Jem Bunt : a tale of the land and the ocean

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, -478 CRUIKSHANK. [Barker. M. H.] Jem Bunt(
■^tale of the land and the ocean. 23 engravings on steel by
R. Cruikshank. 8° original cloth, uncut. London (1841)

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J E M BUNT

A TALE OF

€lje %ml ml tfiP i)mn.

BY "THE OLD SAILOE."

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WITH TWENTY-THRP^E ILLUSTEATIONS ON STEEL,

BY R. CRUIKSHANK.

LONDON:
WILLOTJGHBY & CO., WARWICK LANE & SMITHFIELD.

W. TEGG 4 Co. G. ROUTLBDGE & Co. GLASGOW : R. GRIFFIN & Co,

THE OLD SAILOll,

WITH MANY GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCES,

Dfiiitntrs tljis Xhlmt,

TO HIS MUCn ESTEEMED FRIEND

LOUD RANCLIFFE,

OF BUNNY TAIIK, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.

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A FEW PREFATOEY REMARKS BY THE AUTHOR.

Villages, towns, ci/aes, counties, nay. even nations have contended
for the honour of having been the birth-place of some eminent indi-
vidual or other, whose name, after death, has figured on the rolls of
fame or in the pages of history ; but, in numerous instances, whose
body, whilst living, was suffered to sink into the very depths of wretch-
edness and misery. Masses of marble, emblazoned with memorials,
have been erected over the cold, senseless corpse, mouldering in its
winding-sheet, and creating the very worms that feed upon it ; and,
yet that form, when animated with the breath of existence, had
endured hunger, and thirst, and cold, with scarcely sufficient cover-
ing to the shivering frame to proclaim it decent ; whilst the spirit
was crushed beneath the chilling neglect of the world, " the prouil
man's contumely," and all the thousand evils with which genius is
beset when struggling with its fate ; — they refused him bread whilst
living but they gave him a stone when dead.

Now all this, to me, has something in it very unaccountable ; and
whilst debating the subject in my own mind. Heart versus Head,
and per contra, Head versus Heart, I own I am completely puzzled
at the arguments which each, in turn, brings forward to plead his
cause, till at last I find myself in a somewhat similar predicament
to king James the Second, who having upon one occasion taken a seat
upon his own bench, in his own law-court, listened very attentively

vi PRKFACE.

aad acutely to a suit that was then in process of trial. When the
counsel for the plaintiff had made his speech and examined his wit-
nesses, his majesty exclaimed, " The thing was clear enough ; the
plaintiff was in the right; and it was no use going further into it."
but when the opposing counsel arose, and ably addressed the jury
on behalf of his client, and produced respectable evidence to bear
out his statements, the king was perplexed and knew not which side
to credit ; nor was his insight into the case much improved by the
learned judge, whose mystification in summing up completed the
embarrassment of the monarch, who left the court just as wise, and
equally as much edified, as when he entered it.

With respect to the fate of genius, — treating it with indifference
when animate with life, yet erecting monuments to record its worth
when dead, I admit that the strange views' I have of these things
may originate in my unhappy ignorance of the real state of educa-
tion, for

Bom at sea, and my cradle a frigate,

1 have had but few opportunities of deriving my knowledge of men
and manners from practical experience ; and therefore, perhaps,
after all, the uukindness to the living, and the veneration for the
dead, — the closing of the cornucopia of pleuty, whilst in existence,
and the sounding of the empty horn of fame, when life is extinct, —
after all, I say, such arrangements may be in accordance with the
principles of mathematics, or ethics, or logic, or cosmogony, or
conchology, or any other of the abstruse sciences taught at the uni-
versities and great schools, and of which with shame I confess
myself to be destitute of information. Indeed I am induced to come
to the conviction that such is the case, from the circumstance that
the very individuals who manifest this strange perversion of what I»
in the weakness of my intellect, call generous feeling, have them-

PREFACE. VII

selves imbibed instruction in those public institutions for the culti-
vation of the mind ; and it naturally follows, at least according to my
humble judgment, that they, having plenty for themselves, can have
nothing whatever to do with the animal wants of other men, but
only claim connexion with that intellectual portion of the immortal
structure which forms the link of brotherhood. Thus, their refine-
ment is too delicate to think upon the grosser material of flesh and
blood, as requiring nourishment and clothing, whilst yet liable to
coporeal necessities ; but as soon as the perishing remains are con-
signed to the dark tomb they raise monuments to perpetuate the
remembrance of that ethereal essence emanating from the great
Creator, which can never die.

L18T OF ENGRAVINGS

FRONTisprECE. The FI^^DINQ op Jem im Nobody's Hole.

OaxAMENTAi. Title.

The 38 Gun Frigate Sailing through thr Needles

A Wife's Affectionate Welcome

The Man-of-war's Barge entering Portsmouth Harbour

Cutting off the Dutchman's Boguy Log3

Betty Clogiron's Gift . . .

Rather Breezy. A Clean Capsize . ,

Packet Boat off Calais . . .

The Old Neverflinch . . .

The Main-tack parted above the Chess-tree

The Sinking of the Neverflinch . ,

Captain Montague in his Barge Ashore

Seamanship versus Horsemanship . .

Ma. Stkes Discovering Eleanor

The Firefly and Squadron leaving the Tagus

A Cutter between two First-Rates

Bill Bkfezy, Lankriii, and Cook . .

Fire and Furip^I What is all This?

Clrarino the Decks

Tib Only the Wind of the Shot, Your Honour!

S'hklp me Abrahamsu, Tibh Petkr Thompshon!

What, Poll! My Owm Poll!

-age.

13

27

39

51

70

82

104

128

130

135

152

158

177

185

200

209

227

235

266

262

295

JEM E II N T;

A TALE OF

THE LAND AND THE OCEAN.

CHAPTER I.

0, hapless heirs of want and woe !
What hope of comfort can they know ?

Them man and law condemn,
They have no guide to lead them light,
Darkness they have not known from light ;

Heaven he a friend to them.

Pauper Orphans. By Mary IIowitt.

N the vast metropolis of England — a
place in which one may speedily be
lost, and still easier be found — were
two adjoining parishes, whose bounda-
ries Avere so curiously vandyked into
each other, that it seemed to be an
ordination of wisdom to dovetail them
together, lest the fury of litigation
should rend them violently asunder.

Those boundaries had from time im-
memorial been a prolific source of fees
to the lawyers, who took prett)^ good
care to leave the q\iarrel in a thriving
way, so as to be productive of a long
progeny of minor suits — thus resembling rat-catchers, who, in the exer-
cise of their calling, overlook some ladj^-vermin, likelv to renew the stock,
1

(^

2 Jr.M BUST.

But there was one obscure nook attached to the parishes that had
been especially and particularly rich to the members of the learned
profession ; and, probably, its productiveness might be owing to the
alluvial nature of the soil, which was constantly collecting there. This
spot was situated at an extreme point, cutting off a corner from each
parish, and forming, in shape, an isosceles triangle, whose sides were
ten feet, and its base nine feet (at least such was the description given
in the solicitor's briefs), the sides having houses as their demarcation,
the base being open to, and at the lowest descent of, a steep street, so
as to receive all the deposits of mud, manure, and filth, which every
shower of rain washed down. In wet weather the smell was horrible,
and in dry weather it sent up exhalations of an extremely pungent and
volatile nature, which a practical chemist in the neighbourhood asserted
were powerful ingredients in the manufacture of thunder and lightning.

Of course such a nuisance was almost intolerable, but both parishes
pertinaciously resolved to have nothing to do with it ; indictments had
been laid ; civil actions had been brought ; and the parochial authorities
had been uncivilly treated ; but still, in defiance of vestry meetings and
law-suits, the matter remained unsettled and unsettleable.

Had the contending parties paid ten pounds each to brick it up, the
cause of warfare might have been set at rest ; but the vestry clerks,
being attorneys, could not allow of the parishes departing from their
ancient consistency ; and thousands were expended upon this abomina-
ble spot without ever coming to an amicable arrangement, — what a
funny worl^ it is ! — and this independent piece of ground, that had cost
as much as would purchase a handsome estate, was named and known
by the style and title of " 2fobody's Hole."

Now, every parish of note must necessarily have its beadle, in go-
gcous uniform and huge cocked hat, for which the lieges — no matter
•whether they went to church or not — were compelled to pay. These
rival parishes had each its rival oflficial; Mr. Glumbulky, in bottle-green
and gold, holding the exalted station of beadle in the parisli of Saint
Puterpot, and Mr. Macaw, in puce and silver, wielding his staff of cfiice
in the parish of Saint Leadandall. They seemed to hate each othei*
with the most cordial and edifying hatred j and woe to the unfortunate
parish-boy of Saint Puterpot if he was caught in the fact of playing at
marbles with a parish-boy of Saint Leadandall, and vice versa if an
imfortunate lad of Saint Leadandall was taken in the act of perpetrating
n Kiniilar deed of treason with one of Saint Puterpot.

One day, and it was a glorious summer day, in which the sun had been
particularly busy drawing up electric matter from that gi'and receptacle
already mentioned, Mr. Macaw discovered a little urchin fast asleep in
a snug warm corner. The little wretch was clad in a crustaceous
covering of dirt over his skin, for except a few rags to save the name of
the thing, other habiliments he had none. He (for it was a boy) ap-
peared about three years old, rather sickly and squalid, and his curly
but begrimed flaxen hair did nut improve his countenance.

Mr. Macaw, as in duty bound, and under the terror of being saddled
with a vagrant, aroused the sleeper by a smart application of his cane to

JEM BUNT.

the naked body of the child ; but how could any one so small in dimen-
Bions, and so destitute in appearance, be expected to feel ? — the suppo-
sition was ridiculous; but whether the blows were harder than the
ratio of prog-ressive infliction to be practised on an infant, or the child
had not been sufficiently inured to laugh at them as mere fly-kicks,
certain it is that he writhed with pain and cried bitterly:

Now, to cry in the presence of a beadle, especially when commanded
to be quiet, was of itself a grievous sin against parochial pOAver, and
accordingly having beat him till he roared out, the functionary had
again recourse to flagellation to make him quiet. The poor little
fellow would have toddled away, but then he might have strayed into
the parish of Saint Leadandall, and thereby become chargeable to it ;
whereas, by a slight movement he could be directed over the boundary
Vandyke into that of Saint Puterpot, and therefore Mr. Macaw, having
lifted him up, retained him tightly by the arm so as to prevent his
departure.

England is a land of liberty, and none are more sensibly alive to the
joyous blessings of freedom than the light-hearted sons of Ireland.
Now it so happened that the cries of the child attracted the attention
of several loungers, who witnessed the official zeal of Mr. Macaw ; and
one of them, an Hibernian, mace-bearer to a builder, hallooed out,
" Och ! be aisy there, Misther Magaw, shure an' the drollen don't nade
a tashte of the shtick, the cratei\"

" Mind your own business, fellow ; " returned the offended dignitary
of the church, " and don't go for to meddle or make vith your betters."

" Tendther and dacent your mother reared ye, Misther Magaw,"
uttered Paddy, approaching the beadle, with his brawny arms bared to
the shoulders, and his shirt thrown open in front, displaying a chest
that would have stowed a mipshipman's outfit, " Och ! then, behave
yerself, and don't put your strength as a babby against such a man as
that."

Pat's error produced a burst of noisy laughter, which served to cause
a greater irritation amongst the petty passions of the beadle ; and seldom
has puce and silver covered a stronger working of wrath. But Mr.
Macaw, when his own personal safety was under consideration could be
wonderfully discreet. The writhing of the little fellow, together
with his wailings, had moved the spectators to pity ; others were drawn
to the spot just as the child was being passed into the parish of Saint
Puterpot; and the answers to the inquiry, "What's the matter?"
were just according to the inventive faculty of the narrators.

"Get along, you young wagabone," exclaimed the red-faced beadle
" get along out of this ; and if I catches you here again, you shall be
vipped and clapped in the stocks."

"An' mighty illigant the babby 'ud look in that same, Misther
Magaw," remonstrated the Irishman. " Och ! cooshlamachree, come
here my darlin', and divil the sowl shall cross a crooked word wid
yez."

The boy tried to get to his defender, but was still held fast by the offi-
cial, who, turning to Pat, menaced him with the whole weight of paro-

JEM BUNT.

chial displeasure for his interference, and threatened to take him before
the magistrates for " exsulting liim in the performance of his duty."

" Bathershein," uttered the Irishman, contemptuously; and then
appealing to the crowd, "Spake, honeys; have I exshaulted him?"
Cries of " No, no!" were responded. "" Oh, the devil a bit," pursued
Paddy, "and so Misther Magaw, to ould Nick I pitch you wid your
leak at yer back." He took hold of the boy, " Arrah I come here my
gim and my jewel."

" You know the child, then," said the beadle, relaxing his stern fea-
tures to a broad grin, under the hope of turning the tables against his
opponent; " perhaps he's a by-blow of your own, Paddy."

" Faith, an' he"s got blows enough of all conscience, for one day ;
small thanks to you for that same," returned the Hibernian; "the
child shan't be lost, though its myself as niver set eyes upon him afore."

" Vy then, how did you know vot's his name," inquired the beadle,
with an air of authority, as if he had made an important discovery.
" Just now you called him Jim."

" An so he is a Gim to them as own him, — a jewel of a Gim ; an'
if he was mine, I'd wear him in my heart," warmly rejoined the Irish-
man. " And as for your dooty, Misther Magaw, — faith and I'd have
given my mother a polthogue if ever she had let my daddy fix upon her
such an ugly name, so I would ; — but in regard of that same dooty,
Misther Magaw, its little thanks you'll get from the parish for showing
your authority in ' Nobody's Hole,' any how.

A conviction of the truth of this declaration came powerfully over
the beadle's mind, yet pride would not permit him to recede, though
the increasing crowd, taking part with the weak and helpless, were
shouting loudly against any attacks upon their " privileges," the neutral
ground being considered one of them, as belonging to nobody. The
puce and silver glanced an eye of parochial indignation around him ;
but that glance was suddenly arrested, and began to quail when it de-
tected the bottle-green and gold of Mr. Glumbulky bustling forward
through tlie throng to the centre of attraction.

"Veil, sir, and vot nil you say for yourself now, sir, I don't think;
seeing as I've caught you in de factotum in your tricks," exclaimed Mr.
Glumbulky, cocked-hat to cocked-hat with his rival, and having a
Barclay and Perkins flush of virtuous choler on his cheeks. " Yes,
Muster Macaw, I've caught you," he rubbed his hands with exulta-
tatioD, "I've caught you de factotum.'"

" Go to blazes with your fatcokem," uttered the other, contemptu-
ously. " You've caught ! eh, !Mr. Glumbulky .^ Pray, vot have you
ever caught since you left off yer old purfession of rat-catching, I should
like to know r"

" Vy, I've catcht a bigger rat to-day, Muster Macaw, than ever I
catcht in my life," responded the other; "I've cotcht you, and creeping
out of Nobody's Hole, too."

Of all the people upon the earth, the English and Irish have the
most acute sense of the ludicrous and ridiculous. The warmth of
imagination immediately pictured the parochial i'unctionary destitute of

JEM BUNT. 5

his puce and silver, issuing forth from some cavity as a sally port, and
pouncing upon the poor child, as the veritable vermin would upon a
piece of double or single Gloucester. Shouts of uproarious laughter
followed this bit of bottle-green and gold ; and Paddy, whose delight
was internal, chuckled with gratification as he uttered. " Och ! let 'em
alone, boys, it's a mighty purty quarrel ; give 'em rope enough, — a
ring ! a ring! the rat and the rat-catcher."

" This is the vay you brings our ancient office into contempt," ex-
claimed Macaw ; " but vot can be expected of a hog but a grunt? "

" Divil a haporth," roared Pat, in the excess of his merriment, "and
what can you get from a rat-catcher but a rat? Huroosh, boys !"

The crowd gave a tumultuous shout, as the Irishman, standing nearly
between the rival beadles, urged them on alternately. Glumbulky was
not to be abashed by the scorn of his opponent, and replying to him.
observed, " Oh yes. Muster Macaw, there's somut more as you may get
from a rat-catcher than a rat, — there's trap, you know."

" Veil, just shut ji^our trap, vill you, and take this here hinnocent
babby to your vorkus, Mister Glumbulky," said Macaw.

" No, I vont," responded the other ; " you may take him to yourn ;
and I say. Macaw, it's easy to see vich parish you think Nobody's Hole
belongs to ; else vy ?"

" Arrah, yer sowls," shouted Pat, as he stepped in the area named ;
" its ourselves it belongs to, shure. Boys, by the life of me, but the
ground's our own, our freehold; and sorrow the tief, barring the dhioul,
shall take it from us ;" and he cut a few capers of an Irish jig.

The crowd were mightily tickled with the idea of possessing landed
property ; and they speedily seconded the Irishman's views, by crowding
the space, though the dust they kicked up caused a most unpleasant
effluvia. " And now," said Paddy, elevating himself on the rubbish in
the corner, " boys, jist hear what I've got to say."

" We will ; we will. "— " Go on"—" Hurrah Paddy"—" That's the
ticket " — " No beadles," and other exclamations, came from the throng,
which was momentarily increasing.

" Arrah then, boys, which av yez will say that mine's not my own ?"

Loud shouts of " Nobody ! " arose from the crowd.

" "Well then, if what's mine's my own," continued Pat, with more
energy, as having established one position, " it stands in rason that no
one besides meself has any right to it at all ; and, having no right to it
at all, if he makes use or abuse of it he acts conthrary to the law."
(Cheers, during which the beadles were moving off.) " Arrah, jist ax
them jintlemen to stay and listen awhile to my illigant discourse : it's
not long I'll detane 'em, and them so ager to take care of the babby."
(The officials, apprehensive of violence, consented to remain.) " Weil,
jintlemen," pursued Pat, "havn't we got our liberties and privileges,
and ar'nt they as dare to us as the swate breath of heaven, agrah ?"
(cheers) " though there's a mighty ondacent fulvy here jist now." (Loud
sneezing.) " Eut I'm saying, jintlemen, our liberties and our privileges
are our own ; and they're often mate and dthrink and fuel to us, seeing
as we can get nothing else j and being our own by law, nobody has any

6 JKM BTINT.

right in law to take our food and raiment from us," (Tremendous
sneezing and chccriug.) " Och ! buys, is it liberty that I'm spaking
about? shure, then, it's the very soul of an Irishman's heart; and
though it may be in tatthers like his shirt, yet Paddy glories in his
rugged independence." (Immense cheering and sneezing, mingled with
coughs.) * Well, jintlemcn, this brings me at last to the first. Nobody's
Hole is our own hole, 'case as we belangs to nobody ; and so that's as
elare as mud." (Cheers, sneezing, coughing and laughter.) "And
being our own hole, seeing that in the eye of the law we are nobody, in
course it stands to rason that we only have a right here, and whoever
elic comes, parpitrates a trespass. Now a badle — och ! bad luck to the
janus — is somebody, and in consequence, being somebody in Nobody's
Hole, it howlds good in law, without botheration, that them badles have
niurthered the law in regard of trespassing." (Cheers and sneezing.)
"So jintlemcn I propose to "

What more Paddy would have urged was lost in the confusion inci-
dental to the arrival of several constables, who commanded the crowd to
" cxporse," or " they would charge 'em in the kings name." The beadles
took courage on the appearance of succour, and in their parochial valour
they both approached the apex of the triangle to seize poor Pat, whom
they expected to make an easy prey of.

But the prospect of a row, was to Paddy like the snuff of battle to
the war-horse ; it is true lie did not neigh, but he shouted " Horoosh,
yer sowls to glory ! " and flourishing a pair of fists, like nine-pin bowls,
above his head, he sprang forward and "tipp'd" them a right and left
till he made a clear alley for himself, and niiglit have march'd off Avith
flying colours. Put Pat had no idea of (putting the field. "Horoosh
fur our liberties, boys ! " he roared with stentorian lungs : " our liberties,
and Nobody's Hole, for ever I" and it was not till a stunning blow
from a constable's staff brought him to the ground, amongst those he
had laid prostrate, that the Irishman gave in.

Put what had become of our hero ? you will saj'. Poor child, one
tiny arm was clutched by puce and silver, to thrust him over the boun-
dary, the other tiny arm was grasped by bottle-green and gold, to force
him back again ; whilst he, like a mouse between two enormous torn
cats, did not dare to stir. Tlie aflVay ha^l given moi-e of character to the
proceedings ; and as several prisoners had been taken, as well as poor
Pat, it was necessary to carry them oft' to a place of security.

Now there was no difficulty in deciding which watchhouse should
have the honour of confining the captives that were knocked down or
seized in a sput that bclunged to one of cither of the parishes ; but Pat
had fallen in Nobody's Hole, and consequently a dispute arose as to the
most proper and legal place to give him a settlement ; though the poor
fellow setmed pretty well settled as it was ; at last it was determined to
take him at once before the sitting magistrate at street.

Away went the two beadles, still holding the child's arms — and per-
haps jiever had arms such characteristic supporters — theii* laced cocked-
hats and their laced coats glistening in the glorious rays of the sun, to
the great admiration of the spectators. Next came a thiong of consta-

JEM BTTNT. 7

bles, carrying the unfortunate Irishman; and then followed a loose
rambling crowd, every member eager for strife and mischief, but having
no head to direct their movements.

Their road to the office lay through a district principally inhabited by
Jew clothesmen, who were sitting or lounging outside their shops,
enjoying the mixture of cool hair with warm sun-beams, and cutting
the society of the fleas. The buz of human voices, with the very musi-
cal accompaniment of cat-calls, whistlings, and yells, soon drew atten-
tion towards the procession.

" S'help me Got, but dere'sh shomtiug de matter, Moey," exclaimed
an Israelite to his next door neighbour, who was half asleep, with his
back against the wall, and one leg dangling over the arm of his chair.
" Here, Sholomons ! Levi ! come and mind de shop. Veil, vere am you
all got to ? Cush der boysh, dcy're alvays chucking deir dorapsh yen
dey are vanted."

The noise very speedily emptied the houses of heads ; for those who
did not put them out of the doors, thrust them out of the windows ; and
great was the astonishment of the beholders to see the two stout and
gorgeous functionaries handling those diminutive arms as a tall grena-
dier would a sixpenny gun, whilst the child looked like a sucking-
David between two Goliaths, or the statue of a cherubim waited on
by Gog and Magog. The clamour of the women increased the hubbub.

" Blesh ma heart ! vat can sich a babby hash dat have done to
be pulled up ? " inquired a fat, greasy-faced Jewess, addressing a
passer by.

" Done I " returned the questioned, sharply ; " why, he 's a very
devil ! He 's knocked down that ere man as you see 'em carrying
on there, and half murdered the life out of him, if he ar'nt dead
already."

"Blessed Abraham! you don't shay so!" exclaimed the woman,
overlooking, in the earnestness of the narrator, the utter impossibility
of such a thing taking place ; but glancing again at the spectacle, she
became aware of the absurdity, and contemptuously uttered, " The dog
of a Christian 's funning upon me. Pray, friend," to another passer by,
*' can you tell me vat'sh de matter vid de man ?"

" Vy, yes, ould lady," responded the person addressed, with much
solemnity, " he 's swallowed a Jewish llabbi, and his billy-goat's beard
stuck in his throat and choked him."

At length the procession reached the office ; and as a second " Daniel "
was sitting in judgment, they were ushered into the magisterial pre-
sence, the parochial representatives relinquishing their firm grip of the
poor little fellow, who stood trembling with fear at the rough handling
he had received. The room was like most pxiblic offices. The magis-
trates sat on an elevated bench, at one extremity ; and there was a wide
space between them and the bar, the main body of the apartment being
separated from the official occupation by high wainscoting with rails at
top. The bar was in the middle, facing the presiding genius of the
place — a stout elderly man, with a profusion of powder in his hair,
his waistcoat thrown open down to two buttons, and displaying an immen-

8 JEM BUNT.

sity of cambric in his shirt frill. The bottle-green and gold and the puco
and silver seemed to produce a sort of iris in the eyes of the magistrate,
and to be reflected on his countenance, which changed from red to pur-
ple, and at last blended a variety of colours as he exclaimed —

" What ! here again already ? More quarrels between these two
confounded beadles ! — what 's the matter now ?"

As neither of the parochial functionaries had been addressed indivi-
dually, both of them considered that they were entitled to reply,
wliich they did, starting off together, with " Please your vursliip ;" and
then ruuning on with their own version of the affair, which, however
intelligible it might be to themselves, was wholly incomprehensible to
the magistrate.

"Silence, fellow!" roared the justice; but as neither was pointed
out, so neither obeyed the command, considering it not applicable to
himself. " Officer, stop both their mouths ; cram your staff' down their
throats — gag them — I shall be stunned with their noise ! And pray
tell me, some of you, whom it has pleased the Almighty to bless with
common sense, what the charge is."

Had the magistrate selected any one individual capable of affording
the required information, it is most probable he would in a few minutes
have been made acquainted with the whole affair ; but as his request
was issued to "people of common sense," (and cver3-one present believed
himself possessed of that important essential), a multitude of voices
immediately burst forth, "The child, your worship" — "the Irishman"
— " Mr. Macaw, your honour " — " Mr. Glunibulky, sir " — " the beadles "
— "Pat Donovan, long life to ycr worship" — " Kobody's Hole" — and
other exclamations, in Babel-like confusion.

The magistrate with difficulty raised his unwieldy body, stamped
heavily with his ungouty foot, and stopped his ears with his hands,
shouting as loud as he could bawl, " One at the time ; one at the
time."

But even this order was unconfined and indefinite ; and as each con-
Bidered himself the most eligible to address the bench, away their
tongues set off again, and " the beadles, ycr worship " — " Pat Donovan,
long life to yer honour" — "the babby afore you" — " Nobody's Hole,"
&c. &c. were again vociferated, till the magistrate, in a rage, ordered
every soul but the child, and a favourite policeman, to quit the room ;
which having been accomplislied, he questioned the officer as to the
nature of the charge to be brought before him. The officer, however,
was ignorant of the whole affair. The child was next appealed to, as
to his parents ; but the poor little urchin avowed himself wholly guilt-
less of progenitors ; and as to parish affairs, what could be expected
from a youngster, but little more than three years old, grimed with
dirt, and his face literally plastered with treacle ? The officer was
therefore directed to make inquiry outside, which he accordingly did ;
and after some trouble, mustered the facts, with which he returned to
his chief, and briefly recapitulated. The parties were then called in,
and Macaw was directed, by order, to take the boy to the workliouse of
Saiut Leadaudall, and the man to be pruniplly removed to the hospital.

JEM Btrax.

Mr. Macaw would have addressed the bench to explain that Nobody's
Hole, in which the child had first been found, was not in the parish he
had the felicity to represent; but he was stopped by the sturdy magis-
trate, who commanded the office to be cleared, and the boy's parents
sought after.

Terrific were the looks of puce and silver, and murderous were the
propensities of the heart that beat beneath it, when this decision was
announced. As for bottle-green and gold, he squared his cocked-hat
triumphantly, and then, with a provoking bow of mock condecension,
whilst conquest glistened in his ferret eyes, Mr. Glumbulky wished his
rival "good-day."

Macaw, in a flaming heat, conveyed the child to his destination ; and
black and lowering were the countenances of the overseers, who had
already heard of and anticipated the scrape he had brought them into ;
whilst the parish solicitor, who ever had an eye to business, cherished
the hope that no parents could be found, and an appeal against the
magistrate's order would be entered for trial at the proper court. Nor
was he disappointed in his expectations j no trace of the child's parents
could be discovered.

The case was tried ; parchments as far back as the first period of their
manufacture, were produced and investigated in court, to prove that
Nobody's Hole belonged to nobody. Counsel made most eloquent
harangues to the bench, though they threw hard words at each other,
which they softened down with the style and title of " my learned
friend." "Witnesses were called to give evidence ; Macaw and Glum-
bulky rendered themselves conspicuous in their rich uniforms ; and
there too was the child called into importance, of which he was wholly
unconscious, regaling himself with cakes and apples, plentifully sup-
plied by the audience, who looked upon him as a leading character in
the play.

Twelve long hours was the hearing prolonged ; Pat Donovan, in a
state of convalescence, was brought from the hospital, to explain why
and wherefore he had called the boy " Jem ; " and this point alone, in
examination and cross-examination, occupied two hours, without
arriving at the object they aimed at ; for Pat kept to his oath, that he
only meant, by "gim," to call him "a jewel of a darlin';" and at
length it was elicited that Paddy merely figuratively expressed himself
in the term "gem." At all events, he had proved the boy's godfather;
and, after a tedious commentary by the judge, the order was confirmed
till the child's parentage could be discovered, on the ground that Mr.
Macaw had been the first to take hold of him.

Great was the discomfiture that night at the sign of the Clerk and
Halfcrown, and loud were the congratulations at the Parson and Cork-
screw. Mr. Glumbulky, the ci-devant rat-catcher, had won the day;
and so elevated became the hilarity of his coterie, that they chaired
their champion round the boundary, very carefully avoiding the forbidden
land. The Macaws would not, however, tacitly and patiently submit to
have their sensitive feelings thus violently outraged ; they assembled
on the confines of their parish, and whoever had the hardihood to pasa
2

1 0 JEM BUNT.

tlie border, received a token of remembrance of no equivocal character.
This brouLjht forward the parochial watchmen, headed by the constables
of the uight; and broken heads and contused limbs gave ample employ-
ment to the surgeons of the neighbourhood.

Hitherto Jem's life at the workhouse had been tolerably comfortable,
for the authorities wished to gain a point, by presenting the lad in good
condition when he should appear in court, so that the public might be
satisfied that he had suffered no neglect. But now that his settlement
was no longer in abeyance, but had become decided at the quarter sessions,
especial humanity was of course no longer requisite, and he was put on
the work-house allowance of ill-usage and misery. But who cared for
that r he was nobody's child — found in IS obody's Hole ; and why should
anybody feel for his unprotected and orphan condition .'' Yes, there was
one who took repeated opportunities of visiting the poor little fellow,
and, out of ?iis own scanty earnings, buying him gingerbread or fruit ;
and that w^as his first and fast friend, Pat Donovan.

Jem's early education commenced amongst the oakum-pickers ; and
he was very soon initiated in the rudiments of the vulgar tongue, nor
was he by any means deficient in learning numerous tricks which the
paupers, in their love of mischief, prompted him to undertake. But his
chief propensity was of a pyrotechnical character, and the finely-picked
oakum afforded him many opportunities to experimentalise; in fact, he
more than once or twice set the whole on fire, to the great danger of
the building, and the expense of the parish in premiums to firemen for
having the first engine on the spot.

Now this was rather a serious affair, or, as some of the old women
declared, a "burning shame," and Jem received undeniable testimonials
of his ability as a flaming character ; but so powerful did the tendency
operate, that in spite of numerous floggings, he persevered in blazing
away, at every convenient opportunity ; and when oakum was not to be
obtained, the rags of the paupers, and, not unfrequently, pieces of his
own clothes were substituted ; nor was he at any time over-scrupulous
in appro) iriating any article he could lay his hand on, to the indulgence
of his favourite amusement ; in short, he would, if he could, have made
it one universal fifth of November.

This peculiarity drew upon the lad repeated punishment, whether he
deserved it or not : for whatever was missed, he had the credit of
destroying : at length he became so notorious that the paupers nick-
named him " Burn it." The boy was also of an aspiring genius; for
he was frecjuently tempted to climb to an altitude of extremely giddy
proximtiy to broken bones, should any slip occur. The governor attri-
buted it to an attachment favouring any kind of devilry, whereas it
actually originated in an ardent desire to study practical geography, by
looking over the lofty walls to ascertain the localities of the building ;
at all events, practice had rendered him so expert and nimble that ho
could spring about from elevation to elevation like a squirrel, and with
all the antics of a monkey.

But Jem was getting of an age to become a member of society in the
world — at Icabt so thought the overseers — for he was above six years

JEM BUNT. i 1

old, and his habits led them to the conclusion that he would make a
clever artist with the brush, to which, instead of a pallette, they pur-
posed adding a scraper ; in fact, the boy had every recommendation in
his favour to render him a chimney sweep of no mean celebrity. The
governor of the workhouse did him the honour to inquire into his views
of a subject that had already been decided upon ; and the love of liberty,
so inherent in human nature, settled the question in Jem's mind.
Of the profession, with its hardships and privations, he was profoundly
ignorant ; but the prospect of being removed from his prison, and allowed
to range the streets, was too tempting to be lost. He consulted his
friend Pat, who at first turned up his nose at the degradation, but ulti-
mately advised the arrangement, as it would allow of his seeing after
him with much greater facility; but the Irishman looked forward with
considerable pride to the period when Jem would be able to " man-
handle a hod of morthar wid de best of 'em."

The authorities were not long in finding a master for the boy in the
person of Mr. Theodore Fluewellin, of Camberwell, whose practice was
very extensive, as he was considered the most skilful in curing all dis-
orders of the chimney for many miles around. He resided in a com-
fortable house, which, notwithstanding his occupation, was very decent
and clean; it was near the Green, and the soot depository was conve-
niently situated at a short distance, with sleeping apartments for the
boys, containing straw mattrasses and warm blankets ; and at one ex-
tremity was a chimney, in which the aspirants made their first essay.

Jem's preliminary trial was highly satisfactory to his employer, though
it raised a feeling of envy among his young compeers ; and whilst the
youngsters were laughing at the prospect of Jem's sticking half way up,
to their great amazement, out came his head from the chimney-pot, and
crossing his arms composedly, he looked down upon the group below
with an air of indifference that would have graced the emperor of
Morocco. Jem was bound : Pat Donovan acted as the boy's guardian ;
there was a binding-supper, at which Pat got glorious ; and a few days
afterwards Jem, clerically equipped, set out on his professional tours.
Whether the unprotected condition of the lad had quickened his in-
tellects, or Providence had been more than usually bountiful to him in
the faculties and operations of the mind, certain it is that Jem, even at
that early age, was a keen, shrewd observer, and liis philosophy would
have put to the blush many an older and wiser person. His great de-
light was, as he called it, " to rise in the world ;" that is, he cared
nothing for the pain or labour he endured whilst elevating himself, for
he knew the enjoyment that would follow was well calculated to com-
pensate for ail ; the task of elongating his body, to force it through a
chimney-pot, was, in his estimation, amply rewarded when, with the
implements of his profession, he hung his arms over the brim, raised the
cap of night from his head, gazed upon the surrounding scenery, felt
himself above the cares of the world, and looked down upon his plodding
fellow-creatures with a degree of pride and contempt. The summit of
the chimney-pot was his observatory, and there he scraped acquaintance
with the clouds, and brushed away the darkened shades of sorrow.

12

JEM BTTMT.

I have said that Jem was a philosopher, — and feo he was ; one of
those sturdy dogs who take the roughs of existence as composedly as
the smooths. He had, after many corrections, been worked off in the
first edition of life at the workhouse, and now he was revising for a
second edition, under Mr. Fluewellin. It must be admitted, he was
not a very clean proof, — and his margin often displayed marks of the
corrector's hand ; but Jem bore it all with fortitude (his master called
it stubbornness) ; his stoicism never gave way, for he looked forward to
the period when he should himself be enabled to exercise a similar
authority ; and he determined to retaliate the frequent thrashings that
he got upon his own apprentices, whenever he should set up in business
lor himself.

I,

^^^|^^

n

fc

t/\: H

/

:/

J^U BUNT, 13

CHAP TEE 11.

" For England when, with fav'ring gale,
The gallant ship up channel steer' d.
And scudding under easy sail,

The high blue western land appear'd."

DIBDIN.

Therk is perhaps no spectacle more truly beautiful than that which
is presented by the appearance of a gallant frigate, with her canvass
spread, as she breasts the mountain wave, or climbs over the rolling
swell. The Psalmist says, " Oh that I had wings like a dove ;" but in
the bold craft, with her sails well sheeted home and trimmed, the wings
exceed by far those famous pinions of the enormous roc-bird described
by Siubad the Sailor. Oh how the lovely vessel cleaves the waters,
like the sportive dolphin in his play ; her aerial character resembling
that of the graceful swan who arches his out-spread wings to catch the
favouring breeze ; when, with the wind a point or two free, she dances
along through ripple and spray under single reefed top-sails and courses
— spanker and jib, and top-gallant sails over all. Such in fact was
actually the case with the Neverflinch, an eight-and-thirty gun frigate, as
she ran through the JSTeedles' passage, bound into Spithead. It was
one of those bright and glorious days in summer, when the blue waters
are tinged with the golden sun ; and that lovely garden, the Isle of
Wight, looked richly gorgeous with all the bounteous gifts of nature and
of Providence. A delightful breeze, cooled on the bosom of the wave,
came sweetly refreshing to temper the solar heat : and upon the decks
of that proud ship were collected numerous groups of seamen, whose
hearts hailed with unrepressed gratification the lovely scenery on the
shores of their native land. Several years had elapsed since they had
last seen it ; and now it had burst upon their sight in the fulness of its
beauty, and many were heard to exclaim, "There's no place like bonny
England after all."

IJpon the quarter-deck paced the officers, exulting in the prospect of
once more embracing relatives and friends whom they long had loved ;
the lieutenants relaxed from their usual discipline towards the midship-
men ; and the latter cherishing the exhilarating idea of new outfits and
spending of prize-money, were much louder in their talking than was
customary with the etiquette of the parade of honour. But the captain
was there partaking of the general joy, and as he uttered no reproof,
but seemed well pleased with the feeling that was created, cheerfulness
and even mirth was unrestrained.

Gallantly the noble frigate launched a-head — her bright-red ensign
floating from the peak, and her long pennant curling gracefully from
the main truck. Onward she came ; and many a breast was filled with

14 JEM BUNT.

hopes and fears, as fancy pictured the 2)robiible events that might await
them on their anchoiiiig in port. Vain would be the endeavour to at-
tempt a description of the feelings which actuate the human mind on the
return after a long absence from home. Oh there is something exqui-
sitely precious to an Englishman's heart in the application of that term !
it conveys to the remembrance all that is dear and estimable in life ; for
let Englishmen be in whatever part of the world they may, still they
turn their face towards England, and call it home.

The captain of the Keverflinch was a noble-looking man, with hand-
some features bronzed by climate and salt-water ; in fact, he was exactly
the lean ideal of what a British naval officer should be, and such as he is
pictured when representing a legitimate son of famed Britannia. In age
he was about thirty years, but arduous and active service had given him
an older look ; he had been engaged almost from childhood in braving
the windy storm and tempest, and when opportunity offered, had un-
dauntedly battled with his country's foes. A better seaman never
worked a ship ; a more courageous man was not to be found beneath the
canopy of heaven. In the midst of the heaviest gale, when destruction
on the wings of the wind rode triumphant over others, he had stood
undismayed, calmly but promptly averting its fury ; and in the heat of
action, when blood aud slaughter streamed around him, he, with de-
termined intrepidity and clear judgment, had led his men to victory.

Such was the captain of the frigate — respected and esteemed by
his officers, and devoutly beloved by his people. Strict in his discipline,
every soul, fore and aft, knew that it would be useless to shrink from
duty ; but, genei'ous in his nature, and ardently attached to his profes-
sion, he did not harass tlie men with unnecessary exercises of patience
and endurance. His command was law; but if broken, he tempered
justice with mercy, and remembered the frailty of human nature. He
was no tyrant, to torture with punishment merely to show he had the
power to inflict it : but whilst condemning a fault he nicely weighed it
in the balance against the offender's general character, and in nine cases
out of ten the latter preponderated. The Articles of War Avere not of
his own constructing — they were sanguinary, and placed a scourge in
the hands of cruelty ; but to prevent their infliction he instituted re-
wards for meritorious conduct, and never failed to give encouragement
to those who deserved it.

And now he stood on his own quarter-deck, with his arms folded,
gnzing — as it seemed — most earnestly on the sunny isle of his native
land. There was a shade of melancholy on his brow; his faculties ap-
peared to be engrossed by some absorbing sulject, that detached lum
from what was more immediately passing around ; in fact, his thouglits
were at that moment reverting to other days, when fond and fervid
affection had held dominion over him, and he was tracing in his memory
the features of the charmer whom he had so tenderly loved, aud from
whom he had been separated at a time when she most' required his kiud
and attentive care. Years had passed away since then, yet the treasured
portrait had never betn lost sight of.

There was a rattling tide, as well as a stiff breeze ; and the gratified

JEM BUNT. 15

tars hailed every well remembered object, as it hove in sight, with
joyous glee. " I say Joe, the ould gal knows we're a coming," ex-
claimed a seaman to his messmate, "she's at Sally-port, looking out;
and I'm blessed but they're walking away with the towlin down in
Capstan-square. The frigate seems to savvy as she's close to her first
moorings, and longs to get 'em aboard again. Go it, my lassie — long
legs and light heels make short miles, and we'll soon have you by the
nose."

'• It's eight years, Bill, since I last touched the shores of England,"
responded the individual addressed — a veteran boatswain's mate, " and
I'm thinking there's no knowing what has happened since then. The
old gal, as you call her, may be hove down for a full due "

" Or, mayhap, has reared a decent family for you, Joe, and you'll look
like a paddyriarchal goose, with a convoy of goslings arter your wake,"
returned the other. " How many comfortable letters have you sent her
since you have been away ? "

" Why, in regard o' letters. Bill," answered the boatswain's mate,
" them are consarns I never could overhaul, seeing as I larned to write
with a piece of carpenter's chalk; and, consequently, don't understand
making your pot-hooks and hangers with any thing in the shape of your
quill driving. So Poll hasn't had much in the reading way from me,
except one or two chits which Jack Splinterbolt sarved out in Bengal ;
for, d'ye mind, the captain's clerk scribbled a letter for poor Harry Yeo-
mans, as was dragging his anchors for t'other world ; and a kind-hearted
and feeling letter it was ; and so Jack Splinterbolt makes about a dozen
copies of it, and sells 'em for a pint of rum a-piece ; and thinking, in
duty bound, I ought to send a few lines to Poll, I buys one of 'em for
two quarts of grog, and put it into the letter-bag directed all ship-shape
and proper."

" "Why Harry's letter was as good as a funeral sarmon," returned the
seaman, with a look half serious, half comic; "if I recollects right, it
was giving his wife a last hail afore he slipped his moorings, and bidding
her good-bye for a full due, with a yarn or two about ocean graves, and
meeting in heaven ; eh, warn't that it Joe ?"

"Mayhap it might, shipmate," responded the boatswain's mate,
" seeing as I only gave the grog for the letter, without putting myself to
the onconvenience o' reading it. Jack said it was a good un, and full of
all that sort of thing as 'ud please the women ; and so, as I said afore,
in regard o' pleasing Poll, why I guv my pint o' rum and bought a
copy. "

"And the chances are, Joe," exclaimed the seaman, with something
like a grin, " she thinks as you are dead, and has tailed on to another."

" Why no, my boyo," answered the boatswain's-mate seriously; "I
took precious good care to lay an anchor to wind'ard of that, — for arter I'd
sent it away in the letter-bag, there was a summut come athwart my mind
as seemed to run foul of the nat'ral course of my thoughts, and thinks I
to myself, mayhap Poll 'ull log me down asD.D.* instead of Harry Yeo-

* The entry made against the name in the muster list, or ship's book, of any man
"who has died ; it signifies " Discharged — Dead."

16 JEM BUNT.

mans, though I tould Splinterbolt to splice a word or two on to the eend
on it, to say as I was all alive and kicking."

" Well, Joe, I'm bless'd if that don't beat cock-fighting," returned the
other, as he slued his quid ; "here you sends your wife a pissel to say
as you're dying, and claps at the bottom of it that there was nothing
whatsomever the matter with you."

"All in course, Bill," assented the boatswain's-mate, in a tone and
manner which indicated his conviction that he had done perfectly right.
" But I warn't contented with that, shipmate ; so, about six months
arter, I gets him to sell me another copy."

" What ! of the same letter ?" demanded the seaman, who was some-
what akin to the character known on shipboard as " a Philadelphia
lawyer."

" In course it was," responded the boatswain's-mate ; '* there warn't
never another writ, as I knowed of, and so it was Hobson's choice —
that or none ; and thinking as Poll might make some misdemeanour
about the first, why she'd see as I was all ataunt'o by the second ;
for d'ye see, shipmate, it arn't in natur for a man to die twice over."

