe "allhands 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 _beheel-hauled;_ but Jemmy slurred over quickly the little change made inthe order, and, although the men tittered, Mr Vanslyperken thought itbetter to say nothing. But there is an old saying, that you may bring ahorse to the pond, but you cannot make him drink. Mr Vanslyperken hadgiven the order, but no one attempted to commence the arrangements. Theonly person who showed any activity was Smallbones himself, who, notaware that he was to be punished, and hearing all hands piped forsomething or another, came shambling, all legs and wings, up thehatchway, and looked around to ascertain what was to be done. He was metby the bulky form of Corporal Van Spitter, who, thinking thatSmallbones' making his appearance in such haste was with the intentionof jumping overboard to avoid his punishment, immediately seized him bythe collar with the left hand, turned round on a pivot towards MrVanslyperken, and raising his right hand to his foraging cap, reported, "The prisoner on deck, Mynheer Vanslyperken. " This roused the lieutenantto action, for he had been walking the deck for a half minute indeep 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 theservice--the whole of the ship's company say the same. " But even theflakes of snow, which now fell thick, and whitened the blue jacket of MrVanslyperken, could not assuage his wrath--he perceived that the menwere refractory, so he summoned the six marines--who were completelyunder the control of their corporal. 

Poor Smallbones had, in the meantime, discovered what was going on, andthought 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 thewhole 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, " repliedhis master. 

"O Lord! then it is keel-hauling a'ter all; why what have I done?" criedSmallbones, as the marines divested him of his shirt, and exposed hisemaciated body to the pitiless storm. 

"Where's Snarleyyow, sir?--confess. "

"Snarleyyow--how should I know, sir? it's very hard, because your dog isnot 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 hisface. "Well, sir, do as you please, I'm sure I don't care; if I am to bekilled, be quick about it--I'm sure I sha'n't come up alive. "

Here Mr Vanslyperken remembered his dream, and the difficulty which hehad in driving Smallbones' soul out of his body, and he was fearful thateven keel-hauling would not settle Smallbones. 

By the directions of Mr Vanslyperken, the hauling ropes and othertackle were collected by the marines, for the seamen stood by, andappeared 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 ateach side-rope fastened to the lad's arms, and the corporal, as soon ashe had lifted the body of Smallbones over the larboard gunnel, haddirections to attend the bow-line, and not allow him to be dragged ontoo fast: a better selection for this purpose could not have been madethan Corporal Van Spitter. Smallbones had been laid without his clotheson the deck, now covered with snow, during the time that the lines weremaking fast to him; he remained silent, and as usual, when punished, with his eyes shut, and as Vanslyperken watched him with feelings ofhatred, he perceived an occasional smile to cross the lad's haggardfeatures. He knows where the dog is, thought Vanslyperken, and hisdesire to know what had become of Snarleyyow overcame his vengeance--headdressed the shivering Smallbones. 

"Now, sir, if you wish to escape the punishment, tell me what has becomeof the dog, for I perceive that you know. "

Smallbones grinned as his teeth chattered--he would have undergone adozen keel-haulings rather than have satisfied Vanslyperken. 

"I give you ten minutes to think of it, " continued the lieutenant; "holdall fast at present. "

The snow storm now came on so thick that it was difficult to distinguishthe length of the vessel. Smallbones' naked limbs were graduallycovered, and, before the ten minutes were expired, he was wrapped up insnow 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 goat 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 corporalraised up the light frame of the culprit, to carry it to the gunnel, tothe astonishment of Vanslyperken, of the corporal, and of Smallbones, Snarleyyow appeared on the forecastle, and made a rush at Smallbones, ashe lay in the corporal's arms, snapped at his leg, and then set up hisusual deep baying, "bow, bow, bow!"

The re-appearance of the dog created no small sensation--Vanslyperkenfelt that he had now no reason for keel-hauling Smallbones, whichannoyed him as much as the sight of the dog gave him pleasure. Thecorporal, 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 demonstrationof terror in his countenance; his eyes glared upon the animal withhorror and astonishment, and he fell down in a swoon. The whole of theship's company were taken aback--they looked at one another and shooktheir heads--one only remark was made by Jansen, who muttered, "De togis no tog a'ter all. "

Mr Vanslyperken ordered Smallbones to be taken below, and then walkedaft; perceiving Obadiah Coble, he inquired whence the dog had come, andwas answered that he had come off in the boat which he had taken onshore 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 theWidow Vandersloosh. 

It will be necessary to explain to the reader by what means the life ofour celebrated cur was preserved. When Smallbones had thrown him intothe canal, tied up, as he supposed, in his winding-sheet, what MrVanslyperken observed was true, that there were people below, and thesupposed paving-stone might have fallen upon them: the voices which heheard were those of father and son, who were in a small boat going froma galliot to the steps where they intended to land; for this canal wasnot like most others, with the water in it sufficiently high to enablepeople to step from the vessel's gunnel to the jetty. Snarleyyow fell inhis bag a few yards ahead of the boat, and the splash naturallyattracted their attention; he did not sink immediately, but flounderedand 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 theboat-hook, and with it dragged the bread-bags towards the boat, just asthey were sinking, for Snarleyyow was exhausted with his efforts. Thetwo 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, andthey pulled on to the landing-stairs. When they arrived there theylifted out the bags, laid them on the stone steps, and proceeded tounrip them, when they found Snarleyyow, who was just giving signs ofreturning animation. They took the bags with them, after having rolledhis carcass out, and left it on the steps, for there was a fine forthrowing anything into the canal. The cur soon after recovered, and wasable to stand on his legs; so soon as he could walk he made his way tothe door of the widow Vandersloosh, and howled for admittance. The widowhad retired: she had been reading her book of _prières_, as every oneshould do, who has been cheating people all day long. She was about toextinguish her light, when this serenade saluted her ears; it becameintolerable as the dog gained strength. 

Babette had long been fast asleep, and was with difficulty roused up anddirected to beat the cur away. She attempted to perform the duty, armingherself with the broom; but the moment she opened the door Snarleyyowdashed in between her legs, upsetting her on the brick pavement. Babettescreamed, and her mistress came out in the passage to ascertain thecause; the dog not being able to run into the parlour, bolted up thestairs, and snapping at the widow as he passed, secured a berthunderneath 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 withthe 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 eitherof them enter my house; try, Babette, with your broom--shove athim hard. "

"Yes, ma'am, " replied Babette, pushing with all her strength at the dogbeneath the bed, who seized the broom with his teeth, and pulled it awayfrom Babette. It was a struggle of strength between the girl andSnarleyyow--pull, Babette--pull, dog--one moment the broom, withtwo-thirds of the handle, disappeared under the bed, the next the maidrecovered her lost ground. Snarleyyow was first tired of thiscontention, and to prove that he had no thoughts of abandoning hisposition, he let go the broom, flew at Babette's naked legs, and havinginserted his teeth half through her ankle, he returned growling to hisformer retreat. "O dear, mein Gott!" exclaimed Babette, dropping herbroom, 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 hadquitted this transitory scene, had become a personage as bulky as thewidow herself, and the bed had been made unusually wide; the widow stillretained the bed for her own use, for there was no knowing whether shemight not again be induced to enter the hymeneal state. It occupied morethan one half of the room, and the dog had gained a position from whichit was not easy for two women to dislodge him; and, as the dog snarledand growled under the bed, so did the widow's wrath rise as she stoodshivering--and it was directed against the master. She vowed mentally, that so sure as the dog was under the bed, so sure should his masternever get into it. 

And Babette's wrath was also kindled, now that the first pain of thebite had worn off; she seized the broom again, and made some furiouslunges at Snarleyyow, so furious, that he could not regain possessionwith his teeth. The door of the room had been left open that the dogmight escape--so had the street-door; and the widow stood at the foot ofthe bed, waiting for some such effect being produced by Babette'svigorous attacks; but the effects were not such as she anticipated; thedog 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. FrauVandersloosh screamed and reeled--reeled against the door left halfopen, and falling against it, slammed it to with her weight, and felldown shrieking. Snarleyyow, who probably had intended to make off, seeing that his escape was prevented, again retreated under the bed, andas 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 couldnot accomplish, was at last effected by their united fears. The widowVandersloosh gained her legs as soon as she could, and at first openedthe door to run out, but her night dress was torn to ribbons in front. She looked at her situation--modesty conquered every other feeling--sheburst into tears, and exclaiming, "Mr Vanslyperken! Mr Vanslyperken!"she threw herself in an ecstasy of grief and rage on the centre of thebed. At the same moment the teeth of the dog were again fixed upon theankles of Babette, who also shrieked, and threw herself on the bed, andupon her mistress. The bed was a good bed, and had for years done itsduty; but you may even overload a bed, and so it proved in thisinstance. The united weights of the mistress and the maid coming downupon it with such emphasis, was more than the bed could bear--thesacking gave way altogether, and the mattress which they lay upon wasnow supported by the floor. 

But this misfortune was their preservation--for when the mattress camedown, it came down upon Snarleyyow. The animal contrived to clear hisloins, or he would have perished; but he could not clear his long mangytail, 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--hecould not bite, for the mattress was between them--he pulled, and hehowled, and barked, and turned himself every way, and yelped; and hadnot his tail been of coarse and thick dimensions, he might have left itbehind him, so great were his exertions; but, no, it was impossible. Thewidow was a widow of substance, as Vanslyperken had imagined, and as shenow proved to the dog--the only difference was, that the master wishedto be in the very situation which the dog was now so anxious to escapefrom--to wit, tailed on to the widow. Babette, who soon perceived thatthe dog was so, now got out of the bed, and begging her mistress not tomove an inch, and seizing the broom, she hammered Snarleyyow mostunmercifully, without any fear of retaliation. The dog redoubled hisexertions, and the extra weight of Babette being now removed, he was atlast able to withdraw his appendage, and probably-feeling that there wasnow no chance of a quiet night's rest in his present quarters, he made abolt out of the room, down the stairs, and into the street. Babettechased him down, threw the broom at his head as he cleared thethreshold, 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 madewith her own centre of gravity; "and--and his master shall go too. Makelove 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 mesomething to put on. One of my best chemises all in rags--and his nastyteeth in my leg in two places, Babette. Well, well, Mr Vanslyperken, weshall see--I don't care for their custom. Mr Vanslyperken, you'll notsit on my sofa again, I can tell you;--hug your nasty cur--quite goodenough for you. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken. "

By this time the widow had received a fresh supply of linen fromBabette; and as soon as she had put it on she rose from the bed, thefractured 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 thelamented Mr Vandersloosh--for sixteen years have I slept in it, a lonewidow--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 wassmoothing down the jagged skin at her ankles; "or we should never havegot the nasty biting brute out of the house. "

"Very well--very well. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken--marriage, indeed, I'das soon marry his cur. "

"Mein Gott!" exclaimed Babette. "I think madame, if you did marry, youwould soon find the master as cross as the dog; but I must makethis bed. "

Babette proceeded to examine the mischief, and found that it was onlythe cords which tied the sacking which had given way, and consideringthat they had done their office for thirty-two years, and the strainwhich had been put upon them after so long a period, there was not muchto 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 andblowing 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 asBabette has closed the curtains, so will we close this chapter. 

Chapter XII

In which resolutions are entered into in all quarters, and Jemmy Ducksis accused of mutiny for singing a song in a snow-storm. 

What were the adventures of Snarleyyow after this awkward interfencewith his master's speculations upon the widow, until he jumped into thebeef boat to go on board of the cutter, are lost for ever; but it is tobe supposed that he could not have remained the whole night withoutmaking himself disagreeable in some quarter or another. But, as webefore observed, we know nothing about it; and, therefore, may beexcused if we do not tell. 

The widow Vandersloosh slept but little that night: her soul was full ofvengeance; 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 cutterwas not to be despised, and, as she thought of this, she graduallycooled down. It was not till four o'clock in the morning that she cameto her decision; and it was a very prudent one, which was to demand thedead body of the dog to be laid at her door before Mr Vanslyperkenshould 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 sheshould lose the custom of the seamen, over the major part of whomVanslyperken then appeared to have very little control; and all of whom, she knew, detested him most cordially, as well as his dog. After whichresolution the widow Vandersloosh fell fast asleep. 

But we must return on board, where there was almost as much confusion asthere had been on shore. The reappearance of Snarleyyow was consideredsupernatural, for Smallbones had distinctly told in what manner he hadtied 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--DickShort walked about with lips compressed, more taciturn than ever--Jansenshook his head, muttering, "Te tog is no tog"--Bill Spurey had to repeatto the ship's company the legend of his coming on board over and overagain. The only persons who appeared not to have lost their courage wereJemmy Ducks and poor Smallbones, who had been put in his hammock torecover him from his refrigeration. The former said, "that if they wereto sail with the devil, it could not be helped, pay and prize-moneywould still go on;" and the latter, who had quite recovered hisself-possession, "vowed that dog or devil, he would never cease hisattempts to destroy him--if he was the devil, or one of his imps, it washis duty as a Christian to oppose him, and he had no chance of bettertreatment if he were to remain quiet. " The snow-storm continued, and themen remained below, all but Jemmy Ducks, who leaned against the lee sideof the cutter's mast, and, as the snow fell, sang, to a slow air, thefollowing ditty, it probably being called to his recollection by thestate 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, " observedCorporal 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, " repliedthe corporal. 

"Take care I don't pitch you overboard, " replied Jemmy, in wrath. 

"Dat is most worse still, " said the corporal, stalking aft, and leavingJemmy Ducks to follow up the train of his own thoughts. 

Jemmy, who had been roused by the corporal, and felt the snowinsinuating itself into the nape of the neck, thought he might as wellgo down below. 

The corporal made his report, and Mr Vanslyperken made his comments, buthe did no more, for he was aware that a mere trifle would cause ageneral mutiny. The recovery of Snarleyyow consoled him, and littlethinking what had been the events of the preceding night, he thought hemight as well prove his devotion to the widow, by paying his respects ina snow-storm--but not in the attire of the day before--Mr Vanslyperkenwas too economical for that; so he remained in his long threadbaregreat-coat and foul-weather hat. Having first locked up his dog in thecabin, and entrusted the key to the corporal, he went on shore, andpresented himself at the widow's door, which was opened by Babette, whowith her person barred entrance: she did not wait for Vanslyperken tospeak first. 

"Mynheer Vanslyperken, you can't come in. Frau Vandersloosh is very illin bed--the doctor says it's a bad case--she cannot be seen. "

"Ill!" exclaimed Vanslyperken; "your dear, charming mistress ill! Goodheavens! 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 thelieutenant; "but, Babette, let me in, if you please, for the snow fallsfast, and--"

"And you must not come in, Mr Vanslyperken, " replied Babette, pushinghim back. 

"Good heavens! what is the matter?"

Babette then narrated what had passed, and as she was very prolix, MrVanslyperken was a mass of snow on the windward side of him before shehad finished, which she did, by pulling down her worsted stockings, andshowing the wounds which she had received as her portion in the lastnight's affray. Having thus given ocular evidence of the truth of whatshe had asserted, Babette then delivered the message of her mistress; towit, "that until the dead body of Snarleyyow was laid at the porch wherethey now stood, he, Mr Vanslyperken, would never gain re-admission. " Sosaying, and not feeling it very pleasant to continue a conversation in asnow-storm, Babette very unceremoniously slammed the door in MrVanslyperken's face, and left him to digest the communication with whatappetite he might. Mr Vanslyperken, notwithstanding the cold weather, hastened from the door in a towering passion. The perspiration actuallyran down his face, and mingled with the melting snow. "To be or not tobe"--give up the widow or give up his darling Snarleyyow--a dog whom heloved the more, the more he was, through him, entangled in scrapes andvexations--a dog whom every one hated, and therefore he loved--a dogwhich had not a single recommendation, and therefore was highlyprized--a dog assailed by all, and especially by that scarecrowSmallbones, to whom his death would be a victory--it was impossible. Butthen the widow--with such lots of guilders in the bank, and such a goodincome from the Lust Haus, he had long made up his mind to settle inpossession. It was the haven which, in the vista of his mind, he hadbeen so long accustomed to dwell upon, and he could not give upthe 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 thedog, and then, when I am once in possession, the dog shall come backagain, and let her say a word if she dares; I'll tame her; and pay heroff for old scores. "

Such was the determination of Mr Vanslyperken, as he walked back to theboat. His reverie was, however, broken by his breaking his nose againsta lamp-post, which did not contribute to his good-humour. "Yes, yes, Frau Vandersloosh, we will see, " muttered Vanslyperken; "you would killmy dog, would you? It's a dog's life I'll lead you when I'm once secureof you, Madame Vandersloosh. You cheated me out of my biscuit--we shallsee;" and Mr Vanslyperken stepped into his boat and pulled on board. 

On his arrival he found that a messenger had come on board during hisabsence, with the letters of thanks from the king's loving cousins, andwith directions that he should return with them forthwith. This suitedthe views of Vanslyperken; he wrote a long letter to the widow, in whichhe expressed his willingness to sacrifice everything for her--not onlyto hang his dog, but to hang himself if she wished it--lamented hisimmediate orders for sailing, and hinted that, on his return, he oughtto find her more favourable. The widow read the letter, and tossed itinto the grate with a Pish! "I was not born yesterday, as the sayingis, " cried the widow Vandersloosh. 

Chapter XIII

In which the ship's company join in a chorus, and the corporal goes on acruise. 

Mr Vanslyperken is in his cabin, with Snarleyyow at his side, sittingupon his haunches, and looking in his master's face, which wears an airof anxiety and discomfiture; the fact is, that Mr Vanslyperken isanything but content; he is angry with the widow, with the ship'scompany, with the dog, and with himself; but his anger towards the dogis softened, for he feels that, if anything in this world loves him, itis the dog--not that his affection is great, but as much as the dog'snature will permit; and, at all events, if the animal's attachment tohim is not very strong, still he is certain that Snarleyyow hateseverybody else. It is astonishing how powerful is the feeling that isderived from habit and association. Now that the life of his cur wasdemanded by one, and, as he was aware, was sought for by many, Vanslyperken put a value upon him that was extraordinary. Snarleyyow hadbecome a precious jewel in the eyes of his master, and what he sufferedin anxiety and disappointment from the perverse disposition of theanimal, only endeared him the more. "Yes, my poor dog, " apostrophisedthe lieutenant, "they would seek your life--nay, that hard-hearted womandemands that you should be laid--dead at her porch. All conspire againstyou, but be not afraid, my dog, your master will protect youagainst all. "

Vanslyperken patted the animal on the head, which was not a littleswelled from the blows received from the broom of Babette, andSnarleyyow rubbed his nose against his master's trousers, and thenraised himself up, by putting his paw upon his master's knee. Thisbrought the dog's head more to the light, and Vanslyperken observed thatone 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 nodoubt of it, and Mr Vanslyperken's choler was extreme. "Now, may all thecurses of ophthalmia seize the fagot, " cried the lieutenant; "I wish Ihad her here. My poor, poor dog!" and Vanslyperken kissed the _osfrontis_ of the cur, and what perhaps had never occurred sincechildhood, and what nothing else could have brought about, MrVanslyperken _wept_--actually wept over an animal, which was not, fromany qualification he possessed, worth the charges of the cord whichwould have hanged him. Surely the affections have sometimes a benttowards insanity. 

After a short time the lieutenant rang his bell, and ordered some warmwater, to bathe the dog's eye. Corporal Van Spitter, as Smallbones wasin his hammock, answered the summons, and when he returned aft with thewater, he made known to Mr Vanslyperken the mutinous expressions ofJemmy 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 Jemmyhad damned his superior officer; "And moreover, " continued the corporal, "he damned me. " Now Mr Vanslyperken had a great hatred against JemmyDucks, because he amused the ship's company, and he never could forgiveany one who made people happy; moreover, he wanted some object to visithis wrath upon: so he asked a few more questions, and then dismissed thecorporal, put on his tarpaulin hat, put his speaking-trumpet under hisarm, and went on deck, directing the corporal to appoint one of themarines to continue to bathe the eye of his favourite. 

Mr Vanslyperken looked at the dog-vane, and perceived that the wind wasfoul for sailing, and moreover, it would be dark in two hours, so hedetermined upon not starting till the next morning, and then he thoughtthat he would punish Jemmy Ducks; but the question occurred to himwhether he could do so or not. Was James Salisbury a boatswain by rightor not? He received only the pay of a boatswain's mate, but he wasstyled boatswain on the books. It was a nice point, and the balance waseven. Mr Vanslyperken's own wishes turned the scale, and he resolved toflog 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 nocomplaints were listened to by the Admiralty, insubordination, which wasthe natural result, was equally difficult to get over; and although onboard of the larger vessels, the strong arm of power was certain toconquer, it was not always the case in the smaller, where the superiorswere not in sufficient force, or backed by a numerous party of soldiersor marines, for there was then little difference between the twoservices. Mr Vanslyperken had had more than one mutiny on board of thevessels which he had commanded, and, in one instance, his whole ship'scompany had taken the boats and gone on shore, leaving him by himself inthe vessel, preferring to lose the pay due to them, than to remainlonger on board. They joined other ships in the service, and no noticewas taken of their conduct by the authorities. Such was the state ofhalf discipline at the period we speak of in the service of the king. The ships were, in every other point, equally badly fitted out andmanned; peculation of every kind was carried to excess, and those whowere in command thought more of their own interest than of anythingelse. Ship's stores and provisions were constantly sold, and the want ofthe former was frequently the occasion of the loss of the vessel, andthe sacrifice of the whole crew. Such maladministration is said to bethe case even now in some of the continental navies. It is not until along series of years have elapsed, that such regulations andarrangements as are at present so economically and beneficiallyadministered to our navy, can be fully established. 

Having settled the point so far, Mr Vanslyperken then proceeded todebate in his own mind, whether he should flog Jemmy in harbour, orafter he had sailed; and feeling that if there was any seriousdisturbance on part of the men, they might quit the vessel if inharbour, 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 turnedagain, he clenched his fists in his great-coat pockets, and was heard bythose near him to grind his teeth. 

In the meantime, the news had been imparted by the marine, who came upinto the galley for more warm water, that the dog had had one of hiseyes put out, and it was strange the satisfaction which thisintelligence appeared to give to the ship's company. It was passed roundlike wildfire, and, when communicated, a beam of pleasure was soonapparent throughout the whole cutter, and for this simple reason, thatthe accident removed the fear arising from the supposition of the dogbeing supernatural, for the men argued, and with some reason, that ifyou could put out his eye, you could kill him altogether; for if youcould destroy a part, you could destroy the whole. No one ever heard ofthe devil's eye being put out--_ergo_, the dog could not be a devil, orone of his imps: so argued a knot of the men in conclave, and Jansenwound up by observing, "Dat de tog was only a tog after all. "

Vanslyperken returned to his cabin and stated his intentions to hisfactotum and confidant, Corporal Van Spitter. Now, in this instance, thecorporal did not adhere to that secrecy to which he was bound, and theonly reason we can give is, that he had as great a dislike to JemmyDucks as his lieutenant--for the corporal obeyed orders so exactly, thathe considered it his duty not to have even an opinion or a feelingcontrary to those of his superior officer. He was delighted at the ideaof flogging Jemmy, and communicated the lieutenant's intention to themost favoured of his marines, who also told the secret to another, andthus in five minutes, it was known throughout the cutter, that as soonas they were in blue water, the little boatswain was to be tied up forhaving damned the admiral in a snow-storm. The consequence was, as theevening was clear, that there was a very numerous assemblage upon theforecastle 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 asVanslyperken 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 acorporal, " 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, expandinghis 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 bemutiny; 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 somesettlement. Obadiah, give us your opinion as to what's best to be done. "

Hereupon Coble squirted out a modicum of 'baccy juice, wiped his mouthwith the back of his hand, and said, "It's my opinion, that the best wayof 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 wenchvery properly damns the admiral for sending a ship out on aChristmas-day, which, let alone the unchristian-like act, as you mayknow, my lads, always turns up on a Friday, a day on which nothing butbeing 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 flaghoisted--I won't say but what it is--but this here admiral as Jemmydamned, is no more alive than a stock fish; and, moreover, it is notJemmy as damns him, but Poll; therefore it can be no mutiny. Now, what Iconsider 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 maythink better of it; for although we must not have Jemmy touched, stillit's quite as well not to have a regular breeze with the jollies; for ifso be that the _Scarborough, _ or any other king's ship, be in port whenwe arrive, Vanslyperken may run under the guns, and then whip the wholeboiling of us off to the Ingies, and glad to get us, too, and that's nojoke. 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 overagain, all in chorus, and then we shall have damned the admiral a dozentimes over; and Vanslyperken will hear us, and say to himself, 'Theydon't sing that song for nothing. ' What do you say, Dick Short, you'refirst 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 JemmyDucks, 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 greatagitation, presented himself at the cabin door, where he found MrVanslyperken very busy summing up his accounts. 

"Mein Gott, sar! dere is de mutiny in de _Yungfrau_, " cried thecorporal. 

"Mutiny!" cried Vanslyperken, catching at his sword, which hung up onthe bulk-head. 

"Yaw, mynheer--de mutiny--hear now de ship's company. "

Vanslyperken lent his ears, when the astounding chorus came rolling aftthrough 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 thecorporal, raising his hand up to his head _a la militaire_. 

"Shut the door, corporal. This is indeed mutiny and defiance, " criedVanslyperken, 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 couldcontrive to overhear what they say after the song is over? they will beconsulting together, and we might find out something. "

"Mynheer, I'm not very small for to creep in and listen, " replied thecorporal, 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 intoit, haul it up to the bows, and lie there quite still? You would thenhear 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 thecorporal, and in this instance, every word which had passed, had beenoverheard by Smallbones, who had been for some hours out of his hammock. When the corporal's hand touched the lock of the door, Smallbones madea hasty retreat. 

Corporal Van Spitter went on the quarter-deck, which he found vacant; hehauled up the boat to the counter, and by degrees lowered into it hisunwieldy carcass, which almost swamped the little conveyance. He thenwaited a little, and with difficulty forced the boat up against thestrong flood-tide that was running, till at last he gained the chesstreeof the cutter, when he shortened in the painter (or rope that held theboat), made it fast to a ringbolt without being perceived, and there helay concealed, not daring to move, for fear of making a noise. 

Smallbones had, however, watched him carefully, and as the corporal satin the middle thwart, with his face turned aft, catching but imperfectlythe conversation of the men, the lad separated the painter with a sharpknife, and at the same time dropping his foot down, gave the bow of theboat a shove off, which made it round with the stream. The tide was thenrunning five or six miles an hour, and before the corporal, in the utterdarkness, could make out what had occurred, or raise his heavy carcassto assist himself, he was whirled away by the current clear of thevessel, and soon disappeared from the sight of Smallbones, who waswatching his progress. 

It is true that the corporal shouted for assistance when he foundhimself astern, and also that he was heard by the men, but Smallboneshad leaped among them, and in a few words told them what he had done; soof course they took no notice, but rubbed their hands with delight atthe idea of the corporal being adrift like a bear in a washing-tub, andthey 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 sayand do when the corporal's absence was discovered. Mr Vanslyperkenremained nearly two hours without sending for the corporal; at last, surprised at not seeing him return, he went on deck. The men on theforecastle perceiving this, immediately disappeared gently down thefore-hatchway. Mr Vanslyperken walked forward and found that every onewas, as he supposed, either in bed or below; for in harbour the corporalkept one of the watches, and this night it was his first watch. Vanslyperken looked over the side all round the cutter, and could see noboat and no Corporal Van Spitter, and it immediately occurred to himthat the corporal must have gone adrift, and he was very much puzzledhow to act. It would be flood-tide for two hours more, and then thewhole ebb would run before it was daylight. Corporal Van Spitter wouldtraverse the whole Zuyder Zee before they might find him. Unless he hadthe fortune to be picked up by some small craft, he might perish withcold and hunger. He could not sail without him; for what could he dowithout Corporal Van Spitter, his protection, his factotum, hisdistributer of provisions, &c. The loss was irreparable, and MrVanslyperken, when he thought of the loss of the widow's favour and theloss of his favourite, acknowledged with bitterness that his star wasnot in the ascendant. After some reflection, Mr Vanslyperken thoughtthat as nothing could be gained by making the fact known, the wisestthing 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 boatshould be reported to him in the morning. Having arranged this in hismind, Mr Vanslyperken took two or three turns more, and then went downand turned in. 

Chapter XIV

In which some new characters appear on the stage, although the corporalis not to be heard of. 

The loss of the boat was reported by Obadiah Coble at daylight, and MrVanslyperken immediately went on deck with his spy-glass to ascertain ifhe could distinguish the corporal coming down with the last of theebb-tide but he was nowhere to be seen. Mr Vanslyperken went to themast-head and surveyed in every direction, but he could neither seeanything like the boat or Corporal Van Spitter. His anxiety betrayed tothe men that he was a party to the corporal's proceedings, and theywhispered among themselves. At last Mr Vanslyperken came down on deck, and desired Corporal Van Spitter to be sent to him. Of course, it wassoon reported to him that Corporal Van Spitter was nowhere to be found, and Mr Vanslyperken pretended to be much astonished. As the lieutenanttook it for granted that the boat had been swept out with the ebb, hedetermined to get under weigh in pursuance of his orders, pick up thecorporal, if he could find him, and then proceed to Portsmouth, whichwas the port of his destination. Smallbones attended his master, and wasso unusually active that the suspicious Mr Vanslyperken immediatelydecided 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 beadrift himself as the corporal was, but with this difference, that thereshould be no search made after him. As soon as the men had finishedtheir breakfasts, the cutter was got under weigh and proceeded to sea. During the whole day Vanslyperken cruised in the Zuyder Zee looking forthe boat, but without success, and at last he unwillingly shaped hiscourse for England, much puzzled and perplexed, as now he had no one toact as his steward to whom he could confide, or by whose arrangements hecould continue to defraud the ship's company; and, farther, he wasobliged to put off for the present all idea of punishing Jemmy Ducks, for, without the corporal, the marines were afraid to move a step indefiance of the ship's company. The consequence was, that the three daysthat they were at sea, Mr Vanslyperken confined himself altogether tohis cabin, for he was not without some fears for his own safety. On hisarrival at Portsmouth, he delivered his letters to the admiral, andreceived orders to return to his cruising ground after the smugglers assoon as he had replaced his lost boat. 

We have observed that Mr Vanslyperken had no relations on this side ofthe water; but in saying that, we referred to the epoch that he was inthe service previous to the accession of King William. Since that, andabout a year from the time we are now writing about, he had brought overhis mother, whom he had not, till the peace, seen for years, and hadestablished her in a small apartment in that part of the town now knownby the name of the Halfway Houses. The old woman lived upon a smallpension allowed by the Dutch court, having been employed for many yearsin a subordinate capacity in the king's household. She was said to haveonce been handsome, and when young, prodigal of her favours; at presentshe was a palsied old woman, bent double with age and infirmity, butwith all her faculties as complete as if she was in her prime. Nothingcould escape her little twinkling bloodshot eyes, or her acute ear; shecould scarcely hobble fifty yards, but she kept no servant to assisther, for, like her son, she was avaricious in the extreme. What crimeshe had committed was not known, but that something lay heavy on herconscience was certain; but if there was guilt, there was no repentance, only fear of future punishment. Cornelius Vanslyperken was her onlyliving child: she had been twice married. The old woman did not appearto be very fond of him, although she treated him still as a child, andexecuted her parental authority as if he were still in petticoats. Hercoming over was a sort of mutual convenience. She had saved money, andVanslyperken wished to secure that, and also have a home and a person towhom he could trust; and she was so abhorred, and the reports againsther so shocking where she resided, that she was glad to leave a placewhere every one, as she passed, would get out of her way, as if to avoidcontamination. Yet these reports were vague, although hinting at somehorrid and appalling crimes. No one knew what they exactly were, for theold woman had outlived her contemporaries, and the tradition wasimperfect, but she had been handed down to the next generation as one tobe avoided as a basilisk. 

It was to his mother's abode, one room on the second floor, to which MrVanslyperken proceeded as soon as he had taken the necessary steps forthe replacing of the boat. As he ascended the stairs, the quick ear ofthe old woman heard his footstep, and recognised it. It must beobserved, that all the conversation between Vanslyperken and his motherwas carried on in Dutch, of which we, of course, give the translation. 

"There you come, Cornelius Vanslyperken; I hear you, and by your hurriedtread you are vexed. Well, why should you not be vexed as well as yourmother, in this world of devils?"

This was a soliloquy of the old woman's before that Vanslyperken hadentered the room, where he found his mother sitting over a few cindershalf ignited in a very small grate. Parsimony would not allow her to usemore fuel, although her limbs trembled as much from cold as palsy; hernose and chin nearly met; her lips were like old scars, and of an ashywhite; and her sunken hollow mouth reminded you of a small, deep, darksepulchre; 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 shoreyou 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'llnot die yet--no, no, the devils may pull at me, and grin at me, but I'mnot 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 issafe, you may talk, if you please, child: I can hear well enough. "

Vanslyperken obeyed; he mentioned all the events of the last cruise, andhis feelings against the widow, Smallbones, and Jemmy Ducks. The oldwoman never interrupted him, but sat with her arms folded up inher apron. 

"Just so, just so, " said she, at last, when he had done speaking; "Ifelt the same, but then you have not the soul to act as I did. I coulddo it, but you--you are a coward; no one dared cross my path, or if theydid--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: shepaused and continued, "Better leave the boy alone, --get nothing byit;--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 herreputation; she is yours and her money too;--then, then--there will bemoney and revenge--both good;--but money--no--yes, money's best. The dogmust live, to gnaw the Jezebel--gnaw her bones--but you, you are acoward--you dare do nothing. "

"What do I fear, mother?"

"Man--the gallows, and death. I fear the last, but I shall not dieyet:--no, no, I _will_ live--I will _not_ die. Ay, the corporal--lost inZuyder Zee--dead men tell no tales; and he could tell many of you, mychild. Let the fish fatten on him. "

"I cannot do without him, mother. "

"A hundred thousand devils!" exclaimed the old mother, "that I shouldhave suffered such throes for a craven. Cornelius Vanslyperken, you arenot 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 oldwoman, rose and walked back to the sallyport, where he slipped into hisboat and pulled on board of the _Yungfrau_, which lay at anchor in theharbour, about a cable's length from the shore. 

"Here he comes, " cried a tall bony woman, with nothing on her head but acap with green faded ribbons, who was standing on the forecastle of thecutter. "Here he comes;--he, the willain, as would have flogged myJemmy. " This was the wife of Jemmy Ducks, who lived at Portsmouth, andwho, 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 himout, the cheating wagabond. "

"Silence, Moggy. "

"And as for that 'peaching old Corporal Blubber, I'll _Wan Spitter_ himif 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, anddelivering a swinging box of the ear upon the astonished marine, who notliking to encounter such an Amazon, made a hasty retreat down thefore-hatchway. 

"So there you are, are you?" continued Moggy, as Vanslyperken stepped onthe 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'llsmash your peepers. "

"You must climb on the gun to reach them, my little man, " replied hiswife. "Well, the more I holds my tongue now, the more for him when Igets hold on him. Oh! he's gone to his cabin, has he, to kiss hisSnarleyyow:--I'll make _smallbones_ of that beast afore I'm done withhim. Flog my Jemmy--my own, dear, darling Jemmy--a nasty lean--"

"Go down below, Moggy, " said Jemmy Ducks, pushing her towards thehatchway. 

"Snivelling, great-coated--"

"Go below, " continued Jemmy, shoving her. 

"Ferret-eyed, razor-nosed--"

"Go down below, will you?" cried Jemmy, pushing her near to thehatchway. 

"Herring-gutted, bare-poled--"

"Confound it! go below. "

"Cheating rip of a wagabond! Lord, Jemmy, if you a'n't a shoved me downthe hatchway! Well, never mind, my darling, let's go to supper;" andMoggy caught hold of her husband as she was going down, and withsurprising strength lifted him off his legs and carried him down in herarms as she would have done a child, much to the amusement of the menwho were standing on the forecastle. 

When it was dusk, a boat dropped alongside of the cutter, and a manstepped out of it on the deck, when he was met by Obadiah Coble, whoasked 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, whoreported 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 somethingbetween a bumbailey and a bum-boatman. "

"Well, you may show him down. "

The man, who shortly after entered the cabin, was a short, punchy littlefellow, with a red waistcoat, knee-breeches, and a round jacket of greencloth. His face was covered with carbuncles, some of them so large thathis small pug-nose was nothing more in appearance than a larger blotchthan the others. His eyes were small and keen, and his whiskers of adeep red. As soon as he entered the cabin, he very deliberately lockedthe door after him. 

"Nothing like making sure, " observed he. 

"Why, what the devil do you want?" exclaimed Vanslyperken, ratheralarmed; while Snarleyyow walked round and round the thick calves of theman's legs, growling, and in more than two minds to have a bite throughhis blue worsted stockings; and the peculiar obliquity with which hecarried his head, now that he surveyed with only one eye, was by nomeans satisfactory. 

"Take your cur away, and let us proceed to business, for there is notime to lose, " said the man coolly, taking a chair. "Now there can be noeavesdropping, I trust, for my life may be forfeited, if I'mdiscovered. "

"I cannot understand a word of all this, " replied Vanslyperken, muchsurprised. 

"In a few words, do you want to put some five thousand pounds in yourpocket?"

At this question Vanslyperken became attentive. He beat off the dog, andtook a chair by the side of the stranger. 

"Ah! interest will always bring civility; so now to the point. Youcommand 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 worthten thousand pounds or more. "

"Indeed!" replied Vanslyperken. 

"Yes, and put your boats in such a position that they must seize thewhole. "

"I'm very much obliged to you. Will you take something, sir, anyscheedam?" said Vanslyperken, unlocking one of his cupboards, andproducing a large stone bottle, and a couple of glasses, whichhe filled. 

"This is very good stuff, " observed the man; "I'll trouble you foranother glass. "

This was one more than Mr Vanslyperken intended; but on second thoughts, it would make his new acquaintance more communicative, so another wasfilled, and as soon as it was filled, it was emptied. 

"Capital stuff!" said he of the rubicund face, shoving his glass towardsVanslyperken, by way of hint; but the lieutenant would not take thehint, as his new guest had already swallowed as much as lasted himselffor a week. 

"But now, " observed Vanslyperken, "where is this cargo to be seen, andwhen?"

"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 thescheedam--capital stuff!" and the man rose from his chair. 

But Mr Vanslyperken had no intention to let him go; his avarice inducedhim at first to try if the man would be satisfied with his promise toreward 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 offthe scheedam. "That's really prime; I like it better every time I tasteit. 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, fivethousands 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 apenny will you get without me. And that I will have, and this bond youmust sign to that effect, or I'm off. You're not the only vessel inthe harbour. "

Vanslyperken tried for some time to reduce the terms, but the man waspositive. Vanslyperken then tried if he could not make the manintoxicated, and thus obtain better terms; but fifteen glasses of hisprime scheedam had no effect further than extorting unqualified praiseas it was poured down, and at last Mr Vanslyperken unwillingly consentedto the terms, and the bond was signed. 

"We must weigh at the ebb, " said the man, as he put the bond in hispocket. "I shall stay on board; we have a moonlight night, and if we hadnot, I could find my way out in a yellow fog. Please to get your boatsall 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 theman, taking out his watch; "mercy on me! how time has flown--that's thescheedam. In a couple of hours we must weigh. I'll go up and see if thewind holds in the same quarter. If you please, lieutenant, we'll justdrink success to the expedition. Well, that's prime stuff, Ido declare. "

Chapter XV

In which the crew of the _Yungfrau_ lose a good prize, and Snarleyyowloses his character. 

The next morning the _Yungfrau_ was clear of St Helens, and sounding theeastern part of the Isle of Wight, after which she made sail into theoffing, that she might not be suspected by those on shore waiting toreceive the cargo. The weather was fine, and the water smooth, and assoon as she was well out, the cutter was hove-to. In the hurry ofweighing, Mr Vanslyperken had not thought, or had not known perhaps, that the wife of Jemmy Ducks was still on board, and as he was turningup 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 abreeze, 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 fromtop to toe several times, as usual, with his hands in his great-coatpockets, 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?" repliedVanslyperken, 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'lltake the consequences, " retorted Vanslyperken. 

"And I'll just tell you this, " replied Moggy; "if ever you come on shoreagain you shall take the consequences. I'll have you--I give youwarning. Flog my Jemmy, heh! my own dear darling Jemmy. " Hereupon Moggyheld out one arm bent, and with the palm of her other hand slapped herelbow--"_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 Vanslyperkenfoamed 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 theSallyport. 

"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 areceipt in full, depend upon it. "

"So you may. Marines, keep off, if you don't wish your heads broken; andI'll put all this down to your account; and as you say that you'll payoff on my pet, mark my words, if I don't pay off on yours--on your nastycur there. I'll send him to cruise after Corporal Van Spitter. As sureas I stand here, if you dare to lay a finger on my Jemmy, I'll kill thebrute wherever I find him, and make him into _saussingers_, just for thepleasure 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, andbe d----d to you. " So saying, Moggy stalked forward and joined the menon the forecastle. 

"D'ye know much of that strapping lass?" said Mr Vanslyperken's newacquaintance. 

"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 drawthe foresheet, and stand in now, if you please. "

It was about dusk, for the days were now short, and the cutter was eightmiles off the land. By the directions of the informer, for we have noother name to give him, they now bore up and ran along the island untilthey were, by his calculations, for it then was dark, abreast of acertain point close to the Black Gang Chyne. Here they hove-to, hoistedout their boats, three in number, and the men were sent in, well armedwith pistols and cutlasses. Short had the charge of one, Coble of thesecond, the stern-sheets of the third was occupied by Vanslyperken andthe informer. As soon as all was ready, Jemmy Ducks, who, much againstVanslyperken's wish, was left in charge of the cutter, received hisorders to lie-to where he was, and when the tide made flood, to standclose in-shore; and all was prepared for a start, when it occurred toVanslyperken that to leave Snarleyyow, after the threat of Jemmy's wife, and the known animosity of Smallbones, would be his death-warrant. Hedetermined, therefore, to take him in the boat. The informer protestedagainst it, but Vanslyperken would not listen to his protestations. Thedog was handed into the boat, and they shoved off. After they had pulleda quarter of an hour in-shore, they altered their course, and continuedalong the coast until the informer had made out exactly where he was. Hethen desired the other two boats to come alongside, told the crews thatthey must keep the greatest silence, as where they were about to proceedwas directly under where the smugglers would have a party to receive thegoods, and that the least alarm would prevent them from making thecapture. The boats then pulled in to some large rocks, against which thewaves hoarsely murmured, although the sea was still smooth, and passingbetween them, found themselves in a very small cove, where the water wasstill, and in which there was deep water. 

The cove was not defended so much by the rocks above water, for themouth of it was wide; but there appeared to be a ridge below, whichbroke off the swell of the ocean. Neither was it deep, the beach notbeing more than perhaps fifty feet from the entrance. The boats, whichhad 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 otherwisewas extensive, as the moon was at her full, and had shone bright. 

"This is all the better, " whispered the informer, "they will fall intothe trap at once. Hark! hist! I hear oars. "

They all listened; it was true, the sound of oars was heard, and the menprepared 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 anotherminute a large lugger-built boat, evidently intended for sailing as wellas 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 andprolonged 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 wastherefore clear that the Philistines were at hand. The dog barked inspite of all attempts to prevent him, and acting upon this timelywarning, the lugger-boat pulled short round, just as lights were shownfrom the cliffs to notify an enemy at hand, for the barking of the doghad not escaped the vigilance of those on shore, and in a few secondsshe disappeared in the mist. 

"Blast your cur! Five thousand pounds out of my pocket;" exclaimed theinformer. "I told you so. Chuck him overboard, my men, for your pocketswould 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 himselfback in the stern-sheets of the boat. "I know better; you may saveyourself 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 dogupon such an occasion? Well, I've lost five thousand pounds; but there'sone comfort, you've lost too. That will be a valuable beast, if you putall down to his account. "

At this moment Vanslyperken was so much annoyed at the loss of whatwould 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 thestern-sheets, and crouched between the legs of his master, who kickedhim 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 againsought 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; butobserve, Mr Lieutenant, you have made me your enemy, and that is moreserious than you think for. "

"Silence, sir, you are in a king's boat. "

"The king be d--d, " replied the informer, falling back sulkily againstthe gunnel of the boat. 

"Give way, men, and pull on board, " said Vanslyperken, in equally badhumour. 

In equally bad humour the men did give way, and in about an hour were onboard of the cutter. 

Every one was in a bad humour when the affair was made known; butSmallbones observed, "that the dog could be no such great friend, assupposed, of Vanslyperken's, to thwart his interests in that way; andcertainly no imp sent by the devil to his assistance. " The ship'scompany were consoled with this idea, and Jansen again repeated, "thatthe _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 introduceto our readers a new and strange association. We stated that the boatshad been ensconced in a very small cove at the back of the Isle ofWight. 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 nearlyperpendicularly, to the height of fifty or sixty feet. At that heightthere was a flat of about one hundred feet square in front of a cave ofvery great depth. The flat, so called in contradistinction to theperpendicular cliff, descended from the seaward to the cave, so that thelatter was not to be seen either by vessels passing by, or by those whomight be adventurous enough to peep over the ridge above; and fragmentsof rocks, dispersed here and there on this flat, or platform, inducedpeople to imagine that the upper cliff was a continuation of the lower. The lower cliff, on which this platform in front of the cave wassituated, was on the eastern side as abrupt as on that fronting the seato the southward; but on the western side, its height was decreased toabout fifteen feet, which was surmounted by a ladder removed atpleasure. To this means of access to the cave there was a zigzag path, used only by the smugglers, leading from the small cove, and anothermuch more tedious, by which they could transport their goods to thesummit of this apparently inaccessible mass of rocks. The cave itselfwas large, and with several diverging galleries, most of which were dry;but in one or two there was a continual filtering of clear pure waterthrough the limestone rock, which was collected in pits dug for thatpurpose on the floor below; these pits were always full of water, theexcess being carried off by small open drains which trickled over theeastern side of the platform. Some attention to comfort had been paid bythe inhabitants of these caverns, which were portioned off here andthere by sail-cloth and boards, so as to form separate rooms andstorehouses. The cookery was carried on outside at the edge of theplatform nearest the sea, under an immense fragment of rock, which layat the very edge; and by an ingenious arrangement of smaller portions ofthe rock neither the flame was to be distinguished, nor was the smoke, which was divided and made to find its passage through a variety offissures, never in such a volume as to be supposed to be anything morethan the vapours drawn up by the heat of the sun. 

In this abode there were at least thirty people residing, and generallyspeaking, it might be called a convent, for it was tenanted by women. Their husbands, who brought over the cargoes, returning immediately intheir boat to the opposite shore, for two reasons; one, that their boatscould only land in particular seasons, and could never remain in thecove without risk of being dashed to pieces; and the other, that theabsence of all men prevented suspicion; the whole of the interiorsmuggling being carried on by the other sex, who fearlessly showedthemselves on every part of the island, and purchased their necessarysupplies of provisions here and there, without exciting any misgivingsas to the nature of their employment. A few isolated cottages, not farfrom 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 foundthat they could gain no admittance, they imagined that the occupants hadlocked their doors for security, while they were busied with theirlabours in the field. Accustomed to climb up the tortuous path from thecave to the summit, the women would, on the darkest night, carry uptheir burdens and deposit them in the cottages above, until they had anopportunity of delivering their contraband articles into the hands oftheir agents; and this traffic had been carried on for many years, without the government or excise having the slightest suspicion by whatmeans the smuggling was accomplished. As we before observed, the greatarticles in request, and which were now smuggled from France, werealamodes and lutestrings. The attention of government had been called tocheck the admission of these goods, but hitherto their attempts had notbeen attended with much success. 

At the grey of the morning after the attempt to seize the smugglers hadbeen defeated by the instrumentality of Snarleyyow, upon the top of theimmense fragment of the rock which we have described as lying upon thesea-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 worstedpetticoat and bodice of a dark colour; her head was bare, and her hairfluttered with the breeze; her small feet, notwithstanding the severityof the weather, were also naked, and her short petticoat discovered herlegs half way up to the knee. She stood there, within a few inches ofthe precipice below, carelessly surveying the waves as they dashed overthe rocks, for she was waiting until the light would enable her to seefurther on the horizon. By those who might have leaned over the ridgeabove, 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, sosmall was her frame in juxtaposition with the wildness and majesty ofnature which surrounded her on every side. Accustomed from infancy toher mode of life, and this unusual domicile, her eye quailed not, nordid her heart beat quicker, as she looked down into the abyss below, orturned her eyes up to the beetling mass of rock which appeared, eachmoment, ready to fall down and overwhelm her. She passed her hand acrossher temples to throw back the hair which the wind had blown over hereyes, and again scanned the distance as the sun's light increased, andthe fog gradually cleared away. 

"A sharp look out, Lilly, dear; you've the best eyes among us, and wemust 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 acrossthe channel, and find himself just where he was. God speed them, and maythey 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 thesun is bursting out of the bank, and I think I see something underthe sun. "

"Watch well, Lilly, " replied the woman, who was throwing more wood onthe 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'svessel, I think, but the glare of the sun is too great. When he riseshigher 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 havereceived some information. There must be treachery somewhere; but we'llsoon find that out. "

It may appear singular that Lilly could speak so positively as to avessel at a great distance; but it must be remembered that she had beenbrought up to it, nearly all her life. It was her profession, and shehad lived wholly with seamen and seamen's wives, which will account forher technical language being so correct. What Lilly said was true; itwas the _Yungfrau_, which was beating up to regain her port, and havingto stem a strong ebb-tide during the night, had not made verygreat progress. 

"There are three other vessels in the offing, " said Lilly, lookinground, "a ship and two brigs, both going down channel:" and as she saidthis, the little thing dropped lightly from rock to rock till she stoodby her mother, and commenced rubbing her hands before the nowblazing fire. 

"Nancy must go over to Portsmouth, " observed the mother, "and find outall 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. Whoeverinformed 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 wasrather inclined to be stout, but her figure was magnificent. She wasdressed in the same costume as her daughter, with the exception of a networsted shawl of many colours over her shoulders. Her appearance gaveyou the idea that she was never intended for the situation which she wasnow in; but of that hereafter. As the reader may have observed, herlanguage was correct, as was that of the child, and proved that she hadnot only been educated herself, but had paid attention to the bringingup of Lilly. The most perfect confidence appeared to subsist between themother and daughter: the former treated her child as her equal, andconfided everything to her; and Lilly was far advanced beyond her age inknowledge 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 themother and daughter with, "Peace be with you, ladies. "

"You forget, good father, " replied the elder of the females, "my name isAlice--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 mytongue 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 lastnight was most untoward. My presence is much wished for, and muchrequired, at St Germains. It was unfortunate, because it proves that wehave 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 aughtnecessary to secure our purpose. But, tell me, think you that yourhusband 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 weatherwill 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 greatcause; but it must soon be decided, and then that fair lily shall betransplanted, like a wild flower from the rock, and be nurtured in aconservatory. "

"Nay, for that, the time is hardly come. She is better here, as you seeher, father, than in the chambers of a court. For her sake I would stillremain; but for my husband's sake, and the perils he encounters, I wishthat 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 cameout of the cave. They were variously clothed, some coarsely, and otherswith greater pretensions to finery: they brought with them theimplements for cooking, and appeared surprised at the fire being alreadylighted. Among them was one about twenty-five years of age, and althoughmore faded than she ought to have been at that early age, still withpretensions to almost extreme beauty. She was more gaily dressed thanthe others, and had a careless, easy air about her, which suited to herhandsome, slight figure. It was impossible to see her without beinginterested, and desiring to know who she was. 

This person was the Nancy mentioned by Alice in her conversation withLilly. Her original name had been Nancy Dawson, but she had married oneof 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 ofKing Charles II. , and had he seen her, she would have been more renownedthan ever was Eleanor Gwynne; even as it was, she had been celebrated ina song, which has not been lost to posterity. After a few years ofdissipated life, Nancy reformed, and became an honest woman, and anhonest wife. By her marriage with the smuggler, she had become one ofthe fraternity, and had taken up her abode in the cave, which she wasnot sorry to do, as she had become too famous at Portsmouth to remainthere as a married woman. Still she occasionally made her appearance, and to a certain degree kept up her old acquaintances, that she mightdiscover what was going on--very necessary information for thesmugglers. She would laugh, and joke, and have her repartee as usual, but in other points she was truly reformed. Her acquaintance was sogeneral, and she was such a favourite, that she was of the greatest useto the band, and was always sent over to Portsmouth when her serviceswere required. It was supposed there, for she had reported it, that shehad retired to the Isle of Wight, and lived there with her husband, whowas a pilot, and that she came over to Portsmouth occasionally, toinquire after her old friends, and upon business. 

