counts, and receive further orders, but also to open his budget of local intelligence, and answer with his usual loquacity the numerous inquiries, how this one's wife was-how another one's mother and sisters-and whether a third one's sweetheart was married, or still living in fond and faithful expectation. But all this, and a great deal more, our readers can very easily suppose so let it pass. Indeed, muckle Rob seemed to care very little about the subject himself; for he was continually breaking away from it to make some one inquiry or other about the "dreadfu' cutting-out affair," as he was pleased to phrase it, "wussing muckle to ken whether or no there were ony o' the Frith lads amang the killed or missing, as he was positively deaved to death, and tormented night and day, wi' about a score or twa o' clavering women anent them.”

He was soon satisfied on this point, there being only one belonging to Kirkcaldy of the name of Walter Malcolm, among the whole number, whom fortunately he did not know.

The discourse then took another turn, and the jollities and delights of the shore had begun to be prelected upon with considerable vivacity by two or three expectants of the highly prized liberty-ticket, when muckle Rob, who stood leaning on the gunnel, sud denly put an end to their mirth, by very seriously informing them, that that very morning, while waiting for his postage on board of the guardship, he had heard it positively announced, that the Tottumfog was to proceed to sea directly, while the Whippersnapper, being thought more materially damaged, was to sail in a few days for Sheerness, there to undergo a thorough repair.

"Come, come, my lively sculler," cried Bill Lyson, bursting into the circle formed round the brawny speaker," belay, belay, if you please, or you and I shall fall out.-Don't you think I knows, now, you are running us some of your d-d shore-rigs, and reeling us off an infernal lie ?"

"Eh, Wull Lyson," cried Muckle Rob, in a tone of reproach," to think that I wad tell you a lie-sic an auld acquaintance. I tell ye, man, it's as true what I'm saying, as

"Bah!" cried Lyson, interrupting him, “I won't believe a word on't No, no, my old blade, you mustn't go

for to think to come over us in that there lousy manner either; for mayhap we're not such flat-fish as you supposes. To sea directly!-my eye, a pretty story in faith!-Why, man, doesn't know, as how I've heard our carpenter say, that, after all their botching and patching, the hooker wasn't by any means sea-worthy. And havn't we all heard old Marlin say twenty times, since we came here, that her canvass wasn't worth a d-n, and indeed good for nothing but to be cut up for trowsers, or the patching of old jackets. Haven't we heard him say, that he could get no supplies whatever in this lousy place, though he hadn't a spare coil of running rope in all his store-room; and above all, my brave fellow,-and, mind me, it's a clencher,

doesn't recollect how short-handed we are, and the guardo has none to spare. Bah, bah! by the Lord Harry, I'd as soon believe that we were going in chase, immediately after dinner, of that there monument of Nelson's on the hill yonder."

"Aweel, aweel, Lyson, just haud your tongue a bit, and hear what I've to say," cried the dauntless Robert.

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Forgive me, sirs, I'm no wanting ye to believe my word, I'm only telling ye what I heard, and my lugs are as gude as mony gaun;-neither am I wanting you awa in sic a hurry, for, well I wot, it will be a black sight to my pouch. But the haill story lies here, ye see. As I said before, I was standing at the admiral's gangway this morning, waiting on the siller for my letters, and havering a' the time wi' auld Wattie, the quarter-master-ye'll a' ken auld Wattie, a very douce, decent man-Weel, he looks ower into auld Tibby, as I ca' my boat there, and says he to me, 'Hollo, Rob,' says he, 'you've a gude lading; pray, where are you bound for with all that nice gear?' I laughed, ye ken; and, says I, Whar d'ye think I should be gaun, Wattie, but to my auld friends in the Tottumfog?' That was the thing that first set us a-speaking about you, for otherwise, ye ken, I had nae occasion to mention ye to him or onybody. Aweel, sirs, the short and the lang o' the story is this, that it is as true as death, Wattie told me out o' his ain mouth what I tell'd ye a' just the now, that he heard ye were gaun aff again directly, and that ye are to be visited by the Admiral himsell-but he didna

mention what day—wha's to gie ye a' thing ye need out o' his ain ship." "Now, ar't sure, Bob, you an't fibbing?" inquired Lyson, gravely. "Am I sure, William ?" cried muckle Rob, holding up his bulky fists in solemn protestation-"I'm as sure I heard what I'm telling you, and a' the lave-ay, as sure as I've death to meet wi', and as I'm treading the deck under me"-and the huge fellow stamp ed on the deck with his brawny foot. "Then I must tell you, I am d-d sorry to hear it, Bob, that's all," said Lyson, sighing deeply, and walking away.