What reply there would have been to this piece of sea-philosophy
must remain unknown ; for just at this precise moment the first-lieute-
nant's voice was heard from the quarter-deck, exclaiming, *' Boatswain's-
mate !"

"■ Aye, aye, sir," instantly responded the veteran, as his hand
instinctively slid down the lanyard attached to the button-hole of
his jacket, and seizing his silver call, he stood a perfect living model of
attention.

" Clear away the barge and first cutter," commanded the oflBcer, as
silence reigned fore and aft to catch the order.

The pipe of the boatswain's-mate sounded shrilly on the ear, and was
immediately followed by " Bargemen away !" Again the pipe was
heard, and was succeeded by " First cutters away !"

Then arose a cry on the main-deck, " Away there, you coach-horses —
Tumble up, po-shay lads — Hurrah for Sally-port !" &.c.

The men belonging to the boats, expecting the summons, had already
dressed themselves for the occasion entirely in white, with straw hats,
as indicative of their having come from India ; and though the climate
had somewhat altered their colour, and made their frames appear more
spare of flesh, yet they were fine-looking fellows, requiring only to be
victualled on good English beef and bread for a month or two to make
them plump and hearty.

The boats were promptly got ready; and as the barge would be first to
land, the seamen who were not so fortunate as to belong to her, came
clustering round those who did, for the purpose of whispering or
uttering aloud their messages to relatives or friends who might incjuire
for tliem ashore. The coxswain, too, had an immense number of com-
missions entrusted to him, which would have been a heavy tax on the
memory of half-a-dozen men, especially as the coxswain could not
write. But Jem Hardover had a method of his own in making memo-
/■aodums : on receiving a message or request, the person who required

JEM BUNT. 17

his service gave him something by which he could call to remembrance
the individual, as well as the particular job he had to execute for him.
Now being an extremely generous and good-natured man, desirous
of pleasing and gratifying everybody, it may readily be conjectured
that the articles collected were many, and extremely miscellaneous
in their character. Nevertheless he generally contrived to be correct ;
and though mistakes would happen at times, yet they were mostly rather
of a ludicrous than a serious nature. Jem was a prime favourite with
all hands ; his ready attention to the wishes of the officers, and his
constant endeavours to oblige his shipmates, gained him universal
esteem. Such a man was never at a loss for a glass of grog, and yet,
except on especial occasions, such as the 4th of June on board, or when
on liberty ashore, he was never seen intoxicated — no, not even on
that licensed period for inebriety — pay-day, for he well knew that the
barge would be wanted at that time, and as the crew would most assu-
redly avail themselves of a man-of-war's-man's privilege to get drunk,
he conceived it to be an imperative and important part of his duty
to keep sober, in order that he might be the better enabled to watch
over the welfare of his boat's crew, and as far as possible prevent their
getting into trouble.

Onward flew the gallant ship ; the master eagerly watching her pro-
gress bj- the land-marks, and listening to the chaunt of the leads-man in
the chains. They were rattling through the Solent, — " Jack in the
basket" was soon lost sight of on the larboard quarter, — both Cowes
were passed, — and the ships at Spithead were counted.

" The admiral has hoisted 275,* Sir," reported the quarter-master to
one of the senior midshipmen, who repeated the communication to the
first-lieutenant, and the latter informing the captain, the voice of the
first-lieutenant was heard, " Hoist the number I" Away went four
small rolls of bunting to the mast-head, which, having reached, a sudden
jerk broke the rope-yarn stops that had confined them, and the flags,
surmounted by the union-jack, blew steadily out descriptive of 900.
Scarcely a minute was allowed to elapse before they were discerned on
board the guardship, and both signals hauled down. In less than three
minutes more the arrival of the Neverflinch was known at the admiral's
office in Portsmouth, and in about a quarter of an hour from her first
showing her number, it was communicated by telegraph to the metropolis.

" Well, Joe," said the seaman before mentioned as 13111, again
addressing the boatswain's-mate, *' there's the steeple of Portsmouth
church, and in another hour we shall have larned the bearings and dis-
tance of family matters ashore. They won't keep us long in suspense,
shipmate, — the Jews all know we've lots of prize-money to receive ; and
by this time Gosport and Portsea are trying hard which shall get on
board first to have a pluek at the geese."

" And some pretty plucking there'll be, Pill, if the prizes have all

arrived safe," answered the boatswain's-mate. " But I tell you what it

is, messmate — I aru't overmuch satisfied about them there letters that

I've sent to Poll — my mind misgives me as somut is wrong ; and Poll

* The signal for ships joining the fleet to show their distinguishing niunber.

3

18 JEM BUNT.

was always a bit flightyish, carrying her kites aloft in all weathers, and
cracking on like a cruiser in chase — straining her upper-works, and
damaging her moral screw tabilities — "

" Avast, Joe, avast !" returned his companion, persuasively ; "don't
you go for to stand upon that tack any longer. As to your wife's rig,
and for standing stiff under her canvass, that, I take it, no man as is a
seaman ought to complain of. To be sure she did carry her cloth abroad
in many a heavy squall, and sometimes got capsized, which was all nat'ral
enough ; but as to what you calls her moral what-you-may-call-'ems,
I'm thinking you heaves a-head a little too fast ; woman was made as a
consort to man ; and if, after clapping one another alongside, you parts
company again — why then, Joe, it stands in reason that mayhap another
messmate may take her in tow ; though, in all likelihoods, Joe, it may
be a little bit o' black velvet as conscience has logged down again you,
and so — "

*' Heave and paul there. Bill," said the boatswain's-mate, interrupting
bim, for the poor fellow winced under the allusions made by his mess-
mate ; "it arn't by no manner o' means fair to throw a man's ondevious
cruising in his teeth, whether it's among the white and red of his own
country, or the black lasses in Ingee. Howsoraever wo must take
things as we finds 'era — happy-go-lucky, my boyo — eight years is a long
run ; and yet, with these here green spots afore me, it seems but a few
days ago that we parted."

There is, perhaps, no nation on the earth whose people are more
attached to and governed by associations than the English. How often,
when thousands of miles away from my native land, has a pleasant view,
the smell of a tiower, and other things, revived recollections, not only of
my distant home, but also of particular circumstances and occurrences
connected with it ! And now the worthy seaman, whilst looking at the
green fields of the Isle of Wight, as they lay basking in the sun, had at
once a vivid recollection of events that had happened eight years before ;
for it was near the very spot they were now over, that he had bade his
wife " Adieu." He stood silently contemplating the shore, till a sinj^le
word from the quarter-deck aroused hiin from his reverie. That word
was "Stations;" and as soon as it was pronounced there was a busy
hurrying fore and aft for a i'aw minutes, and then every man stood fixed
at his station, whilst the utmost stillness prevailed, broken only by the
wash of water under the frigate's bows as she swiftly ruslied along, or
the occasional announcement by the leadsman of the distance from the
ground over which she was proudly careering. At length they passed
the Admiral, hauled up the mainsail, and then bore up for an anchorage
at Spithead. " In sail 1" shouted the first lieutenant, and iu four
minutes the Neverflinch had every inch of canvass furled, and the men
down on deck ; the best bower was let go, and the cable veered out to a
half-cable service; fur, coming from a foreign station, it was leasonably
conjectured that the siiip would bo ordered into harbour to refit. The
barge was hoisted out, and manned; Captain Weatlierall was piped over
the side with all due honours frcm his officers and the marine guard,
and the boat shoved off for the Sallyport.

JEM BT7NT. 19

Bill was right as it regarded the Jews, for the anchor had hardly got
fixed in the ground before several shore-boats, containing the descend-
ants of Abraham, were hovering round the ship : but whilst the captain
was aboard they kept aloof, though two or three more bold than the
rest got under the bows, where they laid in some measure concealed
from the eye of the first lieutenant, and endeavoured to do a bit of busi-
ness with the forecastle men. It is true they did not dare to touch
the vessel; for the sentry's "Keep off," was too positive an order to be
disobeyed, especially when the glitter and rattle of the firelock evidenced
that he was not only prepared but determined to enforce compliance.
One wherry, however, either unavoidably or designedly, got athwart
hawse whilst they were veering cable, and the frightened Jew, finding
himself in an awkward predicament, or else glad of a pretext to get on
board, actually seized hold of the cable just as the frigate had been
checked by the main -deck stoppers. The marine saw the act, and
jumped into the head to drive him back ; but was prevented by the
boatswain, who exclaimed " Avast there, Jolly — let the poor fellow come
up." Thus encouraged, the unfortunate Israelite quitted his boat for
the purpose of climbing on board ; but the ship having hung for about a
minute, the boatswain piped " Veer away ;" and, as the tide was running
strong, the cable gave a tremendous surge round the bits, and flew out
at the hawse hole just as the poor Jew was congratulating himself on
his skill and finesse; and was probably calculating the advantage he
should gain. Away he went with the cable, plunging in the water, to
the hearty merriment of the boatswain and all forward who witnessed
the trick ; nor were the Jews in the other boats less pleased ; for envy
and malice were doing their work amongst them, and they rejoiced in
seeing a rival defeated.

" What's that noise there forud?" demanded the first lieutenant, from
the quarter-deck.

" It's a man overboard," responded a youngster.

"Not by no manner o' means," exclaimed the boatswain ; "stand by
there with the bight of a rope, Joe — its ounly a Jew, Sir."

Moses had sense enough very quickly to abandon his hold of the cable;
and as he .rose upon the surface, Joe, the boatswain's mate, promptly
jumped on the bowsprit, aud dropped the bight of the jib-down-haul
over his head, and catching him under the chin, just raised it above the
water ; but the Jew caught hold of the rope with both hands, singing
out lustily for help — " Oh shave me, shave me. Lord A'mighty upon me;
only shave me, and I '11 give you all I'm vorth."

" Aye, aye, you lubberly son of a sea cook," shouted the boatswain,
" we've got you by the chin, and we'll shave you directly the half sarvice
is out ; 80 hould on, Moses, like grim death again the doctor."

"0 blesshed Abrahams, look down upon a poor Chew," cried the
half-drowned wretch ; " shave me, an' I'll give a gold candleshtick to
de shinagogue. Oh blesshed Abrahams, help me, and I'll give two gold
candleshticks."

"Hould your muttering, you ould sinner," cried the boatswain's mate;
" if the gentleman as you calls upon was to save you, you'd cheat him

20 JEM BtTNT.

•with a pair of brass candlesticks daubed over with gilt. Shove your
arms into the bight of the rope, and slip your neck out on it ; and I'll
rouse you up for half the vally."

The Jew did as he was bid, and Joe hauled up smartly so as to raise
him breast high from the liquid element ; he then made the rope fast,
and left him suspended. The wherry he had embarked in had floated
astern, and none of the sentries would let it approach again ; whilst
those in the other boats, seeing their fellow-rogue, comparatively speak-
ing, safe, refused to take him in. Eut Moses was not satisfied with hia
cool bath. "Oh Aaron Levi, dere's a good shoul, do pick me up, and it
shall be a good ting in your vays."

"Vel den, I carn't, Moey," returned Levi, "besides, you vent a
fishing you know, and you've got a bite."

" Oh I shall be drownded — I shall be drownded," roared the Jew,
"and dere's me boxsh in de wherry gone avay ; oh me boxsh, me
boxsh."

" Clap a stopper on your muzzle — or, Joe, just shove a swab in hia
bow-port," exclaimed the boatswain. " I'm blowd if I can hear my own
call, for the shindy he's making. Veer away handsomely — "

Joe descended the rope, and squatted himself with his legs over the
Jew's shoulders. " I say, ould chap," said he, did you hear the orders
I got just now from the boasun ? Well, I'm blessed if I don't belay
your jawing tacks, if you arn't a minded to sing small."

"Veil, veil, I vill be quiet den," returned the terrified wretch; " but
oh, if you vill shave me — if you vill take me out of thish — "

" You'll never catch hould of a veering cable again, I suppose,"
responded Joe. " But as to the matter o' that, you can use your own
pleasure, my friend ; though I'm thinking this spell 'ull sarve you for a
dog-watch, or so,"

"Oh, by me shalvation, I vill niver do de like again," responded tiie
Jew, in a more subdued tone ; " but s'help me Got, I vash deshirous to
get firsht aboard to offer my besht sarvishes to de peoples, and keep de
oder rogucsh out — "

"That you might have all the cheating to yourself, eh, David Moses?"
demanded the boatswain's mate; who, prompted by humanity, had slid
down the Jew's body, and relieved him of the superincumbent weiglit.

" I say, David, did you never know Joe Blatherwick, as belonged to
the Nonesuch, and did his duty in the main-top?"

"Joe IJliulderwig — Joe Bladderwig," repeated the Jew, their faces
nearly touching, " 'pon my conshience, can't shay as I recollects him."

"Oh, but you must, though, David," insisted the boatswain's-mate,
" and now let me see if I can't veer away a fathom or two of lingo, jist
to freshen the nip of your memory. You remembers the Nonesuch ; "
the other assented, "and her taking a Spanish ship with a rich
cargo — "

"Blesh ray heart, yesh," returned Moses; "but I shay, carn't you
hatil me out of thish ? "

"Not yet, my dicky-bird," said Joe ; " dont be in a hurry to get rid
of an ould acquaintance, who's come to pay you a visit in your misfortun; '

JEM BUNT.

21

I takes it onkind of you to receive me so coolly. But I'm saying, David
as you remembers the consarn of the Spaniard, you carn't have forgotten
how you diddled the lads out of their prize-money. I'm Joe Blather-
wick, one of the Nonesuch's main-top men — there, don't look so grim

and I'm bless'd if you did'nt fleece me close to my bare starn, saving
your presence." The Jew writhed. "Now I tell you what it is, David
— and you're named arter a commander-in-chief of Israel, who was no
coward, and liked a pretty girl — I tell you what it is ; here you are,
and that you knows well enough ; now, I'm blowed if I dont keep you
here in a state of suspense, unless you overhauls your lockers, and pays
out pretty handsomely, so as we may man-handle them there gold
candlesticks as you promised to muster Abrahams, who I take it is as
big a rogue as yourself, and in good consekence has no right to 'em."

" Oh dear, oh dear — my boxsh ; vat vill become of me — I've losht
my boxsh," uttered the Jew, affecting to weep.

" But you arn't lost your pockets, David," urged the boatswain's
mate, " so jist have the condescension and generosity to onstow their
cargo, and bestow it upon me. I shall want a few guineas to look at
and play with; for them there rupees as they sarves out at Maderas and
Calcutta, are a precious deal more like boy's dumps, than right amest
nat'ral money: and then there's our prizes — "

The Jew was groaning in agony whilst Joe talked of unloading his
pockets; but the moment the last word was uttered his avaricious spirit
was arou&ed, and his \inpleasant situation, as well ds the indirect threats
of the seaman, were instantly absorbed in the prospect of gain. " De
prizesh," repeated he, "aye, de prizesh ; vat vill you take for your
share ? "

" Always settle old scores afore you begin new 'uns, David," replied

82 JUM BTTNT.

the boatswain' 8-mate ; " and now Fll jist tell you what I'll do with you.
Hand over the shot, onld chap ; no gammon, you know — but hand it
out cleverly, whether it's your goulden chain-shot, or nothing more nor
canister ; ease off a round turn of your conscience handsomely, Moses,
and brace up the yards of honesty ; and it will allow you to lay closer
up for a Jew's heaven, by another point."

" De Point," ejaculated David, his thoughts instantly reverting to
that notorious spot on which stood his residence ; " de Point ! oh bles-
sed Abrahams, I vish I vas dere now."

"Well, and so you shall be presently, if you'll ounly obey orders,"
returned the boatswain's-mate. " Hoist out the shiners, like a good
Christian, that is — a christian Jew; and if you does the thing as is
right, so as to make all square, by the lifts and braces, I'm blessed
if I don't haul you aboard, and stand all the racket with the first
leftenant."

"You vill?" eagerly uttered the Israelite, as hopes of cent, per cent,
again rose before his eyes.

" Honour bright," responded Joe ; " ounly you jist pay out the slack
of the mopuses, and you shall mount a-reeve-o', like a sky-rocket."

" Alash, alash, I am only a poor Chew," exclaimed the wary Israelite;
" my moneish vash in my boxsh — oh my boxsh, my boxsh ! it ish gone,
it ish gone !"

" I'm off, ould buffer, seeing as you haven't a mind to be saved,
neither soul nor body," said the boatswain's-mate, laying hold of the
jib-down-haul for the purpose of going up hand-over-hand. " So
you jist overhaul all the gallows tricks as ever you played, and think
how they'll sarve you out for them in blazes, ten minutes arter I lets
go the rope."

" Shtop, shtop, dere's a good shoul," entreated the Jew, seizing hold
of Joe's arm ; "haul me up, and I vill give you every ting."

" We alays has our grog sarved out afore we drink it, ould chap,"
replied the veteran; "and so in course you must come the needful afore
I raises your spirits."

"Veil, veil, I have a little shilver in my breeches pocket," answered
the bargain -making Jew; " blesshed Abrahams ! not in dat pocket."
For Joe liad commenced operations, and by chance had dived into
one that contained a leathern bag of gold. " Oh vat shall I do ?
dey are countersh and counterfeetsh ; tis de oder pocket you musht feel."

" All in course," said Joe, pulling out the bag and chinking it in the
other's face, "all, in course ; it 'ud be a pity to let these here melt in
the water: and now here goes for t'other locker."

"Every ship as heaves in sight when capturing a prize, to share
prize-money — so says the law," exclaimed Jack Bumpstead, the captain
of the forecastle, as he looked over the bows and beheld what was going
on. " Don't forget that, Joe."

" Honour bright," repeated Joe, continuing his search of the Jew's
person.

" An' me see 'em too, Massy Bladywig," uttered a grinning negro, as
he stood upon the bowevrit.

JEM BUNT. 23

"Avast there, Mungo," said Jack Bumpstead ; "you don't hoist the
Bame colours as the captors ; and it arn't logged down in the law as
black's white."

" All same for dat, Massa Bumblestead," returned the negro, showing
his white teeth, "you nebber know — "

What argument he was about to bring forward did not transpire, for
Joe, having completed his treatise on abstraction just as the boatswain
piped to stopper the cable, he shouted out, " Bowsprit, there — bowse
away upon this here Jew; " and then muttered, "hell come up lighter
now than he would afore."

" Aye, aye," was the double response of Jack and the negro ; and
taking hold of the rope they commenced hauling him up, and in another
minute or two he would have been perfectly safe ; but his disasters were
not yet to terminate, for the jib being wanted to sheer the frigate clear
of her anchor, orders were given to hoist it, which were promptly obeyed.
Thirty or forty pairs of stout hands were clapped on to the halliards, and
the down-haul being let go from the cleat — away they danced at full
speed. Now it will be remembered that a part of the down-haul was
round the Jew's body ; and, Jack having cast off the bight, away flew
poor Moses aloft, to his no small astonishment and terror ; and, but for
the presence of mind of Joe Blatherwick, who, though still in the water,
pulled forth his call and instantly piped, " Belay," the probability is
that the unfortunate man would have lost his life. Happily for him,
however, he was safely secured on the bowsprit, and handed in-boardon
to the forecastle ; where for some time he sat bewildered and confounded,
uttering unconnected sentences, mingling Hebrew and English, with
the patois of a Jew, in strange confusion. But after all, Moses had
gained his point — he was the first on board, and his misadventures
turned greatly in his favour with the first lieutenant ; his wherry was
called alongside — " de boxsh" was found safe — Joe was ordered to re-
fund a part of the pelf, but it had been too well sieved to get much
back ; and the Jew was not over eager for its return, as he well knew
that it formed a sort of passport amongst the crew ; and he could easily
make up his loss by being permitted to remain on board.

The yards were nicely squared, and the old beauty, fresh in her paint,
(for they had given her a lick of colour, previous to making the land),
looked more like a craft that had just come out of the harbour, than a
frigate from a long voyage and a foreign station. Nor was there any
trickery, such as is practised in the present day, in all this ; for men-of-
war were not then kept for show, nor did their commanders expect
pieces of plate, or gold-mounted swords, from the hard-earned money
of the people. There was an esprit du corps — an honour, a pride, that
animated our gallant naval heroes, and elevated their minds above such
petty considerations. However, there she lay, slumbering on the bosom
of the still waters, after a long and incessant floating abroad upon
the troubled ocean ; and, though requiring thorough repair, yet, to the
eye of a casual observer, her external appearance betrayed neither weak-
ness nor damage.

The ropes were coiled down, the decks were cleared and swept, the

24 JEM BUNT.

grog was mixed, and the order was given to pipe to supper. The messes
grouped themselves together ; a bum-boat, in the interest of Duvid
Moses, was permitted to come alongside ; the loaves (designated " soft
tommy" by the seamen) and sweet fresh butter were handed in on credit,
•whilst the stout old dame, honoured by the title of " bum-boat woman,"
waddled down the main-hatch ladder to the main-deck, where, notwith-
standing the feeling manner in which she had been received at the
gangway by the master at arms, who passed his hands rather rudely
down her exterior garments, by order of the first lieutenant, and, iu
utter contradiction of her own declaration, that " she hadn't a drop of
the monkey about her " one of the quarter-masters very safely delivered
her of three fine bladders of rum, which instantly disappeared, and were
placed to the account of the grinning Jew, who anticipated a glorious
recompense when the stufi' had taken its intended efi"cct.

CHAPTER III.

" "With a proud heart he wore

His humble weeds."

Shakespeare.

Two years of Jem's apprenticeship passed away ; and though he fre-
quently proved that " man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly up-
wards," yet he contrived to render the days of his existence not quite
so undesirable as popular prejudice would suppose. Arra3-ed in all his
finery, he enjoyed the May-day festival ; and during its couiinuauce
was not a little proud of being looked upon, not only as a public charac-
ter, but also as a popular favourite. He rambled about during every
day — sometimes faring sumptuously from the kitchens of great men, and
at others fed but sparingly, on account of the difficulty he experienced in
getting anything to eat. At night he slept soundly, for he had no care
or anxiety on his mind to break his rest ; and though called from his
snug black-bird's nest before day-break, yet even this was an advantage,
for it enabled him to witness one of the most glorious spectacles iu crea-
tion— the rising of the sun. He was much liked amongst his master's
customers, and many a choice morsel of savoury meat, that had been
sent out from some gentleman's dining-room for the dog, the cook laid
by for Jem, and the defrauded animals, full of natural instinct (some
peoj)le assert that they have got souls) would bark at the poor lad, and
most probably would have retaliated with their own teeth — thus getting
u bit at second hand — but for the adroitness he had acquired in defend-
ing himself with his brush and scraper.

His mistress was somewhat of a virago — the " governor's " master —
and consequently lady paramount tliroughout her sable dominions. Nor
did she spare the evil-doer, or tlic evil deed ; for whilst she condemned
the latter in no very temperate language, she at the same time impressed

JEM BtTNT. 25

npon the former sundry striking arguments against a repetition of the
offence. It is true, she seldom left any marks upon the persons of the
apprentices, for to have effected that she must have chalked her stick,
but still she made them feel the full extent of her persuasive energies ;
and even Gall and Spurzheim would have been puzzled by the supernu-
merary bumps she produced during her phrenological lectures.

One of the greatest enjoyments of these poor lads was their evening
bath in the canal, in which they were frequently accompanied by their
master, who loved to do the clean thing, and therefore sluiced his inside
as well as his outside, though not exactly with the same liquid ; for
whilst the surface of his body was content witli sober water, the interior
portion rejoiced in sundry pots of Barclay and Perkins, from the bright
shining pewter. It chanced that on an excursion of this nature, one
very fine summer afternoon — for being warm weather the profession of
sweeping chimneys hud somewhat fallen off, so as to afford greater
leisure to the professors — Mr. Fluewellin and his pu[)ils stopped at a
public-house, where, meeting with an old acquaintance or two, the
wholesome and nutritious properties of heavy-wet were earnestly dis-
cussed and practically improved upon, till, swelled with fancied import-
ance, and good strong beer, each one thought himself a hero. The
reckoning was paid, and off they set to perform their ablutions in the
canal, where the youngsters floundered about in wantonness, and so
tinged the element, that perhaps a speculation might have been got up for
bottling it off as ink. As for the master, he plunged into the very middle,
and greatly surprised the lads by his cleverness at diving ; till at last he
remained so long under water, that though at first they inuigined him to
be performing some dexterous feat, and would not approach him lest they
should excite his anger, yet, as he gave no indications of coming up,
they became apprehensive that he had been seized by the cramp, and
detained below against his inclination. Search was made, but the water
was so discoloured by mud and soot, that it was only hj groping about
with the feet that there was any chance of finding him; and as the
middle of the canal was out of the de})th of the young sweeps, they
dared not venture ; Jem could swim a little, and he tried his best to seek
his master, but without avail. The boys began to shout for help, but
it was several minutes before any one came, and tlien some time elapsed
before they dragged out the unfortunate man, whose life appeared to be
utterly extinct. They laid him on the bank, and two stout fellows raised
his heels high in the air to pour the water out of him, and thereby aid
suffocation. "The governor," (as the boj's called him) afforded no indi-
cations of returning animation, and the by-standers pronounced him —
dead. Terrified, and almost frantic, some of the lads ran home, (one of
them in a state of nudity) to inform the mistress, who was enjoying her-
self with a few of her friends and neiglibours over a strong cup of tea-
royal — that is, souchong soaked in rum before the boiling liqxiid is poured
upon it. Why it is called tea-royal I can yield no explanation, and
must leave it to those more accustomed to queens and to courts ; it is pro-
bable, however, that it is of early date. The renowned Elizabeth and her
maids of honour were accustomed to smoke tobacco — it was a courtly
4

26 JEM BtTNT.

luxur} — uud why not a little of the extract of the sugar-cane to qualify the
tea ? The origin of the term however is but of small consequence to my
narrative — there sat the lady of the sweep with her cronies, quaffing the
enlivening decoction, and dealing out scandal by the cup-full, when in
ran the boy with the direful intelligence that her lord and master had cried
*'Se-veep" for the last time.

" How — vot ? — tell me, you little warmint ! " demanded the lady,
starting up in doubt and horror — " Vere's your master ?"

" Thoy'm just got him out o" the vorter," returned the urchin, crying
and looking sadly doleful.

"Veil, and vot then?" she loudly inquired, as she stood tragically
erect, with her hand pressed upon her bosom, as if to keep down the
rising agitation. — " Oh, vot shall I do! Speak, Jack, vot then.^"

'• Vy, they'm laid him on the grass all onsensibly drownded, and quite
stuffocated and dead," responded the lad, as he wrung hi3 pie-bald
hands; — " its all true, missus; and, oh lor! — oh crikey — vot shall all on us
do.'' He's doubled up, and they'm going to bring him home on a shutter."

Now it so happened that the conversation of the ladies, just previous
to the entrance of the boys, had been on the disgraceful obedience which
husbands, in most cases, exacted from their wives ; and Mrs. Fluewellin
had energetically denounced her spouse as destitute of manly spirit, for
refusing to purchase for her a purple velvet pelisse, trimmed with
swan's-down. But now the feeling was suddenly changed ; for as the
boys united in bewailing the loss of so good a master, so the wife could
do no more than utter loud lamentations at finding herself deprived of
so excellent a husband. In fact, there was no sham in it ; she was
much attached to him ; and the blow came both sudden and heavy; but
still there was a certain standard etiquette to be kept up ; and therefore,
according to the approved principle, she uttered loud screams, stamped
violently with her feet, alternately, on the floor, and then went oif into
strong hysterics. All her visitors were instantly on the alert; one cried
out for burnt feathers, but as there were no feathers at hand, the hairy end
of a sweep's brush was substituted, and, singed and shrivelled, was thrust
under her nose — some slapped her hands — others wasted the " winegar"
on her forehead and temples — sundiy basons of water were brought to
sprinkle the face (I have always found tliat nothing short of a oucket of
watt r will produce effect — not sprinkled, but cataracted over the person
— and, like Morison's pills, if one will not do, take two — it is an infal-
lible remedy) ; but the lady remained obstinately oblivious to everything
— hartshorn and " sal-wolatilly " included. The doctor was sent for,
and promptly attended, but even his efforts were set at defiance ; for
Mrs. I'luewellin seemed determined to baffle tlie doctor's skill. It was
an interesting and imposing spectacle — there laid extended, on a settee,
the unhappy woman, whilst busy hands and anxious faces were grouped
around ; and so great was their agitation and amazement, that frequent
references were made to the tea-pot for the purpose of tranquillizing the
nerves — the surgeon, upon one knee, was grasping her hand — a young
child was sitting up and squalling in a cradle, from which the foal of a
donkey was quietly eating his hay — one of the chummies was trying

■'^ift

'/ ft I '■^'/'■'

JEM BUST. 27

to appease the little one by dangling before it half a pound of long six-
teens (not guns, but candles) like so many dolls ; and the rest of the
chummies were taking advantage of the general disorder and confusion,
to help themselves unobserved to the nice things on the tea-table, but still
keeping up a loud wailing, to avoid detection.

Nearly three-quarters of an hour had elapsed, and still the lady gave
no signs of coming-to, when all at once the sound of shouting was heard
outside the dwelling — the door flew open, and in flew Mr. Fluewellia
with a joyous cry. What a wonderful piece of mechanism is \\oinan —
that instant up sprang Mrs. Fluewellin, and overturning the doctor in her
haste, she rushed towards her husband. Now it might have been
naturally expected that the restoration of her "dear man" would have
filled her with afiectionate delight, and her arms would have at once
been thrown about his neck to welcome him to life. Eut there is no
accounting for the secret springs which prompt a woman's attachment —
instead of a warm and ardent embrace, up went her mawluys, and Mrs.
Fluewellin pitched into Mr. Fluewellin right and left, with all the
agility and science of a regular pugilist, at the same time upbraiding
him, in no very measured terms, for getting drunk.

The uproar was immense ; the donkey brayed — the company cla-
moured— the doctor roared "Murder!" — the child in the cradle pulled
out all the stops of its organ, and bellowed with all its might — the
chummies cheered at beholding their old master agnin (though they
were not sorry to see him "whopped,") — and Mrs. Fluewellin pegged
away with right good will.

Mr, Fluewellin, however, was too much of a man to strike again ; he
bore the punishment with exemplary patience, and when the lady of
his love had exhausted her energies in fibbing, she sat herself down and
indulged in a fit of sobbing. As for Mr. F., he was perfectly sobered
though coming from the bottom of the canal, his brains were still some-
what mud-d\ed ; and to qualify the water he had swallowed, a quart of
rum was brought forth, and the remainder of the evening was passed in
harmony — that is, all hands got glorious ; and Jem had an admirable op-
portunity afforded him of witnessing the sweets of matrimonial happiness.
Mr. Fluewellin had been resuscitated in an unusually short time, through
the perseverance of a clever surgeon, who, fortunately for the master
sweep, happened to be taking an evening stroll on the banks of the canal
after attending several fever cases amongst the poor. He had the body
promptly removed to the nearest public-house, and in about twenty
minutes the means resorted to, proved effectual, and Mr. F. revived,
wondering what it was all about ; and the first sounds of his voice, that
had so often been anathematized by the servant maids about five o'clock
in the winters' mornings, commenced humming the ballad —

" 0 dear, wliat can the matter be ?"

A donkey-cart was procured, and Mr. F. was conveyed home in state,
where he met with the tender reception already described. From
that day forward till his death the surgeon's chimneys were always

28

JEM BUNT.'

swept for nothing, except that the grateful sweep got many a grate-full
of soot. Oh, there is nothing beats gratitude !

Kor was Jem's education altogether neglected ; in winter the lads
■went to an evening school, where they were taught to read and write,
and cast accounts, for four-pence a-week each ; and here Jem's natural
quiekuefcs of intellect soon caused him to outstrip his companions in
making pot-hooks and hangers (he copied from the kitchen chimnies)
and in working the multiplication-table. Besides, as he was permit-
ted to visit his old friend Pat Donovan every Sunday, he found a willing
teacher iu the worthy Irishman. Jem frequently put questions of a very
puzzling nature ; and though Pat generally contrived to have an answer
ready, yet, it must be owned, that it was at times sadly beside the mark;
however, Pat, like many other great authorities, delivered his opinions
"with a firmness and a confidence that left no doubt upon the boy's mind
that what he said was perfectly correct.

" I can't never go for to make that ere out," said Jem one Sunday to

his Hibernian fnend, as they were passing a well-known public-house,
having the sign of "The World turned upside down," iu their excur-
sion of pleasure. " Does the man go through that 'ere baU, or is he
t other side on it ?"

JEM BUKT. 29

Pat stopped, raised his hand knowingly above his eyes, with the a'r
of a connoisseur as he looked at the painting, and then replied, "Its
right troo he goes, only he's revarsed, as they call it, in regard of his
bottom being at top."

" And vot's the ball for ? " asked the boy.

"The ball," returned Donovan, gravely, " oh, shure, and that's the
woreld — the globe they've chisten'd it, bekase they say its i-ound like a
bullet."

" And is the vurld round, then ?" inquired Jem, in a tone of dubious
perplexity. " Is this here vurld round r"

" That's a matter I laves to the praste," responded Pat, with be-
coming solemnity : "it's a pint of religion wid the clargy ; and some
thinks it's round, and others thinks it's flat."

" They're all flats as says it's round," exclaimed Jem, with emphasis ;
" vy, if it vos round, voudn't all the chimbley-pots be poinded out just
like pins from a ball-pin cushion, and shouldn't I tumble right through
some on 'em head down'ards, instead of being obligated to clamber up
ven I vent to sweep ?"

"By dad, but there's reason in that, any how, Jem," returned the
kindhearted Irishman ; " shure, an' a cute lad yer'll be, and do justice
to yer taachers, me darlin' — more's the pity ye can't be got into the
iiuivarsalLy."

" And vot's the uniwarsalty .^" asked Jem, whose questions generally
arose from the answer last received.

" The univarsalty r" reiterated Pat ; " oh, then it's the spot for a
janus — Dublin to wit — it's meself wishes I could see j'ou in that same."

" But vot is it for — vot do they do there ? — is it a sort of a sweeping
machine ?"' inquired Jem.

"What is it for ? you axes," answered Pat ; " by the hooky, but it's
a kind of factory where they make hard words and big books. An'
what do they do ! — Och, then they get's a power o' larning that you
nor I nor nobody else knows anything at all at all about.

'• But they don't never mean to say that there's a man stuck right
through their round vurld, do they ?" asked Jem.

" By dad, but they do, though," promptly answered the Irishman ;
" and they say he's a Pole, in regard o' the revolutions he makes —
though its meself dunna — " and Pat continued his walk.

"Veil, that's a rum "un, any how, to call a man a pole," remarked
Jem ; " and that's vy, I suppose, they tells a fellow to cut his siiek ven
they vants him to toddle. But, I say, it's a vonderment to me, and I
often thinks on it ven I'm in a chimbley — I say, it's a vonderment to
me veie ve all comes from ! "

Pat looked at the lad, and his quick-witted mind was strongly in-
clined to perpetrate a jest at poor Jem's expense ; but there was some-
thing so serious in the boy's countenance, and so earnest in his desire
for information, that he forbore his joke, and replied — " Faix, an' it's
meself as is bothered entirely in regard o' that same, as far as meself
goes ; — but the book says that Adam and Eve was our first descendants
— hangcestors, I mane ; an' then there was one captain Nore, as lived

30

TEH BUNT.

at Sheernest ; an' the lamed tutor as meself had ayont there in that glory
o' the woreld— that pride o' the ocean — Ireland. Oh, cooshlaraacre, an'
its there we'll thravel some day, an' long life to it ! but the lamed
tutor used to tell us about two raal Milesians ; one, Gineral llammelus,
and his brother Eamus, the forefather of the present Musther Diddimus
O'liamus, the great Irish attomey-at-law — an' small blame to him for
being a hue councillor for a pershecuted man — " and Pat pumped up a
sigh, probably fraught with reminiscences of the past. " Well, this
Gineral Eammtlus, and his brother, Eamus, never had a father nor a
mother, but were suckled, the pair on 'em, and rared and edecated by
a she-bear — the bles'ings on her warm petticoat; — an' they were found
in the woods o' Kilkenny; and Eammelus, as I said afore, became a
great gineral and king o' Connaught."

Jem listened with intense interest to this narrative, in which Paddy
had drawn pretty largely on an imagination that was never backward in
honouring the demand ; the tale was exactly suited. " And vot became
of the bear :" inquired the boy.

To any one but Pat Donovan, this would have been a poser ; but,
nothing dismayed, the bold Irishman, trusting to his inventive faculties,
was ready with a reply. " It's a long story, Jem," said he; "and
there's many in the woreld as don't believe in sich bedivelments and
fornications ; but as I had it, war-bate-him — that's banged into me by
the Lirned tutor U'Gallagher — why, in course, I've striking raysons for
knowing it to be thrue."

" Vy aye, a stick on the back, or a clout o' the head, is a werry con-
winciug argyment," said Jem, as he shook his shoulders in confirmation
of his assertion.

"It's them as carries the weight with 'em, Jem," assented Pat;
" soft words are aisy persuaders; an' meself knows they break no hones ;
but, apolthogue! oh, then, there's no denying but it bangs nathurc out
an' out."

"But vot's about the bear?" said the boy, on whom the story had
made a considerable impression; "how could she bring the children
up? "

" Faix, then, it was a way of her own she'd got," returned the
Irishman ; "but there they fund 'em all three in the w'oods — the bear
and the childther ; an* so they gathered the childther up — that's Kam-
uudus and Eamus; and the bear, to be dacent, fetched her cloke and her
clane cap."

Jem stood stock still, and stared earnestly in his companion's face, as
a strong suspicion of what he called " humbugging," crossed his mind,
but Pat's countenance fearlessly stood the scrutiny; it was gravity
itself. " Cloke and cap for a bear ! " uttered the boy ; " vot them as is
like to the bears as ve see go about the streets a dancing ?"

"Arrah, whist — them dancing consarns are oncivilized brutes, as
they can tuche nothing else," answered Paddy; " they won't lani at home,
and so they set out on their thravels in furren parts ; besides, didn't I
tell you there was bedivelment in it. So the bear fetches her cloke and
cap, and follows the childther into Kilkenny, and may be there wasn't

JEM BUNT. 81

thousands to see how nathrally she behaved herself, except as she
waddled a good deal in regard o' the shortness of her legs. An' so
they tuck her to the mayor, an' she made oath upon the vestments — "

"Made oath," uttered Jem, dubiously; " vot svear afore the beak,
the same as a right arnest natral born'd christian."

•' To be shure," returned Pat ; " what else in life could I mane ?"

" Vy, you don't never intend for to say as a bear, a real hanimal bear,
can talk, do you ?" asked the boy.

" Not the ginerality of them," answered the Irishman, " ounly them
as is edicated and bediveled. Besides, how in the name o' rayson, could
she tache her child ther if she couldn't talk herself.'"

" That 's worry true," returned Jem, who at once admitted so rea-
sonable a deduction. "And yet it's somut of a vender for a creatur
like that 'ere to have the gift of the gab."

" Thrue, for you, Jem, my boy ; but there's never no accounting for
nathral history," rejoined Pat; "don't parrots talk, an' where's the
great differ atwixt a parrot an' a bear, barring one has feathers, and the
other a frieze jacket. Well, as I was a ftiying, the bear tuck the
oath afore the mayor o' Kilkenny, and kissed the book upon it, that the
childther was left in the woods when they were no bigger nor a bee's
wing ; an' so she tuck 'em home to play with her cubs, an' brought 'em
up in the fear o' God an' o' larruping. An' the boys were taken care
on ; an' the bear allowed rations at the barracks, an' became a pensioner
upon Dublin Castle — long life to the lord-leftenant ; an' there she lived
like a fighting-cock, upon the best of everything. An' the childther
grew up; an' Kammelus went into the army, an' Ramus studied the
law ; but the bear didn't like the musty ould books an' the parchments,
an' the statues at large : she burnt her nose with some hot cake upon a
little tub, an' tuck herself off to the barracks ; where she dthrank ouisky,
an' smoked her baccy in the canteen — "

"Vot, take her pipe, too? Veil, there is funny things in this here
vurld, sure-Zy," remarked Jem ; " but there, I've not never seed nuflPen
yet."

"To be shure not," returned Pat, "oh yer sowl, why you've never
seen Pidcocks I — its there they all are at Exeter Change, alive and
kicking ; and the first thirteen that hever I get wid two heads to it,
blur an' ounds, but I'll take you to see 'em."

" See vot ? — the bear ?" demanded Jem ; " my crikey, but she must
be an old 'un by this time."

Pat very shrewdly conjectured that a period might arrive when Jem
would visit this celebrated exhibition, and at once discover that no such
creature as the one he had been especially speaking about existed in
that establishment.

"No, no, Jem," said he, "she's not in such an oncivilized place,
poor sowl, she had a misfortunate eend at last, and all Kilkenny went
into mourning."

"A misfortunate eend had she?" repeated the boy, sorrowfully,
*' veil, I thought — but vot did she die on ? "

" Gunpowdlher, Jem — och the sowl, she died of gunpowdther,"

82 TKM BJTST.

responded Pat, with a mournful shake of the head ; " the cratur got
boozy over-iiight, an' nixt morning away she goes to the canteen in her
cloke an' cap, an' ' The shine o' the day light to yez, Mrs Haggarty,'
says she. ' The same to you, Mrs. Bruin, an' lashin' of it,' says Mrs.
Haggarty ; for they called the animal Mrs. Bruin, instead of Mrs. Bear,
in regard o' the dacency, and for shortness. ' An what 'ull ycz take to
keep the cowld out?' says Mrs. Haggarty. ' Faix then.' says the bear,
'it's but a poor breakfast I've made — seeing as I've been empting a
barrel o' ball cartridges into me ; and, by the powers, but its hard of
disgestion they are, and lays heavy too — that's upon my stumick, Mrs.
Hagi>arty ; so I'll jist take a taste o' nuisky an' a whifF o' baccy to
make things sthrait.' ' An' you shall do that same, Mrs. Bruin, an'
welcome,' says Mrs. Haggarty; *a raal dthrop o' the mountain dew, as
never wetted the shtick,' says she ; and so in course she hands her — ■
that's the bear — a double naggiu o' stuff; but the cratur would have
the dood'-en first — more's the pity — an' so she fills the pipe, and houlda
the ouisky in one hand, all ready to dthrink, whilst she puffed away —
when, how it happened, sorrow the know any body knows — though may
be it was a spark got down lier troat — all of a sudden the cartridges
went off, one at a time : an" there they was, bang, bang, like a core o'
sharp-shooters, for the full space o' ten minutes, or more; an" she tuek the
ouisky to quiet 'era, but divel a use was it at all, at all ; for they kept up a
terrible pother, as the balls flew right through her ; an' the guard ran
in, an' the throops turned out, for it was during the rebellion, and the
colonel believed it was an attack, when it was ounly the poor baste ;
an' the bugles sounded, an' the dth rums rolled to arems ; an' there niver
was a precious shindy if there warn't a precious shindy then. As fur
Mrs. Haggarty, faix an' she got a ball where it wouldn't be dacent to
mintion ; an' a corporal an' six privates were maimed for life, besid( s
others wounded and kilt. An' then; the poor misfortunate dliiuol kept
firing away till they'd all gone off — that's the carthridges, Jem — and
then she dropt down dead — och hone !''

" "Veil, I never did," uttered Jem, his eyes protruding with astonish-
ment; " and so the kind-hearted brute vos shot, eh .'"'

" Shot, do you mane ?" vociferated the Irishman, with well-assumed
an'.ier. " Shot is it she was ; well then, if she warn't riddled with
builets, there's no holes in a sieve."

" An' vot became of the childlher ? " inquired Jem, who still had
some doubts u])on his mind ; not as to his comiiaiiion's veracity, but the
veracity of Mr. U Gallagher, from Avhom he received it.

" .Arrah, did'nt I tell you afore what come to 'era? " answered the
Irishman. "Whisht, Jem, whisht; shure, an' haven't I put larning
enougii in your head for one day ; let it rest there awhile, my jewel,
for if I tries to cram any more into your skull, doesn't it stand to rayson
that it 'II shove the other out ? a cask can only be full to the bung, any
how."