"Nancy Corbett, I must speak to you, " said Alice. "Come aside: I wishyou, Nancy, to go over immediately. Can you go up, do you think, withoutbeing 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 throughlife; 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 gaveher instructions to Nancy. The first point was, to ascertain whether itwas the cutter which had received the information; the second, who theinformer 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 biddingthe others a laughing good-bye, with her mouth full, and one hand alsooccupied, 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 inmy 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 commencedher ascent. In less than a quarter of an hour she had disappeared overthe 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 ofthe cliff, and panting for breath, looked round to ascertain if therewas any one in sight, but the coast was clear: she waited a minute torecover herself a little, and then set off at a brisk pace in thedirection of the hamlet of Ryde, which then consisted of a fewfishermen's huts. It was an hour and a-half before she gained thisplace, 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 wellpaid for his trouble, and it was a lucky day for him when Nancy requiredhis services. The _Yungfrau_ had rounded St Helen's, and was standinginto Spithead, when Nancy landed, and the first door at which sheknocked was at the lodgings of Moggy Salisbury, with whom she was wellacquainted, 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 beable to give her important information, and she took up her quarters inMoggy's apartments, anxiously awaiting her arrival, for Nancy was not atall desirous to be seen. In due time the cutter was again anchored inthe harbour, and the first order of Mr Vanslyperken's was, that MoggySalisbury should be sent on shore, which order was complied with, andshe left the vessel, vowing vengeance upon the lieutenant and his dog. The informer also hastened into a boat, and pulled on shore on theGosport side, with a very significant farewell look at Mr Vanslyperken. Moggy landed, and hastened, full of wrath, to her own lodgings, whereshe found Nancy Corbett waiting for her. At first she was too full ofher own injuries, and the attempt to flog her dear darling Jemmy, toallow Nancy to put in a word. Nancy perceived this, and allowed her torun herself down like a clock; and then proposed that they should sendfor some purl and have a cosy chat, to which Moggy agreed, and as soonas they were fairly settled, and Moggy had again delivered herself ofher grievances, Nancy put the requisite questions, and discovered whatthe reader is already acquainted with. She requested, and obtained afull description of the informer, and his person was too remarkable, forNancy not to recognise immediately who it was. 

"The villain!" cried she; "why, if there was any man in whom we thoughtwe could trust, it was--him;" for Nancy had, in her indignation, nearlypronounced his name. 

"Nancy, " said Moggy, "you have to do with the smugglers, I know, foryour husband is one of them, if report says true. Now, I've beenthinking, that the cutter is no place for my Jemmy, and that with thispeak-nosed villain, he will always be in trouble. Tell me, will they lethim in, if he volunteers. "

"I can't exactly say, Moggy; but this I can tell you, that you may bevery useful to them in giving us information, which you may gain throughyour husband. "

"Ay, and not only through my husband, but from everybody on board thecutter. I'm yours, Nancy--and here's my hand on it--you'll see what Ican do. The wagabond, to attempt to flog my own dear, darling duck--myown Jemmy. Only tell me what you want to know, and if I don't ferret itout, my name's not Moggy. But hear me, Nancy; I join you now hand andheart, 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 hisweight in gold, though I say it that shouldn't say it. "

"Thanky, Moggy; but you shall not work for nothing;" and Nancy laid agold Jacobus on the table. 

"This for your present information. Be secret and cautious, and nogossiping, and you'll find that you shall have all you wish, and be noloser in the bargain. And now, good-night--I must be away. You shall seeme soon, Moggy; and remember what I have told you. "

Moggy was astonished at the sight of the gold Jacobus, which she took upand examined as Nancy departed. "Well, " thought she, "but this smugglingmust be a pretty consarn; and as sure as gold is gold, my Jemmy shall bea smuggler. "

Nancy turned down the street, and passed rapidly on, until she was clearof the fortifications, in the direction of South Sea Beach. A fewscattered cottages were at that time built upon the spot. It was quitedark as she passed the lines, and held her way over the shingle. A manwas standing alone, whose figure she recognised. It was the very personthat she wished to find. Nancy watched him for awhile, and observed himpull out a paper, tear it in two, and throw it down with gesticulationsof 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 givencorrectly, now stopped, and faced the other party. "Is that you, Cornbury?"

"Yes, Nancy, " replied the man, who, was the same person who went onboard of the cutter to give the information. 

"I have been seeking you, " replied Nancy. "There has been someinformation laid, and the boats were nearly surprised. Alice desiresthat you will find out what boats entered the cove, whom they belongedto, and, if possible, how they obtained the information. "

"Boats nearly surprised!--you don't say so, " replied Cornbury, withaffected astonishment. "This must indeed be looked to. Have youno idea--"

"None, " replied Nancy. "There was no vessel to be seen the nextmorning--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-treefor three nights running. It's very strange. Do you think that he canhave 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 atthe crags before daylight. Find out what you can, and let us know assoon as possible. I shall be over again as soon as the cargo is run; ifyou 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 piecesof paper which Cornbury had torn up, and put them in the basket shecarried on her arm. 

It will be observed that Nancy had purposely thrown out hints againstWahop, to induce Cornbury to believe that he was not suspected. Herassertion that Wahop was not on the island was false. He had been threedays at Ryde, according to the arrangement. The bait took. Cornburyperceiving that the suspicion was against Wahop, thought that he couldnot do better than to boldly make his appearance at the cave, whichwould remove any doubts as to his own fidelity. 

Nancy hastened down to the Point, and returned that night to Ryde, fromwhence she walked over to the cave, and was there before daylight. Shecommunicated to Alice the intelligence which she had received fromMoggy Salisbury, and the arrangements she had proposed to her, by whichthe 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 shewishes her husband to join us. "

"We must reflect upon it. She may be most useful. What is the characterof the officer who commands the vessel?"

"A miser, and a coward. He is well known--neither honour nor consciencein him. "

"The first is well, as we may act upon it, but the second renders himdoubtful. You are tired, Nancy, and had better lie down a little. "

Nancy Corbett delivered the pens to Lilly, and then took the advice ofher superior. The day was remarkably fine, and the water smooth, so thatthe boats were expected that night. At dusk two small lights, at evendistances, were suspended from the cliff, to point out to the boats thatthe coast was free, and that they might land. Alice, however, took theprecaution to have a watch on the beach, in case of any second surprisebeing attempted; but of this there was little fear, as she knew fromNancy, that all the cutter's boats were on board when she entered theharbour. Lilly, who thought it a delight to be one moment sooner in herfather's arms, had taken the watch on the beach, and there the littlegirl remained perched upon a rock, at the foot of which the waves nowonly sullenly washed, for the night was beautifully calm and clear. To apasser on the ocean she might have been mistaken for a mermaid who hadleft her watery bower to look upon the world above. 

What were the thoughts of the little maiden as she remained there fixedas a statue? Did she revert to the period at which her infant memorycould retrace silken hangings and marble halls, visions of splendour, dreamings of courtly state, or was she thinking of her father, as herquick ear caught the least swell of the increasing breeze? Was she, asher 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 turnedtowards the heavens, bespangled with ten thousand stars, was shemeditating on the God who placed them there? Who can say?--but that thatintellectual face bespoke the mind at work is certain, and from one sopure and lovely could emanate nothing but what was innocent and good. 

But a distant sound falls upon her ear; she listens, and by its measuredcadence knows that it is the rowers in a boat: nearer it comes and moredistinct, and now her keen eye detects the black mass approaching in thegloom of night. She starts from the rock ready to fly up to the cave togive notice of an enemy, or, if their anticipated friends, to fly intothe arms of her father. But her alarm is over, she perceives that it isthe lugger, the boat dashes into the cove, and the first who landsstrains 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 thathere 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:--seeto it, Ramsay; I must at once unto the cave. " Having given thesedirections, the father of Lilly commenced his ascent over the rough andsteep rocks which led up to the cavern, anxious to obtain whatinformation could be imparted relative to the treachery which had led totheir narrow escape two nights preceding. 

He was met by Alice, who cordially embraced him; but he appeared anxiousto release himself from her endearments, that he might at once enterupon matters to him of more serious importance. "Where is the FatherInnis, my dear?" said he, disengaging himself from her arms. 

"He sleeps, Robert, or, at least, he did just now, but probably he willrise now that you are come. But in the meantime, I have discovered whothe traitor is. "

"By all the saints, he shall not escape my vengeance!"

Alice then entered into the particulars related by Nancy Corbett, andalready known to the reader. She had just concluded when Father Innismade 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 havingascertained that in all probability Cornbury would come that night, determined, at all risks, to get possession of him: "we could well beover before daylight, and with your precious person, I must not risk toomuch. You are anxiously expected. "

"And I have important news, " replied the priest; "but I will not detainyou now; I perceive that your presence is wanted by your men. "

During this colloquy the women had descended the ladder, and had beenassisting the men to carry up the various packages of which the boat'scargo consisted, and they now awaited directions as to the stowing away. 

"Ramsay, " said the leader, "we do not return to-night; take the men, andcontrive to lift the boat up on the rocks, so that she may notbe injured. "

An hour elapsed before this was effected, and then the leader, as wellas the rest of the smugglers, retired to the cave to refresh themselveswith 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 shewas walking up and down, with her arms under a shawl, to a sort ofstamping trot, for the weather was frosty, when she heard a low whistleat the west side of the flat. 

"Oh, ho! have I lured you, you traitorous villain?" muttered Nancy, "youcome in good time:" and Nancy walked to the spot where the ladder wasusually lowered down, and looked over. Although the moon had risen, itwas too dark on that side of the platform to distinguish more than thatthere 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 wasrecognised as Cornbury's. Nancy lowered down the ladder, and Cornburyascended 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 foundout what boats they were. Did the lugger come over to-night?"

"Yes, " replied Nancy, "but I must go in and let Mistress Alice know thatyou are here. "

Nancy's abrupt departure was to prevent Cornbury from asking if the boathad remained, or returned to the French coast; for she thought it notimpossible that the unusual circumstance of the boat remaining, mightinduce him to suppose that his treachery had been discovered, and tomake his immediate escape, which he, of course, could have done, andgiven full information of the cave and the parties who frequented it. 

Nancy soon re-appeared, and familiarly taking the arm of Cornbury, ledhim to the eastern side of the platform, asking him many questions. Assoon as he was there, the leader of the gang, followed by half a dozenof his men, rushed out and secured him. Cornbury now felt assured thatall was discovered, and that his life was forfeited. "Bind him fast, "said the leader, "and keep watch over him;--his case shall soon bedisposed of. Nancy, you will call me at daylight. "

When Cornbury had been secured, the men returned into the cave, leavingone with a loaded pistol to guard him. Nancy still remained onthe watch. 

"Nancy Corbett, " said Cornbury, "why am I treated thus?"

"Why?" replied Nancy, with scorn; "ask yourself why. Do you think thatI did not know when I sought you at the beach that you had sailed in thecutter, had brought the boats here, and that if it had not been for thelieutenant taking his dog in the boat, and its barking, you would havedelivered us all into the hands of the Philistines?--wretched traitor. "

"D--n!" muttered Cornbury; "then it is to you, you devil, that I amindebted for being entrapped this way. "

"Yes, to me, " replied Nancy, with scorn. "And, depend upon it, you willhave 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 notto be corresponding with my prisoner anyhow, whether you talk raison ortraison, as may happen to suit your convanience, " observed the man whowas guard over Cornbury. 

"Be aisy, my jewel, " replied Nancy, mimicking the Irishman, "and I'll beas silent as a magpie, anyhow. And, Mr Fitzpatrick, you'll just bepleased to keep your two eyes upon your prisoner, and not be staring atme, 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 modestwoman. "

"More's the pity, Mrs Nancy, I wish you'd forget it too, and I dying oflove for you. "

Nancy walked away to the end of the platform to avoid furtherconversation. The day was now dawning, and as, by degrees, the light wasthrown upon the face of Cornbury, it was strange to witness how hisagitation and his fear had changed all the ruby carbuncles on his faceto a deadly white. He called to Nancy Corbett in a humble tone once ortwice as she passed by in her walk, but received no reply further than alook of scorn. As soon as it was broad daylight, Nancy went into thecave 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 yourevidence before us all. "

Nancy recapitulated all that had passed. 

"I say again, that it is false, " replied Cornbury. "Where is the womanwhom she states to have told her this? This is nothing more thanassertion, and I say again, it is false. Am I to be condemned withoutproofs? Is my life to be sacrificed to the animosity of this woman, whowishes to get rid of me, because--"

"Because what?" interrupted Nancy. 

"Because I was too well acquainted with you before your marriage, andcan 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 whatevermay 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 toall 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 herbosom the agreement signed by Vanslyperken, which she had picked up onthe night when Cornbury had torn it up and thrown it away. "Do you knowthis paper, I ask you? Read it, sir, " continued Nancy, handing it overto the leader of the smugglers. 

The paper was read, and the inflexible countenance of the leader turnedtowards 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 maysee 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 wasmost 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, andthen 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'llwait a couple of seconds more for your convanience, Philip Cornbury. "

Cornbury made no reply. Fitzpatrick put the pistol to his ear, the ballwhizzed through his brain, the body half raised itself from its kneeswith a strong muscular action, and then toppled over and disappeareddown the side of the precipice. 

"It's to be hoped that the next time you lave this world, MasterCornbury, it will be in a purliter sort of manner. A civil questiondemands a civil answer anyhow, " said Fitzpatrick, coolly rejoining theother men. 

Chapter XVIII

The whole of which has been fudged out of the History of England, andwill therefore be quite new to the majority of our readers. 

Were we in want of materials for this eventful history, we have now agood opportunity for spinning out our volumes; but, so far from thisbeing the case, we hardly know how to find space for what it is nowabsolutely necessary that the reader should be acquainted with. Ourfriends may probably recollect, when we remind them of the fact, thatthere was a certain king, James II. , who sat upon our throne, and whowas a very good Catholic--that he married his daughter, Mary, to oneWilliam of Orange, who, in return for James's kindness in giving him hisdaughter, took away from him his kingdom, on the plea, that if he was abad son-in-law, at all events, he was a sound Protestant. They may alsorecollect, that the exiled king was received most hospitably by thegrand monarque, Louis XIV. , who gave him palaces, money, and all that herequired, and, moreover, gave him a fine army and fleet to go to Irelandand recover his kingdom, bidding him farewell with this equivocalsentence, "That the best thing he, Louis, could wish to him was, neverto see his face again. " They may further recollect, that King James andKing William met at the battle of the Boyne, in which the former wasdefeated, and then went back to St Germains and spent the rest of hislife 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 wasrevealed, many of the conspirators were tried and executed, but theperson who was at the head of it, a Scotchman, of the name of Sir GeorgeBarclay, escaped. In the year 1696, a bill was passed, by which SirGeorge Barclay and nine others who had escaped from justice, wereattainted of high treason, if they did not choose to surrenderthemselves 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; butit is impossible to account for the actions of men: we can only lay thefacts before our readers. 

Sir George Barclay was by birth a Scotchman, of high family, and wellconnected. He had been an officer in the army of King James, to whom hewas strongly attached. Moreover, he was a very bigoted Catholic. Whetherhe ever received a commission from King James, authorising him toassassinate King William, has never been proved; but, as King James iswell known to have been admitted into the order of the Jesuits, it isnot at all unlikely. Certain it is, that the baronet went over to StGermains, landed again in England, and would have made the attempt, hadnot the plot been discovered through some of the inferior accomplices;and it is equally sure that he escaped, although many others werehung--and few people knew what had become of him. The fact was, thatwhen Barclay had fled to the sea-side, he was assisted over the water bya band of smugglers, who first concealed him in the cave we havedescribed, which was their retreat. This led to a communication andarrangement with them. Sir George Barclay, who, although foiled in hisattempt at assassination, never abandoned the cause, immediatelyperceived what advantages might be derived in keeping up a communicationby means of these outlaws. For some time the smugglers were employed incarrying secret despatches to the friends of James in England andScotland; and, as the importance of the correspondence increased, and itbecame necessary to have personal interviews instead of writtencommunications, Sir George frequently passed over to the cave as arendezvous, at which he might meet the adherents of the exiled king. Inthe course of time he saw the prudence of having the entire control ofthe band, and found little difficulty in being appointed their leader. From the means he obtained from St Germains, the smuggling was nowcarried on to a great and very profitable extent, and by the regulationswhich he enacted, the chance of discovery was diminished. Only one pointmore was requisite for safety and secrecy, which was, a person to whomhe could confide the charge of the cave. Lady Barclay, who was equallywarm in the cause, offered her services, and they were accepted; and atthe latter end of the year 1696, about one year after the plot hadfailed, Lady Barclay, with her only child, took up her abode in thisisolated domicile; Sir George then first making the arrangement that themen should always remain on the other side of the water, which would bean additional cause of security. For upwards of four years, Lady Barclayhad remained an inmate, attending to the instruction of her littleLilly, and carrying on all the correspondence, and making all thenecessary arrangements with vigour and address, satisfied with servingthe good cause, and proving her devoted allegiance to her sovereign. Unfortunate and unwise as were the Stuart family, there must have beensome charm about them, for they had instances of attachment and fidelityshown to them, of which no other line of kings could boast. 

Shortly after the tragical event recorded in the last chapter, theJesuit came out of the cave and went up to Sir George, who coollyobserved, "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. Theaffair of Bishop Watson hath brought much odium on the usurper. Hehimself writhes under the tyrannical commands of the Commons, and is atissue with them. "

"And, in Scotland, father?"

"All is there ripe and ready--and an army once landed, would be joinedby thousands. The injustice of the usurper in wishing to sacrifice theScotch Settlement, has worked deep upon the minds of those who advancedtheir money upon that speculation--in the total, a larger sum than everyet was raised in Scotland. Our emissaries have fanned the flame up tothe highest pitch. "

"To my thoughts, good father, there needed not further discontent. Havewe not our king dethroned, and our holy religion persecuted?"

"True, my son--true; but still we must lose no means by which we mayincrease the number of our adherents. Some are swayed by one feeling, and some by another. We have contrived to throw no small odium upon theusurper 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, raisedinto the peerage by the title of Countess of Orkney. All these itemsadded together, form a vast sum of discontent; and could we persuade hisCatholic majesty to rouse himself to assert once more his rights byforce of arms, I should not fear for the result. "

"Had I not been betrayed, " observed Sir George, musing, "before this theking would have had his own again. "

"And thrice blessed would have been the arm that had laid the usurperlow, " rejoined the Jesuit; "but more of this hereafter. Your lady hathhad much converse with me. She thinks that the character of the man whocommands that cutter, is such as to warrant his services for gold--andwishes 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 nosuspicion. The whole had better be left to her arrangement. We mayemploy, and pay, yet not trust him. "

"That is exactly what Lady Alice had proposed, " replied the Jesuit. HereLilly came out to tell her father that the morning meal was ready, andthey all returned to the cave. 

That evening the boat was launched, and the Jesuit went over with SirGeorge, and landed at Cherbourg, from whence they both proceeded withall expedition to the court of King James. 

We have entered into this short detail, that the reader may just knowthe why and the wherefore these parties in the cave were introduced, andnow 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 thePoint in Portsmouth harbour. It is a dark, murky, blowing day, withgusts of rain and thick fog. Mr Vanslyperken is more than usuallydispleased, for, as he had to wait for the new boat which he haddemanded, he thought this a good opportunity of enlivening the bends ofthe _Yungfrau_ with a little black paint--not before it was required, most certainly, for she was as rusty in appearance as if she had beenbuilt of old iron. But paint fetched money, and as Mr Vanslyperkenalways 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 ofbeautifying the _Yungfrau_ had been commenced the day before, and theunexpected change in the weather during the night, had washed off thegreater portion of the paint, and there was not only all the trouble, but all the expense, to be incurred again. No wonder that MrVanslyperken was in a bad humour--not only in a bad humour, but in thevery worst of humours. He had made up his mind to go on shore to see hismother, and was pacing the quarter-deck in his great-coat, with hisumbrella under his arm, all ready to be unfurled as soon as he was onshore. He was just about to order his boat to be manned: MrVanslyperken looked up at the weather--the fog was still thick, and therain fell. You could not even make out the houses on the point. The windhad gone down considerably. Mr Vanslyperken looked over the gunnel--thedamage was even greater than he thought. He looked over the stern, therewas the stage still hanging where the painters had been standing orsitting, and, what was too bad, there was a pot of paint, with the brushin it, half full of rain water, which some negligent person had leftthere. Mr Vanslyperken turned forward to call somebody to take the paintbelow, but the decks were empty, and it was growing dark. A suddenthought, instigated no doubt by the devil, filled the brain of MrVanslyperken. It was a glorious, golden opportunity, not to be lost. Hewalked forward, and went down into his cabin again, where he foundSmallbones helping himself to biscuit, for the lad was hungry, as wellhe might be; but on this occasion Mr Vanslyperken took no notice. 

"Smallbones, " said he, "one of the men has left his paint-pot on thestage, under the stern, go and bring it in immediately. "

"Yes, sir, " replied Smallbones, surprised at the unusually quiet styleof his master's address to him. 

Smallbones ran up the ladder, went aft, and slid down by the rope whichheld the plank used as a stage by the painters. Mr Vanslyperken seizedhis carving-knife, and following softly on deck, went aft. He took ahurried look forward--there was no one on deck. For a moment, hehesitated at the crime; he observed the starboard rope shake, forSmallbones was just about to shin up again. The devil prevailed. MrVanslyperken sawed through the rope, heard the splash of the lad in thewater, and, frightened at his own guilt, ran down below, and gained hiscabin. There he seated himself, trembling like an aspen leaf. It was thefirst time that he had been a _murderer_. He was pale as ashes. He feltsick, and he staggered to his cupboard, poured out a tumbler ofscheedam, and drank it off at a draught. This recovered him, and heagain felt brave. He returned on deck, and ordered his boat to bemanned, which was presently done. Mr Vanslyperken would have given theworld to have gone aft, and to have looked over the stern, but he darednot; so, pushing the men into the boat, he slipped in, and was pulled onshore. Without giving any directions to the men he stepped out, and felta relief when he found himself on terra firma. He walked away as fast ashe could--he felt that he could not walk fast enough--he was anxious toarrive at his mother's. The rain fell fast, but he thought not of hisumbrella, it remained under his arm, and Mr Vanslyperken, as if he werechased by a fiend, pushed on through the fog and rain; he wanted to meeta congenial soul, one who would encourage, console him, ridicule hisfears, and applaud the deed which he would just then have given theworld to have recalled. 

Where could he seek one more fitted to the purpose than his mother? Thedoor of the house where she lodged was common to many, and thereforeopened with a latch. He went in, and upstairs, tried the door of hismother's room, and found it fastened within. He knocked, heard thegrumbling 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 itto, 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 almostmurdered. "

"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 rainand perspiration from his brow with a cotton handkerchief. 

"Yes, you did, Cornelius Vanslyperken; not that I believe a craven likeyou 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, andI shall respect you. Come, come, child, cheer up, and tell me all aboutit. 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 ofblack 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, nevermind--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, shownby his mother, narrated what he had done. 

"Well, well, child, 'tis a beginning, " replied the old woman, "and I'llnot 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 insleep. I have had mine--and for years have I dwelt on it--and shall foryears to come. I shall not die yet--no, no. "

Vanslyperken quitted the house; the weather had cleared up, the breezewas fresh and piercing, and the stars twinkled every now and then, asthe wild scud which flew across the heavens admitted them to view. Vanslyperken walked fast--he started at the least sound--he hurried byeveryone whom he met, as if fearful to be recognised--he felt relievedwhen he had gained the streets of Portsmouth, and he at last arrived atthe 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 heengaged 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 poorchance, 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 farewas. 

The boat pulled alongside of the _Yungfrau_, and Vanslyperken paid hisunusual fare, and stepped on the deck. He went down below, and had theprecaution to summon Smallbones to bring lights aft. The word was passedalong the lower deck, and Vanslyperken sat down in the dark, awaitingthe report that Smallbones could not be found. 

Snarleyyow went up to his master, and rubbed his cold nose against hishand, and then, for the first time, it occurred to Vanslyperken, that inhis hurry to leave the vessel, he had left the dog to the mercy of hisenemies. During the time that Vanslyperken waited for the report of thelights, he passed over in his mind the untoward events which had takenplace--the loss of the widow's good-will, the loss of Corporal VanSpitter, who was adrift in the Zuyder Zee, the loss of five thousandpounds through the dog, and, strange to say, what vexed him more, theloss of the dog's eye; and when he thought of all these things his heartwas elated, and he rejoiced in the death of Smallbones, and no longerfelt any compunction. But a light is coming aft, and Vanslyperken iswaiting the anticipated report. It is a solitary purser's dip, as theyare termed at sea, emitting but feeble rays, and Vanslyperken's eyes aredirected 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 acadaverous, and as he supposes, unearthly face and vacant look, drawlsout, "It's a-blowed out twice, sir, with the wind. "

Vanslyperken started up, with his eyes glaring and fixed. There could beno mistake. It was the apparition of the murdered lad, and he fell backin a state of unconsciousness. 

"You've a-got it this time, " said Smallbones, chuckling as he bent overthe body of the lieutenant with his purser's dip, and perceived that hewas in a state of insensibility. 

Had Mr Vanslyperken had the courage to look over the stern of the cutterwhen he re-ascended on the deck, he would have discovered Smallboneshanging on by the rudder chains; for had the fog not been so thick, MrVanslyperken would have perceived that at the time that he cutSmallbones adrift it was slack water, and the cutter was lying acrossthe harbour. Smallbones was not, therefore, carried away by the tide, but being a very fair swimmer, had gained the rudder chains withoutdifficulty; but at the time that Smallbones was climbing up again by therope, he had perceived the blade of the carving-knife working at therope, and was assured that Vanslyperken was attempting his life. When hegained the rudder chains, he held on. At first he thought of calling forassistance; but hearing Vanslyperken order his boat to be manned, thelad then resolved to wait a little longer, and allow his master to thinkthat he was drowned. The result was as Smallbones intended. As soon asthe lad saw the boat was out of hearing he called out most lustily, andwas heard by those on board, and rescued from his cold immersion. Heanswered no questions which were put to him till he had changed hisclothing and recovered himself, and then with great prudence summoned acouncil, composed of Short, Coble, and Jemmy Ducks, to whom he narratedwhat had taken place. A long consultation succeeded, and at last it wasagreed that Smallbones should make his appearance as he did, and futurearrangements to be taken according to circumstances. 

As soon as Smallbones had ascertained the situation of his master, hewent forward and reported it to Dick Short, who with Coble came aft inthe 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 dieand be d----d. Who cares?"

"Nobody, " replied Short. 

"My eyes, but he must have been frightened, " said Smallbones; "for hehas left the key in the cupboard. I'll see what's in it for onceand away. "

Snarleyyow, when Smallbones opened the cupboard, appeared to have anintuitive idea that he was trespassing, so he walked out growling fromunder the table; Short saluted him with a kick in the ribs, which tossedhim under the feet of Coble, who gave him a second with his fisherman'sboots, 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--theolfactory examination was favourable, so he put his mouth to it--thelabial essay still more so, so he took down a wine glass, and, withoutany 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 didthe same. 

"Here's bad luck to him in his own good stuff, " said Smallbones, tossingoff 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, " criedSmallbones, tippling off his second allowance. 

"Who's there?" said Vanslyperken in a faint voice, opening his eyeswith a vacant look. 

Smallbones replaced the bottle in the cupboard, and replied, "It's onlySmallbones, sir, and the mates, come to help you. "

"Smallbones!" said Vanslyperken, still wandering. "Smallbones isdrowned--and the whole pot of black paint. "

"Conscience, " said Short. 

"Carving-knife, " rejoined Coble. 

"Carving-knife!" said Vanslyperken, raising himself up; "I never said aword about a carving-knife, did I? Who is it that I see? Short--andCoble--help me up. I've had a sad fall. Where's Smallbones? Is healive--really alive?"

"I believe as how I bees, " replied Smallbones. 

Mr Vanslyperken had now recovered his perfect senses. He had been raisedon a chair, and was anxious to be rid of intruders, so he told Short andCoble 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 hadbeen saved, but still dared not broach the subject, as it would beadmitting his own guilt. 

"What has happened, Smallbones?" said Vanslyperken. "I still feel veryfaint. "

"Take a glass of this, " replied Smallbones, opening the cupboard, andbringing out the scheedam. He poured out a glass, which Vanslyperkendrank, and then observed, "How did you know what was in thatcupboard sirrah?"

"Because you called for it when you were in your fits, " repliedSmallbones. 

"Called for scheedam?"

"Yes, sir, and said you had lost the carving-knife. "

"Did I?" replied Vanslyperken, afraid that he had committed himself. "Ihave been ill, very ill, " continued he, putting his hand up to hisforehead. "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, " repliedSmallbones. 

"Tumbled overboard! why, I did not leave the ship till afterwards, and Iheard nothing about it. "

"No, sir, how could you?" replied Smallbones, who was all prepared forthis explanation, "when the tide swept me past the saluting battery ina moment. "

"Past the saluting battery?" exclaimed Vanslyperken, "why, how were yousaved?"

"Because, thanks to somebody, I be too light to sink. I went out to theNab buoy, and a mile ayond it. "

"The Nab buoy!" exclaimed Vanslyperken. 

"Yes, and ayond it, afore the tide turned, and then I were swept backagain, and came into harbour again, just half-an-hour afore youcome 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 wereso cold in all my life, a-floating about like a bit of duck-weed withthe tide, this way and that way. "

"As true as you stand here!" repeated Vanslyperken; "but do you standhere?" and he made a desperate grasp at the lad's arm to ascertainwhether he held substance or shadow. 

"Can I do anything more, sir?" continued Smallbones; "for I should liketo turn in--I'm as cold as ice, even now. "

"You may go, " replied Vanslyperken, whose mind was again becomingconfused at what had passed. For some time, the lieutenant sat in hischair, trying to recollect and reason; but it was in vain--the shocks ofthe day had been too great. He threw himself, dressed as he was, uponhis bed--never perceived the absence of his favourite--the candle wasallowed to burn itself to the socket, and Vanslyperken fell off into atrance-like sleep. 

Chapter XX

In which Mr Vanslyperken proves false to the Widow Vandersloosh, andmany strange things take place. 

Mr. Vanslyperken was awakened, the next morning, by the yelping of hisdog, who, having been shut out of the cabin, had ventured up the ladderin the morning when the men were washing the deck, and had a bucketshied at him by Jemmy Ducks, with such excellent precision, that itknocked him over, and nearly broke his hind leg, which he now carriedhigh 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 wasmore than a minute before he could recall the circumstances of the daybefore. He then tried to call to mind how he had gone to bed, and bywhat 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 instantlyexcited his indignation, and he then rang his bell for Smallbones, whosoon 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 youplease, I don't know what's a-going on. Why here, sir, the men washingthe 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 lieutenantquailed before his boy. He could not meet his gaze, but turned away. 

"Very odd, " continued Smallbones, perceiving the advantage he hadgained. 

"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 itsbeing found there--all your carelessness. "

"That would be a pretty go, " murmured Smallbones, as he shut the cabindoor. 

The feeling of vengeance against Smallbones, was now redoubled in thebreast of his master; and the only regret he felt at the transactions ofthe day before was, that the boy had not been drowned. 

"I'll have him yet, " muttered the lieutenant; but he forgot that he wasshaving himself, and the involuntary movements of his lips caused him tocut 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 itto)--"scoundrel!"

A slice with a razor is certainly a very annoying thing. After a certaintime, 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 himat the admiral's office. 

As he walked up the street in a brown study, he at last observed that avery pretty woman dogged him, sometimes walking a-head and looking back, at others dropping astern, and then again ranging up alongside. Helooked her in the face, and she smiled sweetly, and then turned her headcoquettishly, and then looked again with eyes full of meaning. Now, although Mr Vanslyperken had always avoided amours on account of theexpense entailed upon them, yet he was, like a dry chip, veryinflammable, and the extreme beauty of the party made him feel unusualemotions. Her perseverance too--and her whole appearance so veryrespectable--so superior to the class of people who generally accostedhim. He thought of the widow and her money-bags, and thought, also, howinfinitely more desirable the widow would be, if she possessed but thebeauty 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 myown 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. Hevery gallantly offered his arm which, after a little demur, wasaccepted, and Mr Vanslyperken conveyed her to her house. Of course shecould do no less than ask him to walk up, and Mr Vanslyperken, who hadnever been in anything approaching to good society, was in astonishmentat the furniture. All appeared to denote wealth. He was soon in aninteresting conversation, and by degrees found out that the lady was ayoung widow of the name of Malcolm, whose husband had been factor to thenew company, called the East India Company; that she had come down toPortsmouth expecting him home, and that she had learnt that he had diedon shore a few days before his intended embarkation for England. Sincewhich, as she liked the place and the society, she had thoughts ofremaining 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 thequantity my poor husband sent me home, and he was not out more thanthree years. He left me a week after our marriage. "

Here the lovely widow put her handkerchief up to her eyes, and MrVanslyperken attempted to console her. 

"It's so very unpleasant to be left without any one to advise you, andexposed to be cheated so dreadfully. What can a poor lone woman do? Didyou ever see me before, sir?"

"I never did, " replied our lieutenant. "May I ask the same question, forI thought you appeared to know me?"

"O yes! I've seen you very often, and wished to know who you were, but Iwas ashamed to ask. One cannot be too particular in my situation. "

Mr Vanslyperken was much pleased, but he had remained some time, and hethought it right to depart, so he rose and made his adieus. 

"I hope I shall see you again, " cried the widow, earnestly. "You willcall 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 ofVanslyperken, he thought he felt a slight, a very slight pressure, whichmade his heart leap. And then, as he shut the door, she gave him such alook--O those eyes!--they pierced right through the heart ofVanslyperken. 

The reader may not, perhaps, be aware who this gay widow might be. Itwas Nancy Corbett, who had, by the advice of Lady Alice, taken this stepto entrap Mr Vanslyperken. Nancy had obtained from Moggy all theparticulars of the lieutenant's wooing of the widow Vandersloosh, andhis character as a miser and a coward. Had he been a miser only, shewould have attacked by gold alone, but being a coward, it was decidedthat he should have some further stimulus to betray his country, andenlist himself among the partisans of King James. 

Beauty, joined with wealth, the chance of possessing both, with theattractive arts of Nancy, were considered necessary to sway him. Indeedthey were so far right, that had any one made the bold proposal toVanslyperken of joining the other party, and offered him at the sametime ample remuneration, he would have been too suspicious or tootimorous to run the risk. It was necessary to win him over by meanswhich appeared accidental rather than otherwise. The difficulty ofcorrespondence was very great; and as the cutter constantly wasdespatched to the Hague, and the French had agents there, not onlyletters, but even messengers, might be sent over without risk andwithout suspicion; for open boats being then the only means ofcommunication, during the wintry part of the year, the correspondencewas very precarious, and at long intervals. 

Thus was Nancy Corbett changed into a buxom widow, all for the goodcause, and well did she perform her part; for there was no lack of moneywhen such services were required. Vanslyperken left the house quiteenchanted. "This will do, " thought he, "and if I succeed, FrauVandersloosh may go to the devil. " He returned on board, unlocked hiscabin, where Snarleyyow had been secured from the machinations ofSmallbones and other malcontents, and sat down to enjoy thecastle-building which he had commenced after he left the house. Hepatted his dog, and apostrophised it. "Yes, my poor brute, " saidVanslyperken, "your master will get a rich widow, without it beingnecessary that you should be laid dead at her porch. D--n FrauVandersloosh. "

The widow was more enchanting when Vanslyperken called on the ensuingday, than she was on the first. Her advances to the lieutenant were nolonger doubtful to him. She entered freely into the state of heraffairs, asked his advice upon money matters, and fully proved to hissatisfaction that, independent of her beauty, she would be a muchgreater catch than Frau Vandersloosh. She spoke about her family; saidthat she expected her brother over, but that he must come _incog. _, ashe was attached to the court of the exiled king, lamented the difficultyof receiving letters from him, and openly expressed her adherence to theStuart family. Vanslyperken appeared to make very little objection toher political creed; in fact, he was so fascinated that he fell blindlyinto the snare; he accepted an invitation to dine with her on that veryday, and went on board to dress himself as fine for her as he had forthe widow Vandersloosh. The lovely widow admired his uniform, and gavehim many gentle hints upon which he might speak: but this did not takeplace until a _tête-à-tête_ after dinner, when he was sitting on a sofawith her (not on such a fubsy sofa as that of Frau Vandersloosh, but oneworked in tapestry); much in the same position as we once introduced himin to the reader, to wit, with the lady's hand in his. Vanslyperken wasflushed with wine, for Nancy had pushed the bottle, and, at last, hespoke out clearly what his aspirations were. The widow blushed, laughed, wiped her eyes as if to brush away a falling tear, and eventually, witha slight pressure of the hand, stammered that she did not know what tosay, the acquaintance was so short--it was so unexpected--she mustreflect a little: at the same time, she could not but acknowledge, thatshe had been taken with him when she first saw him; and then she laughedand said, that she did really begin to believe that there was such athing as love at first sight, and then--he had better go now, she wishedto 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 hasbeen handed down to posterity. Mr Vanslyperken perceived his advantage, and pressed still more, until the blushing widow declared that she wouldreally think seriously about the matter, if on further acquaintance shefound that her good opinion of him was not overrated. 

Vanslyperken returned on board intoxicated with his success. On hisarrival, he was informed that a messenger had been sent for him, but noone knew where to find him, and that he must be at the admiral's earlythe next morning, and have all ready for immediate sailing. This wasrather annoying, but there was no help for it. The next day Vanslyperkenwent to the admiral's, and received orders to sail immediately to theHague with despatches of consequence, being no less than an answer fromKing William to the States General. Mr Vanslyperken proceeded from theadmiral's to the charming widow, to whom he imparted this unwelcomeintelligence. She, of course, was grave, and listened to hisprotestations 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 youagain. "

"But, tell me the truth, have you no acquaintances there?--now, tell methe truth. I don't mean men. "

"Upon my honour, fair widow, I don't know a single woman there, " repliedVanslyperken, pleased with this little appearance of jealousy; "but I'mafraid 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 youdo 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 andputting it in his pocket. 

"Then I shall ask you another, " said the widow. "You will think me veryfoolish, but there may be an opportunity--will you write to me--just afew lines--only to tell me that you have given the letter, that'sall--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 littlemurmuring and reluctance, was permitted to snatch a kiss. Her eyesfollowed him mournfully till he shut the door and disappeared, and thenNancy Corbett gave way to unbounded mirth. 

"So the fool has bit already, " thought she; "now if he only writes tome, and I get his acknowledgment of having delivered the letter, thebeast is in my power, and I can hang him any day I please. Upon hishonour, he did not know a single woman there:--Lord have mercy!--whatliars men are--but we can sometimes beat them with their own weapons. "And Nancy's thoughts reverted to her former life, which she now dweltupon with pain and sorrow. 

Mr Vanslyperken returned on board; the anchor was weighed immediatelythat the boats had been hoisted up, and the _Yungfrau_ ran out with afair wind, which lasted until the evening, when it fell almost calm, andthe cutter made but little way through the water. Many of the men wereconversing on the forecastle as usual, and the subject of theirdiscourse was the surmising what had become of Corporal Van Spitter. Inone point they all appeared to agree, which was, that they hoped hewould never return to the cutter. 

"If he does I owe him one, " observed Jemmy Ducks. "It's all through himthat 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 loosebut the threat of _him_ to flog me, and what made him threaten that butthe '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; "hehasn't piped since he was pulled up by the corporal. "

"No: he put my pipe out, the hippopotamus. Well, I'll give it you--itshall be about what we are talking of, Obadiah. " Jemmy perched himselfon 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 marineforward to say, that no singing would be permitted in future, and thatthey were immediately to desist. 

"I suppose we shall have a song considered as mutiny soon, " observedCoble. "Ah, well, it's a long lane that has no turning. "

"Yes, " replied Jemmy, in an under tone, "and for every rogue there's arope laid up. Never mind, let us go below. "

Mr Vanslyperken's dreaming thoughts of the fair widow were neverthelessoccasionally interrupted by others not quite so agreeable. Strange tosay, he fully believed what Smallbones had asserted about his beingcarried out by the tide to the Nab buoy and he canvassed the question inhis mind, whether there was not something supernatural in the affair, asort of interposition of Providence in behalf of the lad, which was tobe considered as a warning to himself not to attempt anything further. He was frightened, although his feeling for revenge was still in all itsforce. 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 aword? There was another point which also engrossed the moodyVanslyperken, which was how he should behave relative to the widowVandersloosh. Should he call or should he not? he cared nothing for her, and provided he could succeed with the Portsmouth lady, he would pitchher to the devil; but still he remembered the old proverb, "You shouldnever throw away dirty water before you are sure of clean. " After somecogitation he determined upon still pressing his suit, and hoped at thesame time that the widow would not admit him into her presence. Suchwere the different resolves and decisions which occupied the mind of MrVanslyperken until he dropped his anchor at Amsterdam, when he orderedhis boat to go on shore, and gave positive directions to Dick Short thatno one was to leave the cutter on any pretence, for he was determinedthat as the widow would not have his company, she should not have theprofits arising from his men spending their money at her house. 

"So, " cried Coble, after the boat shoved off, "liberty's stopped as wellas 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 thedespatches with which he was charged; and having so done, he then tookout the letter intrusted to him by Nancy Corbett and read the address. It was the same street in which lived the Frau Vandersloosh. This wasawkward, as Vanslyperken did not want to be seen by her; but there wasno help for it. He trusted to her not seeing him, and he proceededthither: he ran down the numbers on the doors until he came to the rightone, which was exactly opposite to the widow's house:--this was moreunfortunate. He rang the bell; it was some time before the door wasopened, and while he was standing there he could not help looking roundto see if any one saw him. To his annoyance, there stood the widowfilling up her door with her broad frame, and Babette peeping over hershoulder. Mr Vanslyperken, as there was only the canal and two narrowroads between them, could do no less than salute her, but she took nonotice of him farther than by continuing her stare. At last, upon asecond pulling of the bell, the door opened, and on Mr Vanslyperkensaying that he had a letter for such an address, he was admitted, andthe door immediately closed. He was ushered into a room, thewindow-panes of which were painted green, so that no one outside couldlook in, and found himself in the presence of a tall man, in a clericaldress, who motioned to him to sit down. 

Vanslyperken delivered the letter, and then took a seat. The gentlemanmade a graceful bow, as if to ask permission to break the seal, and thenopened the letter. 

"Sir, I am obliged to you for charging yourself with thesepackets--infinitely obliged to you. You are in command of a sloop here, I believe. "

"A king's cutter, sir, " replied Vanslyperken, with importance; "I amLieutenant Vanslyperken. "

"I thank you, sir. I will take down your name. You expect, I presume, tobe rewarded for this small service, " continued the gentleman, with abland smile. 

"Why, she must have told him, " thought Vanslyperken; who replied withanother 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 mouthwater, but why he did so Vanslyperken did not give a thought, untilhaving counted out fifty pieces, the gentleman very gracefully put theminto his hand, observing, "A lieutenant's pay is not great, and we can afford to be generous. Willyou oblige me by calling here before you sail for England, and I willbeg 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 nothave laid it down again on the table. It was too great a sacrifice, forit was his idol--his god. He therefore dropped it into his pocket, andpromising to call before he sailed, bowed and took his leave. As he wentout, there were the Frau Vandersloosh and Babette still watching him atthe door, but Vanslyperken was in a state of agitation, and he hurriedoff as fast as he could. Had he known why they watched so earnestly, andwhat had occurred, his agitation would have been greater still. As soonas Mr Vanslyperken had arrived on board, he hastened down into hiscabin, and throwing the money down on the table, feasted his eyes withit, and remained for nearly half-an-hour in a state of deep cogitation, during which he often asked himself the question, whether he had notbeen a traitor to the king and country in whose pay he was employed. Theanswer that he gave to himself was anything but satisfactory: but theprospect of possessing the fair Portsmouth widow, and the gold displayedupon the table, were very satisfactory, and the balance was on thelatter side: so Vanslyperken gradually recovered himself, and had risenfrom 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 thegold pieces, he cried, "Come in;" when who, to his surprise, shouldappear, in excellent condition and fresh as a peony, but the lost andalmost forgotten Corporal Van Spitter, who, raising his hand to hisforehead as usual, reported himself man-of-war fashion, "Vas come onboard, Mynheer Vanslyperken. " But as the corporal did not tell all thefacts connected with his cruise in the jolly-boat to Mr Vanslyperken, for reasons which will hereafter appear, we shall reserve the narrativeof what really did take place for another chapter. 

Chapter XXI

In which are narrated the adventures which took place in the corporal'scruise in the jolly-boat. 

Corporal Van Spitter, so soon as he had expended all his breath inshouting for help, sat down with such a flop of despair on the thwart ofthe boat, as very nearly to swamp it. As it was, the water poured inover 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 aquarter of an hour, during which he was swept away by the tide until hewas unable to discover the lights on shore. The wind freshened, and thewater became more rough, the night was dark as pitch, and the corporalskimmed along before the wind and tide. "A tousand tyfels!" at lastmuttered the corporal, as the searching blast crept round his fat sides, and made him shiver. Gust succeeded gust, and, at last, the corporal'steeth chattered with the cold: he raised his feet out of the water atthe bottom of the boat, for his feet were like ice, but in so doing, theweight of his body being above the centre of gravity, the boat careenedover, and with a "Mein Gott!" he hastily replaced them in the coldwater. And now a shower of rain and sleet came down upon the unprotectedbody of the corporal, which added to his misery, to his fear, and tohis 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 VanSpitter?" and then he was again silent for nearly half an hour. The windshifted to the northward, and the rain cleared up, but it was only tomake the corporal suffer more, for the freezing blast poured upon hiswet clothes, and he felt chilled to the very centre of his vitals. Hiswhole body trembled convulsively, he was frozen to the thwart, yet therewas no appearance of daylight coming, and the corporal now abandonedhimself to utter hopelessness and desperation, and commenced praying. Heattempted the Lord's Prayer in Dutch, but could get no further than "artin heaven, " for the rest, from disuse, had quite escaped the corporal'smemory. He tried to recollect something else, but was equallyunsuccessful; at last, he made up a sad mixture of swearing and praying. 

"Mein Gott--a hundred tousand tyfels--gut Gott--twenty hundred tousandtyfels! Ah, Gott of mercy--million of tyfels! holy Gott Jesus! twentymillions of tyfels--Gott for dam, I die of cold!" Such were theejaculations of the corporal, allowing about ten minutes to intervenebetween 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 ofwater was now spent, and the ebb commenced flowing against the wind andsea. This created what is called boiling water, that is, a contestbetween the wind forcing the waves one way, and the tide checking themthe other, which makes the waves to lose their run, and they rise, anddance, and bubble into points. The consequence was, that the boat, asshe 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 nowquite exhausted with more than four hours' exposure to a wintry night, the temperature being nearly down to zero. All the corporal's stoicismwas gone; he talked wildly, crouched and gibbered in his fear, when hewas suddenly roused by a heavy shock. He raised his head, which had sunkupon his chest, and beheld something close to him, and to the gunnel ofthe boat. It was a thin, tall figure, holding out his two arms at rightangles, and apparently stooping over him. It was just in the positionthat 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 ofmental and bodily depression, was certain that it was the ghost of thepoor lad whom he had so often tortured. Terror raised his hairerect--his mouth was wide open--he could not speak--he tried to analyseit, but a wave dashed in his face--his eyes and mouth were filled withsalt water, and the corporal threw himself down on the thwarts of theboat, quite regardless whether it went to the bottom or not; there helay, half groaning, half praying, with his hands to his eyes, and hishuge nether proportion raised in the air, every limb trembling withblended cold and fright. One hour more, and there would have beennothing 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 whichhad alarmed the conscience-stricken corporal, was nothing more than theoutside beacon of a weir for catching fish, being a thin post with across bar to it, certainly not unlike Smallbones in figure, supposinghim to have put his arms in that position. 

For upwards of an hour did the corporal lie reversed, when the daydawned, and the boat had been left high and dry upon the flat. Thefishermen came down to examine their weir, and see what was theirsuccess, when they discovered the boat with its contents. At first theycould not imagine what it was, for they could perceive nothing but thecapacious round of the corporal, which rose up in the air, but, bydegrees, 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 himup, and discovered that life was not yet extinct. They poured a littleschnappes 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 dogsto 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 thefish caught into the cart which remained, and took possession of theboat. The fishermen's wives, perceiving the cart so heavily laden, imagined, as it approached the huts, that there had been unusualsuccess, and were not a little disappointed when they found that insteadof several bushels of fine fish, they had only caught a corporal ofmarines; but they were kind-hearted, for they had known misery, and VanSpitter was put into a bed, and covered up with all the blankets theycould collect, and very soon was able to drink some warm soup offered tohim. It was not, however, till long past noon, that the corporal wasable 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 thecorporal's feelings since the horror and sufferings of the night. Hefelt hatred towards Vanslyperken, and good-will towards those whom hehad treated unkindly. The supernatural appearance of Smallbones, inwhich he still believed, and which appeared to him as a warning--what hehad suffered from cold and exhaustion, which by him was considered as apunishment for his treatment of the poor lad but the morning before, hadchanged the heart of Corporal Van Spitter, so he replied in Dutch, "He will give you nothing, good people, not even a glass of schnappes, Itell you candidly--so keep the boat if you wish--I will not say a wordabout 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 alltheir trouble. The corporal put on his clothes, and ate a hearty meal, was freely supplied with spirits, and went to bed quite recovered. Thenext morning, the fishermen took him down to Amsterdam in their ownboat, when Van Spitter discovered that the _Yungfrau_ had sailed; thiswas 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, littleimagining how much at a discount was his lieutenant in that quarter. 

To the Frau Vandersloosh accordingly he repaired, and the first personhe met was Babette, who finding that the corporal was a Dutchman, andbelonging to the _Yungfrau_, and who presumed that he had always feltthe same ill-will towards Vanslyperken and Snarleyyow, as did the restof the ship's company, immediately entered into a narrative of theconduct of Snarleyyow on the preceding night, the anger of her mistress, and every other circumstance with which the reader is alreadyacquainted. Corporal Van Spitter thus fortunately found out how mattersstood previous to his introduction to the widow. He expatiated upon hissufferings, upon the indifference of his lieutenant in sailing as towhat had become of him, and fully persuaded Babette not only that he wasinimical, which now certainly he was, but that he always had been so, to Mr Vanslyperken. Babette, who was always ready to retail news, wentup to the widow, and amused her, as she dressed her, with the corporal'sadventures, and the widow felt an interest in, before she had seen, Corporal Van Spitter, from the account of his "moving accidents by floodand field. "

But if prepossessed in his favour before she saw him, what did she feelwhen she first beheld the substantial proportions of Corporal VanSpitter! There she beheld the beau ideal of her imagination--the veryobject of her widow's dreams--the antipodes of Vanslyperken, and assuperior 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 thewidow, 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 thesame time, resolved that she would win him. Alas I how short-sighted aremortals; little did the corporal imagine that the most untoward event inhis life would be the cause of his being possessed of ease andcompetence. The widow received him most graciously, spoke in no measuredterms against Vanslyperken, at which the corporal raised his hugeshoulders, as much as to say, "He is even worse than you think him, " wasvery violent against Snarleyyow, whom the corporal, aware that it was nomutiny, made no ceremony in "damning in heaps, " as the saying is. 

The widow begged that he would feel no uneasiness, as he should remainwith her till the cutter returned; and an hour after the firstintroduction, Corporal Van Spitter had breakfasted with, and wasactually sitting, by her request, on the little fubsy sofa, in the veryplace of Vanslyperken, with Frau Vandersloosh by his side. 