"Aweel," said muckle Rob, look ing after him compassionately, and addressing the others gathered round him. -"Aweel, nae doubt, callants, disappointment's a sair, sair thing to thole. I've kent something o' that mysell in my day. Od bless me, I mind that time they harled me awa wi' the lave, in spite of my neck, aboard o' the Texel, I thocht I wad hae broken my heart.'

"What, Bob, were you ever aboard, my hearty?" exclaimed Jack Sykes, why, that is news indeed. Pray what was the occasion ?"

"Uh! weel I wot, nae great occasion that ever I saw," replied Rob ;"but ye see it was troublesome times, and men werena to be had for love nor money ;-and there cam a report that the French were awa to murder a' our whalers, and there being nae veshels here, the Admiral's guard-ship, that's the Texel, bid to gaug hersell. Then she wantit men, and that bred sic a curfuffle, ye ne'er saw the like so they ruggit a' body awa' they could get a haud o', and me amang the lave." "Well, and I hope you pinned the Frenchmen, Bob," replied Sykes; "or was it all a bam?"

"Bam here, bam there, devil a Frenchman ever we saw," said Rob. "Na, ne'er a hate we did ava but rin after the floating ice muntains o' Greenland; for we nae sooner cam up wi' ane, than anither peer'd on the verge o' the horizon, and awa we crowded after it-Troth, ye never saw sic a daft-like business in your days. I'se warrant I lost a gude twenty pounds by that job. To be sure, I dinna care a prin about it now, for it's blawn by, and I've gotten ower it. Tuts, sirs, after a', what's the use of preaching to sailors-the back, some way or

ither, is aye made for the burden; and a stout heart to a stay brae is the best sermon ye can gie them.-But poor Wull, though-od I'm sorry to see him sae down in the mouth, for he's an auld friend o' mine, and I ken fu' weel he expectit his wife frae Shields every day, wham he hasnae seen to my knowledge these ten years. They aye met at our house ye see, for the wife and her are terrible cronies, and he wad never allow her to come on board. Wae's me, poor fallow, I'm sorry I spoke o't ava; but I tak ye a' to witness, lads, that if it turn out a lie what I've been telling ye, ye maun put a' the wyte o't on Wattie Callander-a man, however, I must say, I never kent to tell a lie yet."

"Bob!" cried a servant, "you're wanted in the gun-room directly."

"Coming, my dear-coming in a moment," answered muckle Rob, making his way through the circle around him. "Now, callants,” continued he, "for ye see I maun be gaun, if ye hae ony mair commands for me, or ony dirty things to wash and mend, just bundle them up, and I'll tak them ashore wi' me. At ony event, I think I'll maybe see you again before the darkening."

"I'll tell you what, my hearty," cried Sykes, "I'd, for one, wish you'd contrive to see whether there is any truth in that there news you've just been telling us when you get ashore; because, if there is, you know, it's more than time we were looking out for squalls."

"That I will, you may depend on't," cried Rob, hurrying away.

The officers detained him very shortly in the gun-room, their letters, &c. being in all readiness. He was therefore speedily in his boat; and after receiving various bundles of soiled linens, letters, and other trifling commissions from the crew, he cast loose auld Tibby, and made for the harbour.

Ever faithful to his word, however, muckle Rob did pass the vessel before the night set in, but, having passengers on board auld Tibby, he could not stop. He merely, therefore, contented himself with hailing the ship; and, on being answered, he bawled out, “Tell Sykes I was quite right,” and rowed on. The events of the following day put the matter to rest.

The following day, before dinner, Captain Switchem came on board, and was received by all his officers on the quarter-deck as usual. He was hardly over the gunnel, when he grasped the hand of his first lieutenant, who awaited him, exclaiming, "No rest for the wicked, it would appear, my dear Fyke-I've got a vast of news for you, though, I must confess, they a'nt of a very pleasant nature-more of that, however, anon. How dost, my dear Cawdle-I hope you've got your sick bay fairly cleared out. Where's Nailparing ?-Oh, he'll be looking out a lading for his store-rooms.-My service to you all, gentlemen.-Ah! my dear little heroes, are you there? How are you both-good students, I hope, and making great progress. It grieves me to say, my dear boys, that I won't be able to allow either of you to eat Christmas-cake with your papas and mammas this trip, but you may depend upon my honour as soon as we come into harbour again. With this apology I hope you will be satisfied, and make yourselves as contented as I'm obliged to be.-Come, come, you young rogues, no wry faces.-Recollect

you must obey orders, and behave yourselves properly as young gentleinen officers ought to do. Go to your lessons; for, mind me, I'll expect great things from you for all this idleness. -Come, Fyke, go with me below, I want to hear your details of progress." So saying, they both went below, leaving the other officers, and indeed all hands, in a state of complete wonderment as to what was the reason of this marvellous hurry.