Jem admitted the reasoning, and said no more ; though he certainly
did not forget the subject, but made it the theme of many a meditation
when he got into his stuily, half-way up a chimney. I have already

JEM BUNT. 33

said the lad was a philosopher; and I must also add, that, like mos/
philosophers, whilst he affected to despise the pomps and vanities, the
bufFetings and revilings, of the world, he was neverthe'ess extremely
ambitious of being a leader amongst his own peculiar class ; in fact, he
could not stoop to the indignity of being second in any enterprise that
himself and colleagues undertook ; and ultimately his fellow-appren-
tices, as well as the youth of the neighbourhood, hailed him as their
chief; for, though much their junior in years, he was by far the
cleverest among them in scheming, and never flinched from threatening
danger.

Now it 80 happened, that at Peckham there was an academy for young
gentlemen, kept by a very clever, intelligent, and worthy dissenting
minister, who was always ready to give every encouragement to his
pupils when they endeavoured to excel, or to punish the idle ai;d
refractory. This academy stood opposite to Dr. Collyer's chapel ; but the
vicinity, at that time, was very different to what it is at present, though
the school yet remains ; there was then a very large plot of land ad-
joining to the play-ground, called " The Wilderness," where Peckhara
fair used to be kept ; and names that have long since disappeared /roin
the emblnzonry of such festivals, glistened in all the brightness of gilt
above ihe show booths. There was the veteran llichardson, with his
dramatic corps ; in which first appeared some of the most eminent
actors of after times ; the voices which then echoed within the canvass
walls — Kean, Oxberry, Slader, Fawcett, and many others — subsequently
drew down national applause in the royal theatres. There, too, were
Jonas and Penley and Scowton, as rivals: Saunders, with his superb
equestrian troop; and Gyngell, with his musical clock and harmonious
glasses. They have all passed away ; and even their celebrity, famous
in its day, is entirely forgotten ; as for learned pigs, small dwarfs, fat
children and wax-work, the race will never be extinct.

In the neighbourhood of this school and wilderness were several fine
garden-grounds and orchards; but which were planted first — the school
or the orchards, I have now no means of ascertaining, but 1 should
rather incline to believe the latter ; as it would be a hazardous experi-
ment to place such palpable temptations as rich ripe fruit in the vicinity
of an establishment containing seventy boys — many of whom it must
be confessed have since become eminent men, yet then were eager for
mischief — without previously calculating the consequences ; — at all
events, there they were in a very perilous proximity to each other.

Jem and his confederates had marked the delicious tempters that clus^
tered on the trees, and they judged, pretty accurately, that if they could
obtain a portion for themselves without detection, the mal-appropriation
would in all probability be laid to the account of the school boys ; but
in order to attach the culpability more strongly to the declineis of Latin
nouns, Jem sugcested the possibility of purloining an article or lv>o
from the play-ground, which might be dropped in the orclianl, iind
offered himself to accompany any of his companions to accf mpli^h ibis
object. Of course so noble a demonstration did not want for tujiptrt,
and a volunteer being obtained, the plan was arranged, the time set,
6

34 JEM BTIJJT.

and the gardou of an old man named Abbey fixed upon as the scene of
their exploit, not only on account of the excellency of the fruit, but
also as being the nearest to the school.

It is curious to observe what great events arise from little causes.
The period agreed upon for the enterprise was close upon the eve of the
midsummer holidays — it would not do to drive it later, as the school
would be closed and the youths, to mark their sense of the conduct of
an obnoxious usher, hud secretly prepared an effigy, which was con-
cealed in an arbour of one of the little gardens that bounded the play-
ground. The drawing boys had vied with each other in producing a
fac-simile of the face ; and a very fair likeness to the usher was the
result; whilst to render the deception more complete, an old coat be-
longing to the petty tyrant had been purloined for the occasion; in point
of fact it was a clever thing, and had a natural appearance, except that
on the brows were mounted a lar^e pair of horns, and from beneath the
tails of his coat branched out another tail, thick as a good sized wrist at
the upper part, but tapering away in a six-fuot length to the extre-
mity, and from one end to the other well charged with gunpowder.
This was inti^nded for an auto-da fe on the following evening, being tho
last night before breaking up, and from time immemorial a season de-
voted to insubordination and misrule.

Jem and his confederates waited beneath the Wilderness walls till
n<^ar midnight, before all was perfectly still, and then the gallant pair
Of chummies climbed over and trod the soil associated with manj' class-
aide remembrances. At first they were cautious and wary; but grown
bolder tlirough meeting with no impediment or obstruction, they entered
the arbour containing the terrific figure. Jem's companion was the
first to discover it as he was groping about ; and taking it for some one
on the watch, he instantly dropped upon his knees and entreated for
mercy; but obtaining no reply, and not feeling the expected grip secure-
ing him as a thief, he summoned sufficient courage to feel again. But
this time he was more terrified than before, for perceiving that it was mo-
tionless, he conclu led it was a dead body ; yet so feartully was he ex-
ited, that a sort of horrible impulse restrained him from withdrawing his
hands, and on pas.sing them over what he supposed the features of the
corpse, his fingere were suddenly seized between the teeth of some living
being, though sooty made sure it was the jaws of the defunct that held
him, and he bellowed like a bull-calf.

*' Hould your fool's roaring !" exclaimed Jem ; " vot made you go for
to put your thieving hooks in my tatcr trap, eh r Yell, I never ! if you
goes on that 'ere rate, I'm bless'd if we shan't be eoteht, and no mistake.
Vot are you afraid on — w this here's not nuffin more nor an ould
guy."

The fact was, Jem had at once ascertained the nature of the figure,
and had got close to it the better to examine its construction ; hie
accomplice in his fright had thrust his fingers into Jem's mouth, and the
latter, for the joke's sake, had held them fast, nor would he be persuaded
to remain a moment longer than he could get free ; he was over the wall
and starting ofi" at lull speed, nor could the confederates outside arrest

SETS. B0NT. 35

nis progress, or gain any information as to the cause of his iliglit.
Luckily for Jora, no one but a small boy or two had been aroused by the
noise; and they, so far from giving any alarm, covered their heads up
in the blanliets and trembled at their own breathing. The sweep
remained perfectly quiet for a few minutes, and then divesting the
effigy of its horns and tail, he mounted the wall, rejoined his compa-
nions, and they made a speedy and safe retreat. Hearty was the laugh
against the runaway when the tale was told ; but there was no time to
be lost — the morning was creeping on, and they had yet another tVat to
perform in old Abbey's garden. Still however, as full of fun as they
were of mischief, they fixed the horns on the brows of their leader, as
a trophy of triumph, and attached the tail to his nether garment: thus
equipped they entered the forbidden gi'ound.

iN'ow the proprietor of the orchard, fully aware that the period for the
departure of the scholars to their several homes M'as near at hand, and
se isible that his fruit was most temptingl}' I'ipe, he entertained apprehen-
sions that some of them might be induced to pay liim a farewell visit,
and satisfy an old grudge by robbing him of his luscious black-heart
cherries and delicious juicy white currants, on both of which he prided
himself as being the best exhibited in Covent Garden market. That he
might be prepared to meet his unceremonious guests in the most distin-
guished manner, he posted himself amongst some bushes, with a good
horse whip in his grasp, and he chuckled to himself at his own penetra-
tion and discretion when he heard the invaders coming over the in clo-
sure. Still he remained quiescent, for a new thought had entered the
old man's mind, and that was, to seize as many of the intruders as he
could, and turn their capture to advantage in the way of ransom.
Peeping from his ambush he beheld four or five dingy looking beings
advance in stealthy silence, and he made sure of his priy; but i-uddeuly
a violent revolution took place in his feelings, the perspiration was i'orced
through every pore by terror, when, by the dim light of the ilkuuined
metropolis reflected on tlie sky, he discerned what he took for devils
junior, or infernal imps creeping towards his concealment, and one
evidently setting at rest the contested point of the horns and tail. Tiiere
could be no mistaking the fact ; it was plain and palpable, and had the
*' chummies" held their tongues, it is more than probable that, in the
exuberance of his terror, old Abbey would have run off and left the
coast clear to the depredators ; but one of them, feeling the deliciona
fruit, could not forbear exclaiming, " My eyes, Jem, here they are, all
round and sound and nothing a pound," which broke the spell, and the
old man's courage returning, he 6]>rang up hurriedly from his ccnceal-
ment to punish the delinquents. 13ut Abbey's previous trejjidalion had
deprived him of his usual activity, so that the young rogues had gained
the base of the wall before he began to advance, and accustomed as
they were to climbing, it was but little more than the work of a moment
to ascend one side and drop over on the other. Jem, however, was
embarrassed by his tail, which encumbered his retreat, and his horns
had more than once got entangled in the foliage of a -wall-tree, so
that his pursuer had time to catch hold of his nether appendage, as it

36 JBM Btmi.

hung down, before he could accomplish his escape. Happily for him,
it had either not been very strongly secured, or the small clothes to
which it was fastened were not over stout, for it rent away in the old
gardener's hands, and Jem was free.

Confident that they would not return again that night, and pleased at
his exploit in outwitting Satan, old Abbey returned to his dwelling,
"where on passing through the yard, he threw the tail into an out-build-
ing used as a depository for wood and coals, and having taken a sup of
brandy to keep the cold out, he tumbled joyously into bed, where he
related to his good dame the marvellous events that had occurred, and
promised to show her the devils tail in the moi'ning. Eoth enjoyed a
hearty laugh, and, from happy merriment, they sank into refreshing
sleep. But notwithstanding old Abbey's display of valour, the occur-
rence was revived with many a fearful vision in his dreams, all assuming
ditferent aspects from what had really taken place, aud the worthy
gardener was all the remainder of the night tormented with evil spirits,
who played him a thousand mischievous tricks, aud eventually were
bearing him off to the place of everlasting miser}-. He could not
struggle to free himself for he was bound hand and foot; he could not
shout for help as he was gagged ; but he contrived to make what noise
he could, especially when approaching the confines of that dread abode.
But still they carried him forward, and he saw the red hot gates unfold-
ing at the flaming portal, when suddenly a loud explosion shook every
limb, and, springing out of bed, loud shrieks and the crackling of fire
burst upon his already alarmed senses. He found his limbs free, but the
cries of distress and the raging flames were reality; and rushing to the
window he saw beneath a cloud of smoke, that a detaclud building,
used as a washing-house, was laid in one mass of ruins, wliil^t fire w as
issuing forth between the fissures, threatening destruction to the whole.
To increase his amazement, two women were racing to and fro in
wild affright, and loudly calling upon heaven to defend them from the
evil one.

As soon as consciousness to the affairs of life had somewhat restored
old Abbe3''8 faculties, he hastily put on Avhat garments he could lay liold
of, and then ran down stairs, when, with the ready help that he obtained
the fire was soon extinguished; he then made inquiry as to the cause of
devastation, but no one could render any satisfactory account of it. The
servant girl had got up to wash, and with a woman to help her, iiad
commenced making a tire under the co])per; they had gone into the
yard but a moment when the blow-up took place, and that was all they
knew about it. Nothing could be more evident than that some combus-
tible had been used, as part of the roof and the copper were thrown to a
considerable distance ; but the mode or manner in M-hich combustibl a
could get there was a mystery, tliough tlie old dame, recalling to lo-
m( mbrance the narrative of her husband tiie previous night, could ijot
help conjecturing that the imps in the garden might indeed and in l;.ct
have been real right earnest demons, and, whilst talking over the aflair
at breakfast, she requested a sight of the tail which Abbey had brought
home as a trophy.

JEM BTTKT. 37

Awaj' went the worthy gardener to gratify his wife's desire; he has-
tened to the wood-house and searched it round, but nothing in the shape
of a tail could he discover, and he began to feel some strange misgivings
himself as to the identity of his dark visitors. He called for the servant
who pi-omptly obeyed his mandate, and inquired what had become of a
certain article, which he described to the best of his recollection he was
informed by the girl, that being short of fuel, she had shoved it into the
copper-hole just after lighting the 6re. Old Abbey stood struck with
astonishment, and hurrying in to his wife, he related (with a few natu-
ral embellishments peculiar to himself) that the devil's tail had been the
cause of the whole " blow up," and the old pair believed that it actu-
ally and bona Jide was the veritable nether out-rigger of some sucking
Beelzebub.

CHAPTER IV.

*' "Would you ax for to come for to go

A true-hearted tar to discern ;
He's as honest a fellow, I'd have you to know,

As ever stepp'd 'twixt stem and stern."

DiBDI.V.

I HAVE always admired the barge of a man-of-war. as propelled by
the sinewy arms of her crew, she proudly cut through the yielding ele-
ment, and left her wake cresting the dark green waters with white
rippling foam ; and a right jovial band were the gallant bargemen, as
they stretched out their oars, displaying the powers of their muscular
strength upon their own peculiar element. They were generally selected
from amongst the best-looking and the finest seamen in the ship ; and as
they were generally arrayed in the same costume, they presented an
admirable specimen of those undaunted beings who so nobly sustained
the honour of the British flag ; and an honourable and confidential
station was it to belong to the admiral's, or the ca])tain's own boat —
lionourable, for the distinction it conferred, and confidential, because in
their constant communication with the shore, reliance was placed in
tiiem that thej' would not desert.

Tliere is something extremely repugnant to English feelings in the
name and character of " a deserter ; " but more especially does this in-
crease into downright abhorrence, when desertion and treason are
coupled together. Many things may conspire to induce a man to lun
from his ship : whim, caprice, intoxication, staying over his leave, the
love of change, the better wages, the bounty-money, and numerous
other causes; but only an innate depravity of heart ctm influence a man
to become a traitor. Desertion was rather prevalent during the last
war ; and it became a favourite theme with public writers, and with
public speakers, who were disaffected to their country, tliat the treat-

S8 JEM BUNT.

ment of the people on board a ship-of-war was the actuating power
that made them desert. It is true that in numerous instances great
and unnecessary severity was used, and the system of flogging for tri-
vial offences was, by some captains, carried to a cruel and disgusting
excess ; but it could not be to avoid this that our tars volunteered into
the American navy, for punishments both manual and at the gangway,
were fur more frequent and heavy in the American than in the British
service ; and it was seldom, if ever, that a traitor was to be found
under any other hostile flag.

A seaman was mostly an improvident reckless fellow, who' exercised
but little discretion as to the course which he should steer. On board
the American ships he heard his own tongue, received better pay than
in the English navy, and was entitled to a larger share of prize-money ;
besides, very great premiums were offered, to tempt the English seaman,
particularly the man-of-war's man, to desert his own colours and enter
for the stripes and stars. There was a double motive in ,this. 'I'he
Americans well knew that sailors are like a flock of wild geese, gene-
rally following in one another's wakes ; and therefore they hoped, by
obtaining a few deserters from the union-jack, they should draw away
others from the British navy. They also endeavoured to throw odium
on our national service, by asserting that the seamen had abandoned it
through ill-usage. Statements were industriously circulated tending
to disseminate dissaffection amongst our tars ; but to the honour and
credit of the gallant fellows, the machinations'of the enemy met with
but small success; and those who were base enough to become traitors
to the red-cross flag of St. George, under which Nelson fought and
triumphed, very soon found, that though they received a few more stars
in the shape of dollars, yet they were also compelled to submit to aa
additional number of stripes from the Yankee cats.

Now, I never was partial to cats, and more especially a eat with
nine tails. It is true, there is something domestic about the former,
but the latter is unnatural and monstrous. I have not now to learn
that where so many men are confined within tlie small compass of a
flouting box, it is necessary to preserve discipline ; but I am fully
satisfied that it may be done without the use of an instrument of tor-
ture, to scarify and lacerate the back. I sailed three years in one craft,
and never saw more than two men flogged (one for getting drunk and
Dearly blowing the ship up, and the other for thieving) during tlie
wliole time ; and yet she was aa smart a vessel as ever danced a gal-
lopade over the waters.

Jkit to return to the barge of the Neverflinch. Away she went,
smoking through ripple and spray ; for heart and hand were conjointly
enguged at the bending oars, and feelings that can never die in the
human breast were strengi honing the imj.ulses of nature. The re-
laxing clime of India no longer weakened their frames — they felt the
renovating air of England bracing up their nerves; and, if the un-
poeticul truth must be told, they smacked their lips in joyous anticipa-
tion of a glorious blow-out of htmvy-wet at the well-remembered sign
of the " Duncan's Head."

JEM BTTNT. 35

It perhaps may bo said I have descended from the sublime to the
ridiculous ; but I deny the accusation. A pot of porter in the pewter
ridiculous? England's own beverage to be scoffed atr I say, my
friend, just you make a voyage to India, and remain on the station
seven or eight years without ever tasting the cool delicious fluiil of
Meux and Co., or ever getting sight of a refreshing draught of Whit-
bread's entire, and then come baek to England again, you will not
think a frotliy pot of either ridiculous. Only look at the bright pewter
with its hoary foam upon the top, just like acoom of the sea glistening
in the sunlight. — Now taste it ; aye, you glue your lips to the rim.
Avast there — avast ; why, zounds man, you have emptied the bucket,
which now resembles a midshipman's chest after a long cruise, — the
first thing you see on looking into it, is the bottom.

But as I have said before, it was not porter alone that urged the bold
bargemen to their duty ; there were friends, and relations, and sweet-
hearts, and wives, and children, clinging round their rugged hearts, as
they hoped to see them on the beach, awaiting for their arrival. There
was also a longing wish to see old faces again, and an eager desire to
put all sickly doubts and apprehensions beyond the pale of uncertainty.
The men were thus engaged, but their respected chief had no occupation
wherewith to exercise himself; there he sat alone, struggling against
impatience, and striving to subdue a natural impetuosity that made him
fancy the boat was scarcely moving, and the strife increased the, nearer
the}' approached the shore. Still busy memory was labouring in her voca-
tion, and the certain past and the uncertain future were vividly sketched
upon his mind.

Portsmouth Point was — I say was, for I have not seen it these five-
and-twenty years — a long street, running from the barriers and draw-
bridge that separated it from High-street, till it terminated in a shingly
beach up the harbour ; and being nothing more than a narrow slip of
isolated land, from thence derived its name. There was also a sort of
purlieu or by-lane, with an intervening space, which, from its having
an old capstan in its centre, was designated Capstan-square.

A noted spot was the Point in the days of war. There stood the in-
viting " Blue-posts," where many a hungrj^ reefer has enjoj'ed his tea
for two, and toast for six. Oh it was a delectable sight to witness the
eagerness with which the " young gentlemen" regaled themselves ;
d — ing the waiters, to show that they were real ofl&cers, and topping
the grandee in extraordinary style, without the least fear of being brought
up, all standing, by the first-lieutenant.

Dear delightful Blue-posts, how well do I remember your charac-
teristic columns at the entrance, and the snug coffee-room on the right
hand side of the passage ; — happy and joyous have been the hours I have
passed within those walls — many a bleak winter morning have 1 had
charge of the large cutter, and [)ulled or sailed in from Spithead, shiver-
ing with cold, wet, hungry, and fretful. Ordered by the hard-hearted and
cruel first-lieutenant not to quit the boat myself, nor suffer the men to do
so, no sooner did the cutter's nose grate upon the beach at Sally-port, than
I manifested my obedience by lodging the crew at the Duncan's Head

40 JEM BUNT.

(where, as a matter of course, I paid the shot), and then hurrying to
the Blue-posts, have found a dozen or more, equally as attentive to duty
as myself — luxuriating in the warmth of a glowing fire — sitting over
their steaming cups, and swearing big oaths that tliey would submit to
no control but that of the captain ; for whom probably, a letter lay by
their side, with orders from the first-lieutenant that " it should be
delivered immediatelv on landing."

" Waiter, breakfast! and bear a hand about it," was the order; and
in came the hot rolls, not merely unctuously spread with, for that would
hardly have contented a midshipman's palate, but swimming in butter,
to gratify a half-famished appetite, and no fond mamma or discreet
papa at hand to check their darling in his gorge. Oh, the glorious,
delicious, melting morsels, how rapidly were they devoured ; and ever
and anon the room resounded with the demand, " Waiter, more rolls."

" What a history might that place /-ecord ! How many young and
ardent aspirants to naval fame have congregated there in the first opening
dawn of their glury — from the child uf ten years, who fancied his cocked
hat and uniform made him a man, to the bold dashing middy of twenty,
who proudly calculated upon having done " some service to the state."
I can remember many a fine handsome youth, full of eager hope and
expectation, longing for his time of servitude to expire, and reckoning
up the sum of influence he possessed to oh lain a commission from the
hard-fisted, patronage-loving, first lord of liie Admiralty. These were
Vuung men who fearlessly sought danger

"Even iL the caanuu's ui'.uith."

and where are they now } Some I see occasionally are greyheaded old
men, who, having gained the desired step, have never risen higlier ; —
lieutenants who toiled amidst the alternate strifes of storm and battle for
some twenty or thirty years, and tliere they are, lieutenants still ; whilst
boys — mere boys, who never smelt powder, but in firing a salute, have
grasped the coveted distinction, and sport their pair of epaulettes.
Others, it is true, are now old post captains, and some few have hoisted
their flag, but the greatest portion have been swept away into the dark
abyss of eternity.

JBut to the Point again. There also stood, the " Star and Garter ; "
but that was more of a lieutenant's house — a touch of the higher grade
— a sort of weather-side of " entertainment for man and horse." 1 fie-
quented it in later days when I crept from under tlic lee of the mizen-
Btay-sail ; but though the refreshments were excellent, and the company
somewhat select, yet I never felt so much at ease, or revelled in such
unbounded luxury, as at the dear old Blue-posts.

Upon the Point too, was that celebrated ujiartment devoted to iho
foremast man in nightly rounds of revelry — the long room (which our
esteemed friend George Cruikshank has so happily illustrated in my
" Greenwich Hospital") ; and not unfrcquently even officers of an
eJ'.'vated grade would disguise themselves in the jacket aud trousers for
the purpose of gaining udmiusion ; for here the hardy beumcn, uufetlcrcdl

JEM BTTNT. 41

by restraint or discipline, indulged in all the strange freaks of their
peculiar nature.

The Point was also famous for the dwellings of those kind-hearted chil-
dren of Israel, who supplied the wants of the seamen at the moderate inte-
rest of about five hundred per cent. Talk of your London Jews — keen as
they are — a Point Jew would have cheated a dozen ot them in an hour.
The sea-line of this neck of land was prepared as a forti Meat ion, and its
semicircular arches used to remind me of an enormous mouse-trap. On
a sunny afternoon in summer, the apertures were generally occupied
by lounging idlers; nor were there wanting groups of those bloated
beauties, who tickled the hearts of the honest tars into ecstasy by their
erudition in the vulgar tongue, and more especially in the applicalioa
of sea-terms. The sallvport was a large gutewuyin tlie stone wall, with
a short flight of rough steps descending to the beach.

It was at this latter spot that the barge of the Neverflinch grounded
her bows as the seamen tossed in their oars, and in another minute
Captain Weatherall once more trod on his native land. It was a proud
moment to him, for he had embarked from that very spot — the last he
had touched in England — some eight or nine years before, a young lieute-
nant— he now stood upon it a post captain in command of a fiigate;
and some of you gentlemen-skippers who have experienced similar
promotion must well know what the feeling is under such pleasing cir-
cumstances.

There were several other boats at the landing-place, and numbers of
both sexes, apprized of the arrival of the JSeverfliuth, had assembled to
make inquiry after relatives or friends. No one,, however, approached
the captain, for his rank forbade such intrusion, and followed by his
coxswain and one of the crew, carrying packages and letter-bags, ha
took his way to the admiral' s-office.

No sooner had the chief disappeared beyond the draw-bridge than a
rush was made by the bargemeu — one only remaining as boat-keeper —
for tlie Duncan's Head, a public-house that stood in the narrow passage
from the Sallyport to the street. It was built entirely in tlie old st) le,
and the first floor formed one capacious apartment appropriated soh 1\ to
the seamen of his majesty's fleet. The ceiling was low, with stout oak
timbers across it, not inaptly resembling the beams of a ship; and as the
whole was blackened by the incessant smoking of its successive occu-
pants, the similitude was still further borne out. The walls were
covered with dark oak pannelling, ornamented with many a grim head
of ancient naval oflicers, as well as those of more modern date — engra-
vings that are now extinct, or only to be found amongst the lunibtr in
some obscure brokers shop. These were iutert^perbed with coloured
prints of sea-fights and rough crayon portraits of veteran seamen, who,
if denied the honour of figuring in the pa^es of history, had a just
claim to have their memorial cheri:>hed at the liuncan's Head. The
windows were more like port-boles than tho.-e essentials to light and
ventilation which were so heavily taxed by '• Billy Pitt; " and tlie jovial^
tars, with a slight stretch of the imagination, might fancy themselves
on the lower deck of a first- rate. lu fact, the peculiar tastes of the
6

42 JKM BTTNT.

seaman appear to have been cultivated for the purpose of pleasing ; for
the benches and tables were constructed similarly to those used in the
mess-berths afloat, and, as near as possible, arranged in the same way.

The landlord, old Bill Bentley, was a perfect original. He had
■worked his way up from purser's boy to Jack i'-the-dust, and ultimately
to be purser's steward of the receiving ship at the i!^ore. In this latter
station the money of the impressed men flowed in abundantly upon him.
He was a long-headed Philadelpliiu-lawyer sort of fellow; and what
with scheming and saving he amassed a handsome property. In due
time he got himself discharged with a pension for servitude, and return-
ing to the place of his nativity, he purchased the public-house, which
he named the Duncan's Head, in honour of the gallant chief under
whom he had fouglit. Bonrley was a courageous but a cautious man :
he planned before he acted, but never flinched from consequences when
once his schemes were set a going.

And now the bargemen, amidst the hearty welcomes and congratula-
tions of old acquaintances, surrounded the mess-table, and long draughts
of cool delicious porter were drank to the renewal of friendship. It is
true they had no money, but old Bill could well afford to give them
credit, for he was aware tlie frigate had caplurcjd several valuable prizes.
Then came the inquiries after sliipmates ar'siug from long standing re-
membrances, and many were the ejaculations of sorrow for those that
were departed, or expressions of gratification at the welfare of the living.
Very soon the scene began to get more interesting: most of the crew of
the frigate were Portsmouth lads, and mothers were seen clinging round
the necks of their hardy sous, and some few wives hailed the return of
husbands they had almost forgotten, And there were widows, too,
sighing for losses which they scarcely felt, though there was one who
with unfeigned grief questioned the boat-keeper, and seemed to write
down his words in her heart.

The return of the coxswain, however was the signal for a general
catechising; and Hardover, with his usual good nature, replied accord-
ing to the best of his ability to every interrogatory. Then came his
commissions. " Let me see," pondered he, " who was it guv me this
here ball," (a large and beautiful cornelian bead), " Oh, aye, it was Bob
Kansom ; and 1 was to show it to Poll, and tell her he'd got a shot-
locker full of *em aboard, if she liked to come and fetch 'em. Halloo
there, my darlings, does any on you know in what latitude Poll Wesson
is to be found ? "

" AViiat, pretty Poll of Oyster-street, as thej'- used to call her ?" de-
manded a haggard and wrinkled old crone, who removed a short blackened
and foul pipe from her lips, to enable her to speak. " Aye she was a
beauty — she was — and wliat would you want with Poll, Jem?"

" lia, ould Jenny, is it you : " returned the coxswain, chucking the
old woman under the chin ; " and looking as young and as handsome as
ever ; why how many husbands have you had, Jenny ? — you ought to
have made a tortiu' by the 'lotments."

"And don't you see I've made my fortune ?" uttered tlie ancient
dame, with bitterness of spirit, as she held up the tattered remnauts of

JfiM BUNT. 43

a dirty brown stuff petticoat, over which was the nearly worn out
coatee of a marine ; "mine has been a rough life, Jem, and no wonder
that it has left me a rngged estate. When I was young, Jem, I had
servants at my beck, and shoulder-knots at my command ; but that was
in the davs of Eodney, boy, long before your time — the fire-eating
Rodney — God bless his pig-tail; aye, many's the time I've tied it
for him, and he's given me a kiss, you might have heard it in the
main-top."

The coxswain looked at the woman eagerly; she was withered and
ugly almost to hideousness ; but her thoughts dwelt upon the days
when she was actually beautiful. She had been well educated too —
the daughter of a clergyman ; but human passion and man's seductive
influence had dragged her from a state of innocence ; and as the mind
becomes obdurate in proportion as the body sinks in infamj-, so had she
lost the sense of shame ; and though recollections of early days would
frequently obtrude, it was only to compare past gaiety and meretricious
pleasure with present misery and prospective wretchedness.

" But what did you want with Poll, Jem.^ " continued the old woman,
"I suppose I shan't do instead of her ? "

"Ko, no, mother, beauty as you are, Bob would rather see Poll,"
returned the coxswain, laughing ; "and so do j'ou jist go to her — and
it 'ull be a drop of summut in your way — and tell her that Bob — Bob
Eansom — you remembers Bob — well, tell her he wants to over-haul a
little 'long-shore palaver with her, and he's sent her this here to inwite
her to clap him along-side as aarly as conwenient."

" Ah ! see what it is to be young and cared for," muttered the old
crone ; " I am despised now in the years of my age."

" Whj-, Jenny, if it was myself, you know, the thing would be en-
tirely different," responded the good-natured coxswain, desirous of
soothing her apparently irritated feelings ; " but it arn't in jomctry
to answer for another; and Bob's a rummish chap in his way; so
bear a band, there's a good ould soul, and make sail for her moor-
ings."

" And it will not be long, Jem, before I shall lay at the same moor-
ings," uttered the old woman, with something like melancholy in her
manner, though it was partly mixed with spite. " Well, well, there's
no knowing, I may hould on a few years longer in trouble and pain —
Poll's dead."

"Dead!" repeated the coxswain, gazing intently on the wrinkled
features of the old woman ; and instantly calling to remembrance the
smiling and lovely countenance of her who was no more. " Dead !
— the thing's onpossible; why, mother, it can't be more nor eight-and-

twenty years since she was first launched, and you are "

" Carrying on for fourscore, my son," returned the old woman taking
up the sentence where he had dropped it; "she had a short life, and
the girls called it a merry one." An hysterical laugh stopped her for a
moment, and then she proceeded — " But what matters, Jem, flesh and
blood is flesh and blood all the world over; there's I^ance there —
buxom Nance." pointing to a female at a short distance, who might well

44 JEM Btrxr.

lay claim to the title of buxom; "show her the beautiful bead; she
•wants something to hang round her neck, and I dare say Eob wont b«
very nice about who has them."

The bead was cousequendy displayed to yance ; and after a few pre-
liminary questions, she consent^^d to console l>ob for the loss of his fa-
Tourite lass.

"And now that's settled,'" said the coxswain, •' what comes next r "
he thrust his hand into his jacket pocket, and produced a sailmaker's
palm. " Whose is this: — it must be Joe Marshalls ; but I'm blessed
if I don't forger what it was about, the old woman has so flabergasted
me ; though mayhap it was to ax arter some ould flame or other.''
He laised his voice and shouted, "Is there any on you here as disre-
membt-rs Joe 3Idrshall — Dainty Joe, the sailmaker's mate of the IS'ever-
flinch ? '''

" I do," exclaimed a young girl of nineteen, rolling up to the cox-
swain, and betraying by her erratic movements that she had been im-
bibing something sti\)nger than pure air. f?he was gaudily arrayed in
all the c-olouio of the rainbow, and if reversed, might at a distance have
been mistaken for a gigantic tulip. " I knows him well,"'' added she,
** and when the ship's paid, I'm to be IMjrs. Marshall.''

" Oh, you are, are you," shouted a fat little woman, a.s she waddled
to the other's front, and slicking her arms a-kimbo, glared spitefully iu
the sirl's face. " Whv. vou howdacious hussev, to go for to claim con-
sort with my own lawful husband as married me twelve years ago ; but
I'll give it him; I'll tear his eyes out, and yours too, marm, if you stand
there grinning at me."

" Take it out o' that," exclaimed the girl, turning the crook of her
kft elbow outwards and gracefully touching it with the tips of her
right hacd finger's " Joe Marshall's my fancy man, and I'll be aboard
with him directly."'

" What a blind demon is jealousy. The real Mrs. Marshall, jaundiced
by the evil passiun, did not reflect that it was utterly impossible her
husband could be knuwn to the young virago, for he had been absent
from England eight years; and yet, with the spirit of contradiction
tliat takes possess.on of an enraged woman, she at once flew at her more
youthlul antagonist, who was very soon denuded of much of her flimsy
finery. Liquor iisfl^imed the passiuns of the one, the yellow devil gained
the asceuaancy of the other, and never did pugilists have more viru-
lent or more determined backers. The married women, — and there
Weie several on the beach, — siued with Mrs. Maishall; the doxies, who
•were the most numerous, ruliitd round their frail sister, though even
amor.gst them there were manv who strongly condemned the cnduct of
the g.:l lor interkring with nsurilal rigiits. It was evident that a«battle
xojai was a'tMut to commence, when Hardover stepped between the
hostilt ' - and exclaimed —

"A. re; avast, bcih old *uDs and young 'uns ; it's aU in the

regard of the matter of a mistake, which ia jist as clear to me now as
Biui-i.v-head in a fog. Mv me-sage was to vou, Mrs. Marshall; I'd
forgut as Joe was spliced ; and this nere palm was to log it down in my

/EM ErST. 45

tnpmorr, as he longed to ?hake hands with vou again. He bid me ax
how the kids was, and whether there was any addition to his small
family, and how the mangle worked ; but, "above all, to bear a hand
aboard with some bacca and some lixy witey. So you see, my precious,"
turning to the girl, and giving her a knowing wink, " you ar'n't alto-
gether right nor cobler's mendus in your calculations, and mayhap it's
some other Joe Marshall a? you means."

" Xot the least objections in life,'" answered the girl, affecting disdain
towards her opponent. " Sieh a thing as that's Joe Marshad, ar'n't my
Joe Marshall ; and I wouldn't have him at no price whatsomever. I
dare say he's some loblolly-boy or dish-swabber."

This untoward observation was very near breaking the peace again;
for the rotund and portly Mrs. Marshall, could as little endure to hear
her husband disrespectfully spoken of, as to suspect hira of infidelity.
" I'd have you to know, Miss Minx," said she, putting herself into a
beUigerent attitude, " I'd have you to know that there ar'n't a smarter
lad in the fleet, though I say it: and glad I am to hear that he's alive."
This was the first time she had thought of it. " He has alays done his
duty by me, his lawful, wedded wife, and so he has to his king and
country, and as for the mangle, Jem,*'" turning to the coxswain. " tell
him it's all right, and Fve a snug little affair of my own, which I
shaU, be proud to welcome him to ashore ; for Joe's a man wot is a
man, and the home's his own home whensomever he likes to take it.
Can you," slueing round to the girl again, " say as much to your Joe
Marshall ? And look here," — she pulled out a canvass bag, and shook
it aloft, — " here's thirty goulden guineas as I've worked hard for and
yaarned to make him comfortable; show. as miieh as that out o' your
elbow, you trollop. I'm an honest woman, I am."

"And a regular trump, too," exclaimed one of the bargemen.
" Lord love your heart, how I do wish I was Dainty Joe ; we calls
him Dainty Joe acause he alavs hauled his wind among the blauk
girls."

"0, he did, did he?" vociferated the dame, mistaking the man's
meaning ; " I'll haul his wind for him when I gets aboard — 111
dainty him ?" and flop went the canvass bag into her capacious pocket
again.

"Well, I'm blowed if you arn't a rum 'un any how," responded
the man, laughing; "I tell you Joe never would go cruising amongst
black velvet ; though now I recollects," and he winked his eye
at the coxswain; "there was a summut up atwixt him and liauga-
lore Sal."

"What," shrieked the punchy little woman, " Bang-the-door Pal ?
Oh Lord have mercy upon me ! "' and she wiped the perspiration from
her face with her apron. " Bang-the-door Sal, too ! Here have I been
a faithful, loving wife to him for eight long years; living reputably,
like an honest woman, whilst he's been hauling his wind with lxii;g-
the-door Sal. Here, waterman — waterman'' — shouting to a man in a
■wherry that was coming into the harbour — " I can stand it no longer.
Here waterman ! " The man ran his boat upon the beach, and tha

46 JEM BU^'T.

fikipped into it. "There, take me alongside the Neverflinch, here's
wot'll pay ;" and she shook the canvass bag again. " Oh Joe, Joe, to
think that you should come for to go to do this here ! but I'll haul your
wind for you, and to the devil I pitch Bang-the-door Sal; " and off she
went fur Sj>ithead, amidst the uproarious laughter of every individual
who witnessed her agitation.

But now another female approached the coxswain, and she did so
modestly and deferential Ij', as if she feared to intrude. It was the
widow, in her sable vestments; and Jem instinctively removed his
hat, for there is a sacredness in sorrow that ever commands respect
from the humane and brave. She was pale and wan, and by her hand
she led a fair-haired boy, about nine years of age, in clean, but coarse
attire ; he was a mild, pensive-lonking child, that drew the generous
heart towards him ; and his resemblance to the female, connected
with the black crape round his straw hat, evidenced that he had lost a
father.

" One hard, horny hand of the coxswain was extended to the boy,
the other was held out to the female, whilst, with downcast eyes and
flushed cheek, he uttered in a voice tremulous with emotion, " What
cheer, eh; what cheer ? " She had been the wife of a highly valued
and esteemed messmate, who had been drowned about nine mouths pre-
vious, in Madras Roads.

" I should wish to have a little talk with you, Mr. Ilardover, when
you can spare me time," said the widow.

" To be sure, my precious ; to be sure you shall," responded Jem,
letting go the boy and passing the hand which had hehl him over his
bronzed features; "but I'm saving," continued he, "I shall take it as
a matter of conjestication if you'll be good enough not to call me Mister"
■^and he looked sheepishly towards his brother tars — "seeing as I ar'n't
got a handle to my name, and mayhap never sliall. But how goes it
with yo)x ? Ah. poor Tom I " — he shook his head — " a gooderer mess-
mate or a better seamen never hauled out a weather earring." The
poor woman sobbed convulsively, and Jem with difficulty repressed a
gush of grief. " Come, come, my dear creature, don't take on so,"
said he ; " it ar'n't never uo use, you know, and he's happy aluft, you
may be sartin on ; so clieer up, there's .«uiishine ahead, and the young
un alongside ; — d — n the breeze, bow it tills a fellow's scupjjers w itli
water."

The widow smiled when the seaman alluded to her boy, but it was
that sort of smile which, aecompauied by a bursting sigh, gives powerful
evidence of the anguish of the heart. " My sun is for ever quenched,"
replied she, mourntully, "but I cannot trust myself to talk with 5-ou
here. I am living with my mother in the old house at Gosport; \\ill
you, Mr. Hardovur — will you come and see me, and tell me every par-
ticular .' "

" I wool, I wool, — indeed, I wool," returned the worthy coxswain,
"and the more in betoken that I've got a summut stowed away in my
chest for you of poor Tom's. I saved it on purpose ; for, thinks I to
myself, his wife ud like to have it jist by way of remembrance; so I took

JEM BUNT. 47

it when the duds were sold afore the mast ; and next time I comes
ashore, I'll bring his bacca-box with me."

" Do, do, my friend," uttered the widow, " my mother will be glad
to see you, and I shall have a melancholy satislaction in listening to
the circumstances of my huband's fate."

" There will be somb prize-money due for j'ou," said Hardover, desi-
rous of renderiug information that might relieve the distress of her mind,
" and mayhap the skipper may take to young shiver-the-mizen here,"
pointing to the lad, " and make a smart seaman of him."

" Oh no, no," eagerly responded the mother, drawing the boy more
closely to h^r side, " I cannot part with him ; he is all that I have left.
— You will come, then." The coxswain nodded his head in reply, and
the bereaved woman quitted the beach.

It was several minutes before Jem Hardover could rally from the
thoughts which the appearance of the widow had revived in his memory
relative to his unfortunate messmate, Tom Stafford. Poor Tom had been
mate of a trading brig, and was expecting to obtain the command of a
similar vessel, when he was married to a pretty and interesting girl, the
daughter of a veteran warrant officer, who enjoyed a pension lor wounds
and services, as well as the cabin of a seventy-four in ordinary. Tom's
brig, with government stores on board, had hauled alongside, and lashed
fast to wait a tide, when the bright eyes of Susan Tompkin shone upon
his heart, like the Lizard lights in a gale of wind when first making the
land. She was tlien in her seventeenth year. Tom was young and
handsome. The flood was in his favour. He boarded the hulk, —
treated old Tompkin with grog, — presented his wife with some gun-
powder tea, — and made love to the daughter in his own peculiar way.

I have said Susan was pretty, but she was also a good girl. The
veteran gunner, her father, had been very careful over her ; and her
mother, a kind and honest-hearted woman, dearly loved her child.
Everj' morning Susan was in the boat at half-past eight o'clock, and the
old man paddled ashore and saw her safe into school. Every afternoon
at five, the boat was punctually waiting on the beach to re-convey her on
board ; and though pretty Susan was well known, no breath, even of
malice, could taint her character. She was cheerful without levity, and
at all times obedient to her parents.

When the first interview with Tom took place, she had discontinued
her daily visits to the shore : but she still occasionally waited on dift'e-
rent instructors to receive lessons, so that mental cultivation was added
to her amiability of disposition.

Never had the tide seemed to flow so rapid as on that afternoon when
the brig laid alongside the seventy-four. The wind was dead into tlie
harbour; and to the great joy of the youiig folks, as well as to the satis-
faction of the old ones, who had taken a liking to the good-looking mate,
at the top of high water the breeze freshened to a gale, and the master
of the vessel declared his intention to remain all night, and start in the
morning, should the weather permit.

It is not necessary to make a long story of the matter. Tom im-
proved his time w hilst it lasted : it was a first love to them both ; and

48 lEM BTTNT.

fondly and faithfully was it adhered to with all the fervency of sin-
cere atffction, and some months afterwards pretty Susan became Mrs.
Stafford.

Tlie old ganner was a man of some property; and though he would
ratlier have seen his son-in-law engaged in the service to which he him-
self belonged, yet it was enough that he kuew hi^ daughter was happy,
and he determined to purchase a share in some craft, of which the
young man miglit take command.

Thus stood affairs when the brig, of which Tom was mate, unfortu-
nately foundered at sea in a heavy gale; but the crew were saved iu the
boats, and picked up by an outward bound East Indiaman, that carried
them to Madras, where Tom, having no protection and being a thorough
seaman, was with others impressed into a ship of war, and subsequently
joined the J^everHinch, and, at the time of his death, held the station
of gunner's mate.

Hut to return to the coxswain of the barge, who was now busily
engaged with his memorandums, till the top of a silver call attracted
his attention, and he imroediutelv glanced with eagerness over the as-
sembled females, as if looking for some one whom he wanted. At last
he beckoned to old Jenny, and inquired whether Mrs. Blatherwick was
still floating on the stream of life .■

" She has left Portsmouth many a long day," returned the crone
rather sharply; " slie was always a gay 'uii, Jem ; though 1 dont be-
lieve there was much harm in her ; " and she laid a stress upon the
Word **mucli." — ''However, she scai'cely held up her head after the
news of Joe's deuth came — "

" Joe's death ! " repeated the coxswain; " why what do you mean^
Jenny r Joe's aboard now all alive and kicking ; and this here," show-
ing the memorandum, " is a bit of his pipe."

** Why, he wrote word — or somebody wrote it for him — that he was-
dying," retui-ned the old woman; "and Poll, as I said before, left Ports-
mouth with the babbv."

"With what!" exclaimed the coxswain, laughing; "with the
babby — I say, Jenny, that 'ere's pitching the gammon too strong ; so
jist tell us where she is; for poor Joe is rather down iu the mouth,
ubout her."

" I have already told you all I know," responded the crone, rather
angry at being doubted ; " and I can tell you no more. Poll got the
letter, and after that she started for Loudon, and I've never seen or
heard of her since."

" But the babby — what do you mean about the babby?" inquired
the coxswain aruldy.