We must pass over the few days during which the cutter was away. Widowshave not that maiden modesty to thwart their wishes, which so oftenprevents a true love tale from being told. And all that the widow couldnot tell, Babette, duly instructed, told for her, and it was understood, before the cutter's arrival, that Corporal Van Spitter was the acceptedlover of the Frau Vandersloosh. But still it was necessary that thereshould be secrecy, not only on account of the corporal's being under thecommand of the lieutenant, who, of course, would not allow himself to becrossed in his love without resenting it, but also, because it was notadvisable that the crew of the _Yungfrau_ should not be permitted tospend their money at the Lust Haus. It was therefore agreed that thelieutenant should be blinded, as to the real nature of the intimacy, andthat nothing should take place until the cutter was paid off, andCorporal Van Spitter should be a gentleman at large. 

Independent of the wisdom of the above proceedings, there was a secretpleasure to all parties in deceiving the deceiver Vanslyperken. Butsomething else occurred which we must now refer to. The corporal'sresidence 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 madeserviceable. He had been sent for and sounded, and it was canvassed withthe widow whether he should accept the offers or not, and finally it wasagreed that he should, as there would be little or no risk. Now, it sohappened, that the corporal had gone over to the Jesuit's house to agreeto the proposals, and was actually in the house conversing with him, when Vanslyperken arrived and knocked at the door. The corporalascertaining who it was by a small clear spot left in the painted windowfor scrutiny, begged that he might be concealed, and was immediatelyshown into the next room by a door, which was hid behind a screen. TheJesuit did not exactly shut the door, as he supposed he did, and thecorporal, who wondered what could have brought Vanslyperken there, keptit ajar during the whole of the interview and the counting out of themoney. Vanslyperken left, and as he shut the other door the corporaldid the same with the one he held ajar, and took a seat at the other endof the room, that the Jesuit might not suspect his having overheard allthat had passed. 

Now the Jesuit had made up his mind that it was better to treat with theprincipal than with a second, and therefore did not further require theservices of Corporal Van Spitter. He told him that the lieutenant havingreceived private information that one of the people of the cutter hadbeen seen at his house, and knowing that he was the French agent, hadcome to inform him that if he attempted to employ any of his men incarrying letters, that he would inform against him to the authorities. That he was very sorry, but that after such a notice he was afraid thatthe arrangements could not proceed. The corporal appeared to besatisfied, and took his final leave. No wonder, therefore, that thewidow and Babette were on the watch, when they saw Vanslyperken enterthe house, at the very time the corporal was there also. 

The corporal went over to the widow's, and narrated all that he hadheard 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 inyour 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 asum, which would otherwise have been, in all probability, made over toCorporal Van Spitter, with whom she now felt that their interests werein common. 

"Tousand tyfels!" roared the corporal, dashing his foot upon one of theflaps of the little table before them with so much force, that it wasbroken short off and fell down on the floor. 

"Hundred tousand tyfels!" continued the corporal, when he witnessed theeffects of his violence. 

Although the widow lamented her table, she forgave the corporal with asmile; she liked such proofs of strength in her intended, and she, moreover, knew that the accident was occasioned by indignation atVanslyperken. 

"Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, you'll pay me for that, " exclaimed she; "Iprophesy that before long you and your nasty cur will both swingtogether. "

The corporal now walked across the little parlour and back again, thenturned to the widow Vandersloosh, and with a most expressive lookslowly muttered, "Yes, mein Gott!"

After which he sat down again by the side of the widow, and they had ashort consultation; before it was over, Corporal Van Spitter declaredhimself the deadly enemy of Lieutenant Vanslyperken; swore that he wouldbe his ruin, and ratified the oath upon the widow's lips. Alas! whatchanges there are in this world!

After which solemn compact the corporal rose, took his leave, went onboard, 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; butthe corporal had other work to do, and he did it immediately. He went upto 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 theywould not be seen together. " Vanslyperken ordered the corporal to resumehis office, and serve out the provisions that afternoon: and to theastonishment of the men, he gave them not only full, but overweight; andinstead of abusing them, and being cross, he was good-humoured, andjoked with them; and all the crew stared at each other, and wonderedwhat could be the matter with Corporal Van Spitter. But what was theiramazement, upon Snarleyyow's coming up to him as he was serving outprovisions, instead of receiving something from the hand of the corporalas usual, he, on the contrary, received a sound kick on the ribs fromhis foot which sent him yelping back into the cabin. Their astonishmentcould only be equalled by that of Snarleyyow himself. But that was notall; it appeared as if wonders would never cease, for when Smallbonescame up to receive his master's provisions, after the others had beenserved and gone away, the corporal not only kindly received him, butactually presented him with a stiff glass of grog mixed with thecorporal's own hand. When he offered it, the lad could not believe hiseyes, and even when he had poured it down his throat, he would notbelieve his own mouth; and he ran away, leaving his provisions, chuckling along the lower deck till he could gain the forecastle, andadd this astonishing piece of intelligence to the other facts, whichwere 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 theprevious 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, " saidCoble. 

"Or else he must have seen a ghost, " replied Smallbones. 

"I've heard of ghosts ashore, and sometimes on board of a ship, but Inever heard of a ghost in a jolly-boat, " said Coble, spitting underthe 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 Iam 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 ofgrog--there's no gammon in that;--and such a real stiff 'un too, "continued Smallbones, who licked his lips at the bare remembrance of theunusual 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 corporalhas been all this while. "

"Wait till this evening, " observed Jemmy Ducks; and, as this was veryexcellent advice, it was taken, and the parties separated. 

In the despatches it had been requested, as important negotiations weregoing on, that the cutter might return immediately, as there were othercommunications to make to the States General on the part of the King ofEngland; and a messenger now informed Vanslyperken that he might sail assoon as he pleased, as there was no reply to the despatches he hadconveyed. This was very agreeable to Vanslyperken, who was anxious toreturn to the fair widow at Portsmouth, and also to avoid the FrauVandersloosh. At dusk, he manned his boat and went on shore to theFrench agent, who had also found out that the cutter was ordered toreturn, and had his despatches nearly ready. Vanslyperken waited aboutan hour; when all was complete he received them, and then returnedon board. 

As soon as he had quitted the vessel, Corporal Van Spitter went toJemmy Ducks, and without letting him know how matters stood on shore, told him that he was convinced that Vanslyperken had sent him into theboat on purpose to lose him, and that the reason was, that he, VanSpitter, knew secrets which would at any time hang the lieutenant. Thatin consequence he had determined upon revenge, and in future would beheart and hand with the ship's company, but that to secure their mutualobject, it would be better that he should appear devoted to Vanslyperkenas before, and at variance with the ship's company. 

Now Jemmy, who was with all his wits at work, knew that it wasSmallbones 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 himin that error. But he required proofs of the corporal's sincerity, andhe told him so. 

"Mein Gott! what proof will you have? De proof of de pudding is in deeating. "

"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, whichVanslyperken, trusting to his surveillance, had left unlocked, andseizing the cur by the neck, carried him on deck, and hurled him severalyards 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 thevessel, but for the shore, and they could not in the dark ascertain whatbecame of him, neither was the tide strong, for the flood was nearlyover; the consequence was, that the dog gained the shore, and landed atthe same stairs where the boats land. The men were not in the boat, butwaiting at a beer-shop a little above, which Vanslyperken must pass whenhe came down again. Recognising the boat, the cur leapt into it, andafter a good shaking under the thwarts, crept forward to where the menhad 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 onboard but the dog, which, exhausted with his exertion, was verycomfortable where he was, did not come out, but remained in hissnug berth. 

The lieutenant and men left the boat when they arrived on board, withoutdiscovering that the dog was a passenger. About ten minutes after thelieutenant had come on board, Snarleyyow jumped on deck, but, as all themen were forward in close consultation, and in anticipation of MrVanslyperken's discovery of his loss, the dog gained the cabin, unperceived not only by the ship's company, but by Vanslyperken, who wasbusy locking up the letters entrusted to him by the French agent. Snarleyyow took his station under the table, and lay down to finish hisnap, where we must leave him for the present in a sound sleep, and hissnoring very soon reminded Vanslyperken of what he had, for a short timeunheeded, that his favourite was present. 

"Well, it's very odd, " observed Spurey, "that he has been on boardnearly half-an-hour, and not discovered that his dog is absentwithout leave. "

"Yes, " said Short. 

"I know for why, mein Gott!" exclaimed the corporal, who shook his headvery knowingly. 

"The corporal knows why, " observed Jemmy Ducks. 

"Then why don't he say why?" retorted Bill Spurey, who was still alittle suspicious of the corporal's fidelity. 

"Because Mynheer Vanslyperken count his money de guineas, " replied thecorporal, writhing at the idea of what he had lost by his superior'sinterference. 

"Ho, ho! his money, well, that's a good reason, for he would skin aflint if he could, " observed Coble; "but that can't last for ever. "

"That depends how often he may count it over, " observed JemmyDucks--"but there's his bell;" and soon after Corporal Van Spitter'sname was passed along the decks, to summon him into the presence of hiscommanding 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 allremained in anxious expectation of the corporal's return. 

Corporal Van Spitter had entered the cabin with the air of theprofoundest devotion and respect--had raised his hand up as usual, butbefore the hand had arrived to its destination, he beheld Vanslyperkenseated on the locker, patting the head of Snarleyyow, as if nothing hadhappened. At this unexpected resuscitation, the corporal uttered atremendous "Mein Gott!" and burst like a mad bull out of the cabin, sweeping down all who obstructed his passage on the lower deck, till hearrived 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 hishands 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 nowcrowded 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 tothe cabin on account of the corporal's unaccountable exit, sprang up theladder with one bound, his hair flying in every direction, his eyesgoggling, and his mouth wide open: lifting his hands over his head, andpausing as if for breath, the lad exclaimed with a solemn sepulchralvoice, "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 onhis legs. 

"Whew!" whistled Jemmy Ducks--but nobody else uttered a sound; they alllooked at one another, some with compressed lips, others with mouthsopen. At last one shook his head--then another. The corporal rose on hisfeet and shook himself like an elephant. 

"Dat tog is de tyfel's imp, and dat's de end on it, " said he, with alarmstill 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 slobberingthe 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 facethe devil. "

"Damn the devil!--and that's not swearing, " exclaimed Short--such a longsentence out of his mouth was added to the marvels of the night--someeven shrugged up their shoulders at that, as if it also weresupernatural. 

"I always say so, " said Jansen, "I always say so--no tog, no tog, afterall. "

"No, no, " replied Coble, shaking his head. 

Corporal Van Spitter was again summoned, but the corporal was restive asa rhinoceros. 

"Corporal, " said Smallbones, who, since the glass of grog, was hissincere ally, and had quite forgotten and forgiven his treatment, "godown 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 hisworks--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 arage--asked me why you wouldn't come--told him that you had seensomething dreadful--didn't know what. Tell him you saw the devil at hiselbow--see if it frightens him. "

"Yes, do, " exclaimed the others. 

Corporal Van Spitter made up his mind; he pulled down the skirts of hisjacket, descended the ladder, and walked aft into the cabin. At thesight of Snarleyyow the corporal turned pale--at the sight of thecorporal, 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 madeyou rush out of the cabin in that strange manner?"

"Mein Gott, Mynheer Vanslyperken, I came for orders but I no come keepcompany wid de tyfel. "

"With the devil!--what do you mean?" exclaimed Vanslyperken, alarmed. The corporal, perceiving that the lieutenant was frightened, thenentered into a detail, that when he had entered the cabin he had seenthe devil sitting behind Mr Vanslyperken, looking over his shoulder, andgrinning with his great eyes, while he patted him over the back withhis left hand and fondled the dog with his right. 

This invention of the corporal's, "whom Mr Vanslyperken considered as astanch friend and incapable of treachery, had a great effect upon MrVanslyperken. It immediately rushed into his mind that he had attemptedmurder but a few days before, and that, that very day he had been atraitor to his country--quite sufficient for the devil to claim himas his own. 

"Corporal Van Spitter, " exclaimed Vanslyperken with a look of horror, "are you really in earnest, or are you not in your senses--youreally saw him?"

"As true as I stand here, " replied the corporal, who perceived hisadvantage. 

"Then the Lord be merciful to me a sinner!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, falling on his knees, at the moment forgetting the presence of thecorporal, and then recollecting himself, he jumped up--"It is false, Corporal Van Spitter; false as you are yourself--confess, " continued thelieutenant, seizing the corporal by the collar, "confess, that it isall 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 hisimps, 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--"confessthe truth. "

At this moment Snarleyyow considered that he had a right to be a partyin the fray, so he bounded forward at the corporal, who, terrified atthe supernatural beast, broke from Vanslyperken's grasp, and rushed outof the cabin, followed, however, the whole length of the lower deck bythe dog, who snapped and bayed at him till he had gained thefore 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 tyfelhimself. " The corporal then narrated in broken English what had passed. For some time there was a confused whispering among the men; theyconsidered the dog's reappearance on this occasion even more wonderfulthan on the former, for the men declared positively that he never cameoff in the boat, which, had he done, would have unravelled the wholemystery; and that a dog thrown overboard, and swept away by the tideshould be discovered shortly after perfectly dry and comfortable, notonly 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 withoutbeing seen, proved at once that the animal was supernatural. No one wasnow hardy enough to deny it, and no one appeared to have the least ideaof how to proceed except Smallbones, who, as we have shown, was as fullof energy as he was deficient in fat. On all occasions of this kind thebravest becomes the best man and takes the lead, and Smallbones, whoappeared more collected and less alarmed than the others, was nowlistened to with attention, and the crowd collected round him. 

"I don't care for him or for his dog either, " exclaimed Smallbones, witha drawling intrepid tone; "that dog I'll settle the hash of some way orthe other, if it be the devil's own cousin. I'll not come for to go toleave off now, that's sartain, as I am Peter Smallbones--I'se gota plan. "

"Let's hear Smallbones, --let's hear Smallbones!" exclaimed some of themen. Whereupon they all collected round the lad, who addressed the crewas follows. His audience, at first, crowded up close to him, butSmallbones, who could not talk without his arms, which were about aslong and thin as a Pongo's are in proportion to his body, flapped andflapped as he discoursed, until he had cleared a little ring, and whenin the height of his energy he threw them about like the arms of awindmill, every one kept at a respectable distance. 

"Well, now, I considers this, if so be as how the dog be a devil, andnot a dog, I sees no reason for to come for to go for to be afraid; forar'n't we all true Christians, and don't we all fear God and honour theking? I sartainly myself does consider that that ere dog could not ahave cummed into this here vessel by any manner of means natural not byno 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 heitherdog or man can, then he must be the devil, and not a dog--and so heis--that's sartain. But if so be as he is the devil, I say again, Idon't care, 'cause I sees exactly how it is, --he be a devil, but he beonly 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 wascalled for? Didn't I sew him up in a bread-bag, and didn't he come backjust as nothing had happened; and didn't the corporal launch him into asurge over the taffrail, and he comes back just as if nothing hadhappened? Well, then, one thing is clear; that his power be on thewater, and no water will drown that ere imp, so it's no use trying nomore in that way, for he be a sea-devil. But I thinks this: he goes onshore and he comes back with one of his impish eyes knocked out clean bysomebody or another somehow or another, and, therefore, I argues that hehave no power on shore not by no means; for if you can knock his eyeout, you can knock his soul out of his body, by only knocking a littlemore to the purpose. Who ever heard of any one knocking out the devil'seye, or injuring him in any way?--No; because he have power by sea andby land: but this here be only a water-devil, and he may be killed ondry land. Now, that's just my opinion, and as soon as I gets him onshore, 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 Itells you all, that be he a dog, or be he a devil, I'll have a shy athim 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 hisresolution, and as he had comprised in his speech all that could be saidupon the subject, they broke up the conference, and everyone went downto 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 hismind. That Corporal Van Spitter should assert that he saw the devil athis shoulder, was a matter of no small annoyance any way; for either thedevil was at his shoulder or he was not. If he was, why then it wasevident that in consequence of his having attempted murder, and havingbetrayed his country for money, the devil considered him as his own, andthis Mr Vanslyperken did not approve of; for, like many others in thisworld, he wished to commit every crime, and go to heaven after all. MrVanslyperken was superstitious and cowardly, and he did believe thatsuch a thing was possible; and when he canvassed it in his mind, hetrembled, and looked over his shoulder. 

But Corporal Van Spitter might have asserted it only to frighten him. Itwas possible--but here again was a difficulty: the corporal had been hisfaithful confidant for so long a while, and to suppose this, would be tosuppose that the corporal was a traitor to him, and that, upon nogrounds which Vanslyperken could conjecture, he had turned false: thiswas 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; forMr Vanslyperken resolved, had the devil really been there, to haverepented immediately, and have led a new life; but if the devil had notbeen there, Mr Vanslyperken did not perceive any cause for such animmediate hurry. 

At last, an idea presented itself to Mr Vanslyperken's mind, whichafforded him great comfort, which was, that the corporal had suffered somuch from his boat adventures--for the corporal had made the most of hissufferings--that he was a little affected in his mind, and had thoughtthat he had seen something. "It must have been so, " said MrVanslyperken, who fortified the idea with a glass of scheedam, and thenwent to bed. 

Now, it so happened, that at the very time that Mr Vanslyperken wasarguing all this in his brain, Corporal Van Spitter was also cogitatinghow he should get out of his scrape; for the Corporal, although not verybright, had much of the cunning of little minds, and he felt thenecessity of lulling the suspicions of the lieutenant. To conceal hisastonishment and fear at the appearance of the dog, he had libelled MrVanslyperken, who would not easily forgive, and it was the corporal'sinterest to continue on the best terms with, and enjoy the confidence ofhis superior. How was this to be got over? It took the whole of thefirst watch, and two-thirds of the middle, before the corporal, who layin his hammock, could hit upon any plan. At last he thought he hadsucceeded. At daybreak, Corporal Van Spitter entered the cabin of MrVanslyperken, who very coolly desired him to tell Short to get all readyfor weighing at six o'clock. 

"If you please, Mynheer Vanslyperken, you think me mad last night 'causeI see de tyfel at your shoulder. Mynheer Vanslyperken, I see him twiceagain this night on lower deck. Mein Gott! Mynheer Vanslyperken, Isay twice. "

"Saw him again twice!" replied the lieutenant. 

"Yes, Mynheer Vanslyperken, I see twice again--I see him very oftensince I drift in de boat. First, I see him when in de boat--since that Isee him one time, two times, in de night. "

"It's just as I thought, " said Mr Vanslyperken, "he has never got overhis alarm of that night. --Very well, Corporal Van Spitter, it's of noconsequence. I was very angry with you last night, because I thought youwere taking great liberties; but I see now how it is, you must keepyourself quiet, and as soon as we arrive at Portsmouth, you had betterlose a little blood. "

"How much, Mynheer Vanslyperken, do you wish I should lose?" replied thecorporal, with his military salute. 

"About eight ounces, corporal. "

"Yes, sir, " replied the corporal, turning on his pivot, and marching outof the cabin. 

This was a peculiarly satisfactory interview to both parties. MrVanslyperken was overjoyed at the corporal's explanation, and thecorporal was equally delighted at having so easily gulled his superior. 

The cutter weighed that morning, and sailed for Portsmouth. We shallpass over the passage without any further remarks than that the corporalwas reinstated into Mr Vanslyperken's good graces--that he appeared asusual to be harsh with the ship's company, and to oppress Smallbonesmore than ever; but this was at the particular request of the lad, whoplayed his own part to admiration--that Mr Vanslyperken again broughtup the question of flogging Jemmy Ducks, but was prevented by thecorporal's expressing his fears of a mutiny--and had also some secretconference with the corporal as to his desire of vengeance uponSmallbones, to which Van Spitter gave a ready ear, and appeared to beequally willing with the lieutenant to bring it about. Things were inthis state when the cutter arrived at Portsmouth, and, as usual, raninto the harbour. It may be supposed that Mr Vanslyperken was in allhaste to go on shore to pay his visit to his charming widow, but stillthere was one thing to be done first, which was to report himself tothe admiral. 

On his arrival at the admiral's, much to his dissatisfaction, he wasinformed that he must hold himself ready for sailing immediately, asdespatches for the Hague were expected down on the next morning. Thiswould give but a short time to pay his addresses, and he therefore madeall haste to the widow's presence, and was most graciously received. Shealmost flew into his arms, upbraided him for being so long away, for nothaving written to her, and showed such marks of strong attachment, thatVanslyperken was in ecstasies. When he told her that he expected to sailagain immediately, she put her handkerchief up to her eyes, andappeared, to Vanslyperken at least, to shed a few bitter tears. As soonas she was a little more composed, Vanslyperken produced the packet withwhich he was entrusted, which she opened, and took out two letters, onefor herself, and the other addressed to a certain person in a house inanother street. 

"This, " said the widow, "you must deliver yourself--it is ofconsequence. I would deliver it, but if I do, I shall not be able tolook after my little arrangements for dinner, for you dine with me ofcourse. Besides, you must be acquainted with this person one time oranother, as it will be for OUR advantage. "

"OUR advantage!" how delightful to Mr Vanslyperken was that word! Hejumped up immediately, and took his hat to execute the commission, theinjunction 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 openedthe 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, andshutting the door. 

Vanslyperken delivered the letter, which the Jew did not open, but laidon the table. "It vas from my worthy friend in Billen Shaaten. Heist 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--vilyou vait and take them now?"

"Yes, " replied Vanslyperken, who anticipated another rouleau of gold onhis 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, whichhe put into Vanslyperken's hand, and a large packet carefully sealed. "Dis vas of de hutmost importance, " said the old man, giving him thepacket. "You will find you monish all right, and now vas please just putyour name here, for I vas responsible for all de account;" and the Jewlaid down a receipt for Vanslyperken to sign. Vanslyperken read it over. It was an acknowledgment for the sum of fifty guineas, but notspecifying for what service. He did not much like to sign it, but howcould he refuse? Besides, as the Jew said, it was only to prove that themoney was paid; nevertheless he objected. 

"Vy vill you not sign? I must not lose my monish, and I shall lose it ifyou do not sign. Vat you fear--you not fear that we peach; ven peoplespay so high, they not pay for noting. We all sall hang togeder if deaffair be found. "

Hang together! thought Vanslyperken, whose fears were roused, and heturned pale. 

"You are vell paid for your shervices--you vas vell paid at doder sideof de vater, and you are now von of us. You cannot go back, or your lifevill be forfeit, I can assure you--you vill sign if you please--and youvill not leave dis house, until you do sign, " continued the Jew. "Youvill 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 theold man, which told Vanslyperken that he was not to be trifled with, andassured him that he must have help at hand if requisite. If left tohimself, the Jew would have been easily mastered by the lieutenant, butthat such was not the case, was soon proved, by the old man ringing asmall silver bell on the table, and shortly afterwards there was arustling and noise, as if of several persons, heard in the passage. Vanslyperken now perceived that he was entrapped, and he also felt thatit was too late to retreat. Actuated by his fear of violence on the onehand, and his love of gold on the other, he consented to sign thevoucher required. As soon as this was done, the old Jew was allcivility. He took the paper, and locked it up in a large cabinet, andthen observed, "It is for your own shafety, sare lieutenant, dat we are obliged to dodis. You have noting to fear--we are too much in want of good friendslike you, to lose them, but we must be safe and shure; now you are vonof us--you cannot tell but we can tell too--we profit togeder, and Ivill hope dat we do run no risk to be hang togeder. Fader Abraham! wemust not think of that, but of de good cause, and of de monish. I am aJew, and I care not whether de Papist or de Protestant have de best ofit--but I call it all de good cause, because every cause is good whichbrings de monish. "

So thought Vanslyperken, who was in heart a Jew. 

"And now, sare, you vill please to take great care of de packet, anddeliver it to our friend at Amsterdam, and you vill of course come to meven you return here. "

Vanslyperken took his leave, with the packet in his pocket, not verywell pleased; but as he put the packet in, he felt the yellow bag, andthat to a certain degree consoled him. The old Jew escorted him to thedoor, with his little keen gray eyes fixed upon him, and Vanslyperkenquailed before it, and was glad when he was once more in the street. Hehastened back to the widow's house, full of thought--he certainly hadnever intended to have so committed himself as he had done, or to havepositively enrolled himself among the partisans of the exiled king; butthe money had entrapped him--he had twice taken their wages, and he hadnow been obliged to give them security for his fidelity, by enablingthem to prove his guilt whenever they pleased. All this made MrVanslyperken rather melancholy--but his meditations were put an end toby his arrival in the presence of the charming widow. She asked him whathad passed, and he narrated it, but with a little variation, for hewould not tell that he had signed through a fear of violence, but, atthe 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 youare on our side, and you will prove most valuable to us. Indeed, Ibelieve it was your readiness to meet my wishes that made me so fond ofyou, for I am devotedly attached to the rightful king, and I never wouldmarry any man who would not risk life and soul for him, as you havedone now. "

The expression "life and soul, " made Vanslyperken shudder, and his fleshcrept all over his body. 

"Besides, " continued the widow, "it will be no small help to us, for theremuneration is very great. "

"To us!" thought Vanslyperken, who now thought it right to press hissuit. He was listened to attentively, and at last he proposed an earlyday for the union. The widow blushed, and turned her head away, and atlast replied, with a sweet smile, "Well, Mr Vanslyperken, I will neithertease you nor myself--when you come back from your next trip, I consentto be yours. "

What was Vanslyperken's delight and exultation! He threw himself on hisknees, promised, and vowed, and thanked, kissed hands, and was in suchecstasies! He could hardly imagine that his good fortune was real. Abeautiful widow with a handsome fortune--how could he ever have thoughtof throwing himself away upon such a bunch of deformity as the FrauVandersloosh? Poor Mr Vanslyperken! Dinner put an end to hisprotestations. He fared sumptuously, and drank freely to please thewidow. He drank death to the usurper, and restoration to the King James. What a delightful evening! The widow was so amiable, so gentle, soyielding, so, so, so--what with wine and love, and fifty guineas in hispocket, Mr Vanslyperken was so overcome with his feelings, that at lasthe 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 Vanslyperkendeparted, full of wine and hope--two very good things to lay in astock 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 herdear, darling Jemmy. Dick Short did not prevent her coming on board, andhe was commanding officer, so Moggy once more had her husband in herarms; but the fond pair soon retired to a quiet corner, where they had along and serious conversation; so long, and so important, it wouldappear, that they did not break off until Mr Vanslyperken came on board, just before dark. His quick eye soon perceived that there was apetticoat at the taffrail, where they retired that they might not beoverheard, and he angrily inquired who it was, his wrath was notappeased when he heard that it was Salisbury's wife, and he ordered herimmediately to be put on shore, and sent for Corporal Van Spitter in hiscabin, to know why she was on board. The corporal replied, "That MrShort had let her in; that he had wished to speak on the subject, butthat Mr Short would not speak, " and then entertained his superior with along account of mutinous expressions on the lower deck, and threats ofdoing him (Mr Vanslyperken) a mischief. This conversation wasinterrupted by a messenger coming on board with the despatches, and anorder to sail at daylight, and return immediately without waiting forany answers. 

The reader may wish to know the subject of the long conversation betweenJemmy Ducks and his wife. It involved the following question. Moggy hadbecome very useful to Nancy Corbett, and Nancy, whose services wererequired at the cave, and could not well be dispensed with, had longbeen anxious to find some one, who, with the same general knowledge ofparties, and the same discrimination, could be employed in her stead. InMoggy she had found the person required, but Moggy would not consentwithout 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 betrustworthy, and able to perform the duty in the boats. Jemmy was notvery 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 tojoin the smugglers. 

Now, as to joining the smugglers, Jemmy had not the least objection: hewas tired of the cutter, and being separated from his wife had been tohim a source of great discontent; but, as Jemmy very truly observed, "IfI desert from the vessel, and am ever seen again, I am certain to beknown, and taken up; therefore I will not desert, I will wait till I ampaid off, unless you can procure my discharge by means of your friends. "Such had been the result of the colloquy, when interrupted by thearrival of Vanslyperken, and the case thus stood, when, on the nextmorning, at daylight, the cutter weighed, and steered her course forthe Texel. 

Chapter XXIV

In which Mr Vanslyperken has nothing but trouble from the beginning tothe end. 

So soon as the cutter had sailed, Moggy hastened to the pretended widowto report the answer of her husband. Nancy considered that there wasmuch sound judgment in what Jemmy had said, and immediately repaired tothe house of the Jew, Lazarus, to whom she communicated her wishes. Atthat time, there were many people high in office who secretly favouredKing James, and the links of communication between such humbleindividuals as we are treating of, with those in power, althoughdistant, were perfect. 

In a few days, an order came down for the discharge of James Salisburyfrom the cutter _Yungfrau_, and the letter the same day was put into thehands of the delighted Moggy. 

Mr Vanslyperken made his short passage to the Zuyder Zee, and anchoredas usual; and when he had anchored, he proceeded to go on shore. Previously, however, to his stepping into the boat, the ship's companycame aft, with Jemmy at their head, to know whether they might haveleave on shore, as they were not very well pleased at their libertyhaving been stopped at Portsmouth. 

Mr Vanslyperken very politely told them that he would see them all atthe devil first, and then stepped into his boat; he at once proceeded tothe house of the Jesuit, and this time, much to his satisfaction, without having been perceived, as he thought, by the widow Vanderslooshand Babette, who did not appear at the door. Having delivered hisdespatches, and received his customary fee, Mr Vanslyperken mentionedthe difficulty of his coming to the house, as he was watched by somepeople opposite, and inquired if he could have the letters sent undercover to himself by some trusty hand, mentioning the ill-will of theparties in question. To this the Jesuit consented, and Vanslyperken tookhis leave; but on leaving the house he was again annoyed by the broadform of the widow, with Babette, as usual, at her shoulder, with theireyes fixed upon him. Without attempting a recognition, for Vanslyperkencared little for the opinion of the Frau Vandersloosh, now that he wasaccepted by the fair widow of Portsmouth, Mr Vanslyperken walkedquietly away. 

"Ah, very well, Mr Vanslyperken--very well, " exclaimed the FrauVandersloosh, as he pursued his way at a rapid rate; "very well, MrVanslyperken--we shall see--three times have you entered those doors, and with a fifty guineas in your pocket, I'll be bound, every time thatyou have walked out of them. Treason is paid high, but the traitorsometimes hangs higher still. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, we shallsee--we are evidence, Mr Vanslyperken--and I'll not be married before Isee you well hanged, Mr Vanslyperken. Deary me, Babette, " exclaimed thewidow, 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. Puthalf 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 himdrink it, Babette. And, Babette, I'll just go up and put on something alittle tidier. I think he will come--I know he will if he can. "

We must leave the widow to decorate her person, and follow Vanslyperkendown to the boat, and on board. On his arrival, he went down into thecabin to lock up his money. When Corporal Van Spitter went to thecabin-door, the corporal heard the clanking of the pieces asVanslyperken counted them, and his bile was raised at the idea ofVanslyperken possessing that which should have been his own. Thecorporal waited a little, and then knocked. Vanslyperken put away therest 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 shorefor an hour or two. 

"Go on shore! _you_ go on shore, corporal? why you never asked to go onshore before, " replied the suspicious Vanslyperken. 

"If you please, sir, " replied the corporal, "I wish to pay de peoplewho 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 onshore; 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 inthe small boat. He hastened up to the widow's house, and was receivedwith open arms. Seated on the squab sofa, with a bottle of beer on thetable, and five others all ready at the stove, the widow's smilesbeaming on him, who could be more happy than the Corporal Van Spitter?The blinds were up at the windows, the front door fast to preventintrusion, and then the widow and he entered into a long colloquy, interrupted occasionally by little amorous dallyings, which reminded youof the wooings of a male and female elephant. 

We shall give the substance of the conversation. The widow expressed herindignation against Vanslyperken, and her resolution not to be marrieduntil he was hanged. The corporal immediately became an interestedparty, and vowed that he would assist all in his power. He narrated allthat had passed since he had left the widow's, and the supernaturalappearance of the dog after he had thrown it overboard. He then pointedout that it was necessary that Vanslyperken should not only be blindedas to the state of matters between them, but that, to entrap him stillmore, the widow should, if possible, make friends with him. To this thewidow unwillingly consented; but as the corporal pointed out that thatwas the only chance of her occasionally seeing him, and that by hispretending to be in love with Babette, Vanslyperken might be deceivedcompletely, she did consent; the more so, that the greater would be hisdisappointment at the end, the more complete would be her vengeance. Their plans being arranged, it was then debated whether it would not bebetter to send some message on board to Vanslyperken, and it was agreedthat it should be taken by the corporal. At last all was arranged, thesix bottles of beer were finished, and the corporal having beenpermitted to imprint as many hearty smacks upon the widow's thick andjuicy lips, he returned on board. 

"Come on board, Mynheer Vanslyperken, " said the corporal, entering thecabin. 

"Very well, corporal; did you do all you wanted? for we sail again atdaylight. "

"Yes, mynheer, and I see somebody I never see before. "

"Who was that, corporal?" replied Vanslyperken, for he had been feastingupon the recollections of the fair Portsmouth widow, and was in a verygood humour. 

"One fine Frau, Mynheer Vanslyperken--very fine Frau. Babette came up tome in the street. "

"Oh, Babette--well, what did she say?"

Hereupon the corporal, as agreed with the widow, entered into a longexplanation, stating his Babette had told him that her mistress was verymuch surprised that Mr Vanslyperken had passed close to the door, andhad never come in to call upon her; that her mistress had been quitesatisfied with Mr Vanslyperken's letter, and would wish to see himagain; and that he, the corporal, had told Babette the dog had beendestroyed by him, Mr Vanslyperken, and he hoped he had done right insaying so. 

"No, " replied Vanslyperken, "you have done wrong; and if you go on shoreagain, you may just give this answer, that Mr Vanslyperken don't care ad--n for the old woman; that she may carry her carcass to some othermarket, 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 hisbetrothed, "yes, mynheer, I will recollect that. Mein Gott! I shall notforget it. "

"Kill my dog, heh!" continued Vanslyperken, talking to himself aloud. "Yes, yes, Frau Vandersloosh, you shall fret to some purpose. I'llworry down your fat for you. Yes, yes, Madam Vandersloosh, you shallbite your nails to the quick yet. Nothing would please you butSnarleyyow 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 MrVanslyperken. As soon as he was in the cabin and the door shut, he laidsome letters on the table, and without saying a word went on deck and onshore again. At daybreak the cutter weighed, and ran with a fair wind toPortsmouth. 

With what a bounding heart did Mr Vanslyperken step into the boatattired in his best! He hardly could prevail upon himself to report hisarrival to the admiral, so impatient was he to throw himself at the fairwidow'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 theopening with impatience. At last it was opened, but not by the widow'sservant. "Is Mrs Malcolm at home?" inquired Vanslyperken. 

"Malcolm, sir!" replied the woman; "do you mean the lady who was livinghere, and left yesterday?"

"Left yesterday!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, hardly able to stand on hisfeet. 

"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 forsupport. 

"Then, sir, here be a letter for you. " So saying, the woman pulled upher dirty apron, then her gown, and at last arrived at a queer fustianpocket, out of which she produced the missive, which had been jumbled incompany with a bit of wax, a ball of blue worsted, some halfpence, acopper thimble, and a lump of Turkey rhubarb, from all of whichcompanions it had received a variety of hues and colours. Vanslyperkenseized the letter as soon as it was produced, and passing by the woman, went into the dining-parlour, where, with feelings of anxiety, he satdown, 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 hischair almost suffocated. The woman, who had stood in the passage whilehe read the letter, came to his assistance, and pouring some water intohis mouth, and throwing a portion of it over his face, partially revivedhim. Vanslyperken's head fell on the table upon his hands, and for someminutes remained in that position. He then rose, folded the letter, putit 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 committreason--you had waited till he was so entangled that he could notescape, or in future refuse to obey the orders of the Jacobiteparty--you had seduced him, Nancy Corbett--you had intoxicated him--inshort, Nancy, you had ruined him, and then you threw him over by thisinsidious 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 hisfeelings. The old woman seldom or ever went out; if she did, it was inthe dusk, to purchase in one half-hour enough to support existence for afortnight. 

She was at home with her door locked, as usual, when he demandedadmittance. 

"Come in, child, come in, " said the old beldame, as with palsied handsshe undid the fastenings. "I dreamt of you, last night, Cornelius, andwhen I dream of others it bodes them no good. "

Vanslyperken sat down on a chest, without giving any answer. He put hishand 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 youdone, my child? Pour out your feelings into your mother's bosom. Tell meall--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 otherstill you have recovered all. That's the way--I'll have more yet, beforeI die. I shall not die yet--no, no. "

Vanslyperken remained silent for some time. He then, as usual, impartedto his mother all that had occurred. 

"Well, well, my child; but there is the other one. Gold is gold, onewife is as good--to neglect--as another. My child, never marry a womanfor love--she will make a fool of you. You have had a lucky escape--Isee you have, Cornelius. But where is the gold you said you took forturning 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 shallnever wrest the gold from me. It will be safe--quite safe, with me, aslong 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 havesold your country for gold. Cornelius Vanslyperken, by the hatred I bearthe whole world, I feel that I almost love you now;--I see you are myown 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 insultingmessage, had only the effect of raising his bile. He vowed vengeanceagainst everybody and everything, especially against Smallbones, whom hewas determined he would sacrifice: murder now was no longer horrible tohis 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 madehim more eager to obtain gold, and he contemplated treason as the meansof so doing without any feelings of compunction. 

On his arrival on board, he found an order from the Admiralty todischarge James Salisbury. This added to his choler and his meditationsof revenge. Jemmy Ducks had not been forgotten; and he determined not tomake known the order until he had punished him for his mutinousexpressions; but Moggy had come on board during his absence, anddelivered to her husband the letter from the Admiralty notifying hisdischarge. Vanslyperken sent for Corporal Van Spitter to consult, butthe corporal informed him that Jemmy Ducks knew of his discharge. Vanslyperken's anger was now without bounds. He hastened on deck, andordered the hands to be turned up for punishment, but Corporal VanSpitter hastened to give warning to Jemmy, who did not pipe the handswhen 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 pretendedbustle. 

"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 injusticeshould not be done. Salisbury was no longer in the service, and althoughthey knew the corporal to be on their side, they surrounded Jemmy on theforecastle, and the corporal came aft, declaring that he could not getnear the prisoner. As he made this report a loud female voice was heardalongside. 

"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 youwhat, keep yourself on board, Mr Leeftenant, for if I cotches you onshore, I'll make you sing in a way you don't think on. Yes, flog myJemmy, my dear darling duck of a Jemmy--stop a minute--I'mcoming aboard. "

Suiting the action to the word, for the sailors had beckoned to Moggy tocome on board, she boldly pulled alongside, and skipping over, she wentup direct to Mr Vanslyperken. "I'll just trouble you for my husband, andno 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 withthe orders of your masters, Mr Leeftenant!--I'd like to see the man. Iaxes you for my Jemmy, and I'll trouble you just to hand him here--ifnot, look out for squalls, that's all. I demand my husband in the king'sname, so just hand him over, " continued Moggy, putting her nose so closeto that of Mr Vanslyperken that they nearly touched, and then after afew seconds' pause, for Vanslyperken could not speak for rage, sheadded, "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 andsaluting; "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, themarines had joined them--what could he do? To appeal to the higherauthorities would be committing himself, for he knew that he could notflog 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 Moggywaited 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 theside 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 theside into the boat, in which he fell with a heavy bound; she thendescended the side, ordered the man to shove off, and kept at a shortdistance from the cutter with the dog in her possession. 

"Now, now, " cried Moggy, slapping her elbow, "hav'n't I got the dog, andwon't I cut him up into sassingers and eat him in the bargain, if youwon'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 borrowedfrom the man in the boat. "This is for the cur; and unless you let myJemmy go, ay and directly too--"

"Mercy, woman!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, "Do not harm the poor dog, andyour 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 poorbeast. "

"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'sthroat 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, andwent down into the cabin to sign his pay order. He then returned, for hewas dreadfully alarmed lest Moggy should put her threats in execution. 

Jemmy's chest and hammocks were in the boat. He shook hands with hisshipmates, and receiving the papers and his discharge from Corporal VanSpitter, and exchanging an intelligent glance with him, he went down theside. The boat pulled round the stern to take in Moggy, who then orderedthe waterman to put the dog on board again. 

"My word's as good as my bond, " observed Moggy, as she stepped into theother boat, "and so there's your cur again, Mr Leeftenant; but mark mywords: I owe you one, and I'll pay you with interest before I have donewith 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 offury, ran down into his cabin. 

Chapter XXV

In which Mr Vanslyperken proves that he has a great aversion to coldsteel. 

Mr Vanslyperken had been so much upset by the events of the day, that hehad quite forgotten to deliver the letters entrusted to him to the careof the Jew Lazarus; weighty indeed must have been the events which couldhave prevented him from going to receive money. 

He threw himself on his bed with combined feelings of rage andmortification, and slept a feverish sleep in his clothes. 

His dreams were terrifying, and he awoke in the morning unrefreshed. Themutiny and defection of the ship's company, he ascribed entirely to themachinations 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 thefirst impulses that his mind resorted to upon his awaking, and aftersome little demur, he sent for Corporal Van Spitter, to consult withhim. The corporal made his appearance, all humility and respect, and wasagain sounded as to what could be done with Smallbones, Vanslyperkenhinting very clearly what his wishes tended to. 

Corporal Van Spitter, who had made up his mind how to act after theirprevious conference, hummed and ha'ed, and appeared unwilling to enterupon the subject, until he was pushed by his commandant, when thecorporal observed there was something very strange about the lad, andhinted 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 devilthree times, once it was sitting on the head-clue of Smallbones'hammock, and at another time that he was evidently in converse with thelad, and that there were strange stories among the ship's company, whoconsidered 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 thatseveral attempts had been made to drown the dog, but without success;and that among the rest, he had been thrown by Smallbones into thecanal, tied up in a bread-bag, and had miraculously made hisappearance 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 wasknown by his own confession to be the case, it could not be proved, asnone of the men would tell. 

"Besides, he did not think that any further attempts would be made, asSmallbones had been heard to laugh and say, 'that water would never hurthim or the dog, ' which observation of the lad's had first made theship's company suspect. "

"Very true, " exclaimed Vanslyperken; "he floated out to the Nab buoy andback again, when I--" Here Mr Vanslyperken stopped short, and he felt adread of supernatural powers in the lad, when he thought of what hadpassed 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'sprotection; but at the same time he was not at all easy aboutSmallbones; for Mr Vanslyperken, as we have observed before, was bothsuperstitious 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 tobe 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 thathe 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 itaway, 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, andvexed 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 thehouse of Lazarus, he knocked, but it was some time before he wasadmitted, and the chain was still kept on the door, which was opened twoinches 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 manof very handsome exterior, dressed according to the fashion of thecavaliers of the time. His hat, with a plume of black feathers, lay uponthe table. This personage continued in his careless and easy positionwithout rising when Vanslyperken entered, neither did he ask him tosit down. 

"You are the officer of the cutter?" inquired the young man, with an airof 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 thoseletters 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. Youare paid for it; for one shilling that you receive from the rascallygovernment you condescend to serve and to betray, you receive from uspounds. 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 weplease. You are doubly in our power, scoundrel! You betray thegovernment you serve, but you shall not betray us. If you had a thousandlives, you are a dead man the very moment you flinch from or neglect ourwork. Do your work faithfully, and you will be rewarded; but either youmust 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 foryour neglect, by not paying you this time. You may leave the letters andgo. But mind that you give us timely notice when you are ordered back tothe 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 hisseat. 

Vanslyperken opened the door, and to his amazement there were threeswords 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 ofperturbation, and remained silent and pale. 

"And now perfectly understand me, sir, " said the young cavalier. "Wemake a great distinction between those who have joined the good cause, or rather, who have continued steadfast to their king from feelings ofhonour and loyalty, and those who are to be bought and sold. We honourthe first, we despise the latter. Their services we require, andtherefore we employ them. A traitor to the sovereign from whom hereceives his pay, is not likely to be trusted by us. I know yourcharacter, that is sufficient. Now, although the government make nodifference between one party or the other, with the exception that somemay be honoured with the axe instead of the gibbet, you will observewhat we do: and as our lives are already forfeited by attainder, we makeno scruple of putting out of the way any one whom we may even suspect ofbetraying us. Nay, more; we can furnish the government with sufficientproofs against you without any risk to ourselves, for we have manypartisans 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 ourtool, we will have faithful and diligent service; if not, your life isforfeited. "

Vanslyperken heard all this with amazement and confusion: he immediatelyperceived that he was in a snare, from which escape was impossible. Hiscoward heart sank within him, and he promised implicit obedience. 

"Nevertheless, before you go you will sign your adherence to King Jamesand his successors, " observed the young cavalier. "Lazarus, bring inwriting materials. " The Jew, who was at the door, complied withthe order. 

The cavalier took the pen and wrote down a certain form, in whichVanslyperken 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 theyoung man coolly; "do as you please. "

Vanslyperken turned round; the swords were still pointed, and the eyesof those which held them were fixed upon the cavalier awaiting hisorders. Vanslyperken perceived that there was no escape. With atrembling 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 escapeus:--our name is Legion. You may go, sir;--do your work well, and youshall be well rewarded. "

Vanslyperken hastened away, passing the swords, the points of which werenow lowered for his passage. Perhaps he never till then felt howcontemptible was a traitor. Indignant, mortified, and confused, stilltrembling with fear, and, at the same time, burning with rage, hehastened to his mother's house, for he had brought on shore with him themoney which he had received at Amsterdam. 

"What, more vexation, child?" said the old woman, looking Vanslyperkenin 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 thathappened. At last the truth, which even he felt ashamed of, was drawnout 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 berevenged on him. "

"That's my own child--that is what I have done, Cornelius, but I shallnot 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 isready, and all will succeed--then--then is the time to revengeyourself--not yet--but for that revenge, death on the gallows wouldbe sweet. "

Vanslyperken shuddered:--he did not feel how death could in any way besweet;--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. "Iought to have had more, --but I'll be revenged. "

"Yes, yes, but get more gold first. Never kill the goose that lays thegolden egg, my child, " replied the old woman, as she turned the key. 

So many sudden and mortifying occurrences had taken place in forty-eighthours that Vanslyperken's brain was in a whirl. He felt goaded to dosomething, but he did not know what. Perhaps it would have been suicidehad he not been a coward. He left his mother without speaking anotherword, and walked down to the boat, revolving first one and then anotherincident in his mind. At last, his ideas appeared to concentratethemselves into one point, which was a firm and raging animosity againstSmallbones; and with the darkest intentions he hastened on board andwent down into his cabin. 

What was the result of these feelings will be seen in the ensuingchapter. 

Chapter XXVI

In which Mr Vanslyperken sees a ghost. 

Before we acquaint the reader with the movements of Mr Vanslyperken, wemust again revert to the history of the period in which we are writing. The Jacobite faction had assumed a formidable consistency, and everyexertion was being made by them for an invasion of England. They knewthat their friends were numerous, and that many who held office underthe ruling government were attached to their cause, and only requiredsuch a demonstration to fly to arms with their numerous partisans. 

Up to the present, all the machinations of the Jacobites had beencarried on with secrecy and dexterity, but now was the time for actionand decision. To aid the cause, it was considered expedient that someone of known fidelity should be sent to Amsterdam, where the projectsof William might be discovered more easily than in England: for, as hecommunicated with the States General, and the States General werecomposed of many, secrets would come out, for that which is known tomany soon becomes no longer a secret. 

To effect this, letters of recommendation to one or two of those high inoffice in Holland, and who were supposed to be able to give information, and inclined to be confiding and garrulous, had been procured from thefirm allies of King William, by those who pretended to be so only, forthe agent who was about to be sent over, and this agent was the youngcavalier who had treated Vanslyperken in so uncourteous a manner. He hasalready been mentioned to the reader by the name of Ramsay, and secondin authority among the smugglers. He was a young man of high family, anda brother to Lady Alice, of course trusted by Sir Robert and his secondin command. He had been attainted for non-appearance, and condemned forhigh treason at the same time as had been his brother-in-law, Sir RobertBarclay, and had ever since been with him doing his duty in the boat andin command of the men, when Sir Robert's services or attendance wererequired at St Germains. 

No one could be better adapted for the service he was to be employedupon. He was brave, cool, intelligent, and prepossessing. Of course, byhis letters of introduction, he was represented as a firm ally of KingWilliam, and strongly recommended as such. The letters whichVanslyperken had neglected to deliver were of the utmost importance, andthe character of the lieutenant being well known to Ramsay, through themedium of Nancy Corbett and others, he had treated him in the way whichhe considered as most likely to enforce a rigid compliance withtheir wishes. 

Ramsay was right; for Vanslyperken was too much of a coward to ventureupon resistance, although he might threaten it. It was the intention ofRamsay, moreover, to take a passage over with him in the _Yungfrau_, ashis arrival in a king's vessel would add still more to the success ofthe enterprise which he had in contemplation. 

We will now return to Mr Vanslyperken, whom we left boiling withindignation. He is not in a better humour at this moment. He requires avictim to expend his wrath upon, and that victim he is resolved shall beSmallbones, upon whom his hate is concentrated. 

He has sent for the corporal, and next ordered him to bring him a pistoland cartridge, which the corporal has complied with. Vanslyperken hasnot made the corporal a further confidant, but he has his suspicions, and he is on the watch. Vanslyperken is alone, his hand trembling as heloads the pistol which he has taken down from the bulkhead where ithung, but he is nevertheless determined upon the act. He has laid itdown on the table, and goes on deck, waiting till it is dusk for thecompletion 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 onhis 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 Iwant 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 thelad's motions as he moved from one part of the cabin to the other, histhoughts wandering from the recollection of Smallbones having attemptedto drown his dog, to the more pleasing one of revenge. 

At dusk, Mr Vanslyperken ordered his boat to be manned, and so soon asSmallbones had gone into it with the bag, he took the pistol from wherehe had hid it, and concealing it under his great-coat, followed the ladinto the boat. 

They landed, and Vanslyperken walked fast; it was now dark, and he wasfollowed by Smallbones, who found difficulty in keeping pace with hismaster, 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 laggedbehind. The master desired him to come on. "I does come on as fast as Ican, sir, but this here walking don't suit at all, with carrying a bagfull of clothes, " replied Smallbones. 

"Make haste, and keep up with me, " cried Vanslyperken, setting off againat a more rapid pace. 

They were now past all the buildings, and but occasionally fell in withsome solitary farmhouse, or cottage, on the road side; the night wascloudy, and the scud flew fast; Vanslyperken walked on faster, for inhis state of mind he could feel no bodily fatigue, and the laddropped astern. 

At last the lieutenant found a spot which afforded him an opportunity ofexecuting his fell purpose. A square wall, round a homestead for cattle, was built on the side of the footpath. Vanslyperken turned round, andlooked for Smallbones, who was too far behind to be seen in theobscurity. Satisfied by this that the lad could not see his motions, Vanslyperken secreted himself behind the angle of the wall so as toallow 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 wearywith his load. Vanslyperken compressed his lips, and held his breath. The lad passed him; Vanslyperken now rose from behind, levelled thepistol at the lad's head, and fired. Smallbones uttered a yell, felldown on his face, and then rolled on his back without life or motion. 

Vanslyperken looked at him for one second, then turned back, and fledwith the wings of the wind. Conscience now appeared to pursue him, andhe ran on until he was so exhausted, that he fell; the pistol was stillin his hand, and as he put out his arm mechanically to save himself, thelock of the pistol came in violent contact with his temple. 

After a time he rose again, faint and bleeding, and continued his courseat a more moderate pace, but as the wind blew, and whistled among theboughs of the trees, he thought every moment that he beheld the form ofthe murdered lad. He quickened his pace, arrived at last within thefortifications, and putting the pistol in his coat-pocket, he somewhat, recovered himself. He bound his silk handkerchief round his head, andproceeded 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 beenassailed by robbers, and ordered them to pull on board immediately. Assoon as he came on board he desired the men to assist him down into hiscabin, and then he sent for Corporal Van Spitter to dress his wounds. Hecommunicated to the corporal, that as he was going out in the country ashe had proposed, he had been attacked by robbers, that he had beenseverely wounded, and had, he thought, killed one of them, as the othersran away; what had become of Smallbones he knew not, but he had heardhim crying out in the hands of the robbers. 