After some hours' consultation, Captain Switchem and his second in command returned to the deck, and the Captain's gig being ready in waiting, he made direct for the gangway. Much curiosity had been excited as to the occasion of this consultation, and much more was to gratify as to its issue. All

Well-a-day!

that could be heard, however, were his parting words, which, it was said, sounded something like,-" Now, for God's sake, my dear Fyke, exert yourself, and see that you get all things in as forward a state as you can. If I meet Nailparing on shore, I'll beat up his quarters, and see that he hurries his stores on board of you a little faster than he seems to be inclined at present. Meantime adieu; I'll see you, I hope, about the same hour tomorrow. Then making a general obeisance to his other officers, he descended into his gig, and shoved off."

" I

"Well, gentlemen, what think ye of the excellent intelligence our commander has brought us?" exclaimed Lieutenant Fyke, rejoining the rest of the officers on the quarter-deck. earnestly hope none of you sighs for the pleasures of the drawing-room, or the delights of the parlour fireside; for if you do, I sincerely pity yousince it so pleases the higher powers, instead of granting us these high enjoyments, to order us to a latitude to hold our Christmas where our wine will require no cooling, and where, instead of the witching smiles of beauty, we will have to content ourselves with the grin of that vinegar-faced old rascal, Jack Frost. 'Pon my soul, however, I must say 'tis rather tight-lacing this after all; and rather inclines to make fair duty a hardship. But why do you confine yourselves, gentlemen? In the situation I am placed, I have nothing to expect but a few hours' glimpse ashore after night-fall; but that's no rule to you. Would you take my advice as there will be little peace here I would have all of you, who wish to enjoy an afternoon's relaxation, to embrace the present opportunity. I assure you, gentlemen, I can promise you nothing for to-morrow; everything depending on the arrival of Nailparing's stores, and these, you may assure yourselves, will not

be long wanting if Switchem falls in with him, and he's avowedly gone on the hunt. By the by, are you certain all our stores are complete, Doeboy?"

"Yes, yes-I think pretty nearly," replied the second lieutenant; "I just wish to see the contents of a hamper or two from Henderson, which I expected ere this time, to be able to speak more distinctly."

"Why, what Henderson is that?" inquired the Doctor.

"Henderson of the South Bridge, Edinburgh, to be sure," rejoined the second lieutenant, "the best victualler in the three kingdoms, either for sauces, soups, or wines; ay, in short, either for liquids or solids."

"Well, I'll tell you what I'll do, Doeboy, and my charge for trouble shall not exceed a couple bottles middling wine, as I'm going up to Edinburgh myself to-day, to get a few supplies to my medicine chest, I'll even give this Henderson of yours a call, and water his memory."

"Now, by my honour, Doctor, you may save yourself the trouble, and me the expense of the wine," cried Lieutenant Doeboy; " for I can tell you, Henderson's memory doesn't require any watering-he's as punctual to time as the twopenny post. However, as Fyke says we should take time by the forelock, I've not the smallest objections to accompany you, if you are unengaged, were it no more than to give one's legs a stretch. What say you to that plan, Fyke—are you agreeable?"

"Yes, yes, perfectly so," said Lieutenant Fyke," could I get rid of the cursed feeling of envy I can't help bearing the pair of you."

"Pshaw, my dear fellow," cried Doeboy, "you'll be rid of that in a year or two, once you get a ship of your own. Come along, Doctor, and let us put ourselves in a little better shape for the shore-for once I take a notion in my head, I love to go through with it."

"Oh, of course," said Doctor Cawdle, "skyrocket Jack as usual."

They had no sooner left the deck for the shore, than Lieutenant Fyke set himself seriously to higher duties; -the sail-locker was emptied, the sails unloosed and examined, and, wherever faulty, were set about being repaired-other hands were employed

in setting up the lower rigging, under the direction of the gunner, and seizing it afresh-while parties of the topmen were aloft, examining and repairing the slings of the yards, restropping blocks, &c. &c. In short, all hands were busily employed in making everything ready for sea.

The sails were barely stowed away, and matters assuming some degree of order, when a lighter came alongside, out of which suddenly sprung Mr Nailparing, evidently in a high fume of ill humour.

"So he has hunted you off, Nailparing?" cried LieutenantFyke,laughing." Well, positively I must give him the credit of saying that he has an excellent nose a better, indeed, never left Bow Street; for he has done more in a few hours than I could have done in a month. But how did he contrive to ferret you out so readily; where did he pull you up, Nailparing ?”

"Pull me up!" exclaimed the purser, breathless with rage; "Pull me up, say you! D-n me, he has pulled me up, and pulled me off, too, sir, with a vengeance, I can tell you. But pshaw!" cried he, breaking away, "don't bother me now, Fyke, for I'm not in the humour of talking. send your people to clear that confounded lighter, and leave me to recover myself."