At tliis moment, and before old Jenny could give a reply. Captain
Wuatherall nuide liis appearance at the sallyport ; the barge was in-
stantly manned, and the gang-board run out from tlie bows, over which
he walked to his seat in the eteru sheets. The boat slioved off, the oarr
were raised perpendiculaily in tlie air; but when on the open water, tha
coxswain waved his baud, and the blades fell with one simultaneous
8^)lash on tlic surface of the stieaiu. Tlio current was ruuuLng strong

JEM BUNT.

49

out of the harbour ; and as the bold bargemen again stretched out, their
strength renovated by porter and pigtail, they were soon alongside the
frigate. The boatswain piped as the barge steered towards the gangway,
and the bowmen having laid in their oars, stood erect, each with his
boat-hook in his hand. Four lads hung to the frigate's sides, as they
presented the red-man-ropes to their commander, who promptly ascended,
and was received with all due respect by his officers and the marine
guard. The boatswain's shrill whistle was again heard — the side ropes
were unshipped, and Jem, with a well-filled cloak-bag over his shoulder,
appeared upon the quarter-deck. The officers gathered round him —
numbers of the seamen crowded near the main-mast ; for all well knew
that the bag contained letters from the post-office, with numerous artich 3
of various 'descriptions which Jem had been commissioned to procure.

50 JKM BUNT

CRAPTER V.

" Doubt not but success '

k Will fashion the event in better shape

Than I eiin lay it down in likelihood."

SUAKESPEAllB.

Sn; irulbcrry Eoreas, Yice- Admiral of the lied, was born at sea when
his father was chief boatswain's mate of tlie old lii-istol, at that time
one of the ships of war belonging to his most sacred Majesty King
George the Second, and noted in naval history for her active and actual
services as a cruiser. The day of his birth was a peculiar one, as the
following circumstances must evidently prove.

One of the most eccentric beings of former days was the Honourable
William Montague, second son of Viscount Hinchinbroke, who com-
menced his naval career at an early age ; and on account of his daring
and romantic disposition, he very soon acquired the name of "the
Dragon ; " and his subsequent eccentricities, which, though bearing
ample testimony to tiie generosity of his nature, did r.ot at all times
manifest the soundest discretion, obtained for him the sohriquet of " Mad
Montague."

It was whilst commanding the Bristol, in \1AQ, that in working up
chaimel with a fine breeze, he fell in with a large convoy of Uutch
merchant ships, outward bound, who were making the most of a fair
wind. Captain Montague fired at several to bring them to ; but the
Dutchmen, wishing to avoid detention and delay, kept on their course,
upon which the Bristol bore up in chase, and by firing indiscriminately
amongst tluin, soon brought them to sensible obedience.

Mrs. Bilberry Boreas was hourly expecting to present her liege lord
with a son, who she hoped would be heir to his pigtail and his silver
call; and the firing of the guns violently shaking her nerves, threatened
to hasten the period of her accouchement. Poor liilborry dividt^d his at-
tention between his attendance on his wife and his duty upon deck ;
with the latter he eyed his pipe, and with the former, he was more than
once tempted to pipe his eye ; for the cannons rattled, and Mrs. Bilberry
groaned, and the poor fellow, to whom the first was harmony and the
latter discord, felt uncummonly flat between the two.

But the Bristol was now in the middle of the alarmed convoy, with
her uiaintopsail laid to the mast, and Bilberry was engaged in hoisting
out t!ie boats to overhaul the Mynheers.

" iSend the carpenter's crew with their tools aft here," sliouted the
captain ; and in a few uiinutts Mr. Augurbore and his mates were oq
the quarter-deck, and promptly oidered into the barge, whither Monta-
gue immediately followed in person. Away they shoved ofi", and tho

JEM BUNT. .51

coxswain (at that time called the cock-a-stern) was directed to steer for
the finest looking craft amongst the fleet.

" Aye, aye, sir," responded the coxswain, " I see her, sir; there she
is, looming like a cathedral adrift;" and the boat's head was promptly
turned to a large Indiaman that was at no great distance. They were
soon alongside, and Captain Montague having reached the deck, was re-
ceived in due state by the Dutch skipper, whom he threatened with
punishment for the want of proper respect to his Britannic Majestj 's
flag. He then examined the hideous but gorgeously painted figure on
the ship's rudder-head, and having called his carpenters, gave orders that
it should be cut ofi" and stowed away in one of the boats.

It is well known that, even to this day, the seamen of Holland highly
prize the ornamental part of their vessels, particularly those monstrous
heads called boggart-logs or boguy-logs, but corrupted by British seamen,
who, partly through superstition and partly through prejudice, utterly
detested them. In those times, however, they were almost idolized by
the Mynheers, who prized them as a sort of tutelar divinity ; the prac-
tice having no doubt descended from the ancients who were accustomed
to use symbolical figures, and hence arose the figure-head.

Nothing could exceed the amazement of Mynheer Von Frizzle-bolam,
at the strange command of Captain Montague, or his rage, grief, and
distress, when he beheld the carpenters busily employed in executing
the order of their chief. He implored, — he entreated, — he raved, — but
it was utterly in vain ; and at last finding his eftbrts useless, he stoically
put his long pipe in his mouth, and thrusting his hands into the
pockets of his seven-and-twentieth pair of small clothes, superin-
tended the decapitation himself, lest the hideous enormity should get
damaged.

The carpenters enjoyed the freak amazingly, and worked with a hearty
good will ; so that in a short time the head was removed from its posi-
tion and deposited in the boat, amidst the boisterous merriment of the
crew, who had in the mean time been plentifully supplied with Schie-
dam. This exploit achieved, Montague inspected the whole fleet,
boarding each vessel successively, till he had selected twelve of the most
ugly boguy-logs he could find; and these being formally taken pos-
session of, as an atonement for disrespect to the British flag, were
severally lopped off", and the Dutchmen were dismissed to pursue
their way.

K^ow it so happened, that during this process of beheading, one of the
jolly tars, a messmate of Bilberry's, espied a curious misshapen monster,
that, grinning like a Cheshire cat, adorned the windlass of one of the
schuyts. What it was actually meant to represent could never be
clearly ascertained ; it was a sort of compound mixture of human and
celestial, with a very large proportion of the infernal. In altitude it
■was about eighteen inches, and the whole was richly painted.

" Well, I'm bless'd," said the man, " but this here's a happy windfall
any how. Just overhaul this bit of a consarn, Sam, and lend us a hand.
You knows, Sam, as Bilberry's wife is about to make a launch of it ;
and mayhap, by the time we gets aboard again, the craft may be off the

52 JKM BUNT.

Stocks. Now shipmntc, I undersLaudd a little sumraiit about babbies and
sichlike cherrybunis ; and so I"m blow'd if I don't, wliilst the captain's
artor his spree, have a bit of a ventur of my own. What's a babby
without never a doll to play with. I tell you. they chaw 'em as you
would a bite of nigger-head or pigtail, and it lurns 'e-.n to cut their teeth.
Well and good; and here," pointing to the nondescript, "is jist tlie
highdentical thing ; so Chips, lend us a hand to onship it, and we'll
have it in the boat in a jiffey. God bless the innocent babby as '11 be
born afore we gets back, and then we can give it the doll to quiet it.
Bear a hand, shipmate, there's a good sowl ; heave with a will — oh, ye
hooy; and there it is," taking it up; " my precious eyes and limbs,
what a beauty ! — shove it into the bows of the boat, Sam ; won't tiie
babby crow and be pleased with it ! "

When the boats returned alongside the Bristol, it would be wholly-
impossible to describe the uproarious mirth of the seamen on beholding
the fruits of their captain's whimsical revenge. Koars of laughter re-
sounded, and set all discipline at defiance ; every head was duly criti-
cised with nautical wit, as it was hoisted on board and ranged along the
quarter-deck, where Montague, with his ofiicers, minutely examintd
them. He then set the carpenters to work to fix twelve brackets round
his cabin, on which the heads were mounted, and aiTanged with the
most ludicrous contrasts that could be conceived; and underneath them
in succession, were inscribed the names of the " Twelve Caesars."

But to return to Bilberry's messmate, who, as soon as the boats were
hoisted in, hastened down below to the berth with his prize, and found,
as he expected, that Mrs. Boreas had brought forth a boy — for nobody
thought of a girl ; and Bilberry was then sitting upon his oak chest,
with tlie infant, just rigged, stretched upon his knees, and he looking
tipon its features with about the same delight that a young Miss feels
on being presented with a new wax-doll that opens and shuts its eyes.
But there was a stronger sensation than this working in his heart — all
the rich feelings of a father on beholding his fii-stborn were in full
operation ; and though unsophisticated and destitute of the refinement
of s( ntimentality, nature was triumpliant, and Bilberry felt as if some-
thing was twining and clinging round him for support and protection.

Down carae his messmate. " Its all right, and I knowed it," said
he, T.'ith the air and manner of a victor ; "and T say, Bilberry, here it is,"
holding up the figure, " Sam and I puckalow'd it out of a Dutchman,
for a doll for the young' un ; but take care how you man-handles it, for
there's a bit of a secret about it in regard of its distestines" (he probably
meant " iutistines") — " und see here, messmate," he turned it up, and
phowed a plug that had been driven in underneath, which he with-
drew; "hand us here the grog kit, and we'll christen the babby ia
grand style."

The grog kit was produced, and forth from the figure issued a
tempting stream of Holland's gin. The fact was, the monster was not
of solid material, but had been hollowed out inside, probably for th&
purpose of smuggling, or perhaps as a place of concealment for the ship'a
papers. However, at the time of its being deposited in the boat, the

JE3J BUNT. 53

fact was discovered and made ayaibible to stow away about a quart of
stuff. Eilberry heaved a deep sigh as they drank " success to the boy."
and swallowed a good taste of the cordial to the same toast. The lips
of the infant were just moistened with the liquor, but it had nearly
stopped its breath, and both baby and doll were conveyed to Mrs.
Boreas, who by mistake, took hold of the latter first, fancying it to
be the child.

I think I have read or heard it said that all infants are pretty, bo-
cause they are innocent. Now if beauty is intended, all I can say is,
that though the youngster was innocent enough, yet he was downright
ugly; and though the error of mama was instantly rectified, yet, about
the head, there certainly was some resemblance between the figure and
Boreas junior.

It was somewhere about two years after this event that Mrs B. in-
creased her family by the addition of a fine girl, the very opjiosite in
frame and features to her brother ; and this enlargement compelled the
lady to remain on shore ; but the boy, who had been christened Mulberry,
was kept on board, partly through the attachment of the seamen, and
partly from a superstitious notion that no danger would happen to the
ship whilst one so young was under the peculiar protection of the
Almighty.

Both boy and girl grew up ; the former had entered the service when
he came into the world, and was placed upon the ship's books. As
his years increased, his father prided himself upon making the lad a
seaman ; and every spare moment was devoted to teaching him the
several duties of a thorough tar. Nor was the youngster backward in
learning ; and it really was an interesting spectacle to see young Mulberry
and old Bilberry at their studies — knotting and splicing and whipping
— in short everything useful and ornamental, from raising a mouse upon
a stay to pointing the end of the main brace.

At nineteen, Mulberry was as good a seaman as could be found in
his Majesty's navy ; and old Bilberry, who had got a snug berth in
Greenwich, as regulating boatswain, ardently desired to see him an
officer ; but a feeling of difiidence, approaching to shame, prevented his
making application to his superiors, and the young man consequently
continued before the mast.

His sister, Miriam Boreas, grew in stature and loveliness almost un-
paralleled, but education was wanting to adorn her mind. She was
but seventeen when she was seen and admired by a young officer of the
army, of the name of "Weatherall. He was extremely handsome, and
possessed all those pleasing qualifications which render one sex so ac-
ceptable to the other. Miriam was artless and unsuspecting; they
enjoyed many rambles through the beautiful park, and over the wild
heath beyond ; her simple heart was entirely won, and when the hour
of parting came, she clung with the earnest fondness of first affection
to the man she loved. His regiment was ordered to America, then
bursting out into resistance against the Stamp Act, and she determined
to quit father and mother, country and home to enjoy the unblessed
attachment of her lover.

54 J KM BU.VT.

Edward NYeatherall was the eldest son of a poor but proud baronet,
■whose sole estate consisted of an unblemished reputation in a long line
of ancestors, a manor house of the Elizabethan period, and about two
hundred acres of laud under cultivation. By dint of saving, and par-
liamentary interest, a commission was obtained for the^ baronet's son;
and as the young sprigs of nobility were not over desirous of visiting
the shores of Xew England, ho lound but little difficulty in rising to
the command of a company. Edward was most affectionately attached
to Miriam, and would have made her his wife, but for the stern in-
terdict of his venerable father; whilst the poor girl, who fancied
existence would be worthless without him, made a sacrifice of all else
beside, and, disguised as a male servant, accompanied the captain across
the ocean.

Poor old Bilberry bore up against his loss for some time ; and
though not over delicate in his sentiments, he felt that his noble-
minded boy might be disgraced, and the circumstance would be a bar to
the darling wish of his own heart. Mrs. Boreas, on the contrary,
forgot, in the alliance of her daughter to an officer, that their union
was unhallowed and might be broken in a moment. The veteran
lingered over the rememberances of his child : he would sit in the park
for hours, always selecting the self-same seat where he had so often
witnessed with delight, the sportive playfulness of his darling, Avho,
when tired, would place herself by his side and eagerly listen to his
tales of other times. Sometimes, in the dimness of his sight, and the
weakness of his age, the old man would fancy she was before him ; and
he would call upon her name, but there came no response ; and tiio
cold silence chilled still more the decreasing warmth of his breast.
"She is gone," he would mutter to himself; "I shall never see hrr
face again." He shuddered as if with ague. "No, no, she has left
her poor old father, and I ara alone — alone."

The arrival of liis son at this juncture re-animated the spirits of the
veteran ; for Mulberry had accomplished his father's wishes, and been
promoted to the quarter-deck, through the influence of Lord Howe, then
treasurer of the navy ; and tliough the old man still mourned the absence
of her whom he had cherished as the very light of his eyes, yet he be-
came more encouraged to hop*; for her future welfare by the very kind
manner in which Captain Weatlierall had written to the aged coupl(>,
promising to take care of, and to love their child. Miriam, too, had
sent a letter, speaking in the higlicst and warmest terms of her protec-
tor, and plainly evidencing that she clung to him with all the ardency
of woman's first and fondest regard.

The American war of independence is a matter of history — and most
instructive matter too ! Never was the fact more strongly verified, that
neither tlie word nor the sword of a nionarch can control by coercion
a people determined to be free. The troops sent to the American
colonies were some of the finest in the world, but they were compelled
to submit to untrained, undisciplined men, fighting for liberty near
their own hearth-atone.

Eor ten years, during the arduous struggle, did ^liriam dauntlessly

JVM BTJNT. 55

follow the fortunes of Major Weatherall — who had gained a step in
rank — until tlie surrender of General Burgoyne at Saratoga. She had
borne one child, a boy, soon after their arrival in the colonies; but
Providence seemed to favour her under the peculiar circumstances in
which she w^as placed, for during the whole period of the campaign
she had no addition to her family.

The treatment which Biirgoyne's army received from the Americans
is too well known to require repetition. Miriam bore all her priva-
tions and misfortunes with great fortitude ; and at length with great
difficulty the major was enabled to procure a passage to England,
where, on his arrival he found his father at the point of death, and
who, after a brief interview with his son, that afforded great satisfac-
tion to both, bi-eathed his last breath witli his head resting on the major's
shoulder.

Old Bilberry was yet in existence ; and though his faculties were
much impaired, there was still a never-dying recollection of his daughter
cherished in his heart. He was sitting in his accustomed seat in Green-
wich-park, and it so happened that memory reverted back to the days
when his darling child shared the spot with him. As was usual on
such occasions, he called upon her name, and Miriam, who had sought
her father, reached the place at that very moment so as to hear his
voice and utterance She fancied she was recognised, and instantly
answered, " Yes, father, I am here."

Tiie old man sprang up — tlie weakness of age had fled — his ears had
drank in sweet sounds that like re\dvifying elixir had given a fresh
stimulus to life. Fears had passed away, — seas had divided them, — a
long, long silunce had intervened, yet the voice of liis child had never been
forgotten : like the breath of heaven amongst harp -strings, so did the
response of the daughter sti'ike harmoniou=;ly the chords of affection in
tlie old man's breast. He looked at the female befoi-e him, but his
sight was too dim to trace her features. The voice, however, — the
voice was hers ; he would have known it from a thousand. Joy like a
rushing tide overpowered him ; once more he called upon his child, and
would have fallen prostrate to the ground, but that her arms em-
braced and held him up.

Happy was the meeting between Miriam and her parents, and proud
was the agr-d grandfather as he conducted liis daughter's child amongst
the pensioners ; nor was their gratification diminished when in a week
or two Sir Edward joined them, and led the grateful and delighted
Mii-iam to the altar. They were married privately, and none knew but
tie ceremony had taken place previous to their departure for the colonies,
so that Lady Weatherall was at once received into the family, and took
possession of the old manor-house in due form.

One of Sir Edward's first acts was to inquire after his brother-in-law,
who had served with great credit, but without obtaining promotion.
His commander spoke well of him, but he had no inflaence to push him
forward at a period when favour was to be purchased by some sacrifice
or other. Sir Edward exerted himself to the utmost ; and at length the
Eul of Sandwich, then first lord of the admiralty, appointed Mulberry

50 JEjr KtJNT.

to a lieutenancy, and he joined his old commander and friend. Lord
Howe, in America. His lordship promised him everj' help : but in a
few months subsequently he returned home and struck his flag, leaving
Mulberry first lieutenant of a fine frigate, and strongly recommended
to Admiral Byron, who appointed him commander of a prize that was
captured and commissioned as a sloop of war.

Delighted was Lady Weatherall with her home of rest after all the
hardships she had undergone. It is true, she regretted, and deeply too,
the illegitimacy of her child, who, now in his eleventh year, was a fine
hardy robust lad, with an earnest predilection for the sea, which his
grandfather never faih^i to encourage at every opportunity. Sir Ed-
ward retired from the army, and devoted himself to agriculture, under
the hope of leaving something handsome for his son, whom he well
knew could not inlierit one acre of the property.

About this time an unexpected event occurred. Lady Weatherall
gave promise of increasing her family, and in the course of nature
brought forth another boy. This would have been highly gratifying to
the parents, but for the thought that the fresh comer would supersede
his elder brother. However, as there was no help for it, and the estate,
small as it was, as well as the title, would be kept in regular descent,
they dftermincd to do all they could for their first-born, not only cn-
deand to them by that strong tic, but also as having in his infancy
shared their perils and their wants.

Young Edward was put to ?chool, and when fourteen he was entered
as midshipman on board tlie Mermaid of twenty-eight guns, under the
command of Captain Mulberry Boreas, his maternal uncle, who had now
risen to rank and opulence.

Kothing could exceed tlie delight of the veteran Bilberry, on being
informed of the several promotions of his son ; and when the news
reached him that Mulberry was posted into a frigate, he dwelt upon it
with childish glee ; every wish of his heart seemed to be fulfilled, and
he quietly and happily resigned himself to an eternal rest ; and his
remains mingle with the brave in the cemetery of Greenwich hospital.
Mrs. Boreas parsed the residue of her days with Miriam, but she did
not long survive the sej>aration from her husband : and the humble
partner of the boatswain's mate was interred in the family vault of the
titled Weatheralls.

Captain Boreas, although perhaps the ugliest man in the service, was
certainly one of the most brave ; in fact, on being presented to George the
Third, the repulsive character of his countenance was remarked before
his majesty, who promptly replied, "Ugly! ugly! no, no, no ! Hand-
some ! very handsome ! his beauty is in his heart ! "

It would have been impossible for young Edward not to have learned
his duty fiom so able a teacher. Thr-nigh the int(M-est of his uncle he
was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and at the opening of our
history wc find him captain of the Neverflinch, landing from his barge
at Sallyport.

I liave already mentioned that a cloud seemed to hang ghornily over
his n.ind ; both his parents had died during his ab.senee in the East, and

JE5I BUNT. 57

tlie secret of his illegitimacy had been disclosed to hitn. Grief for the
loss of those he reverenced was mingled with disappointment and
regret. As fur the title, he determined to win one for himself, but it
was painful to think that the ancient name of the family should pass
from him. His uncle, in his rough nautical way, condoled with and
encouraged him, and though his language was somewhat coarse, yet his
intentions were kind and good, and were sensibly esteemed by the
captain, whose younger brother succeeded to the estates as Sir Went-
worth Weatherall.

I began this chapter with " Sir Mulberry Boreas, vice-admiral of the
red," Sec, he was very rich ; a bachelor with but few wants ; and though
ho had purchased a splendid country seat, with gorgeous suites of apart-
ments expensively furnished, he chose himself to live in a wooden
building in his park, erected under his own especial orders, and tlio
apartments closely resembling the cabins in a ship of the line. The
roof was flat with bulwarks, so as to allow of a quarter-deck promenade,
and here, with about twenty old tars, who kept a quarter watch succes-
sively the admiral whiled away his time. He had a full command of
the bay near his residence ; and no officer under a pennant that ever
flew in that neighbourhood but was well acquainted with the admiral's
signal for dinner, when the state apartments were set in order, and after
the fourth bottle, Sir Mulberry's barge, a boat upon wheels, was drawn
up at the hall-door, ready manned, and the veteran in ship-.shape stylo
was dragged home to what he called his " hurricane house," where he
was safely deposited in his cot in the " great cabin."

Sir Mulberry purposed bequeathing the whole of his wealth to his
Bister's children, without distinction ; but having a title himself, he
deemed it proper to maintain, by every means, the ancient one of the
Weatheralls in proper dignity. To effect this, he made a very liberal
allowance to the young baronet, with the use of his own country
establishment when he chose to visit it, and a handsome town-house
in a fashionable square, with equipages, &c. &.c. As for the captain, he
considered him a tar like himself, and superior to ail such superfluous
concerns.

Now it so happened that the next house to Sir Wentworth's town
residence was occupied by an immensely wealthy, but miserly old
fellow, who had acquired and amassed great riches by usury. He had
an only and a beautiful daughter, whom he had awfullj- and solemnly
sworn should never touch a sixpence of his money if she married be-
neath the title of earl. He cared not for affections— he cared not for
the misery he might inflict upon his child ; Ambition had grasped the
bony hand of Avarice, and thus united they grinned with horrible de-
light at the prospect of empty and hollow distinctions.

But the lady and Sir Wentworth had met; and the first meeting led
to several others, till both were as deeply enamoured as any novel
writer would wish them to be. In reality, a fervent and sincere attach-
ment was formed, and a frrvid union of respect and esteem bade fair to
cement a stronger reciprocal regard than the mere ebullition of passion,
which is too often misnamed love.
8 .

58 JKM BUNT.

An old roue with a ducal coronet, but the ermine much chafed by
poverty, had also seen the fair girl ; and having, by the agency of his
creatures, ascertained the peculiar character of the father, he waited
upon the old man, and proposed in due form ; taking care, however, to
go in great magnificence, with his best carriage, and footmen in state
liveries.

Mr. Obadiah Elwester could scarcely conceal the excess of his delight
at the prospect of beholding the strawberry leaves surmounting his
daughter's brow. He had become acquainted with what he considered
mere flirtation witli the baronet, which he had winked at, as he hoped it
would attract greater attention to his prize; but the moment the Duke

of Q, had been obsequiously bowed into his equipage (and Elwester,

in the gratification of his heart, shook one of the footmen cordially by
the hand), all intercourse or communication with Sir Wentworth was
strictly prohibited.

*' But love will enter in
Where he dare na well be seen."

And 80 it was in this case ; for the young baronet and Amelia had
sworn eternal fidelity ; and though female vanity struggled for a short
time between " your grace," and the plain title of " my lady," j-et the
comparison between the two suitors decided the matter ; and the beau-
tiful girl was graceless enough to prefer the dependent baronet to the
semi-pauperized duke. The consequences were, that she was locked up
in her room ; all correspondence with Sir Wentworth was stopped by
rigid watchfulness ; Amelia was never allowed to emerge from her apart-
ment except when the Duke of Q, honoured Mr. Elwester with a visit.

The young lovers were driven almost mad ; in vain Sir Wentworth
tried " to feast his eyes" at midnight, by watching the expiring light
of the taper in Amelia's sleeping apartment ; all and every communi-
cation was at an end, nor could money or money's worth ensure the
conveyance of a letter — old Elwester got possession of them all ; they
were not few; and Sir Wentworth regularly received them back
again, tied up with red tape, and carefully labelled " Kejkcied Ad-

DKESSES."

JEM BUNT. fi3

CHAPTER VL

" This is the very ecstasy of love,
Whose A'iolent property fordoes itself,
And leads the will to desperate undertakings
As oft as any passion under heaven
That does afflict our natures."

Shakespeare.

Our hero, " James Burnit,'* — for by that name he was apprenticed,
— was a moralist as well us a philosopher, and his favourite place of
study was either half way up, or at the summit of a chimney. His
master declared that he went to sleep ; but Jem stoutly denied the accu-
sation, though it not unfrequently brought chastisement upon him
when he descended.

"Veil I'm blessed," said he, one forenoon, as he leaned over the rim
of a pot belonging to a house situated in a rather crowded thoroughfare ;
"veil, I'm bless'd if that 'ere aint jist the vay o' the vurld ; there's a
ould warmint, like Peter Macaw, has spilt a poor voman's basket o'
horanges acause she ar'n't never got nobody to stand up for her. Ah,
ye ould badger, please the pigs I'm out o' yer vay, any how. And
there rolls a cove vot thinks no small svipes of his-self ; in the heat of
his flue he fancies he's above everybody, vhilst the svell chap is greatly
beneath my noticing on him. There's a young voman, too, shaking her
clout of a duster out o' the vinder, and there goes the contents sarved
out over the dandy's toggery; thank God I'm up here safe out o' that,
so she carn't never do no damage to my uniform." (A voice here
shouted up the chimney, "Jem!") " Ah, bellows avay, ould blow-
hard," mumbled the lad to himself; "I shan't vag yet avhile, till I've
had a bit of a ruralize to my own cheek." He looked out at the
country beyond the noisy town ; " Veil, them fields and meadows, and
young hinuocent baa-lambs, sporting about like fun, do look insinivating,
and no mistake. How I vish I vas a bird, to fly about vhersomever
I pleased ; though, mayhap, I'm better as I am ; for it can't be any
fun to have stones shied at you, and to be banged at with a gun full o
ehot." (Here the shout was again repeated, " Jem, ar'n't you never
a coming down ?") " Ar'n't I never a coming down, he axes. Oh yes,
I shall be down upon you presently ; for I expects you von't have the
generosity to send me any grub up in this here sky-parlour. Look at
that 'ere lady, jist stept out of her drag, vith a big flunkey behind her
in hot-cinder coloured breeches ; vot miserable creaturs they must be ;
all so stiff that they're afeard o' moving about." (The voice again,
" Come down here, you young wagabone, or I'll fetch you.") " Vill
you, old vizzen," laughed the boy; "I should like to catch you at it.
But, arter all, the vurld's nuffiu but wanity ; here I must quit my 'joy-

GO' JIM lit'NT.

riicnts, and sink to the ground again." Ho bellowed out at the top of
ills lungs, " Se-veep — st;-veep," four or live times, and rattled his
brush against the outside of the pot, so as to attract the attention of
every passer-by, who instantly stopped short to giize at tlie urchin.
" Ah, 1 knows you all enwy me," said Jem, " acause you carn't come
it as stiff as I do ; but there, like a good cliristiun, I despises and
pardons you ; — se-veep, se-veep," and rattle went the brush again. In
another minute his cap was pulled over his face, and down he bobbed,
like Jack-in-the-box.

In the course of his professional avocations, Jem was engaged to
operate at the house of Sir Wentworth Weatherall ; and having cleared
the kitchen chimney, he was very kindly presented by the cook with a
basin of beautiful bread and milk, before he proceeded further in his
duties ; and he was directed to sit down on the hearth, in the liouse-
"keeper's room, to eat it. !Now the savoury mess was not cool enough
to be attacked at once, and so the lad sat blowing and tasting from a
silver spoon with all the gusto of a nobleman.

Several tradesmen were in the ai)artineut, as well as the cook and the
housekeeper, and a conversation was going on relative to the unfortunate
condition of Sir Wentworth, who was described as dying in love,
because he could not get a letter conveyed to the object of his passion
at the next house. In fact, the exact position of the baronet (such as
given in the last chapter) was detailed with sundry embellishments,
under strict injunctions that the whole should be kept a profound
m cret.

'' And so he cannot even write to her, Mrs. Creasey, eh?" said one
of the tradesmen, addressing the housekeeper. " Wouldn't her maid —
eh, Mrs. Creasy r"

" No I " returned the housekeeper, warmly; "nothing has been lift
untried as was any way likely to take. Master wouldn't mind, — ay,
any money to get a letter to her dear hands. Poor gentleman I he sits
moping and niolilying in the liberary ; it's quite giievous to see hira.
He's afraid the lady's fortintude sliould break down under the barbarous
treatment of Jier father; and then he will be made miserable for the
rest of his nat'ral life."

Jem looked round at the well-replenished stores in the room ; he cast
a wistful eye at the richly-filled larder, the door of which stood open,
and he thought, " Vot a simpleton that ere barrowniglit must be, to be
arter breaking his heart vilst there's sich lots of good things to make
him comfortable."

" But surely the thing, — I mean the delivery of u letter, — might be
accomplished by some means or other, said a second tradesman, a lusty
butcher, casting more than one sheep's eye at the cook. "If it was me,
I'm staggered but I'd — "

" Vish you could," rejoined the cook, with a deep-drawn sigh, as she
returned the slayer of the innocents his amourous glances. " Vish you
could, viih all my soul ; but I tell you the thing's onpossible ; and if
poor master dies, vol's to Ucome of us all ? "

\N liethcr this latter pithy question of the cook's was the main spring

JTM BUNT. 61

that moved their sympathies, 1 must have to those who are better judges
of human nature than rayuelf. As for Jem, he did not lose one word of
the conversation, but he said nothing ; and, on finishing his meal, he
went to resume his labours in the chimney of an upper room. In as-
cending the stairs, however, he had to pass the library door, which stood
partly open ; and callous as his heart was rendered by constant contact
with misery, he could not banish from the vision of his mind's eye the
pale and haggard features of the baronet, of whom he caught a passing
glimpse as he hurried by. It haunted him whilst, with the cap over his
head, he groped his way up in the darkness of the chimney, and he was
glad when he reached the top, so as to uncover his optics to the diiylight.
Nor was the lad in any haste to descend, for he leaned over the
summit for a few minutes in a contemplative mood, and ultimately got
out upon the roof. Whether he observed anything remarkable or not
in the next stack of chimneys, or was merely passing a scientific judg-
ment on their capabilities, I do not pretend to say, but he certainly
examined them most minutely; and, after a close practical inspection, he
once more entered his pot — gave the usual cry — and promptly descended.
His ascents and descents being completed, he shook off his superficies of
Boot; and after receiving a handsome present from both cook and house-
keeper, he quitted the mansion, with his well-filled bags, and seated
himself on the low wall that sustained the railings of the enclosure
that formed the middle of the square, aiA was soon in deep cogitation.
" Veil, I'm jigger'd if I couldn't do it," said he, mentally, as he
looked up at the houses ; " it's as easy as kiss my hand," and he held
up his delicate paw, " and never no mistake at all about it. But I arn't
never got no toggery, and he vouldn't go for to see me in these here
clouts. Yet that ere face aint by no manner o' means to be got rid on.
And then there's the dumps : I dares for to say he vould'nt mind
stumping a guinea. And arter all, if the thing's to be done, it must
be done in these here duds, so vy not up and speak to him, Jem, at
vonce ; he von't go for to mind the vurking dress if I only does the trick
for him ! 'Pun my hookey. 111 try ! Yich is the vinder, I vouder — back
or front ; " and keenly he scanned the residence of Mr. Elwester, from
eavings to area, with all the gravity of a skilful architect. He then
looked at the house of the barouet. " There I the door's open ! " he
mentally exclaimed, " and not nobody there ! I'll go, and if any on 'em
sees me, I'll pitch it 'em strong that I've left my scraper on the hob up
stairs. Go it, Jem ; remember the proverb — 'Not nuffiu wenture not
nufiin have.' "

Away the lad hurried towards the steps, which he boldly mounted,
and having entered the residence of sir Wentworth, unobserved by any
one, he reached the library, and pushing open the door, trod softly in,
made a scrape with his foot, " begged his honor's pardon," and noise-
lessly closed the door after him.

The baronet sat absorbed in his own thoughts in much the same posi-
tion as when Jem had seen him before, with a cast of melancholy des-
pondency on his pale countenance. Such an apparition as the poor
sweep, however, could not fail to attract his attention : he gaztd rather

S2 JEM BUNT.

wildly on the unflinching^ lad, and then uttering a laugh that had more
of hysteria in it than merriment, he demanded, *' What the devil
brought you here ? "

Jem pointed to his legs, but instantly checking his propensity H
mirth, said deferentially, but at the same time with perfect self-confi-
ience, " I'll do it for your honour."

"Do! — do what? you young imp," demanded the baronet, impe-
hiously, as a flush of anger blended with the paleness on his cheeks ;
" who has dared to sanction your entrance ? "

" Not nobody votsomever," replied the boy in the most undaunted,
and, at the same time, confidential manner; "it's all in regard o'
hoomanity. I couldn't abear to see your honour so moloncholy, ven it
vos in my power to sarve you."

" You serve me ! " exclaimed the baronet, in a tone of astonishment,
not unniingled with disdain ; " what can the young dog mean } Come,
sir, walk out as you came in, or 1 shall reach the horse-whip."

" No you von't, yer honour, ven you comes to know all," answered
the artful lad, with a knowing wink of his eye, " I've haard as ofl'ered
sarvice arn't never got no saywoury smell, but I'm too much of a
hooman christian to see any fellow-creatur onhappy as Jem can help,
and so, if your honour pleases, and will stump down handsomely, I'll
take the letter."

" Take the letter ! " reiterated the baronet, in still greater surprise
than before ; " what letter ? "

" Vy, the letter for the genelvoman next door," answered Jem, in
a business-like w'ay. "If you'll guv it me, I'll deliver it safe and sound
and that's all about it."

Notwithstanding the distress of mind under which Sir Wentworth was
labouring, the ludicrousness of such a proposal from the individual before
him, overset his gravity, and he laughed heartily, though it must be ad-
mitted that the laugh was not natural. "A pretty love-messenger, truly,"
said he, as soon as his over-strained mirth had ceased — " a cupid in a
soot-bag ! " He assumed greater sternness. " But pray, sinah, who
has dared to tell you anything of my affairs?"

"Never you mind that," said Jem with firmness, " it vas them as
vishes you veil. Only say the vord, yer honour, and post the poney,
I'm jigger'd if I don't do the clean thing all spicy."

There was something so serious in the lad's manner, that the baronet
restrained his anger, and indulged an inclination to question him further
" Well," said he, " suppose I do want a letter conveyed to the next house,
how would you propose to deliver it?"

" Never you mind that, neither," nplitd Jtm with boldness; "all yer
honour 'as got to do is to gie me the letter, and say, honour bright, vot's
the damage? — leave the rest to me ? "

" This is a strange proposition," uttered the gentleman, as he strode
two or three times to and fro in the libiary. " You setm to be aware
of that which 1 detmed a secret, and "

"Oh, yer honour,'' responded Jim, interrupting him, " genelmen in
our purfession picks up a little of ewery think ; and as 1 onderstood yer

JEM BUNT. 63

honour was muddified about the lady, aud I seed you myself looking so
down as I vent up stairs to sveep the chimbleys, vy, I thought on it in
the iiue, and says I to myself, ' Vel, I'm jigger'd if I don't do it, if hia
honour vill only tip vot's proper.' "

"Are you going to sweep at the next house, then?" eagerly inquired
the baronet, anxious to grasp even the remotest possibility of accom-
plishing his wishes.

" Vy, not disactly that 'ere," responded Jem, with a smile, that
beamed through his sooty mask like a flash of sunshine through a thunder
cloud. " But as your honour don't seem to like for to go for to trust me,
vithout I 'splains the matter, vy, then, it's jist this here : I means to
dive down the chimbley, instead of going up it."

" Go down the chimney } " repeated the baronet, inquiringly, and
partly catching at the boy's intention ; " how are you to manage
that?"

" Vy as easy as kiss my hand," replied Jem, putting his sable flipper
to his lips, to suit the action to the word.

" But how — how } " demanded the baronet impatiently. " You are
trifling with me, sir. Confound the fellow, he will drive me mad."

" Vy, Lord love yer honour's silly heart," exclaimed Jem, as he
nestled his bare feet in the soft down of the warm carpet ; " vy, carn't
ye guess r " He stopped for a minute, awaiting a reply, but none was
given ; in fact the baronet appeared to be too much irritated to answer.
" Veil, then, if you ar'n't fly to it," continued the lad, " I'll up and tell
you. Veil, I sveeps yer honour's chimbleys to-day, and the cook says
— says she — " He paused again. " No, no ; it vorn't the cook, not
by no manner o' means — and its no matter who it vos ; but I haard
'em talking about yer honour being in love, and half cracked acause you
couldn't get to speak to the lady, not yet so much as send her a letter.
So, thinks I to myself, if I had his honour's big kitchen, and sich
vhacks o' grub as I seed, there's not nevwer no lady in the vurld as I'd
go for to grieve about — '*

" This is sheer impertinence, angrily uttered the baronet, advancing
with haste to the bell-rope, for the purpose of summoning a servant to
turn the intruder out.

" Now don't you go for to turn foolish," said Jem, who guessed tho
baronet's intention, and really did not mean to be impudent, his mode
of address being nothing more than his usual way of conversing with
his companions ; " if you goes to pull that 'ere cord you'll blow all, and
I shall cry ' sulky.' "

Sorely perplexed, and somewhat incensed, the baronet stood irresolute
— the fable of the lion and the mouse crossed his mind. " God grant
me patience ! " he ejaculated, as grasping the top rail of a chair, he
seemed ready to fall down through agitation.

"This is actually insufferable," peevishly complained the excited
baronet. " It is indeed almost beyond endurance," added he; but I
will try and bear it."

"Veil now, there's some sense in that 'ere," observed Jem ap-
provingly; " and now I'll push on in my displanations. So you see,

64 JEM BUNT.

arter hearing all about yer honour and the lady-blrd as is caj^od up next
door," (the baronet winced), "vy, I sets my vits to vork, to puzzle
out some vay or other to sarcumwent 'em. So I climbs a little vay,
and then I sticks fast, to have a bit of confab with myself in the
chirabley — for I alays studies best in a chimbley ; and then I spouts it
a little higher, and has another bit of confab ; and the master raises his
gruflfy, and shouts, 'Jem, vot, are you asleep ?' But no, yer honour, I
vos vide avako ; and the more I shoves up the flue the more readier the
thing seemed, till at last I reaches the top of the pot, and I pulls off my
cap — ve alays has a cap over our beauty van ve're sveepin, to keep the
sut out of our fan-lights : — 'vell, ven I discharges myself out of the top
of the pot, pulls off my cap, and vipes my vinders, vy it vas all as plain
to me as the nose on yer honour's face."

" What was plain r" vociferated the baronet, stamping with his foot,
and giving other strong indications of exasperated feeling. " Go on,
sirrah, go on ; when will you come to the point .^ "

" Venever yer honour pleases," returned Jem, with the most perfect
self-composure, and smoothing down his matted hair with his hand,
" though a pint's rather a long draught too ; but I"ve got a cinder in my
throat, and if you'll let it be half-and-half, I don't mind."

" Go on," ejaculated Sir Wentworth, now more accustomed to the
boy's manner ; " only tell me what you have to say, and you shall have
whatever you like."

"Thanky, yer honour; vy that's all fair and square," returned Jem,
" do the vurk first and tip artervards. But vere vos I ? Oh, I re-
member, vith my tuppenny loaf out of the chimbley-pot; and so I looks
round me, and ' I'm jiggered if I carn't do it,' says my tlioughts to my-
self, ' if I ounly knowed vich vos vich.' So I gets out on the roof to
dixamine the stacks — "

" E.xamine what ?" demanded the baronet, who was now gaining a
clearer insight into the boy's design.

" Vy the stacks — the chiitibleys to be sure !*' answered Jem — " to try
and find vich vay the flues run; and now don't you take?"

" Take ! — take what.'" inquired Sir Wentworth, afl'ecting ignorance,
the better to draw out the hid's full purpose.

"Vot, you don't take, eh? Lord, how stupid !" said Jem, with a
half laugh. "Vy, you're a greater flat than I thought you vos!"
The baronet grinned. " I vouted to find out the flue to the lady's
room, that I mought jist turn penny-postman down it, and carry the
letter for her and not nobody never suxspcct. There now, I've svept my
conscience clean — you knows all about it — vot 'U you stump ?"

" If I understand you right," said the baronet, " you purpose
ascending one of my chimneys, and then descending a chimney into the
next house."

" 'Zictly so," replied Jem, nodding his head in token of full assent,

and looking pleased that he had now made himself understood ; " unless

— vich I think vould do jist as veil — I cuts my lucky out o' one o' yer

honour's garret vinders; then, you see, I'm over the roof, and down the

■himbloy, in less time tlian nuffiii."

JEM BUNT.

65

" But suppose you should mistake the chimney," urged the baronet,
•' And get into the wrong apartment ; what would you do then ?"

" Vy^ the job reqvires judgment, and a bit of sly-boots," answered
the lad', knowingly ; " howsomever, yer honour must leave all that to

me, and if I gets down the wrong 'un, I must get up again. But you
jist tell me vich is the room, and T ar'n't mucli afeard of finding the
fire-place."

There seemed to be so much of plausibility in Jem's arrangements, that
Sir Wentworth, after debating the matter with himself, and looking
earnestly at the sweep, demanded, "Are you certain that you can per-
form what you have undertaken ?"

" Nay, yer honour, 1 ar'n't have undertook it yet," responded Jem,
shaking his dingy locks ; " but I'm sartin of doing the trick as clean as
a vissel, if yer honour agrees to fork out handsomely."

"I would give twenty guineas to get a letter conveyed to the
person I wish," uttered the baronet, aloud, though rather speaking
to himself than addressing the young sweep; "surely that will
satisfy him."
9

66 JEM BUNT.

Had Sir Wentworth named fivo guineas, or even one, as a fixed and
determinate sum, Chummy would have gladly jumped at it; but
when twenty was mentioned contingently, he quickly conjectured that
by some tact in manoeuvering he might obtain more. " In course, yer
honour 'ull consider the risk," said he, imploringly; "and not nobody
can do more than his best — now I means to try my hardest — but sup-
pose I gets nabbed, and pulled up afore the beak for housebreaking — "

"Leave the reward to me," said the baronet, somewhat proudly, for
he could not endure the thought that his generosity should be suspected;
" and you shall have no cause to complain. If you are successful tlie
first time, it is very probable you will have to repeat your visit."

" On vages, or by the job r" asked Jem, as he looked up inquiringly
at the baronet's face, to ascertain the precise nature of the agree-
ment.

" You are a strange lad," returned Sir Wentworth, rather pleased than
angry at the boy's manner, as it plainly manifested that he was in
earnest. " If I consent to your proposition, I think you may safely
leave the remuneration to myself."

" The muneration, yer honour," repeated Jem, inquiringly, " votsthe
mun oration r"

" Why, the recompense — the reward," answered the baronet ; "you
shall have no cause to complain ; and now, when will you perform this
undertaking ?"

" Veil, then, I'll trust to you," said Jem, approvingly ; " and that's
more nor I'd do to everybody. But as for doing the trick, I'm ready
to begin immediately, if so be as you'll let one o' your flunkies carry
home the bags to master, at Cambervell."

Sir Wentworth was at all times extremely alive to a sense of the
ridiculous ; and when fancy pictured to his vivid imagination one of his
belaced and bepowdered livery servants crossing Westminster bridge
with a couple of soot bags over his shoulders, he could not refrain from
a burst of laughter. Nor is it to be wondered at, that in the midst of
grief he should indulge in mirth — his nervous sj-stem had become
greatly relaxed, and consequently was easily acted upon either way.