The corporal, who had felt certain that the pistol had been intended forSmallbones, hardly knew what to make of the matter; the wound of MrVanslyperken was severe, and it was hardly to be supposed that it hadbeen self-inflicted. The corporal therefore held his tongue, heard allthat 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 roundVanslyperken's head, he then assisted him into bed. "Mein Gott! I makeno head or tail of de business, " said the corporal, as he walkedforward; "but I must know de truth soon; I not go to bed for two orthree hours, and den I hear others. "

It is needless to say that Mr Vanslyperken passed a restless night, notonly 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 itsstings, and then it is but for a short time, and when it does forceitself back upon him, it is with redoubled power. His occasionalslumbers were broken by fitful starts, in which he again and again heardthe yell of the poor lad, and saw the corpse rolling at his feet. It wasabout an hour before daylight that Mr Vanslyperken again woke, and foundthat the light had burnt out. He could not remain in the dark, it wastoo dreadful; he raised himself, and pulled the bell over his head. Someone entered. "Bring a light immediately, " cried Vanslyperken. 

In a minute or two the gleams of a light were seen burning at a distanceby the lieutenant. He watched its progress aft, and its entrance, and hefelt relieved; but he had now a devouring thirst upon him, and his lipswere 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 partywith 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, andcovering 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 explainthe unexpected appearance of Smallbones. When Corporal Van Spitter wasrequested by Vanslyperken to bring a pistol and cartridge, the corporal, who had not forgotten the hints thrown out by Vanslyperken during theirlast consultation, immediately imagined that it was for Smallbones'benefit. And he was strengthened in his opinion, when he learnt thatSmallbones was to go on shore with his master after it was dusk. NowCorporal Van Spitter had no notion of the poor lad's brains being blownout, and when Mr Vanslyperken went on deck and left the pistol, he wentinto the cabin, searched for it, and drew the bullet, whichVanslyperken, of course, was not aware of. It then occurred to thecorporal, that if the pistol were aimed at Smallbones, and he wasuninjured, it would greatly add to the idea, already half entertained bythe superstitious lieutenant, of there being something supernaturalabout Smallbones, if he were left to suppose that he had been killed, and had reappeared. He, therefore, communicated his suspicions to thelad, told him what he had done, and advised him, if the pistol werefired, to pretend to be killed, and when left by his master, to come onboard quietly in the night. Smallbones, who perceived the drift of allthis, promised to act accordingly, and in the last chapter it will beobserved how he contrived to deceive his master. As soon as thelieutenant was out of hearing, Smallbones rose, and leaving the bagwhere it lay, hastened back to Portsmouth, and came on board about twohours before Vanslyperken rang his bell. He narrated what had passed, but, of course, could not exactly swear that it was Vanslyperken whofired the pistol, as it was fired from behind, but even if he couldhave so sworn, at that time he would have obtained but little redress. 

It was considered much more advisable that Smallbones should pretend tobelieve that he had been attacked by robbers, and that the ball hadmissed him, after he had frightened his master by his unexpectedappearance, for Vanslyperken would still be of the opinion that the ladpossessed a charmed life. 

The state of Mr Vanslyperken during the remainder of that night waspitiable, but we must leave the reader to suppose, rather than attemptto describe it. 

In the morning the corporal came in, and after asking after hissuperior's health, informed him that Smallbones had come on board, thatthe lad said that the robbers had fired a pistol at him, and thenknocked him down with the butt end of it, and that he had escaped butwith the loss of the bag. 

This was a great relief to the mind of Mr Vanslyperken, who had imaginedthat he had been visited by the ghost of Smallbones during the night: heexpressed himself glad at his return, and a wish to be left alone, uponwhich the corporal retired. As soon as Vanslyperken found out thatSmallbones 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, whichwas, that the lad must have a charmed life; he had floated out to theNab buoy and back again, and now he had had a pistol-bullet passedthrough his skull without injury. He felt too much fear to attemptanything against him for the future, but his desire to do so wasstronger than ever. 

Excitement and vexation brought on a slow fever, and Mr Vanslyperken layfor three or four days in bed; at the end of which period he received amessage from the admiral, directing him to come or send on shore (forhis state had been made known) for his despatches, and to sail as soonas possible. 

Upon receiving the message, Mr Vanslyperken recollected his engagementat the house of the Jew Lazarus, and weak as he was, felt too muchafraid of the results, should he fail, not to get out of bed and go onshore. It was with difficulty he could walk so far. When he arrived hefound Ramsay ready to receive him. 

"To sail as soon as possible:--'tis well, sir. Have you yourdespatches?"

"I sent to the admiral's for them, " replied Vanslyperken. 

"Well, then, be all ready to start at midnight. I shall come on boardabout a quarter of an hour before; you may go, sir. "

Vanslyperken quailed under the keen eye and stern look of Ramsay, andobeyed the uncourteous order in silence; still he thought of revenge ashe walked back to the boat and re-embarked in the cutter. 

"What's this, Short?" observed Coble: "here is a new freak; we start atmidnight, 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, ifhe did not make us sail this evening. It's not a man-of-war fashion, isit, Dick?"

"No, " replied Short. 

"Well, we shall see, " replied Coble. "I shall turn in now. You've heardall 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 smallcount 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 steppedout of it into the cutter. Vanslyperken had been walking the deck toreceive him, and immediately showed him down into the cabin, where heleft him to go on deck, and get the cutter under way. There was a smallstove in the cabin, for the weather was still cold; they were advancedinto the month of March. Ramsay threw off his coat, laid two pair ofloaded pistols on the table, locked the door of the cabin, and thenproceeded to warm himself, while Vanslyperken was employed on deck. 

In an hour the cutter was outside and clear of all danger, andVanslyperken had to knock to gain admittance into his own cabin. Ramsayopened 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 havedespatches 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 anylonger 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 ofyour own vessel, " replied Ramsay, starting up, and laying his hand overthe pistols, which he drew towards him, and replaced in his belt. "Ifyou trust to your ship's company you are mistaken, as you will soondiscover. 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 goodcause, I shall not hurt you. No one will know that the despatches havebeen ever examined, and----"

"And what?" replied Vanslyperken, gloomily. 

"For the passage, and this service, you will receive one hundredguineas. "

Vanslyperken no longer hesitated; he opened the drawer in which he haddeposited 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 comparedthem; sorted the letters according to the seals, and laid onecorresponding at the heading of each file, for there were threedifferent government seals upon the despatches. He then took a longDutch earthen pipe which was hanging above, broke off the bowl, and putone end of the stem into the fire. When it was of a red heat he took itout, and applying his lips to the cool end, and the hot one close to thesealing-wax, he blew through it, and the heated blast soon dissolved thewax, and the despatches were opened one after another without theslightest 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, whichhad become cold and hard again, and resealed all the letters with hiscounterfeit seals. 

During this occupation, which lasted upwards of an hour, Vanslyperkenlooked 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 notcompromised. "

"No, indeed, " replied Vanslyperken, who was struck with the ingenuity ofthe method; "but you have given me an idea. "

"I will tell you what that is, " replied Ramsay. "You are thinking, if Ileft you these false seals, you could give me the contents of thedespatches, provided you were well paid. Is it not so?"

"It was, " replied Vanslyperken, who had immediately been struck withsuch a new source of wealth; for he cared little what he did--all hecared for was discovery. 

"Had you not proposed it yourself, I intended that you should have doneit, sir, " replied Ramsay; "and that you should also be paid for it. Iwill arrange all that before I leave the vessel. But now I shall retireto my bed. Have you one ready?"

"I have none but what you see, " replied Vanslyperken. "It is my own, butat your service. "

"I shall accept it, " replied Ramsay, putting his pistols under hispillow, after having thrown himself on the outside of the bedclothes, pulling his roquelaure over him. "And now you will oblige me by turningthat cur out of the cabin, for his smell is anything but pleasant. "

Vanslyperken had no idea of his passenger so coolly taking possession ofhis bed, but to turn out Snarleyyow as well as himself, appeared anunwarrantable liberty. But he felt that he had but to submit, for Ramsaywas despotic, and he was afraid of him. 

After much resistance, Snarleyyow was kicked out by his master, who thenwent on deck not in the very best of humours, at finding he had socompletely sold himself to those who might betray and hang him the verynext day. "At all events, " thought Vanslyperken, "I'm well paid for it. "

It was now daylight, and the cutter was running with a favourablebreeze; the hands were turned up, and Corporal Van Spitter came on deck. Vanslyperken, who had been running over in his mind all the events whichhad latterly taken place, had considered that, as he had lost thePortsmouth widow, he might as well pursue his suit with the widowVandersloosh, especially as she had sent such a conciliating message bythe corporal; and perceiving the corporal on deck, he beckoned to him toapproach. Vanslyperken then observed, that he was angry the other day, and that the corporal need not give that message to the FrauVandersloosh, as he intended to call upon her himself upon his arrival. Van Spitter, who did not know anything about the Portsmouth widow, andcould not imagine why the angry message had been given, of courseassented, although he was fully determined that the widow should beinformed of the insult. The question was now, how to be able to go onshore himself; and to compass that without suspicion, he remarked thatthe maid Babette was a very fine maid, and he should like to seeher again. 

This little piece of confidence was not thrown away. Vanslyperken wastoo anxious to secure the corporal, and he replied, that the corporalshould go ashore and see her, if he pleased; upon which Corporal VanSpitter made his best military salute, turned round on his heel, andwalked away, laughing in his sleeve at having so easily gulledhis superior. 

On the third morning the cutter had arrived at her destined port. Duringthe passage Ramsay had taken possession of the cabin, orderingeverything as he pleased, much to the surprise of the crew. MrVanslyperken spoke of him as a king's messenger, but still Smallbones, who took care to hear what was going on, reported the abject submissionshown to Ramsay by the lieutenant, and this was the occasion of greatmarvel; moreover, they doubted his being a king's messenger, for, asSmallbones 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 compliancewith Ramsay's wish, was the most important point of all. They could havegot over all the rest, but that was quite incomprehensible; and they allagreed with Coble, when he observed, hitching up his trousers, "Dependupon it, there's a screw loose somewhere. "

As soon as the cutter was at anchor, Ramsay ordered his portmanteau intothe boat, and Vanslyperken having accompanied him on shore, theyseparated, Ramsay informing Vanslyperken that he would wish to see himthe next day, and giving him his address. 

Vanslyperken delivered his despatches, and then hastened to the widowVandersloosh, who received him with a well-assumed appearance of mingledpleasure and reserve. 

Vanslyperken led her to the sofa, poured forth a multitudinous compoundcomposed of regret, devotion, and apologies, which at last appeared tohave melted the heart of the widow, who once more gave him her handto salute. 

Vanslyperken was all rapture at so unexpected a reconciliation; the nameof the cur was not mentioned, and Vanslyperken thought to himself, "Thiswill do, --let me only once get you, my Frau, and I'll teach you to wishmy dog dead at your porch. "

On the other hand the widow thought, "And so this atomy really believesthat I would look upon him! Well, well, Mr Vanslyperken, we shall seehow 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 beingfirst 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 ofRamsay, in doing which we shall have to introduce new personages in ourlittle drama. 

As soon as Ramsay had taken leave of Vanslyperken, being a stranger atAmsterdam, he inquired his way to the Golden Street, in which residedMynheer Van Krause, syndic of the town, and to whom he had obtained hisprincipal letters of introduction. The syndic's house was too wellknown not to be immediately pointed out to him, and in ten minutes hefound himself, with the sailors at his heels who had been ordered tocarry up his baggage, at a handsomely carved door painted in brightgreen, and with knockers of massive brass which glittered in the sun. 

Ramsay, as he waited a few seconds, looked up at the house, which waslarge and with a noble front to the wide street in face of it, not, asusual with most of the others, divided in the centre by a canal runningthe whole length of it. The door was opened, and led into a large pavedyard, the sides of which were lined with evergreens in large tubs, painted of the same bright green colour; adjoining to the yard was asmall garden enclosed with high walls, which was laid out with greatprecision, and in small beds full of tulips, ranunculuses, and otherbulbs now just appearing above the ground. The sailors waited outsidewhile the old gray-headed servitor who had opened the gate, usheredRamsay through the court to a second door which led into the house. Thehall into which he entered was paved with marble, and the staircase boldand handsome which led to the first floor, but on each side of the hallthere were wooden partitions and half-glass doors, through which Ramsaycould see that the rest of the basement was appropriated to warehouses, and that in the warehouse at the back of the building there were peoplebusily employed hoisting out merchandise from the vessels in the canal, the water of which adjoined the very walls. Ramsay followed the manupstairs, who showed him into a very splendidly-furnished apartment, andthen went to summon his master, who, he said, was below in thewarehouse. Ramsay had but a minute or two to examine the various objectswhich decorated the room, particularly some very fine pictures, whenMynheer Van Krause made his appearance, with some open tablets in hishand and his pen across his mouth. He was a very short man, with arespectable paunch, a very small head, quite bald, a keen blue eye, reddish but straight nose, and a very florid complexion. There wasnothing vulgar about his appearance, although his figure was againsthim. His countenance was one of extreme frankness, mixed withconsiderable intelligence, and his whole manner gave you the idea ofprecision and calculation. 

"You would--tyfel--I forgot my pen, " said the syndic, catching it as itfell out of his mouth. "You would speak with me, mynheer? To whom have Ithe pleasure of addressing myself?"

"These letters, sir, " replied Ramsay, "will inform you. "

Mynheer Van Krause laid his tablets on the table, putting his pen acrossto mark the leaf where he had them open, and taking the letters beggedRamsay to be seated. He then took a chair, pulled a pair of hand-glassesout of his pocket, laid them on his knees, broke the seals, and fallingback so as to recline, commenced reading. As soon as he had finished thefirst letter, he put his glasses down from his eyes, and made a bow toRamsay, folded the open letter the length of the sheet, took out hispencil, and on the outside wrote the date of the letter, the day of themonth, name, and the name of the writer. Having done this, he laid thefirst letter down on the table, took up the second, raised up hisglasses, and performed the same duty towards it, and thus he continueduntil 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 thefirst. Ramsay, who was not a little tired of all this precision, at lastfixed his eyes upon a Wouvermann which hung near him, and only took themoff when he guessed the time of bowing to be at hand. 

The last having been duly marked and numbered, Mynheer Van Krause turnedto Ramsay, and said, "I am most happy, mynheer, to find under my roof ayoung gentleman so much recommended by many valuable friends; moreover, as these letters give me to understand, so warm a friend to our jointsovereign, and so inimical to the Jacobite party. I am informed by theseletters that you intend to remain at Amsterdam. If so, I trust that youwill 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; butMynheer Van Krause insisted on sending for Ramsay's luggage. He had notfar 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 atPortsmouth. "

This intimation produced another very low bow from Mynheer Van Krause, as it warranted the importance of his guest; but he then rose, andapologising for his presence being necessary below, as they wereunloading a cargo of considerable value, he ordered his old porter toshow Mr Ramsay into his rooms, and to take up his luggage, informing hisguest that, it being now twelve o'clock, dinner would be on the table athalf-past one, during which interval he begged Ramsay to amuse himself, by examining the pictures, books, &c. , with which the room was wellfurnished. Then, resuming his tablets and pen, and taking the letterswith him, Mynheer Van Krause made a very low bow, and left Ramsay tohimself, little imagining that he had admitted an attainted traitorunder his roof. 

Ramsay could speak Dutch fluently, for he had been quartered two yearsat Middleburg, when he was serving in the army. As soon as the sailorshad 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 enteredinto 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 houseso busy as the syndic's there were few who had time to chatter, andthose who had, preferred other conversation to what, it must beconfessed, 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: hecan't well get through it all: besides, now is a busy time, the schuytsare bringing up the cargo of a vessel from a far voyage, and MynheerKrause always goes to the warehouse from breakfast till dinner, and thenagain from three or four o'clock till six. After that he will stayabove, 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 apity; and so much money too, they say. I don't know how many stivers andguilders 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 ladymight 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 wouldmake 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 outof his valise, that she was very short, very prim, and had ahooked nose. 

The old man now left the room to allow Ramsay to dress, and telling himthat if he wanted anything, he had only to call for Koops, which was hisname, but going out, he returned to say, that Ramsay must call ratherloud, as he was a little hard of hearing. 

"Well, " thought Ramsay, as he was busy with his toilet, "here I am safelodged at last, and everything appears as if it would prosper. There issomething in my position which my mind revolts at, but stratagem isnecessary in war. I am in the enemy's camp to save my own life, and toserve the just cause. It is no more than what they attempt to do withus. 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 daringdispositions, was dissatisfied with playing the part of a deceiver, although he had been selected for the service, and his selection hadbeen approved of at the Court of St Germains. 

Open warfare would have suited him better; but he would not repine atwhat he considered he was bound in fealty to perform, if required, although he instinctively shrank from it. His toilet was complete, andRamsay descended into the reception-room: he had been longer than usual, but probably that was because he wished to commune with himself; or itmight be, because he had been informed that there was a young lady inthe house. 

The room was empty when Ramsay entered it, and he took the advice of hishost, and amused himself by examining the pictures, and other articlesof _virtu_, with which the room was filled. 

At last, having looked at everything, Ramsay examined a splendid clockon the mantelpiece, before a fine glass, which mounted to the very topof the lofty room, when, accidentally casting his eyes to thelooking-glass, he perceived in it that the door of the room, to whichhis back was turned, was open, and that a female was standing there, apparently surprised to find a stranger, and not exactly knowing whetherto advance or retreat. Ramsay remained in the same position, as if hedid not perceive her, that he might look at her without her being awareof it. It was, as he presumed, the syndic's daughter; but how differentfrom the person he had conjured up in his mind's eye, when at histoilet! Apparently about seventeen or eighteen years of age, she wasrather above the height of woman, delicately formed, although not by anymeans thin in her person: her figure possessing all that feminineluxuriance, which can only be obtained when the bones are small, butwell covered. Her face was oval, and brilliantly fair. Her hair of adark chestnut, and her eyes of a deep blue. Her dress was simple in theextreme. 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 offine green cloth, with lappets, which descended from the waist, andopened in front. Altogether, Ramsay thought that he had never in hislife seen a young female so peculiarly attractive at first sight: therewas a freshness in her air and appearance so uncommon, so unlike thegeneral 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, andclosed the door quietly after her leaving Ramsay for a few seconds atthe glass, with his eyes fixed upon the point at which she haddisappeared. 

Ramsay of course fell into a reverie, as most men do in a case of thiskind; but he had not proceeded very far into it before he wasinterrupted by the appearance of the syndic, who entered byanother 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 timeis regular, and I cannot make any alteration. Before you have been withus long, I trust that you will find means of amusement. I shall havegreat pleasure in introducing you to many friends whose time is not sooccupied as mine. Once again let me say how happy I am to receive sodistinguished a young gentleman under my roof. Did the cutter bringdespatches 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, Ibelieve, both earnest in one point, which is to strengthen the goodcause. Under such an impression, and having accepted your hospitality, Ihave no right to withhold what I know, but with which others are notacquainted. "

"My dear sir, " interrupted Krause, who was now fully convinced of theimportance of his guest, "you do me justice; I am firm and steadfast inthe 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 generallyacknowledged that Mynheer Krause has possessed, and safely guarded, thesecrets of the state. "

Now, in the latter part of this speech, Mynheer Krause committed a smallmistake. He was known to be a babbler, one to whom a secret could not beimparted, without every risk of its being known; and it was from theknowledge of this failing in Mynheer Krause that Ramsay had receivedsuch very particular recommendations to him. As syndic of the town, itwas impossible to prevent his knowledge of government secrets, and whenthese occasionally escaped, they were always traced to his not beingable to hold his tongue. 

Nothing pleased Mynheer Krause so much as a secret, because nothing gavehim so much pleasure as whispering it confidentially into the ear of adozen confidential friends. The consequence was, the government wasparticularly careful that he should not know what was going on, and didall they could to prevent it; but there were many others who, althoughthey could keep a secret, had no objection to part with it for aconsideration, and in the enormous commercial transactions of MynheerKrause, it was not unfrequent for a good bargain to be struck with himby one or more of the public functionaries, the difference between thesum proposed and accepted being settled against the interests of MynheerKrause, by the party putting him in possession of some governmentmovement which had hitherto been kept _in petto_. Every man has hishobby, and usually pays dear for it, so did Mynheer Krause. 

Now when it is remembered that Ramsay had opened and read the whole ofthe despatches, it may at once be supposed what a valuable acquaintancehe would appear to Mynheer Krause; but we must not anticipate. Ramsay'sreply was, "I feel it my bounden duty to impart all I am possessed of tomy very worthy host, but allow me to observe, mynheer, that prudence isnecessary--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 whatis going on?"

Ramsay had difficulty in stifling a smile at this specimen of MynheerKrause'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 hearhim, 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 dinnerrang a loud peal. "Dinner is on the table, mynheer, " continued thesyndic, "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 notonly the table prepared, but, as he had anticipated, the daughter of hishost, to whom he was introduced. "Wilhelmina, " said Mynheer Krause, "ouryoung friend will stay with us, I trust, some time, and you must do allyou can to make him comfortable. You know, my dear, that business mustbe attended to. With me, time is money; so much so, that I can scarcelydo justice to the affairs of the state devolving upon me in virtue of myoffice. You must, therefore, join with me, and do your best to amuseour guest. "

To this speech, Wilhelmina made no reply, but by a gracious inclinationof her head towards Ramsay, which was returned with all humility. Thedinner was excellent, and Ramsay amused himself very well indeed untilit was over. Mynheer Krause then led the way to the saloon, called forcoffee, and, so soon as he had finished it, made an apology to hisguest, and left him alone with his beautiful daughter. 

Wilhelmina Krause was a young person of a strong mind irregularlycultivated; she had never known the advantage of a mother's care, andwas indeed self-educated. She had a strong tinge of romance in hercharacter, and, left so much alone, she loved to indulge in it. 

In other points she was clever, well read, and accomplished; graceful inher 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; forwhatever she thought she gave utterance to, which is not exactly thecustom in this world, and often attended with unpleasant consequences. 

The seclusion in which she had been kept added to the natural timidityof her disposition--but when once intimate, it also added to herconfiding character. It was impossible to see without admiring her, toknow her without loving her; for she was nature herself, and, at thesame time, in her person one of Nature's masterpieces. 

As we observed, when they retired to the saloon, Mynheer Krause veryshortly quitted them, to attend to his affairs below, desiring hisdaughter to exert herself for the amusement of his guest; the contrary, however, was the case, for Ramsay exerted himself to amuse her, and verysoon was successful, for he could talk of courts and kings, of courtiersand of people, and of a thousand things, all interesting to a young girlwho had lived secluded; and as his full-toned voice, in measured and lowpitch, fell upon Wilhelmina's ear, she never perhaps was so muchinterested. She seldom ventured a remark, except it was to request himto proceed, and the eloquent language with which Ramsay clothed hisideas, added a charm to the novelty of his conversation. In the courseof two hours Ramsay had already acquired a moral influence overWilhelmina, who looked up to him with respect, and another feeling whichwe can only define by saying that it was certainly anythingbut ill-will. 

The time passed so rapidly, that the two young people could hardlybelieve it possible that it was past six o'clock, when they wereinterrupted by the appearance of Mynheer Krause, who came from hiscounting-house, the labours of the day being over. In the summer-time itwas 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. Aconversation ensued on general topics, which lasted till supper-time;after this repast was over Wilhelmina retired, leaving Ramsay and thesyndic alone. 

It was then that Ramsay made known to his host the contents of thedespatches, much to Mynheer Krause's surprise and delight, who feltassured that his guest must be strong in the confidence of the Englishgovernment, to be able to communicate such intelligence. Ramsay, who wasaware that the syndic would sooner or later know what had been written, of course was faithful in his detail; not so, however, when theycanvassed the attempts of the Jacobite party; then Mr Krause wascompletely 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 inperson, and much to their surprise told them the contents of thedespatches which had been received--and, much to his delight, discoveredthat he had been correctly informed. He also communicated what Ramsayhad told him relative to the movements of the Court of St Germains, andthus, unintentionally, false intelligence was forwarded to England asfrom good authority. It hardly need be observed, that, in a very shorttime, Ramsay had gained the entire confidence of his host, and we mayadd also, of his host's daughter; but we must leave him for the presentto follow up his plans, whatever they may be, and return to thepersonages more immediately connected with this narrative. 

Chapter XXIX

In which Jemmy Ducks proves the truth of Moggy's assertion, that therewas no one like him before or since--Nancy and Jemmy serenade thestars. 

As soon as Moggy landed at the Point with her dear darling duck of ahusband, as she called him, she put his chest and hammock on a barrowand had them wheeled up to her own lodgings, and then they went out tocall upon Nancy Corbett to make their future arrangements; Moggyproceeding in rapid strides, and Jemmy trotting with his diminutive legsbehind her, something like a stout pony by the side of a large horse. Itwas in pedestrianism that Jemmy most felt his inferiority, and theprotecting, fond way in which Moggy would turn round every minute andsay, "Come along, my duck, " would have been irritating to any other butone of Jemmy's excellent temper. Many looked at Jemmy, as he waddledalong, smiled and passed on; one unfortunate nymph, however, ventured tostop, and putting her arms a-kimbo, looked down upon him and exclaimed, "Vell! you are a nice little man, " and then commenced singing theold 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 ofthose who would offer the other cheek to be smitten, and she immediatelyflew at Moggy and returned the blow; but Jemmy, who liked quiet, caughther round the legs, and, as if she had been a feather, threw her overhis head, so that she fell down in the gutter behind him with a violencewhich was anything but agreeable. She gained her legs again, looked ather soiled garments, scraped the mud off her cheek--we are sorry to add, made use of some very improper language, and finding herself in theminority, walked off, turning round and shaking her fist at everytwenty 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 nostranger to Jemmy Ducks; so far as his person went he was too remarkablea character not to be known by her who knew almost everybody; and, moreover, she had made sufficient inquiries about his character. Thetrio at once proceeded to business: Jemmy had promised his wife to jointhe smugglers, and it was now arranged, that both he and his wife shouldbe regularly enlisted in the gang, she to remain at the cave with thewomen, unless her services were required elsewhere, he to belong to theboat. There was, however, one necessary preliminary still to be taken, that of Jemmy and his wife both taking the oath of fidelity at the houseof the Jew Lazarus; but it was not advisable to go there before dusk, sothey remained with Nancy till that time, during which she was fullysatisfied that, in both parties, the band would have an acquisition, forNancy was very keen and penetrating, and had a great insight intohuman nature. 

At dusk, to the house of Lazarus they accordingly repaired, and wereadmitted by the cautious Jew. Nancy stated why they had come, and therebeing, at the time, several of the confederates, as usual, in the house, they were summoned by the Jew to be witnesses to the oath beingadministered. Half-a-dozen dark-looking bold men soon made theirappearance, and recognised Nancy by nods of their heads. 

"Who have we here, old Father Abraham?' exclaimed a stout man, who wasdressed 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-lookingconfederate 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 intothem, " replied the man with a loud laugh, in which he was joined by hiscompanions. 

"What can you do, my little man?" said another of a slighter build thanthe first, coming forward and putting his hand upon Jemmy's head. 

Now Jemmy was the best-tempered fellow in the world, but, at the sametime, 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 justbelow the hips, lifted him from the ground, and with a strength whichastonished all present, threw him clean over the table, his bodysweeping 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 herhusband's vigour. 

Some confusion was created by this manoeuvre on the part of Jemmy, butcandles were reproduced, and the first man who spoke, feeling as if thisvictory on the part of Jemmy was a rebuke to himself, again commencedhis interrogations. 

"Well, my little man, you are strong in the arms, but what will you dowithout 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 upby 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 cando, anyhow. "

The man rose, and was apparently feeling for some arms secreted abouthis 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 notinterfered, being in presence of Nancy, who had superior commands, nowread the oath, which was of a nature not to be communicated to thereader without creating disgust. It was, however, such an oath as wastaken in those times, and has since been frequently taken in Ireland. Itwas subscribed to by Jemmy and his wife without hesitation, and theywere immediately enrolled among the members of the association. As soonas this ceremony had been gone through, Nancy and her protegés quittedthe house and returned to her lodgings, when it was agreed that the nextnight they should go over to the island, as Jemmy's services wererequired in the boat in lieu of Ramsay, whose place as steersman he wasadmirably qualified to occupy, much better, indeed, than that of arower, as his legs were too short to reach the stretcher, where it wasusually fixed. 

The next evening the weather was calm and clear, and when they embarkedin the boat of the old fisherman, with but a small portion of theireffects, the surface of the water was unruffled, and the stars twinkledbrightly in the heavens; one article which Jemmy never parted with, wasin his hand, his fiddle. They all took their seats, and the oldfisherman shoved off his boat, and they were soon swept out of theharbour by the strong ebb tide. 

"An't this better than being on board with Vanslyperken, and your leavestopped?" observed Moggy. 

"Yes, " replied the husband. 

"And I not permitted to go on board to see my duck of ahusband--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 stringsof 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'tyou, Jemmy, my dear?"

"Quack, quack, " replied Jemmy. 

"Well, Mr Salisbury, there's no boat that I can see near us, or even insight; and if there was it were little matter. I suppose you will let mehear you, for I shall have little opportunity after this?"

"With all my heart, " replied Jemmy; who, taking up his fiddle, andplaying upon the strings like a guitar, after a little reflection, sangas 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 Jemmyceased. "You sailors never think of to-morrow, more's the pity. You'reno 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, andI'm content, who is to say a word, I should like to know? You may be arum one to look at, but I think them fellows found you but a rumcustomer the other night. "

"Don't put so much rum in your discourse, Moggy, you make me long for aglass 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, oldgentleman, and we will find Mr Salisbury something with which to whethis whistle. " The boatman handed the basket to Nancy, who pulled out abottle 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 agood pipe of your own; suppose that you give me one in return, that willbe 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 upat the bright twinkling stars. "I once sang, when I was young--andhappy--I then sang all the day long; that was really singing, for itcame from the merriness of my heart;" and Nancy paused. "Yes, I havesung since, and often, for they made me sing; but 'twas when my heartwas heavy--or when its load had been, for a time, forgotten and drownedin wine. That was not singing, at least not the singing of bygone days. "

"But those times are bygone too, Mistress Nancy, " said Moggy; "you havenow 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 theothers in the boat to trickle down the cheek of Nancy Corbett, as shewas reminded of her former life; and as she again fixed her eyes uponthe brilliant heavens, each particular star appeared to twinklebrighter, 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 stuffwould 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 itsaved her from a flood of tears, which otherwise she would have beenunable to repress. In a minute or two, during which Moggy helped herselfand 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, aswell 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, witha sweet voice, " said Jemmy. "I owe you one for that, and am ready to payyou 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 littlecottage, with a garden, and a blackbird in a wicker cage, I should trywho 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, areheavy 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 theywant to hang me, they need not rig the yard-arm, three handspikes assheers, 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 theyspoil 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 himafore 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. Heregoes, a song in two parts. It's a pity, Mistress Nancy, that youcouldn'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 nevershould 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 mightget off on the plea that you had only one and a half, " continuedNancy, laughing. 

"Well, perhaps she might, " replied Jemmy, "if he were a judge ofunderstanding. "

"I should think, Mistress Nancy, you might as well leave my husband'slegs alone, " observed Moggy, affronted. 

"Lord bless you, Moggy, if he's not angry, you surely should not be; Igive 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 myJemmy. "

"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 aboutnothing. I'll sing you a song, and then you'll forget all this. " NancyCorbett 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 nicecollection, I've no doubt. If you've no objection, I'll exchange anotherwith you. "

"I should be most willing, Mr Salisbury; but we are now getting wellover, and we may as well be quiet, as I do not wish people to ask wherewe 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, withoutour 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 wasrun into a cut, which concealed it from view; and, as soon as thefisherman had looked round to see the coast clear, they landed and madehaste to pass by the cottages; after that Nancy slackened her pace, andthey walked during the night over to the other side of the island, andarrived at the cottages above the cave. 

Here they left a portion of their burdens and then proceeded to the pathdown the cliff which led to the cave. On Nancy giving the signal, theladder was lowered, and they were admitted. As soon as they were uponthe flat, Moggy embraced her husband, crying, "Here I have you, my owndear 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 tothe syndic's house to call upon Ramsay. The latter paid him down onehundred pounds for his passage and services, and Vanslyperken was sopleased, that he thought seriously, as soon as he had amassed sufficientmoney, to withdraw himself from the service, and retire with hisill-gotten gains; but when would a miser like Vanslyperken have amassedsufficient money? Alas! never, even if the halter were half round hisneck. Ramsay then gave his instructions to Vanslyperken, advising him tocall for letters previously to his sailing, and telling him that he mustopen the government despatches in the way to which he had been witness, take full memorandums of the contents, and bring them to him, for whichservice he would each time receive fifty pounds as a remuneration. Vanslyperken bowed to his haughty new acquaintance, and quittedthe house. 

"Yes, " thought Ramsay, "that fellow is a low, contemptible traitor, andhow infamous does treason appear in that wretch! but--I--I am notraitor--I have forfeited my property and risked my life in fidelity tomy 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 amdoing my duty. An army without spies would be incomplete, and one maydescend to that office for the good of one's country without tarnish ordisgrace. Am I not a traitor to her already? Have not I formed visionsin my imagination already of obtaining her hand, and her heart, and herfortune? Is not this treachery? Shall I not attempt to win heraffections under disguise as her father's friend and partisan? But whathave women to do with politics? Or if they have, do not they set solight a value upon them, that they will exchange them for a feather?Yes, surely; when they love, their politics are the politics of thosethey cling to. At present, she is on her father's side; but if she leaveher father and cleave to me, her politics will be transferred with heraffections. But then her religion. She thinks me a Protestant. Well, love is all in all with women; not only politics but religion must yieldto it; 'thy people shall be my people, and thy God shall be my God, ' asRuth says in the scriptures. She is wrong in politics, I will put herright. She is wrong in religion, I will restore her to the bosom of thechurch. Her wealth would be sacrificed to some heretic; it were farbetter that it belonged to one who supports the true religion and thegood cause. In what way, therefore, shall I injure her? On thecontrary. " And Ramsay walked down stairs to find Wilhelmina. Such werethe arguments used by the young cavalier, and with which he fullysatisfied himself that he was doing rightly; had he argued the otherside of the question, he would have been equally convinced, as mostpeople are, when they argue without any opponent; but we must leave himto follow Vanslyperken. 

Mr Vanslyperken walked away from the syndic's house with the comfortableidea that one side of him was heavier than the other by one hundredguineas. He also ruminated; he had already obtained three hundredpounds, no small sum, in those days, for a lieutenant. It is true thathe had lost the chance of thousands by the barking of Snarleyyow, and hehad lost the fair Portsmouth widow; but then he was again on good termswith the Frau Vandersloosh, and was in a fair way of making his fortune, and, as he considered, with small risk. His mother, too, attracted ashare of his reminiscences; the old woman would soon die, and then hewould have all that she had saved. Smallbones occasionally intrudedhimself, but that was but for a moment. And Mr Vanslyperken walked awayvery well satisfied, upon the whole, with his _esse_ and _posse_. Hewound up by flattering himself that he should wind up with the savingsof his mother, his half-pay, the widow's guilders, and his ownproperty, --altogether it would be pretty comfortable. But we leave himand return to Corporal Van Spitter. 

Corporal Van Spitter had had wisdom enough to dupe Vanslyperken, andpersuade him that he was very much in love with Babette; andVanslyperken, who was not at all averse to this amour, permitted thecorporal to go on shore and make love. As Vanslyperken did not like thecutter and Snarleyyow to be left without the corporal or himself, healways remained on board when the corporal went, so that the widow hadenough on hand--pretending love all the morning with the lieutenant, andindemnifying herself by real love with the corporal after dusk. Her fathand was kissed and slobbered from morning to night, but it was half forlove and half for revenge. 

But we must leave the corporal, and return to Jemmy Ducks. Jemmy was twodays in the cave before the arrival of the boat, during which he madehimself a great favourite, particularly with Lilly, who sat down andlistened to his fiddle and his singing. It was a novelty in the cave, anything like amusement. On the third night, however, Sir R. Barclaycame back from Cherbourg, and as he only remained one hour, Jemmy washastened on board, taking leave of his wife, but not parting with hisfiddle. He took his berth as steersman, in lieu of Ramsay, and gaveperfect satisfaction. The intelligence brought over by Sir Robertrendered an immediate messenger to Portsmouth necessary, and, as itwould create less suspicion, Moggy was the party now entrusted in lieuof Nancy, who had been lately seen too often, and, it was supposed, hadbeen watched. Moggy was not sorry to receive her instructions, whichwere, to remain at Portsmouth until Lazarus the Jew should give herfurther orders; for there was one point which Moggy was most anxious toaccomplish, now that she could do it without risking a retaliation uponher husband, which was, to use her own expression, to pay off thatsnivelling old rascal, Vanslyperken. 

But we must leave Moggy and the movements of individuals, and return toour general history. The _Yungfrau_ was detained a fortnight atAmsterdam, and then received the despatches of the States General andthose of Ramsay, with which Vanslyperken returned to Portsmouth. On hisarrival, he went through his usual routine at the admiral's and theJew's, received his douceur, and hastened to his mother's house, when hefound 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 fiftyguineas which he had received. 

"Bless thee, my son--bless thee!" said the old woman, laying her palsiedhand upon Vanslyperken's head. "It is not often I bless--I never didbless as I can recollect--I like cursing better. My blessing must beworth something, if it's only for its scarcity; and do you know why Ibless thee, my Cornelius? Because--ha, ha, ha! because you are amurderer 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 laughterand contempt. I began the world like a fool, but I shall go out of itlike a wise woman, hating, despising everything but gold. And I have hadmy revenge in my time--yes--yes--the world, my son, is divided into onlytwo parts, those who cheat, and those who are cheated--those whomaster, and those who are mastered--those who are shackled bysuperstitions and priests, and those who, like me, fear neither God nordevil. We must all die; yes, but I shan't die yet, no, no. "

And Vanslyperken almost wished that he could gain the unbelief of thedecrepit 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 anythingby 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, takingup the money, and locking it up in the oak chest. 

Vanslyperken then narrated to his mother the unexpected interview withSmallbones, and his surmise that the lad was supernaturally gifted. "Ah, well, " replied she, "those who are born to be hung will die by no otherdeath; but still it does not follow that they will not die. You shallhave your revenge, my child. The lad shall die. Try again; water, yousay, rejects him? Fire will not harm him. There is that which is of theearth and of the air left. Try again, my son; revenge is sweet, nextto gold. "

After two hours' conversation, it grew dark, and Vanslyperken departed, revolving in his mind, as he walked away, the sublime principles ofreligion and piety, in the excellent advice given by his aged mother. "Iwish I could only think as she does, " muttered Vanslyperken at last; andas he concluded this devout wish, his arm was touched by aneatly-dressed little girl, who curtsied, and asked if he was notLieutenant Vanslyperken, belonging to the cutter. Vanslyperken repliedin the affirmative, and the little girl then said that a lady, hermistress, wished to speak to him. 

"Your mistress, my little girl?" said Vanslyperken, suspiciously; "andpray who is your mistress?"

"She is a lady, sir, " replied the latter; "she was married to MajorWilliams, 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 atonce, to give you this paper to read. "

Vanslyperken took the paper, and walking to the window of a shop inwhich 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, whoimmediately 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 withyou. "

"I have been looking for you everywhere, sir, " said the little girl, walking, or rather trotting by the side of Vanslyperken, whostrided 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 WilliamStreet, but she is painting and furnishing all so handsome, sir, and sonow she has taken the first floor of the 'Wheatsheaf' till she can getin again. "

And Mr Vanslyperken thought it would be worth his while to reconnoitrethis widow before he closed with the Frau Vandersloosh. How selfishmen are!

In a quarter of an hour Mr Vanslyperken and the little girl had arrivedat the public-house in question. Mr Vanslyperken did not much admire theexterior of the building, but it was too dark to enable him to take anaccurate survey. It was, however, evident, that it was a pot-house, andnothing more; and Mr Vanslyperken thought that lodgings must be veryscarce in Portsmouth. He entered the first and inner door, and thelittle girl said she would go upstairs and let her mistress know that hewas come. She ran up, leaving Mr Vanslyperken alone in the dark passage. He waited for some time, when his naturally suspicious temper made himthink he had been deceived, and he determined to wait outside of thehouse, which appeared very disreputable. He therefore retreated to theinner 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 lightthrough another keyhole, he tried the door, and it was open; a screenwas 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 closedand locked. He looked on the other side of the screen, and, to hishorror, found himself in company with Moggy Salisbury, and about twentyother females. Vanslyperken made a precipitate retreat to the door, buthe was met by three or four women, who held him fast by the arms. Vanslyperken would have disgraced himself by drawing his cutlass; butthey 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 inthe rear, until he was brought from behind the screen into the middle ofthe room, facing his incarnate enemy, Moggy Salisbury. 

"Good evening to you, Mr Vanslyperken, " cried Moggy, not rising fromher chair. "It's very kind of you to come and see me in this friendlyway--come, take a chair, and give us all the news. "

"Mistress Salisbury, you had better mind what you are about with aking's officer, " cried Vanslyperken, turning more pale at this mockery, than if he had met with abuse. "There are constables, and stocks, andgaols, and whipping-posts on shore, as well as the cat on board. "

"I know all that, Mr Vanslyperken, " replied Moggy, calmly; "but that hasnothing to do with the present affair: you have come of your own accordto this house to see somebody, that is plain, and you have found me. Sonow 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 anight of it. What shall it be? I mean to take my share of a bottle ofOporto. What will you have, Mrs Slamkoe?"

"I'll take a bowl of burnt brandy, with your leave, Mrs Salisbury, notbeing very well in my inside. "

"And you, my dear?"

"O, punch for me--punch to the mast, " cried another. "I'll drink enoughto float a jolly-boat. It's very kind of Mr Vanslyperken. "

All the ladies expressed their several wishes, and Vanslyperken knew notwhat to do; he thought he might as well make an effort, for the demandon his purse he perceived would be excessive, and he loved his money. 

"You may all call for what you please, " said Vanslyperken, "but you'llpay for what you call for. If you think that I am to be swindled in thisway out of my money, you're mistaken. Every soul of you shall be whippedat the cart's tail to-morrow. "

"Do you mean to insinuate that I am not a respectable person, sir?" saida 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 threwhimself back, and his chair fell with him. The ladies laughed, and MrVanslyperken rose in great wrath. 

"By all the devils in hell, " he exclaimed, whirling the chair round hishead, "but I'll do you a mischief!"

But he was soon pinioned from behind. 

"This is very unpolite conduct, " said one; "you call yourself agentleman?"

"What shall we do, ladies?"

"Do, " replied another; "let's strip him, and pawn his clothes, and thenturn him adrift. "

"Well, that's not a bad notion, " replied the others, and they forthwithproceeded to take off Mr Vanslyperken's coat and waistcoat. How muchfurther they would have gone it is impossible to say, for MrVanslyperken had made up his mind to buy himself off as cheap ashe could. 

Be it observed, that Moggy never interfered, nor took any part in thisviolence; on the contrary, she continued sitting in her chair, and said, "Indeed, ladies, I request you will not be so violent, Mr Vanslyperkenis 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 atliberty to depart?"

"Most certainly, Mr Vanslyperken; you have my full permission. Ladies, Ibeg that you will let him go. "

"No, by the living jingo! not till he treats us, " cried one of thewomen; "why did he come into this shop, but for nothing else? I'll havemy punch afore he starts. "

"And I my burnt brandy. " So cried they all, and Mr Vanslyperken, whosecoat and waistcoat were already off, and finding many fingers very busyabout the rest of his person, perceived that Moggy's neutrality was alla 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 manwould come down with more than that. And you a lieutenant? Fiveguineas, 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 intoVanslyperken's trousers-pocket, and pulling out his purse. The money waspoured 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, " mutteredVanslyperken, 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 Vanslyperkena slap on the back which knocked the breath out of his body. 

"Bravo!" exclaimed another, "that's what I call handsome; let's all kisshim, ladies. "

Vanslyperken was forced to go through this ordeal, and then the door wasunlocked, 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 eyewatched him as he gave his answer; so he stammered out "Yes, " and, in afit of despair at the loss of his money, he threw himself into hischair, and meditated revenge. 

"Give Mr Vanslyperken his purse, Susan, " said the prudent Moggy to theyoung woman who had taken it out of his pocket. 

The purse was returned, and, in a few minutes, the various liquors andmixtures demanded made their appearance, and the jollificationcommenced. Every one was soon quite happy, with the exception of MrVanslyperken, who, like Pistol, ate his leek, swearing in his own mindhe 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, MrVanslyperken, " cried the virago, looking daggers; "if you don't, wequarrel--that's all. "

But Vanslyperken argued in his mind that his grounds of complaint wouldbe weakened, if he partook of the refreshment which he had been forcedto pay for, so he resolutely denied. 

"Von't you listen to my harguments, Mr Vanslyperken?" continued thewoman. "Vell, then, I must resort to the last, which I never knew failyet. " The woman went to the fire and pulled out the poker, which was redhot, from between the bars. "Now then, my beauty, you must kiss this, ordrink some punch;" and she advanced it towards his nose, while three orfour others held him fast on his chair behind; the poker, throwing out aglow of heat, was within an inch of the poor lieutenant's nose: he couldstand it no more, his face and eyes were scorched. 

"Yes, yes, " cried he at last, "if I must drink, then, I will. We willsettle this matter by-and-bye, " cried Vanslyperken, pouring down withindignation the proffered glass. 

"Now, Susan, don't ill-treat Mr Vanslyperken: I purtest against allill-treatment. "

"Ill-treat, Mrs Salisbury! I am only giving him a lesson inpurliteness. "

"Now, Mr What-the-devil's-your-name, you must drink off a glass of myburnt brandy, or I shall be jealous, " cried another; "and when I amjealous I always takes to red-hot pokers. " Resistance was in vain, thepoker was again taken from between the bars, and the burnt brandywent down. 

Again and again was Mr Vanslyperken forced to pour down his throat allthat was offered to him, or take the chance of having his noseburnt 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; buthe was in the hands of the Philistines. What made the matter worse, was, that the company grew every moment more uproarious, and there was nosaying 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 wasagain 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 pokerwas again advanced. 

"O God!" cried Vanslyperken. 

"Sing, or by Heavens I'll shorten your nose! Sing, I say, " repeated thewoman, 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 theadmiral's house looked she. '"

"'At the admiral's house looked she, '" replied Vanslyperken, in awhining tone. 

Thus, with the poker staring him in the face, was Vanslyperken made torepeat the very song for singing which he would have flogged JemmyDucks. 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 theselast words; but fear overcame him, and at last they were repeated. Uponwhich 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 ofthe house!" cried virago Mrs Slamkoe. "I'll hargue this point withyou again. "

The same never-failing argument was used, and Mr Vanslyperken drank MrsSalisbury's health in a glass of the port wine which he was to have thepleasure of paying for. 

"I must say, Mr Vanslyperken, " said Moggy, "it was very hard for to wishto flog my poor Jemmy for singing a song which you have just now beensinging 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 hesha'n't beg your pardon on his knees. Sha'n't he, girls?" criedMrs 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, thatVanslyperken attempted to resist. It was, however, in vain; he wasforced 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 atlast, 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, Iwish you all a very good-night. "

"Perhaps, Mr Vanslyperken, you would wish to go. I'll send for the womanof the house that you may settle the bill; I think you offered to treatthe company?"

Vanslyperken grinned ghastly. The bell was rung, and while MrVanslyperken was pulling out the sum demanded by the landlady, theladies all disappeared. 

Vanslyperken put up his diminished purse. "There is your sword, MrVanslyperken, " said Moggy; who, during the whole of the scene, had keptup a _retenue_ very different from her usual manners. 

Vanslyperken took his sword, and appeared to feel his couragereturn--why not? he was armed, and in company with only one woman, andhe 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 beencommitted. 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 pleasantjollification. "

"Silence, woman; send for a constable immediately. "

"Do you hear, Mrs Wilcox?" said Moggy, very quietly, "Mr Vanslyperkenwants a constable. Send for one by all means. "

"Oh! certainly, ma'am, if you wish it, " said the landlady, quitting theroom. 

"Yes, you infamous woman, I'll teach you to rob and ill-treat people inthis 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'reall before the authorities. "

"Perhaps I shall, " replied Moggy, carelessly. "But I shall now wish youa good-evening, Mr Vanslyperken. "

Thereupon Mr Vanslyperken very valorously drew his sword, and flourishedit 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 Iwill give you the countersign. Hark! a word in your ear, you wretch. Youare in my power. You have sent for a constable, and I swear by my ownJemmy's little finger, which is worth your old shrivelled carcass, thatI 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 afterme, 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 sworddropped 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, andwalking 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 thesheath, and was about to quit the room, when in came the landlady withthe 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 hardlyfelt the annoyance, for in his mind's eye his neck was already in thehalter. He put the money into the man's hand without speaking, and thenleft the room, the landlady courtesying very low, and hoping that shesoon 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 thislong absence of the commander, who had gone on shore about threeo'clock, and had given directions for his boat to be at the Point atsunset. There had been a council of war held on the forecastle, in whichCorporal Van Spitter and Smallbones were the most prominent; and themeeting was held to debate, whether they should or should not make onemore attempt to destroy the dog; singular that the arguments andobservations very nearly coincided with those made use of byVanslyperken and his mother, when they debated how to get rid ofSmallbones. 

"Water won't touch him, I sees that, " observed Smallbones. 

"No. Mein Gott, dat was to trow time and de trouble away, " replied thecorporal. 

"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 persuadednothing will, for did not they use, in former days, to lay all spiritsin the Red Sea?"

"Yes, " quoth Short. 

"But he ban't a spirit yet, " replied Smallbones; "he be flesh and bloodo' 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 seehim here just the same. "

"A spirit is only a spirit, " observed Smallbones; "he may live in thecabin all day and night afore I care; but, d'ye see, there's a greatdifference between the ghost of a dog, and the dog himself. "

"Why, if the beast ar'n't natural, I can't see much odds, " observedSpurey. 

"But I can feel 'em, " replied Smallbones. "This here dog has a-bitten meall 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 belaid, I think if we were to come for to go for to lay this here hanimalin 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 abreakfast would you make upon a perhaps?"

"A good one, perhaps, " replied Smallbones, grinning at the jingling ofthe words. 

"Twenty dozen tyfels, Smallbones is in de right, " observed Jansen, whohad taken no part in the previous conversation. "Suppose you bury dedog, 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, perryafterwards. "

"There's some sense in that, corporal. "

"And the dog can't have much left anyhow, dog or devil, when his brainsare 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 ofshilly-shally? I made a mortal vow that that 'ere dog and I won't livetogether--there ban't room enough for us two. "

"It's a wide world, nevertheless, " observed Coble, hitching up histrousers; "howsomever, I have nothing to say, but I wish you luck; butif 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 inobedience by his former persecutor and his superior officer; a bag ofbones--a reed--a lath--a scarecrow; like a pilot cutter ahead of anIndiaman, followed in his wake by Corporal Van Spitter, weighing twentystone. How could this be? It was human nature. Smallbones took the lead, because he was the more courageous of the two, and the corporalfollowing, proved he tacitly admitted it. 

"He be a real bit of stuff, that 'ere Peter Smallbones, " said one of themen. 

"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 thegun. 

"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 andthe corporal. The latter had received instruction to take on shore MrVanslyperken's dirty linen to the washerwoman, and of course, as acorporal, he was not obliged to carry it, and would take Smallbones forthat purpose. Then he could easily excuse taking the dog on shore, uponthe plea of taking care of it. It was therefore so arranged; the dogwould follow the corporal in the absence of his master, but no one else. In a few minutes the corporal, Smallbones, Snarleyyow, and a very smallbundle of linen, were in the boat, and shoved off with as many goodwishes and as much anxiety for their success, as probably Jason and hisfollowers received when they departed in search of the Golden Fleece. 

The three parties kept in company, and passed through the town ofPortsmouth. The washerwoman lived outside the Lines, and there theyproceeded, Snarleyyow very much in spirits at being able to eat thegrass, which his health very much required. They walked on until theyarrived at a large elm-tree, on the side of the road, which lay betweentwo hedges and ditches. 

