of a squall, unless she is gone to Davy Jones too -Well, she was better found than us, and not so deep loaded-she must have weathered it, We'll have a hammock slung for you aboard, and make a sailor and a man of you in the same trip." “I should like it well enough," said Mordaunt, who eagerly longed to see more of the world than his lonely situation had hitherto permitted; "but then my father must decide." "Your father? pooh!" said Captain Cleveland; but you are very right," he added, checking himself. "Gad, I have lived so long at sea, that I cannot think any body has a right to think except the captain and the master. But you are very right. I will go up to the old gentleman this instant, and speak him myself. He lives in that handsome, modern-looking building, I suppose, that I see a quarter of a mile off?" "In that old half-ruined house," said Mordaunt," he does indeed live; but he will see no visitors." "Then you must drive the point yourself, for I can't stay in this latitude. Since your father is no magistrate, I must go to see this same Magnus-how call you him? who is not justice of peace, but something else that will do the turn as well. These fellows have got two or three things that I must and will have back let them keep the rest, and be d-d to them. Will you give me a letter to him, just by way of commission ?" "It "It is scarce needful," said Mordaunt. is enough that you are shipwrecked, and need his help; - but yet I may as well furnish you with a letter of introduction.” "There," said the sailor, producing a writingcase from his chest," are your writing-tools,meantime, since bulk has been broken, I will nail down the hatches, and make sure of the cargo." While Mordaunt accordingly was engaged in writing to Magnus Troil a letter, setting forth the circumstances in which Captain Cleveland had been thrown upon their coast, the Captain, having first selected and laid aside some wearingapparel and necessaries enough to fill a knapsack, took in hand hammer and nails, employed himself in securing the lid of his sea-chest, by fast ening it down in a workmanlike manner, and then added the corroborating security of a cord, twisted and knotted with nautical dexterity. "I leave this in your charge," he said, “all except this," shewing the bag of gold," and these," pointing to a cutlass and pistols, "which may prevent all further risk of my parting company with my Portagues.” "You will find no occasion for weapons in this country, Captain Cleveland," replied Mordaunt; 66 a child might travel with a purse of gold from Sumburgh-head to the Scaw of Unst, and no soul would injure him." "And that's pretty boldly said, young gentleman, considering what is going on without doors at this moment." "O," replied Mordaunt, a little confused, "what comes on land with the tide, they reckon their lawful property. One would think they had studied under Sir Arthegal, who pronounces For equal right in equal things doth stand, He may dispose, by his resistless might, As things at random left, to whom he list. "I shall think the better of plays and ballads as long as I live, for these very words," said Captain Cleveland; "and yet I have loved them well enough in my day. But this is good doctrine, and more men than one may trim their sails to such a breeze. What the sea sends is ours, that's sure enough. However, in case that your good folks should think the land as well as the sea may present them with waiffs and strays, I will make bold to take my cutlass and pistols. Will you cause my chest to be secured in your own house till you hear from me, and use your influence to procure me a guide to shew me the way, and to carry my kitt?" "Will you go by sea or land?" said Mordaunt, in reply. 66 By sea!" exclaimed Cleveland. "Whatin one of these cockle-shells, and a cracked cockle-shell, to boot? No, no-land, land, unless I knew my crew, my vessel, and my voyage." |