Jem stared at the — to him — unaccountable merriment of the baronet ;
for the youngster had proposed it with great seriousness, as necessary to
their arrangements, and he was half angry that his intentions should bo
turned into ridicule. The lad, accustomed to be thrashed for every
act of neglect or disobedience, had no idea that the gentlemen of the
shoulder-knot could have a will of their own. Alas, poor ignorant boy !
he would not have believed, if any one had told him, that in numerous
instances, one of the greatest recommendations of a footman consisted in
having a handsome calf to each leg ; indeed, I have heard of ono who
sported false ones tliat greatly attracted the attention and admiration of
his mistress ; but one unfortunate day, whilst behind the carriage,
rattling over the rough stones of the city, the bandages slackened, and
the pair of calves shifted round in front, so that he lost his place and cha-
racter together. At all events, Jem was apprised that no one on the estab-
lishment would undertake to convey away the bags, and the lad was too

JEM BUNT.

67

honest to think of his master sustaining any loss. Some further conver-
sation ensued, and it was finally determined that the attempt to com-
municate with the lady should be made.

How far the baronet, in listening to the young sweep, and humouring
his proposals for going down the chimney, was governed by right feel-
ings, we shall not stop to inquire ; and the probability is, that neither
did he pause to question himself as to the rectitude of the course he was
about to pursue, nor could he, at the moment, have contemplated the
want of delicacy to the lady in the proceeding. He was sick with love,
and mad with disappointment ; and when a man is both mad and sick,
great allowances should be made. Still he deemed it advisable to defer
the visit till the evening ; and Jem was directed to carry home the
bags, and return at sunset — an order which he readily obeyed, with the
cheering prospect before him of rising in the world.

Throughout the remainder of the day Sir Wentworth was irritable and
restless. At one time he determined to abandon the scheme altogether;
but the sight of his rival's carriage at the next house — before which it
remained some time — overthrew his determination, and he resolved to
run all hazards, so that he could communicate with the lady of his love.
He walked impatiently about the library, and at intervals sat down, and,
piece by piece, penned an impassioned appeal to the possessor of his
heart's best, dearest affections, and earnestly implored her not to be
dazzled by the splendour of a coronet on the brow of age, but to adhere
to her vow of fidelity to him.

"\

68 JEM BTTNT.

CHAPTER VII.

" Births, deaths, and marriages, epistle's wet
With tears that trickled down the -wiiter's cheeks,
Or charged with amorous sighs "

COWPEK.

When Captain Weatherall once more stood upon the frigate's quarter-
deck, his readj- eye quickly glanced aloft to ascertain if the yards were
nicely squared by the lifts and braces, and to see whether every thing
was snug in its proper place. A gratified smile lighted up his features
when he discovered that all was as he would wish it to be, which smile
was repeated on the face of tlie first lieutenant, who bowed as the
captain descended to his cabin, and a space being cleared, Jem opened
his bag, turned the contents out upon the deck, when forth rolled two
legs of mutton, a sucking-pig ready dressed for cooking, rolls of pigtail
and quarter pounds of tobacco, five or six loaves of bread, three or four
cones of lump sugar, several cakes of gingerbread, and various other
articles, all intermingled with letters, and parcels, and newspapers,
which had been lying at the post-office in expectation of the frigate
making that her port.

The mastei'-at-arms stood ready to deliver the epistles according to
their several dii'ections ; and it was extremely curious to see the many
anxious faces that were around ; some displaying the warm flush of
excitement; others, in their pallid hue, giving strong evidence of the
internal workings of the mind. Nor was it confined to the officers only,
for many of the men, partaking of the eager expectation of the moment,
had forgotten the rigid rules of quarter-deck etiquette, and were peep-
ing over the stooping shoulders of their superiors at the anomalous col-
lection spread upon the deck.

The master-at-arms raised several letters, and reading the direction of
the uppermost, exclaimed — "For Muster Piuchandscru, purser of his
Majesty's ship "

" That's for me," shouted the individual named, a spare, thin man,
with keen eyes, and a nose like the beak of a hawk ; who eagerly
snatched at the letter, glanced his eyes over the direction, and then in-
quired, " Are there any more ? "

" Come, come, purser, be satisfied with what you've got," said Mr.
Seymour ; " and if you don't like it when you have read it, there's Darby
Allen there," pointing to a gawky reefer, whose gaze was intently fixed
upon a leg of mutton, " he will buy it of you."

" Fifteen pence, sir," uttered the master-at-arms, holding out his
open palm towards the punier, whilst his eyes were directed at the next
letter; but Mr. Piuchandscru had disappeared.

J KM B0N-1. 69

*' Chalk it up, old boy, " exclaimed afiae handsome-looking midship-
Cian, about two-and-twenty 5'ears of age ; " and here, messenger, bring
me the log-board. May I, Mr. Seymour? I'll stand accountant."

The first lieutenant nodded assent ; and young llandsail, who had
passed his examination for a lieutenancy, chalk in hand, stood ready to
take down the demurrage of defaulters.

" Muster — Muster I — Well, I'm bless'd if I can make this here out,"
eaid the master-at-arms, " the writing is so cramp — it's jist like sheep-
shanks in a top-gallant back stay — and there's a somut in the corner.
Muster ! — no, it ar'n't Muster, uighther."

" Let me take a squint at it," said Handsail, removing the letter*
from the veteran's fingers ; "I am skilled in all languages, especially
short hand." He looked earnestly at it. " You should go to school
again, old boy — any body may see it is for Captain Seymour." He
handed it to the first lieutenant, whose face was flushed with crimson.
*' There's the first lord's frank on it, too, sir; so it's needless to say more
about it, for there's no occasion for chalk this time."

The ofiicer eagerly grasped the letter — " hope told a flattering tale,"
which, on breaking the official seal, he found to be realised. It was a
notification of his being promoted to the rank of commander ; and warm
congratulations flowed in upon him from all quarters, whilst excitement
continued to increase.

"James Simmonds," shouted Handsail, who had superseded the
master-at-arms in his duty ; and instantly a seaman returned the
shout.

" Aye, a)'e, sir — that's me. By the piper that played before Moses
in the woods, Muster Handsel, but you shall have it for a glass of grog
arter I've done with it."

" Sir William James Purvis, Earonet," exclaimed the midshipman,
reading the address of another, with a large black seal, which he
directly handed to the junior lieutenant, whose trembling hand and
flushed cheek told a tale of warfare within. Both a father and an elder
brother must have departed from existence, and he had succeeded to
the title and estates. The truth flashed upon every mind, and not a
word of mirth escaped.

"Mr. Meddlesome Hardskull," shouted the old master-at-arms, who
felt annoyed at the duty being taken from him by the young middy,
and had gathered up a packet for himself. The announcement pro-
duced loud laughter, for nobody claimed the epistle ; and again the name
of " Mr Meddlesome Hardskull " was loudly proclaimed.

" Nonsense, nonsense, old man," uttered the captain's clerk, who
was looking over his shoulder; " Ship your barnacles, if you will read
them. It is Mr. Middlemas Handsail."

" The devil it is," said the midshipman, snatching at it, and taking
an eager glance at the handwriting. " All right and ship shape. Here,
Darby Allen, clap your grappling-irons on to the log-board, and chalk
me down two-and-eightpence — it's a double letter — "

" And written by a female," remarked the marine officer, who had
taken a side-long look at the superscription. '* You're a happy fellow,

70 JEM BUXT.

Handsel. But you have not been away from England long, or perhaps
you would be forgotten too."

The last word, "too," implied, that the utterer dejectedly considered
that he himself was amongst those who ceased to be remembered. Eut
Handsail was off to the taffrail, where Purvis also stood, and Darby
Allen, assuming the chalk, lifted up the object of his veneration, the leg
of mutton, with a piece of parchment on tiie shank, and read the follow-
ing inscription : —

" For leftenant merins mister Orashow Douesnivel, vif the luv of
Betti Clogirn."

An uproarious burst of laugliter followed this proclamation, to the
great mortitication of the marine officer, whose real name was Horatio
Dunstauville ; but there was no mistaking for whom the joint of meat
was intended, and which in fact had been sent by his former wash-
woman, Betty Clogirou, who receiving information that he was in the
frigate, had thus testified her gratitude for past favours, and, with great
policy, hoped to lay the foundation for a reuewel of them.

" Don't look so sheepish, messmate," said Mr. Coilaway, the master,
as he familiarly slapped the marine on the back ; *'' instead of despising
that 'ere leg of mutton, you ought for to cut capers over it. — "

"D — n I " ejaculated the marine officer, turning round and forcing
his way through the group, as the name of "Betty Clogirou" sounded
in his ears — for discipline was relaxed, and officers and men shared the
general hilarity.

" Avast heaving, messmate," exclaimed old Coilaway, laying hold of
the marine officer's arm, and stopping his further progress. "Two legs
are better than one ; and no doubt Betty has sent both on 'em fur
you. What's the direction on t'other. Darby : "

Thus familiarly addressed, AUen took up the second leg, and affected
to read. He then uttered, "JS^o, sir, it is not for Mr. Dunstauville. I
think it is for you."

The laugh immediately turned against the master ; but the coxswain
set matters straight, by saying he had purchased it for the warrant
officers. "Not quite so much of the monkey, Mr. Allen," said Coil-
away, forgetting that he had himself set an example of insubordination.
" You must larn to read better, or mayhap the school-master 'uU givo
you a taste of rattan."

Thus the delivery continued amidst much humour and fun, and soon
after receiving their letters, several of the midshipmen offered them at
half price to their less fortunate messmates. And yet, notwithstanding
the outward display of merriment, the nice observer might have readily
detected on many a countenance — not ouly of the young, whose softer
emotions were more easily excited, but also on the hard and weather-
beaten features of the veteran seamen, — strong evidences of what was
passing within, whether the smile of pleasure curled the lip, or the tear
of anguish trembled in the eye.

Amongst the group at the break of the quarter-deck stood Joe
Blatherwick, the boatswain's mate, most anxiously waiting for the
moment to come when he might obtain from the coxswain some news

W -y.

1*1^-

.TEM BUNT. ' 71

of his wife. But Jem passed hira by without heeding the signals he
gave ; for the worthy fellow could not bear to be the messenger of evil
tidings, and therefore he hastened to his berth, where Mrs. Marshall
had already taken possession of her husband, and was taxing him with
his attachment to " Bang-the-door Sal."

The poor sail-maker protested his ignorance and innocence in vain ;
and being a quiet inoffensive man, he thought it most advisable to
suffer the gale of his good woman's wrath to blow itself out, and there-
fore he sat

"Like Patience on a monument, smiling at Grief."

albeit his seat was nothing more than a gunner's match-tub. Jem tried
to persuade the punchy little dame that she had been practised upon by
a mere joke ; but this only served to convince her mind that the whole
was literally true, and that his messmates were striving to screen the
delinquent, who had been, by her account, " hauling his wind " among
the lasses during their separation.

Whilst discussions and explanations were going on, poor Joe the
boatswain's mate presented himself, and affected to laugh at the comedy
that was then enacting ; but there was something so dejected in his
look that it plainly evinced his mirth was forced, and there was no real
pleasure in his heart. The coxswain saw that his messmate wanted to
question him, and therefore withdrew to the forecastle, to which part of
the ship he was speedily followed by the boatswain's mate, whose im-
patience had been increased by the liquor he had swallowed, from the
supply introduced on board by the bum-boat woman.

" Is it a bite o' nigger-head as you wants, Joe r" demanded the cox-
swain, presenting the tobacco, as the other approached him,

"Why not ezactly that, messmate," returned the boatswain's mate,
taking the proffered gift; " though a chaw is no bad comforter when a
fellow's in trouble, and I'm thinking, Jera, as you've no good news
for me."

" I don't know for sartin whether it's good or bad, Joe," responded the
coxswain, laughing. " Some o' the lads 'ud be more glad to get rid of
a wife than*most on 'em 'ud be to take one."

" She's worked up, then," said the boatswain's mate sorrowfully, and
the muscles of his hard face quivering with emotion. " My mind did
misgive me as Poll had let go the life-lines. Mayhap she got the first
letter, and died afore the second arrived in port. When did she part
her cable, Jera ? "

" I didn't tell you, messmate, as she had parted her cable," returned
the coxswain : and then he repeated the conversation he had had with
old Jenny, to the real distress and mortification of the veteran, till
Hardover mentioned her having quitted Portsmouth with the infant ;
the latter part of the announcement having much the same affect upon
the boatswain's mate as it had had upon Jem.

"Babby ! " exclaimed Blatherwick in surprise. " Why, I say, Jem,
arter all them there years as she never thought about it, to go for to — "
He stopped for a minute, and then, looking earnestly at the coxswain,
inquired, " But ar'n't you coming a bit o' gammon over us, messmate r"

72 JKM BUNT.

"No, I assure you, Joe," returned Hardover ; "you've got it as I got
it ; but mayhap I should have larned a little more, but the skipper
corned dowu jist at the time I was hearing on it, and so, in course, Me
were obligated to shove off."

•'■ Why, where the blazes could Poll get the babby :" muttered
Blatherwick, half doubting the paternity, and yet somewhat proud at
the thoughts of being a father, " Did Jenny say how ould it was ?'

" I hadn't never no more time to ax questions," responded Jem ;
"but when we get into harbour, why you can inwite old Jenny aboard,
and she'll overhaul the whole consarn to you."

" Aye, aye, boy ; we must find the bearinjjs and distance of matters,"
returned Blatherwick, 'mournfully; "but I'm blessed if ever I buys
another letter again as long as I live; it's that as has done it, messmate;
— and a young infant, too !''

"Boatswain's mate!" was shouted from the quarter-deck, and Joe
gave the usual response. " Call away the first cutters ; and, quarter-
master, send the captain's coxswain here."

Joe raised his pipe to his lips, and after giving a chirp, loudly
exclaimed, " Babbies away ! "

"Why what the devil boat's that, Joe?" demanded the captain of the
forecastle. " The second lieutenant said the first cutters.''

Poor Joe for the moment was bewildered ; but again blowing his call,
he summoned the first cutter's crew to their duty ; and then got out
upon the bowsprit to meditate upon the strange intelligence that hud
just been communicated to him.

Obedient to command, the coxswain hastened to the quarter-deck, and
was directed to go down into the captain's cabin, which he immediately
did. " Take my cloak-bag, coxswain," said the captain, " and go
ashore with me in the first cutter."

" Aye, aye, sir," responded Joe. In another half hour they had
landed on the Gosport side ; Jem was ordered to follow his commander,
who entered the first respectable inn they came to, leaving the coxswain
(who delivered the cloak-bag to the waiter) outside.

Jem cogitated in his mind what the captain could be up to, and
would gladly have paid a visit to Mrs. Stafford, whose residence was
only a short distance off; but he was too good a seaman not to obey
orders, and too partial to his chief to incur the hazard of his displeasure.
About a quarter of an hour elapsed when a chaise-and-four drew up in
front of the inn, and a few minutes afterwards a rough-looking regular
man of- war's man issued from the door of the house, and jumped into
the vehicle.

" Yo hoy! shipmate," exclaimed the supposed stranger. " Yo hoy !
there ; bear a hand aboard ! "

Jem stared, for it was evident that the hail was meant for him, and
there could be no mistaking that voice, which was as familiar to his
ears as the whistling of the wind in a heavy gale, and he had often
listened to both at the same moment of time. " Aye, aj'e, sir," was
the coxswain's response ; and he was moving off towards the Hard,
in order to return to the frigate, when a second hail was heard, calling

JEM BUNT. 73

to him, ia nautical terms, to get into the chaise. More puzzled than
ever, Jem promptly obeyed — the steps were put up by the obsequious
•vtraiter — the door of the carriage was closed — the postillions, well ac-
quainted with the freight of their vehicle, started off at a rattling pace ;
and they were very soon clear of the town.

When the chaise had got upon the smooth road, and was dashing
along at racing speed, Jem's fellow-passenger said to him, " I have
brought you with me, my man, because I have observed, s^fice I became
your commander, there were many excellent traits in your character,
and because I believe you may be trusted under circumstances which
demand circumspection and secresy."

" God bless yer honour," returned the coxswain, " for having such
a good opinion of me : and I'm — I ax yer honour's pardon — but I'm
blessed if I wouldn't go through — "

" I know what you would say, my man," responded the other ; " and
you may rest assured, by the confidence I am about to place in you,
that I have studied more of your real disposition and temper than you
can be possibly aware of. If I am mistaken, the misfortune will be
yours, not mine ; for if you should forget what is due to the character
of a British seaman, and divulge the private signals of your captain,
I should henceforward look upon you as a traitor, and of course, an
enemy — "

" What, yer honour," exclaimed the worthy fellow, as he restlessly
shifted his berth, " Jem Hardover turn traitor and enemy ? No, no,
I'm d— d — " he stopped short, and then continued — " I ax pardon,
but it was the jolting of the craft as knocked that 'ere out of me. I'm
saying, yer honour, — but what's the use o' saying any thing, seeing as
its actions, and not words, as proves the right-arnestness of a man's
mind."

" Very true, very true," returned the other; " and I have reason to
believe that I shall not find my confidence misplaced. Now, listen to
what I shall tell you."

" In course, sir, I wool," replied the coxswain, highly elated at the
thoughts of such condescension on the part of his companion, but his
mind still involved in that sort of mysterious perplexity which the
illiterate generally experience when engaged in any especial pursuit
with a well-educated superior.

" You are not married, coxswain, I believe ?" said Jem's fellow-
traveller, inquiringly.

" No, sir, I never got quite so far as that in my navigation," re-
sponded Hardover with a chuckle ; '* but I was onest precious nigh hand
aboard of it, though."

" Indeed," returned the other, " I should like to hear how that was ;
do you remember the particulars ?"

" The ticklers ? Oh yes, I remembers the ticklers well enough," re-
plied Jem, " though I can't say as ever I tasted 'em, sir."

"I mean the circumstances that took place," said the other, " "Who
was the lady ? — and how did it happen ?"

" Why, if yer honoiur doesn't think me obstreporous in spinning a
10

74

JEM HUNT.

ynru, I'll ji«t overhaul llie mutter," returned the coxswain; aud no
answer being given, he took the silence for consent, and proceeded. " I
was at that time a main-top man, in the ould Howdacions — though she
warn't the ould Howdacious then, seeing as she was nearly a new sliip —
and we were refitting at riyraonth, after a pretty long cruise in the bay
and off the Western Islands. Well, being young and foolish, I gets
into u stark calm with a female gal, who had a handsome figure-head,
and stood stiff under her canvass; and so, arter boxing the compass of
courtship a turn or two, I axes her consent to be hailed in my name, by
entering it in the parson's log-book at church. Well, yer honour, it was
all agreed on — the papers were made out, the gould ring was bought and
the day fixed for me to take command, when it so happened that on
that very day the topmen were all busy alofi about the rigging, as orders
had come down to send us out to sea, witliout a mimieufs delay. To bo
sure I went aft, and axed the first leftenaut for liberty to go ashore and
get spliced, but he wouldn't hear a word about it, and ordered me up
into the top again. Now this was a sort of badgering about in a kind
of awkard predicklement, and it threw me slap aback in regard o'
knowing that Bessy would be waiting, and the ould folks would be wait-
ing, and the parson would be backing and tilling, like a collier in the
po^ol, and no Jem to lend 'em a hand out of the hobble. So I goes to my
messmate. Jack Branston, who was coxswain of the pinnace, and had
jist been ordered away for the shore, and I up and tells him the whole
consarn. Jack knew Bessy, and had been rather feathery with her ;
but she took me for choice, and so Jack gave up the chase. Well, sir,
after a bit of confab with Jack, he proposed to go to church and stand
what you calls deputy in my stead ; that is, he was to take my place and
get spliced to Bessy for me, and then she was to come aboard till we left
the harbour, or I could get liberty ashore, which last worn't very likely,
as everything was start- on-eend to move into Cawsand Bay. So I
gives Jack the papers and the ring, and away he went, and found 'era
all in the doldrums, 'cause I hadn't got alongside ; and Bessy cried, and
the ould 'uns scolded, and there was a bit of a bobbery, till Jaek dis-
plained to 'em the i)lan we had hit upon, and that brightened their faces
up a bit, and so they made sail to the church, and the clargy paid out
the whole sarvice ; and Jack, in my name, took Bessy for better or
worser, and then he runs down to the pinnace again without being
missed, or anybody knowing what he had been arter. Well, yer honour,
by and by alongside comes Bessy, and so I goes aft again, and axes the
first lieutenant to let me take my wife aboard. ' Your wife !' says he.
' What do you mean ? — you have no wife. I suppose you mean your
gal,' says he. 'No, I don't, sir,' says I; 'I means my own lawful
wedded wife, as I was married to tliis very morning.' ' Nonsense ! '
says he, in a bit of a pet. ' Why you haven't never been out of the,
eh'ip.' ' It's no matter for that,'sir,' says I ; and then I tells him of
the scheme between Jack and mo to weather upon him ; and he laughed
heartily, and declared we were a couple of fools ; and he called Bessy
nnd axed her all about it ; and then he told the skipper, who took her
ashore with him to twistigate the business. And the parsou said he had

}£M BCNT. 7^

knotted Bossy and Jack together, and he couldn't cast it off again; it
was work for the Dicklysiastical lawyers to oudo, and she must be put
in the hands of the bishop of the sea. Well, yer honour, 1 couldn't get
ashore ; the ship sailed for foreign. I was out two years, and when I
came back, I was cured of my love — the Howdacious came to Portsmouth
and I've never been to Pl3niouth pince — bo that mayhap liessy's iu the
hands of the bishop of the sea to this hour."

At this moment the chaise pulled up, and the Postillions announced
that they had reached the place where they were ordered to stop.

CHAPTER VIIL

"How fairly thia lord strives to appear foul ! takes virtuous copies to bo worked ;
like those that under hot ardent zeal, would set whole realms ou fire. Or such a
nature is his politic love."

SUAKESPLARE.

The deepening shades of twilight were gradually spreading over the
great city, and the slow but progressive increase of gloom heightened
the nervous irritability of Sir Wentworth Weatherall, who paced his
library with impatience, eagerly desirous of communicating with Miss
Elwester, j'et far from being satished with the mode of couvej'ance,
and not altogether unapprehensive of a failure, which he feared would
necessarily make matters worse.

It would be a waste of time were I to attempt a statement of the sen-
sations which agitated every part of the baronet's frume. To those who
have been and are desperately in love, with the diead of losing tha
object of their affection constantly before their mind, every symptom is
well known ; and it would be useless to talk of sickness of heart,
that prostrates bodily strength and weakens intellect, to individuals who
have never experienced it. It is true, there ate many who laugh at
and ridicule these things, because they are not personally acquainted
with them — their very nature forbids the extravagance of passion—
their existence passes on in ease and apathy; they are cold and calcu-
lating ; and I remember one who rung a shilling on his mother's coffin,
to try if the coin was good or not. Such characters are wholly insen-
sible to feelings of men of warmer temperament, and therefore are in-
capable of forming a judgment where " the heart knowelh its own
bitterness."

After all, I am induced to think that it runs in the blood of families
— that is, in a great measure, for Miss Elwester was certainly an excep-
tion to the rule , though even in this instance, from circumstances that
occurred in the early life of her mother, the wicked world had been cen-
Borious enough to talk scandal, that raised many doubta amongst th»

76 J KM BUNT.

tabby-cat coteriea of the neighbourhood where they then resided, as to
the paternity of the daughter ; and certain it is, that the features of the
child bore a strong resemblance to a dashing young nobleman, who
borrowed the usurer's money on post obits, and very frequently con-
descended to take supper with Mrs. E. It possibly might be from this
casual event that the spiteful and malicious neighbours raised the ill-
natured rumours that were prevalent ; and it is not unlikely that, from
the same cause, Mr. El wester had determined that his daughter should
Btick to the peerage. But there is really no accounting for such
matters.

The old usurer had risen from a very humble station in life. His
grandfather kept a sort of marine-store, near the Stowage, at Deptford ;
which marine-store was the depository of articles purchased for about
one- fiftieth part of what they were worth, and no questions asked.
Obadiah lost his own parents when a child ; and his grandfather finding
him a useful and sharp lad, took him from the workhouse to assist him
in his business. Oby always heeded the main chance, and in his trans-
actions he took good care never to forget himself ; in fact, it was generally
*' one for grantaa, and two for me." Niggardly by nature, he hoarded
np his gains, which were neither few nor small ; and he rightly calcu-
lated if he could realize so much money in so short a space of time, his
grandfather must have amassed considerable sums, although his mode of
living indicated extreme poverty.

Nor was Obadiah mistaken ; for at the old man's death he found him-
self unrestricted master of between two thousand and three thousand
pounds in the funds, besides the marine-store, and the stock in trade.
He had a sister much older than himself, who had been out at service,
but had got married to the boatswain of an East Indiaman of the name
of Breezy. The brother and sister seldom saw each other ; Obadiah
made her a present of a guinea when he succeeded to the fortune be-
queathed by the old man, and subsequently, when determined to take
a wider stage himself, he placed Breezy in the store at the Stowage, and
commenced lending money to seamen upon valuables that they had
brought home. Thus many a beautiful India shawl and necklace, with
pearls, and other precious things, so coveted by ladies of distinction,
came into his possession ; and for which he not only obtained a high
price amongst the nobility, but also frequently, by long credit, secured
their favourable offices. His profits were enormous, and as his mode of
living was extremely frugal, he was rapidly accumulating wealth.

He next tried the stocks, and hia cool calculating mind soon enabled
him to take advantage of every favourable turn. About this time he
took to himself a wife; but, true to the ruling passion, he also took
especial care that the lady should have a fortune, whatever she might
be deficient of besides. Her origin, like his own, was obscure and
humble ; her parents kept a pawnbroker's shop in Ratcliffe Highway;
and she was an only child. When well dressed, she was rather a
good-looking woman — of pleasing features and showy exterior ; in short,
personally attractive, but destitute of mind.

BiotLer-in-law Breezy was fond of grog, and the truth must be told,

JEM BUNT. 77

that he was much oftener to be found in the " Fishing Smack" (a public-
house 60 called) at the creek, than in the marine-store ; so that at length
Obadiah was compelled to wind up the concern, by disposing of it to a
desperate set of fellows who infested the waters of that neighbourhood,
and well known to Crouch the constable. Breezy was about to take
himself off to sea again, but his course of intemperate habits whilst on
shore had greatly incapacitated him ; and being deprived of his ac-
customed draughts of nectar, he sank into imbecility both of frame and
intellect, and shortly afterwards closed his mortal career. His remains
were interred in St. Nicholas's church-yard, amongst the hundreds of
naval men who had preceded him, and where the saline richness imparted
to the soil, by the amalgamation with salt-water mortality, was evidenced
by the luxuriant and rank grass which every where abounded amongst
the tombstones. •

Breezy left several children, and the eldest, a fine boy, was a bit of a
favourite with his uncle Obadiah, so that he was often at the house of
the latter, and though five or six years older than Amelia, was never
more happy than when he could make her his little playmate, and do
any thing to please her. As he advanced in age, however, his uncle
looked more coldly on him ; and when Mr. Elwester (who had obtained
some good customers amongst the aristocracj', through the medium of
their wives) removed to the metropolis, and commenced money-lending
on good security, the youth became aware that his visits were not
agreeable to his uncle ; and consequently, taking leave of his dear little
cousin — and they were almost broken-hearted at parting, he went to
the rendezvous upon Tower Hill, and entered for a man-of-war. Since
that time they had seldom seen each other ; and though Mr. Elwester
could easily have got him promoted to the quarter-deck as midshipman,
yet this could not be done without an outfit as an officer, and sufficient
to maintain the young man as a gentleman. Poor Mr. Elwester would
not endure the thoughts of such expense, and therefore William Breezy
continued a foremast man.

But to return to Sir Wentworth Weatherall.

Not less than fifty times had the baronet peeped out at the library
window which looked upon the square, or opened the library door to
listen for the approach of the messenger he was about to engage on the
forlorn hope ; the gloom was diff'using itself through the room, and the
furniture and draperies, and massive folios, assumed frowning shapes of
adverse spirits, that very soon thronged the young man's fevered brain.
Dr. Johnson's ponderous tomes stood prominent in gigantic proportions,
and armed with heavy clubs that threatened to split the head. Learned
authors, with enormous beards, seemed ready to step from their shelves,
and commence an attack upon each other — in short, fearful visions of
" goblin grim" and grinning skeletons were presented to the distorted
imagination.

" Ha ! this is horrible," exclaimed Sir Wentworth, as he pressed his
hands over his heated brows, so as to obscure his sight; "horrible
indeed ! Oh, Amelia, Amelia ! could you but know the agony which
this suspense creates ; my heart is throbbing with wild tumultuous

78 JSM BUNT.

emotion, and is fainting beneath the oppressive weight of my calamity !
— Amelia — my own Amelia!" uttered he, with plaintive tenderness;
" do you still think of me — do you still adhere to your vows of eternal
fidelity r" He uncovered his eyes, and looked glaringly around. " Ah,
what strange forms and shapes are these that haunt my very soul-
there, there it is, right palpable before me— the arch enemy himself,
crouching like the tiger in his lair — demon, I defy you ! — what can you
want with me :"

" Vy, lord love yer honour," answered Jem, who had crept noise-
lessly into the room, and had caused the baronet's exclamation; " vy,
doesn't you remember vot I vants ? its jist good time to do the trick,
for its best to have a bit o' darky for sich a job as this. I shall crawl
over the roof on my hands and knees ; so if any body goes for to sea
me, they'll think as its some big black tom-cat a going a courting."

The lad's address recalled the baronet to a certain consciousness of
the business in which he was about to engage, and he inquired, " Ar^j
you ready, my boy r"

"tn course, yer honour," returned the sweep; "who ever knowed
Jem to vant pluck in helping a donkey out of a ditch, ven he was sure
of being paid for it ; and now that yer honour is going to gie me bread
for life— ar'n't I all ready, then ? Vere's the letter ?"

Some farther conversation passed between them, in which Jem dis-
playeii great natural sagacity and prudence ; and the letter, carefully
enfolded in stout paper, so as to resist the approach of soot,, was confided
to the boy, who tucked it into his cap, and after having been shown the
lady's window, was conducted by the baronet to an attic, the door of
which he locked, and the sweep, after shaking his dipper, and bidding
his honour " taa — taa," boldly crawled out of the window, and was
soon upon the roof of the next house, where he disappeared, leaving the
baronet gazing after him with the most intense and eager interest.

I have already mentioned that the duke of Q had that afternoon

paid a visit to Mr. Ehvester. His grace was most graciously received
by the grovelling old usurer, who, like Sir Giles Overreach, longed to
have a " right honourable daughter." The lady would have excused
herself from attending, on the score of indisposition, but her father
commanded her presence, and she well knew that disobedience would
only draw down upon her greater restrictions and severity. Besides,
she cherished the hope that, by seeming to yield to the wishes of her
parent, she might be released from restraint, gain time, and be enabled
to communicate with the baronet, whom she loved with a fervency equal
to his own.

The interview with the duke had inspired Mr. El wester with renewed
hopes that his daughter's resolution was giving way, and he should
enjoy the exquisite felicity of seeing her a duchess. Her behaviour to
his grace had hitherto been characterised by distant reserve, but on this
afternoon she had relaxed from her usual course, and had received tiie
peer with more cheerfulness of manner. Gratified beyond measure,
Mr. Elwester pleaded an engagement of importance and withdrew,
leaving the couple together ; but at the same time, not without u wit-

JFTVr BUNT. 79

ness to all that passed, for one of the old man's agents was so placed as
not only to hear, but also, if necessary, to see, without the parties being
sensible that they were watched.

The duke of Q had no real affection for the lady ; his attach-
ment was to her father's great wealth ; though it is true he could not
be altogether insensible to her beauty and merits. He had been ac-
customed to associate with men, and even women, whose mode of life
had rendered them callous to those delightful emotions which emanate
from virtue and innocence ; he looked upon the world as a theatre for
enjoyment, and upon his fellow-creatures as mere actors in a drama,
that was calculated to administer to his gratification. Money was all
he wanted to insure a skilful management, and to luxuriate in splendour
and lasciviousness. The old usurer had amassed more than half a
million of money, besides several handsome estates that had fallen to
him through unredeemed mortgages ; and his vast property was hourly
accumulating. Habituated to the magnificence of a palace, and the
courtly and lavish manners of its inmates and visitors, his grace could
not but despise the sordid and avaricious man, by whose riches he hoped
to purchase gratifications that could not be obtained without. Elwester
was not blind to thi? ; the miserly and ambitious creature had studied
the secret springs that actuate human nature, and he knew well on
which to press, so as to produce motives and actions in accordance
with the wishes of his own heart. He had determined that his child
should never marry beneath the rank of countess ; he had made his
financial arrangements for such an event, nor would his death have re-
leased her from the stipulation, as the conditions were rendered so
binding in his will, that no lawyer, however acute, could possibly over-
turn them. On the other hand, in the event of disobedience, his im-
mense wealth was destined to pass to a male relative, provided he could
obtain the coveted distinction of a peer of the realm, and his daughter
was assigned a bare pittance to keep her from the extremity of want.

Such was the project of Mr. Elwester, and ardent had been his
watchings to secure its fulfilment ; he had many nobles amongst his
debtors, who he vainly hoped would be induced, by the pressure of
necessity, to propose for his child — for he made no secret of his in-
tentions ; but they had hitherto shrunk from alliance with a man, who
could basely sell the gentle being he was bound by every law, both
human and divine, to cherish and protect. As I have already said,
he placed the pinnacle of his ambitiou on the coronet of an earl ;
how much, then, was his mind elated, when a duke became the lady's
Buitor.

And yet it was curious to observe the very cautious and respectful
line of conduct which his grace preserved towards Mr. Elwester, and
Mr. Elwester towards his grace ; though there was more of cringing
obsequiousness in the manner of the old usurer towards the nobleman.
A stranger merely acquainted with the proposed match, might have
supposed that the duke's addresses were prompted by sincere devotion
to the lady, and Mr. Elwester was actuated solely by parental solici-
tude for the happiness of his child. But the duke could not deceive

80 IBM BUNT.

Mr. El wester, nor Mr. El wester deceive the duke : they were each well
awake to the principle that prompted the other ; and though the bargain
had not been actually agreed upon in words or bonds, yet it was aa
much a business transaction as the thousands that take place in the com-
mercial world every day.

" Your father, my dear lady, is a kind and considerate man," said the
duke, deferentially, as he approached nearer to Amelia, as soon as Mr.
El wester had quitted the room ; " to be near you at any time is
happiness, but how greatly is that happiness enhanced when I am
enabled to enjoy your society alone, and to offer you the warm tribute
of my affection, without the restraint imposed by the presence of a third
party."

This was uttered in a polite, off-hand sort of way ; and though there
certainly was no want of respect in the outward manner of his grace,
yet it was different — oh ! how different, to the earnest and persuasive
warmth of the handsome baronet ; and it so happened that while the
duke was making even this short speech, the mind of Amelia was draw-
ing comparisons between the old roue and the young impassioned lover,
by no means favourable to the former,

" Your grace honours me by your preference," returned the lady,
somewhat stiffly, though still with courteousness ; " but, my lord, it ia
a duty I owe to you as well aa myself, not to give encouragement to
your seeming expectations."

" This is but a repetition of past assurances, my dear lady," remon-
strated the nobleman, softening his voice to plaintiveness, and adjusting
his figure, which was certainly unexceptionable, to a proper attitude, so
as to display his fine proportions to the best advantage. " Will neither
the devotion of a heart that fondly loves you, nor the prospect of be-
coming the brightest ornament of a brilliant court, weigh as nothing in
your estimation ?"

"The devotion of a heart that truly loved me, my lord, would— aye,
must claim my sincere gratitude," responded Amelia with firmness ;
" but your grace well knows that either you are deluding yourself, or
endeavouring to deceive me, when you talk of entertaining such senti-
ments for one whose rank in life is so inferior to your own, and whose
education must be widely different to that of the ladies who frequent a
court."

" Nay, dearest Amelia ! why persist in this perverseness," uttered the
duke, in a forcible and impressive manner ; and to the lady it appeared
that he was either assuming, or actually experiencing powerful emo-
tions, for he raised his capacious cambric handkerchief to his face, and
the muscles of his countenance were considerably agitated. For the mo-
ment the young lady felt alarm, but had she known the real cause of
distress, her fears would have at once changed into mirth ; for the fact
was, the duke in his energy had loosened several of his upper patent
false teeth, and fearing they would fall out, had put on the semblance of
emotion, and raised his cambric to his mouth, in order to arrest the
deserters, and to hide his embarrassment. As soon, however, as he
ascertained that his beautifully enamelled grinders — they had been

JEM BtJNT. 81

extracted from the dead body of a young female — were safe, and there
was no longer occasion for him to hold his jaw, he withdrew his muffler
and returned to the attack. " Why, my dear lady, should you doubt
the sincerity of my avowals. Believe me, you do injustice to your
own beauty and accomplishments, when you place titles and courtly
manners in the balance against them, and expect the latter to prepon-
derate. My proudest wish will be to share my rank with one so every
way worthy to adorn it."

" If I could indeed believe you sincere, my lord," responded Amelia,
her voice somewhat tremulous, from having witnessed what she con-
ceived to be evidences of strong feeling in the duke; "if I could
indeed credit your assertions, I should suffer regret, my lord, that my
rejection of your alliance should cause you pain or uneasiness. Eut I
must deal honestly with your grace, and plainly tell you, that I cannot
bring myself to place reliance on your declarations."

" In what way — or how, my dear Miss Elwester — -" and an ill re-
pressed smile curled the noble's lip — " I mean, my dear Amelia, can I
remove your doubts and scruples ? Let me assure you, that when once
united and launched upon the gay world, in all the splendour and mag-
nificence which shall mark your entre, you will then be convinced that
you wrong me by your suspicions."

" The period to which you have alluded can never arrive, my
lord," returned the lady, who had noticed the smile of the duke at
the mention of her name ; " rest assured it can never come. Although
my lord, I have seen and known but little of the busy world, or that
fashionable sphere in which doubtless your grace has long moved as a
leading star ; yet my ideas and views of connubial happiness have been
framed upon a basis unconnected with grandeur and display, which
would only mar my enjoyments instead of increasing them."

" My dearest Amelia," responded his grace, " to you these things
are as yet untried, but when once honoured by the gift of your dear
hand—"

" Again, my lord, I must repeat that I can never accept your pro-
posals," exclaimed Amelia, with fervour, and rising from her seat ; " no
power on this earth shall compel me to give my hand where I cannot
bestow my heart."

"I am aware, lady," said the duke, proudly, and drawing himself up
to his full stature; " I am aware that I have a rival in your esteem,
of whose qualities or qualifications I shall say nothing. But I did hope
that ray unbounded attachment — ray exalted rank — the brilliant prospects
which such an alliance affords — I did hope that you might be induced
to grant me the preference ; and especially when my respectful offers
have the sanction of your father."

" My lord, it is no part of a daughter's duty to comment on the line
of conduct which a parent may see fit to pursue," returned Amelia,
greatly agitated, and again seating herself. "But your grace can claim
no such privilege from my hands. If you were aware that my affections
were pre-engaged, is it consistent with that nobleness of soul which
should characterise the exalted rank you have adverted to — is it, I ask,
11

82 JEM BtTNT.

consistent with generosity, even with common humanity, to persecute a
female, because she cannot consent to unite her destiny with yours ?
Question your own heart, my lord. What is the real motive that urges
you to persevere ? You cannot be — you are not ignorant that the poor
ambition of my father is to be attained by the sacrifice of his child ; his
wealth and his daughter's happiness are to be bartered for coronets
and courts. You know all this, my lord, and still continue to urge
your suit."

" Aye, lady," exclaimed the nobleman, with vehemence, " and never
will relinquish it, whilst existence endures ; every thing but your own
obstinacy favours my wishes ; no rival shall ever triumph over the

duke of Q ; it would irretrievably sink him in the estimation of

the court circle, whilst conquest would elevate his name. Your
father—"

" Name him not again, my lord, lest you drive me to extremity, and
cause me to forget what is due to the sacred character," responded
Amelia, as she rose tremblingly from her seat ; " I will retire — we
fully understand each other " — she tottered towards the door — " and
sooner would I yield to the cold embrace of death, than drag on a
weary wretched life in misery, though gilded with the utmost splendour."

For an instant the pride of rank struggled against grasping avarice in

the breast of the duke of Q ; the lady had reached the door — the

moment was full of importance ; avarice gained the ascendancy, and the
haughty peer knelt at the feet of the old usurer's daughter. " Forgive
me, forgive me, Amelia," entreated he, with passionate earnestness, as
he took her hand and pressed it forcibly to his lips ; " I have offended,
and the punishment of your anger weighs me down to the very ground.
Your very nobleness inspires me with a more ardent love ; I must per-
severe, and you yourself, beautiful and estimable as you are, must form
my best apology."

** If you choose to detain me here, my lord, against my inclination, I
have no power to resist," uttered Amelia, calmly ; " you have my pardon,
but you also have my defiance."

"Is it so, proud woman ?" exclaimed the duke, trying to rise, but
without avail, for passion had assumed the mastery ; " know then — "
What more he would have said, whether of threatening or contempt,
must remain unknown ; for just at this moment the door of the drawing-
room was thrown violently open, so as to prostrate the noble duke upon
the floor, and in bounced a fine-looking young seaman in the dress of a
foremast man, and throwing his arms round the lady's neck, he kissed
her with fervour.

" Ha ! cousin Mely !" vociferated the tar, " what cheer, my pretty
one, what cheer ? — ax yer pardon, ould genelman — didn't think any
body was at prayers t'other side — capsized in a moment ; but never
mind, my boy, you ar'n't foundered outright, so here goes to get you
under way again ;" and by dint of sheer muscular strength he replaced
the duke on his feet,

In the midst of her distress Amelia could not refrain from internally
enjoying the scene: but fearful that her sailor-cousin might forget pro-

if'IM!i

priety, she turaed gracefully to the dh ke, and waving her hand, said,
" William, this is his grace the duke of Q, ---; my lord, my cousin, a
humble seaman in his Majesty's navy."

"God bless his graceship ! " exclaimed the seaman, hitching up his
trowsers, and extending his hard horny hand to the noble ; " tip us
your flipper, ould boy — it's honest skin, that is, though mayhap it's got
soramut coarse with handling the ropes and bowsing at the gun-tackle
falls." The duke bowed as he retreated backward, but declined the
honour of a heartier shake than he had already experienced in his
fall. "Oh, its jist as you like, ould genelman — I mean, your duke-
ship's grace ; but cousin Mely a'n't quite so sqeamish ; we were play-
mates when children, and I ounly wish we could be shipmates through
the rest of our lives."

" I am sorry that your grace has suffered inconvenience," said Amelia,
addressing the discomfitted nobleman; " but I trust you have not sus-
tained any injury. Shall [ ring for assistance V

"It is wholly unnecessary," haughtily returned the duke ; and then
glancing contemptuously at the tar, he added, "my future cousin there
has been educated in a rough school."

" You may say that, ray dukeship," responded the seaman, as he turned
his quid in his cheek ; " monkey's allowance at first, more kicks than
ha'pence, with a double sarving out of tarred gingerbread. But what
of that 'ere ? I am now the captain of a frigate's fore-top, and lots of
prize -monej'." He looked lovingly at the lady. " My eyes, Mely,
what a beauty you have grown; and there's all the prize-money jfor you,
unless the ould gentleman there, his grace's honour's dukeship would
like a little;" and the tar rattled the gold in his jacket pockets, as he
cut the step of a hornpipe on the soft carpet.

" Such a relative would not suit your grace's stately mansion," said
Amelia, somewhat archly ; " and yet we have many of them, whom I
love and could not forsake."

The duke looked silly, and the tar stepping up to him, opened an
enormous box, which he presented. " If so be as your lordship's grace
don't want any shiners, mayhap you'd like a bite of pigtail." The noble
turned away in disgust. " Oh ! jist as you please, and I hopes no
offence. But I say, Mely, you darling little rogue, what a fine fit
out you've got here," — he gazed round the drawing-room, — " why,
you're all as fine as a fiddle. And how's uncle Grampus, as I used to
call him r "

" Your uncle is here to answer for himself, you irreverent boy,"
exclaimed Mr. Elwester, entering at the door, his wrinkled features
puckered up with rage that he could ill control, and his small twinkling
eyes red with ire. " How, sir ! have you dared to intrude uninvited
to my house ? — My lord duke," and the old man obsequiously bowed,
" I trust you have sustained no injury by your fall — that is, I mean,
from his impertinence ? Begone, sir," turning to the seaman, "and never
presume to enter my doors again !"