"This will do, " observed the corporal solemnly. "Mein Gott! I wish itwas 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, " saidSmallbones; "come, a poor doggy--come here. "

But Snarleyyow was not to be coaxed by Smallbones; he suspectedtreachery. 

"He won't a-come to me, corporal, or I'd soon settle his hash, " observedSmallbones. 

The corporal had now got over a little panic which had seized him. Hecalled Snarleyyow, who came immediately. Oh! had he imagined what thecorporal was about to do, he might have died like Cæsar, exclaiming, "Ettu Brute, " which, in plain English means, "and you--you brute. "

The corporal, with a sort of desperation, laid hold of the dog by thetail, drawing him back till he could swing him round. In a second or twoSnarleyyow was whirling round the corporal, who turned with him, gradually approaching the trunk of the elm-tree, till at last his headcame in contact with it with a resounding blow, and the dog fellsenseless. "Try it again, corporal, let's finish him. " The corporalagain swung round the inanimate body of the dog; again, and again, andagain, did the head come in contact with the hard wood; and then thecorporal, quite out of breath with the exertion, dropped the body on thegrass. 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 meetingeach other, and the one eye closed. 

"Well, I've a notion that he is done for, anyhow, " said Smallbones, "atlast. "

"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, swingingthe dog by the tail, and dragging him towards the ditch. "I wonder if wecould get a spade anywhere, corporal. "

"Mein Gott! if we ask for a spade they will ask what for, andVanslyperken may find it all out. "

"Then I'll bury him and cover him up, anyhow; he'll not come to lifeagain, 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 theother parts of the ditch a great quantity of wet leaves, covered thebody a foot deep. "There, they won't find him now, because they won'tknow where to look for him. I say, corporal, I've a notion we had betternot be seen here too long. "

"No, " said the corporal, wiping his forehead, putting his handkerchiefin his cap, and his cap on his head; "we must go now. "

They went to the washerwoman's, delivered the bundle, and then returnedon board, when the whole crew were informed of the success of theexpedition, and appeared quite satisfied that there was an end of thedetested cur; all but Coble, who shook his head. 

"We shall see, " says he; "but I'm blessed if I don't expect the cur backto-morrow morning. "

We must now return to Vanslyperken, who left the public-house in a stateof consternation. "How could she possibly know anything about it?"exclaimed he. "My life in the power of that she-devil" And Vanslyperkenwalked on, turning over the affair in his mind. "I have gone too far toretreat now. I must either go on, or fly the country. Fly, where? What afool have I been!" but then Vanslyperken thought of the money. "No, no, not a fool, but I am very unfortunate. " Vanslyperken continued hisroute, until it at last occurred _to_ him that he would go to the JewLazarus, and speak with him; for, thought Vanslyperken, if all isdiscovered, they may think that I have informed, and then my life willbe sought by both parties. Vanslyperken arrived at the Jew's abode, knocked softly, but received no answer: he knocked again, louder; abustle and confusion was heard inside, and at last the door, with thechain 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 mustspeak with you directly. "

The door was opened, several figures, and the clatter of arms, wereheard in the dark passage, and as soon as Vanslyperken had entered itwas relocked, and he was left in the dark. 

In a minute the Jew, in a woollen wrapper, made his appearance with alight, and led Vanslyperken into the room where he had beenshown 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 vyyou shay sho. "

"A woman told me this night that she knew why I came to your house--thatI 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 maygo 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 Ivill all hang together; now you comprehend?"

"Yes, " replied Vanslyperken, "I do now: but how could you trust suchpeople?"

"Trust such people, Mr Vanslyperken? If you prove as true as thosepeoples, vy all de bitter; now go avay--go to bed--you have vaked up allthe peoples here. Good night, Mr Leeftenant;" and the Jew led the way tothe door, and let Vanslyperken out. 

"So then, " thought Vanslyperken, as he pursued his way down to thePoint, "that woman and her husband are--damnation, but I've a great mindto 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 hismind to know that there was no fear of discovery. The tip of his noseitched, and he rubbed it mechanically; the rubbing brought away all theskin. He remembered the hot poker--the money he had been forced topay--his being made to sing and to beg pardon on his knees; and hecursed Moggy in his heart, the more so, as he felt that he dare not takeany steps against her. 

When he came to the Point, he stood on the shingle, looking for hisboat, but the men had waited till twelve o'clock, and then presumingthat their commander did not intend to come at all that night, hadpulled on board again. He was looking round for a waterman to pull himoff, when something cold touched his hand. Vanslyperken started, andalmost screamed with fear. He looked, and it was the cold nose ofSnarleyyow, 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 onshore, 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 headwas 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 minuteor two appeared with his sculls on his shoulder. 

"Not easy to find a boat at this time of the morning, sir, " said theman; "but I heard you speaking, for I've had such a toothache these twonights that I can't shut my eyes. "

The old man unlocked the chain which fastened his wherry, and in a fewminutes Vanslyperken was on the deck of the cutter, but he found therewas no one to receive him, --no watch kept. 

"Very well, " thought he, "we'll talk about this to-morrow morning. Shortor 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 downinto the cabin--undressed in the dark, for he would not let anyone knowthat he was on board. It being about three o'clock in the morning, andMr Vanslyperken being well tired with the events of the day, he was soonin a sound sleep. There will be no difficulty in accounting for thereturn of the dog, which had a skull much thicker than even thecorporal'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, firstscratched 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 along nap, he rose recovered, shook himself, and trotted down to thebeach, but the boat had shoved off, and the cur had remained therewaiting for an opportunity to get on board, when his master came downwith 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 thenoise of the buckets washing the decks. He heard the men talking ondeck, and aware that no one knew that he was on board, he rose from hisbed, and opened one of the sliding sashes of the skylight, that he mightoverhear the conversation. The first words he heard were fromBill Spurey. 

"I say, Coble, I wonder what the skipper will say when he comes onboard, 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 Ihang 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 humancreature? 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 thedog may be killed, and then----"

"Then what?"

"Why, with the blessing of God, they'll both go to hell together, and Idon'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 nevertakes that boy's life. He's charmed, or I am a gudgeon. "

Vanslyperken felt that it was his own suspicion, and he trembled at theidea of the lad being supernatural. 

"Out of the way, Coble, or I'll fill your shoes, " cried out one of themen, 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 hadheard quite enough. The life of the dog had been attempted bySmallbones, 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 twoculprits, 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 issupernatural, " said he; "so much the better. I'll make them believe itstill more. " Mr Vanslyperken called the dog, and pointed to his bed. Thedog, who was fond of a warm berth, and but seldom allowed to get on thebed, immediately jumped up into it when invited, and Mr Vanslyperkenpatted him, and covered him up with the bedclothes. He then drew thecurtains 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? Bringhim into the cabin. "

Here the corporal, who was prepared, shook his head, smoothed down thehair of his forehead, and made a very melancholy face. 

"It was all my fault, Mynheer Vanslyperken; yet I do for the best, butde tog be lost. "

"How is that, corporal?"

The corporal then stated that he had taken the precaution to take thedog on shore, as he was afraid to leave it on board when he went to thewasherwoman's, and that he was not long there, but while he was, the dogdisappeared. 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 saysomething. 

"Yes, I overheard the men say so on deck, corporal. He must have takenthe opportunity when you were in the house counting the linen. "

Now the corporal had time to recover himself, and he argued thatanything was better than that he should be suspected. Smallbones wasalready known to have attempted the life of the dog, so he would leavethe lieutenant in his error. 

"Mein Gott' he is von d----d kill-dog feller, " observed the corporal. "Ilook everywhere, I no find te tog. Den de dog is dead?"

"Yes, " replied Vanslyperken, "but I'll punish the scoundrel, depend uponit. That will do, corporal; you may go. "

As Snarleyyow remained perfectly quiet during this conversation, we mustgive Vanslyperken great credit for his manoeuvre. The corporal went toSmallbones, and repeated what had passed. Smallbones snappedhis fingers. 

"He may keel-haul, or hang me, for all I care. The dog is dead. Neverfear, corporal, I won't peach upon you. I'm game, and I'll die so--if sobe I must. "

Vanslyperken sent for Smallbones. Smallbones, who was worked up to thehighest 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 allthat the men had said in confirmation of his own opinion relative toSmallbones, turned pale. Smallbones, on his part, aware from CorporalVan Spitter, that the lieutenant had such an idea, immediately tookadvantage of the signs in the lieutenant's countenance, and drawledout, --"That's--not--so--easy!"

Vanslyperken turned away. "You may go now, sir, but depend upon it youshall feel my vengeance!" and Smallbones quitted the cabin. 

Vanslyperken finished his toilet, and then turned the dog out of thebed. 

He went on deck, and after he had walked a little while, sent forCorporal Van Spitter to consult as to the best method of ascertainingwhat had become of Snarleyyow. Having entered apparently very earnestlyinto the corporal's arrangements, who was to go on shore immediately, hedesired the corporal to see his breakfast got ready in the cabin. 

It so happened, that the corporal went into the cabin, followed bySmallbones; the first object that met his view, was Snarleyyow, sittingupon the chest, scratching his ragged ear as if nothing had happened. 

"Gott in himmel!" roared the corporal, turning back, and running out ofthe cabin, upsetting Smallbones, whom he met in the passage, andtrotting, like an elephant, right over him. Nor was Smallbones the onlyone who suffered; two marines and three seamen were successively flooredby the corporal, who, blinded with fear, never stopped till he ran hishead butt against the lining in the forepeak of the cutter, which, withthe timbers of the vessel, brought him up, not all standing, in onesense of the word, for in his mad career his head was dashed soviolently against them, that the poor corporal fell down, stunned toinsensibility. 

In the meantime Smallbones had gained his feet, and was rubbing hisribs, 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 'erecorporal's weight. One may as well have a broad-wheel waggon at once goover one's body; but what could make him come for to go to run awaybellowing in that ere manner? He must have seen the devil; or, perhaps, "thought Smallbones, "that imp of the devil, Snarleyyow. I'll go and seewhat 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 mouthwide open. 

"I defy the devil and all his works, " exclaimed he, at last, "and you beone of his, that's sartain. I fear God, and I honour the king, and theparish taught me to read the bible. There you be resurrectioned upagain. Well, it's no use, I suppose. Satan, I defy you, anyhow, but it'svery 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 devilor his imps. "

Then Smallbones stopped, and thought a little. "I wonder whether hebee'd dead, as I thought. Master came on board last night without no oneknowing nothing about it, and he might have brought the dog with him, ifso be he came to again. I won't believe that he's hal-together not to bemade away with, for how come his eye out? Well, I don't care, I'm a goodChristian, 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 Iwill, if I am hung for it. "

Smallbones regained his determination. He set about laying the thingsfor breakfast, and when they were ready he went up to the quarter-deck, reporting the same to Mr Vanslyperken, who had expected to see himfrightened out of his wits, and concluding his speech by saying, "If youplease, sir, the dog be in the cabin, all right; I said as how I neverkilt your dog, nor buried him neither. "

"The dog in the cabin!" exclaimed Mr Vanslyperken, with apparentastonishment. "Why, how the devil could he have come there?"

"He cummed off, I suppose, sir, same way as you did, without nobodyknowing nothing about it, " drawled out Smallbones, who then walked away. 

In the meantime the corporal had been picked up, and the men wereattempting to recover him. Smallbones went forward to see what hadbecome of him, and learnt how it was that he was insensible. 

"Well, then, " thought Smallbones, "it may have been all the same withthe dog, and I believe there's humbug in it, for if the dog had made hisappearance, as master pretends he did, all of a sudden, he'd a been morefrightened than me. "

So reasoned Smallbones, and he reasoned well. In the meantime thecorporal opened his eyes, and gradually returned to his senses, and thenfor the first time, the ship's company, who were all down at theirbreakfast, demanded of Smallbones the reason of the corporal's conduct. 

"Why, " replied Smallbones, "because that 'ere beast, Snarleyyow, be comeback again, all alive, a'ter being dead and buried--he's in the cabinnow--that's all. "

"That's all!" exclaimed one. "All!" cried another. "The devil!" said athird. 

"I said as how it would be, " said Obadiah Coble--"that dog is no dog, assure as I sit here. "

The return of the dog certainly had a strong effect upon the whole ofthe ship's company. The corporal swore that he was not in the cabin, andthat Mr Vanslyperken had arranged for his going on shore to look forhim, 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 thelower regions; and as for any further attempts to destroy it, it wasconsidered as perfect insanity. 

But this renewed attempt on the part of Smallbones, for Vanslyperkenwas convinced that an attempt had been made, although it had not beensuccessful, again excited the feelings of Mr Vanslyperken against thelad, and he resolved somehow or another to retaliate. His anger overcamehis awe, and he was reckless in his desire of vengeance. There was notthe least suspicion of treachery on the part of Corporal Van Spitter inthe heart of Mr Vanslyperken, and the corporal played his double part sowell, that if possible he was now higher in favour than ever. 

After a day or two, during which Mr Vanslyperken remained on board, hesent for the corporal, determining to sound him as to whether he wouldmake any attempts upon Smallbones; for to such a height hadVanslyperken's enmity arrived, that he now resolved to part with some ofhis darling money, to tempt the corporal, rather than not get rid of thelad. After many hints thrown out, but not taken by the wily corporal, who was resolved that Vanslyperken should speak plainly, the deed andthe reward of ten guineas were openly proclaimed, and Vanslyperkenwaited for the corporal's reply. 

"Mein Gott, Mynheer Vanslyperken! suppose it vas possible, I not takeyour 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 foreheadand was silent, much to Vanslyperken's amazement. But the fact was, thatCorporal Van Spitter was thinking what he possibly could say. At last, abrilliant thought struck him--he narrated to the lieutenant how he hadseen the ghost of Smallbones, as he thought, when he was floating about, adrift on the Zuyder Zee--described with great force his horror at thetime of the appearance of the supernatural object, and tailed on to whathe believed to be true, that which he knew to be false, to wit, that theapparition had cried out to him, that "_he was not to be hurt by mortalman_. " "Gott in Himmel, " finished the corporal, "I never was sofrightened 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 eyelike de lightning--I fell back in one swoon. Ah, mein Gott, mein Gott!"

So well did the corporal play his part, that Vanslyperken became quiteterrified; the candle appeared to burn dim, and he dared not move tosnuff it. He could not but credit the corporal, for there was anearnestness of description, and a vividness of colouring, which couldnot have been invented; besides, was not the corporal his earnest andonly friend? "Corporal, " said Vanslyperken, "perhaps you'll like a glassof scheedam; there's some in the cupboard. "

This was very kind of Mr Vanslyperken, but he wanted one himself, muchmore 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 tremuloustone. The lieutenant took one, two, three glasses, one after another, torecover himself. 

The corporal had really frightened him. He was convinced that Smallboneshad a charmed life. Did he not float to the Nab buoy and backagain?--did not a pistol ball pass through him without injury?Vanslyperken shuddered; he took a fresh glass, and then handed thebottle to the corporal, who helped himself, saluted, and the liquoragain disappeared in a moment. 

Dutch courage is proverbial, although a libel upon one of the bravest ofnations. Vanslyperken now felt it, and again he commenced with thecorporal. "What were the words?" inquired he. 

"Dat he was not to be hurt by mortal man, mynheer. I can take mine pipleoath of it, " replied the corporal. 

"Damnation!" cried Vanslyperken; "but stop--mortal man--perhaps he maybe hurt by woman. "

"Dat is quite anoder ting, mynheer. "

"He shan't escape if I can help it, " retorted Vanslyperken. "I mustthink about it. " Vanslyperken poured out another glass of scheedam, andpushed the stone bottle to the corporal, who helped himself withoutceremony. Mr Vanslyperken was now about two-thirds drunk, for he was notused to such a quantity of spirits. 

"Now, if I had only been friends with that--that--hell-fire MoggySalisbury, " thought Vanslyperken, speaking aloud to himself. 

"Mein Gott, yes, mynheer, " replied the corporal. 

Vanslyperken took another glass--spilling a great deal on the table ashe poured it out; he then covered his eyes with his hand, as if inthought. Thereupon the corporal filled without being asked, and, as heperceived that his superior remained in the same position, and did notobserve him, he helped himself to a second glass, and then waited tillVanslyperken should speak again; but the liquor had overpowered him, andhe spoke no more. 

The corporal, after a few minutes, went up to his superior; he touchedhim on the shoulder, saying, "Mynheer, " but he obtained no reply. On thecontrary, the slight touch made Mr Vanslyperken fall forward on thetable. He was quite insensible. 

So the corporal took him up in his arms, laid him in his bed, thentaking possession of the lieutenant's chair, for he was tired ofstanding so long, he set to work to empty the bottle, which, being largeand full at the time that it was produced from the cupboard, took sometime, and before it was accomplished, the Corporal Van Spitter hadfallen fast asleep in the chair. Shortly afterwards the candle burntout, and the cabin was in darkness. 

It was about three o'clock in the morning when Mr Vanslyperken began torecover his senses, and as his recollection returned, so were his earsmet with a stupendous roaring and unusual noise. It was, to hisimagination, unearthly, for he had been troubled with wild dreams aboutSmallbones, and his appearance to the corporal. It sounded like thunder, and Mr Vanslyperken thought that he could plainly make out, "_Mortalman! mortal man!_" and, at times, the other words of the supernaturalintimation to the corporal. The mortal man was drawn out in lengthenedcadence, 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 soundnow ceased; but it was followed up by a noise like the rattling ofglasses, tumbling about of the chairs and table, and Vanslyperken buriedhis face under the clothes. Then the door, which had been shut, washeard by him to slam like thunder; and then Snarleyyow barked loud anddeep. "Oh! God forgive me!" cried the terrified lieutenant. "OurFather--which art in heaven--save me--save me!"

Shortly afterwards the corporal made his appearance with a light, andinquired if Mr Vanslyperken had called. He found him reeking withperspiration, and half dead with fear. In broken words he stated how hehad been visited, and how the same intimation that no mortal man couldhurt 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, goodcorporal. "

"Yes, mynheer, " replied the corporal, drawing the curtains of the bed;and then quietly picking up the various articles on the floor, the tableand chairs which had been overturned. 

Alas! Fear is the mate of guilt. All this horrid visitation was simplythat Mr Vanslyperken had heard the corporal's tremendous snoring, as heslept in the chair, and which his imagination had turned into the words, "Mortal man. " The first exclamation of Mr Vanslyperken had awoke thecorporal, who, aware of the impropriety of his situation, had attemptedto retreat; in so doing he had overturned the table and chairs, with thebottles and glasses upon them. 

Fearful of discovery upon this unexpected noise, he had hastened out ofthe cabin, slammed the door, and waked up Snarleyyow; but he knew, fromthe exclamations of Vanslyperken, that the lieutenant was frightened outof his wits; so he very boldly returned with a candle to ascertain theresult of the disturbance, and was delighted to find that the lieutenantwas still under the delusion. 

So soon as he had replaced everything, the corporal took a chair, andfinding that he had fortunately put the cork into the stone bottlebefore he fell asleep, and that there was still one or two glasses init, he drank them off, and waited patiently for daylight. By this timeVanslyperken was again asleep and snoring; so the corporal took away allthe 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 nightbefore, was more than ever persuaded that he had been supernaturallyvisited. Fear made him quite civil to the lad, whose life he nowconsidered, as the ship's company did that of the dog's, it was quiteuseless for him, at least, to attempt, and thus ends this chapterof 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 ourreaders a company assembled in the best inn which, at that time, was tobe found in the town of Cherbourg. The room in which they were assembledwas large in dimensions, but with a low ceiling--the windows werediminutive, and gave but a subdued light, on account of the vicinity ofthe 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-paintedglass. A narrow table ran nearly the length of the room, and, at eachend of it, there was a large chimney, in both of which logs of wood wereburning cheerfully. What are now termed _chaises longues_, were drawn tothe sides of the table, or leaning against the walls of the room, whichwere without ornament, and neatly coloured with yellow ochre. 

The company assembled might have been about thirty in number, of whichhalf a dozen, perhaps, were in the ecclesiastical dress of the time;while the others wore the habiliments then appropriated to cavaliers orgentlemen, with very little difference from those as worn in the timesof the Charleses in England, except that the cloak had been discarded, and the more substantial roquelaure substituted in its place. Most ofthe party were men who had not yet arrived to middle age, if we exceptthe clericals, who were much more advanced in life; and any one, who hadever fallen in with the smuggling lugger and its crew, would have had nodifficulty in recognising many of them, in the well-attired andevidently high-born and well-educated young men, who were seated orstanding in the room. Among them Sir Robert Barclay was eminentlyconspicuous; he was standing by the fire conversing with two of theecclesiastics. 

"Gentlemen, " said he at last, "our worthy Father Lovell has just arrivedfrom St Germains; and, as the most rapid communication is now necessary, he is empowered to open here and before us, every despatch which webring over, before it is transmitted to head-quarters, with permissionto 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 toreligious exercises and mortification, and any communication to him wasattended with so much delay, that it had been considered advisable toact without consulting him; and to avoid the delay consequent on thetransmission of communications to Paris, the most active parties haddetermined that they would, for the present, take up their residence atCherbourg, and merely transmit to their friends at St Germains, anaccount of their proceedings, gaining, at least, a week by thisarrangement. The party assembled had many names of some note. Among theecclesiastics were Lovell, Collier, Snatt, and Cooke; among thecavaliers were those of Musgrave, Friend, and Perkins, whose relativeshad suffered in the cause; Smith, Clancey, Herbert, Cunningham, Leslie, and many others. 

When Sir Robert Barclay approached the table, the others took theirseats in silence. 

"Gentlemen, " said Sir Robert, laying down the despatches, which had beenopened, "you must be aware that our affairs now wear a very prosperousappearance. 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 ourcause, we have every rational prospect of success. During the firstthree months of this year, much has been done; and, at the same time, itmust be confessed that the usurper and the heretics have taken everystep in their power to assail and to crush us. By this despatch, now inmy hand, it appears that a Bill has passed the Commons, by which it isenacted, '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 ofBerwick-on-the-Tweed. '"

Here, some of the ecclesiastics lifted up their eyes, others strucktheir clenched hands on the table, and the cavaliers, as ifsimultaneously, made the room ring, by seizing hold of the handles oftheir swords. 

"And further, gentlemen, 'that no Papist shall be capable of purchasingany lands, tenements, or hereditaments, either in his own name, or inthe 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 theHouse--that communication was anything but rapid, there being noregular post--so that what had taken place two months back, was veryoften news. 

"It appears then, gentlemen, that our only chance is to win ourproperties 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 manyhave been betrayed by the usurper, that thousands of swords will startfrom their scabbards so soon as we can support the cause with thepromised assistance of the court of Versailles: and we have hereintelligence that the parliament are in a state of actual hostility tothe usurper, and that the national ferment is so great as to be almoston the verge of rebellion. I have also gained from a privatecommunication from our friend Ramsay, who is now at Amsterdam, and in aposition to be most useful to us, that the usurper has intimated to hisown countrymen, although it is not yet known in England, that he willreturn to the Hague in July. Such, gentlemen, is the intelligence I haveto impart as respects our own prospects in our own country--to which Ihave to add, that the secret partition treaty, which is inimical to theinterests of the French king, has been signed both in London and theHague, as well as by the French envoy there. A more favourableoccurrence for us, perhaps, never occurred, as it will only increase thealready well-known ill-will of his Catholic Majesty against the usurperof his own father-in-law's crown. I have now, gentlemen, laid before youour present position and future prospects; and, as we are met to consultupon the propriety of further measures, I shall be most happy to hearthe suggestions of others. "

Sir Robert Barclay then sat down. 

Lovell, the Jesuit, first rose. "I have, " said he, "no opinion to offerrelative to warlike arrangements, those not being suitable to myprofession. I leave them to men like Sir Robert, whose swords are alwaysready, 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 isto be carried on; and I have great pleasure in announcing to thoseassembled, that from our friends in England, I have received advice ofthe two several sums of ninety-three thousand pounds and twenty-ninethousand pounds, sterling money, having been actually collected, and nowheld in trust for the support of the good cause; and, further, that thecollections are still going on with rapidity and success. From his mostCatholic Majesty we have received an order upon the minister for the sumof four thousand louis, which has been duly honoured, and from ourblessed father, the Pope, an order for five hundred thousand paolis, amounting to about thirteen thousand pounds in sterling money, togetherwith entire absolution for all sins already committed, and about to becommitted, and a secure promise of paradise to those who fall in themaintenance 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 willyet triumph, "

As soon as Lovell sat down, Collier, the ecclesiastic, rose. 

"That we shall find plenty of willing swords, and a sufficient supply ofmoney for our purposes, there can be no doubt; but I wish to propose onequestion to the company here assembled. It is an undoubted article ofthe true faith, that we are bound to uphold it by any and by everymeans. All human attempts are justifiable in the service of God. Manyhave already been made to get rid of the usurper, but they have not beencrowned 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 bythe insatiate heretic. 

"But they have, before this, received immortal crowns, in suffering asmartyrs in the cause of religion and justice. I still hold that ourattempts to cut off the usurper should be continued; some hand morefortunate may succeed. But not only is his life to be taken, ifpossible, but the succession must be cut off root and branch. You allknow that, of the many children born to the heretic William, all but onehave been taken away from him in judgment for his manifold crimes. Oneonly remains, the present Duke of Gloucester, and I do consider thatthis branch of heresy should be removed, even in preference to hisparent, whose conduct is such as to assist our cause, and whose deathmay weaken the animosity of his Catholic Majesty, whose hostility iswell 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 dedicatemy useless life to the attempt. "

It would occupy too much of our pages, if we were to narrate all thatwas said and done at this conference, which we have been obliged toreport, as intimately connected with our history. Many others addressedthe meeting, proposals were made, rejected, and acceded to. Lists ofadherents 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 themonies still on hand, were brought forward; and in the former items, thename of Vanslyperken appeared rather prominent. As soon as the accountswere audited, the conference broke up. 

We have said that, among those who were at the conference, might beobserved some persons who might be recognised as part of the crew of thelugger. Such was the case; Sir Robert Barclay and many others were menof good family, and stout Jacobites. These young men served in the boatwith the other men, who were no more than common seamen; but this wasconsidered necessary in those times of treachery. The lugger pulledeighteen oars, was clinker built, and very swift, even with a fullcargo. The after-oars were pulled by the adherents of Sir Robert, andthe arm-chest was stowed in the stern-sheets: so that these young menbeing always armed, no attempt to betray them, or to rise against them, on the part of the smugglers, had they been so inclined, could havesucceeded. Ramsay's trust as steersman had been appropriated to JemmySalisbury, but no other alteration had taken place. We have entered intothis detail to prove the activity of the Jacobite party. About an hourafter the conference, Sir Robert and his cavaliers had resumed theirseamen's attire, for they were to go over that night; and two hoursbefore dusk, those who had been at a conference, in which the fate ofkingdoms and crowned heads was at stake, were to be seen labouring atthe oar, in company with common seamen, and urging the fast boat throughthe 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, onexcellent terms with his host, who looked upon him as the mirror ofinformation, and not a little in the good graces of the syndic'sdaughter, Wilhelmina. There could not be a more favourable opportunity, perhaps, for a handsome and well-informed young man to prosecute hisaddresses and to gain the affections of the latter, were he so inclined. Wilhelmina had been brought up in every luxury, but isolated from theworld. She was now just at the age at which it was her father'sintention to introduce her; but romantic in her disposition, she caredlittle for the formal introduction which it was intended should takeplace. Neither had she seen, in any of the young Dutch aristocracy, mostof whom were well known to her by sight, as pointed out to her by herfather when riding with him, that form and personal appearance which hermind's eye had embodied in her visions of her future lover. Her mind wasnaturally refined, and she looked for that elegance and grace ofdeportment which she sought for in vain among her countrymen, but whichhad suddenly been presented to her in the person of Edward Ramsay. 

In the few meetings of her father's friends at their house, theconversation was uninteresting, if not disgusting; for it was aboutgoods and merchandise, money and speculation, occasionally interruptedby politics, which were to her of as little interest. How different wasthe demeanour, the address, and the conversation of the youngEnglishman, who had been bred in courts, and, at the same time, hadtravelled much! There was an interest in all he said, so muchinformation blended with novelty and amusement, so much wit andpleasantry crowning all, that Wilhelmina was fascinated without herbeing aware of it; and, before the terms of intimacy had warranted herreceiving his hand on meeting, she had already unconsciously given herheart. The opportunities arising from her father's close attention tohis commercial affairs, and the mutual attraction which brought themtogether during the major part of the day, she, anxious to be amused, and he attracted by her youth and beauty, were taken advantage of bythem both, and the consequence was that, before ten days, they wereinseparable. 

The syndic either did not perceive the danger to which his child wasexposed, provided that there was any objection to the intimacy, or else, equally pleased with Ramsay, he had no objection to matters takingtheir course. 

As for Ramsay, that he had at first cultivated the intimacy withWilhelmina more perhaps from distraction than with any definite purpose, is certain; but he soon found that her attractions were too great topermit him to continue it, if he had not serious intentions. When he hadentered his own room, before he had been a week in the house, he hadtaxed himself severely as to the nature of his feelings, and he was thenconvinced that he must avoid her company, which was impossible if heremained 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 innocentgirl. Having well weighed this point, he then calculated the probabilityof his being discovered, and the propriety of his continuing hisattentions to the daughter of one whom he was deceiving, and whosepolitical opinions were at such variance with his own--but this was apoint on which he could come to no decision. His duty to the cause hesupported would not allow him to quit the house--to remain in the housewithout falling in love was impossible. 

Why should his political opinions ever be known? and why should notWilhelmina be of the same opinion as he was?--and why--Ramsay fellasleep, putting these questions to himself, and the next morning heresolved that things should take their chance. 

It was about a fortnight since the cutter had left for England. Ramsaywas rather impatient for intelligence, but the cutter had not yetreturned. Breakfast had been over some time, Mynheer Van Krause haddescended to his warehouses, and Ramsay and Wilhelmina were sittingtogether upon one of the sofas in the saloon, both reclining and freefrom that restraint of which nothing but extreme intimacy willdivest you. 

"And so, my Wilhelmina, " said Ramsay, taking up her hand, which laylistless at her side, and playing with her taper fingers, "you reallythink 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 doubtwhether I can justify his conduct to the unfortunate King James; inleaguing against his own father-in-law and dispossessing him of hiskingdom. Suppose now, Wilhelmina, that any fortunate man should becomeone day your husband: what a cruel--what a diabolical conduct it wouldbe on his part--at least, so it appears to me--if, in return for yourfather putting him in possession of perhaps his greatest treasure onearth, he were to seize upon all your father's property, and leave hima beggar, because other people were to invite him so to do. "

"I never heard it placed in that light before, Ramsay; that the alliancebetween King William and his father-in-law should have made him veryscrupulous, I grant, but when the happiness of a nation depended uponit, ought not a person in William's situation to waive all minorconsiderations?"

"The happiness of a nation, Wilhelmina? In what way would you prove thatso much was at stake?"

"Was not the Protestant religion at stake? Is not King James a bigotedCatholic?"

"I grant that, and therefore ought not to reign over a Protestantnation; but if you imagine that the happiness of any nation depends uponhis religion, I am afraid you are deceived. Religion has been made theexcuse for interfering with the happiness of a nation whenever no betterexcuse could be brought forward; but depend upon it, the mass of thepeople will never quarrel about religion if they are left alone, andtheir interests not interfered with. Had King James not committedhimself in other points, he might have worshipped his Creator in anyform he thought proper. That a Protestant king was all that wasnecessary to quiet the nation, is fully disproved by the present stateof the country, now that the sceptre has been, for some years, swayed byKing William, it being, at this moment, in a state very nearlyapproaching 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 stateof bitter variance between William and the House of Commons, whichrepresents the people of England. What can religion have to do withthat? No, Wilhelmina; although, in this country there are few who do notrejoice at their king being called to the throne of England, there aremany, and those the most wise, in that country, who lament it quiteas much. "

"But why so?"

"Because mankind are governed by interest, and patriotism is little morethan a cloak. The benefits to this country, by the alliance withEngland, are very great, especially in a commercial point of view, andtherefore you will find no want of patriots; but to England the case isdifferent; it is not her interest to be involved and mixed up incontinental wars and dissensions, which must now inevitably be the case. Depend upon it, that posterity will find that England will have paidvery dear for a Protestant king; religion is what everyone is willing toadmit the propriety and necessity of, until they are taxed to pay forit, 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 ofthe present government, as I believe you really are, to hear you talkthis morning, " replied Wilhelmina. 

"My public conduct, as belonging to a party, does not prevent my havingmy private opinions. To my party, I am, and ever will be steadfast; butknowing the world, and the secret springs of most people's actions, as Ido, you must not be surprised at my being so candid with you, Wilhelmina. Our conversation, I believe, commenced upon the character ofKing William; and I will confess to you, that estimating the twocharacters in moral worth, I would infinitely prefer being the exiledand Catholic James than the unnatural and crowned King William?"

"You will say next, that you would just as soon be a Catholic as aProtestant. "

"And if I had been brought up in the tenets of the one instead of theother, what difference would it have made, except that I should haveadhered to the creed of my forefathers, and have worshipped the Almightyafter their fashion, form, and ceremonies? And are not all religionsgood if they be sincere?--do not they all tend to the same object, andhave the same goal in view--that of gaining heaven? Would you not prefera 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 wasa just Protestant. "

"That is but natural; but recollect, Wilhelmina, you have seen andheard, as yet, but one side of the question; and if I speak freely toyou, it is only to give you the advantage of my experience from havingmixed with the world. I am true to my party, and, as a man, I mustbelong to a party, or I become a nonentity. But were I in a condition sounshackled 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 Icare for party--so well balanced do I know the right and the wrong to beon both sides--that I would, to please one I loved, at once yield up myopinions, to agree with her, if she would not yield up hers to agreewith 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 weightor influence in the world, but also that we have no character orstability. "

"Far from it; I only mean to say that women do not generally entersufficiently into politics to care much for them; they generally imbibethe politics of those they live with, without further examination, andthat it is no disgrace to them if they change them. Besides, there isone feeling in women so powerful as to conquer all others, and when oncethat enters the breast, the remainder are absorbed or become obedientto it. "

"And that feeling is"

"Love, Wilhelmina; and if a woman happens to have been brought up in oneway of thinking by her parents, when she transfers her affections to herhusband, should his politics be adverse, she will soon come round to hisopinion, 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 ofdispute, and therefore should be avoided by a wife; besides, if a womanselects one as her husband, her guide and counsellor through life, onewhom she swears to love, honour, cherish, and obey, she gives but a poorproof of it, if she does not yield up her judgment in all matters morepeculiarly his province. "

"You really put things in such a new light, Ramsay, that I hardly knowhow 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 willeither acknowledge that I am right, or find arguments to prove that I amwrong. But you promised me some singing. Let me lead you into themusic-room. "

We have introduced this conversation between Wilhelmina and Ramsay, toshow not only what influence he had already gained over the artless, yetintelligent girl, but also the way by which he considerately preparedher for the acknowledgment which he resolved to make to her on somefuture opportunity; for, although Ramsay cared little for deceiving thefather, he would not have married the daughter without her being fullyaware of who he was. These conversations were constantly renewed, as ifaccidentally, by Ramsay; and long before he had talked in direct termsof love, he had fully prepared her for it, so that he felt she would notreceive a very severe shock when he threw off the mask, even when shediscovered that he was a Catholic, and opposed to her father in religionas well as in politics. The fact was, that Ramsay, at first, was as muchattracted by her wealth as by her personal charms; but, like many othermen, as his love increased, so did he gradually become indifferent toher wealth, and he was determined to win her for his wife in spite ofall obstacles, and even if he were obliged, to secure her hand, bycarrying her off without the paternal consent. 

Had it been requisite, it is not certain whether Ramsay might not havebeen persuaded to have abandoned his party, so infatuated had he at lastbecome with the really fascinating Wilhelmina. 

But Ramsay was interrupted in the middle of one of his most favouritesongs by old Koops, who informed him that the lieutenant of the cutterwas 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 fewdays after the fright he had received from the nasal organ of thecorporal. In pursuance of his instructions from Ramsay, he had notfailed to open all the government despatches, and extract theircontents. He had also brought over letters from Ramsay's adherents. 

"You are sure these extracts are quite correct?" said Ramsay, after hehad read them over. 

"Quite so, sir, " replied Vanslyperken. 

"And you have been careful to seal the letters again, so as to avoidsuspicion?"

"Does not my life depend upon it, Mr Ramsay?"

"Very true, and also upon your fidelity to us. Here's your money. Let meknow when you sail, and come for orders. "

Vanslyperken then took his bag of money, made his bow, and departed, andRamsay 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 portionof the contents of the despatches were made known to him, and the syndicwas very soon afterwards seen to walk out, leaving his people to markand 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 hissecret, that he could not contain himself any longer, and had set off tocommunicate 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 arewaiting for Mynheer Van Wejen. I suppose we shall learn something there. You knew all before we did, when the cutter arrived last time. You musthave some important friends at the English court, Mynheer Van Krause. "

Here Mynheer Krause nodded his head, and looked very knowing, andshortly afterwards took his leave. 

But this particular friend of Mynheer Krause was also his particularenemy. Krause had lately imparted secrets which were supposed to beknown and entrusted to none but those in the entire confidence of thegovernment. How could he have obtained them unless by the treachery ofsome one at home; and why should Mynheer Krause, who was not trusted bythe government there, notwithstanding his high civil office, because hewas known to be unsafe, be trusted by some one at home, unless it werefor treacherous purposes? So argued Mr Krause's most particular friend, who thought it proper to make known his opinions on the subject, and tosubmit to the other authorities whether this was not a fair subject forrepresentation in their next despatches to England; and in consequenceof his suggestion, the representation was duly made. Mynheer Krause wasnot the first person whose tongue had got him into difficulties. 

So soon as Vanslyperken had delivered his despatches to Ramsay, heproceeded to the widow Vandersloosh, when, as usual, he was receivedwith every apparent mark of cordial welcome, was again installed on thelittle sofa, and again drank the beer of the widow's own brewing, andwas permitted to take her fat hand. Babette inquired after the corporal, and, when rallied by the lieutenant, appeared to blush, and turned herhead away. The widow also assisted in the play, and declared that itshould be a match, and that Babette and herself should be married on thesame day. As the evening drew nigh, Vanslyperken took his leave, andwent on board, giving permission to the corporal to go on shore, andvery 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 ourwonderful history. 

We are somewhat inclined to moralise. We did not intend to write thisday. On the contrary, we had arranged for a party of pleasure andrelaxation, in which the heels, and every other portion of the bodyupwards, except the brain, were to be employed, and that was to have arespite. The morning was fair, and we promised ourselves amusement, butwe were deceived, and we returned to our task, as the rain poured downin torrents, washing the dirty face of mother earth. Yes, deceived; andhere we cannot help observing, that this history of ours is a very truepicture of human life--for what a complication of treachery does itnot involve!

Smallbones is deceiving his master, Mr Vanslyperken--the corporal isdeceiving Mr Vanslyperken--the widow is deceiving Mr Vanslyperken, so isBabette, and the whole crew of the _Yungfrau_. Ramsay is deceiving hishost and his mistress. All the Jacobites, in a mass, are plottingagainst and deceiving the government, and as for Mr Vanslyperken; as itwill soon appear, he is deceiving everybody, and will ultimately deceivehimself. The only honest party in the whole history is the one mosthated, as generally is the case in this world--I mean Snarleyyow. Thereis no deceit about him, and therefore, _par excellence_, he is fairlyentitled to be the hero of, and to give his name to, the work. The nextmost honest party in the book is Wilhelmina; all the other women, exceptlittle Lilly, are cheats and impostors--and Lilly is too young; ourreaders may, therefore, be pleased to consider Snarleyyow andWilhelmina as the hero and the heroine of the tale, and then it willleave one curious feature in it, the principals will not only not beunited, 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 certainlyappears to us that the treachery of the widow was the most odious anddiabolical. She was like a bloated spider, slowly entwining thosethreads for her victim which were to entrap him to his destruction, forshe had vowed that she never would again be led to the hymeneal altaruntil Mr Vanslyperken was hanged. Perhaps, the widow Vandersloosh was ina hurry to be married, at least, by her activity, it would soappear--but let us not anticipate. 

The little sofa was fortunately like its build, strong as a cob, or itnever could have borne the weight of two such lovers as the widowVandersloosh and the Corporal Van Spitter; there they sat, she radiantwith love and beer, he with ditto; their sides met, for the sofa exactlytook them both in, without an inch to spare; their hands met, their eyesmet, and whenever one raised the glass, the other was on the alert, andtheir glasses met and jingled--a more practical specimen of hob and nobwas never witnessed. There was but one thing wanting to complete theirhappiness, which, unlike other people's, did not hang upon a thread, butsomething much stronger, it hung upon a cord; the cord which was to hangMr Vanslyperken. 

And now the widow, like the three fates rolled into one, is weaving thewoof, and, in good Dutch, is pouring into the attentive ear of thecorporal her hopes and fears, her surmises, her wishes, heranticipations, 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, " saidthe 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 gosomewhere; he carries his letters, and takes his gold as before, dependupon it. Yes, and I will find it out. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, we willsee 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'smessenger, and I am as sure as I sit here that he was no king'smessenger, unless he was one of King James's as was; for look you, Corporal Van Spitter, do you suppose that King William would employ anEnglishman, as you say he was, for a messenger, when a Dutchman was tobe had for love or money?"

"No, no, we must find out where he goes to. I will have some one on thelook out when you come again, and then set Babette on the watch; sheshall track him up to the den of his treachery. Yes, yes, MrVanslyperken, we will see who gains the day, you or the widowVandersloosh. "

"Mein Gott! yes, " replied the corporal. 

"And now, corporal, I've been thinking over all this ever since yourabsence, and all you have told me about his cowardly attempts upon thatpoor boy's life, and his still greater cowardice in believing such stuffas you have made him believe about the lad not being injured by mortalman. 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 andthe _Yungfraus_ are just as great fools as Mynheer Vanslyperken, inbelieving all that stuff and nonsense about the dog. The dog is buta dog. "

This was rather a trial to the corporal's politeness; to deny what thewidow said, might displease, and, as he firmly believed otherwise, hewas 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 atog 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, Ihave been setting my wits to work about getting the rascally traitor inmy power. I mean to pretend to take every interest in him, and to getall his secrets, and then, when he tells me that Smallbones cannot behurt by mortal man, I shall say he can by woman, at all events; and thenI shall make a proposition, which he'll accept fast enough, and thenI'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 yourdog 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 itmyself; and, then, Mr Vanslyperken shall have it grilled for hisbreakfast, 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 thelad has given it to the dog) he shall bring it on shore, and give it tothe dog here in the yard, so that he shall kill the dog himself, bywishing to kill others. Do you understand, corporal?"

"Mein Gott! yes, I understand what you say; but what is it that you areto 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 understandit 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 thatneither man nor woman can take his life; be afraid of the lad, and leavehim alone. "

"Mein Gott! yes, " replied the rather obtuse corporal, who nowunderstood 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 thelieutenant now as an accepted lover, allowed him to talk of the day, wormed out of him all his secrets except that of his treason, abusedSmallbones, and acknowledged that she had been too hasty about the dog, which she would be very happy to see on shore. Vanslyperken could hardlybelieve his senses--the widow forgive Snarleyyow, and all for his sake, he was delighted, enchanted, threw himself at her feet, and vowedeternal 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 veryagreeable to the lieutenant, and he made her his confidant, stating whatthe corporal had told him relative to the appearance of Smallbones whenhe 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 ridyou of him. But, Vanslyperken, recollect there's nothing I would not dofor you; but if it were found out--O dear! O dear!"

The widow then informed him that she would prepare a red-herring witharsenic, which he should take on board, and order Smallbones to grillfor his breakfast; that he was to pretend not to be well, and to allowit to be taken away by the lad, who would, of course, eat itfast enough. 

"Excellent!" replied Vanslyperken, who felt not only that he should getrid of Smallbones, but have the widow in his power. "Dearest widow, howcan I be sufficiently grateful? Oh! how kind, how amiable you are!"continued Vanslyperken, mumbling her fat fingers, which the widowabandoned to him without reserve. 

Who would have believed that, between these two, there existed a deadlyhatred? We might imagine such a thing to take place in the refinementand artificial air of a court, but not in a Dutch Lust Haus atAmsterdam. That evening, before his departure, did the widow present herswain with the fatal herring; and the swain received it with as manymarks of gratitude and respect, as some knight in ancient times wouldhave shown when presented with some magical gift by hisfavouring genius. 

The red-herring itself was but a red-herring, but the charm consisted inthe two-pennyworth of arsenic. 

The next morning Vanslyperken did not fail to order the red-herring forhis breakfast, but took good care not to eat it. 

Smallbones, who had been duly apprised of the whole plan, asked hismaster, as he cleared away, whether he should keep the red-herring forthe next day; but Mr Vanslyperken very graciously informed him that hemight eat it himself. About an hour afterwards Mr Vanslyperken went onshore, taking with him, for the first time, Snarleyyow, and desiringSmallbones to come with him, with a bag of biscuit for the widow. Thisplan had been proposed by the widow, as Smallbones might be supposed tohave eaten something on shore. Smallbones took as good care as hismaster not to eat the herring, but put it in his pocket as a _bonnebouche_ for Snarleyyow. Mr Vanslyperken, as they pulled on shore, thought that the lad smelt very strong of herring, and this satisfiedhim that he had eaten it; but to make more sure, he exclaimed, "Confoundit, 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 sendhim 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 findplenty there. "

The obedient lieutenant opened the back-door, and Snarleyyow, who hadnot forgotten either the widow Or Babette, went out of his own accord. Mr Vanslyperken looked to ascertain if the yard-door, which led to thestreet, 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 letMr Vanslyperken's dog out. Do you hear?"

Smallbones, who understood this as the signal, immediately slippedround, opened the yard-door, took the herring out of his pocket, andthrew it to Snarleyyow. The dog came to it, smelt it, seized it, andwalked 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 MrVanslyperken catching him in the act, came out of the yard, and hastenedto his former post at the porch. He caught Babette's eye, coming downstairs, and winked and smiled. Babette walked into the room, caught theeye of the mistress, and winked and smiled. Upon which, the widowordered Babette to empty the bread-bag and give it to Smallbones, totake on board, --an order repeated by Vanslyperken. Before he returned tothe boat, Smallbones again passed round to the yard-door. Snarleyyow wasthere, 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 thebread-bag over his shoulder. As soon as he had arrived on board, the ladcommunicated the fact to the crew of the _Yungfrau_, whose spirits wereraised by the intelligence, with the exception still of old Coble, whoshook his head, and declared, "It was twopence and a red-herringthrown away. "

Mr Vanslyperken returned on board in the afternoon, fully expecting tohear of Smallbones being very ill. He was surprised that the man in theboat did not tell him, and he asked them carelessly if there wasanything new on board, but received a reply in the negative. When hecame on board, followed by Snarleyyow, the eyes of the crew weredirected towards the dog, to see how he looked; but he appeared just aslively 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 stummickthis morning, but it's all gone off now. "

Mr Vanslyperken waited the whole day for Smallbones to die, but he didnot. The crew of the vessel waited the whole day for the cur to die, buthe did not. What inference could be drawn. The crew made up their mindsthat the dog was supernatural; and old Coble told them that he told themso. 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 noteat the red-herring. He had just laid it between his paws, and was aboutto commence, when Smallbones, having left the yard-door open in hishurry, the dog was perceived by a dog bigger than he, who happened topass that way, and who pounced upon Snarleyyow, trampling him over andover, and walked off with the red-herring, which he had better have leftalone, as he was found dead the next morning. 

The widow heard, both from the corporal and Vanslyperken, the failure ofboth their projects. That Smallbones was not poisoned she was notsurprised to hear, but she took care to agree with Vanslyperken that allattempts upon him were useless; but that the dog still lived was indeeda matter of surprise, and the widow became a convert to the corporal'sopinion that the dog was not to be destroyed. 

"A whole two-pennyworth of arsenic! Babette, only think what a cur itmust be!" And Babette, as well as her mistress, lifted up her hands inamazement, 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 ofRamsay, 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 ofJanuary, sixteen hundred and ninety-nine, that we first introduced MrVanslyperken and his contemporaries to his notice, and that all theimportant events, which we have recorded, have taken place between thatdate and the month of May, which is now arrived. We think, indeed, thatthe peculiar merit of this work is its remarkable unity of time andplace; for, be it observed, we intend to finish it long before the yearis out, and our whole scene is, it may be said, laid in the channel, orbetween the channel and the Texel, which, considering it is anhistorical novel, is remarkable. Examine other productions of thisnature, founded upon historical facts, like our own, and observe thedifference. Read Scott, Bulwer, James, or Grattan, read their historicalnovels, and observe how they fly about from country to country, and fromclime to clime. As the Scythians said to Alexander, their right armextends to the east, and their left to the west, and the world canhardly contain them. And over how many years do they extend their pages?while our bantling is produced in the regular nine months, being theexact period of time which is required for my three volumes. It must, therefore, be allowed that in unity of time, and place and design, andadherence to facts, our historical novel is unique. 

We said that it was the month of May--not May coming in as she doessometimes in her caprice, pouting, and out of humour--but May all insmiles. The weather was warm, and the sea was smooth, and the men of thecutter had stowed away their pea-jackets, and had pulled off theirfishermen's boots, and had substituted shoes. Mr Vanslyperken did notoften 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 couldlook down and see what he was about, and the cabin-door was almostalways locked. What could Mr Vanslyperken be about? No one knew butSnarleyyow, and Snarleyyow could not or would not tell. 

The cutter anchored in her old berth, and Vanslyperken, as usual, wenton shore, with his double set of despatches, which were duly delivered;and then Mr Vanslyperken went up the main street, and turned into ajeweller's shop. What could Mr Vanslyperken do there? Surely it was topurchase something for the widow Vandersloosh--a necklace or pair ofear-rings. No, it was not with that intention; but nevertheless, MrVanslyperken remained there for a long while, and then was seen todepart. Seen by whom? By Moggy Salisbury, who had observed his entering, and who could not imagine why; she, however, said nothing, but shemarked the shop, and walked away. 

The next day, Mr Vanslyperken went on shore, to put into his mother'scharge the money which he had received from Ramsay, and narrated allthat had passed--how Smallbones had swallowed two-pennyworth of arsenicwith no more effect upon him than one twinge in his stomach, and how henow fully believed that nothing would kill the boy. 

"Pshaw! child--phut!--nonsense!--nothing kill him?--had he been in myhands, 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 thereis no need of fire. Go, child, the money is locked up safe, and I havemy 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 thestern-sheets. She waved her hand at him, and laughed ironically. 

"Impudent hussy!" thought Vanslyperken, as she passed, but he dared notsay a word. He turned pale with rage, and turned his head away; butlittle did he imagine, at the time, what great cause he had ofindignation. Moggy had been three hours on board of the cutter talkingwith the men, but more particularly with Smallbones and the corporal, with which two she had been in earnest conference for the first hourthat she was on board. 

Moggy's animosity to Vanslyperken is well known, and she ridiculed theidea of Snarleyyow being anything more than an uncommon lucky dog inescaping so often. Smallbones was of her opinion, and again declared hisintention of doing the dog a mischief as soon as he could. Moggy, afterher conference with these two, mixed with the ship's company, with whomshe had always been a favourite, and the corporal proceeded tosuperintend the cutting up and the distribution of the fresh beef whichhad 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 corporalon these occasions, and was still the best of friends with him; forsomehow or another, the dog had not seemed to consider the corporal aparty to his brains being knocked out, but had put it all down to hisnatural enemy, Smallbones. The dog was, as usual, standing by the blockclose to the corporal, and picking up the fragments of beef whichdropped from the chopper. 