Go

This was soon done; and the first lieutenant, whose curiosity was roused to no common pitch at seeing the sedate, cool, and politic Nailparing so completely overcome with passion, immediately returned to the charge, with a Come, Nailparing, my dear fellow, I am positively dying of curiosity-tell me, where the devil did Switchem ferret you out so readily ?”

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"Ferret me out;-well may you say so, Fyke," cried the enraged purser, "for, 'pon my soul, I never was so publicly affronted in my life before. By G-, was it not a shame, or was it like a gentleman, to burst in upon us like a country hobnail, and break up, sans ceremonie, a nice comfortable dinner-party-the only discount, too, I ever receive from that fat, blowsy brute of a biscuit-baker, Peasebran, for all the money I pay him—and not only so, but actually to order-ay, Mr Fyke, to order me off, like a dog, to the pier, to ship your lousy stores, there, forsooth! D-n me, such rascally treatment is enough to make a

fellow mad. But what need I expect from him? a fellow who has no education, and never took a degree in his life-one of no family worth the naming-and, at the very best, but the skipper of a paltry sloop of war."

"Come, come, Nailparing, you forget yourself, my good sir," cried Lieutenant Fyke; always recollect, that be he what he may, he has the honour of being at present your commanding officer."

"The more is the shame, Fyke," cried the exasperated purser, "that a man of my family should be under such a thrall. D-n me, he's no gentleman, however, nor is there a gentle drop of blood in his plebeian carcase. Such a fellow"

"Pshaw, pshaw, Nailparing, you get foolish," cried the first lieutenant, interrupting him ; "you know as well as I do, that I shall not, must not, will not, listen to such calumnies against my first in command. Be so good, therefore, as have done with these peevish nonsensicals of yours, for to me, I assure you, they are high ly disagreeable."

"Highly disagreeable, Mr Fyke!" cried the purser, "did you say highly disagreeable, sir?"

Lieutenant Fyke coolly nodded as

sent.

“Ah, well, sir, I did not really I did not expect this-I mean-I should say, I thought you were my friend, Mr Fyke that's all," stuttered the purser.

"Mr Nailparing," said Lieutenant Fyke, gravely, "I flatter myself, you never had other occasion to think of me than as a friend; although, as a man of honour, who bears his Majesty's commission, I again repeat, I will not, cannot, stand by and hear my commander abused so mercilessly without a cause."

"Well, but hear me, Fyke-just for one moment hear me," cried the purser, descending a note or two from his overstretched alto ;-" Was it not shameful-ay, disgraceful-to affront me before a whole company-to tear me, neck and limb, from an excellent dinner-the only discount, as I said before, that scoundrel Peasebran ever allows me-just, forsooth, as if I had been his footman or his shoe-blackand, more than all this, not only to make me superintend, along with him, the loading of that confounded lighter VOL. XVIII.

there, but never to leave me, nor it, until we were a good musket-shot clear of the pier-head? D-n me, you may say what you like, Fyke, but it was very, very unhandsome treatment, I assure you, sir. If I had been a convicted felon, he could have done no more."

"Ha, ha, ha-ho, ho, ho!" roared Lieutenant Fyke, stamping the deck, and holding his sides until the water came into his eyes.

""Tis mighty well, Lieutenant Fyke-mighty well,indeed,sir,"growled out the purser, sulkily; then added, with a very low bow, ceedingly glad to see you so very-very merry, Lieutenant Fyke."

I'm ex

"Excuse me, excuse me, my dear fellow," cried the first lieutenant, smoothing down his merry muscles into a goodhumoured smile," but really your whole story is so completely ridiculous, that it is next to impossible to forbear laughing. But harkye, Nailparing, you say he accompanied you in the lighter clear of the pierhead, pray how did he contrive to leave you there?"

Nothing easier-his gig was in attendance," answered the purser doggedly.

66

Yo hoy!-ha, ha, ha!" again roared Lieutenant Fyke.

-n!

"I'm mighty glad, Mr Fyke," said the purser, testily, "mighty glad, indeed, sir, to be the cause of such amazing amusement to you.-Dyou're all alike. But I'll not endure such treatment, that I won't-I'll throw up my commission, that I will, and retire for ever from such a villainous slavery.-I'm of a good family, thank God, and can live independent of you all, so I can. It never shall be said no, never-that the eldest son of Nicol Nailparing of that ilk was obliged or beholden to one of you."

"Why, now, what a fume you have wrought yourself into, my dear fellow, for a mere nothing!" said Lieutenant Fyke, forgetting his mirth in the commiseration he felt for the agonized and outrageous purser." Do go below, Nailparing, for a minute or two, and compose yourself. By my honour, I had not the smallest idea you were so completely heart-struck. Pshaw, now, don't be a fool-why, you're quite womanish-Godown below, there's a good fellow, take a glass of grog or two, and that will soon bring you round again.Why, man, you're attracting the no

G