" Come, come, that's all gammon, uncle Grampus," remonstrated the
seaman, as he extended his hand to Mr. Elwester ; " ar'n't I your own

^4 ' 'EM BTJNT.

sister's son, and, for the matter o' that, as tight a lad as ever clapped on
to a burton-fall, or spliced a bower cable." The usurer turned away.
*' Oh, very well, I see which way the land lies; so bye bye, and shake your
daddle nuaky." He clapped his hat upon his head, and slapped it down
with his hand. " The next time as you wants to see Bill, you'll have
to send for him that's all; God bless you, cousin Mely; one last kiss,
pretty one." He took it. " I sees as you're among sharks as thick as
they swim in Port Eoyal; but cheer up, lovey, I've lots of prize-money,
and when you wants a friend, jist you give a hail for Bill Breezy, of his
Majesty's ship the Smack-an'-smooth, and if I don't answer it, there's
no devils in London. Taa — taa, your grace's dukeship — he wants to
grapple with you like a pirate, Mely, but make him shove his boat off;
or, for the matter o' that, what hinders now that you put yourself under
my convoy, and I tow you into another port?"

"No, no, "William," returned Amelia, as the tears started into her
eyes ; "I must not, and will not quit my father's roof, unless stern
necessity compels me. Go, William ; go and do your duty to your king
and country ; your name will be more honoured as a brave defender of
your native land and monarch, than the possessor of titles — " She was
overpowered, and wept bitterly.

" Quit the house instantly you rascal!" vociferated El wester advan-
cing towards his nephew ; " be off, I say and do not compel me to use
force."

"Lord love your silly head," returned the seaman, between a laugh
and a cry; "as if I cared a single — for all the force as you could muster.
But mind me, ould Grampus, I shall clap you alongside some of these
here days, and I'm bless'd if I dont't pay you off like a dootiful nevey.
Good bye, Mely, keep your weather eye up, and a good look out to
"Wind'ard ; I've haard a little about your consarns, but trust to Bill
Breezy, and he'll never forsake you — good bye;" and the seaman, giving
a grim look at the duke and the usurer, departed, slamming the door
after him to give vent to his indignation.

For a minute or two neither of the remaining trio spoke. The duke
was by no means flattered at the prospect of relationship with Bill
Breezy ; and the lady had told him there were many more similarly
situated. He had almost determined to relinquish his suit, but he was
deeply involved in debt, and though exempted from arrest, yet he well
knew that credit was failing him, and to retrench would at once remove
him from old haunts and old associates. Mr. Elwester looked deeply
humbled at what had occurred, but in reality he felt pleased, for he was
perfectly aware that the barb of avarice had inextricably buried itself in
the noble's heart, and the pre-knowledge of humble relationship would
vainly endeavour to extricate it. The man of money experienced an
inward delight at the idea of levelling the man of titles to his own views.
As for Amelia, she remained near the door, grieved at the abrupt dis-
missal of her cousin William, yet scarcely able to refrain from indulging
a smile at the embarrassment of her companions.

" I am truly sorry, my lord duke," at length spoke Mr. Elwester,
towing low, " at this rencontre ; but your grace is already aware that

JEM BtTNT. 85

I commenced life with small beginnings," (he might have said odds and
ends); "and this wild nephew of mine — however, enough of this; I
am happy to say that the loan your grace required" — he turned to his
daughter, as suddenly called to the recollection of her presence, and
said, " Amelia, you may retire, his grace and I have business."

The lady curtsied as she was about to withdraw, but the duke gal-
lantly stepped up to her, and taking one of her hands in his, whilst
with his other hand he opened the door, earnestly requested that she
would not cherish unpleasant feelings toward him for what had taken
place.

" Animosity never remains long a guest with me, my lord," answered
she, and with another curtsey quitted the room. Waiting for her iu
the passage, as a sort of body guard to conduct her to her apartment,
stood an aged male servant, who rejoiced in the appropriate appellation
of Pantile Lankrib, and acted as confidential agent, clerk, spy, and man
of all work to the usurer. Whoever has seen Meadows in the character
of the Starved Apothecary, {vide Eomeo and Juliet) and the Anatomic
Vivant, have only to strike an average between the two, and they will
immediatdy behold Pantile Lankrib present to their imagination. He
was a sort of daddy-long-legs spider-looking man, with an eye like a
tarantula.

"I am commanded by my worthy master to see you safe into your
room. Miss Amelia ; " said this moving skeleton. But the lady made
him no answer, she proceeded to her apartment ; which having entered,
the door was closed, and Lankrib winking his eye to himself, turned the
key on the outside of the lock and put it into his pocket.

What passed between the usurer and the nobleman the chronicles
do not tell, but his grace took his departure rather out of humour ;
and Mr. Elwester went out, to meet by appointment the scion of
an ancient tree in heraldry, whom he hoped to strip of many of his
leaves.

It was dark when Mr. Elwester returned home, peevish and fretful ;
for he had not succeeded so well as his expectations induced him to be-
lieve, he should, and he had again fallen in with Eill Breezy, half
groggy, who had, according to the seaman's own words, " poured
broadsides into him enough to sink any nat'ral born craft; but ould
Grampus was like a witch in a sieve, and would keep afloat till the devil
hauled him into a dry dock, and paid his seams with hot pitch."

Erom his earliest years Mr. Elwester had been addicted to superstition,
and the declaration of his nephew had made an unpleasant impression
on his mind. He felt that he had grossly neglected the young man,
and conscience also told him that his conduct towards his daughter was
unwarrantable and cruel. Irritated and vexed he took his lamp and
hurried to his " sanctuary" — a strong apartment in which he kept his
bonds, mortgages, deeds, and accounts, as well as his plate and loose
cash. On entering the door he raised his lamp, and threw a cautious
glance all round ; but nothing met his sight but strong boxes, iron safes,
and large books. Still the place seemed more gloomy than ever he had
known it before ; and closing and locking the door, he threw himself

86

TEM BTns'T.

into a leather-covered chair of antique workmanship, and covering his
face with his hands, he groaned heavily. J^usy retrospection haunted
him ; he could not recal to memory one generous or good action of his
life ; a sort of dreaming half waking slumber came over him ; visions,
exciting distress and terror, rose up before his eyes ; he remembered the
last expression of his nephew — fiends were flitting round him — his
brain became distempered — he sprang up and glared Avildly through the
gloom — when, revealed before his sight, squatting asti'ide on a chest of

j^^!!il!i!*Jliiiiilii

plate, was the grim enemy himself, with his pitchfork in his liaiid, in
all his hideous blackness. The old man gazed for a moment — bis senses
reeled — and with a heavy groan he fell back inanimate in his chair.

"Veil, I'm jiggered if 1 ar'n't done the trick now, and no mistake,''
whispered the supposed demon, who was no other than our hero, Jem
Bunt ; he had, in fact, got into the wrong chimney, and descended to
the usurer's sanctuary. He found, however, that just above the fire-
place there were stout iron bars going across; but as all was silent he
contrived to loosen and remove one of them, with which he got down
on to the floor, just previous to the old man's entrance. Escape
without being at once detected, was impossible ; so Jem laid himself
down behind the iron safes for concealment, where he remained till
Mr. Elwester appeared to be asleep, when, rising up to steal quietly
uway, he was in the act of straddling over the plate chest, as the

JEM BUNT. 87

usurer started to his feet, and the event occurred which has already
been described.

" This here's a pretty go, any how — this is," muttered Jem, as he
moved from his 2:)osition ; " votever shall I do if he should go for to
kick the bucket ? I ar'n't never got any time to stop though, and so 111
onlock the door, and bolt up the chimbley. I'U ring the bell too, for I
hates iuhoomanitj\"

In a very short space of time Jem hud completed his arrangements,
and taking the bell-pull up as far as he could, he replaced the iron bar,
rang a loud peal, and then skimmed aloft right merrily, without being
discovered. Better informed as to the locality, he descended another
flue that was unprotected by bars — and this time he was right.

Amelia sat alone iu her apartment, sighing and crying with vexation
and disappointment. She had received no communication whatever
from the baronet for some time ; and she thought if he really loved her
with the strength and fervency he had professed to do, his ingenuity
might have devised some scheme to relieve her from the anxiety and
embarrassment under which she was so grievously labouring. The
servant had brought her a light and a tray of refreshments, but the
latter remained untouched by her side. Suddenly she started — -there
was a noise in the room, as if something had fallen on the floor;
raising the light, she beheld a letter, and the quick perception of woman
instantly told her that it must have come from some friendly hand.
Hope whispered the name of Sir Wentworth ; without a moment's
hesitation she took it up — the handwriting was his — a thrill of joyous
delight passed through her frame — she sat down, pressed the letter to
her bosom, and burst into tears.

As soon as the first agitation had subsided, Amelia ran over the con-
tents of the letter with eagerness, and became informed of the mode by
which it was conveyed to her. Hurrying to the fire-place, and trembling
under the exciting novelty, she enquired, in an undertone, ** Is any
body there ? "

" Not nevwer a soul only me," answered Jem, who had cleverly
thrown the epistle into the room without showing himself; "I ar'n't
much fit for the company of ladies; and so you'll excuse my staying
vhere I is jist now. But lord love you, miss, if you have any anser or
messuage or tenement to send to Sir Ventvorth, look smart about it, as
he's mighty constropelous to hear how you am, and vot you're arter."

"Oh, tell him, my friend, and a thousand thanks to you for your
visit — tell him — but stop a minute, I must not forget your generous
assistance ; " slie ran to her drawers, took out her purse, and hastened
back to the hearth ; " words are but poor recompense — here, take this."
Jem thrust down his hand, the purse was put into it, and he chuckled
as he heard the metal ring.

" I vill — I vill — God bless you, miss." Jem chinked the gold. " I
hopes they're all good 'uns — yes, I vill, I'll tell Sir Ventvorth vot you
says, and all about it." Again he shook the purse. " Be 'em all
guineas ? "

But I have told you nothing yet, nor can I now express my

((

M JEM BUNT.

thoughts," eagerly respouded the agitated girl ; " hush ! be still, there
are footsteps approachiog I Away, away — come to-morrow night at
this time." The key turned in the lock, and Pantile Lankrib, accom-
panied by a female servant, summoned the young lady to visit her
father, who had been seized with a fit, whilst Jem again ascended the
chimney to join his employer.

CHAPTER IX.

" Then like two mighty kings which, dwelling far
Asunder, meet against a third to war.
The south and west winds joined ; and as they blew,
Waves, like a rolling trench before them threw."

Donne.

About twelve miles from Gosport, stands what was then a pretty-
little village, and being remote from the high-road, it was untainted by
that sort of fashionable society which courts publicity and notoriety :
in fact, it was but little more than a cluster of rustic cottages, a par-
sonage and an ancient church, whose Saxon-arched portal indicated the
date of its erection. It was within a stone's throw of this spot,
that the carriage containing Captain Weatherall and his coxswain
stopped, and the officer and seaman having alighted, the former gave
orders to the postillions to await their return, and with his humble
companion crossed a stile, on the other side of which was a pathway
over the fields.

The night was delightfully fine — the ruddy glow of the setting sua
still hung in the north-west, and diffused a clear crystalline light from
its waning brightness. Jem Hardover followed his commander, who
seemed perfectly well acquainted with the way, till they had traversed
about a mile in distance, and then came in sight of a dwelling com-
bining modem neatness and taste with the heavy architecture of the
reign of Elizabeth. It had formerly been an extensive mansion, but a
considerable portion of it lay in ruins, and it was only one small part of
a wing that had formed the library, conservator}', and a few apartments,
that had been kept in tenantable repair. The clustering rose and clematis
contended with the ivy for possession of the wall ; an enclosed plot of
ground displayed a smooth-cut lawn bordered by flower-beds, from
which the night dew was distilling fragrance ; these were belted by a
shrubbery, and the whole encompassed by a hedge of yew, fantastically
cut to represent pyramids, and various other devices.

This dwelliug they passed, though captain Weatherall stood for
several minutes earnestly gazing at the building ; and then with a
heavy sigh, almost a groan, he moved rapidly onwards into a lane be-

JEM BXINT. 39

tween high embankments, where the lofty foliage, embracing overhead,
shut out every particle of light. Jem found some difficulty in groping
his way, but the captain seemed perfectly familiar with every step, and
would soon have outstripped the worthy coxswain, but that, having
reached his point of destination, he stopped. The arching trees here
opened to the heavens, and by the way-side, within a fenced garden,
stood a solitary cottage.

" Bear a hand my man," said the captain, impatiently, as Jem joined
him : " hail the inmates of yon dwelling, and ask if Molly lioyd be still
alive."

" Aye, aye, sir," responded the coxswain, and then promptly obeyed
the order by knocking at the door, and roaring out, "House, ahoy ! "

Jem's hail would have roused anything alive, and it was instantly
responded to by a voice inside. "Hillio, there! what do you want .''
we've nothing worth stealing here."

" You onmannered son of a Turk !" exclaimed Jem, jealous for the
honour and character of his commander. " Is that the way you answers
a captain in his Majesty's navy } and be blow'd to you ! "

"Avast, Jem, avast!" uttered the captain in an under tone; "not
a word about officers here — remember your instructions ; ask for Molly
Boyd."

"A pretty captain in his Majesty's navy," returned the voice from
withinside the casement, " to be rampadgering about here at this time
o' night, when all honest folks are a-bed ! Be off with you, or I'll show
you the muzzle of a blunderbuss."

" Blow me if I'd start tack or sheet, if you were to run out a twenty-
four pounder, much more a pop-gun !" vociferated Jem in a tone of
defiance, and neglecting, in his anger at the threat which had been
vented, the commands of his superior.

" Ask for Molly Boyd, I tell you," repeated the captain, hastily.

"What, you wont move, wont you?" continued the inmate of the
cottage, opening the casement a few inches, and protruding his blunder-
buss. " You'd better start, or Molly shall whisper a few words in your
ears."

" Why, that's jist what I wants," answered Jem, eagerly ; and then
turning to his commander, " she's here, yer honour ; it's all riglit.
Where is Molly, you lubber ? I've got summut to overhaul with her."

" Have you?" exclaimed the voice ; " then here she is, ready to talk
to you, and spice her conversation with peppercorns;" and Jem heard the
cocking of a gun-lock.

«' Ask him for Molly Boyd," reiterated the captain, somewhat ex-
asperated at Jem's delay, and half tempted to inquire himself.

"Is it Molly Boyd as you means ?" asked Jem, looking up earnestly
at the window.

"Molly Boyd!" repeated the voice; "no, no, it's no Molly Boyd,
but Molly Sweetlips as I'm speaking of, and a pretty piece she is too ;"
and he rattled the blunderbuss.

" Is Molly Boyd alive ?" asked Jem, doing that which he ought to
have done at first; "come, bear a hand, and tell us."
12

90 JEM BUNT.

*•' Molly Boyd," said the person iaside ; " I know of no ^Jtlolly Boyd,
or any one of that name hereabouts."

" She lived here about eight or nine years since," said the captain,
advancing; "a kind, motherly sort of a woman."

"Perhaps so," returned the man within, and looking behind him,
asked in a very loud tone, " I say, Bet, did you know any Molly Boyd
about here r"

" Why don't you shoot 'em, then ?" replied a female in shrill discord ;
" fire at 'em Jack, we shall indeed be murdered in our beds."

"She's as deaf as a post," said the man, " and if anything frightens
her, she's a thousand times worse;" he roared out, "its Molly Boyd I'm
axing about."

" Oh lord ha' mercy upon us ! what shall we do ?" uttered the female,
still mistaking the question ; " we're nought but poor folk, and have
nothing worth tht-ir stealing."

" How long have you resided here?" asked the captain, " that per-
haps may guide us."

" About nine months," replied the man ; " Bet and I corned from
Southampton here, and now I think on it, I've heard as an old woman
did live in this cottage — aye, and died in it too," (the captain groaned.)
" but I never axed her name."

" And who is the tenant at the Grange now :" inquired the officer,
whilst a sickness of heart diffused itself over his whole frame.

"At the Grange .'" repeated the man. " He's a sort of half-pay major
o' marines, with a dash of the sailor about him. His name is Bruise-
water — major Bruisewater."

"It used to be a ladies' boarding-school," said the captain; " how long
has it ceased to be one?"

"Carn't tell you," replied the man ; " but there's all boarding there
now, for even the servants boards themselves. Now have you done with
your questions ? for Bet's grunting and squeaking in bed there, like a
sow in the straw."

" I would recompense you for your information, my friend," said the
captain ; " here is a guinea for the trouble I have caused. Make what
inquiry you can, and I will come or send again in a day or two."

" Thanb.'y for your guinea," responded the man, ironically ; "lay it
down on the door-sill, nobody will meddle with what you leave till the
morning, and I shall be astir pretty early ; and as for inquiring, I'll
ax the parson to put it in the catechiz next Sunday. I'm coming, Bet
— good night." The blunderbuss was withdrawn, and the casement
closed.

" He ar'n't have been over civil, yer honour," said Jem, as he saw his
commander place the golden coin on the spot he was desired to do ;
but Captain Weatborall made no reply — his heart was too full to
speak, and without stopping another minute, he retraced his steps. Oa
repassing the Grange, he again came to a stand-still, and would have
entered the grounds, but the dogs made so much noise, and seemed so
determined to prevent intrusion, that he gave up his design, and with
his faitl:fal coxswain hurried to the vehicle. " To Gosport,"' was the

JEM BTTNT. 91

order, as the postillion closed the chaise door ; not a word was aftervjiards
uttered, and though the shaking of the carriage was very difli^rent to the
delightful and easy motion of the frigate, as she rolled over the un-
dulating surface of the ocean, yet Jem made himself, as he afterwards
declared when describing the trip, " pretty comfortable, coiled snugly
away in the cabin of the land-craft, like a cockroach in a midshipman's
blanket." Soon after daylight the following morning, Captain Weutherall
and the coxswain were on board the frigate.

Portsmouth dockyard was at that time crowded with shipping ; all
the stocks were engnged witli the noble craft that were in progress
of building, and the dock tilled with vessels under repair. Frigates
were in much request, and consequently a survey was held that fore-
noon on the old Neverflinch ; her frailties and defects were pointed out
aud examined ; a telegraphic communication was made to the admiralty ;
an answer was promptly returned, and three hours afterwards the x^evcr-
flinch was again under canvass, running out for great St. Helens. David
Moses — the Jew prize agents — the bum-boat people — in short, the whole
shoal of sharks who hoped to profit by the stay of the frigate at Ports-
mouth, were aghast at this very unexpected event. Captain Weatherall
was rather mortified, for lie was desirous of prosecuting his inquiries in
the neighbourhood of the Grange ; nor were the officers altogether
pleased, for most of them had connexions in or near Portsmouth ; and as
before observed, a great number of the seamen belonged to that
vicinity. However, there was no such thing as resisting orders, and the
old bark, as leaky as a sieve, and almost ready to tumble to pieces, was
once more destined to try her heels. As for Mrs. Marshall, her habits of
industry struggled against the inclination she felt to remain with her
husband ; she was afraid she should lose her customers, though she had
left a person in charge of her business and mangle, but she was still
more terrified by the thoughts of her liege lord being left to himself,
and "hauling his wind" amongst the lasses; so she remained on
board.

Night, and a perfect calm, compelled the frigate to bring up, lest she
should drift upon the Owers sand, to which they had approached rather
nigher than was prudent, under a hope that a breeze would spring up
to carry them out clear. The suu had gone down in an angry glare of
flushing clouds that crimsoned all the western horizon ; and there was
a misty reddish haze gathering in the atmosphere, that betokened a
degree of wilduess in the signs of the weather ; and whether it was
caused by the intense heat, as a prelude to a long succession of calms,
or prognosticated one of thosi' violent and sudden tempests which some-
times visit the British Channel during the summer months, became a
matter of scientific dispute amongst the seamen, — aud even the oldest
officers differed in opinion.

The watch was called ; the men on deck grouped themselves together
as friendship or station induced them ; whilst those whose turn it was
to go below went to their hammocks. Captain Weatherall sat alone in
his cabin, with his writing-de>k before him, from which he had taken a
packet of letters, and was attentively penisiug them, whilst his flushed

92 . JKM BUST.

cheeks, and the out-bursting of many a heavy sigh, proclaimed that his
heart and mind were ill at ease. His unremitting duties at sea had
allowed of but little intercourse with his brother, — and the pride of his
spirit would at times revolt, when the thoughts of what his illegitimacy
had deprived him of crossed his mind. He knew that his brother was
not to blame, but still he could not entirely divest himself of feelings
that were adverse to fraternal regard. The frigate was now bound up
the river Thames for Deptford, and in the course of a few days he would
have to meet Sir "Wentworth, for the first time since his accession to the
baronetage.

There were also other matters preying upon the captain's mind. Pre-
vious to his leaving England, and before he obtained his commission, he
had become attached to a young lady, who at that time boarded at the
Grange ; and though at first it had no deeper root than admiration for
a very pretty girl, yet further acquaintance, accompanied by circum-
stances of a peculiar nature, had ripened admiration into strong affec-
tion ; but, as I have already related, he had been separated from her at
a time when she most required his kind and attentive care. Some of
the letters before him were in her hand-writing, and as he looked them
over, busy memory revived recollections connected with each, till the
overflowing of tenderness, at the icmembrance of fond endearments,
brought the tears into his eyes.

The gun-room mess, comprising the lieutenants, the master, purser,
surgeon and marine officers, were taking their wine or grog, and talking
of future expectations and desires; nor was the health of Captain
Seymour forgotten, with earnest best wishes for further promotion. The
first lieutenant — which is not generally the case with that class
— was highly esteemed, both by his superior and his juniors; for
he had the happy talent to command obedience, without assuming
haughtiness of manner, or departing from the strict line of gentlemanly
propriety.

The midshipman's berth was all alive, for they had received an excel-
lent supply of comestibles from the shore, and were making up for short
allowance during the passage home. To be sure — their set-out of glass
and crockery was neither fashionable nor extravagant, for scarcely any
two articles matched together. There were tin cups of " questionable
shape" — basons with rims curiously vandyked — a rummer, the bottom
part of which was broken away, and the plinth stuck into a wooden bung
for a stand — a case bottle of rum — a teakettle filled with swipes — soft
tommy — a huge pewter dish of potatoes — another of the remains of a
large piece of fresh beef — Chili vinegar — cheese, and a number of dce-
teras, covered the table, which the youngsters, taking a bite of ginger-
bread between whiles, were using their best exertions to annihilate, and
ever and anon, in defiance of the caterer, snatching sweet morsels
from each other. Their mirth was uproarious, for they were once more
in England.

Gradually silence crept over all as the parties retired to rest ; the
watch was relieved at midnight ; the sky was dark and lowering, but
not a breath of wind; tlic lieutuuant, wrapped in his great cuat, dozed

TEHL BtTNT. 93

over the breech of a quarter-deck gun ; the midshipmen ensconced
themselves under the half-deck, and the men huddled together beneath
the forecastle ; none were looking out except the marines on sentry,
and an old quarter-master. Suddenly the dense gloom over-head burst
asunder -with a deafening crash, and sheets of vivid fire lighted up the
surrounding ocean, whilst a rushing wind swept impetuously over the
surface of the waters, lifting the spray, and dashing it with violence
towards the sky.

In an instant all were alert in the frigate : the heavy squall from
the south-west caught her, and pressing upon her spars and cordage
■with irresistible fury, the cable parted at the hawse-hole, — the ship's
bows paid off to port, before the raging storm — the Owers was under
her lee — no light to be seen, — and the gallant old Neverflinch, that had
60 often braved the battle and the breeze, was rapidly hastening on to
destruction. When the squall first struck the frigate, all was con-
fusion and embarrassment. The lieutenant of the watch liad been
caught napping, and, starting up at the reverberation of the lliunder,
alarm deprived him of that mental coolness and decision which is so
highly necessary in a naval officer when difiiculty or peril arises ; the
men having no one to order them, ran fore and aft, obstructing each
other, and hallooing without restraint.

" The cable's parted 1 " shouted the old quarter-master from the fore-
castle, making himself heard amid the roar of the elements, to apprize
the officer of the mishap ; but there came no response, nor was any
order issued to avert the evil, whilst the ship was careering to the dan-
gerous shoal, and the confusion greatly increased.

At this moment, a loud, clear, and sonorous voice rose above the
howling of the gale, and commanded "Silence!" As if the mighty
hand of an enchanter had struck them dumb, from that instant not a
tongue, and scarcely a limb of the seamen moved, but in obedience to
duty. " Hand in the chains," was the next order, and instantly
obeyed ; for a leadsman promptly took his station in the main channels,
and in less than a minute his song was heard, " By th© — er de — eep
nine."

"Hard a port the helm!" exclaimed the captain, through his
speaking trumpet : " Foksel there — stand by the best bower."

" All ready forud, sir ! " responded Joe Blather wick, who had
hastened upon deck, and with the natural instinct of a thorough seaman,
had immediately placed hands by the anchor. Stationing himself at the
stopper, " Stand clear of the range upon the main-deck ! " he shouted ;
" away down, there, tierers, away down ! "

Quickly answering to her helm, the frigate came up to meet the wind
till she had deadened her way, when the voice of the captain again
rose, strong and clear, "Let go the anchor!" whilst at the same
moment, the leadsman intimated their nearer approach to the shoal by
singing out " By the — er maa — ark sev — en ! "

The anchor was let go, but its splash was not heard; the cable
smoked out at the hawse-hole, and set at defiance all eftorts to check
it — the stoppers were torn away — the ring-bolts started— it ran out tc

94 JEM BTJNT.

the clinch, and then brought up with a surge that threatened to tear
the very mast out.

Ey this time every soul fore and aft, both officers and men, were at
tlieir allotted stations upon deck, but no human voice except that of
Captain Weatherall's was heard. " Docs the anchor hold ? " demanded
he of the man in the chains.

The leadsman dropped his lead, which ran to the bottom, and though
the current bore forcibly against the line, yet the lead lay perfectly
quiescent on the ground, and he loudly replied, " Yes, sir — it holds ; "
ho then vociferated with all the power of his lungs, "Und — er a half
sev — en."

The captain, the first lieutenant, and the master, consulted together
for several minutes, and then orders were issued for the topmen to go
aloft, and double-reef the topsails. With cheerful alacrity the command
was obeyed ; the gallant tars swarmed in the rigging, and ran up the
rattlins with eager haste ; soon they were laid out upon the yards, and
though their persons could not be distinguished, except when the red
lightning spread its broad glare over every object, yet their voices in
haling out the ear-rings, were heard uniting with the howling of the
tempest.

The ship was enveloped in the very thickness of darkness, that was
rendered more dense by the flashes of the streaming lightning that
blinded the sight ; the usually brilliant lamps in the vessel moored near
tlie shoal, were no longer discernible ; and though some asserted that
they could hear the report of guns to leeward, yet it was impossible to
ascertain with accuracy in what particular direction.

The gale blew, varying between west and south-west, and the hope
of the master was, that it would, from its very violence, soon wear
itself out, or yield before the glory of the rising sun. That they were
in considerable peril, he well knew, and every sea that broke over the
bows when the frigate plunged forward, like a wild animal impatient
of restraint, went to his very heart. As for the otlier officers and
seamen, they were all fully engaged — the topmen aloft in striking the
top-gallant masts — the people below in making every thing snug and
secure. A range of the sheet cable was hauled up, and hands were
stationed by the sheet anchor.

The darkness was intense, and it was only during the vivid blaze
that occasionally burst from the blackened sky, that the seamen could
see each other ; yet they worked with ready cheerfulness, and every
necessary precaution was in progress, when, by the wild glare of the
lightning, a gigantic vessel appeared riglit aliead, emerging from the
misty gloom, and coming down directly upon them. It was seen but
for a moment, and a simultaneous shout from upwards of a hundred
voices, both alow and aloft, gave notice that the alarming spectacle had
been witnessed by nearly uU hands. I have called it a shout, but it
resembled more a yell of anguish — the unrestrained cry of terror and
distress.

Confusion once more prevailed, but again the command " Silence ! "
from the captain, triumphed over individual dread or mental suffering,

JEU BT7WT. 1^5

tend the order was instantly followed by another, " Cut, cut." Jog
Blatherwick had seen the stranger careering down before the gale, and
grasping a heavy axe, with his hands upraised above his head, he poised
the instrument, awaiting for the word, and well acquainted with what
must follow. At the first word " cut," with the speed of thought, the
weighty weapon descended on the overstrained cable ; the keen edge
cut deep into the strands, inflicting a mortal wound, the remaining
yarns could not sustain the pressure upon them they snapt asunder,
and the ship was free.

But, alas ! the gallant old frigate was not destined to escape ; for
hardly had her head rounded off, before the stranger came ploughing
up the foam before her — lights were displayed — the speaking trumpels
bellowed fortli the hailing of the captain and officers ; but wliether they
saw the one, or heard the other, must be for ever unknown. The cmt't
appeared ungovernable, as she struck the frigate on the bow, with a
shock so violent, that she careened over, and none, except those who
had secured a hold-fast, were able to retain their footing on the deck.
The crash was tremendous, and the stranger's foremast, with its heavy
weight of top hamper, was carried over the side ; the wind in the after-
sails, swung her round athwart the frigate's hawse, snapping the
bowsprit of the latter just without the gammoning, and bringing down
with the wreck, the fore-topmast with all its gear, and precipitating
most of the poor fellows who were aloft, into an ocean grave. Some of
them were good swimmers, and, no doubt, biiff'jtted the waves tis they
struggled to retain existence, although they must have known there was
no hope for them.

Oh, it must be a fearful thing, in the full exercise of energy and
strength, thus to die — a combat for life with the certainty of death —
the mental faculties vigorous and active, even when corporeal weakness
is creeping over the frame. Amongst them was a remarkably fine,
athletic young man, who had been accustomed to the sea almost from
infancy, and with fearlessness he rose buoyant on the surface of the
water ; a lad of som.e fourteen years of age, had risen by his side ; but,
not being able to swim, he caught hold of, and clung to his companion
in distress, so as to endanger the safety of both. The generous seaman
woiild not wholly shake him off, he was awai'e there must be some of
the wreck floating near them, and he hoped to be able to liiid sufficient,
by which to form something of a raft. But the lad encumbered him ;
"Tom," said he, "place your hands upon my shoulders, but do not
press too heavy, and I will float you as long as I ciin." The boy com-
plied, and a blaze of lightning showing the frigate at no great distance,
he boldly struck 'out for her, bearing his burthen lightly. But the
breeze was carrying the ships away faster than he calculated, and after
a fruitless struggle, he felt his powers decay. Still he threw out his
sinewy arms, and plied his laborious task, till exhausted nature told
him, that one. if not both, must sink. The generous fellow would not,
however, shake off the youth, but persevered in tiie mortal strife. At
last, finding that he could no longer raise himself above the waves, on
account of the supeyincumbeut weight, "Tom," said he, " it is of no

96 JEM HUNT.

use ; I cannot keep afloat much longer with you on my back, and yet — *'
he stopped, and again rallied to the renewal of his toil ; it was in vain ;
a dizziness was creeping over him, he could scarcely lift his chin above
the water ; " Tom," said he to the lad, " we must go ; I am unable to
bear you any longer — indeed Tom, I have tried my best ; but we shall
both be lost unless — " the seaman could not conclude, but the boy did
for him. "I know it, Ben," responded he, "you have done all you
could, and yet, it is hard to slip away from life when just at home — my
poor mother, Ben — if you're saved — will you — will you tell her that I
spoke her name the last ? "

" I will, Tom — indeed I will ; God have mercy on you, Tom, and I
hope we'll meet in heaven," feebly uttered the seaman; "it is but
little chance 1 have, for I'm getting very weak."

" Good bye, Ben," said the lad, as he slid from the topman's
shoulders; the latter heard one cry, and only one — it was, " Mother —
mother," and he was on the wild waters alone. Consciousness had
nearly forsaken him, when his arm grasped a piece of spar, that afforded
him rest ; he clung to it with desperate energy, was washed over a
deep part of the reef, and the next morning was picked up by a pilot
cutter, and saved. But to return to the frigate.

The vessels laid grinding together, crashing and tearing every thing
away — the undaunted seamen, headed by their daring captain, threw
themselves into the midst of danger, and with axes, knives, and toma-
hawks, were engaged in cutting the ships clear. At length the pressure
on the stranger's sails, caused both of them to bear up, and when the
wind came quartering, they separated, but not before they were so close
to the shoal, that escape from destruction seemed impossible. When
the red flame issued from the heavens, they could see the breakers to
leeward, throwing up the white foam in raging fury, though at what
part of the shoal no one could accurately tell, and even ^old Coilaway,
the master, was puzzled.

The double-reefed main-topsail was set, and the frigate being brought
to the wind, so as to keep a little way on her, laid up to windward of
the breakers, but as the tide was setting dead towards the danger, it was
evident that something more must be done, to keep her from going on
the banks. The men gazed with sickly horror at the threatening rack,
which was prepared to tear themselves and their noble ship to pieces ;
some uttered fervent prayers to heaven for rescue or fur mercy, whilst
others, in reckless hardihood, blasphemed their Maker's name, as if
determined to consign both soul and body to [lerdition ; many grasped
loose spars, under the faint expectation that when the ship struck, they
Bhmild be able to keep themselves afloat, and there were not a few who,
yielding to despair, already felt their brains reeling under the influences
of insanity, and were ready to commit any act of extravagance that des-
peration prompted. The best seamen were most under self-command,
and they stood firmly awaiting what appeared to be their inevitable
doom.

" We're going dead to loo'ard, sir," said the master to the captain, as
tliey stood together, looking over the lee gangway at the white foam of

JF.M BUNT. 97

the breakers, aud the leadsman had just proclaimed, •' By th — cr
de — eep six."

" 1 perceive it," returned the captain, calmly; "we have no room to
anchor here; could we but see the light vessel, we should be able to
ascertain wherabouts we are — the tide cannot be running very strong —
we must get more sail upon hermit is a last resource, and must be tried ;"
he raised his speaking-trumpet to his mouth, and vociferated loudly,
" Set the courses!" he turned again to the master — "Now stand, good
foremast, it is our only chance."

The forostay with its heart had been passed under the stump of the
bowsprit, and hove as taut as, under all circumstances, it was possible to
get it. The fore and main-tacks were manned, and at the given word,
were bi'ought down to their proper places ; the sheets were trimmed aft,
and the frigate sprang to the breeze, whilst whole seas dashed foaming
over her, and the masts quivered and bent like willow wands — in fact,
the lee gangway was frequently buried under water, and the hazardous
attempt for safety seemed almost as desperate as the threatened danger
from the shoal.

Captain Weatherall and the master had shifted their position, and
were now holding on by the weather mizzen-rigging, when a partial
clear to the eastward, showed them the Owers light nearly astern, and
at the same time the master ascertained that they were close to the
Swashway, between Westborough-Head and the Middle Bank ; the
frigate was plunging and straining as tlie waves broke over her right
fore-and-aft; the foremast was in no condition to be trusted to, and,
therefore the master proposed at once to bear up, and take the chance
through the narrow channel. Tlie captain was well acquainted with
the old man's skill and judgment— there was scarcely a moment for de-
liberation; but that decided him to accede to Mr. Coilaway's proposition
— the next instant compelled him to do so, for the main-tack parted above
the chess-tree, and the main-sail, which was old, blew away in ribbands,
with a tremendous roar.

"Hard a weather the helm!" shouted the captain, through hia
trumpet, to the man at the weather- wheel, and then turning it forward,
exclaimed, " square away the after-yards."

Both orders were readily obeyed — the ship losing the weatherly
pressure of the main-sail, promptly answered the movement of the
rudder, and like a frightened steed, that starts away from the causes of
alarm, she flew from the wind with impetuous haste ; the head yards
were also laid square — the frigate ceased to plunge — the howling of the
gale was but partially heard, as the vessel brought the breeze nearly
dead aft, and rushed towards the hideous breakers that dashed on either

bow.

And perhaps there is no period in which the broken and foaming
billows present a more awfully sublime spectacle than when, dashing
their heads towards the heavens, they are lighted up by the fiery glare
of the red lightning, tinging the whole with the colour of blood. Un-
like the long rolling wave that curls its crest and topples over from its
own impetus and weight, the swell meets with obstruction from the
13

98 JKM BITNT.

rocks, and w Ith giatit fury throws itself, with all its ponderous pressure
of waters, on to the craggy barrier that divides it hither and thither,
and scatters it in broad sheets to the furious winds. Nothing is more
appalling to the eye of a seaman than breakers under his lee.

The master, trumpet in hand, took his station on the shattered heel
of the bowsprit, and directed the helmsman how to steer ; the captain
stood by the wheel to second the master's orders, and the officers and
seamen gazed with bewildered astonishment, as they beheld the frigate
dash into the foaming surge, that raged against the sides, and toppled
over the gang-ways ; whilst in some parts, at no great distance, it rose
above the lower mast-heads. A shock, but not a very heavy one, told
them the ship had struck, and consternation, for a moment, prevailed.
But the frigate kept on her way, she struck no more, and in a few
minutes had passed through the Swashway, and was in comparatively
smooth water, running for the Looe stream. The well was sounded,
there was between four and five feet water in the hold, but the pumps
were cheerfully manned, and brought to work, for it was hoped the
greatest danger had been passed.

Daylight broke upon them as they passed the Barrow, and beheld a
large ship upon the sands, the wild v/aves beating over her. That this
Avas the vessel that had run aboard of them, no one entertained a doubt ;
and by the aid of the glasses they could distinguish the poor creatures
who yet survived, clinging to the rigging with desperate grapple. Cap-
tain Weatherall would have roiinded-to, and tried to save them, but his
<jwn foremast was tottering, although the runners and tackles had been
promptly got forward to secure it; and it was found that, notwith-
standing the brisk labour at the pumps, the water in the hold had
rather gained upon them than diminislied. Slill he could not endure
the thoughts of leaving the poor fellows to perish, and would have
risked his boats, but that he saw a pilot cutter standing out from the
Park towards the wreck ; and therefore he pursued his way. Alas !
had his humane intentions been carried into effect, not one in that
doomed craft could have been saved, for she beat heavily on her bed of
death as the white seas flew over her; the remaining masts went over
the side, and every soul was launched into eternity.

Onward went the frigate, nearly before the gale, which rather grew
more furious than lessened in its strength. A treble-reefed main-top-
sail and a kh fed fore-sail, was all the sail she carried ; and with this
she strained and laboured till her opening seams made fearful threat-
ening that she would go down with all on board ; and Captain
Weatherall, more than once or twice, had directed his glass towards
the coast, with a growing inclination to run her on the shore ; but the
violence of the breakers, as they dashed upon the rocky barriers, or
surged upon the beach, deterred him from so desperate a course ; for
shattered as the frigate was, the shock might rend her to pieces, and
hurl his gallant fellows to destruction.

The leak still gained upon them, though not very rapidly, or to any
great extent ; and both the master and the captain began to cherish
hopes that they should reach the Downs. About noon the wind lulled

JEM BVrST. 99

a little, and this inspired them with fresh vigour ; but at four o'clock,
the gale, as if having gathered renewed strength from its temporary-
rest, burst out again more fierce than ever. But now they were off
the famed cliff which Shakespeare has immortalized, with the signal
for a pilot at the fore-mast-head and the ensign union downwards in
the mizen-rig^ing. Gangs were moving fore-and-aft to launch the
guns overboard, and which had the effect of taking off considerable
strain ; others were employed in backing the sheet-anchor with the
stream, and a stout hawser, to which also were attached two long
twelve-pounders. Preparations were made for striking the lower
yards and top-masts, and every thing which good seamanship, and
human ingenuity could devise, was done to relieve the frigate.

Notwithstanding the extreme inclemency of the weather, the bold
hovellers of Dover were not to be restrained from rendering aid where
it was required. It is true, a royal craft did not promise them much
recompense for the hazard which they ran ; but then they knew the
signal of distress would not be flying on board a frigate unless there
was great emergency to ship and crew ; and there was amongst them
young and daring men, who aspired to join the " Fellowship " by
jirocuring a branch as pilot; and they trusted that their exertions
to save a man-of-war would operate powerfully in their favour.

The tide was nearly at its lieight as the great boat came dancing out
between the pier-heads to meet the angry element that rolled in
to oppose her passage ; she had good way on her, but on opening
out to the sea, the heavy waves buried her bows under, and threw
whole sheets of spray as high as her mast heads, right fore-and-aft ;
but the smart vessel again rose buoyant on the billows, throwing her
stem proudly in the air, as if to shake herself free from all encum-
brances, and prepare for the next attack. The gale with its mighty
breath swelled the reefed sails almost to bursting, and again she
launched ahead, whilst her crew crouched snugly down, with halliards
and sheets all clear.

Once more rolled in the broken wave, curling its monstrous head,
and roaring loudly as it advanced ; the boat again met it, and dashed
through the wall of water, but was half swamped before it had passed
astern ; the helm was checked to starboard, the sheets were eased off,
and away she flew, like an angel of mercy, to succour the distressed.
Hundreds were on the piers to witness this exploit ; they had watched
with almost breathless silence whilst the frightful danger was im-
pending ; many a long and hissing aspiration of terror was drawn as
the noble craft was immersed in the foam of the dark waters, but not a
word was spoken till she had surmounted and cleared the whole, and
then the loud and continued shout of congratulation and admiration
burst forth, and mingled with the shrill piping of the gale.

The officers, and many on board the frigate, had also fixed their
eager attention on the mancBuvres of the hovellers ; they could dis-
tinctly see the crowds upon the piers, and as the lugger opened out
from the harbour, they became aware that at least the signal for a pilot
would be answered. Captain Weatherall gazed through his glass with

100

JEM BUNT.

the most intense anxiety ; he belield the gallant bravery of the daring
hovellers — he saw the waving of hats and handkerchiefs on the piers
as they bore up to edge ofi' to him ; and seized with the enthusiasm of
the moment, he also whirled his hat above his head, exclaiming, " Nobly
done, by Heaven, — hurrah I " The officers and seamen caught the
action and the sound, and one loud and hearty cheer rang along the
deck, and was echoed from the wall of canvass that depended from
the fore-yard — it was the brave answering the brave.

The sea, compressed in the narrow sti-aits that divide Dover from
Calais, was running very high, and the groaning frigate laboured hard
as she laved her broadsides in the hollow trough between each wave,
and climbed over the mountain of waters that rose beneath her fore-
foot. The great boat steered out towards the ship, and then stoofi ^^r

a broad offing to run into the Downs, the steersman waving his hat for
the frigate to fullow. When abreast the South Foreland, they closed
nearer together, and it was evidently the intention of the hovellers to
run along-side. A hawser was got ready from the cat-head, and
a seaman was stationed at the main-yard-arm, with the bight in his
hand, and the end lianging down to the surface of the water.

Onward came the lugger, every man of her crew at his respective
duty, and his eyes steadily fixed upon the sails, without heeding the
trigate — onward she came, ploughing up the hissing and bubbling
water, and dashing it from her bows, as if in sportive play with the
element slu; braved. Eager was the look of the steersman as he placed
hid boat parallel with the frigate's course, and -watching the roll, gave
a slight inclination to the tiller, which enabled the men in the bows
to seize the end of the hawser, and it was instantly hauled aboard,
and passed around a thwart, while the helmsman again sheered off,
Bo that the yard-arm might not touch his masts. The end of a rope

JEM BUNT. 101

R.

from the gangway was thea passed in a similar manner to the hoveller ,
and a running bow-line (a iioo.se) being secured round the body and'
under the arms of a sturdy-looking man, who threw off his rough
jacket on the occasion, the roll was again watched for — the boat sheered
in — the rope was hauled taut, and the man, springing from the gunwale,
jumped into the intervening spacfe : for an instant he disappeared, but
was immediately raised to the surface close alongside, where hands
were in readiness to receive him ; — he ascended the steps, crossed the
gangway, and the pilot was on board.

CHAPTER X.

" All beneath us one dark water,
All above us one black sky,
Dilioreut deaths at once surround us : —
Hark ! what means that dismal cry ? "

DiBDIN.