"I vowed by gum, that I'd have that ere dog's tail off, " observedSmallbones; "and if no one will peach, off it shall go now. And whocares? If I can't a kill him dead, I'll get rid of him by bits. There'sone eye out already, and now I've a mind for his tail. Corporal, lend methe 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 thereare others who may, and then Smallbones will be keel-hauled as sure asfate, and Vanslyperken will have right on his side. No, no, Smallbones--you must not do it. Give me the cleaver, corporal, I'll doit; and anyone may tell him who pleases, when he comes on board. I don'tcare 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 aninch if I can help it, " said Moggy; "and stand farther back, allof you. "

Moggy raised the cleaver, took good aim--down it came upon the dog'stail, which was separated within an inch of its insertion, and was leftbleeding on the block, while the dog sprang away aft, howling mostterribly, and leaving a dotted line of blood to mark his course uponthe 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 MrVanslyperken has had enough now for trying to flog my Jemmy--my own duckof a husband. "

"Well, " observed Coble, "seeing's believing; but, otherwise, I nevershould have thought it possible to have divided that ere dog's tail inthat way. "

"He can't be much of a devil now, " observed Bill Spurey; "for what's adevil without a tail? A devil is like a sarpent, whose sting is inhis 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 onboard. "

"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 othersin trouble. Mind you say at once it was me--I defy him. "

Moggy then wished them good-bye, and quitted the cutter, when she wasmet, as we have already observed, by Vanslyperken. 

"Mein Gott! vat must be done now?" observed the corporal to those abouthim, looking at the mangy tail which still remained on the beef-block. 

"Done, corporal, " replied Smallbones, "why, you must come for to go forto complain on it, as he comes on board. You must take the tail, andtell the tale, and purtend to be as angry and as sorry as himself, anddamn _her_ up in heaps. That's what must be done. "

This was not bad advice on the part of Smallbones--the ship's companyagreed to it, and the corporal perceived the propriety of it. 

In the meantime, the dog had retreated to the cabin, and his howlingshad gradually ceased; but he had left a track of blood along the deck, and down the ladder, which Dick Short perceiving, pointed to it, andcried out "Swabs. "

The men brought swabs aft, and had cleaned the deck and the ladder downto the cabin door, when Mr Vanslyperken came on board. 

"Has that woman been here?" inquired Mr Vanslyperken, as he came ondeck. 

"Yes, " replied Dick Short. 

"Did not I give positive orders that she should not?" criedVanslyperken. 

"No, " replied Dick Short. 

"Then I do now, " continued the lieutenant. 

"Too late, " observed Short, shrugging up his shoulders, and walkingforward. 

"Too late! what does he mean?" said Vanslyperken, turning to Coble. 

"I knows nothing about it, sir, " replied Coble. "She came for some ofher 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 verymelancholy face, one hand raised as usual to his cap, and the otheroccupied with the tail of Snarleyyow. 

"What is it? what is the matter, corporal?"

"Mynheer Vanslyperken, " replied the corporal, retaining his respectfulattitude, "here is de tail. "

"Tail! what tail?" exclaimed Vanslyperken, casting his eyes upon thecontents of the corporal's left hand. 

"Te tog's tail, mynheer, " replied the corporal, gravely, "which de damtog's wife--Moggy--"

Vanslyperken stared; he could scarcely credit his eyesight, but there itwas. For a time he could not speak for agitation; at last, with atremendous oath, he darted into the cabin. 

What were his feelings when he beheld Snarleyyow lying in a cornertailless, 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 couldimagine upon Moggy's head--he vowed revenge--he stamped with rage--andthen he patted Snarleyyow; and as the beast looked wistfully in hisface, Vanslyperken shed tears. "My poor, poor dog! first your eye--andnow your tail--what will your persecutors require next? Perdition seizethem! may perdition be my portion if I am not revenged. Smallbones is atthe bottom of all this; I can--I will be revenged on him. "

Vanslyperken rang the bell, and the corporal made his appearance withthe 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 thedog had been _de_tailed--how he had been cutting up beef--and how whilehis back was turned, and Snarleyyow, as usual, was at the block, pickingup the bits, Moggy Salisbury, who had been allowed to come on board byMr 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?" inquiredVanslyperken, "some one must have held him. "

This was a home question; but the corporal replied, "Yes, mynheer, someone 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 asignificant look, "I tink I could say. "

"Yes, yes, corporal, I know who you mean. It was him--I am sure--and assure as I sit here I'll be revenged. Bring a swab, corporal, and wipe upall 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, shesay, tell Mynheer Vanslyperken dat de best ting for cure de cur be dered 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 whilethat 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 amjiggered if he don't tell a lie as big as himself--that's all. That ereman is my mortal henemy; and if that ere dog gets into trouble I'm asartain 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 MrVanslyperken. With looks of malignant vengeance he ordered Smallbonesout of the cabin. 

"Shall I shy this here overboard, sir?" said Smallbones, taking up thedog's tail, which lay on the table. 

"Drop it, sir, " roared Vanslyperken. 

Smallbones walked away, grinning with delight, but his face was turnedfrom Mr Vanslyperken. 

The corporal returned, swabbed up the blood, and reported that thebleeding had stopped. Mr Vanslyperken had no further orders for him--hewished to be left alone. He leaned his head upon his hand, and remainedfor some time in a melancholy reverie, with his eyes fixed upon thetail, which lay before him--that tail, now a "bleeding piece of earth, "which never was to welcome him with a wag again. What passed inVanslyperken's mind during this time, it would be too difficult and toolong to repeat, for the mind flies over time and space with the rapidityof the lightning's flash. At last he rose, took up the dog's tail, putit 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 historicalfacts which we are now narrating. Party spirit, and various otherfeelings, independent of misrepresentation do, at the time, inducepeople to form their judgment, to say the best, harshly, and but toooften, incorrectly. It is for posterity to calmly weigh the evidencehanded down, and to examine into the merits of a case divested of partybias. Actuated by these feelings, we do not hesitate to assert, that, inthe point at question, Mr Vanslyperken had great cause for beingdispleased; and that the conduct of Moggy Salisbury, in cutting off thetail 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 theaggressions on the part of Mr Vanslyperken, or of the dog, still a tailis a tail, and whether mangy or not, is _bond fide_ a part of the livingbody; and this aggression must inevitably come under the head of thecutting and maiming act, which act, however, it must, with the samecandour which will ever guide our pen, be acknowledged, was not passeduntil a much later period than that to the history of which ournarrative refers. 

Having thus, with all deference, offered our humble opinion, we shallrevert to facts. Mr Vanslyperken went on shore, with the dog's tail inhis pocket. He walked with rapid strides towards the half-way houses, inone of which was the room tenanted by his aged mother; for, to whom elsecould he apply for consolation in this case of severe distress? That itwas Moggy Salisbury who gave the cruel blow, was a fact completelysubstantiated by evidence; but that it was Smallbones who held the dog, and who thereby became an active participator, and therefore equallyculpable, was a surmise to which the insinuations of the corporal hadgiven all the authority of direct evidence. And, as Mr Vanslyperken feltthat Moggy was not only out of his power, but even if in his power, thathe dare not retaliate upon her, for reasons which we have alreadyexplained to our readers; it was, therefore, clear to him, thatSmallbones was the party upon whom his indignation could be the mostsafely vented: and, moreover, that in so doing, he was only paying off along accumulating debt of hatred and ill-will. But, at the same time, MrVanslyperken had made up his mind that a lad who could be floated out tothe Nab buoy and back again without sinking--who could have a bulletthrough his head without a mark remaining--and who could swallow a wholetwopenny-worth of arsenic without feeling more than a twinge in hisstomach, was not so very easy to be made away with. That the corporal'svision was no fiction, was evident--the lad was not to be hurt by mortalman; but although the widow's arsenic had failed, Mr Vanslyperken, inhis superstition, accounted for it on the grounds that the woman was notthe active agent on the occasion, having only prepared the herring, itnot having been received from her hands by Smallbones. The reader mayrecollect that, in the last interview between Vanslyperken and hismother, the latter had thrown out hints that if she took Smallbones inhand he would not have such miraculous escapes as he had had, as, in allshe undertook, she did her business thoroughly. Bearing this in mind, MrVanslyperken went to pour forth his sorrows, and to obtain theassistance 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 chairin the room, except the one with the legs cut off half-way up, uponwhich his mother was accustomed to rock herself before the grate. 

"No, mother; but I have brought something--and I come to you for adviceand assistance. "

"Brought no money--yet brought something!--well, child, what have youbrought?"

"This!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, throwing the dog's tail down upon thetable. 

"This!" repeated the old beldame, lifting up the tail, and examining itas well as she could, as the vibration of her palsied members werecommunicated to the article--and pray, child, what is this?"

"Are you blind, old woman, " replied Vanslyperken in wrath, "not toperceive 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 tailof a dog--and to lay it on my table! Is this your duty, sirrah? How dareyou take such liberties? There, sir, " cried the hag in a rage, catchinghold of the tail, and sending it flying out of the casement, which wasopen--"there, sir--and now you may follow your tail. D'ye hear?--leavethe 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 preventhis eyes from following the tail of his dog, as it sailed through theambient air surrounding the half-way houses, and was glad to observe itlanded among some cabbage-leaves thrown into the road, withoutattracting notice. Satisfied that he should regain his treasure when hequitted 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 feltthat in her present humour he was not likely to gain the point with herthat he had in contemplation. "I was so vexed--so irritated--that I knewnot 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 lessmange on the snarling cur. "

This was touching up Vanslyperken on the raw; but he had a great objectin view, and he restrained his feelings. 

"I was wrong, mother--very wrong--but I have done all I can, I havebegged 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 achild deserve?"

It was some time before the ruffled temper of the beldame could beappeased: at last, Vanslyperken succeeded. He then entered into a detailof all that had passed, and concluded by observing, "that as Smallboneswas 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 brainsout--to take away his life--to murder him, in fact. Say, Cornelius, isit 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 aredeeds which are done, and which I have done, but those deeds are onlydone upon strong impulses. Murder is one, but people murder for tworeasons only--for revenge and for gold. People don't do such acts as areto 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 handsalready--good blood too--they are not defiled with the scum of a parishboy, nor shall they be, without--"

"Without what, mother?"

"Have I not told you, Cornelius, that there are but two greatexcitements--revenge and gold? I have no revenge against the lad. If youhave--if you consider that a dog's, tail demands a human victim--welland good--do the deed yourself. "

"I would, " cried Vanslyperken, "but I have tried in vain. It must bedone by woman. "

"Then hear me, Cornelius; if it must be done by woman, you must find awoman to do it, and you must pay her for the deed. Murder is at a highprice. You apply to me--I am content to do the deed; but I must havegold--and plenty too. "

Vanslyperken paused before he replied. The old woman had charge of allhis money--she was on the verge of the grave--for what could she requirehis gold?--could she be so foolish?--it was insanity. Vanslyperken wasright--it was insanity, for avarice is no better. 

"Do you mean, mother, " replied Vanslyperken, "that you want gold fromme?"

"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 bloodwhich calls for retribution? Besides, Cornelius, it must be all yoursagain when I die; but I shall not die yet--no, no. "

"Well, mother, " replied Vanslyperken, "if it must be so, it shall all beyours--not that I can see what difference it makes, whether it is calledyours or mine. "

"Then why not give it freely? Why do you hesitate to give to your poorold mother what may be again yours before the leaf again falls? Askyourself why, Cornelius, and then you have my answer. The gold is herein my charge, but it is not _my_ gold--it is yours. You little think howoften I've laid in bed and longed that it was all _mine_. Then I wouldcount it--count it again and again--watch over it, not as I do now as amere deposit in my charge, but as a mother would watch and smile uponher first-born child. There is a talisman in that word _mine_, that notapproaching _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 itwas but a nominal and temporary divestment of the property, even thatgave him a severe struggle; but his avarice was overcome by his feelingsof 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 himhere, child--I can't go to seek him--and it is done--only bringhim here. "

So soon as this compact had been completed, Vanslyperken and his motherhad a consultation; and it was agreed, that it would be advisable not toattempt the deed until the day before the cutter sailed, as it wouldremove all suspicion, and be supposed that the boy had deserted. Thisarrangement 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 ofcabbage-leaves, in which he observed the object of his wishes to havefallen; but there was some one there before him, an old sow, very busygroping among the refuse. Although Vanslyperken came on shore withouteven a stick in his hand, he had no fear of a pig, and walked up boldlyto drive her away, fully convinced that, although she might likecabbage, not being exactly carnivorous, he should find the tail in_status quo_. But it appeared that the sow not only would not standbeing interfered with, but, moreover, was carnivorously inclined; forshe was at that very moment routing the tail about with her nose, andreceived Vanslyperken's advance with a very irascible grunt, throwingher head up at him with a savage augh; and then again busied herselfwith 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, pickedup one or two large stones, and threw them at the animal to drive heraway. This mode of attack had the effect desired in one respect; the sowmade 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 wellas run, every minute turning round to bay, and chumping and grumbling ina very formidable manner. At last, after Vanslyperken had chased for aquarter 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, andseizing the sow by the ear, made her drop the tail to save herown bacon. 

Vanslyperken was delighted; he hastened up as fast as he could to regainhis treasure, when, to his mortification, the great dog, who had leftthe sow, arrived at the spot before him, and after smelling at the notone bone, but many bones of contention, he took it in his mouth, andtrotted off to his former berth in the sunshine, laid himself down, andthe tail before him. 

"Surely one dog won't eat another dog's tail, " thought Vanslyperken, ashe walked up to the animal; but an eye like fire, a deep growl, andexposure of a range of teeth equal to a hyena's, convinced MrVanslyperken that it would be wise to retreat--which he did, to arespectable distance, and attempted to coax the dog. "Poor doggy, there's a dog, " cried Vanslyperken, snapping his fingers, andapproaching gradually. To his horror, the dog did the same thingexactly: he rose, and approached Mr Vanslyperken gradually, and snappedhis fingers: not content with that, he flew at him, and tore the skirtof his great-coat clean off, and also the hinder part of his trousersfor Mr Vanslyperken immediately turned tail, and the dog appearedresolved to have his tail as well as that of his darling cur. Satisfiedwith about half a yard of broadcloth as a trophy, the dog returned tohis former situation, and remained with the tail of the coat and thetail of the cur before him, with his fierce eyes fixed upon MrVanslyperken, who had now retreated to a greater distance. 

But this transaction was not unobserved by several of the people whoinhabited the street of cottages. Many eyes were directed to where MrVanslyperken and the sow and dog had been at issue, and many were theconjectures thereon. 

When the dog retreated with the skirt of the great-coat, many came outto ascertain what was the cause of the dispute, and among others, theman to whom the dog belonged, and who lived at the cottage opposite towhere the dog had lain down. He observed Vanslyperken, looking very muchlike a vessel whose sails have been split in a gale, and very rueful atthe same time, standing at a certain distance, quite undecided how toact, and he called out to him, "What is it you may want with mydog, man?"

Man! Vanslyperken thought this designation an affront; whereas, in ouropinion, 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 skirtof his coat, which he had taken from the dog. 

By this time there was a crowd collected from out of the varioussurrounding tenements. 

"That's not all, " exclaimed Vanslyperken; "he has got my dog's tailthere. "

"Your dog's tail!" exclaimed the man, "what do you mean? Is it thisragged mangy thing you would have?" and the man took the tail ofSnarleyyow, 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 atVanslyperken, "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 itup on the other side, out of his reach. 

"Let us have a look at this chap, " said the first, examiningVanslyperken, whose peaked nose and chin, small ferret eyes, anddowncast look were certainly not in his favour; neither were his old andnow tattered habiliments. Certainly no one would have taken Vanslyperkenfor a king's officer--unfortunately they took him for something else. 

"Now tell me, fellow, what were you going to do with this?" inquired theman 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 thatold 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 piecesfor 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, regularwitch-finders, as in the time of James I. , still the feeling againstwitches, and the belief that they practised, still existed. They were nolonger handed over to summary and capital punishment, but wheneversuspected they were sure to meet with very rough treatment. Such was thefate of Mr Vanslyperken, who was now seized by the crowd, buffeted, andspit upon, and dragged to the parish pump, there being, fortunately forhim, 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, hewas held under the pump and drenched for nearly half-an-hour, until helay beneath the spout in a state of complete exhaustion. The crowd werethen 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 andtorn trousers. He contrived to walk as far as to the house where hismother resided, was admitted to her room, when he fell exhausted on thebed. The old woman was astonished; and having some gin in her cupboard, revived him by administering a small quantity, and, in the course ofhalf-an-hour, Vanslyperken could tell his story; but all the consolationhe received from the old beldame was, "Serve you right too, for beingsuch an ass. I suppose you'll be bringing the stupid people about myears soon--they've hooted me before now. Ah, well--I'll not be pumpedupon for nothing--my knife is a sharp one. "

Vanslyperken had clothes under his mother's charge, and he dressedhimself in another suit, and then hastened away, much mortified andconfounded with the latter events of the day. The result of hisarrangements with his mother was, however, a balm to his wounded spirit, and he looked upon Smallbones as already dead. He hastened down into hiscabin, as soon as he arrived on board, to ascertain the condition ofSnarleyyow, whom he found as well as could be expected, and occasionallymaking unavailing attempts to lick the stump of his tail. 

"My poor dog!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, "what have you suffered, and whathave I suffered for you? Alas! if I am to suffer as I have to-day foronly your tail, what shall I go through for your whole body?" And, asVanslyperken recalled his misfortunes, so did his love increase for theanimal who was the cause of them. Why so, we cannot tell, except that ithas 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 byMoggy Salisbury to go into a jeweller's shop, and remain there sometime, and that Moggy was very inquisitive to know what it was that couldinduce 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 someear-rings, and attempted to enter into conversation with the jeweller;but the jeweller, not perhaps admiring Moggy's appearance, and notthinking her likely to be a customer, dismissed her with very shortanswers. Failing in her attempt, Moggy determined to wait till NancyCorbett should come over, for she knew that Nancy could dress and assumethe fine lady, and be more likely to succeed than herself. But althoughMoggy could not penetrate into the mystery, it is necessary the readershould be informed of the proceedings of Mr Vanslyperken. 

When Ramsay had shown him how to open the government despatches, and hadprovided him with the false seals for the re-impressions, he forgot thathe also was pointing out to Vanslyperken the means of also opening hisown, and discovering his secrets, as well as those of government; butVanslyperken, who hated Ramsay, on account of his behaviour towards him, and would with pleasure have seen the whole of his party, as well ashimself, on the gibbet, thought that it might be just as well to havetwo strings to his bow; and he argued, that if he could open the lettersof the conspirators, and obtain their secrets, they would provevaluable to him, and perhaps save his neck, if he were betrayed to thegovernment. On his passage, therefore, to Amsterdam, he had carefullyexamined the seal of Ramsay, and also that on the letters forwarded tohim; and, having made a drawing, and taken the impression in wax, as afurther security, he had applied to the jeweller in question to get himseals cut out with these impressions, and of the exact form and size. The jeweller, who cared little what he did, provided that he was wellpaid, asked no questions, but a very high price, and Vanslyperken, knowing that they would be cheap to him at any price, closed with him onhis own terms, provided that they were immediately forthcoming. In theweek, according to the agreement, the seals were prepared. MrVanslyperken 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, andVanslyperken was ordered to hold himself in readiness to sail the nextmorning at daylight. He immediately repaired to the Jew's, to giveintimation, and from thence to his mother's to prepare her for thearrival of Smallbones that evening a little before dusk. 

Vanslyperken had arranged that, as soon as the murder had beencommitted, he would go to the Jew's for letters, and then hasten onboard, sailing the next morning at daylight; so that if there was anydiscovery, 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 inthe evening, and should take him with him, the lad did not forget thelast walk that he had in company with his master, and, apprehensive thatsome mischief was intended, he said, "I hope it arn't for to fetchanother walk in the country, sir?"

"No, no, " replied Vanslyperken, "it's to take some biscuit up to a poorold 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 apprehensionof 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, thatmischief was intended him, and offered to provide him with a pistol; butSmallbones, who knew little about fire-arms, requested that he mighthave a bayonet instead, which he could use better. He was supplied withthis, which he concealed within his shirt, and when ordered, he wentinto the boat with Vanslyperken. They landed, and it was dark beforethey 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 goodmay it do you. "

"It's very kind of you, sir, and many thanks. It's not often that peopleare charitable now-a-days, and this has been a hard winter for poorfolk. Put the bag down there, my good little fellow, " continued the oldhypocrite, addressing Smallbones. 

"And now, good woman, I shall leave my lad with you, till I come back. Ihave to call at a friend's, and I need not take him. Smallbones, stayhere till I return; get the biscuit out of the bag, as we must take thaton board again. "

Smallbones had no objection to remain with a withered, palsied oldwoman. He could have no fear of her, and he really began to think thathis 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 afire had been lighted by the old woman expressly, "sit down, and I'llsee if I can find you something in my cupboard; I have, I know, a dropof cordial left somewhere. Sit down, child; you have had the kindness tobring the bread up for me, and I am grateful. "

The tones of the old beldame's voice were very different from those sheusually indulged in; there was almost a sweetness about them, whichproved what she might have effected at the period when she was fair andyoung. Smallbones felt not the least disquietude; he sat down in thechair by the fire, while the old woman looked in the cupboard behind himfor 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, asit was good; the old woman went again to the cupboard, rattled thethings 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, andthen fell. Once he rolled over, his leg quivered, and he then movedno more. 

The beldame watched him with the hammer in her hand, ready to repeat theblow if necessary, indeed she would have repeated it had it not beenthat after he fell, in turning over, Smallbones' head had rolled underthe 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 appearedfrom 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'slegs; "another blow or two would make more sure. " But the effort wasabove her strength, and she abandoned it. "It's no matter, " mutteredshe; "he'll never tell tales again. "

But there the old hag was mistaken; Smallbones had been stunned, but notkilled; the blow of the hammer had fortunately started off, divided theflesh of the skull for three inches, with a gash which descended to hisear. At the very time that she uttered her last expressions, Smallboneswas 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 goldis mine. "

The lad heard this sentence, and he now remembered where he was, andwhat had taken place. He was about to rise, when there was a knocking atthe door, and he lay still. It was Vanslyperken. The door was opened bythe old beldame. 

"Is it done?" said he, in a loud whisper. 

"Done!" cried the hag; "yes, and well done. Don't tell me of charmedlife. 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 heardevery 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 madethe door fast, and then sat down on the chair, which she replaced by theside 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 theold woman opposed to him. His courage was unsubdued, and he resolved toact in self-defence if required; and he softly drew the bayonet out ofhis breast, and then watched the murderous old hag, who was rockingherself in the chair. 

"Yes, yes, the gold is mine, " muttered she--"I've won it, and I'll countit. I won it dearly;--another murder--well, 'tis but one more. Let mesee, what shall I do with the body? I must burn it, by bits andbits--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 eyesimmediately 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 upthe hammer, which was at the other side of the fire-place. Smallbones, who felt that now was his time, immediately rose, but before he couldrecover his _feet_, she had turned round to him: with a sort of lowyell, she darted at him with an agility not to be imagined in one of heryears and decrepit appearance, and struck at him. Smallbones raised hisleft arm, and received the blow, and with his right plunged the bayonetdeep 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 bonyhands, and the nails pierced into it like the talons of a bird ofprey--the fingers of the other she inserted into the jagged and gapingwound on his head, and forced the flesh still more asunder, exerting allher strength to force him on his back; but the bayonet was still in herthroat, and with the point descending towards the body, and Smallbonesforced and forced it down, till it was buried to the hilt. In a fewseconds the old hag loosed her hold, quivered, and fell back dead; andthe lad was so exhausted with the struggle, and his previous loss ofblood, that he fell into a swoon at the side of the corpse. 

When Smallbones recovered, the candle was flickering in the socket. Herose up in a sitting posture, and tried to recollect all thathad passed. 

The alternating light of the candle flashed upon the body of the oldwoman, 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 hewould soon be in the dark, and he would require the light to follow uphis intended movements, so he rose, and went to the cupboard to findone. He found a candle, and he also found the bottle of cordial, ofwhich he drank all that was left, and felt himself revived, and capableof acting. Having put the other candle into the candlestick, he lookedfor water, washed himself, and bound up his head with his handkerchief. He then wiped up the blood from the floor, threw some sand over thepart, and burnt the towel in the grate. His next task was one of moredifficulty, 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. Noblood issued from the wound--the hemorrhage was all internal. He coveredup the face, took the key of the door, and tried it in the lock, put thecandle under the grate to burn out safely, took possession of thehammer; then having examined the door, he went out, locked it from theoutside, slid the key in beneath the door, and hastened away as fast ashe 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 conductas well as courage. He argued that it was not advisable that it shouldbe known that this fatal affray had taken place between the old womanand himself. Satisfied with having preserved his life, he was unwillingto be embroiled in a case of murder, as he wished to prosecute hisdesigns 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 itcould not be until the cutter had sailed, and no one had seen himeither enter or go out. There was another reason which inducedSmallbones to act as he did--without appealing to the authorities--whichwas, that if he returned on board, it would create such a shock to MrVanslyperken, who had, as he supposed, seen him lying dead upon thefloor. But there was one person to whom he determined to apply foradvice 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, theservices of whom the lad seriously required. While his wound wasdressing, which was asserted by them to have been received in a fray, Moggy considered what would be the best method to proceed. The surgeonstated his intention of seeing Smallbones the next day, but he wasrequested to leave him sufficient dressing, as it was necessary that heshould repair on board, as the vessel which he belonged to sailed on thefollowing morning. The surgeon received his fee, recommended quiet andrepose, and retired. 

A consultation then took place. Smallbones expressed his determinationto go on board; he did not fear Mr Vanslyperken, as the crew of thecutter would support him--and, moreover, it would frighten MrVanslyperken out of his wits. To this Moggy agreed, but she proposedthat instead of making his appearance on the following morning, heshould not appear to Mr Vanslyperken until the vessel was in the bluewater; if possible, not till she was over on the other side. And Moggydetermined to go on board, see the corporal, and make the arrangementswith him and the crew, who were now unanimous, for the six marines wereat the beck of the corporal, so that Mr Vanslyperken should befrightened 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; thelights, however, were still burning. The corporal was still up, anxiously waiting for the return of Smallbones, and he was very muchalarmed when he heard Moggy come alongside. Moggy soon detailed to thecorporal, Dick Short, and Coble, all that had taken place, and what itwas proposed should be done. They assented willingly to the proposal, declaring that if Vanslyperken attempted to hurt the lad, they wouldrise, and throw Mr Vanslyperken overboard; and everything beingarranged, Moggy was about to depart, when Vanslyperken, who was in astate of miserable anxiety and torture, and who had been drowning hisconscience in scheedam, came on deck not a little the worse for what hehad been imbibing. 

"Who is that woman?" cried Vanslyperken. 

"That woman is Moggy Salisbury, " cried Moggy, walking up toVanslyperken, while the corporal skulked forward without being detected. 

"Have I not given positive orders that this woman does not come onboard?" cried Vanslyperken, holding on by the skylight. "Who isthat--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 Lazarusthe 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 myvartue; 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, asthey 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 scheedamon the table. "Come, Mr Vanslyperken, you'll treat me to-night, anddrink my health again, won't you?"

"Yes, Moggy, yes--we're friends now, you know;" for Vanslyperken, likeall others suffering under the stings of conscience, was glad to makefriends 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 thinkwhat she should say, for she had no message ready prepared; at last athought struck her. 

"I am desired to tell you, that when a passenger, or a person disguisedas 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 themin 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, noconsequence, 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 contentsof which overthrew the small remnant of his reasoning faculties. He thentumbled into his bed with his clothes on, saying, as he turned on hisside, "Smallbones is dead and gone, at all events. "

Moggy took leave of her friends on deck, and pushed on shore. Shepermitted Smallbones, whom she found fast asleep, to remain undisturbeduntil nearly three o'clock in the morning, during which time she watchedby the bedside. She then roused him, and they sallied forth, took aboat, and dropped alongside of the cutter. Smallbones' hammock had beenprepared for him by the corporal. He was put into it, and Moggy thenleft the vessel. 

Mr Vanslyperken was in a state of torpor during this proceeding, andwas, with great difficulty, awoke by the corporal, according to ordersgiven, 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 fullyexpected that he would. However, he is no loss, for he was a useless, idle, lying rascal. " And Mr Vanslyperken turned out; having all hisclothes on, he had no occasion to dress. He went on deck, followed bythe tail-less Snarleyyow, and in half an hour the cutter was standingout towards St Helen's. 

Chapter XL

In which a most horrid spectre disturbs the equanimity of MrVanslyperken. 

Two days was the cutter striving with light winds for the Texel, duringwhich Mr Vanslyperken kept himself altogether in his cabin. He wasoccasionally haunted with the memory of the scene in his mother'sroom. --Smallbones dead, and the stream of blood running along the floor, and his mother's diabolical countenance, with the hammer raised in herpalsied hands; but he had an instigator to his vengeance beside him, which appeared to relieve his mind whenever it was oppressed; it was thestump of Snarleyyow, and when he looked at that he no longer regretted, but congratulated himself on the deed being done. His time was fullyoccupied during the day, for with locked doors he was transcribing theletters sent to Ramsay, and confided to him. 

He was not content with taking extracts, as he did of the governmentdespatches for Ramsay; he copied every word, and he replaced the sealswith great dexterity. At night his mind was troubled, and he dare notlie himself down to rest until he had fortified himself with severalglasses of scheedam; even then his dreams frightened him; but he was tobe more frightened yet. 

Corporal Van Spitter came into the cabin on the third morning with avery anxious face. --"Mein Gott! Mynheer Vanslyperken, de whole crew bein de mutinys. "

"Mutiny!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, "what's the matter?"

"They say, sir, dat dey see de ghost of Smallbones last night on debowsprit, with one great cut on his head, and de blood all overde face. "

"Saw what? who saw him?"

"Mein Gott, mynheer! it all true, I really think I see it myself at detaffrail, he sit there and have great wound from here down to, " said thecorporal, pointing to his own head, and describing the wound exactly. "The people say that he must have been murdered, and dey kick upde mutiny. "

"I did not do it, corporal, at all events, " replied Vanslyperken, paleand trembling. 

"So Smallbones tell Dick Short, when he speak to him on bowsprit. "

"Did it speak to Short?" inquired Vanslyperken, catching the corporal'sarm. 

"Yes, mynheer; Mynheer Short speak first, and den the ghost say dat younot do it, but dat you give gold to old woman to do it, and she knockhim brain out vid de hammer. "

To portray Vanslyperken's dismay at this intelligence would beimpossible. He could not but be certain that there had been asupernatural communication. His knees knocked and trembled, and heturned sick and faint. 

"O Lord, O Lord! corporal, I am a great sinner, " cried he at last, quiteunaware of what he was saying. "Some water, corporal. " Corporal VanSpitter handed some water, and Vanslyperken waved his hand to be leftalone; and Mr Vanslyperken attempted to pray, but it ended inblaspheming. 

"It's a lie, all a lie, " exclaimed he, at last, pouring out a tumbler ofscheedam. "They have frightened the corporal. But--no--he must have seenhim, 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 dothe deed, " continued Vanslyperken, attempting to palliate his crime tohimself; but it would not do, and Mr Vanslyperken paced the little cabinracked by fear and guilt. 

Remorse he felt none, for there was before his eyes the unhealed stumpof Snarleyyow. In the evening Mr Vanslyperken went on deck; the weatherwas now very warm, for it was the beginning of July; and MrVanslyperken, followed by Snarleyyow, was in a deep reverie, and heturned and turned again. 

The sun had set, and Mr Vanslyperken still continued his walk, but hissteps were agitated and uneven, and his face was haggard. It was ratherthe rapid and angry pacing of a tiger in his den, who has just beencaptured, than that of a person in deep contemplation. Still MrVanslyperken continued to tread the deck, and it was quite light with abright and pale moon. 

The men were standing here and there about the forecastle and near thebooms in silence and speaking in low whispers, and Vanslyperken's eyewas often directed towards them, for he had not forgotten the report ofthe corporal, that they were in a state of mutiny. 

Of a sudden, Mr Vanslyperken was roused by a loud cry from forward, anda rush of all the men aft. He thought that the crew had risen, and thatthey were about to seize him, but, on the contrary, they passed him andhastened to the taffrail with exclamations of horror. 

"What! what is it?" exclaimed Vanslyperken, fully prepared for the replyby 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 andknocking him down on the deck. 

"Well, well, murder will out!--that's sartain, " said Coble, who stood byVanslyperken when he had recovered his legs. 

"What, what!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, breathless. 

"There, sir, --look there, " said Coble, breathless, pointing to thefigure of Smallbones, who now appeared from the shade in the broadmoonshine. 

His head was not bound up, and his face appeared pale and streaked withblood. He was in the same clothes in which he had gone on shore, and inhis hand he held the hammer which had done the deed. 

The figure slowly advanced to the quarter-deck, Vanslyperken attemptedto 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 deckface downwards. 

Certainly, the pantomime was inimitably got up, but it had all beenarranged by Moggy, the corporal, and the others. There was not one manof the crew who had not been sworn to secrecy, and whose life would nothave been endangered if, by undeceiving Vanslyperken, they had beendeprived 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 wouldsay anything, but as he still continued silent, they raised him up andfound that he was insensible. He was consequently taken down into thecabin and put into his bed. 

The effect produced by this trial of Mr Vanslyperken's nerves, was mostserious. Already too much heated with the use of ardent spirits, itbrought on convulsions, in which he continued during the major part ofthe night. Towards the morning, he sank into a perturbed slumber. 

It was not till eleven o'clock in the forenoon that he awoke andperceived his _faithful_ corporal standing by the side of the bed. 

"Have I not been ill, corporal?" said Mr Vanslyperken, whose memory wasimpaired 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 makehis appearance in the cabin, as the bell struck one o'clock; but theeffect had already been so serious that it was thought advisable todefer any further attempts. As for Smallbones being concealed in thevessel for any length of time there was no difficulty in that; forallowing that Vanslyperken should go forward on the lower deck of thevessel, which he never did, Smallbones had only to retreat into the eyesof her, and it was there so dark that he could not be seen. Theytherefore regulated their conduct much in the same way as the members ofthe inquisition used to do in former days; they allowed their patientto recover, that he might be subjected to more torture. 

It was not until the fourth day, that the cutter arrived at the port ofAmsterdam, and Mr Vanslyperken had kept his bed ever since he had beenput 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 firstdelivered, and then bent his steps to the syndic's house, where hedelivered his letters to Ramsay. 

The arrival of the cutter had been duly notified to the widowVandersloosh, before she had dropped her anchor, and in pursuance withher resolution she immediately despatched Babette to track MrVanslyperken, and watch his motions. Babette took care not to be seen byMr Vanslyperken, but shrouding herself close in her cotton print cloak, she followed him to the Stadt House, and from the Stadt House to themansion of Mynheer Van Krause, at a short distance from the gates ofwhich she remained till he came out. Wishing to ascertain whether hewent to any other place, she did not discover herself until sheperceived that he was proceeding to the widow's--she then quickened herpace so as to come up with him. 

"Oh! Mynheer Vanslyperken, is this you? I heard you had come in and sodid 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 delivermy 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'swas intended to be concealed; she was too prudent to let him know thatshe had traced him. 

"Why, Mr Vanslyperken, you look very ill. What has been the matter withyou? 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 youhave been unwell, for otherwise she will be in such a quandary;" andBabette hastened ahead of Mr Vanslyperken, who was in too weak a stateto walk fast. 

"The syndic's house--heh!"--said the widow, "Mynheer Van Krause. Why heis thorough king's man, by all report, " continued she. "I don'tunderstand 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 outwhether 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 wouldVanslyperken go there? and if he is, there's treason going on--that'sall! and I'll find it out, or my name is not Vandersloosh. "

Shortly after, Mr Vanslyperken arrived at the house and was receivedwith the usual treacherous cordiality; but he had not remained more thanan hour when Coble came to him (having been despatched by Short), toinform Mr Vanslyperken that a frigate was coming in with the royalstandard at the main, indicating that King William was on board of her. 

This intelligence obliged Mr Vanslyperken to hasten on board, as it wasnecessary to salute, and also to pay his respects on board ofthe frigate. 

The frigate was within a mile when Mr Vanslyperken arrived on board ofthe cutter, and when the batteries saluted, the cutter did the same. Shortly afterwards the frigate dropped her anchor and returned thesalute. Mr Vanslyperken, attired in his full uniform, ordered his boatto be manned and pulled on board. 

On his arrival on the quarter-deck Vanslyperken was received by thecaptain 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 ofPortland, Lord Albemarle, and several others of his courtiers, not allof 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 ofSmallbones, and well he might, for his conscience told him as he bowedhis knee that he was a traitor. His agitation was, however, ascribed tohis being daunted by the unusual presence of royalty. And Albemarle, asVanslyperken retreated with a cold sweat on his forehead, observed tothe 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 withyou, Keppel. "

But his Majesty and Lord Albemarle did not know Mr Vanslyperken, as thereader 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 hisMajesty's landing, which took place in about a quarter of an hourafterwards, amidst another war of cannon. 

King William was received by the authorities at the landing-stairs, andfrom thence he stepped into the carriage, awaiting him, and drove off tohis palace at the Hague; much to the relief of Mr Vanslyperken, who feltill at ease in the presence of his sovereign. When his Majesty put hisfoot on shore, the foremost to receive him, in virtue of his office, wasthe syndic Mynheer Van Krause, who, in full costume of gown, chains, andperiwig, bowed low, as his Majesty advanced, expecting as usual thegracious smile and friendly nod of his sovereign; but to hismortification, his reverence was returned with a grave, if not sternair, and the king passed him without further notice. All the courtiersalso, who had been accustomed to salute, and to exchange a few wordswith him, to his astonishment turned their heads another way. At first, Mynheer Van Krause could hardly believe his senses, he who had alwaysbeen so graciously received, who had been considered most truly as sucha 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, thecarriage drove off, and the syndic hardly replying to some questions putto him, hurried back to his own house in a state of confusion andvexation almost indescribable. He hastened upstairs and entered the roomof 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, anduttered 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, wasaware that suspicions had been lodged against his host. 

"Such treatment--to one of his most devoted followers, " exclaimedKrause, 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 meto his Majesty. "

"It may be, " replied Ramsay, "but there may be other causes, kings aresuspicious, and subjects may be too rich and too powerful. There aremany paupers among the favourites of his Majesty, who would be very gladto see your property confiscated, and you cast into prison. "

"But, my dear sir, --"

"You forget also, that the Jacobites are plotting, and have beenplotting for years; that conspiracy is formed upon conspiracy, and thatwhen 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, Ido not think that King William is more to be relied upon than KingJames. Kings are but kings, they will repay the most important servicesby smiles, and the least doubtful act with the gibbet. I agree with youthat some one must have maligned you, but allow me to make a remark thatif once suspicion or dislike enters into a royal breast, there is noeffacing it, a complete verdict of innocence will not do it; it is likethe sapping of one of the dams of this country, Mynheer Krause, theadmission of water is but small at first, but it increases andincreases, 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 takesuch steps as the case requires. That frown, that treatment of you inpublic, 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 youpublicly, he does retract. He acknowledges that he was in error, and itbecomes a public apology. "

"God in heaven! then I am lost, " replied the syndic, throwing himselfback in his chair. "Do you really think so, Mynheer Ramsay?"

"I do not say that you are lost. At present, you have only lost thefavour 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 Inot Syndic of this town of Amsterdam, and can I expect to hold such animportant situation if I am out of favour?"

"Very true, Mynheer Krause; but what can be done? you are assailed inthe dark, you do not know the charges brought against you, and thereforecannot 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 loyaltyis to be construed into a sign of disaffection?"

"Nothing, " replied Ramsay, coolly. "Suspicion in the heart of a king isnever to be effaced, and disaffection may soon be magnified intohigh treason. "

"Bless me!" exclaimed Van Krause, crossing his hands on his heart inutter despair. "My dear Mynheer Ramsay, will you give me your opinionhow 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 mayhave pinched him, at the time he might have had a twinge in thebowels--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--hisown very particular friend. 

"Did he?" replied Ramsay. "Then depend upon it, that's the very man whohas belied you. "

"What, Engelback? my particular friend?"

"Yes, I should imagine so. Tell me, Mynheer Krause, I trust you havenever entrusted to him the important secrets which I have made youacquainted with, for if you have, your knowledge of them would be quitesufficient. "

"My knowledge of them. I really cannot understand that. How can myknowledge of what is going on among the king's friends and councillorsbe a cause of suspicion?"

"Why, Mynheer Krause, because the king is surrounded by many who areretained from policy and fear of them. If these secrets are made knowncontrary to oath, is it not clear that the parties so revealing themmust be no sincere friends of his Majesty's, and will it not benaturally concluded that those who have possession of them, are equallyhis open or secret enemies. "

"But then, Mynheer Ramsay, by that rule you must be his Majesty'senemy. "

"That does not follow, Mynheer Krause, I may obtain the secrets fromthose who are not so partial to his Majesty as they are to me, but thatdoes not disprove my loyalty. To expose them would of course render meliable to suspicion--but I guard them carefully. I have not told a wordto a soul, but to you, my dear Mynheer Krause, and I have felt assuredthat you were much too loyal to make known to anyone, what it was yourduty to your king to keep secret; surely, Mynheer Krause, you have nottrusted that man?"

"I may have given a hint or so--I'm afraid that I did; but he is my mostparticular friend. "

"If that is the case, " replied Ramsay, "I am not at all surprised at theking's frowning on you: Engelback having intelligence from you, supposedto be known only to the highest authorities, has thought it his duty tocommunicate it to government, and you are now suspected. "

"God in heaven! I wish I never had your secrets, Mynheer Ramsay. Itappears then that I have committed treason without knowing it. "

"At all events, you have incurred suspicion. It is a pity that youmentioned what I confided to you, but what's done cannot be helped, youmust now be active. "

"What must I do, my dear friend?"

"Expect the worst and be prepared for it--you are wealthy, Mr VanKrause, and that will not be in your favour, it will only hasten theexplosion, which sooner or later will take place. Remit as much of yourmoney as you can to where it will be secure from the spoilers. Convertall that you can into gold, that you may take advantage of the firstopportunity, if necessary, of flying from their vengeance. Do all thisvery quietly. Go on, as usual, as if nothing had occurred--talk withyour friend Engelback--perform your duties as syndic. It may blow over, although I am afraid not. At all events you will have, in allprobability, some warning, as they will displace you as syndic beforethey proceed further. I have only one thing to add. I am your guest, anddepend upon it, shall share your fortune whatever it may be; if you arethrown into prison, I am certain to be sent there also. You maytherefore command me as you please. I will not desert you, you maydepend upon it. "

"My dear young man, you are indeed a friend, and your advice is good. Mypoor Wilhelmina, what would become of her. "

"Yes, indeed, used to luxury--her father in prison, perhaps his head atthe gates--his whole property confiscated, and all because he had theearliest 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 thereis no time to lose. I must send this post, to Hamburgh and Frankfort. Many thanks, my dear friend for your kind council, which I shallfollow, " so saying, Mynheer Krause went to his room, threw off his gownand chains in a passion, and hastened to his counting-house to write hisimportant letters. 

We may now take this opportunity of informing the reader of what hadoccurred in the house of the syndic. Ramsay had, as may be supposed, gained the affections of Wilhelmina; had told his love, and received heracknowledgment in return; he had also gained such a power over her, thatshe had agreed to conceal their attachment from her father; as Ramsaywished first, he asserted, to be possessed of a certain property whichhe daily expected would fall to him, and, until that, he did not thinkthat he had any right to aspire to the hand of Wilhelmina. 

That Ramsay was most seriously in love there was no doubt; he would havewedded 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 fullyappreciate it, and he felt the necessity and the justice to Wilhelmina, that she should not be deprived, by his means, of those luxuries towhich she had been brought up. But here there was a difficulty, arisingfrom his espousing the very opposite cause to that espoused by MynheerKrause, for the difference of religion he very rightly considered as amere trifle compared with the difference in political feelings. He hadalready weaned Wilhelmina from the political bias, imbibed from herfather and his connections, without acquainting her with his belongingto the opposite party, for the present. It had been his intention assoon as his services were required elsewhere, to have demandedWilhelmina's hand from her father, still leaving him in error as to hispolitics; and by taking her with him, after the marriage, to the courtof 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, hisdisgrace, if not ruin, was sure to follow. This fact, so important toRamsay's plans, had been communicated in the extracts made byVanslyperken from the last despatches, and Ramsay had been calculatingthe consequences when Mynheer Krause returned discomfited from thepresence of the king. 

That Ramsay played a very diplomatic game in the conversation which wehave repeated is true; but still it was the best game for Krause as wellas for his own interests, as the events will show. We must, however, remind the reader that Ramsay had no idea whatever of the doubletreachery on the part of Vanslyperken, in copying all the letters sentby 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 afterhis conversation with the syndic. 

Ramsay then entered into the detail of what had occurred, and wove insuch remarks of his own as were calculated to disgust Wilhelmina withthe conduct of King William, and to make her consider her father as aninjured man. He informed her of the advice he had given him, and thenpointed out to her the propriety of her enforcing his following it withall the arguments of persuasion in her power. 

Wilhelmina's indignation was roused, and she did not fail, when speakingwith her father, to rail in no measured tones against the king, and topress him to quit a country where he had been so ill-used. MynheerKrause felt the same, his pride had been severely wounded; and it may betruly said, that one of the staunchest adherents of the Protestant kingwas lost by a combination of circumstances as peculiar as they wereunexpected. 

In the meantime, the corporal had gone on shore as usual and made thewidow acquainted with the last attempt upon Smallbones, and the revengeof the ship's company. Babette had also done her part. 

She had found out that Ramsay lived in the house of the syndic, andthat he was the passenger brought over by Vanslyperken in the cutter. 

The widow, who had now almost arranged her plans, received Vanslyperkenmore amicably than ever; anathematised the--supposed defunct Smallbones;shed tears over the stump of Snarleyyow, and asked Vanslyperken when heintended 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 asummer's night. 

The _Yungfrau_ was not permitted to remain more than two days at heranchorage. On the third morning Mr Vanslyperken's signal was made toprepare to weigh. He immediately answered it, and giving his orders toShort, hastened, as fast as he could, up to the syndic's house to informRamsay, stating, that he must immediately return on board again, andthat the letters must be sent to him: Ramsay perceived the necessity ofthis, and consented. On his return to the boat, Mr Vanslyperken foundthat his signal to repair on board the frigate had been hoisted, and hehastened on board to put on his uniform and obey this order. He receivedhis despatches from the captain of the frigate, with orders to proceedto sea immediately. Mr Vanslyperken, under the eye of his superiorofficer, could not dally or delay: he hove short, hoisted his mainsail, and fired a gun as a signal for sailing; anxiously looking out forRamsay's boat with his letters, and afraid to go without them; but noboat made its appearance, and Mr Vanslyperken was forced to heave up hisanchor. Still he did not like to make sail, and he remained a fewminutes more, when he at last perceived a small boat coming off. At thesame time he observed a boat coming from the frigate, and they arrivedalongside the cutter about the same time, fortunately Ramsay's boat thefirst, and Mr Vanslyperken had time to carry the letters down below. 

"The commandant wishes to know why you do not proceed to sea, sir, inobedience to your orders, " said the officer. 

"I only waited for that boat to come on board, sir, " repliedVanslyperken to the lieutenant. 

"And pray, sir, from whom does that boat come?" inquired the officer. 

"From the syndic's, Mynheer Van Krause, " replied Vanslyperken, notknowing what else to say, and thinking that the name of the syndic wouldbe 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, whothen went into his boat, and Vanslyperken made sail. 

The delay of the cutter to receive the syndic's letters was fullyreported the same evening to the commandant, who, knowing that thesyndic was suspected, reported the same to the authorities, and thistrifling circumstance only increased the suspicions against theunfortunate Mynheer Van Krause; but we must follow the cutter and thoseon board of her. Smallbones had remained concealed on board, his woundshad been nearly healed, and it was now again proposed that he should, assoon as they were out at sea, make his appearance to frightenVanslyperken; and that, immediately they arrived at Portsmouth, heshould go on shore and desert from the cutter, as Mr Vanslyperken would, of course, find out that his mother was killed, and the consequences toSmallbones must be dangerous, as he had no evidence, if Vanslyperkenswore that he had murdered his mother; but this arrangement wasoverthrown by events which we shall now narrate. It was on the thirdmorning after they sailed, that Vanslyperken walked the deck: there wasno 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-fortyhours, and had then been becalmed for the last twenty-four, and haddrifted to the back of the Isle of Wight, when she was not three leaguesfrom St Helen's. The consequence was, that the ebb-tide had now driftedher down very nearly opposite to that part of the island where the cavewas situated of which we have made mention. Vanslyperken heard thepeople talking below, and, as usual, anxious to overhear what was said, had stopped to listen. He heard the name of Smallbones repeated severaltimes, but could not make out what was said. 

Anxious to know, he went down the ladder, and, instead of going into hiscabin, 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, andthen 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 bestway. "

"But the corporal. "

"Hush!--there is someone there, " said Spurey, who, attracted by a slightnoise made by Vanslyperken's boots, turned short round. 

Vanslyperken retreated and gained the deck by the ladder; he had hardlybeen up when he observed a face at the hatchway, who was evidentlylooking to ascertain if he was on deck. 

These few words overheard, satisfied Vanslyperken that Smallbones wasalive and on board the cutter; and he perceived how he had been playedwith. His rage was excessive, but he did not know how to act. IfSmallbones was alive, and that he appeared to be, he must have escapedfrom his mother, and, of course, the ship's company must know that hislife had been attempted. That he did not care much about; he had notdone the deed; but how the lad could have come on board! did he not seehim lying dead? It was very strange, and the life of the boy must becharmed. At all events, it was a mystery which Mr Vanslyperken could notsolve; at first, he thought that he would allow Smallbones to come intothe cabin, and get a loaded pistol ready for him. The words, "But thecorporal, " which were cut short, proved to him that the corporal was noparty to the affair; yet it was strange that the ship's company couldhave concealed the lad without the corporal's knowledge. Vanslyperkenwalked and walked, and thought and thought; at last he resolved to godown into his cabin, pretend to go to bed, lock his door, which was nothis custom, and see if they would attempt to come in. He did so, thecorporal was dismissed, and at twelve o'clock his door was tried andtried again; but being fast, the party retreated. Vanslyperken waitedtill two bells to ascertain if any more attempts would be made; but nonewere, so he rose from his bed, where he had thrown himself with hisclothes on, and, opening the door softly, crept upon deck. The night wasvery warm, but there was a light and increasing breeze, and the cutterwas standing in and close to the shore to make a long board upon nexttack. Vanslyperken passed the man at the helm, and walked aft to thetaffrail; he stood up on the choak to ascertain what way she was makingthrough the water, and he was meditating upon the best method ofproceeding. Had he known where Smallbones' hammock was hung, he wouldhave gone down with the view of ascertaining the fact; but with a crewso evidently opposed to him, he could not see how even the ascertainingthat Smallbones was on board, would be productive of any goodconsequences. 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. Thesmall boat was, as usual, hoisted up astern, and Mr Vanslyperken's eyeswere accidentally cast upon it. He perceived a black mass lying on thethwarts, and he examined it more closely: he heard snoring; it was oneof the ship's company sleeping there against orders. He leant over thetaffrail, and putting aside the great-coat which covered the party, helooked attentively on the face--there was no doubt it was Smallboneshimself. From a knowledge of the premises, Vanslyperken knew at oncethat the lad was in his power. 

The boat, after being hauled up with tackles, was hung by a single ropeat each davit. It was very broad in proportion to its length, and wassecured from motion by a single gripe, which confined it in its place, bowsing it close to the stern of the cutter, and preventing it fromturning over bottom up, which, upon the least weight upon one gunnel orthe other, would be inevitably the case. Smallbones was lying close tothe gunnel next to the stern of the cutter. By letting go the gripe, therefore, the boat would immediately turn bottom up, and Smallboneswould be dropped into the sea. Vanslyperken carefully examined thefastenings of the gripe, found that they were to be cast off by onemovement, and that his success was certain; but still he was cautious. The man at the helm must hear the boat go over; he might hearSmallbones' cry for assistance. So Vanslyperken went forward to the manat the helm, and desired him to go down and to order Corporal VanSpitter to mix a glass of brandy-and-water, and send it up by him, andthat he would steer the vessel till he came up again. The man went downto execute the order, and Vanslyperken steered the cutter for half aminute, during which he looked forward to ascertain if any one wasmoving. All was safe, the watch was all asleep forward, andVanslyperken, leaving the cutter to steer itself, hastened aft, cast offthe gripe, the boat, as he calculated, immediately turning over, and thesleeping Smallbones fell into the sea. Vanslyperken hastened back to thehelm, 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 itwas fainter and fainter, and at last it was heard no more, and not oneof 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 MrVanslyperken. 

The man returned with the brandy-and-water, with which Vanslyperkendrank _bon voyage_ to poor Smallbones. He then ordered the cutter to beput about, and as soon as she was round, he went down into his cabin andturned 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, pattingSnarleyyow's head. "Your enemy is gone for ever. "

And Mr Vanslyperken slept soundly, because, although he had committed amurder, there was no chance of his being found out. We soon getaccustomed to crime: before, he started at the idea of murder; now, allthat 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 alsochanges 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 hisinevitable fate, and then bring him on the stage again with a _coup dethéâtre_, when least expected by the reader. But that is not ourintention; we consider that the interest of this our narration of bygoneevents is quite sufficient, without condescending to what is calledclaptrap; and there are so many people in our narrative continuallylabouring under deception of one kind or another, that we need not addto it by attempting to mystify our readers; who, on the contrary, weshall take with us familiarly by the hand, and, like a faithfulhistorian, lead them through the events in the order in which theyoccurred, and point out to them how they all lead to one common end. With this intention in view, we shall now follow the fortunes ofSmallbones, whom we left floundering in about seven fathoms water. 

The weather was warm, even sultry, as we said before; butnotwithstanding which, and notwithstanding he was a very tolerableswimmer, considering that he was so thin, Smallbones did not like it. Tobe awoke out of a profound sleep, and all of a sudden to find yourselffloundering out of your depth about half a mile from the nearest land, is anything but agreeable; the transition is too rapid. Smallbonesdescended a few feet before he could divest himself of the folds of theFlustering coat which he had wrapped himself up in. It belonged toCoble, he had purchased it at a sale-shop on the Point for seventeenshillings and sixpence, and, moreover, it was as good as new. Inconsequence of this delay below water-mark, Smallbones had very littlebreath left in his body when he rose to the surface, and he could notinflate his lungs so as to call loud until the cutter had walked awayfrom him at least one hundred yards, for she was slipping fast throughthe water, and another minute plainly proved to Smallbones that he wasleft to his own resources. 

At first, the lad had imagined that it was an accident, and that therope had given way with his weight; but when he found that no attentionwas paid to his cries, he then was convinced that it was the work of MrVanslyperken. 

"By _gum_, he's a done for me at last. Well, I don't care, I can die butonce, that's sartin sure; and he'll go to the devil, that'ssartin sure. "

And Smallbones, with this comfortable assurance, continued to strike outfor 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 timesover, " sputtered Smallbones, after a time, feeling his strength failhim. 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 aswell go down like a dipsey lead. "

But, as he muttered this, and was making up his mind to discontinuefurther exertions, --not a very easy thing to do, when you are about togo into another world, still floating on his back, with his eyes fixedon the starry heavens, thinking, as Smallbones afterwards narratedhimself, that there wa'n't much to live for in this here world, andconsidering what there could be in that 'ere, his head struck againstsomething hard. Smallbones immediately turned round in the water to seewhat it was, and found that it was one of the large corks whichsupported a heavy net laid out across the tide for the taking ofshoal-fish. The cork was barely sufficient to support his weight, but itgave 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 atthe nearest shoal, for it was three or four hundred yards long. When hearrived there, he contrived to bring some of the corks together, untilhe had quite sufficient for his support, and then Smallbones votedhimself pretty comfortable after all, for the water was very warm, andnow quite smooth. 

Smallbones, as the reader may have observed during the narration, was alad of most indisputable courage and of good principles. Had it been hisfortune to have been born among the higher classes, and to have had allthe 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 fearedGod, honoured the king, and was the natural enemy to the devil. 

The Chevalier Bayard was nothing more, only he had a wider field for hisexertions and his talents; but the armed and accoutred Bayard did notshow more courage and conduct when leading armies to victory, than didthe unarmed Smallbones against Vanslyperken and his dog. We considerthat _in his way_, Smallbones was quite as great a hero as theChevalier, for no man can do more than his best; indeed, it isunreasonable to expect it. 

While Smallbones hung on to the corks, he was calculating his chances ofbeing saved. 

"If so be as how they comes to take up the nets in the morning, why thenI think I may hold on; but if so be they waits, why they'll then find medead as a fish, " said Smallbones, who seldom ventured above amonosyllable, and whose language if not considered as pure English, wascertainly amazingly Saxon; and then Smallbones began to reflect, whetherit was not necessary that he should forgive Mr Vanslyperken before hedied, and his pros and cons ended with his thinking he could, for it washis duty; however he would not be in a hurry about it, he thought thatwas the last thing that he need do; but as for the dog, he wa'n'tobliged to forgive him that was certain--as certain as that his tail wasoff; and Smallbones, up to his chin in the water, grinned so at theremembrance, that he took in more salt water than was pleasant. 

He spit it out again, and then looked up to the stars, which weretwinkling above him. 

I wonder what o'clock it is, thought Smallbones, when he thought heheard a distant sound. Smallbones pricked up his ears andlistened;--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 aqueer fish anyhow:" and he waited very patiently for the fisherman tocome up. At last he perceived the boat, which was very long and pulledmany 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 ofseven 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 boatstill driving through the water with the impulse which had been givenher, 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 bedrowned, are you?"

"That's Smallbones, I'll swear, " cried Jemmy Ducks, who was steering theboat, and who immediately shifted the helm. 

But Sir Robert Barclay paused; there was too much at stake to run anyrisk, even to save the life of a fellow-creature. 

"You takes time for to think on it anyhow, " cried Smallbones--"you aregoing for to leave a fellow-christian stuck like a herring in a fishingnet, are you? you would not like it yourself, anyhow. "

"It is Smallbones, sir, " repeated Jemmy Ducks, "and I'll vouch for himas 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 wasseated 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, withastonishment--"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 thelugger dashed into the cave. 

The cargo was landed, and Smallbones who was very cold was not sorry toassist. He carried up his load with the rest, and as usual the womencame half-way down to receive it. 

"Why, who have we here?" said one of the women to whom Smallbones wasdelivering 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 idolsand 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, welove him and serve him faithfully. "

"Well, then I suppose that's all right, " replied Smallbones; "but wheredo you live?"

"Come with me, take your load up, and I will show you, for the sooneryou are there the better; the boat will be off again in half-an-hour, ifI 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 anxiouslyawaiting his arrival; it was Graham, who had been despatched by theJacobites to the court of St Germains, with intelligence of greatimportance, which was the death of the young Duke of Gloucester, theonly surviving son of King William. He had, it was said, died of amalignant fever; but if the reader will call to mind the address of oneof the Jesuits on the meeting at Cherbourg, he may have some surmises asto the cause of the duke's decease. As this event rendered thesuccession uncertain, the hopes of the Jacobites were raised to thehighest pitch: the more so as the country was in a state of anxiety andconfusion, and King William was absent at the Hague. Graham had, therefore, been despatched to the exiled James, with the propositionsfrom his friends in England, and to press the necessity of an invasionof the country. As Nancy had supposed, Sir Robert decided uponimmediately crossing over to Cherbourg, the crew were allowed a shorttime to repose and refresh themselves, and once more returned to theirlaborious employment; Jemmy Ducks satisfied Sir Robert that Smallbonesmight be trusted and be useful, and Nancy corroborated his assertions. He was, therefore, allowed to remain in the cave with the women, and SirRobert and his crew, long before Smallbones' garments were dry, wereagain crossing the English Channel. 

Now, it must be observed, that Smallbones was never well off forclothes, and, on this occasion, when he fell overboard, he had nothingon but an old pair of thin linen trousers and a shirt which, from dintof long washing, from check had turned to a light cerulean blue: whatwith his struggles at the net and the force used to pull him into theboat, the shirt had more than one-half disappeared--that is to say, onesleeve and the back were wholly gone, and the other sleeve was wellprepared to follow its fellow, on the first capful of wind. His trousersalso were in almost as bad a state. In hauling him in, when his head wasover the gunnel, one of the men had seized him by the seat of histrousers to lift him into the boat, and the consequence was, that theseat of his trousers having been too long set upon, was also left in hismuscular gripe. All these items put together, the reader may infer, that, although Smallbones might appear merely ragged in front, that inhis rear he could not be considered as decent, especially as he was theonly one of the masculine sex among a body of females. No notice wastaken of this by others, nor did Smallbones observe it himself, duringthe confusion and bustle previous to the departure of the smugglers; butnow they were gone, Smallbones perceived his deficiencies, and was verymuch at a loss what to do, as he was aware that daylight would discoverthem to others as well as to himself: so he fixed his back up againstone of the rocks, and remained idle while the women were busily employedstoring 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 inwith me, and I will find you something to eat. "

"I can't, Mistress Nancy, I want your advice first. Has any of the menleft any of their duds in this here cavern?"

"Duds, men! No, they keep them all on the other side. We have nothingbut 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'lllend you a shimmey. "

"Yes, Mistress Nancy, but it be more worse than that, I an't got nobehind to my trousers, they pulled it out when they pulled me into theboat. 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, youmust put on the women's, and then you'll be in the regular uniform ofthe 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'sMiss 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 deathof 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 wasdelighted at the idea of dressing up Smallbones as a woman. 

Nancy soon returned with a chemise, a short flannel petticoat, and ashawl, which she gave to Smallbones, desiring him to take off his wetclothes, and substitute them. She would return to him as soon as he hadput them on, and see that they were put tidy and right. 

Smallbones retired behind one of the rocks, and soon shifted hisclothes, he put everything on the hind part before, and Nancy had toalter them when she came. She adjusted the shawl, and then led him intothe cave where he found Mistress Alice, and some of the women who werenot 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 Ihave been obliged to give him these to put on. "

Lady Barclay could hardly repress a smile. Smallbones' appearance wasthat of a tall gaunt creature, pale enough, and smooth enough to be awoman certainly, but cutting a most ridiculous figure. His long thinarms were bare, his neck was like a crane's, and the petticoats were soshort as to reach almost above his knees. Shoes and stockings he hadnone. His long hair was platted and matted with the salt water, and oneside of his head was shaved, and exhibited a monstrous half-healed scar. 

Lady Barclay asked him a few questions, and then desired Nancy to givehim some refreshment, and find him something to lie down upon in thedivision of the cave which was used as a kitchen. 

But we must now leave Smallbones to entertain the inhabitants of thecave with the history of his adventures, which he did at intervals, during his stay there. He retained his women's clothes, for Nancy wouldnot let him wear any other, and was a source of great amusement not onlyto the smugglers' wives, but also to little Lilly, who would listen tohis conversation and remarks which were almost as naive andunsophisticated 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 sosatisfactorily disposed of that the cutter arrived at Portsmouth; butfrom daylight until the time that the cutter anchored, there was nosmall confusion and bustle on board of the _Yungfrau_. WhenVanslyperken's cabin door was found to be locked, it was determined thatSmallbones should not appear as a supernatural visitant that night, butwait till the one following; consequently the parties retired to bed, and Smallbones, who found the heat between decks very oppressive, hadcrept up the ladder and taken a berth in the small boat that he mightsleep cool and comfortable, intending to be down below again long beforeMr Vanslyperken was up; but, as the reader knows, Mr Vanslyperken was upbefore him, and the consequence was that Smallbones went down into thesea instead of the lower deck as he had intended. 

The next morning it was soon ascertained that Smallbones was not to befound, and the ship's company were in a state of dismay. The boat, assoon as Smallbones had been turned out, had resumed her uprightposition, and one of the men when busy washing the decks, had made fastthe gripe again, which he supposed had been cast off by accident whenthe ropes had been coiled up for washing, Smallbones not being at thattime missed. When, therefore, the decks had been searched everywhere andthe lad was discovered not to be in the ship, the suspicion was verygreat. No one had seen him go aft to sleep in the boat. The man who wasat the wheel stated that Mr Vanslyperken had sent him down for a glassof 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 MrVanslyperken was, of course, impossible, for he did not know that thelad was on board. The whole day was spent in surmises and suppositions;but things all ended in the simple fact, that somehow or anotherSmallbones had fallen overboard, and there was an end of thepoor fellow. 

So soon as the cutter was at anchor, Mr Vanslyperken hastened to performhis official duties, and anxious to learn how Smallbones had contrivedto escape the clutches of his mother, bent his steps towards thehalf-way houses. He arrived at the door of his mother's room, andknocked as usual, but there was no reply. It was now the latter end ofJuly, and although it was past seven o'clock it was full daylight. Vanslyperken knocked again and again. His mother must be out, hethought; and if so, she always took the key with her. He had nothing todo but to wait for her return. The passage and staircase was dark, butthere was a broad light in the room from the casement, and this lightstreamed from under the door of the room. A shade crossing the lightattracted Vanslyperken's attention, and to while away the tediousness ofwaiting he was curious to see what it was; he knelt down, looked underthe door, and perceived the key which Smallbones had placed there; heinserted his finger and drew it forth, imagining that his mother hadslid it beneath till her return. 

He fitted it to the lock and opened the door, when his olfactory nerveswere offended with a dreadful stench, which surprised him the more asthe casement was open. Vanslyperken surveyed the room, he perceived thatthe blood had been washed from the floor and sand strewed over it. Hadhe not known that Smallbones had been on board of the cutter the daybefore, he would have thought that it had been the smell of the deadbody not yet removed. This thought crossing his imagination, immediatelymade the truth flash upon him, and, as if instinctively, he went up tothe bed and pulled down the clothes, when he recoiled back with horrorat uncovering the face of his mother, now of a livid blue and in thelast stage of putrefaction. 

Overcome with the horrid sight, and the dreadful stench whichaccompanied it, he reeled to the casement and gasped for breath. Asickness came over him, and for some time he was incapable of acting andbarely capable of reflection. 

"She is gone then, " thought he at last, and he shuddered when he askedhimself _where_. "She must have fallen by the hands of the lad, "continued he, and immediately the whole that had happened appeared to berevealed to him. "Yes, yes, he has recovered from the blow--killed herand 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 mindwhether he should call in the neighbours; but, on reflection, as no onehad seen him enter, he determined that he would not. He would take hisgold and leave the door locked and the key under it, as he found itbefore her death was discovered: it would be supposed that she died anatural death, for the state of the body would render it impossible toprove the contrary. But there was one act necessary to be performed atwhich Vanslyperken's heart recoiled. The key of the oak chest was abouthis mother's person and he must obtain it, he must search for it incorruption and death, amongst creeping worms and noisome stench. It washalf an hour before he could make up his mind to the task! but what willavarice not accomplish!

He covered up the face, and with a trembling hand turned over thebedclothes. 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 everexpected belonging to his mother. There were other articles belonging tohim, but he thought it prudent not to touch them. He loaded himself withthe treasure, and when he felt that it was all secure, for he wasobliged to divide it in different parcels and stow it in various mannersabout 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, leftthe 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 ofPortsmouth, never was Mr Vanslyperken's body so heavily loaded, or hisheart lighter. He had got rid of Smallbones and of his mother, both in away perfectly satisfactory to himself. 

He had recovered his own gold, and had also been enriched beyond hishopes by his mother's savings. He felt not the weight which he carriedabout his person, he wished it had been heavier. All he felt was, veryanxious to be on board and have his property secured. His boat waitedfor him, and one of the men informed him his presence was required atthe admiral's immediately; but Mr Vanslyperken first went on board, andhaving safely locked up all his treasures, then complied with theadmiral's wishes. They were to sail immediately, for the intelligence ofthe Duke of Gloucester's death had just arrived with the despatches, announcing the same to be taken to King William, who was still at theHague. Vanslyperken sent the boat on board with orders to Short, toheave short and loose sails, and then hastened up to the house ofLazarus, the Jew, aware that the cutter would, in all probability, bedespatched immediately to the Hague. The Jew had the letters for Ramsayall prepared. Vanslyperken once more touched his liberal fee, and, in anhour, he was again under way for the Texel. 

During the passage, which was very quick, Mr Vanslyperken amused himselfas usual, in copying the letters to Ramsay, which contained the mostimportant intelligence of the projects of the Jacobites, and, from thevarious communications between Ramsay and the conspirators, Vanslyperkenhad also been made acquainted with the circumstance hitherto unknown tohim, of the existence of the caves above the cove, where he had beentaken 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 himselfby-and-bye. It was evident that there were only women in the cave, andMr Vanslyperken counted his gold, patted the head of Snarleyyow, andindulged in anticipations of further wealth, and the hand of the widowVandersloosh. 

All dreams! Mr Vanslyperken. 

The cutter arrived, and he landed with his despatches for thegovernment; and his letters to Ramsay being all delivered, Vanslyperkenhastened to the widow's, who, as usual, received him, all smiles. He nowconfided to her the death of his mother, and astonished her byrepresenting the amount of his wealth, which he had the precaution tostate, that the major part of it was left him by his mother. 

"Where have you put it all, Mr Vanslyperken?" inquired the widow. AndVanslyperken 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 notindifferent to money, was more gracious than ever. She had a scheme inher head of persuading him to leave the money under her charge; butVanslyperken was anxious to go on board again, for he discovered thatthe key was not in his pocket, and he was fearful that he might haveleft it on the cabin table; so he quitted rather abruptly, and the widowhad not time to bring the battery to bear. As soon as Mr Vanslyperkenarrived on board, Corporal Van Spitter, without asking leave, for hefelt it was not necessary, went on shore, and was soon in the arms ofhis enamoured widow Vandersloosh. In the meantime, Mr Vanslyperkendiscovered the key in the pocket of the waistcoat he had thrown off, andhaving locked his door, he again opened his drawer, and delightedhimself for an hour or two in re-arranging his treasure; after which, feeling himself in want of occupation, it occurred to him, that he mightas well dedicate a little more time to the widow, so he manned his boatand went on shore again. 

It is all very well to have a morning and afternoon lover if ladies areso inclined, just as they have a morning and afternoon dress, but theyshould be worn separately. Now, as it never entered the head of MrVanslyperken that the corporal was playing him false, so did it neverenter the idea of the widow, that Mr Vanslyperken would make hisappearance in the evening, and leave the cutter and Snarleyyow, withoutthe corporal being on board to watch over them. 

But Mr Vanslyperken did leave the cutter and Snarleyyow, did come onshore, did walk to the widow's house, and did most unexpectedly enterit, and what was the consequence?--that he was not perceived when heentered it, and the door of the parlour as well as the front door beingopen to admit the air, for the widow and the corporal found that makinglove in the dog days was rather warm work for people of theircalibre--to his mortification and rage the lieutenant beheld thecorporal seated in his berth, on the little fubsy sofa, with one armround the widow's waist, his other hand joined in hers, and, _prohpudor!_ sucking at her dewy lips like some huge carp under thewater-lilies on a midsummer's afternoon. 

Mr Vanslyperken was transfixed--the parties were too busy with theiramorous interchange to perceive his presence; at last the corporalthought that his lips required moistening with a little of the beer ofthe widow's own brewing, for the honey of her lips had rather glued themtogether--he turned towards the table to take up his tumbler, and hebeheld Mr Vanslyperken. 

The corporal, for a moment, was equally transfixed, but on theseoccasions people act mechanically because they don't know what to do. The corporal had been well drilled, he rose from the sofa, held himselfperfectly upright, and raised the back of his right hand to hisforehead, there he stood like a statue saluting at the presence of hissuperior officer. 

The widow had also perceived the presence of Vanslyperken almost as soonas the corporal, but a woman's wits are more at their command on theseoccasions than a man's. She felt that all concealment was now useless, and she prepared for action. At the same time, although ready todischarge a volley of abuse upon Vanslyperken, she paused, to ascertainhow she should proceed. Assuming an indifferent air, she said--"Well, MrVanslyperken?"

"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, "Iwon't put up with it in my house, I can tell you--ho, ho, MrVanslyperken, " continued the widow, working herself into a rage, "thatwon'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 shallsee who's double-faced. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken--that for you, MrVanslyperken--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 handup 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 yourreward. " This was a very critical moment. The corporal did not attemptthe defensive, but remained in the same attitude, and Vanslyperken'srage at the falsehood of the widow, and the discovery of his treason wasso great, that he had lost all command of himself. Had not a third partycome in just as Vanslyperken drew his sword, it might have gone hardwith the corporal; but fortunately Babette came in from the yard, andperceiving the sword fly out of the scabbard, she put her hand behindthe door, and snatched two long-handled brooms, one of which she putinto the hands of her mistress, and retained the other herself. 

"Take your reward!" cried Vanslyperken, running furiously to cut downthe corporal. But his career was stopped by the two brooms, one of whichtook him in the face, and the other in the chest. The widow and Babettenow ranged side by side, holding their brooms as soldiers do their armsin charge of bayonets. 

How did the corporal act? He retained his former respectful position, leaving the defensive or offensive in the hands of the widowand Babette. 

This check on the part of Vanslyperken only added to his rage. Again heflew with his sword at the corporal, and again he was met with thebesoms in his face. He caught one with his hand, and he was knocked backwith the other. He attempted to cut them in two with his sword, butin vain. 

"Out of my house, you villain!--you traitor--out of my house, " criedthe widow, pushing at him with such force as to drive him against thewall, and pinning him there while Babette charged him in his face whichwas now streaming with blood. The attack was now followed up with suchvigour, that Vanslyperken was first obliged to retreat to the door, thenout of the door into the street, followed into the street he took to hisheels, and the widow and Babette returned victorious into the parlour tothe corporal. Mr Vanslyperken could not accuse him of want of respect tohis superior officer; he had saluted him on entering, and he was stillsaluting him when he made his exit. 

The widow threw herself on the sofa--Corporal Van Spitter then took hisseat beside her. The widow overcome by her rage and exertion, burst intotears 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 Haguemyself, " cried the widow. "Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, we shall see whowill 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 hereyes. "Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, you shall be hanged, and your cur withyou, 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 KingWilliam. 

Mr Vanslyperken hastened from his inglorious conflict, maddened withrage and disappointment. He returned on board, went down into his cabin, and threw himself on his bed. His hopes and calculations had been sobrilliant--rid of his enemy Smallbones--with gold in possession, andmore in prospect, to be so cruelly deceived by the widow--thecockatrice! Then by one to whom he fully confided, and who knew too manyof his secrets already--Corporal Van Spitter--he too!--and to dare toaspire to the widow--it was madness--and then their knowledge of histreason--the corporal having witnessed his receiving the gold--with suchbitter enemies what could he expect but a halter--he felt it even nowround his neck, and Vanslyperken groaned in the bitterness ofhis spirit. 

In the meantime, there was a consultation between the widow and thecorporal as to the best method of proceeding. That the corporal couldexpect nothing but the most determined hostility from Vanslyperken wascertain; but for this the corporal cared little, as he had all the crewof the cutter on his side, and he was in his own person too high in rankto be at the mercy of Vanslyperken. 

After many pros and cons, and at least a dozen bottles of beer--for theexcitement on the part of the corporal, and the exertion of the widow, had made them both dry--it was resolved that the Frau Vanderslooshshould demand an audience at the Hague the next morning, and shouldcommunicate the treasonable practices of Mr Vanslyperken, calling uponthe corporal as a witness to the receipt of the money from the Jesuit. 

"Mein Gott!" exclaimed the corporal, striking his bull forehead as if anew thought had required being forced out, "but they will ask me how Icame there myself, and what shall I say?"

"Say that the Jesuit father had sent for you to try and seduce you to dohis 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 toreport himself to Mr Vanslyperken. 

Mr Vanslyperken had also been thinking over the matter, and in what wayhe should be able to escape from the toils prepared for him. That thewidow would immediately inform the authorities he was convinced. How washe to get out of his scrape?

Upon mature reflection, he decided that it was to be done. He had copiesof all Ramsay's letters, and those addressed to Ramsay, and the lastdelivered were very important. Now, his best plan would be to set offfor the Hague early the next morning--demand an interview with one ofthe ministers, or even his Majesty himself--state that he had beenoffered money from the Jacobite party to carry their letters, and that, with a view to serve his Majesty by finding out their secrets, he hadconsented to do it, and had taken the money to satisfy them that he wassincere. That he had opened the letters and copied them, and that now asthe contents were important, he had thought it right to make themimmediately known to the government, and at the same time to bring themoney received for the service, to be placed at his Majesty's disposal. 

"Whether she is before or after me, " thought Vanslyperken, "it will thenbe little matter, all I shall have to fear will be from Ramsay and hisparty, but the government will be bound to protect me. "

There certainly was much wisdom in this plan of Vanslyperken, it was theonly one which could have been attended with success, or with anychance of it. 

Mr Vanslyperken was up at daylight, and dressed in his best uniform; heput in his pocket all the copies of the Jacobite correspondence, andwent on shore--hired a calash, for he did not know how to ride, and setoff for the Hague, where he arrived about ten o'clock. He sent up hisname, and requested an audience with the Duke of Portland, as an officercommanding one of his Majesty's vessels: he was immediately admitted. 

"What is your pleasure, Mr Vanslyperken?" said the duke, who wasstanding at the table, in company with Lord Albemarle. 

Vanslyperken was a little confused--he muttered, and stammered aboutanxiety, and loyalty, and fidelity, and excess of zeal, &c. --

No wonder he stammered, for he was talking of what he knew nothingabout--but these two noblemen recollecting his confusion when presentedto his sovereign on board of the frigate, made allowances. 

"I have at last, " cried Vanslyperken, with more confidence, "been ableto discover the plots of the Jacobites, your grace. "

"Indeed! Mr Vanslyperken, " replied the duke, smiling incredulously, "andpray what may they be? you must be as expeditious as possible, for hisMajesty is waiting for us. "

"These letters will take some time to read, " replied Vanslyperken; "buttheir 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, " repliedVanslyperken; "but they will amply repay an hour of your time, if youcan spare it. "

At this moment, the door opened and his Majesty entered the room. At thesight of the king, Vanslyperken's confidence was again takingFrench leave. 

"My lords, I am waiting for you, " said the king, with a little asperityof manner. 

"May it please your Majesty, here is Lieutenant Vanslyperken, commandingone of your Majesty's vessels, who states that he has importantintelligence, and that he has possession of Jacobite papers. "

"Indeed!" replied King William, who was always alive to Jacobiteplotting, from which he had already run so much risk. 

"What is it, Mr Vanslyperken? speak boldly what you have tocommunicate. "

"Your Majesty, I beg your gracious pardon, but here are copies of thecorrespondence carried on by the traitors in England and this country. If your Majesty will deign to have it read, you will then perceive howimportant it is--after your Majesty has read it, I will have the honourto explain to you by what means it came into my possession. "

King William was a man of business, and Vanslyperken had done wisely inmaking this proposal. His Majesty at once sat down, with the Duke ofPortland on the one side and Lord Albemarle on the other: the lattertook the letters which were arranged according to their dates, and readthem in a clear distinct voice. 

As the reading went on, his Majesty made memorandums and notes with hispencil on a sheet of paper, but did not interrupt during the wholeprogress of the lecture. When the last and most important was finished, the two noblemen looked at his Majesty with countenances full ofmeaning. For a few moments his Majesty drummed with the second and thirdfinger of his left hand upon the table, and then said--

"Pray, Mr Vanslyperken, how did you obtain possession of these papersand letters, or make copies of these letters?"

Vanslyperken, who had been standing at the other side of the tableduring the time of the reading, had anxiously watched the countenance ofhis Majesty and the two noblemen, and perceived that the intelligencewhich the letters contained, had created a strong feeling, as heexpected. With a certain degree of confidence, he commenced hisexplanation. 

He stated that the crew of the cutter had been accustomed to frequentthe Lust Haus of a certain widow Vandersloosh, and that he had made heracquaintance, 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 hadtold him plainly that it was for the Jacobite party, and he pretendedto consent. 

That he had been taken by her to the house of a Jesuit, 169, in the Burstreet, nearly opposite to her Lust Haus, and that the Jesuit had givenhim 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 residingin the house of the syndic, Van Krause. That he should have made allthis known before, only that he waited till it was more important. Thatthe last letters appeared of such consequence, that he deemed it hisduty no longer to delay. 

"You have done well, Mr Vanslyperken, " replied his Majesty. 

"And played a bold game, " observed Lord Albemarle, fixing his eyes uponVanslyperken. "Suppose you had been found out co-operating withtraitors, 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 hisMajesty. 

"What is the cave they mention so often?"

"It is on the bank of the Isle of Wight, your Majesty. I did not know ofits existence, but from the letters--but I once laid a whole night inthe cove underneath it, to intercept the smugglers, upon informationthat 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 theback 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 MoggySalisbury--her husband not a month back, was the boatswain of thecutter, but by some interest or another, he has obtained his discharge. "

"My Lord of Portland, take a memorandum to inquire who it was appliedfor the discharge of that man. Mr Vanslyperken you may retire--we willcall you in by-and-bye--you will be secret as to what has passed. "

"I have one more duty to perform, " replied Vanslyperken, taking somerouleaus of gold out of his pocket; "this is the money received from thetraitors--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 forfeitedto the crown, and it is now mine, you will accept it as a present fromyour king. "

Mr Vanslyperken took the gold from the table, made a bow, and retiredfrom the royal presence. 

The reader will acknowledge that it was impossible to play his cardsbetter than Mr Vanslyperken had done in this interview, and that hedeserved great credit for his astute conduct. With such diplomatictalents, he would have made a great prime minister. 

"The council was ordered at twelve o'clock, my lords. These letters mustbe 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 morethat 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 MrVanslyperken says that he has done to discover the conspiracy, still, would he not naturally, to avoid any risk to himself, have furnishedgovernment with the first correspondence, and obtained their sanctionfor prosecuting his plans? This officer has been employed for the lasttwo years or more in carrying the despatches to the Hague, and it mustat 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 thefidelity of the syndic, suspicions which the evidence of this officerhave verified. But why were these suspicions raised? Because he knew ofthe government secrets, and it was supposed he obtained them from someone who is in our trust, but inimical to us and unworthy of theconfidence reposed in him. 

"Your Majesty's acuteness will at once perceive that the secrets mayhave been obtained by Mynheer Krause, by the same means as have beenresorted to, to obtain the secrets of the conspirators. I may be inerror, and if I do this officer wrong by my suspicions, may God forgiveme, 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, " repliedthe Duke of Portland. 

"Of that we shall soon have proof--at present, we have to decide whetherit be advisable to employ him to discover more, or at once to seize uponthe parties he has denounced. But that had better be canvassed in thecouncil-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, atmidnight, and that they and any of the conspirators who might be foundshould be thrown into prison. That the cutter should be despatchedimmediately to England, with orders to seize all the other partiesinformed against by Vanslyperken, and that a force should be sent toattack the cave, and secure those who might be found there, withdirections to the admiral, that Mr Vanslyperken should be employed bothas a guide, and to give the assistance of the cutter and his crew. 

These arrangements having been made, the council broke up, King Williamhad a conference with his two favourites, and Vanslyperken was sent for. 

"Lieutenant Vanslyperken, we feel much indebted to you for yourimportant communications, and we shall not forget, in due time, toreward your zeal and loyalty as it deserves. At present, it is necessarythat you sail for England as soon as our despatches are ready, whichwill be before midnight; you will then receive your orders from theadmiral, at Portsmouth, and I have no doubt you will take theopportunity of affording us fresh proofs of your fidelity andattachment. "

Mr Vanslyperken bowed humbly and retired, delighted with the successfulresult of his manoeuvre, and, with a gay heart he leaped into hiscalash, and drove off. 

"Yes, yes, " thought he, "Madam Vandersloosh, you would betray me. Weshall see. Yes, yes, we shall see, Madam Vandersloosh. "

And sure enough he did see Madam Vandersloosh, who in another calash wasdriving to the palace, and who met him face to face. 

Vanslyperken turned up his nose at her as he passed by, and the widowastonished at his presumption, thought as she went on her way, "Well, well, Mr Vanslyperken, we shall see, you may turn up your snivellingnose, 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 todrive, while we drive on ourselves. 

The subsequent events of this eventful day we will narrate in thefollowing 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 followingcommunication 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 yourcorrespondence and betrayed you. You must fly immediately, as atmidnight you and all of you will be seized. In justice to MynheerKrause, leave documents to clear him. 

"The cutter will sail this evening--with orders to secure your friendsat Portsmouth and the cave. "

"Now, by the holy cross of our Saviour! I will have revenge upon thatdastard; there is no time to lose; five minutes for reflection, and thento act, " thought Ramsay, as he twisted up this timely notice, which, itmust be evident to the reader, must have been sent by one who had beensummoned to the council. Ramsay's plans were soon formed, he despatcheda trusty messenger to the Jesuit's, desiring him to communicateimmediately with the others, and upon what plan to proceed. He thenwrote a note to Vanslyperken, requesting his immediate presence, andhastened to the morning apartment of Wilhelmina. In a few words, he toldher that he had received timely notice that it was the intention of thegovernment to seize her father and him as suspected traitors, and throwthem that very night in prison. 

Wilhelmina made no reply. 

"For your father, my dearest girl, there is no fear: he will be fullyacquitted; but I, Wilhelmina, must depart immediately, or my life isforfeited. "

"Leave me, Edward?" replied Wilhelmina. 

"No, you must go with me, Wilhelmina, for more than one reason; thegovernment have ordered the seizure of the persons to be made in thenight, to avoid a disturbance; but that they will not be able toprevent; the mob are but too happy to prove their loyalty, when they cando so by rapine and plunder, and depend upon it that this house will besacked and levelled to the ground before to-morrow evening. You cannotgo to prison with your father; you cannot remain here, to be at themercy 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 leavemy father at such a time?"

"You will save your father by so doing. Your departure with me willsubstantiate his innocence; decide, my dearest girl; decide at once; youmust either fly with me, or we must part for ever. "

"Oh no, that must not be, Edward, " cried Wilhelmina, bursting intotears. 

After some further persuasions on the part of Ramsay, and fresh tearsfrom the attached maiden, it was agreed that she should act upon hissuggestions, and with a throbbing heart, she went to her chamber to makethe necessary preparations, while Ramsay requested that Mynheer Krausewould give him a few minutes of his company in his room above. 

The syndic soon made his appearance; "Well, Mynheer Ramsay, you havesome news to tell me, I am sure;" for Mynheer Krause, notwithstandinghis rebuff from the king, could not divest himself of his failing offetching and carrying reports. Ramsay went to the door and turnedthe key. 

"I have, indeed, most important news, Mynheer Krause, and, I am sorry tosay, 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 oftreasonable 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 andfaithful services, Mynheer Krause! I have now sent for you, that we mayconsult as to what had best be done. Will you fly? I have the means foryour escape. "

"Fly, Mynheer Ramsay; the syndic of Amsterdam fly? Never! they mayaccuse me falsely; they may condemn me and take off my head before theStadt House, but I will not fly. "

"I expected this answer; and you are right, Mynheer Krause; but thereare other considerations worthy of your attention. When the populaceknow you are in prison for treason, they will level this house tothe ground. "

"Well, and so they ought, if they suppose me guilty; I care little forthat. "

"I am aware of that; but still your property will be lost; but it willbe but a matter of prudence to save all you can: you have already alarge sum of gold collected. "

"I have four thousand guilders, at least. "

"You must think of your daughter, Mynheer Krause. This gold must notfind its way into the pockets of the mob. Now, observe, the king'scutter sails to-night, and I propose that your gold be embarked, and Iwill 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 mayend well; but, as you say, if the house is plundered, the gold is gonefor 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 andFrankfort and other places. I have taken your advice my young friend, and, though I have property to the amount of some hundred thousandguilders, with the exception of this house they will hold little of itwhich belongs to Mynheer Krause. And my poor daughter, Mynheer Ramsay!"

"Should any accident happen to you, you may trust to me, I swear it toyou, 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 cannotdistinguish a true and a loyal subject from a traitor. But why could younot 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, theydetest me too much. But cheer up, sir, I think that, by my means, youmay 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 amresolved that you shall be proved innocent. It is my duty. But we haveno time to lose. Let your gold be ready at sunset: I will haveeverything prepared. "

"But my daughter must not remain here; she will be by herself, at themercy of the mob. "

"Be satisfied, Mynheer Krause, that is also cared for, your daughtermust leave this house, and be in a safe retreat before the officers comein 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'llsee her in safety before I leave, do not be afraid; it must depend uponcircumstances, 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, 'putnot 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 likean innocent and injured man. "

And Mynheer Krause hastened down to his counting-house, to make theproposed arrangements, Ramsay returning to Wilhelmina, to whom heimparted what had taken place between him and her father, and which hadthe 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 speakwith his Majesty upon important business. 

"I cannot take your name into his Majesty, but if you will give it me, Iwill speak to Lord Albemarle. "

The widow wrote her name down upon a slip of paper; with which theservant 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 ofPortland, who was sitting by him, "is the woman who is ordered to bearrested this night, upon the evidence of Lieutenant Vanslyperken; weshall learn something now, depend upon it. "

The Frau Vandersloosh made her appearance, sailing in the room like aDutch man-of-war of that period, under full sail, high pooped and broadsterned. Never having stood in the presence of great men, she was not alittle 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 tohis 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 ofbreath till she had told the whole of her story, which, as the readermust be aware, only corroborated all Vanslyperken had already stated, with the exception that he had denounced the widow. Lord Albemarleallowed her to proceed without interruption, he had a great insight intocharacter, and the story of the widow confirmed him in his opinion ofVanslyperken. 

"But my good woman, " said Lord Albemarle, "are you aware that MrVanslyperken has already been here?"

"Yes, your honour, I met him going back, and he turned his nose up atme, and I then said, 'Well, well, Mr Vanslyperken, we shall see; wait alittle, Mr Vanslyperken. '"

"And, " continued Lord Albemarle, "that he has denounced you as being aparty to all these treasonable practices. "

"Me--denounced me--he--O Lord, O Lord, only let me meethim face to face--let him say it then if he dares, thesnivelling--cowardly--murdering wretch. "

Thereupon Mrs Vandersloosh commenced the history of Vanslyperken'swooing, of his cur Snarleyyow, of her fancy for the corporal, of hisfinding her with the corporal the day before, of her beating him offwith 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, fanningherself violently, her bosom heaving with agitation, and her face as redas a boiled lobster. 

"Mistress Vandersloosh, " said Lord Albemarle, "let the affair rest asit is for the present, but I shall not forget what you have told me. Ithink 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'mwanted. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, " resumed the widow, as she walked tothe door, quite forgetting the respect due to the two noblemen, "weshall see; yes, yes, we shall see. "

"Well, my lord, what think you of this?" said Lord Albemarle to theduke, 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, andhas thrown much light upon the lieutenant's conduct, who is a traitor inmy opinion, if ever there was one; but he must be allowed to fulfil histask, 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 fromRamsay, just as he was going down to the boat. As he did not know whatsteps 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 thesuspicion of his having betrayed him. Ramsay received Mr Vanslyperkenwith an air of confidence. 

"Sit down, Mr Vanslyperken, I wish to know whether there is any chanceof your sailing. "

"I was about to come up to you to state that I have orders to sail thisevening. "

"That is fortunate, as I intended to take a passage with you, and whatis more, Mr Vanslyperken, I have a large sum in specie, which we mustcontrive to get on board. Cannot we contrive it, I cannot gowithout it. "

"A large sum in specie?" Vanslyperken reflected. "Yes, he would secureRamsay as a prisoner, and possess himself of the specie if he could. His entrapping Ramsay on board would be another proof of his fidelityand dexterity. But then Vanslyperken thought of the defection of thecorporal, but that was of no great consequence. The crew of the cutterdare not disobey him, when they were ordered to seize a traitor. "

While Vanslyperken was meditating this, Ramsay fixed his eyes upon himwaiting for his reply. 

"It will be difficult, " observed Vanslyperken, "to get the specie onboard without being seen. "

"I'm afraid so too, but I have a proposition to make. Suppose you getunder way, and--heave to a mile outside, I will then come off in thesyndic's barge. I can have the use of it. Then nothing will bediscovered. "

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, Ipromise you. "

"Well, sir, I consent, " replied Vanslyperken. "At what hour do youpropose 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'smessenger, with despatches;' that will be a blind to your crew--theysupposed me a king's messenger before. "

"Yes, that will be prudent, " replied Vanslyperken, who then took hisleave with great apparent cordiality. 

"Villain, " muttered Ramsay, as Vanslyperken shut the door, "I know yourthoughts. "

We must pass over the remainder of this eventful day. Wilhelmina hadprocured the dress of a boy, in which disguise she proposed to elopewith Ramsay, and all her preparations were made long before the time. Mynheer Krause was also occupied in getting his specie ready forembarkation, and Ramsay in writing letters. The despatches from theHague came down about nine o'clock, and Vanslyperken received them onboard. About ten, he weighed and made sail, and hove-to about a mileoutside, with a light shown as agreed. About the time arranged, a largeboat appeared pulling up to the cutter. "Boat, ahoy!" "King's messengerwith despatches, " was the reply. "All's right, " said Vanslyperken, "geta rope there from forward. "

The boat darted alongside of the cutter. She pulled ten oars, but, assoon as she was alongside, a number of armed men sprang from her on thedecks, 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 havean account to settle with you. "

Vanslyperken perceived that his treachery was discovered, and he fellupon his knees. Ramsay turned away to give orders, and Vanslyperkendarted down the hatchway, and gained the lower deck. 

"Never mind, " said Ramsay, "he'll not escape me; come, my lads, hand upthe boxes as fast as you can. "

Ramsay then went to the boat, and brought up Wilhelmina, who hadremained there, and conducted her down into the cabin. The boxes werealso handed down, the boat made fast, and the conspirators remained inpossession of the deck. The helm was taken by one of them; sail againmade 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 himstill on deck, and he hastened forward to secrete himself, even from hisown crew, who were not a little astonished at this unexpected attackwhich they could not account for. The major part of the arms on boardwere always kept in Mr Vanslyperken's cabin, and that was not only inpossession of the assailants, but there was a strong guard in thepassage 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, atpeace 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 thetreason. "

"Mein Gott! yes, " replied Corporal Van Spitter. "It is all treason, andthe traitor be Vanslyperken. " But although the corporal had someconfused ideas, yet he could not yet arrange them. 

"Well, I've no notion of being boxed up here, " observed Coble, "theycan'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 arush for it. "

"Mein Gott! de arms are all in the cabin, all but three pair pistols andthe 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, "weshall 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, whatthey 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, asBill Spurey said, the manoeuvre beat their comprehension. 

One thing was agreed upon, that they should make an attempt to recoverthe vessel as soon as they could. 

In the meantime, Ramsay with Wilhelmina, and the Jesuits, had takenpossession of the cabin, and had opened all the despatches whichacquainted them with the directions in detail, given for the taking ofthe conspirators at Portsmouth, and in the cave. Had it not been to savehis friends, Ramsay would, at once, have taken the cutter to Cherbourg, and have there landed Wilhelmina and the treasure; but his anxiety forhis friends, determined him to run at once for the cave, and sendoverland 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 laddershad been taken up and hatches closed. The only chance of success was anattack upon the guard, who was stationed outside of the cabin. 

They had six pistols, about two hundred pounds of ammunition, but withthe exception of half-a-dozen bayonets, no other weapons. But they wereresolute men, and as soon as they had made their arrangements, whichconsisted of piling up their hammocks, so as to make a barricade to fireover, they then commenced operations, the first signal of which, was apistol-shot discharged at the men who were on guard in the passage, andwhich wounded one of them. Ramsay darted out of the cabin, at the reportof the pistol, another and another was discharged, and Ramsay then gavethe order to fire in return. This was done, but without injury to theseamen of the cutter, who were protected by the hammocks, and Ramsayhaving already three of his men wounded, found that the post below wasno longer tenable. A consultation took place, and it was determinedthat the passage on the lower deck and the cabin should be abandoned, asthe 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 thecrew of the _Yungfrau_. When all the boxes were up, Wilhelmina waslifted on deck, the skylight was shipped on again, and, as soon as theafter hatches were ready to put on, Ramsay's men retreated to theladder, 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 asthey perceived their opponents' retreat, the ladder was up, and thehatches placed over the hatchways. 

The _Yungfraus_ had gained the whole of the lower deck, but they coulddo no more; and Ramsay perceived that if he could maintain possession ofthe upper deck, it was as much as he could expect with such determinedassailants. This warfare had been continued during the whole morning, and it was twelve o'clock before the cabin and lower deck had beenabandoned by Ramsay's associates. During the whole day the skirmishescontinued, the crew of the _Yungfrau_ climbing on the table of thecabin, and firing through the skylight, but in so doing, they exposedthemselves to the fire of the other party who sat like cats watching fortheir appearance, and discharging their pieces the moment that a headpresented itself. In the meantime, the cutter darted on before a strongfavourable breeze, and thus passed the first day. Many attempts weremade during the night by the seamen of the cutter to force their way ondeck, but they were all prevented by the vigilance of Ramsay; and thenext morning the Isle of Wight was in sight. Wilhelmina had passed thenight on the forecastle, covered up with a sail; none of his people hadhad anything to eat during the time that they were on board, and Ramsaywas most anxious to arrive at his destination. 

About noon, the cutter was abreast of the Black Gang Chine: Ramsay hadcalculated upon retaining possession of the cutter, and taking the wholeof the occupants of the cave over to Cherbourg, but this was nowimpossible. He had five of his men wounded, and he could not row theboat to the cave without leaving so few men on board, that they would beoverpowered, for his ammunition was expended, with the exception of oneor two charges, which were retained for an emergency. All that he coulddo now, was, therefore, to put his treasure in the boat, and withWilhelmina and his whole party make for the cave, when he could sendnotice to Portsmouth for the others to join them, and they must becontent to await the meditated attack upon the cave, and defend it tillthey could make their escape to France. The wind being foul for thecutter's return to Portsmouth, would enable him to give notice atPortsmouth, 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 beentaken away or destroyed, there would have been ample time for the wholeof his party to have made their escape from England, before duplicatescould arrive. As it was, he could do no more than what we have alreadymentioned. 

The boat was hauled up, the boxes of specie put in, the wounded men laidat the bottom of the boat, and having, at the suggestion of one of themen, cut the lower riggings, halyards, &c. , of the cutter to retard itsprogress 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_ whonow forced the skylight, and gained the deck, but not before the boathad entered the cave. 

"What's to be done now?" said Coble. "Smash my timbers, but they'veplayed 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, " criedCoble. 

"Well, it's a nice job altogether, " observed Spurey. 

"Mein Gott! yes, " replied the corporal; "we will have a pretty story totell de admiral. "

"Well, they've rid us of him at all events; I only hope they'll hanghim. "

"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 arope 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 drawnsword, stood Mr Vanslyperken. 

"You d----d mutinous scoundrel, " cried Vanslyperken, "touch my dog, ifyou dare. "

The corporal put his hand up to the salute, and Vanslyperken shook hishead 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 expendingmore breath than usual. 

However, there was no more to be said; and as soon as the rigging wasknotted and spliced, sail was made in the cutter; but the wind beingdead in their teeth, they did not arrive until late the next evening, and the admiral did not see despatches till the next morning, for thebest of all possible reasons, that Vanslyperken did not take them onshore. He had a long story to tell, and he thought it prudent not todisturb the admiral after dinner, as great men are apt to be verycholeric during the progress of digestion. 

The consequence was, that when, the next morning, Mr Vanslyperkencalled upon the admiral, the intelligence had been received from thecave, and all the parties had absconded. Mr Vanslyperken told his owntale, how he had been hailed by a boat purporting to have a messenger onboard, how they had boarded him and beat down himself and his crew, howhe and his crew had fought under hatches and beat them on deck, and howthey 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 surroundingand breaking into the house of the Jew Lazarus, in which the militaryfound nobody but an old tom-cat, and then desired Mr Vanslyperken tohold the cutter in readiness to embark troops and sail that afternoon;but troops do not move so fast as people think, and before one hundredmen had been told off by the sergeant with their accoutrements, knapsacks, and sixty pounds of ammunition, it was too late to embarkthem that night, so they waited until the next morning. Moreover, MrVanslyperken had orders to draw from the dock-yard three large boats forthe debarkation of the said troops; but the boats were not quite ready, one required a new gunnel, another three planks in the bottom, and thethird having her stern out, it required all the carpenters in the yardto finish it by the next morning. Mr Vanslyperken's orders were toproceed to the cave, and land the troops, to march up to the cave, andto cover the advance of the troops, rendering them all the assistance inhis power in co-operating with the major commanding the detachment; butwhere the cave was, no one knew, except that it was thereabouts. 

The next morning, at eight o'clock, the detachment, consisting of onehundred men, were embarked on board of the cutter, but the majorcommandant finding that the decks were excessively crowded, and that hecould hardly breathe, ordered section first, section second, and sectionthird, of twenty-five men each, to go into the boats and be towed. After which there was more room, and the cutter stood out forSt Helen's. 

Chapter XLVIII

In which there is a great deal of correspondence, and the widow iscalled up very early in the morning. 

We must now return to Mynheer Krause, who, after he had delivered overhis 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. Hesent for his daughter, who sent word back that she was packing up herwardrobe, and this answer appeared but reasonable to the syndic, who, therefore, continued in his chair, reflecting upon his approachingincarceration, conning speeches, and anticipating a glorious acquittal, until the bell of the cathedral chimed the half-hour after ten. He thensent another message to his daughter, and the reply was that she was notin the room, upon which he despatched old Koop to Ramsay, requesting hisattendance. The reply to this second message was a letter presented tothe 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 verymystifying. Much depends in this world upon the humour people are in atthe time; Mynheer Krause was, at that time, full of Cato-like devotionand Roman virtue, and he took the contents of the letter in trueCatonic style. 

"Excellent young man--to preserve my honour he has taken her away withhim! and, to preserve her reputation he intends to marry her! Now, I cango to prison without a sigh. He tells me that he has saved me--savedme!--why, he has saved everything; me, my daughter, and my property!Well, they shall see how I behave! They shall witness the calmness of astoic; I shall express no emotion or surprise at the arrest, as theywill naturally expect, because I know it is to take place--no fear--noagitation when in prison, because I know that I am to be saved. I shalldesire them to bear in mind that I am the syndic of this town, and mustreceive that respect which is due to my exalted situation, " and MynheerVan Krause lifted his pipe and ordered Koop to bring him a stone jug ofbeer, and thus doubly-armed like Cato, he awaited the arrival of theofficer with all the stoicism of beer and tobacco. 

About the same hour of night that the letter was put into the hands ofMynheer Krause, a packet was brought up to Lord Albemarle, who wasplaying a game of put with his Grace the Duke of Portland; at that timeput was a most fashionable game; but games are like garments, as theybecome old they are cast off, and handed down to the servants. Theoutside of the despatch was marked "To Lord Albemarle's own hands. Immediate and most important. " It appeared, however, as if the two noblelords considered the game of put as more important and immediate, forthey finished it without looking at the packet in question, and it wasmidnight before they threw up the cards. After which, Lord Albemarlewent to a side table, apart from the rest of the company, and broke theseals. 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, puttingdown 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 thistime; we will wait the report to-morrow morning--ascertain how many havebeen secured--and then lay these documents before his Majesty. "

Leaving the two noble lords to go to bed, we shall now return toAmsterdam at twelve o'clock at night precisely; as the bell tolled, aloud knock was heard at the syndic's house. Koop, who had been orderedby his master to remain up, immediately opened the door, and a _possecomitatus_ 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 orfour others, and found Mynheer Krause smoking his pipe. 

"Ah, my very particular friend, Mynheer Engelback, what brings you hereat 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 arrestyou, and conduct you to prison. "

"Arrest and conduct me to prison--me the syndic of the town--that isstrange--will you allow me to see your warrant--yes, it is all true andcountersigned 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 toset the example of obedience to them, at the same time protesting myentire innocence. Koop, get me my mantle. Mynheer Engelback, I claim tobe treated with the respect due to me, as syndic of this town. "

The officers were not a little staggered at the coolness and _sangfroid_ 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 withyou?"

"I have no friend in the house except my very particular friend, MynheerEngelback, " 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 imposedupon. Mynheer Krause, with every mark of attention and respect, was thenwalked off to the Hotel de Ville, where he remained in custody, for itwas not considered right by the authorities, that the syndic should bethrown into the common prison upon suspicion only. When he arrivedthere, Mynheer Krause surprised them all by the philosophy with which hesmoked his pipe. 

But, although there was nobody to be found, except the syndic in thesyndic'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 widowVandersloosh; for Lord Albemarle, although convinced in his own mind ofher innocence, could not take upon himself to interfere with thedecisions of the council; so, about one o'clock, there was a loudknocking at the widow's door, which was repeated again and again beforeit awoke the widow, who was fatigued with her long and hot journey tothe 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 hermistress'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 theycannot 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 windowat 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 forthe 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 hersound sleep. 