Terms of commendation of the skill and intrepidity of the Dover and
Deal boatmen would be quite superfluous : they are, in fact, a race of
amphibious individuals, peculiarly distinct from the rest of their fellow-
creatures. Born within the sound of the hoarse roar of the ocean,
and accustomed to pluy upon the beach from their very earliest years,
they grow familiarized with the margin of the sea in all its various
moods — whether it gently flowed and receded with its own pleasing
music, caused by a slight commotion of the pebbles, or, rushing madly
in two fathom high above the level, it dashed its ponderous weight
with hideous roar upon the groaning shingle. The sea is to them a
playmate — a companion ; and to their fathers the source from whence
they derive subsistence for their families. To those who were careful
it yielded of its abundance, and they were well provided for ; danger
and wreck were never scarce upon the coast ; they made their own
bargain with ships in distress, and what will not a man give in
exchange for his life.

It is true that strange stories have gone abroad of conspiracies to
run vessels on the Goodwin Sands, which, being deserted by their
crews, they were soon discovered by the boats of the accomplices, and
the work of plunder and demolition Avent furiously on. Hints, too, —
dark mysterious hints have been given of deeds of blood and murder
in cases where resistance had been shown ; and there have been death-
bed scenes on the still and tranquil shore where the departing spirit
has yelled with agony at the leartul retrospection. But these events
occurred in days Jjng since, when ignorance prevailed, and custom

102 JEM BUNT.

had given a species of lawless right to the bold hoveller, who con-
sidered the ocean as his estate and a wreck his landed property.

If, however, lives were in some desperate instances sacrificed by
wretches whose sanguinary propensities induced them to slay and
spoil, — thousands of seamen were indebted for existence to, and mil-
lions in valuable cargoes were saved by, the hardy hoveller, who was
ever ready, whether by night or day, to dare the tempest, urged by the
hopes of gain mingled with generous humanity ; and there are records
of their achievements which excite both wonder and admiration.

As to smuggling I shall say but little about it; there was no such
thing as smuggling known until prohibitory laws created it; and the
hovellers being a community amongst tliemsolvis, and having had no
hand in making the laws, tliey did not consider themselves bound to
pay a strict obedience, except when the strong arm compelled sub-
mission, and the conquered yielded to the conquerors. After all, there
is something uncommonly (;xtiling in smuggling, independent of the
prospect of large returns for the outlay. Tiiere is taking in a cargo —
creeping along shore — a watchful look-out whilst crossing the water —
the running of the goods upon their own beacli : it is a perfect game
of chance, where property, liberty, perhaps life, are the stakes to be
played for.

Perhaps some of my readers may think that I have been at tho
contraband myself. I shall make no confessions, although I am pretty
well acquainted with the JFrench coast from the Cordovan light, at tlie
entrance of the Garonne, to Calais pier, and along tlie Flemish and
Dutch shores, from Calais pier to the Hook of Holland; nor am I
wliolly ignorant of the pretty doings in war-time, when Heligoland
was made a free port ; well, I do love a bit of smuggling, and that's
the fact.

I remember, many years ago, I was midshipman of an Indiaman,
and the ship's caulker was one of your knowing cockney kiddies — a
man of most obtuse intellect, when it suited his convenience to indulge
in stupidity, but sharp and quick enough when his own interest re-
quired it. He had been shipped from one of the dock-yards, and
was certainly a clever workman. Conjecture was busj- as to the
causes which could induce a man like him, who w^as considered well
to do in the world, and had never made a voyage, to tempt the
hazards of the deep. Whilst we lay at Diamond harbour, he ob-
tained leave to go up to Calcutta for a few days, and on his return he
was busily engaged in caulking the decks. To effect this operation
more at his case, he obtained a mis-shapen, uncouth-looking, wooden
block to sit upon, and after his task was completed, tliis block was
at all times to be found either in the manger or kicking about the
ducks in every body's wa)', till it gained the name of the caulker's
devil ; and superstition mantled it with strange qualities, that very
lew could be found hardy enough to meddle with it, and none to
do it injury. Frequently the mates or the boatswain threatened to
liiug it overboard, but the canlki-r generally contrived to make hia
appearance iu time to rescue it from so perilous a destination.

JEM BITNT. 103

At last we arrived in the river — there were no East or "West India
docks then — and laid abreast of Barnard's yard, at Deptford; there was
a rigid search for concealed articles, and the officers of customs made
two or three valuable seizures. As for the caulker, he had nothing but
his clothes and a few loose cheroots, which he sent ashore after close
inspection, and then prepared to go himself.

"Caulker, here's your devil;" exclaimed an old boatswain's mate,
launching the mis-shapen log along the deck. " He shan't stop ou
board any longer ; so you'd best take hira with you — he's brought
us many a heavy squall which we shouldn' t have hud but for his ugly
physog."

"No, no;" answered the caulker, sliding it back again; "let it
remain till next voy'ge. I shall vant it again ven ve gets out."

"I tell you, he shan't stop here," said the boatswain's mate deter-
minedly. We none on us did'nt like to go for to manhandle him when
"we was in blue water, but now I'm blow'd if I don't launch him over-
board arter you as you goes ashore — devil or no devil."

" Do, if you dare I" returned the caulker, in a tone of defiance, as he
descended the side into the wherry : " do if you dare ! "

'♦ I do dare, then ; '' vociferated the boatswain's mate in a passion ;
and, as the wherry shoved oft", he shouted, "Here goes! Stand
from under:" — there was a splash in the water; the caulker's devil
covered with pitch, floated on the stream ; whilst officers of the re-
venue, ship's officers, and seamen, roared with laughter at the fun.
The caulker suffered the block to float through the next tier ; and
then, when out of sight of his own craft, he picked it up and con-
veyed it home; where, on breaking it open, out came pearls, cor-
nelians, and precious stones, that realised the sum of three thousand
pounds. The caulker had risked all he was worth in life for a venture,
he had succeeded most triumphantly, purchased a public-house near the
water-gates with part of the proceeds, and hung up the very identical
block as his sign.

But to return to my text.

There was another set of men, both at Dover and Deal, whose exer-
tions were also greatly instrumental in saving lives and property. These
were of superior grade to the hovellers, were fairly educated, and could
read even writing if it was very plain ; in fact some few of them were
men of science and skill. They had an examination to undergo in the
presence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, before they were
considered eligible to take charge of a ship ; but in most instances
parliamentary influence prevailed, and it sometimes happened that
bakers, carpenters, printers, and other tradesmen, were transformed into
branch pilots, of which there were fifty at Dover, fifty at Deal, twelve
at Eamsgate, and, I believe, the same number at Margate, each taking
his regular turn on duty, and the whole enjoying the exclusive privilege
of piloting all ships and vessels, whether royal or commercial up the
river Thames and Medway.

Generally speaking, they were worthy enterprising fellows, and in
later years, when their numbers were increased, assumed much of

104 JEM BUNT.

gentility in their mannors. They were by professional avocation in
constant communication with all parts of the world, and might have
gleaned most valuable and interesting information; but, like compositors
at manuscript, th^y did their work mechanically, and let others enjoy
that which was labour to them. St;ill 1 have known men of enterprize,
and genius, and talent amongst them ; possessing gentlemanly manners,
and particularly cleanly in person, with whom it was a pleasure to con-
verse. To be sure there were many rough blades, whose only enjoy-
ment when off duty was to lounge about the cross- wall during the day,
and pass their evenings at Mrs. Barrows's, who kept the prince of Wales,
in street.

At the peace in 1814, several of these pilots became captains of by-
boats ; that is, passage vessels between Dover and Calais, thereby
neglecting their own duty and preventing young men from obtaining
employ. Amongst the rest was an upper-book man named liichard

, who commanded a by-boat something the worse for wear and

tear; but paint and gilt hide a number of imperfections. And now for
an anecdote.

It was shortly after the peace I had a little packet-boat between"
Dover and Calais ; and standing by the side of my vessel one afternoon
— ^it was verging upon evening — at the latter place, two gentlemen ap-
proached. One was a young man, with nothing very remarkable either
in dress or countenance ; but the other, once seen, was not very easily to
be forgotten, — and many have found it so to their cost. He was stout,
full-faced, fresh-coloured, with expressive features ; he wore a blue coat,
with G. P. E,. (George Prince Eegent) conspicuously flourished on
treble gilt buttons.

"Pray young man," said he, with a strong but pleasant voice, and
assuming a pompous manner, " pray young man, are you the captain of
this packet ?"

" I am, sir," responded I, with an inclination of the head, for I hoped
to get a freight; " and a very pretty vessel she is too."

" Haugh, aj-^e," muttered he, as he strutted about and looked over the
quay, as if to test my assertion by ocular inspection ; " and — haugh —
how many tons is she ?"

"Somewhere under sixty, sir," answered I, deferentially; though
she was but thirty -nine.

" Oh ! — aye, sixty, eh r" observed he, somewhat warily ; "and pray
what shall I give you to take me, my family, my carriages, my suite,
€t cetera to Dover ?"

" Twenty guineas, sir," replied I in a tone of firmness, as if de-
termined not to be beat down.

" Twenty guineas ! " repeated he, affecting astonishment : " ha, you
Dover men are doing it nicely, very nicely indeed : — why, young man,
it is a dead robbery. Twenty guineas ! — this requires alteration ; and
I mean to bring into parliament a bill restricting the number of
passengers, so that only two passengers shall be allowed for one ton
burthen."

" If you could always secure us that number, sir, we should be very

/■

•^

>i:>

V

m^

yE:\r bttnt. 105

liappy to take them," responded I ; " but when peace was made, the
legislature forgot the heavy harbour-dues on tliis side of the water, and
now members of Parliament, amongst the rest, are obliged to pay
them.

" Well, -well, we shall see," returned he, " we shall see ; but, perhaps,
you don't know who I am? I'm Mr. Sergeant B ."

I did know him, though ; but, as a matter of course, I unshipped my
truck to so exalted a character, (who, by-the-by, has been the means of
exalting a great many individuals since,) and after some further conver-
sation, in which I adhered to my demand, he walked away with his
companion, and engaged a larger vessel for fifteen guineas, the captain
promising to quit the harbour the following day at one o'clock.

This I knew to be impracticable, as the " Union" (the name of the
packet he had hired) would not be afloat at that time, whilst my little
craft, being of light draught, could easily get out at that hour, es-
pecially as the wind was fair. Dick , who I have already men-
tioned, was captain of the Union, and being well aware that fifteen
guineas would not pay his expenses, he, notwithstanding the engage-
ment he was under to the Sergeant, had collected a number of half-
guinea passengers, who thronged his decks at the appointed time ;
but it was not till after two o'clock that information was conveyed to
the learned gentleman that " all was ready."

Anticipating some excellent sport, a party of us went down the pier
to watch the explosion ; and a pretty explosion sure enough there was.
The Sergeant, when he saw the vessel (which for the time being he
certainly had a right to consider exclusively his own) crowded with
passengers, paused for some moments, as the calm usually precedes the
•whirlwind. I have seen the devil spread his cloth over the Table Land
at the Cape of Good Hope ; I have seen the dark tornado rising in a
tranquil sky ; but it was nothing to the withering look which " my
learned friend " cast upon Dick .

" Who — who — what are these ? " demanded the Sergeant, bis wrath
ready to burst forth.

" These ? " answered the half-frightened captain, waving his hand
towards the vessel ; " oh, these are only a few passengers to make up
freight."

•' What — eh ? make up freight ? " blustered the Sergeant. " Oh,
you scoundrel ! and this is the way you treat me ! Did'nt I hire your
vessel, sir ? — for fifteen guineas, sir ? — speak sir — did not I hire your
vessel for myself, sir ? — and you have filled her, sir — with passengers,
eir^speak, sir. But no, no, don't answer me ; not a half-penny of the
passage-money shall you have, sir. I hired your vessel — she is mine —
and every farthing of the passengers' money shall go into my own
pocket, sir. There, sir, your very looks betray guilty knowledge ; but
I'll bring my bill into Parliament, and then see what you'U do — yes,
my bill must come in. You rascal ! and thus people are che^ttd J
Come along up, sir — come along up ; " and away he turned again
towards the town.

Sailors somehow or other have a natural antipathy to lawyers, and
14

106 JEM BtrxT.

they have never IjvoJ a int-mber of Parliainent since the days of Billy
Pitt and the mutiny at Spithead. But now to have an M.P. and an
eminent lawyer combined in one and the same person, it was fearful

odds ; and no one could be found hardy enough to accompany poor

as he tracked the Sergeant's steps.

** It's all over with you, Dick," said I, as he came up to the place
where I was standing; "you've got jammed between the lex talmu's
and, by the loi'd Harry, you are but as a dead man."

" You don't say so," responded he, as he wiped the perspiration from
his face; " what! done for.^ — turned up? — the devil I shall, eh? — but,
there's a good fellow, do go with me ; " and he grasped my arm as if
it had been fixed in a smith's vice, and dragged me along, although I
assured him we should not come otf even second best.

When we reached the great room at Uuilliacq's Hotel, the learned
Sergeant sat himself down by the side of a large dining-table, crossed
his right leg over his left knee, and thrust his left hand into the open
part of his waistcoat ; at the same time directing his companion (whom

1 afterwards ascertained to be Lord ) to take a sheet of paper

and write down what passed. Near the door stood poor — — , his
(ive — he had a beautiful specimen of what is called the " cock-eye " —
in a hue phreuzy rolling, and the perspiration pouring down his face,
when he suddenly ejaculated " my eyes I "

The Sergeant gave him an eagle-like glance, and then turning to bis
companion said, " Set that down ! "'

"Hush, Dick," whispered I, as I stood by his side, "remember
you're in France, where they can cut off your head if you show any
contempt to the court."

" the court," continued Dick, scarcely knowing what he said;

" I ar'nt going to be badgered and bamboozled about in this here
fashion."

" Set that down ! " said the Sergeant, coolly; till at last they went
hard at it. Dick opening his batteries, and occasionally throwing a
shot — the Sergeant swearing with all the vehemence he could muster,
till Dick roared out —

" I'll stand it no longer. You and the Parliament house may go
to blazes together, and you may set that down, too, if j^ou like."

" JN'ow, sir,'' exidaiuied the Sergeant, somewhat softened by Dick's
last pious denunciation, " now, sir, are you uot a pretty fellow ?
(Dick never looked more ugly) — I say, are you not a pretty fellow ?
1 hire your packet for myself, and you fill her with passengers; first
you tell me you can sail at one o'clock, and it is near three before
your vessel is afloat. Now, sir, your mate told me a very difi'crent
story ; he seems to be a decent youth ; but as for you, sir," — and he
gave him a look of withering indignation — " yes, your mate said you
could not sail before three."

" My mate ! " rejoined Dick, bringing his swivel eye to bear point
blank at the Sergeant, " why, I've got no mate." And this was the
fact, for he had remained behind that trip through illness.

" No mate I " sharply retorted the Sergeant, as if he had caught

JEM BUNT. 107

Dick tripping; " no mate ! who was that respectable young man, M'ith
light hair, that I saw standing on your decks ? "

" That sir I " responded Dick, with a grin that gave a horrible ex-
pression of contempt and ferocity to his features, " why that, sir, was
a tailor." (.i fact.)

Up sprang the Sergeant, almost choking with rage — he stamped
his foot with vehemence, and shook his fist with the most violent
gestures. "A what, sir .^ — a what? — a tailor? — set that down; and
so, sir ; you rascal, sir ; j'ou were going to place my life and my pro-
perty in the hands of a tailor, were you ? Here's a precious scoundrel !
and I dare say, sir, if the truth could be known, all your crew are from
the shopboard — tailors — tailors all — this is malice prepense. What a
mercy it is I did not embark."

But Dick was now wrought up to an irresistible pitch of passion,
that almost deprived him of reason — he cursed and raved — the Sergeant
did the same, and I ran out of tlie room, ready to crack my sides with
laughter. My sails were tossed up, — 1 got all Dick's passengers, who
would not wait for him, — and away we came for merry England.

Next day I was on the quay when the Union arrived, and to ray
surprise and satisfaction saw the learned Sergeant and Dick coming up
most lovingly arm in arm to the Shi]) inn. Dick winked his ogle as he
passed me, as much as to say, " All's right ; " and he subsequently told
me that soon after I had quitted them the storm spent its fury, and
they became perfectly cahn and good friends over an excellent bottle of
wine, and this event, I believe, ultimately gave riae to the " Pas-
sengers' Regulation liill."

Eut, avast ; here I am spinning extra yarns, and forgetting the poor
old Neverflinch as, groaning under the symptoms of dissolution, she
nevertheless struggled hard for further respite. They were rounding
the South Foreland, with a heavy gale from the southwai'd — evening
was closing in, and the prospect of another dark, dreary, and tem-
pestuous night before them — the anchorage in the Downs was full ot
shipping — men-of-war, transports, Indiamen, and merchant ships —
there seemed to be scarcely room to move ; and tlie frigate, having but
one anchor, and that backed, required a longer range of cable to ride
by. The water was gaining upon them in the hold — the ship strained
terribly, and the pilot determined, whilst there was yet a remnant of
daylight, to round the North Foreland, and endeavour to fetch Margate
Roads. His orders were punctually obeyed — with her signals of
distress flying, and firing guns to enforce it, they ran through the Gull
Stream, and brouglit up in about nine fathoms water to leeward of tlie
Long Nose, with the Foreland light beaming down upon them through
the haze, bearing about south-south-east.

The ship rode heavily, the short sea making clear breaches over her
bows, and ranging fore-and-aft her decks : the hatches were battened
down — the seamen laboured at the pumps, but still, though the water
did not increase, there was no indication of its diminishing ; and not-
withstanding the long scope of cable there was out, she drove occa-
eionuUy, the anchor having no firm hold of the ground. Every means

108 . JEM BtWT.

was resorted to in order to lighten lier — the two remaining topmasts
were struck — all top-hamper was got down — but still she continued to
drive at inteiTals, and the sands were under her lee.

" Was there any flaw in the sheet-anchor ? " demanded the pilot of
the master, as they stood upon the forecastle tiigether.

"Not that I am aware of," responded Mr. Coilav/ay, drenched to
the skiu by the sea beating over liim. ** lioatswain's mate — Blather-
wick,'' lie shouted as loud as he could, so as to make himself heard
above the roaring of the wind and waters.

*' Aye, aye, sir," answered Joe, as he ascended the ladder from the
main deck to tlie forecastle, and then hurried, as well as the slippery
state of the planks would allow to the master's front.

" "Was there anything the matter with the sheet-anchor — did it fall
clear r " inquired Mr. Coilaway.

" It was onpossible to see, sir," responded the boatswain's mate " It,
was too dark — I let go the stopper myself, so that I know that was all
clear — but there must be som'ut the matter or else the craft 'iid hould
on. Mayhap the stream cable has got round the stock of the sheet
anchor and brings it home ; or what, to my thinking, is more likely,
one of the flues (flukes) is carried away."

" Something must be done," said the pilot earnestly, "we have but
little distance to drive ; for if we escape the east end of Margate sands
there's the Tongue; so that if she keeps at this fun we must either cut
and stand out to get good drift in the North Sea, or we must cut away
the masts and see if she'll hold then."

" Let us go to the skipper," said the master, as the people came
clustering about them, in expectation of catching the opinions of these
two experienced men, "he must be consulted in all that is to be done."

They passed along the gangway — sometimes almost thrown off their
feet — to the quarter deck. Captain Weatherall was himself in the
main chains, trying the frigate's drift by the agency of the hand-lead
and line. That the frigate did drive was proved beyond a doubt; but,
it was evident by the little stern-way that was made, that the cable
had not parted — but still the drift was quite sufficient to cause great
alarm with such terrific sands under their lee.

The captain joined the pilot and master, and the three descended to
the cabin, wliere the charts were quickly spread, and the pilot clearly
])ointed out their position and the dangers which threatened them. He
then proposed the alternative of cutting away the masts or trying for
the North Sea.

" We are completely in the bight of a hobble," said the captain
calmly, " with a leaky ship sucking in the water at almost every seam ;
to try the North Sea would be little short of making the poor old craft
a cotiin for all hands — to cut away the masts, and then the anchor not
hold, would bo like pai-tiug with our legs when we most require the
ILse of them."

" And to drive on to the sands," remarked Mr. Coilaway, abruptly
taking up tlie captain's thread, " would soon transmogrify the poor old
crtalur into a bathing machine that none on us would like."

XEJI TiUXT. 109

" What do Tou sny, ]>ilot ? " asked the captain with great serious-
ness. " I admit our situation is very critical — what would you recom-
mend to be done r "

"I would prefer hearing the master's opinion first, sir," answered
the pilot deferentially : "he is an older seaman, and, if I mistake not,
is as well acquainted with this navigation as I am."

The master felt honoured by this token of respect — he smiled, but ho
did not speak, as his commander had not put the question to him.

" I addressed you first, pilot," said Captain Weathcrall, " as having
charge of the ship, and not with any design to undervalue the master's
judgment and ability ; but as you wish to have the advantage of his
knowledge, I will request him to afi'ord it you. What, then, would you
recommend, Mr. Coilaway .'' "

The master looked at the chart, as he held on by the table, then cast
his eyes to the deck above, and then at the chart again. He hemmed
twice, turned his quid in his cheek, and then with an attempt at a
heavy sigh, he uttered, " Will Captain Weatherall be pleased to
favour me with a glass of grog? for I have always found in occasions
like this here it sarves to quicken the intellect as well as to nourish
the heart."

" Help yourself, help yourself, Mr. Coilaway," said the captain,
directing, the old man's attention to a well replenished swinging tray ;
" and p^-haps, pilot, you would have no objection to do the same.
Only, as every moment is precious, pray bear a hand about it."

Thus invited, both master and pilot filled themselves a stiff glass of
grog each — with the former it was but a gulp or two, and the mixture
disappeared, followed by a loud smack of the lips and a forcible
emission of the breath. "Haugh ! — never take two bites at a cherry."
The pilot was moderate — he took a little at intervals, and sucked it
down quietly."

Mr. Coilaway having replaced his glass, again came to the table,
where he steadied himself with one hand whilst he spread his other
over the chart. " Captain Weatherall," said he, bowing his head,
"I've been upon the ocean man, and boy, — now going on for some five-
and-fcrty years, and during that there time, I need not tell you, I've
seen a thing or two in seamanship. I was once caught in a gale of
wind and a thick fog in the mouth of the Saint Lawrence — no place for
a man to trifle with "

" May I request you, master, to come to our present difficulty with-
out further delay ? " urged Captain Weatherall, who was well ac-
quainted with the old man's propensity to yarn spinning; "moments
are very precious with us."

" Well, Captain Weatherall, you've a right to command," responded
the master, "and its my bounden duty, by the warrant which I hold,
to obey ; though that matter of the Saint Lawrence — " the captain
waved his hand, and the veteran taking the hint changed the subject
to the more immediate cause of their consultation. "Well, sir, the
rase just stands as this here, and I'll come to it without any further
backing and filling. As for the matter of the frigate — poor thinj

'O

110 JKM I5UNT.

4

her bones 'uU hardly hold together, and every rib is ready to start
uway, if she ar'nt already broken-backed — and it makes one's heart
ache to hear her groan. Yet she has borne us, Captain Weatherall,
over the wide ocean from Maderas Koads to the North Foreland, and
if so be as she meant to go to pieces, why there's been opportunity
enough during the passage ; and I caru't bring my mind to credit the
thing as she would wish to lay her frame any where but in dock now
as she's got home: " — the captain grew impatient — " well, sir, if we
keeps on driving notliiug can save us from going on shore at last ; and
here I'm thinking that it would be just as well to enquire whether she
holds fast now ? " The pilot left the cabin to ascertain the fact, and
immediately returned with the report that " she was walking off with
the anchor faster than ever." The old master shook his head : " then,
Captain Weatherall," said he, " I would advise to ship the capstan bars
and heave in the cable directly, so that we may try her at the drift.
Purchase the anchor we must, for it is the only one we have ; and if
we cannot keep off shore, we shall have nothing to bring up with — a
close-reefed maintopsel, and the reefed foresel, will carry us out clear j
and then we can lay her to, and keep the pumps a going."

The master was silent ; the captain looked at the pilot, who under-
standing his manner, said, " The gale, for a summer gale, has been
unusually long, and it must blow its strength out before many hours.
It is now near midnight, and tlie flood is beginning to make strong
up for the flats; and, as the anchor does not hold, we shall be driving
towards the sands. In little more than three hours from this time we shall
have daybreak, and then we can see what we are about — so that I
should say, cut and reach out clear of the shoals, and then lie her to."

" It shall be done," said the captain quickly, "for the anchor, that
will not hold here, it is very likely may be damaged so as not to hold
any where else ; " — he looked at the pilot — " you know all the banks
1 suppose ? "

"■ Perfectly well, sir, after a forty years' experience," responded the
pilot, " and now the sooner we have sail on lier and cut the better."

The master would have urged the saving of the anchor and cable,
but the captain set the example of returning to the deck, and was in-
stantly followed by the others.

Whilst the consultation was holding in the cabin the carpenter
plumbed the well, and ascertained there was within an inch of six feet
water in the hold. The pumps were clanging as the seamen steadily
plied them, and to raise their spirits they were informed that tliey were
fast freeing her, and many a cheer of self-encouragement resounded.
The oflficers did all they could to invigorate the men — even Mr. Duu-
stanville assisted his marines in their manual labour, and laughed, or
affected to laugh, when every now and then a sturdy voice sung out
"Hurrah for lietty Clogiron !"

As for poor Mrs. Marshall, she was sea-sick and despairing ; and all
that her husband could do to try and appease her, was utterly useless.
She declared it was a judgment upon him for "hauling his wind "
amongst the lasses, and punishment upon her for leaving her snug little

jr.M BUNT. Ill

home and her mangle ; and she vowed if it would please Heaven to
spare her this time, she -would never set foot upon floating timber again
1.3 long as she lived.

" Ounlj' to go for to think o' this here ! " said Jem Hardover to his
ifiessmate Joe Blatherwick, as they met on the main deck under the
forecastle ; " what a shindy them there Jew rascals have been kicking
up acause we were ordered round to the river away from Portsmouth —
jist as if we had any thing to do with the consarn. But I say Joe,
arn't it a grievous thing to hear the poor craft moan as if she was iu
dying couwulsions ? "

" Ah ! messmate, it does make one moloncholy," returned the boat-
swain's mate, whose mind was alternately engaged upon his wife and
upon the frigate ; occasionally and not unfrequently mixing them up in
his sympathies together. " We didn't go for to calkelate upon this,
Joe, when with the sun over head and a sweet breeze in the canvass
we rattled along through the Needles. But life, messmate, is somut
akin with the weather — you never know aforehand whether it will be
fair or foul — just clap your flipper on to this here cable," (the coxswain
did so,) " and now tell me what you thinks."

" Why, by its springing in that ere fashion," returned Hardover, " I
should say that the anchor's foul, and takes a jump now and then to
free itself. At all events its dragging over the ground, and here we
goes happy-go-luck}\"

" Well, Jem, and whoever would have supposed that my Poll would
have druv as she has done?" said the boatswain's mate mournfully ;
" I wonder if the buoy watches," meaning the buoy attached to the
sheet anchor ; " and that reminds me," continued he, " of that ere
bubby as you say she took along with her. I did hope to have got it
all out of ould Jenny — but its of no use now, and mayhap it'll be all
as one a few hours hence — though I should have liked to have seen the
babby first — I always did love babbies, Jem. — But how Poll — "

" Avast, messmate, avast ! " exclaimed the coxswain, interrupting
him, " you takes the matter of Poll too much to heart ; and as for the
ship, I'm blessed if I dont think the ould creatur will stick together as
long as there's a sound chip left. But what are you arter down forud
here, Joe .^ — the skipper, and ould Blowhard, and the pilot, are gone
down into the cabin to hold a council of war what's to be done."

" Have they ? " said Joe hurriedly, and at once recalled to an
intuitive sense of his duty, " then I knows what I've got to do. A
sharp knife and a clear conscience as the saying is, — it 'ull be cut before
long, and " grasping the instrument, " good axe, make your mark — we
shall have no babby's play afore we've done. Oh, Poll ! — but these
are hard lines anyhow ; and the poor ould Neverflinch in her mortal
struggle. Mind, Jem, it 'ull be cut — what the blazes made Poll cut
and run, I can't for the life of me think — but, I say, messmate, we
shall have cutting work presently — whether masts or cable — so you jist
see to the axes upon the quarter-deck, and then there'll be no bother."

To this Joe unhesitatingly assented, and on arriving at the place ap-
pointed, ht- found the captain and his subordinates had just ascended

112 Jtll BUNT.

the companion ladder. But the scene had materially changed during
even the short time that they had been absent — the water around the
ship was greatly agitated, broken and wild, and the hissing foam
spai-liled as if with myriads of gems, whilst the loud roaring of the sea
proclaimed that they must be near the sands.

" What water have you got," demanded the pilot the moment he
reached the deck, of the man in the chains, and springing himself ou
to the hammock nettings he awaited the answer.

The leadsman dropped the lead to the bottom, and answered, "Five
fathoms, sir; " and then sung out, " By the-er mar-ark five; " adding
as soon as he had finished, " she is going astern fast, sir."

" Captain AYeatherall, we have no time to lose," said the pilot, as
he held down his head close to the captain's ear, for the noise of the
storm and the raging of the breakers almost deafened them ; "we must
now be near the east buoy of Margate sands — the ship will not ride,
and therefore please to order hands aloft to loose the muiu-topsel and
foresel, Mhich with the main and misen staysels must be set as quick
as possible to drag us out of this. As soon as the main-topsel is set
we must cut."

" I think you will have time to get the anchor," bellowed the
master, " the lads will run it up in no time, and it will be as well to
have an holdfast of some kind."*

The pilot descended, and ran to the binnacle over which he laid the
edge of his hand, the tips of his fingers pointing in the direction of the
North Foreland light. He looked at the compass — " South a little
easterly," said he ; " By Jove, we're to the eastward of the buoy —
heave lad — quick ! "

The leadsman instantly responded, "By the-er deep four;" inti-
mating that there was only twenty -four feet of water in depth from
the surface to the bottom : the next moment the frigate struck abaft,
but the shock was not very heavy ; and as she pitched forward, a tre-
mendous sea broke over her bows. A second time she struck ; but
getting into deeper water she again floated free. The shocks, though
but slight, created the utmost confusion for several minutes ; but the
stern command of the captain reduced every one to order — the sails
"were loosed, the maintopmast, though struck, being well secured to
carry the close-reefed topsail, and promptly at the given order, Joe
Blatherwick raised his axe — the next instant the separated cable
smoked out of the hawse-hole and disappeared — the canvas was set
upon the frigate, and edging off" on the starboard tack, she made head-
way to the eastward.

15ut scarcely had half an hour elapsed when fresh disasters seemed to
hasten on the catastrophe that every one dreaded, though no one dared
to utter his fears — the chain pumps had been kept going for several
hours, and they had discharged an immense quantity ot water ; but now
the carpenter reported them as little better than useless, through the
working of the frigate's frame — the leak was gaining upon them fast —
and the ship was straining and labouring as if witli agony, as the sea
Wushed over her.

JEM BUNT. 1 1 3

These things could not be concealed from the people, many of whom
were yielding to despair, and some of the most determined resolved to
break open the spirit-room, and stxpefy themselves with liquor. But
Captain Weatherall had anticipated something of this nature, and he
had, therefore, used the precaution of placing two marine sentinels on
duty to protect it from attack ; so that, when the men descended below,
with crow-bars and hand-spikes, and in the darkness that prevailed,
were about to commence the work of demolition, a sudden light was
thrown upon them from the hitherto concealed lanterns of the marines,
who commanded them to desist and go away.

At first the men, confused and abashed at being detected, prepared to
obey, for they were fully sensible of the crime they were about to per-
petrate, though they had not sufficient resolution to forbear. But this
feeling quickly wore off as they lingered — the water was already
washing the casks adrift — they gave up all hopes of being saved, and
used persuasion, entreaties, threats, and, at last, grown thoroughly des*
perate, they prepared to assault the sentinels, as they declared " it would
be all as one an hour hence." But the marines faithfully (as thej
always have done) performed their duty — they remonstrated, and
pointed out the difference between dying like a brute and quitting the
world like a christian — they assured the seamen they were resolved to
keep their posts if they perished there, and defend the position they
were appointed to guard, even in the last extremity.

At this moment the sergeant of marines, with a reinforcement, made
his appearance, and the men departed without accomplishing their
object ; — a sudden shock was given to the trembling frigate, whilst a
loud and stunning report was heard forwards ; the foresail was rent out
of the bolt-ropes, and like a white cloud, was borne to leeward on the
wings of the wind till it was lost in the darkness.

CHAPTER XL

" See you these clothes ? say, you see thtni not, and think me still no gentleman
bom ; you were best say, these robes are not gentleman born. Give me the lie, do ;
and try ■whether I am not now gentleman born. Ay, and have been so any time
these four hours." Shakespeaee.

Fill Wentworth Weatherall continued locked tip in the attic during
the abstnce of his mesEerger, hit- mind racked and his inrre agitated
by nervous excittnitnt. I very minute aj peart d an hour; his Ik ait btat
with unnatural vigour, and fick^ntd at its cvn overHtrbirtd <X(}ticrs;
his limbs trembled, and at times would scarcely support him; ftme-
timts he brfaihed a prayer for success, and then curst d the lud for hit
15

1 1 4 JEM BUNT.

long delay. Impatience and expectation were almost overpowering
Ills faculties ; he scarcely left the window from the time of the lad's
disappearance, and he eagerly strained his sight towards the spot, to
catch the first glimpse of his return. Sometimes in the mistiness of the
night, for it was stormy and tempestuous, he fancied he could dis-
tinguish Jem ascending from the pot, but he soon perceived, by the sup-
posed object being whirled away by the breeze, that it was nothing but
smoke. The wind howled fearfully, and then he thought he could
hear the cries of the boy, as if in the clutches of some oile who was
administering chastisement.

Thus did he torment himself, and, if the truth must be told, Jem was
rather longer than there was any real necessity for, as, faithful to his old
trick, he stuck fast about half way up the chimney, to indulge in medi-
tation, and count the money in the purse; there was paper in one end and
cash in the other, so that it was not possible to judge of the true amount ;
but Jem knew there was enough to buy his own weight " in pork sos-
senges," of which he was particularly fond, and sufficient to spare for a
few pots of heavy wet, to wash the savoury morsels down, as well as a
dessert of barley- sugar, lollypop, and oranges, with bread and treacle as
u winder-up. " Vont I have a jolly tuck out?" he uttered to himself,
as the vision of delicacies floated before his imagination; "vont I? that's
all ! " — and securing his fortune, he ascended to the summit.

" Here I is again, yer honour," exclaimed the young sweep, as he pre-
sented himself on the roof before the baronet.

" Have you succeeded r " eagerly demanded Sir Wentworth, trembling
from head to foot ; " tell me, have you delivered the letter ? "

" Veil, that ere's a good un anyhow," responded the lad with a merry
chuckle of delight ; " Vy ven did you know Jem beat in anything as he
ondertook .'' "

This was a question that the baronet, from his short acquaintance
with the inquirer, was not exactly prepared to answer ; but desirous
of knowing more especially of his ability in the present instance, he
demanded, "Where have you been detained so long, and what have you
been doing? "

" Vy, yer honor," said Jem, " I've been playing the devilry, and so,
if ye'U let me in, you shall hear it all strait forud, vithout any elbows
or tvisting."

Sir Wentworth knew, from past experience, that to gather the parti-
culars he must give the lad his own way ; and therefore, without further
questioning, he withdrew from the aperture, and Jem, entering it, jumped
on to the floor, where he danced about for a minute or two, to divest
himself of soot, the fine particles of which spread through the attic, to
the great annoyance of the baronet's olfactory nerves. " And now," said
the latter, occasionally sneezing, " my good lad, I conclude from yout
manner that you have been successful ; so pray tell mc all about it."

" Vot, here ? yer honor ; in th's here cold place, ven there's that 'ere
nice varm liberary, with the soft carpet on it, down stairs ? " remon-
Rtrated Jem; "veil, you has rum notions o' things, anyhow. I ounly
vibh I vos master here for a little vile, that's all I "

JEM BTTXT. 1 1 5

""Well, well, we will go to the library," said the anxious baronet,
opening the door ; "shake yourself well, my boy, before you go down."

" Vy, there vornt much sut in nigther chimbley," returned the sweep ;
*' I think as they doesn't never have fires in that ere house."

" At all events, there is no fear of your being brought to the bar for
housebreaking," said the baroi et, forcing a smile.

" But I vos brought to the bar, though," replied Jem, as he shook
himself; " but I tried my manival strength, and vorked it out o' the
mortar."

They descended the stairs into the library, and Sir Wentworth having
poured out a good bumper of sherry for himself and another for the lad,
he motioned for the latter to take it, who immediately obeyed, by first
swallowing his own and then the baronet's, after which he smacked his
lips, and uttered, " Haugh ! that's better nor a punch of the head ; " he
then proceeded to narrate his adventures in his own peculiar style, to
the great mirth of the easily excited Sir Wentworth, who could scarce
refrain from hugging the urchin in his arms.

The whole affair had been kept a secret from every member of the
household, except one old and tried servant, who had been a corporal
in the late Sir Edward's regiment. He provided Jem with a substan-
tial supper; and the lad having consented to place himself entirely under
the protection and patronage of the baronet, a warm bed of rugs and
blankets was prepared for his reception, and he slept soundly, with-
out any fear of being called up at daybreak, to wander through the
streets, crying " Se-veep — se-veep ! " It was yet early, however, when
the coporal entered his room, and in a voice of command directed him
to arise.

" Not yet, old covey," said Jem, rubbing his eyes, as he looked at his
disturber; " I am't never got no chimbkys to sveep this morning, and so,
please the pigs, I'll just have another doilup o' sleep."

" Don't be quite so free, young heel-ball," uttered the offended
corporal ; " there must be something like subordination in the gar-
rison,— that is, I mean the house, or distinction will be blown to the
devil."

" Veil, vot do I care old Pomatum and Vindsor soap ?" returned Jem,
in a tone of defiance, as he snuggled himself under the blankets; " I means
to lie in state till I'm vonted, and that vont be till night. But I say,
my rum un, you'U bring us up some grub."

" I tell you, you must rouse out ! " exclaimed the corporal, seizing
hold of the ends of the blankets to drag tliem away.

"Vot for?" demanded the boy, clinging tijihtly to his covering; "come
I say, ould lamp-post," (the corporal was stiff", thin, and tall,) "you jist
make yourself scarce, viil you, or I'm blowed if I don't toddle off', and
leave you to it.

The corporal cared nothing for the threat : he looked upon the lad as
a poor unfortunate sweep, without calculating upon the services he had
rendered, or was expected to render, and was proceeding to use force,
when Jem whipped off" his cap, and flung it with much violence in the
old man's face, and the purse being amoiigst the folds, gave it additional

116 rEU Btmi.

weight. The corporal, nearly blinded with the fine particles of soot
that covered his eyes, dropped the blankets ; and Jem, recollecting his
concealed wealth, regained his cap, and once more rolled himself up snug
and warm.

" You mutinous young scoundrel ! " indignantly sputtered the cor-
poral, as he wiped his cheeks and cleared his eight; "you ought to
be brought to the tail of a gun for this ; and 1 shall report it to his
honour, that you would not get up to be washed, and measured for new
clothes.

i>

" Vont I though? " said Jem, eagerly quitting his place of rest, and
springing into the middle of the floor; "jist 3'ou only try me, that's
all ! And vot sort of togs are they to be ? Am I to have vot I likes ?
Then it vill be top-boots, corduroy tights, buff vescut, and plum-color
coatee — that's the dasher ! "

The corporal, finding the lad willing to obey, merely grumbled to
himself, and without more delay they descended to the bath, were, by
dint of warm water, soap, coarse towels, and soft brushes, they con-
trived to cleanse Jem from much of his impurity ; it was, however, a
task of no ordinary labour, for in several places the soot had become so
perfectly embedded in the skin, that it was with great difficulty re-
moved. At last, however, he was made tolerably decent, and an old
Bait belonging to a stable-lad was lent him to put on ; but the young
t.veep did not seem very highly to relish the ablution he had undergone;
he complained of being cold, and his frequent shivering betrayed the
fact: his dingy coat of soot had kept him warm, but when it was
removed, and the surface of his skin exposed to the air, he experienced
a chilliness he had not felt before.

A plentiful supply of provisions (and Jem was no bad trencherman)
once more warmed him. The tailor came to take his measure ; and as
the lad was entirely left to his own choice, he gave his orders exactly
as he said he would, and the whole was promised to be completed by
the following morning, when, boots, hat, shirt, cravat, and all other
necessaries were also to be in perfect readiness.

The baronet had enjoyed a good niglit's rest, and, after breakfast,
Jem was ushered into the library by Corporal Senhouse ; and as the
face of the lad was now pretty clean, and his hair combed out in short
curls, Sir Wentworth was much struck by beholding an extremely
ingenious and interesting countenance; and being now more accustomed
to his manner, he was equally surprised at his natural shrewdness and
quickness of perception. Jem remained in the library throughout the
day, amusing himself with books and pictures, and, the weather being
very tempestuous. Sir Wentworth did not stir out of doors, but em-
ployed himself in writing to Amelia, w ho on her part was very busily
engaged.

It will be remembered, that when Jem threw the letter into the
apartment of Miss Elwester, that lady had been summoned to attend
upon her father, who had been discovered lying on the floor in all the
contortions and struggles of a fit. Forgetting his harsh and unkind
conduct, and thinking of him only in the relative character of parent,

JF,M BtrXT. 1 1 7

she imraediately hastened to the spof,, and despatched a servant for the
nearest physician, as Mr. Elwester, from his penurious habits, had no
regular medical adviser. The paroxysms were extremely violent ; but
proper means having been resorted to on the arrival of the doctor, he
became more composed, though his confused mutterings induced a
belief that his brain was affected.

Amelia saw her father conveyed to his bed-room, which commu-
nicated with his "office," and then retired, leaving him to the care of
the physician. She entered her own apartment, shut to the door,
(which old Lankrib, who had followed her, locked on the outsidn,)
and sat down to re-peruse Sir Wentworth's letter. Great was her
delight at his reiterated assurances of affection ; and though she had
neither pen, nor ink, nor paper suitable for letter-writing, she con-
trived with a pencil, and the leaves torn from her pocket-book, to
reply to his communication, which having accomplished she retired
to rest.

The following morning the old usurer, though much shaken, was
greatly recovered, and he endeavoured to persuade himself that the
■whole was a mere phantasy of the brain, caused by over anxiety, still,
however, he could not entirely divest himself of dread, lest it should
have indeed been real, but the composing draughts of the doctor soothed
him, and he sent for his daughter.

"Amelia," said he, mournfully, "the disappointments you have
caused me will be my death. You know, child, that it is for your
sake that I wish to see you exalted to the rank of duchess — " and the
ideas of grandeur made the old man pause.

'* I would willingly believe, my dear father, that you have my aggran-
dizement in view, and think it would most likely promote my welfare,

but indeed, indeed, my dear father, a union with the duke of Q,

would be destructive to my happiness. I know, I feel it would."

" Folly, romantic folly ! " peevishly uttered the usurer, as he knitted
his brows. '* For what purpose, do you think, h;ive I amassed a
fortune? — oh! I have toiled early and bite — have steeled my heart
to the soft yearnings of humanity, and seized the minutest portion of
my bonds and debts, though ruin came upon the debtor ; yet what
was that to me ? they had the uses of my money, and I did but claim
my own ! — I have had ladies, aye, and proud dames to, come kneeling
at my feet, imploring my forbearance. What then ? Had I hesitated
to grasp my due, others would have carried off the spoil ; and it would
have been foolish weakness to have squandered thousands on a woman's
tears. What though distress and destitution followed hard upon ex-
travagance, was 1 to blame? They may curse me ; yes, they may vent
their imprecations on my head ; I say I did but gather back my
own — ." Here he paused, for it was evident his mind was wandering.