Babette gave the message and shut down the window. 

"Break open the door, " cried the officer to his attendants. In a minuteor 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, whojumped out of her bed, and nearly shutting her door, which had been leftopen 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 theStadt 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 myclothes directly. I'll get up any hour in the night, with pleasure, tobring 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, youmust come up and help me. "

The officer did not think it necessary to undeceive the widow, whoimagined that she was to give evidence against Vanslyperken, not thatshe was a prisoner herself. Still, the widow Vandersloosh did not likebeing called up at such an unseasonable hour, and thus expressed herselfto Babette as she was dressing herself. 

"Well, we shall see the ending of this, Babette. --My under petticoat ison the chair. --I told the lords the whole truth, every word of it; and Iam 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 ahole. --The cunning villain goes there and says that I--yes, Babette--that I was a traitor myself; and I said to the lords, 'Do Ilook 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 firstwhich comes. --He's a handsome lord, that Duke of Portland; he was one ofthe _bon_--before King William went over and conquered England, and hewas made a lord for his valour. --My ruff, Babette. The Dutch are a bravenation. --My bustle now. --How much beer did you give the officers? Mindyou take care of everything while I am gone. I shall be home by nine, Idare say. I suppose they are going to try him now, that he may be hangedat sunrise. I knew how it would be. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, every doghas his day; and there's an end of you, and of your cur also, I'vea notion. "

The widow being now duly equipped, walked down stairs to them, andproceeded with the officers to the Stadt House. She was brought into thepresence 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 theunsuccessful 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 abunch of keys. The terrified woman perceived that it was a paved stonecell, with a brick arch over it; in short, a dungeon. The truth flashedupon her, for the first time. It was she who had been arrested fortreason. But before she could shriek she was shoved in, and the doorclosed and locked upon her; and the widow sank down into a sittingposture on the ground, overcome with astonishment and indignation. "Wasit possible? Had the villain prevailed?" was the question, which sheasked herself over and over again, changing alternately from sorrow toindignation: 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 gloriouscircumstance" 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 wasfilled with armed men from the king's cutter, who had come on shore witha view of forcing an entrance into the cave. In a minute everypreparation was made for defence; for it had long been arranged, that, in case of an unexpected attack, the women should make all theresistance in their power, and which the nature of the place enabledthem to do. 

But, as many observed, the party, although coming from the cutter, andnot badly armed, did not appear to advance in a hostile manner. Afterwaiting some time near the boat, they advanced, each with a box on hisshoulder; but what those boxes might be was a puzzle; they might behand-grenades for throwing into the cave. However, they were soon downto the rock at which the ladder was let down, and then Smallbones stoodup with a musket in his hands, with his straddling legs and shortpetticoat, and bawled out, "Who comes there?"

Ramsay, who was assisting Wilhelmina, looked up surprised at thissingular addition to the occupants of the cave. And Wilhelmina alsolooked at him, and said, "Can that be a woman, Ramsay?"

"At all events, I've not the honour of her acquaintance. But she ispointing her musket, --we are friends, " cried Ramsay. "Tell MistressAlice it is Ramsay. "

Smallbones turned round and reported the answer; and then, in obedienceto his orders from Mistress Alice, he cried out, in imitation of thesentinels, "Pass, Ramsay, and all's well!" presented his arms, and madea flying leap off the rock where he stood, down on the platform, that hemight lower the ladder as soon as Ramsay was up, who desired everybodymight be sent down to secure the boxes of specie as fast as they could, lest the cutter's people, releasing themselves, should attempt anattack. Now, there was no more concealment necessary, and the women aswell as the men went down the precipitous path and brought up thetreasure, while Ramsay introduced Wilhelmina to Lady Barclay, and, in abrief, but clear narrative, told her all that had passed, and what theyhad now to expect. There was not a moment for delay; the cutter's peoplemight send the despatches over land if they thought of it, and be thereas soon, if not sooner than themselves. Nancy Corbett was summonedimmediately, and her instructions given. The whole of the confederatesat Portsmouth were to come over to the cave with what they could collectand carry about their persons; and, in case of the cutter sending overland, with the precaution of being in disguise. Of arms and ammunitionthere was sufficient in the cave, which Ramsay now felt was to bedefended to the last, until they could make a retreat over to the otherside of the channel. In half an hour, Nancy was gone, and that verynight had arrived at Portsmouth, and given notice to the whole of theconfederates. Upon consultation, it was considered that the bestdisguise would be that of females; and, in consequence, they were all soattired, and before morning had all passed over, two or three in a boat, and landed at Ryde, where they were collected by Moggy Salisbury, whoalone, of the party, knew the way to the retreat. They walked across theisland by two and three, one party just keeping sight of the next aheadof them, and arrived without suspicion or interruption, conducted byMoggy 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 theexception of Lazarus, who looked like a little old woman, a moregigantic race of females was never seen; for, determined upon adesperate resistance if discovered, they had their buff jerkins undertheir female garments. They were soon in the cave, and very busy, underRamsay's directions, preparing against the expected attack. Sir RobertBarclay, with his boat, had been over two days before, and it was notknown when he would return. That his presence was most anxiously lookedfor may be readily conceived, as his boat's crew would double theirforce if obliged to remain there; and his boat would enable them, withthe one brought by Ramsay, to make their escape without leaving onebehind, before the attack could be made. 

Nancy Corbett, as the reader may have observed, did not return to thecave with the conspirators. As she was not suspected, she determined toremain at Portsmouth till the last, and watch the motions of theauthorities. 

The cutter did not arrive till the evening of the second day, and thedespatches were not delivered to the admiral till the third morning, when all was bustle and preparation. Nancy Corbett was everywhere, shefound out what troops were ordered to embark on the expedition, and shewas acquainted with some of the officers, as well as the sergeants andcorporals; an idea struck her which she thought she could turn toadvantage. She slipped into the barrack-yard, and to where the men werebeing selected, and was soon close to a sergeant whom she wasacquainted 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 smugglersin 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--twolieutenants--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 theassistance of the cutter's crew. "

"Better and better still, " replied Nancy, ironically. "I wish you joy ofyour laurels, sergeant, ha, ha, ha. "

"Why do you laugh, Mistress Corbett, and what is that you have heard atthe admiral's office?"

"What you may hear yourself, and what I know to be true; there is not asingle smuggler in the cave. "

"No!" exclaimed the sergeant. "What, nobody there?"

"Yes, there is somebody there, the cave has been chosen by the smugglersto 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, wholive there; what an expedition! Let me see:--one gallant major, onegallant captain, two gallant lieutenants, eight gallant non-commissionedofficers, and a hundred gallant soldiers of the Buffs, all going toattack, 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'sashamed of the whole affair, and the cutter's crew swear they won't firea single shot. "

"By the god of war!" exclaimed the sergeant, "but this is cursed badnews you bring, Mistress Corbett. "

"Not at all; your regiment will become quite the fancy, you'll go by thename 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 thesame way. 

"But are you really in earnest, Nancy?" said Lieutenant Dillon, atlast. 

"Upon my soul I am; but, at the same time I hear, that they will fighthard, for they are well-armed and desperate, like their husbands, andthey swear that they'll all die to a woman, before they yield; so now weshall see who fights best, the women or the men. I'll back my own sexfor 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 atwomen; I could not do so if they were devils incarnate; a woman is awoman still. "

"And never the worse for being brave, Lieutenant Dillon; as I said toSergeant Tanner, your regiment, after this, will always go by the nameof the lady-killers. "

"D--n!" exclaimed the lieutenant; "but now I recollect there must bemore there; those who had possession of the cutter and who landed inher boat. "

"Yes, with forty boxes of gold they say; but do you think they would besuch fools as to remain there and allow you to take their money--thatboat started for France yesterday night with all the treasure, and arenow safe at Cherbourg. I know it for a fact, for one of the men's wiveswho lives here, showed me a letter to that effect, from her husband, inwhich he requests her to follow him. But I must go now, good-bye, MrLady-killer. "

The lieutenant repeated what Nancy had told him to the officers, and themajor was so much annoyed, that he went up to the admiral and statedwhat 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 smugglerswho were on board the cutter--"

"Have left with their specie yesternight, admiral; so that we shall gainneither honour nor profit. "

"At all events, you will have the merit of obeying your orders, MajorLincoln. "

The major made no reply, but went away very much dissatisfied. In themeantime, the sergeant had communicated with his non-commissionedofficers and the privates ordered on the duty, and the discontent wasuniversal. Most of the men swore that they would not pull a triggeragainst women, if they were shot for it, and the disaffection almostamounted to mutiny. Nancy, in the meantime, had not been idle, she hadfound means to speak with the boats' crews of the _Yungfrau_, stated thedeparture of the smugglers with their gold, and the fact that they wereto fight with nothing but women, that the soldiers had vowed that theywould 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 thelast. This was soon known on board of the _Yungfrau_, and gave greatdisgust to every one of the crew, who declared to a man, that they wouldnot act against petticoats, much less fire a shot at Moggy Salisbury. 

What a mountain of mischief can be heaped up by the insidious tongue ofone woman!

After this explanation, it may be supposed that the zeal of the partydespatched was not very great. The fact is, they were all sulky, fromthe major downwards, among the military, and from Vanslyperkendownwards, among the naval portion of the detachment. Nancy Corbett, satisfied with having effected her object, had crossed over the nightbefore, and joined her companions in the cave, and what was extremelyfortunate, on the same night Sir Robert Barclay came over in the lugger, and finding how matters stood, immediately hoisted both the boats up onthe rocks, and taking up all the men, prepared with his followers for avigorous resistance, naturally to be expected from those whose livesdepended 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 NancyCorbett requested to speak with Sir Robert Barclay. She stated to himwhat she had done, and the dissatisfaction among the troops and seamenin consequence, and submitted to him the propriety of all the smugglersbeing dressed as women, as it would operate more in their favour than ifthey had fifty more men to defend the cave. Sir Robert perceived thegood sense of this suggestion, and consulted with Ramsay, who stronglyurged the suggestion being acted upon. The men were summoned, and theaffair explained to them, and the consequence was, that there was ascene of mirth and laughter, which ended with every man being fittedwith woman's attire. The only one who remained in the dress of a man wasa woman, Wilhelmina Krause, but she was to remain in the cave with theother women, and take no part in the coming fray. 

Chapter L

In which the officers, non-commissioned officers, and rank and file, areall sent to the right about. 

About noon the _Yungfrau_ hove-to off the cave, and the troops were toldoff 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 weremanned. Mr Vanslyperken, with his pistols in his belt, and his sworddrawn, told Major Lincoln that he was all ready. Major Lincoln, with hisspy-glass in his hand, stepped into the boat with Mr Vanslyperken, andthe whole detachment pulled for the shore, and landed in the small cove, where they found the smugglers' boats hoisted up on the rocks, at whichthe men appeared to be rejoiced, as they took it for granted that theywould find some men to fight with instead of women. The major headed hismen, and they commenced a scramble up the rocks and arrived at the footof the high rock which formed the platform above at the mouth of thecave, when the major cried "Halt!"--a very judicious order, consideringthat it was impossible to go any further. The soldiers looked abouteverywhere, 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 aconsultation, and it was agreed that the troops should be re-embarked. The men were marched down again very hot from their exertions, and thusthe expedition would have ended without bloodshed, had it not been forthe incautious behaviour of a woman. That woman was Moggy Salisbury, who, having observed that the troops were re-embarking, took theopportunity, while Sir Robert and all the men were keeping close, tohoist up a certain under-garment to a pole, as if in derision, thusbetraying the locality of the cave, and running the risk of sacrificingthe whole party in it. This, as it was going up, caught the eye of oneof the seamen in the boat, who cried out, "There goes the ensign up tothe peak at last. "

"Where?" exclaimed the major, pulling out his telescope, "Yes, byheavens! there it is--and there then must be the cave. "

Neither Sir Robert nor any of the conspirators were aware of thismanoeuvre 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 troopascended 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. Themen won't fire at me, and if they do I don't care. "

Sir Robert and Ramsay were in close consultation. It appeared to themthat 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, andthere was every appearance of a continued calm. 

"If we could manage it--and I think we may--then the sooner the affairis brought to an issue the better. "

Moggy had now taken a musket on her shoulder, and was pacing up anddown the edge of the flat in imitation of a sentry. She was soon pointedout, and a titter ran through the whole line: at last, as the majorapproached, she called out, "I say, soger, what are you doing here? keep off, or I'll put a bulletin your jacket. "

"My good woman, " replied the major, while his men laughed, "we do notwant to hurt you, but you must surrender. "

"Surrender!" cried Moggy, "who talks of surrender?--hoist the coloursthere. "

Up went the chemise to the end of the pole, and Smallbones grinned as hehoisted 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, withmuskets on their shoulders, headed by little Lilly, with herdrawn sword. 

The sight of the child commanding the detachment was hailed with loudcheers and laughter. 

"That will do, that will do, " cried Sir Robert, fearful for Lilly, "letthem 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 thendisappeared. 

"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 SirRobert from within. Smallbones here came out with his musket to releaseMoggy, and Moggy retired into the cave. 

The major, who imagined that there must be a path to the cave on theother side, now advanced with the determination of finding it out, andsomehow 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 hispiece, and the major fell. 

"Confound that she-devil!--Are you hurt, major?" cried LieutenantDillon. 

"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 womenwith bonnets on, and commenced a murderous fire upon the troops who fellin all directions. The captain who had assumed the command, nowattempted to find his way to the other side of the cave, where he had nodoubt he should find the entrance, but in so doing the soldiers wereexposed to a most galling fire, without being able to return it. 

At first, the troops refused to fire again, for that they had to dealwith the smugglers' wives, they made certain of: even in the thickest ofthe smoke there was nothing masculine to be seen; and those troops whowere at a greater distance, and who could return the fire, did not. Theywere rather amused at the character of the women, and not being awarethat their comrades were falling so fast, remained inactive. But thereis a limit to even gallantry, and as the wounded men were carried pastthem, their indignation was roused, and, at last, the fire was as warmlyreturned, but before that took place, one half of the detachment were_hors de combat_. 

All the assistance which they might have received from the coveringparty of sailors on the beach, was neutralised; they did not know howmuch the soldiers had suffered, and although they fired in pursuance oforders, they would not take any aim. 

For some time the soldiers were forced on to the eastern side of therock, which, as the reader may recollect, was much more precipitousthan the western side, where it was descended from by the ladder. Herethey were at the mercy of the conspirators, who, concealed below themasses of the rock on the platform, took unerring aim. The captain hadfallen, Lieutenant Dillon was badly wounded and led back to the boats, and the command had devolved upon a young man who had but just joinedthe 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 themen. "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 cursedcave. The regiment has lost its character for ever, and I don't care howsoon a bullet settles my business. "

Ramsay now detached a party of the men to fire at the covering party ofseamen who were standing by the boats in the cove and who wereunprotected, while his men were concealed behind the masses of rocks. Many fell, wounded or killed; and Vanslyperken, after shifting aboutfrom one position to another, ordered the wounded men to be put into hisboat, and with two hands he pulled off as he said to procure moreammunition, leaving the remainder of his detachment on shore, to do aswell as they could. 

"I thought as how this work would be too warm for him, " observed BillSpurey. 

"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 postthey did not, but one after another they sank wounded on the ground. Thesoldiers who were now without any one to command them, for those who hadforced their way to the western side of the rock, finding that advanceor retreat was alike impossible, crawled under the sides of theprecipice to retreat from a murderous fire which they could not return. The others were scattered here and there, protecting themselves as wellas they could below the masses of stone, and returning the fire of theconspirators surely and desperately. But of the hundred men sent on theexpedition, there were not twenty who were not killed or wounded, andnearly the whole detachment of seamen had fallen where they stood. 

It was then four o'clock, the few men who remained unhurt were sufferingfrom the extreme heat and exertion, and devoured with thirst. Thewounded cried for water. The sea was still, calm, and smooth as amirror; not a breath of wind blew to cool the fevered brows of thewounded men, and the cutter, with her sails hanging listless, floatedabout 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, mymen--buckle on your swords and put pistols in your belts. "

In a very short time this order was complied with, and, notwithstandingsome of the men were wounded in this day's affair, as well as in thestruggle 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 orderedJemmy Ducks and Smallbones to remain and haul up the ladder again, andthe whole body hastened down to the cove, headed by Sir Robert andRamsay, 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 tofind the means of transport over the channel for their numerous friends, male and female, then collected in the cave: now that their retreat wasknown, it was certain that some effective measures would be taken bygovernment, by which, if not otherwise reduced, they would be surroundedand starved into submission. 

The two boats which they had were not sufficient for the transport of sonumerous a body, consisting now of nearly one hundred and fiftyindividuals, and their means of subsistence were limited to a few days. 

The arrival of the cutter with the detachments was no source of regretto Sir Robert, who hoped, by the defeat of the troops, to obtain theirboats, and thus make his escape; but this would have been difficult, ifnot impossible, if the cutter had been under command, as she carriedfour guns, and could have prevented their escape, even if she did notdestroy the boats; but when Sir Robert observed that it had fallen calm, it at once struck him, that if, after defeating the troops, they couldboard and carry the cutter, that all their difficulties were over: thenthey could embark the whole of their people, and run her over toCherbourg. 

This was the plan proposed by Sir Robert, and agreed to by Ramsay, andto accomplish this, now that the troops were put to the rout, they hadmade a rush for, and obtained the boats. As for the women left in thecave, they were perfectly secure for the time, as, withoutscaling-ladders, there was no possibility of the remaining troops, evenif they were rallied, being able to effect anything. 

That part of the crew of the _Yungfrau_ who had perceived them rush downto the beach, reported it to Mr Vanslyperken, who had gone down to hiscabin, not choosing to take any further part in the affray, or to riskhis valuable life. Vanslyperken came on deck, where he witnessed themanning of the boats, and their pushing out of the cove. 

"They are coming to attack us, sir, " said Coble, who had been left incharge of the cutter when Mr Vanslyperken went on shore. 

Mr Vanslyperken turned pale as a sheet; his eyes were fixed upon theform of Ramsay, standing up on the stern-sheets of the first boat, withhis sabre raised in the air--he immediately recognised him, panted forbreath, and could make no reply. 

The crew of the cutter, weakened as they were by the loss of most oftheir best men, flew to their arms; Coble, Cornelius, and Jansen, andCorporal 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--uselesssacrifice of life; they are two to one--we must surrender. Go downbelow, all of you--do you hear, obey my orders?"

"Yes, and report them, too, to the admiral, " replied Coble; "I neverheard such an order given in my born days, and fifty odd years I haveserved in the king's fleet. "

"Corporal Van Spitter, I order you below--all of you below, " criedVanslyperken; "I command here--will you obey, sir?"

"Mein Gott, yes, " replied the corporal, walking away, and coollydescending the ladder. 

The boats were now within ten yards of the cutter, and the men stoodirresolute; the corporal obeying orders had disheartened them: some ofthem followed the corporal. 

"It's no use, " said Coble, "I sees now it's of no use; it's only beingcut to pieces for nothing, my men; but I won't leave the deck. " Coblethrew away his cutlass, and walked aft; the other men did the same, allbut Jansen, who still hesitated. Coble caught the cutlass out of hishand, and threw it overboard, just as the boats dashed alongside. 

"Gott for dam, " muttered Jansen, folding his arms and facing the men whojumped on the cutter's decks. Ramsay, who was first on board when heperceived that the men were standing on the decks without making anyopposition, turned and threw up the points of the swords of some of hismen who were rushing blindly on, and, in a minute all was quiet on thedecks of the _Yungfrau_. Mr Vanslyperken was not to be seen. At the nearapproach of the boats he had hastened into his cabin and locked himselfin; his only feeling being, that Ramsay's wrath must cool, and his lifebe spared. 

"My lads, " said Sir Robert to the crew of the cutter, "I am very gladthat you made no resistance to a force which you could not resist, as Ishould have been sorry if one of you had lost his life; but you must nowgo down below and leave the cutter's deck in our possession. Perhaps itwould be better if some of you took one of your boats and went on shoreto pick up your messmates who are wounded. "

"If you please, sir, we will, " said Coble, coming forward, "and thecutter is yours, as far as we are concerned. We will make no attempts toretake her, at all events, for your kindness in thinking of our poorfellows lying there on the beach. I think you will promise that, mylads, " 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, onthe margin of which they found all their men lying either killed orwounded. Dick Short, Spurey, and nine others were taken on board: thosethat were quite dead were left upon the sand. Leaving only ten men onboard the cutter, which, however, was sufficient to cope with the few ofthe _Yungfrau_ remaining on board, had they been inclined to forfeittheir word, Sir Robert and Ramsay then returned with the rest of theparty to-the boats, and pulled on shore, for the rest of theirassailants were not subdued; about twenty of the soldiers still remainedunhurt and were sitting down on the rocks. 

Ramsay, as soon as he landed, showed a white handkerchief on a bayonetfixed 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 goforward to meet it. "

The sergeant advanced to meet Ramsay. 

"We might, if we pleased, oblige you to surrender or cut you topieces--that you must own; but we have no wish to hurt you--there aretoo many good men dead already. "

"That's true, " replied the sergeant, "but it's one comfort you haveturned out at last to be men and not women. "

"We have; but to the terms. You were sent to take possession of thecave, --you shall have possession as soon as we are gone, if you willdraw off your party higher up this cliff and allow us to embark withoutmolestation. If you do not immediately accept these terms, we shallcertainly attack you, or you may do better if you please--pile yourmuskets, collect your wounded men, bring them down to the beach allready to put into the boats, which, as soon as we are safe, we will giveyou 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 amcommanding 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, gladlyobeyed, and were now divided in sections of three and four, collectingthe wounded and carrying them down to the cove. 

Sir Robert and his men hastened to the rock--the ladder was lowered, andall was on the alert for embarkation--Lady Barclay and Lilly flew intohis arms, while Wilhelmina hung on Ramsay; but they allowed but a shorttime for endearment--time was too precious. The luggage had all beenprepared 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 theycould take away with them. 

The women then descended, and all hands were employed carrying away thespecie and luggage down to the boats. As soon as one boat was loadedwith the boxes of money, Lady Ramsay, Lilly, and Wilhelmina were put init, and one half of the men went with them on board of the cutter whereCoble had already arrived with the wounded seamen. Ramsay remained withthe other boat to embark the women and luggage; when all was in, hecalled the sergeant, pointed out to him the ladder, and told him that hemight find something worth his trouble in the cave. 

"Is there a drop of anything to drink, sir? for we who are whole aredying with thirst, and it's cruel to hear the poor wounded fellows begfor water. "

"You will find both water and spirits in plenty there, sergeant, and youmay tell your own story when you arrive at Portsmouth, we shall nevercontradict you. "

"The list of killed, wounded, and missing, will tell the story fastenough, " replied the sergeant; "but run up there, my lads, and get somewater 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, theywere 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 ondeck, Vanslyperken having locked himself up in his cabin; but Sir Robertnow ordered his men to force the cabin door, and take Mr Vanslyperkenforward on the lower deck. When the door was opened, Vanslyperken wasfound in his bed more dead than alive: he was pulled out and draggedforward. The ladies were then handed below, and, as soon as the speciehad been put down, and the luggage cleared from the upper deck, thewomen were ordered to go down on the lower deck, and Mr Vanslyperkenordered to be brought up. 

Chapter LII

In which a great deal of loyalty is shown to counterbalance the treasonof Vanslyperken. 

We must not, however, forget the syndic and the widow Vandersloosh, whomwe left in confinement at Amsterdam. We left Mynheer Krause smoking hispipe, and showing to those about him how great a great man always proveshimself when under adversity. The widow also, had she performed inpublic, would have been acknowledged to have been a great woman. Shecould 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 thefuture, and to better times, not abandoning herself to despair, butcomforting herself with hope, as might have been clearly proved by herconstant repetition of these words: "Well, well, Mr Vanslyperken, weshall see. "

That the night appeared long to both parties is not to be denied, butthe longest night will have its end, so long as the world continues toturn round; the consequence was, that the morning came as usual to thesyndic, although the widow from the peculiarity of her situation, hadnot 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 othermortals, his Majesty, King William, sat down, and despatched a veryhasty meal, in company with his Grace the Duke of Portland, and theRight Honourable the Lord Albemarle. History does not record, as itsometimes does in works of this description, by what viands hisMajesty's appetite was stimulated; we must therefore pass it over, andas 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 theconspirators have been seized?"

"May it please your Majesty, I am sorry to inform you, that all who wereinnocent 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 onlytwo who are in custody are the syndic, Mynheer Krause, and the woman whokeeps 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, " repliedLord Albemarle, presenting Ramsay's letter and enclosures, "you willthen be of my opinion. "

King William took the letter and read it. "What Ramsay--he who wasattainted 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 beincapable of a lie. "

"A traitor, like him!"

"A traitor to your Majesty, but most true to his Catholic Majesty, KingJames that was. But if I venture to point out to your Majesty, theenclosures prove that Lieutenant Vanslyperken's word is not of muchvalue. He, at least, is a double traitor. "

"Yes, a little hanging will do him no harm--you are sure this is hiswriting?"

"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, andsuspected without reason. "

"And the woman?"

"Was here yesterday, and fully convinced me that Vanslyperken was atraitor, and that she was innocent. His Grace of Portland was present. "

"Well, my lord, you may give orders for their release; of course alittle surveillance will be advisable. You will justify the proceedingsto the council, this afternoon. "

"But may I presume to submit to your Majesty, that the public affrontoffered to the syndic should be repaired. "

"Certainly--send for him, " replied his Majesty, carelessly. "I willreceive him to-morrow morning, " and his Majesty left the room. 

Lord Albemarle immediately despatched a courier with an order for therelease of the syndic and the Frau Vandersloosh, with a note to theformer, stating that his Majesty would receive him on the following dayat noon. But while this act of justice had been preparing at the palaceof the Hague, there were other acts, not quite so justifiable performingat the town of Amsterdam. 

The sun made its appearance more than an hour, before the troops of theroyal Guard. Mobs were collected in knots in the street, and in front ofthe Hotel de Ville, or Stadt House, and the object of their meeting, was to canvas the treason and imprisonment of the syndic, Mynheer VanKrause. "Shame--shame, "--"Death to the traitor, "--"Tear him topieces, "--and "Long life to King William, " were the first solitaryremarks made--the noise and hubbub increased. The small knots of peoplegradually joined together, until they formed a large mob, all burningwith loyalty, and each individual wishing to give a practical evidenceof it--again were the cries of "Long live the King!" and "Death totraitors!" to be heard, with loud huzzas. A confused din followed, andthe mob appeared, as if simultaneously, to be all impelled in onedirection. At last the word was given, which they all waited for. "Tohis house--to his house--down with it--death to the traitor!" and theloyal mob hastened on, each individual eager to be first to prove hisloyalty, by helping himself to Mynheer Krause's goods and chattels. 

In the low countries, this species of loyalty always has been, and isnow very much the fashion. In ten minutes, the gates were forcedopen--old Koop knocked down, and trod under foot till he was dead--everyarticle of value that was portable, was secured; chairs, tables, glasses, not portable, were thrown out of the window; Wilhelmina's harpand pianoforte battered to fragments; beds, bedding, everything flewabout in the air, and then the fragments of the furniture were set fireto, and in less than an hour Mynheer Krause's splendid house was burningfuriously, while the mob cheered and cried, "Long live King William!"

Before the courier could arrive from the Hague, all that was left of MrKrause's property was the bare walls. Merchandises, everything wasconsumed, and part of the building had fallen into the canal and chokedit up, while fifteen schuyts waiting to be discharged of their cargoeshad been obliged to retreat from the fury of the flames, the phlegmaticskippers looking on with their pipes in their mouths, and their hands intheir wide breeches-pockets. 

The loyal mob having effected their object, gradually retired. It issingular, that popular feeling is always expressed in the same way. Hadthe mob collected for disloyal purposes, they would have shown theirdisloyalty just in the like manner, only it would have been the StadtHouse instead of that of Mynheer Krause. 

But now there was a fresh impetus given to the feelings of the mob. Thenews had been spread like wildfire, that Mynheer the syndic had beenproved innocent, and ordered to be immediately liberated, and was sentfor by his Majesty; upon which, the mob were undecided, whether theyshould prove their indignation, at this unjust imprisonment of theirworthy magistrate, by setting fire to some public building, or bycarrying him in triumph to his own house, which they forgot theyhad burnt down. Fortunately they decided upon the latter, theysurrounded the Stadt House with cries of "Long life to our worthysyndic--prosperity to Mynheer Krause, " and rushing up stairs, theycaught him in their arms, and carried him triumphantly through thestreets bringing him at last to the smoking ruins of his own house, andthere they left him; they had done all they could, they had carried himthere in triumph, but, as for building the house up again, that wasimpossible; so, as Mynheer Krause looked with dismay at the wreck of allhis property, the loyal mob dispersed, each feeling that he had been alittle too hasty in possessing himself of a small share of it. What afine thing is loyalty! Mynheer Krause found himself alone; he lookedwith scorn and indignation upon the scene of violence, and then walkedaway to an hotel, particularly disgusted with the loyal cry of "Longlive King William. "

In the meantime, the door of the dungeon where the widow Vanderslooshwas incarcerated was thrown open, and she was informed that she was nolonger a prisoner. The widow indignant that she should have beenconfined for her loyalty, raved and walked majestically out of the StadtHouse, not deigning to answer to the compliments offered to her by someof the inferior officers. Her bosom swelled with indignation, and shewas determined to tell his Majesty a bit of her mind, if she shouldobtain access to him; and the next day she took the trouble to go allthe way to the Hague, again to see his Majesty, but his Majesty wasn'tat home, and Lord Albemarle to whom she sent in, was indisposed, and hisGrace the Duke of Portland was particularly engaged; so the widow hadthe journey for nothing, and she declared to Babette, that she neverwould put her foot under the palace roof again as long as she lived. 

But, although Madam Vandersloosh was not received at court that day, thesyndic Mynheer Krause was; when he sent in his name, Lord Albemarle ledthe syndic by the hand to his Majesty. 

"We have been too hasty, Mynheer Krause, " said his Majesty, with agracious smile. 

Mynheer bowed low. 

"I regret to hear that the populace in their loyalty have burnt downyour 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, butfirmly, "I have obeyed your summons to appear in your presence, but willrequest that your Majesty will release me from the burden. I have cometo lay my chain and staff of office at your Majesty's feet, it being myintention to quit the town. "

"You are too hasty, Mynheer Krause, " replied his Majesty withdispleasure. 

"May it please your Majesty, " replied Krause. "He who has been confinedas a prisoner in the Stadt House, is not fit to exercise his dutiesthere as a judge; I have served your Majesty many years with the utmostzeal and fidelity. In return, I have been imprisoned and my propertydestroyed, I must now return to a station more suitable to my presentcondition, and once more with every assurance of loyalty, I beg to bepermitted to lay my insignia of office at your Majesty's feet. "

Mynheer Krause suited the action to the word. The king frowned andturned away to the window, and Mynheer Krause perceiving that hisMajesty'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. Myhouse is burnt down, and the plundering mob have been too hasty. Well--well--it is fortunate I took Ramsay's advice, my house and whatwas 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 abeggar, all the satisfaction I should have received would have been asmile, and the excuse of being too hasty. I wonder where my daughter andRamsay are? I long to join them. "

From which mental soliloquy, it will be evident to the reader, thatMynheer Krause's loyalty had been considerably diminished, perhapsthinking that he had paid too dear for the commodity. 

Upon his return, Mynheer Krause publicly announced that he had resignedthe 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 hisGrace the Duke of Portland, the result of which was, that upon groundsbest known to the parties; for history will not reveal everything, Mynheer Engelback was recommended to fill the office of syndic of thetown of Amsterdam, vacant by the resignation of Mynheer Krause; and thatin consequence of this, all those who took off their hats to MynheerKrause but two days before, and kept them on when they met MynheerEngelback, now kept them on when they met Mynheer Krause, and pulledthem 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 andwomen sent down below, and Mr Vanslyperken on the point of being draggedaft 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 talkingwith Jemmy Salisbury and his wife, whom they were astonished to findamong the assailants. 

"Why, Jemmy, how did you get a berth among those chaps?"

"I'll tell you, " said Moggy, interrupting: "when he was last atPortsmouth, they heard him playing his fiddle and singing, and they tooksuch a fancy to him, that they were determined to have him to amuse themin the cave. So one evening, they _kidnapped_ him, took him away by mainforce, 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 thecue from his wife; "and if that chap, Vanslyperken, don't command thecutter any more, which I've a notion he will not, I shall enter asboatswain--heh, Dick. "

"Yes, " replied Short, who was swinging in his hammock. 

"Well--when I found that Jemmy couldn't be found, that my dear darlingduck 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 oneof the gang, and she told me where he was, fiddle and all, and Ipersuaded 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 tookthe trouble to disprove it, it was received as not the least apocryphal. But now Mr Vanslyperken was dragged past them by two of theconspirators, and all the men of the _Yungfrau_ followed on deck, to seewhat was to take place. 

When Mr Vanslyperken had been brought aft, his legs tottered, and hecould 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 accusationagainst you, for although we may be lawless, we will still be just. Youvoluntarily entered into our service, and received our pay. You were oneof us, with only this difference, that we have taken up the cause fromprinciple and loyalty, and you joined us from mercenary motives. Stillwe kept our faith with you; for every service performed, you were welland honourably paid. But you received our money and turned against us;revealed our secrets, and gave information to your government, by whichthat gentleman" (pointing to Ramsay) "and many others, had not theyfortunately 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 sotraitorously prepared for others. "

"Die!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, "no--no--mercy, sir--mercy. I am not fitto die. "

"Few are--but this is certain--that a villain like you is not fit tolive. "

"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, thateven if you were to escape us, you would still be hung; for all yourextracts of the despatches, I have, with full explanation, put into thehands of the English government. Do you expect mercy from them--theyhave not showed much as yet. "

"O God--O God!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, throwing himself down on thedeck in despair. 

"Now, my lads, you have heard the charges against this man, and alsothat 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 hasbetrayed the present government of England, in whose pay and service hewas at the time--what is your opinion?"

Hereupon, Obadiah Coble hitched up his trousers, and said, "Why, as amatter 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, " saidSir Robert. "So prepare to die; the religion you profess I know not, butthe time you will be allowed to make your peace with your God isfifteen 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 theseamen of the _Yungfrau_. But while they were getting the whip ready onthe starboard, Jemmy Ducks was very quietly employed getting another onthe larboard yard-arm, which nobody took notice of. 

As soon as the whip, and the cord with the hangman's noose made fast toit, were all ready, it was reported to Sir Robert by Corporal VanSpitter, who stepped up to him with his usual military salute. SirRobert 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 stillremained prostrate on the deck. 

"It is my duty to inform you, sir, that but five minutes are left ofthe time awarded to you, " said Sir Robert to Vanslyperken. 

"Five minutes!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, jumping up from the deck, "butfive minutes--to die in five minutes, " continued he, looking up withhorror at the rope at the yard-arm, and the fatal noose at the end ofit, held in the hand of Corporal Van Spitter. "Stop, I have gold--plentyof 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 mygold?"

"You have but two minutes, sir, " observed Sir Robert. "Let the rope beput round his neck. "

This office was performed by Corporal Van Spitter. The corporal wasquite an amateur. 

"Mercy, mercy, " cried Vanslyperken, again falling on his knees, andholding 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, bya cord, the hero of our novel, Snarleyyow, who held back with all hispower, jerking his head to the right and to the left, but it was of nouse, he was dragged opposite to where Vanslyperken knelt. As the readermay guess, this person was Smallbones, who had tied on a bonnet, andmuffled up his face, so as not to be observed when he first went onboard. Jemmy Ducks now assisted, and the whip on the larboard yard-armwas made fast to a cord with a running noose, for the hanging ofthe cur. 

The sight roused Vanslyperken. "My dog!" exclaimed he, "woman, leavethat dog alone--who are you that dare touch my dog?"

The female turned round, threw off her bonnet and handkerchief andexhibited to the terrified lieutenant, the face of the supposed departedSmallbones. 

"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, " saidSmallbones. 

"Hath the sea given up its dead?" replied Vanslyperken, in a hollowvoice. 

"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 tobe hung--as I'm a good Christian, I'll forgive you--that is, if you behung, you know. "

Vanslyperken, who now perceived that Smallbones had been by some miraclepreserved, recovered himself. 

"If you forgive me, " replied Vanslyperken, "then pray do not ill-treatmy dog. "

"I'se not forgiven him, anyhow--I owes him enough, and now I'll have hisaccount settled, by gum. When you goes up there, he goes up here, assure as I'm Peter Smallbones. "

"Be merciful!" exclaimed Vanslyperken, who, strange to say, forgot hisown 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 longexpired, but the interest occasioned by it had inclined Sir Robert towait till it was over. 

"Enough, " cried Sir Robert, "your time is too long expired. Commend yoursoul 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 seriousnessand a pathos in Vanslyperken's words and manner, which affected thosewho were present like a gleam of sunshine, this one feeling which wasunalloyed with baser metal shone upon the close of a worthless andwicked life, Sir Robert nodded his head, and Vanslyperken walked withhis 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 draggedhim to the other side of the deck. The unfortunate wretch was whollyabsorbed in the fate of his cur, who had endeavoured to follow hismaster. His eyes were fixed upon Snarleyyow, and Snarleyyow's were fixedupon 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 hadmanned the starboard whip, and away went Jemmy Ducks on the larboardside, and, at the yard-arms' of the cutter were suspended the bodies ofVanslyperken and Snarleyyow. 

Thus perished one of the greatest scoundrels, and one of the vilestcurs, which ever existed. They were damnable in their lives, and intheir deaths they were not divided. 

By the manuscript records, found in the Jacobite papers, it appears thatthe double execution took place on the 3rd of August in the year of ourLord, 1700. 

Chapter LIV

In which affairs begin to wind up. 

There are few people whose vindictive feelings are not satisfied withthe 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 directedto the struggling Vanslyperken, and then, as if sickened at the sight ofhis sufferings, were turned away with a feeling very near akin tocompassion. 

One only looked or never thought of Vanslyperken, and that one wasSmallbones, who watched the kicking and plunging of his natural enemy, Snarleyyow. Gradually, the dog relaxed his exertions, and Smallboneswatched, somewhat doubtful, whether a dog who had defied every otherkind of death, would condescend to be hanged. At last, Snarleyyow wasquite still. He appeared nearly to have gone to--"Where the wicked ceasefrom troubling, and the weary are at rest. "

"He won't a cum to life any more this time, " said Smallbones; "but I'llnot let you out of my hands yet. They say a cat have nine lives, but, bygum, some dogs have ninety. "

There was a dead silence on the deck of the cutter for a quarter of anhour, during which the bodies remained suspended. A breeze then camesweeping along and ruffled the surface of the water. This was of toogreat importance to allow of further delay. Sir Robert desired theseamen of the _Yungfrau_ to come aft, told them he should take theircutter to Cherbourg, to land the Women and his own people, and that thenthey would be free to return to Portsmouth; all that he requested ofthem was to be quiet and submissive during the short time that he andhis party were on board. Coble replied for the ship's company--"As forthe matter of that 'ere--there was no fear of their being quiet enoughwhen 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 whathad happened, and their messmates being wounded, what was swinging atthe yard-arm made them all friends again. The gentleman might take thecutter where he pleased, and might use her as long as he liked, and whenhe had done with her it was quite time enough to take her back toPortsmouth. "

"Well, then, as we understand one another, we had now better makesail, " said Sir Robert. "Cut away that rope, " continued he, pointing tothe 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 anddisappeared. 

"They mayn't cut this tho'!" cried Smallbones. "I'll not trusthim--Jemmy, my boy, get up a pig of ballast. I'll sink him fifty fathomsdeep, and then if so be he cum up again, why then I give it up for abad job. "

Jemmy brought up the pig of ballast, the body of Snarleyyow was loweredon board, and, after having been secured with divers turns of the ropeto 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 anymore, anyhow; there's no knowing though. Now I'll just go down and seeif 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 thatthe hanging was over the females came on deck. One of the Jesuit priestswas a good surgeon, and attended to the wounded men, who all promised todo 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 toPortsmouth. "

"Mein Gott, yes;" replied the corporal, and acting upon this idea, hewent aft and entered into conversation with Ramsay, giving him a detailof the affair with the widow and of her having gone to the Hague toaccuse Vanslyperken, ending with expressing his wish of himself and thecrew that they might go to the Hague instead of going to Portsmouth. Nothing could please Ramsay better. He was most anxious to send a letterto Mynheer Krause to inform him of the safety of his daughter, and heimmediately 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 walkedforward to communicate this good news. The crew of the _Yungfrau_ andthe conspirators or smugglers were soon on the best of terms, and asthere was no one to check the wasteful expenditure of stores and no oneaccountable, the liquor was hoisted up on the forecastle, and the nightpassed 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 jammedup 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 singa 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 therewas no accommodation for the numerous party of men and women on board, the carousing was kept up until the next morning, when, at daylight, thecutter was run into Cherbourg. The officers who came on board, went onshore with the report that the cutter belonged to the Englishgovernment, and had been occupied by Sir Robert and his men, who werewell known. The consequence was, an order for the cutter to leave theport immediately, as receiving her would be tantamount to an aggressionon the part of France. But this order, although given, was not intendedto be rigidly enforced, and there was plenty of time allowed for SirRobert and his people to land with their specie and baggage. 

Ramsay did not forget his promise to the corporal. He went to the Frenchauthorities, stated the great importance of his forwarding a letter toAmsterdam immediately, and that the way it might be effected would bevery satisfactory. That, aware that King William was at the Hague, theyshould write a letter informing him of the arrival of the cutter; andthat his Majesty might not imagine that the French government couldsanction such outrages, they had sent her immediately on to him, underthe charge of one of their officers, to wait upon his Majesty, andexpress their sentiments of regret that such a circumstance should haveoccurred. The authorities were aware that, to obey Sir Robert would notbe displeasing to the court of Versailles, and that the excuse for sodoing could only be taken as a compliment to the English court, therefore acted upon this suggestion. A French officer was sent on boardof the cutter with the despatch, and Ramsay's letter to Mynheer Krausewas committed to the charge of the corporal. 

Before the sun had set, the _Yungfrau_ was again at sea, and, on thethird morning, anchored in her usual berth off the town of Amsterdam. 

Chapter LV

In which we trust that everything will be arranged to the satisfactionof our readers. 

The French officer who was sent to explain what had occasioned thearrival of the cutter in the port of Cherbourg, immediately set off forthe Hague, and was received by Lord Albemarle. 

As soon as his credentials had been examined, he was introduced to hisMajesty, King William. 

"It appears, " said his Majesty to Lord Albemarle, after theintroduction, "that these Jacobite conspirators have saved us onetrouble by hanging this traitor, Vanslyperken. "

"Yes, your Majesty, he has met with his deserved punishment, " repliedLord Albemarle. 

Then addressing himself to the officer, "We will return ouracknowledgments for this proof of good will on the part of the Frenchgovernment, " said his Majesty, bowing. "My Lord Albemarle, you will seethat this gentleman is suitably entertained. "

The officer bowed low and retired. 

"This is an over politeness which I do not admire, " observed his Majestyto Lord Albemarle. "Let that person be well watched, depend upon it theletter is all a pretext, there is more plotting going on. "

"I am of your Majesty's opinion, and shall be careful that yourMajesty's commands are put in force, " replied his lordship, as KingWilliam retired into his private apartments. 

The cutter had not been half-an-hour at anchor, before Obadiah Coblewent on shore with the corporal. Their first object was to apply to theauthorities, that the wounded men might be sent to the hospital, whichthey were before the night; the next was to deliver the letter toMynheer Krause. They thought it advisable to go first to the widowVandersloosh, who was surprised at the sight of her dear corporal, andmuch more enraptured when she heard that Mr Vanslyperken and his cur hadbeen hanged. 

"I'll keep my word, corporal, " cried the widow, "I told you I would notmarry 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 tillthe poor fellows are out of the hospital, for I must have them all tothe wedding. "

"Mein Gott, yes, " replied the corporal. 

The widow then proceeded to state how she had been thrown into adungeon, and how she and Mynheer Krause, the syndic, had been releasedthe next day, how Mynheer Krause's house had been burnt to the ground, and all the other particulars with which the reader is alreadyacquainted. 

This reminded the corporal of the letters to the Mynheer Krause, whichhe 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--shesent Babette, who executed her commission without exciting anysuspicion, and made Mynheer Krause very happy. He soon made hisarrangements, and joined his daughter and Ramsay, who had not, however, awaited his arrival, but had been married the day after they landed atCherbourg. Mynheer Krause was not a little surprised to find that hisson-in-law was a Jacobite, but his incarceration and loss of hisproperty had very much cooled his loyalty. He settled at Hamburgh, andbecame perfectly indifferent whether England was ruled by King Williamor King James. 

Ramsay's marriage made him also less warm in the good cause; he hadgained a pretty wife and a good fortune, and to be very loyal a personshould be very poor. The death of King James in the year following, released him from his engagements, and, as he resided at Hamburgh, hewas soon forgotten, and was never called upon to embark in thesubsequent fruitless attempts on the part of the Jacobites. 

As it was necessary to write to the Admiralty in England, acquaintingthem with the fate of Mr Vanslyperken, and demanding that anotherofficer should be sent out to take the command of the _Yungfrau_, adelay of three or four weeks took place, during which the cutterremained at Amsterdam; for Dick Short and Coble were no navigators, ifthey had wished to send her back; and, moreover, she had so many of hercrew at the hospital, that she was weak-handed. 

It was about a month after her arrival at Amsterdam, that every soulbelonging to the cutter had gone on shore, and she was left to swing tothe tide and foul her hawse, or go adrift if she pleased, for she had totake care of herself. This unusual disregard to naval instructions arosefrom the simple fact, that on that day was to be celebrated the marriageof widow Vandersloosh and Corporal Van Spitter. 

Great, indeed, had been the preparations; all the ingenuity and talentof Jemmy Ducks, and Moggy, and Bill Spurey, for he and all the otherswere now discharged from the hospital, had been summoned to theassistance of the widow and Babette, in preparing and decorating theLust Haus for the important ceremony, which the widow declared KingWilliam himself should hear of, cost what it might. Festoons of flowers, wreaths of laurel garlands from the ceiling, extra chandeliers, extramusicians, all were dressed out and collected in honour of thisauspicious day. 

The whole of the crew of the cutter were invited, not, however, to feastat the widow's expense; neither she nor the corporal would standtreat;--but to spend their money in honour of the occasion. And it mustbe observed, that since their arrival in port, the _Yungfrau_ had spenta great deal of money at the widow's; which was considered strange, asthey had not, for some time, received any pay. And it was furtherobserved, that none appeared so wealthy as Smallbones and Corporal VanSpitter. Some had asserted that it was the gold of Mr Vanslyperken, which had been appropriated by the crew to their own wants, consideringthemselves as his legitimate heirs. Whether this be true or not, it isimpossible to say; certain it is, that there was no gold found in MrVanslyperken's cabin when his successor took possession of it. Andequally certain it was, that all the _Yungfraus_ had their pockets fullof gold, and that the major part of this gold did ultimately fall intothe possession of the widow Vandersloosh, who was heard to say, that MrVanslyperken had paid the expenses of her wedding. From these factscollected, we must leave the reader to draw what inference hemay please. 

The widow beautifully dressed;--a white kersey petticoat, deep bluestockings, silver buckles in her shoes, a scarlet velvet jacket, withlong flaps before and behind, a golden cross six inches long, suspendedto a velvet ribbon, to which was attached, half-way between the crossand her neck, a large gold heart, gold ear-rings, and on her head anornament, which, in Holland and Germany, is called a _zitternabel_, shook and trembled as she walked along to church, hanging on the arm ofher dear corporal. Some of the bridges were too narrow to admit thehappy pair to pass abreast. The knot was tied. The name Vandersloosh wasabandoned without regret, for the sharper one of Van Spitter; andflushed with joy, and the thermometer at ninety-six, the cavalcadereturned home, and refreshed themselves with some beer of the Frau VanSpitter'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 dinnerparty consisted of a chosen set, the most particular friends of thecorporal. Mr Short, first officer and boatswain, Mr William Spurey, Mrand Mrs Salisbury; and last, although not the least important person inthis history, Peter Smallbones, Esquire, who having obtained moneysomehow, was now remarkable for the neatness of his apparel. The fairwidow, assisted by Moggy and Babette, cooked the dinner, and when itwas 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 littleparlour. It was very close, the gentlemen took off their jackets, andthe widow and Moggy fanned themselves, and the enormous demand byevaporation was supplied with foaming beer. None could have done thehonours of the table better than the corporal and his lady who satmelting and stuck together on the little fubsy sofa, which had been thewitness 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 tocorner: Babette here, and Babette there, it is Babette everywhere. Theroom is full, and the musicians have commenced tuning their instruments;the party run from the table to join the rest. A general cheer greetsthe widow as she is led into the room by the corporal--for she had askedmany of her friends as well as the crew of the _Yungfrau_, and manyothers came who were not invited; so that the wedding day, instead ofdisbursement, produced one of large receipt to the happy pair. 

"Now then, corporal, you must open the ball with your lady, " cried BillSpurey. 

"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 nonotion of waltzing, further than having seen the dance performed byothers, seized his wife by the waist, who, with an amorous glance, dropped her fat arm upon the corporal's shoulder. This was the signalfor the rest--the corporal had made but one turn before a hundred couplemore were turning also--the whole room seemed turning. The corporalcould not waltz, but he could turn--he held on fast by the widow, andwith such a firm piece of resistance he kept a centrifugal balance, andwithout regard to time or space, he increased his velocity at aprodigious rate. Round they went, with the dangerous force of the twoiron balls suspended to the fly-wheel which regulate the power of somestupendous steam-engine. 

The corporal would not, and his better half could not, stop. The firstcouple they came in contact with were hurled to the other side of theroom; a second and a third fell, and still the corporal wheeled on; twochairs and a table were swept away in a moment. Three young women, withbaskets of cakes and nuts, were thrown down together, and the contentsof all their baskets scattered on the floor; and "Bravo, corporal!"resounded from the crew of the _Yungfrau_--Babette and two bottles ofginger beer were next demolished; Jemmy Ducks received a hoist, andSmallbones was flatted to a pancake. Every one fled from the orbit ofthese revolving spheres, and they were left to wheel by themselves. Atlast, Mrs Van Spitter finding that nothing else would stop her husband, who, like all heavy bodies, once put in motion, returned it inproportion to his weight, dropped down, and left him to support herwhole weight. This was more than the corporal could stand, and itbrought him up all standing--he stopped, dropped his wife, and reeled toa chair, for he was so giddy that he could not keep his legs, and so outof breath that he had lost his wind. 

"Bravo, corporal!" was shouted throughout the room, while his spousehardly knew whether she should laugh, or scold him well; but, it beingthe wedding night, she deferred the scolding for that night only, andshe gained a chair, and fanned and wiped, and fanned and wiped again. The corporal, shortly afterwards, would have danced again, but Mrs VanSpitter having had quite enough for that evening, she thanked him forthe offer, was satisfied with his prowess, but declined on the score ofthe extreme sultriness of the weather; to which observation, thecorporal replied, as usual, "Mein Gott, yes. "

The major part of the evening was passed in dancing and drinking. Thecorporal and his wife, with Babette, now attending to the wants of theircustomers, who, what with the exercise, the heat of the weather, and thefumes of tobacco, were more than usually thirsty, and as they becamesatisfied with dancing, so did they call for refreshments. 

But we cannot find space to dwell upon the quantity of beer, the varietyof liquors which were consumed at this eventful wedding, with which wewind 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 toquit her bed; nor can we detail the jokes, the merriment, and the songswhich went round, the peals of laughter, the loud choruses, the anticfeats performed by the company; still more impossible would it be togive an idea of the three tremendous cheers, which shook the Lust Hausto its foundations, when Corporal and Mistress Van Spitter, upon theirretiring, bade farewell to the company assembled. 

The observation of Jemmy Salisbury, as he waddled out, was as correct asit was emphatic:

"Well, Dick, this _has been_ a spree!"

"Yes, " replied Dick Short.