" My dear father," said Amelia, in a soft persuasive tone, " I was in
hopes that, when you sent for me, it was that I might administer to
your wants. I will do all that you command — "

" Ha ! a — a I " ejaculated the old man, with a wild spasmodic laugh,
and eagerly attaching a different meaning to his daughter's expression

118 JEM B0NT.

than what she intended it should have; "you will then comply ;
you will gratify your father's heart ; and I — yes," and he chuckled
with childish glee, " I shall yet live to see my child a duchess.''

Amelia remained silent : she saw how powerfully the ruling passion
engrossed the faculties of her parent, and absorbed all other feelings ;
Bhe was aware how useless it was to attempt to change the deep-seated
principles of his mind ; and yet, with an ardent love of truth, she
shuddered at the thoughts of practising deception, " Compose your-
self, my dear father," said she persuasively ; " you are not well."

" But you will be a duchess ! " uttered the usurer, eagerly inter-
rupting her, as his small eyes glistened with delight. " Oh, that will
consummate every wish of my heart ! My grandsons will be amongst
the nobles of the land, and I, who once inhabited a workhouse, shall
have a duke, aye, a duke, for ray son-in-law ! will it not be so, Amelia,
— will it not be so ? Oh, say the word again ! — but do not deceive me ;
do not practise on my weakness ! — Lankrib, your arm ; " and the old
man rose and confronted his daughter.

Amelia was almost overwhelmed with embarrassment, and she was
half tempted to perpetrate dissimulation, so that she might not exas'
^erate her father ; but the love of veracity predominated, and she firmly
tnswered, " 1 would, my father, that this subject had not been entered
tpon just now ; but, appealed to so solemnly as I have been, I must
not — 1 dare not shrink from a candid avowal. The duke can never be
my husband ! — "

"What is that? — eh? — what? — yet do not speak again, lest this
pnrched tongue should curse you, — aye, should curse my child ! " said
the usurer between his closed gums, with a hissing utterance of voice,
as he drew buck; — " yet no, no, no, you cannot mean what you say !
you will not break your father's heart ! To attain this long desired
object, I have — " a host of vivid recollections rushed upon his mind,
and he shook as if with ague at the retrospect. "But no matter,"
added he; "you must, you shall have your brow encircled with a
coronet, aye, even in spite of your own folly. Mark me, child ! " and
his passion sank into dogged determination , " you may make your
choice — a coronet or beggary." Amelia would have spoken. "Nay,
naj', let me have no reply — my purpose is immutable ; every sixpence
of my wealth shall go to suppoi-t a peerage. To your room, to your
room ! " He waved his withered hand, and, as his daughter withdrew,
he quickly reseated himself, and motioned to Lankrib to follow her and
lock the door.

Evening drew on : the winds were i^ercely howling, and Amelia sat
in her apartment sorely agitated and depressed. The alternative which
her father had offered appeared terrible to her view. She loved the
baronet most tenderly, most passionately ; but the idea of being
penniless conjured up a multitude of doubts and fears. She believed
Sir Wentworth was strongly attached to her, but would he take her to
his arms " a beggar ? " or could she stoop so low as to become the wife
of one who would probably hereafter reproach her for her poverty ? It is
true, she was ready to sacrifice all for him ; but, under present circum-

JEM BUNT. 119

stances, would he receive her ? and, if he would, ought she, in a
manner to throw herself upon his charity, and accept his hand ?

" Oh, that I could solve these torturing doubts ! " said she, as she
paced to and fro in her room. " What is there that honour and ho-
nesty might demand, that I would not yield to Wentworth ? It is my
love for him that prompts me to reject titles and splendour ; and yet,
even thus rejecting, the chasm between us seems to open wider. Oh,
I am ready — "

"That's all right," said Jem, out of the chimney, who had just
caught the last words ; " if you're ready, jist hand it up the chimbley,
and here's another pistol for yourself, though vy they calls a bit of
paper a pistol puzzles my jeometry."

Amelia started at first on hearing the voice, but recollecting that it
must be her messenger, she advanced to the fire-place, and Jem ex-
tending his arm, gave her the baronet's letter, with which she hastened
to her light, and sat down to read. Tears of joy ran down her cheeks,
as she perused the unft-igned and honourable declarations of her lover,
couched in the language of respect and tenderness. Without reserve
he told her of his circumstances, that, except a small patrimonial estate,
he was entirely dependent on his uncle, whose consent to their union
he did not despair of obtaining ; but even should he refuse, he implored
Amelia to render him happy in his country home. He touched lightly
on the splendour and attractions of high life, but trusted that a faithful
honest heart within the breast, was superior to all the stars and deco-
rations that glittered above it.

" Generous Wentworth ! " said Amelia warmly, as slie withdrew
her own small packet from her bosom, and walked toward the fireplace,
preparatory to placing it in the hands of the happy lad, (who, in ac-
cordance with old habits, had quietly composed himself to sleep).
*' Where are you, my young friend ? " uttered she ; but the summons
had to be repeated before Jem was aroused.

" VVell, I'm a coming," muttered Jem, awaking from his slumber,
and fancying that his old master was culling to him ; " I'm blest if you
aint alays a-grumbling I " and down came his leg, — the other followed,
and before he had well recovered consciousness, he was squatting on
the hob, scratching his head, and fully revealed to the lady's view.
Now it so happened that there was but little soot in the chimney, and
;!S he had been furnished with a new cap, his head and face were
pretty clean, so that his pleasing features were clearly distinguishable.
" Vot a mistake ! " uttered the lad ; " my eye I thought it vos master,
and here its nuffin o' the sort. Veil, I mustn't stop," continued he;
" though, you looks so bootiful and good natur'd, I could stay for ever.
But there's Sir Ventvorth vaiting on me ; so, if you please. Miss, to
give me the scrawl, vy, I'll spout it up again, and thank ye for vot you
guv me last night. Vont I cut a svell ^ " and he knowingly shook
his head.

" My good lad, I am greatly indebted to you," said the lady, grate-
fully ; " and rest assured I will not forget your conduct in this aff'air.
Ami I am certain Sir Wentworth will reward you, as you richly de-

120

JTJM BUNT.

serve ; but do not remain any longer now. Hasten and give him this
packet, and — "

"Maybe I shall have to come down again," observed Jem, inter-
rupting her; " I Jon't mind it a haporth, for I'd serve such a bootiful
lady as you for nuffin. Only, if I do wisit you once more to-night,

^«i^^

don't you go for to be frightened ven I vissol in the chimbley like a
dickey-bird ; and if there's not never nobody here, you jist clap your
hands. Farevell, Miss." He pulled the cap over his head and face,
and re-ascended the chimney.

Jem was correct in his expectations — he had to go down again with
writing materials, for the baronet had rightly conjectured that Amelia
was destitute of those articles, and a few lines conveyed a reitera-
tion of Sir Wentworth's unbounded regard.

The young sweep was up early the next morning, and impatiently

•wa'ted the arrival of the tailor with his new clothes. Hij» hat and
boots had already been provided ; and with these portions of his apparel
put on, Jem strutted about the room with no other garment but his
phirt ; he then washed himself, and shortly afterwards his suit carag
home, and Jem quickly dressed, looking a natty dapper little fellow,
Tiie bnronet laughed heartily at his taste in garments, and presented
him with a silver watch and gold chain and seals, which Jem conspi-
cuously displayed, and then expi*essed his intention of going out to visit
his friends.

The baronet looked doubtfully at the lad, as if he feared that he in-
tended to leave him. As quick as thought Jem guessed what was passing
in his mind, and said, " I aint sich a flat, as not nevwer to know ven
my bread's veil buttered ; and so yer honor needn't go to be afear'd o'
me bolting ; but I hates confinement except in a chimbley, and so I musA
jist take a vark. I'll be sure and be back by grub time.'

" You shall do as you please," remarked the baronet : " I will neither
doubt your word nor your honesty of purpose. But you have served
me well, and I must not have you leave me."

" I"m going to take a sight of an old crony," returned the lad ;
" vun as has been my friend from the moment as Peter Maca^r
hooked me out of Nobody's Hole." The baronet stared, for he was
ignorant of Jem's history. " And so, if yer honor has ever a guinea
to spare for Pat Dunnywon, vy he shall do himself the pleasiu'e of
■coming to see yer honor, and thank you for yer generouity. Pat's an,
Hirish genelman of my acqvaintance ; " and Jem cut a flourish with
his stick.

The baronet gave the required sum, and away started the metamor-
phosed sweep, full of self-confidence and fancied importance. In his way
he overtook one of his fellow apprentices, bending beneath the weight of
a bag of soot, and, at the risk of being discovered, he gave the urchin a
rap behind with his switch, exclaiming, " stand out of a genelman'a

vay, and be to you, vill you ? But there, you're not nuiSn but

a poor se-veep, — there's a bob for you ; and take care you young waga-
bone, how you gets in the vay again ; " and he dropped a shilling on the
pavement.

Nothing could exceed the astonishment of little Sooty, who instantly-
recognised the voice and manner, but was sorely puzzled by the ap-
pearance.

" My crikey, Jem ! '' exclaimed he ; but, fearful of losing the money,
he stooped to pick it up, and Jem went swaggering along without deign-
ing to turn his head.

Pat Donovan tenanted an apartment in St. Giles's, as near to heaven
as the roof would allow him to mount : it was, however, clean and tidy
considering his profession as a bricklayer's labourer. In one corner was
a nearly new hod reversed, and a small board for fine ^lortar with a
trowel. Before the grate that served for a flre-jdace was & pile of new
bricks for a seat ; an old oak table with two broken legs, and a run-up
pier of bricks for a third, was in the middle of the floor; and in a re-
cess stood a stump-bedstead without a bed, but having on the sacking
16

Its itai Birirs.

two or three warm blankets, and a rug spread over a bundle of clean
•traw. Pat's suuday suit was hung up on pegs, but each article carefully
covered over with pieces of old sheeting, and his hat was tied up in a cot-
ton handkerchief. A small looking-glass in red frame was suspended from
a nail near the window, and a potatoe-tub appeared behind the door.
There was a cupboard in the room, but it was closed up; and a gimU-t
bored into the jamb to keep the shutter to. The roof of the room waa
shelving, and it was only when near the middle that a person could
stand upright.

Jem having hurried up the rickety stairs, threw open the door with
an air of consequence, that was however utterly lost, for his friend
was not there. Vexed and disappointed, the lad was about to
depart again, when a well-known voice upon the parapet outside the
window struck upon his ears, as he gaily sung with strong Irish accent: —

" Oh ! Judy, me darlin ! me joy and me love !
Like a well-biled poraty, or down on the dove,
Och ! yer heart was as soft, — an yer eye was so blue,
Ye made all the spalpeens sing out ' Wirrasthrue.'
Oh ! Judy, ma voumeen — once pride of my heart!
'Twas yerself that inflicted a terrible smart.
Which could only be healed by the balm of yer kiss : —
Arrah ! Judy, me darlin ! 'twaa honey and bliss ! "

** Och ! bless the craturs ! it's meself as loves 'em all a little — the
darlius ! an the wind blowing mighty obstropelous this same morning —
deed, an it's the widdy Docherty that warems my heart, so it is ; and
may be some o' these odd days it's Misthress Donovan she'll be, and no
widdy at all." Put contiued : —

" I cried, 'joy to the hour' when first our eyes met;
It warem'd me like ouisky — I'll niver forget !
'.•\riah! darlin!' ses I, 'I'm bestladin the fair' —
* If you are.' then ses she, 'oh ! the divel may care.'
' Och ! Judy,' ses I, ' it's yerself that's in jest.'
Bound her arems went my neck — "

* Arrah ! no ! that's not it — but the wind's so mighty ondelicate that
It put's me out — and them tiles all loose — and the widdy opposite look-
ing at my fine proportions out of her windy. Oh, now I have it ! " and
ho went on with his song : —

•* Round her neck went my arems, and her soft lips I preas'd;
But she up with her fist, and a mighty polthogue
I got on my crown, as she called mo ' a rogue !' "

*" Oh ! Judy,' ses I, ' that there blow's done the job.
For you've plunther'd my heart, whilst you splmthor'd my nobt
So both hoiirt and hand are entirely yer own ;
Let me spake to the praate, and the stocking be tJirown,"
60 Judy consented, and off then I ran :
Ever since I have been a misfortunate man !
The praste tied us fast ; and me Judy, so meek,
Ob ! she jist broke my head about twice in the week."

TEH BtTKT. 12S

" Faith, and that's no joke anyhow ; for it makes a man's head like a
rope-ground — spinning and reeling. Is it the widdy that 'ud be after
earving me in that way, like Phelim Maconnor's woman lamping him
with the blow-bellows or the taty-kettle ? " He raised hia voice as
he looked over at an attic on the opposite side of the way. " Its
good morning to yez, I'm wishing, Misthress Docherty ; the glorious
shine o' the day, and the plenty, and the pace, be wid yez, Mrs Doc-
herty ; " but the lady either would not or did not, hear him, and one©
more he tuned his ditty . —

" Here's long life to Ireland ! — bad luck to her foes !
And whilst round her shores all the blue wather flovs,
Oh ! Paddy can never an Englishman be,
Unless he swims over the dissolute sea ;
So Judy and I, we detarmined to part.
For my head was all crack'd — although sound is my heart,
And here, then, I am, out on top of the tiles,
A singing ' good luck ' to ould father baint Giles."

"' Arrah ! that's not bad any how ; and me pratt-es all growing,"
added he, "and the widdy Docherty — "

" Haugh — haugh — hem," went Jem inside, strutting about, and
rattling his stick to attract attention ; — " baugh-waugh."

" Ods botherkins, and who's there?" demanded Pat; "arrah, be aisy,
and don't be diathurbing an Irish landowner in his garden. Who the
divel are you ? " — he peeped in at the window — '• Och ! blur-and-ouns !
but its a mannikin come to tell me where there's a pot of gould ; " this
was said in a whisper, " Oh ! long life to you, then, me lord — its yerself
that's the pride of the woreld— arrah ! jist dthraw the pratee tub across
the floor and take a chair, till I come in at the door through the windey.'*

" Ha ! ha ! ha ! ha! " roared Jem, in ecstacy, as he strutted to th«
window, " veil I, never did ! vot, don't you know me } That's a good
'un, too ! "

Pat stared : the voice was Jem's, but the dress was beyond his com-
prehension. "Och; then, it's bothered meself is entirely; and bad
manners to you, Jem, if you are J( m, for not being a leprachaun wid a
pot of gould. But is it yourself, or are you changed to somebody else .' "

" Oh ! V}- its mesolf," returned the lad, with a conceited air of impor-
tance ; " but I'm a genelmau now with a large forlin. Vot are you
doing on out there r "

" What am I doing, yer axing ? " responded Donovan ; " oh ! then, it'a
gardening I am, and the pratee' all a growing, me darlin ! "

Jem looked out, and beheld between the parapet and the sloping
roof, leaving a space beneath for the water to run off, a snug enclosure,
made with large slates, which was filled with earth ; and sure enough
the green potatoe-tops were growing luxuriantly. This Pat called his
garden, and cultivated it with great care. " But Jem, yer sowl, what
the divil's all this ? "

" Oh ! come in, Muster Dunnywon," answered the lad, affecting a
mysterious air; "come in, and I'll tell you all about it — that's as far
as I can."

.'124 /r:M BCXT.

Vdl entered the room, and giust'd eurneally at his poUgi, as if not
oltogrtther convinced of his identity. Well, Jem," at length said h«,
"its mighty jonteel and dacent you look, — and meself out of work, and
not a thirteen in the uide world."'

•' Oil ! ntver mind that," responded the lad, drawing out the purse
•n-liich li:id bfen j^iven to him by Miss Elwester ; " here's 'vot 'uU keep
-the bellows blowing; you helped Jem ven he hiidn't never nobody
tvi,t=om( vtT to stand np'for him, and he ain't the boy to go for to forget
old fiK-nds. No, no. Muster Dunnywon," — he offered hira the purse,
■which the other took—" it's all yer own ; 1 can get plenty more ven
that's gone."

" And how much 'nil there be in it, Jem ? " inquired Pat, handling
the purse with great curiosity, and eyeing it with suspicion.

" Veil, then, I can't disactly say how much," answered the boy, dis-
concerted at Pat's manner, and without judging the cause ; " there's a
great deal, but I never got so far in my cyphering as addition of money."

" An it's yerseif, Jem, as brings me a purse widout knowing what's
in it?" demanded the Irishman; "tell me," and he assumed a stern
seriousness, " Where did you get it? "

"Vere did I get it? — vy I got it in a chimbley, if you must
know;" returned the youngster, unable to account for his friend's be-
huviour.

' • " An who has a better right to know, Jem, than him who has been
father and mother to you? " uttered Pat with solemnity, as he shook his
head ; " if you found it in a chimney, its not honestly yours."

*' But 1 didn't find it ; " exclaimed the lad, who now began to
Bee the drift of Pat's meaning ; '* it was guv to me, and now it's uli
yourn."

*- ♦• What, given to you in a chimney, Jem ! " said Donovan, casting a
Searching look at the boy's countenance; "faith, then, you'll be afther
telling me who gave it you."

•• *'i<o ! " returned the youth quite firmly, as his spirit rose against the
unjust suspicion of his friend : " no, that I can't do, its a secret ; and
Im blister'd if I snitches upon any body I all as I've got to say is, there
'it is, and its yourn if you likes to have it."

•"• " Hear to me, Jem," vociferated the Irishman, as grief and anger
Struggled in his breast; " Pat Donovan is poor — Saint Pathriek help me
—but he never did a dirty action in his life. Tell me how you came by
this money,"

"Y(.ll, I have told you," returned Jem, somewhat sullenly; "and
ty's tlie mutter as you don't take my vord for it ? '"

"'Cause, for the first time in niy life, its meself as misdoubts you,
Jem," answered Djnovan with warmth; "do you mane to look upon me
C8 a friend or not ? — have I ever uesaved or desarted you ? "

" Why, no,'' uttered Jem, affected by his old patron's manner ? " but
vot's up, as makes you go to take on in this here manner ? "

" Will you, or won't you be afther telling me where you got this
purse and your new dthress from? " demanded Pat with energy; "arruhl
Jem, it's sore and sorry is my heart at this time."

7KM VVTtt. 125

"The boy looked earnestly at him — the truth flushed upon his mind
that his honesty was suspected — a flush glowed ui^on his cheeks as he
exclaimed, " Vot, do you think I thuv 'em then : "

" By the aoul o' me, and its jist that ting, Jem," uttered Pat ; " and
sooner than toucth a copper that was stole, I'd go barefoot wid etarva*
tion — so I would."

Jem experienced, at this moment, what many thousands have done
before him, and will do to the end of time. He had prided himself
upon perfurniiug a grateful and generous action ; his heart had swelled
•with delight at the prospect of bettering the condition of his Irish
friend; he had never once contemplated anything like failure and dis-
appointment; and now to be met with contumely and reproach, his
honesty suspected, and his kindness rejected, it overwhelmed him, and
he burst into tears.

" It's thrue, then? " exclaimed Pat; " an it's yerself that's guilty ? Och !
hone, och ! hone — but it 'ull never prosper, Jem ;" — he flung the purse
with vehemence upon the floor ; — "devil a hapenny will I touch of it —
and that's meself."

Jem picked up the purse, and, almost broken-hearted, was walking
towards the door : " I never thuv so much as a pin in my life, barring
u little fruit out of a garden," said he ; " there's not never a sixpence
but vot's honestly yaarned and come by, and so you'd say if you kuow'd
all — I arn't never going back among them ere chummies again — I'm a
barrownight s boy now, and he's made a genelman of me — so, if you
vont have it, I can't help it — good-bye; ' and he sobbed as he pro-
ceeded to the top of the stairs.

" Stop! Jem — arrah ! stop!" vociferated Pat, as he ran and caught
the boy's arm and brought him back again into the room. "By the
holy Saint Pathrick, that darleen of a saint, but I have it now I it's
yerself and them as owns you have found one another out — your father,
Jem ? — your mother. Jem ? — oh I by the powers I but it's meself has the
talent for making diskiveries ! Arrah ! where are they, Jem : "

" Vere's who ? " said the boy, equally as much surprised at the Irish-
man's joy as he was with his anger ; " I arn't never got no father nor
mother, — nor nobody but you and Sir Ventworth, and the lady. It's
a love affair. Muster Dunnywon, and I done a job for 'em ; only it's
all a secret, and the barrownight has taken me into his sarvice; and the
lady guv me the purse, and there's gold and bank notes in it, and I
thought they would do you good, and so I brought them ; but if so be
as you vou't have 'em, vy I'll give 'em back again — for I shan't never
vant nuffiu now."

'• Oh-h-h," drawled out Pat, raising himself to his full stature, and
closing one eye, as he knowingly applied his finger to the side of his
nose ; " a love affair is it? then it's meself as smells a rat — an how was
it, Jem ? "

The lad, thus pressed, revealed the whole affair to his friend, on whose
discretion he hoped he might rely ; and, the painful weight of suspicion
being removed from Pat's mind, he at once accepted the bounty of his
■protege, and rejoiced over his good fortune.

126

Jzu Buirx,

They parted mutually gratified ; Jem promised to visit his friend at
every opportunity, and took his departure, swaggering along towards

— Square, stopping occasionally to look at the shop windows, and

giving a trifle of money to every poor creature who appeared to be in
distress.

At length he reached the square, and was ascending the steps of
the house, as a capacious but handsome travelling carriage with four
reeking steeds drove up to the front and stopped. There were two
mounted out-riders, one of whom instantly sprang off his horse, and
made such an attack upon the knocker and the bell, that the whole
square echoed again.

" Clear the gangway, and let down the side ladder," uttered a hoarse
gruff voice from witliinside of the vehicle ; and Jem, casting his eyes
in that direction, belield a grim visage, with an enormous carbuncled
nose protruded out of tlie window. "My crikey, said he, " vot a rum
looking ould codger it is ! "

The servant obeyed, and forth from the carnage came Sir Mulberry

JEM BONX. 127

Boreas. If Jem had been amused by the queer countenance of the
veteran, it was now changed into admiration, when he beheld the large
shining buttons, the broad gold lace, the bullion epaulettes, the heavy
hanger, and the huge cocked hat, of the gallant knight as he entered
the dwelling.

" Veil, I never did ! " said Jem to himself, as soon as he lost sight of
this nautical phenomenon ; "I vonder vether that covey's the king I —
I vish Muster Dunnywon was here to tutorate me." The servant
ascended the steps, ; — " I say," continued the lad, addressing him, " ia
that ere genelman the king ? "

"No, my boy," returned the man, with a good-humoured laugh, "that's
not the king he's the Prince of Whales."

" Prince of Vales, eh ? " rejoined Jem ; " veil he's a rum un to look
at — he is. Is all the Prince of Valeses like him ? "

The baronet, though somewhat embarrassed by the sudden and unex-
pected arrival of his uncle, immediately waited upon him ; and after
the usual congratulations and compliments, the admiral inquired, " Have
you received any despatch, or heard any news of the captain ? "

" None, whatever, sir," replied Sir Wentworth ; for the captain had
not written to him, preferring that the first overtures should come from
his younger brother.

"You know that the frigate has arrived in England, I suppose," said
the admiral ; — " the papers would tell you that."

" My health has been so much out of order lately, that I seldom
see the papers," returned Sir Wentworth. " Do you frequently peruse
them ? "

" For the shipping news and gazette letters," answered the admiral
hastily; " it's only them things that makes them worth looking at. But
the captain arrived at Spithead two or three days ago, and was ordered
round to the river to be paid off, I suppose. We have had some rough
weather in the channel, and the frigate's bones must be shaky : — not
that I have any fear of Ned, for I taught him seamanship myself — but
there's no fighting again a heavy gale in a craft with as much leakage
as a fisherman's well. So, nevey, jump aboard with me, and we'll
make sail for the Admiralty ; if he's there, you must give him the
meeting and a hearty salute.. Poor fellow ! he feels it, no doubt ; but
he's too honest-hearted to blame them as can't help it ; so clap your
truck over your mast-head, and bear a hand about it, or we shall get
no news."

Thus urged. Sir Wentworth joined his uncle in the carriage, and
away they drove to the Admiralty.

128 JEM turn.

CnAPTER XII.

" Still the leak is gaining on us,

Udth cliain-pumiis are choked below;
Heaven have mercy here upon u8,
Oiily that cau save ua uow."

DlBDIM,

Thkuk is not a navigable river in the world that bears more traffic
on its bosom than the river Thames ; and yet there are but few, if
any, whose entrance is so narrowed and obstructed by dangerous
shoals ; in fact, the whole estuary from the North Fortland to
Orfordnes?, and right up to the Nore, is nearly blocked up by sands
running in parallel succession to each other, and in several parts jutting
into, or crossing the channel, which still remains between them, and
through which it would be utterly impossible for a stranger to conduct
his ship without imminent hazard, or positive certainty of losing he?
even in fine weather. And j-et the experienced pilot is so familiar
with every part, that frequently in the darkest nights he will let 1 his
way through the intricate passages with a confidence in his own know-
ledge that generally insures safety. Si ill it is at most times a difficult
task ; but it becomes especially ft-arful in the long and clieerless nights
of winter, when the gale of wind is blowing from the southward, and
the shoit and broken seas come rushing in with almost irresistible
violence ; and the rain, or snow, or sleet, — sometimes all three com-
bined,— blow fiercely in the face with cutting sharpness, so as to blind
the sight and scarify the skin.

In the open ocean there is but little danger to be apprehended, except
from the war of elements; and these the well-practised seaman is so
much accustomed to, that, exercising his skill and judgment with be-
coming hardihood, he meets the emergency with promptitude, and
averts the threatened evils of the terrible conflict. He calculates with
nice precision the balance of sail which his vessel requires to keep
her steady, and preserve her from being overstrained ; and this ones
arranged, he tends her with an earnest solicitude and care, that evidenca
an ardent desire to prevent his gallant bark from sustaining injury;
the wakefal helmsman watches her coming up and falling otf.
and eases her to the rolling seas, whilst his heart responds with sadness
to every groan of the labouring craft. Near the land, however, other
enemies appear : the rock — the shoal — nay, even the friendly port may
cause destruction if approached at an unseasonable hour.

The poor old Neverflinch had crossed the wide ocean in safety ; but
now when near her place of rest she was convulsed by storms that

>v^

'Lf

JEM BTTNT. 129

seemed determined to annihilate her. Like a battered and worn-out
pugilist, who had fearlessly fought his many battles, and whose once
stout frame had become subdued by hard knocks and heavy throws
upon the ropes, did the shattered frigate stagger beneath the pressure of
repeated blows ; but with the same indomitable spirit as the boxer, she
still strove to stand up against the raging seas that pitched into her
right fore-and-aft ; whilst many a facer and cross-buttock sliook every
timber in her hull, and made her masts quiver and bend like willow
rods. But her strength was rapidly decreasing ; her joints were
loosened and enfeebled ; the foresail was gone ; and with only a main-
topsail and a mainstaysail, she dragged slowly and wearily along
through the element which she had but shortly before proudly spurned
beneath her fore-foot.

Below, the leak was gaining fast and could not be resisted, so that
the destruction of the frigate seemed inevitable ; whilst above, upon
her decks, were three hundred men, whose fate depended upon that of
the severing planks which bore them. When the foresail was rent
away, a wild cry arose ; but Captain Weatherall was not the man to
yield beneath the influences of fear. It is true there was enough to
dismay and appal even a stout heart ; — for who can witness the near
approach of a dreadful death without shuddering at the prospect } but
it was not consideration for his own personal safety that occupied the
thoughts of the gallant chief; — he looked upon the brave fellows
whose existences he valued as so many sacred deposits entrusted to
his keeping ; and an oppressive feeling of melancholy came crushing
down upon his spirit as he mournfully contemplated their probable,
nay, almost certain doom. Still he knew that to prevent the horrible
dread which would otherwise steal over them, it was necessary to keep
them actively engaged on some work or other ; whilst, in the midst of
his anxious and onerous duties, he breathed the secret and mental
prayer to Heaven, imploring the God of mercy to still the raging
of the tempest.

" We must have more forud sail upon her, sir," said the pilot to the
captain, as they stooped their heads under the lee of the weather-
bulwark of the quarter-deck. " She is bagging down bodily to looard
under this canvass ; and we shall drift down upon the Kentish Knock,
supposing we escape the Long-sand head. We must drag her out some-
how or other."'

" The best foresel has been blown away," responded the captain, in
the same loud tone in which he had been addressed; "and there is no
other on board that will bear such a breeze as this ; so that it will be
wholly a waste of time to bond it to the 3'ard."

"Have you a spare topsel, sir, that you can trust to ? " demanded
the pilot, whose mind was dwelling upon the sands under their lee,
and towards which they were fast drifting. But before any answer
could be given, a noise, like the bursting of a heavy piece of ordnance,
was heard aloft: — the foot- rope of the maintopsail had parted, and
the canvass was blowing in ribands from the topsail-yard.

This fresh calamity almost overpowered the weaiied faculties of both
17

130 jxiir BrNT.

officers and men ; for the superstition which is inseparable from the
character of a seaman, induced a belief that the hand of Heaven, as
well as its mighty breath, was against thera unto death, and therefore
further resistance would be unavailing. But this feeling was not of
long duration ; the never-dying principle of hope once more aroused
the energies which had for a brief space yielded submissively to terror ;
and again the voice of Captain Weatherall was heard above the
bellowing of the gale, commanding the topmen aloft to cut the rem-
nants of the tattered sail away. The well-known accents of their com-
mander gave encouragement and renewed confidence to the men whose
dependent natures ever require something to which they can cliug. In
a moment all was active obedience ; and, in the execution ot some
occupation, the mind was relieved from thinking on the dreaded future,
which else might vanquish courage. The sail-makers were busily
engaged in getting out the spare topsails although it was next to
impossibility to render them serviceable; the carpenters were en-
deavouring to clear and repair the chain-pumps that had become damaged
and choked ; and, by the captain's orders, there was scarcely an in-
dividual for whom some duty was not found to detach his attention
from their perilous situation.

The frigate laboured heavily, wallowing in the waters, and drinking
in the briny fluid at her opening seams; whilst, gradually sinking, —
as she most certainly was, — the short and broken seas dashed furiously
over her, throwing high the spray, like breakers upon a half-tide rock.
She no longer rose buoyant upon the waves like the fin-back in his
sport ; but moodily and sternly received the buffetings of the foe that
was consigning her to the bottom.

Suddenly a dense blackness appeared to windward, sweeping over
the surface of the deep towards them. It was crested with pale grey
misty vapours of varying si i ape, that might well have been deemed the
spirits of the powers of darkness urging their headlong career on the
winged coursers of the tempest, to spread forth devastation, desolation,
and death. Streaks of forked lightning, like fiery arrows, darted hither
and thither ; and there was a strange rumbling of thunder, mingled
with a noise of shrieks and tumult in the air, that produced on
every mind a mysterious dread. All beheld it with almost breathless
anxiety ; even Captain Weatherall and the old master gazed for the
moment in silent awe ; and the gale, which but a few minutes before
roared in all its fury, became comparatively still in the presence of this
dreaded visitor, so that the mainstaysail flapped heavily to windward
in the weather roll.

"Hard up — hard a-weather the helm," shouted the pilot through
his speaking trumpet. "Starboard hard;" and his voice came with
startling ctt'ect to every soul fore-and-aft, from the stillness that pre-
vailed in the sudden subsiding of the storm.

The man at the helm promptly obe)-ed the command ; round went
the wheel, but whilst it was yet revolving, a tall dark figure was seen
moving quickly along the quarter-deck with a bright axe over his
shoulder, on which the lightning glistened with a reddening hue.

fc%^-''--

JEM BUNT. 181

" Hard up it is, sir," exclaimed the steersman, as he planted his feet
with greater firmness on the deck, and with nerves of iron held the
Btruggling wheel in its straining position.

The man with the axe took his station to windward of the mizen-
mast, as a second seaman was seen entering the weather mizen
channels : a wave of the hand gave token of recognition and com-
munication between the two.

" Does she answer her helm r " demanded the pilot with quickness,
" is her head paying off? "

" No, sir," replied the man at the weather wheel; and then added
in a lower tone, " she hugs the wind as a witch hugs the devil, —
that devil that uU stifle her."

" Hold on every soul, fore-and-aft," exclaimed the captain, turning
round from contemplating the approaching hurricane ; and he was
instantly obeyed, as with breathless agitation the seamen beheld it
nearing them.

" Does she fall off? " again demanded the pilot, in a tone of alarm
that at once communicated its influences to the people.

"No, sir," responded the man at the wheel; and then looking at his
assistant to leeward, added, half jocosely, half terrified, " We're a
doomed craft, ould Flipper; I ounly wish my trick was out, I'd find
somut to cherish the cockles of my heart, so as to slip out o' this
here world without my knowing on it."

The pilot watched the frigate's head with the utmost eagerness;
but except the motion when tossed into the air or plunged beneath
the wave, it did not vary so as to indicate that it was yielding to
the pressure of the rudder. The dense darkness was nearing them
fast ; it looked like a lofty cliff of jet, at whose base the hoary foam
was dashing in vengeful rage; and the closer it approached, the sounds
of a rushing noise were more distinctly heard, for the winds had died
away almost to calm. The pilot looked abaft and beheld the tall
figure with his gleaming axe as he stood by the mizen-mast ; he
then gave one rapid glance forward and ascertained that the ship's head
had not receded. Turning round he gazed to windward at the
hurricane, and his shout rose high and loud, " Cut — cut away my
man — for your life. Stand clear there of the falling mast."

Joe Blatherwick (for it was he, who, with intuitive reason, had so
judiciously taken his station) raised his ponderous axe, and, waving it
round his head, sent its keen edge deep into the mast, so that it was
not till the frigate lurched to leeward that he could regain it. " Cut
away the laniards there smartly, Jem," shouted he to Hardover in the
channels. " Cut — cut away, my boy ; " and once more the axe was
buried in the gaping wound. The laniards were severed ; the shrouds
with their dead-eyes flew in-board ; and, as the frigate rolled over to
port, down crashing came the mast with its top-hamper over the lee-
quarter, crushing the bulwark into splinters, and levelling it with the
deck. Knives and tomahawks were busily at work clearing away
the wreck.

The hurricane was now close to them; but the only wind they had,

1 32 /EM BUNT.

came fitfully in fierce gushes, and then died away in moans. The
frigate's head still refused to obey the impulse of the rudder ; and Joe
Blatherwick instinctively took his station to windward of the main-
mast, whilst the coxswain got out into the main channels, now accom-
panied by three or four others.

" Hold on there, my men," roared the captain, as the hurricane
caught the frigate and nearly threw her on her broadside ; whilst whole
sheets of water poured down like cataracts upon the doomed vessel : —
dark figures were seen for a moment struggling in the white foam to
leeward ; they had been washed overboard, and soon disappeared in the
grave which was yawning to receive them- No human voice could
then be heard for the mighty thunder that broke and rattled over their
heads ; but in the streaming lightning Hardover beheld his gallant
shipmate cutting at the main-mast, and instantly sharp knives were
severing tlie laniards, so that in little more than a minute down came
the heavy spar ; but its fall was scarcely heard amidst the din of
elementary strife and the shrieks of drowning wretches who had fool-
ishly remained aloft in the main-top without suspecting their imminent
danger.

Oil, it was a fearful spectacle ! and horribly did it torture those who
saw their shipmates hurried into eternity, and every instant expected
to follow them. Who the individuals were, could not be ascertained ;
their forms were only seen for a brief interval tossing in the hoary
foam ; nor was an ejaculation of enquiry uttered where all looked for u
similar fate. With the fall of the main-mast, the frigate righted u
little ; though the waves beat wildly upon her as she lay like a dead
log exposed to their utmost fury, and settling deeper in her ocean
grave.

Thus the hurricane swept over them in its devastating wrath ; its
duration altogether was not more than twenty minutes ; and when it
passed away to leeward, the heavens to windward assumed a cheerful
brightness, — the gale was at an end, — day was bursting open the
portals of light in the east, — a crystalline tint of crimson glowed upon
the horizon, — and men beheld it like the countenance of a deity as-
suring them of succour and of safety. The waters were still convulsed
and agitated ; and the poor shattered and deepening wreck laid
groaning amidst their turmoil.

Men now began to look around them and inquire who was gone.
The captain was the first consideration, as his commanding voice had
not been heard ; but he was nowhere to be found ; nor could any one
give the slightest account of him. He had been last seen standing
near Joe Blatherwick when the main-mast was cut away ; but Joe was
also missing, and it was immediately conjectured that both had been
carried overboard with the wreck of the fallen mast, which laid along-
side, secured by the lee-rigging. It was yet too dark to distinguish
objects clearly; and there was no means of procuring lights, — as even
the binnacle-lamp had been extinguished, — except by flashing powder
from the pan of a pistol on to a gunner's match — could one be found
dry enough to ignite. But this, after some search, could not be accom-

JEM BUST. 133

plislied ; and whilst other methods were tr}'Ing, several of the best
seamen descended on to the spar, and in despite of the w»ter washing
over them, inspected every part ; the shrouds and rigging were hauled
up and examined, and the body of an officer was seen emerging from
the sea : it was entangled in the running gear, and a low murmur
passed amongst the seamen that it was the corpse of their late gallant
captain, but, on hoisting it over the side, it was discovered to be all
that remained of the g-ood old master — a lifeless shell.

No traces of the captain could be ascertained ; and other duties calling
upon the men, the first lieutenant issued his orders for re-manning the
pumps, getting a sail bent to the fore-j'ard, and preparing jury-masts.
The pilot took the bearings of the Foreland ; the frigate had a good clear
to leeward for drift, provided she could be kept afloat ; but this latter
was extremely doubtful.

The sun arose in all the brightness of his summer splendour ; and
activity again prevailed amongst the remnant of that gallant crew,
who however, deeply lamented the loss of their much-loved chief, and
messmates, now no more. A cask of spirits was broached, and a gill of
rum served to each, which, with a biscuit, was the only refreshment they
had taken for many hours : it revived their energies, and every one
went to work with good will. But the water still kept gaining on the
pumps in defiance of all their efforts to check it ; and it became evident
that unless the leaks could be stopped, there would be no possibility of
saving the ship. Sails were hauled under the bottom, but it was un-
availing ; the stern-post had given way, and the water rushed in more
impetuously than ever.

rinding all their exertions to keep the frigate buoyant utterly useless,
command was given to lower and launch the boats, and prepare rafts ;
and for this latter purpose the fore-mast was also cut away, and laid
parallel to the main-mast, (the mizen-mast had drifted clear and was
some distance astern;) all the spare spars that had not been washed
away were lashed upon the masts ; handspikes, capstan bars, and hatch
gratings were seized upon the top, and extended over all. Not a man
flinched from duty, or preferred himself to a shipmate ; — they worked
together willingly and cheerfully ; and though Mrs. Marshall still de-
clared that the whole was a judgment upon her husband for "hauling
his wind" among the lasses, yet the love of life prevailed so strongly in
her bosom, that she readily proffered her assistance, and was among the
first who was placed in a boat.

The poor frigate lay groaning in her death-throes, but the commotion
in the water was rapidly going down ; and though the sea occasionally
broke over the raft, yet it floated perfectly safe. Boats too were seen
coming out from Margate ; and the pilot discovered, by the aid of the
glass, that the great boat which had brought liim out to the frigate was
amongst the number, whilst a ship and brig were rounding the Fore-
land, and steering directly for them. Here, then, was the promise of
rescue from death ; and though their joy was damped by the loss of
their chief, yet life was doubly precious when so hastily and recently
snatched from the very jaws of destruction.

134 JEM BUNT.

The first lieutenant stood on the quarter-deck, and the carpenter
came to him by order. " Well, Mr. Augurbore," said the former, " will
the men have time to save anything."

''Nothing but their lives, sir," responded the carpenter; "their
mess-berths are already under water, and — "

" Enough — enough, Mr. Augurbore," answered the lieutenant, " we'll
not say another word about it." He turned away. " Young gentle-
men and quarter-masters, request all the officers to favour me with their
attendance aft here, and bear a hand about it."

In a few minutes, minutes of the utmost importance, the whole were
assembled. " Gentlemen," said he, " we are about to bid farewell to an
old friend ;" his voice quivered with emotion, as he added " one is
already gone. Gentlemen, the officers must be the last to quit the ship,
unless ordered to do otherwise. Mr. Scz'eamer (the boatswain), pipe
the hands up — boatswaio's mates, divide your watches — Mr. Handsail,
muster the starboard watch — Mr. Allen, muster the larboard one —
master-at-arms, ship's corporals, and sergeants of marines, go with Mr.
Purvis and search the decks, to see that none ai'e left below — captain's
steward, take the coxswain with you, and bring up the captain's writing-
desk and all the papers you can find in the cabin ; do not throw away
an instant of time — signal men, hoist the ensign on the spar abaft and
the pennant on the studdensel boom in a-midships (two jurymasts fur
boat's sails). Look smart, all of you, and behave like men."

The orders thus given were immediately obeyed; the hands were
piped up, and assembled on the quarter-deck, except the gangs that
still worked the pumps ; and the persons who had been directed searched
every place below to see that none were left behind. The midshipmen
mustered the watches, and the men passed into the boats or on to tho
raft, as ordered by the officers, with the utmost regularity, and a melan-
choly silence prevailed, broken only when the memory of a messmate
or a shipmate, who was not there to answer his name, was mournfully
apostrophised by the survivors, or a farewell was addressed to the
gallant old bark that had so nobly stood under them both in battle and
in storm, but would never again breast the foaming billow, or echo to
the roar of broadsides.

The raft was crowded, and tlie boats well filled — the captain's papers
were secured — and all was declared to be ready ; the carpenter urging
upon the first lieutenant the instant abandonment of the ship — the
gangs were called from the pumps, and embarked in a boat reserved for
them — and the first lieutenant stood alone and for the last time upon
that quarter-deck which had for several years been his throne and his
dominion. A deep feeling of mingled solemnity and sorrow came over
him : the frigate was an old friend whom he loved, and though parting
at any time would have been painful, yet in the present case the foun-
tains of his heart's depths were broken up, and tears gushed from the
eyes of the man who had stood undaunted in the heat of bloody conflict
and fearlessly braved the storm. There was no one there to witness his
emotion as he looked along the decks which had so lately been crowded,
but were now lone and deserted. He thought of the loss of his excel-

■>t

\

^

iWii^'

JEM BtTNT. 135

lent captain, and breathing a fervent thanksgiving to heaven for a life
preserved, he descended the gangway ; and the boats taking the raft iu
tow, shoved off to attain a proper distance from the sinking ship, so that
they might not be involved in the vortex as she went down.

The vessels — a sloop of war and a gun-brig — together with the boats
were nearing them fast; but the leading boat was observed to lower her
sail and hang on for a minute or two by the wreck of the mizen-mast,
when she again hoisted her lugs, and proceeded on her course towards
them, The boats with the raft laid floating on the tide, awaiting the last
struggle of the old ]S'everflinch, who, though a mere hulk, and with the
lower sills of her ports nearly even with the water, still carried her
ensign and pennant proudly aloft, as if disdaining to surrender, though
utterly conquered in the strife that had almost torn her into pieces.

The leading boat was that in which the pilot had come off, and she
steered directly for the frigate, lowering her sails and running alongside.
The first lieutenant hailed them from the raft to keep off, and apprized
them of their danger ; but his tongue was silenced when he beheld his
old commander, Captain Weatherall himself, ascend the side, and pass
over the gangway, followed by the veteran Joe Blatherwick. All saw
them, and momentary superstition enforced silence, as they were dimly
seen through the spaces in the shattered and crushed bulwarks passing
round the decks. But when they again returned to the gangway, and
the captain, removing his hat, stood bare headed as he waved an
adieu to his gallant vessel, all doubts were at an end, and loud cheers
responded to the action, which were returned by honest Joe. They then
descended to the boat again, and joined the people on the raft.

Warm and sincere were the congratulations of his officers and men
for his once more being restored to them ; but this gradually subsided
into deep silence, and every head was uncovered, every man stood erect,
as a loud report from the frigate indicated that her decks had blown up.
In a minute or two the water rushed into her ports — her bows sank
slowly down — her stern rose up — and forging hastily a-head, she rushed
to the bottom carrying with her the corpse of the old master, who thus
found a coflBin and a grave.

The sloop and the gun-brig very soon arrived, and the men on the
raft, as well as those in the boats, were speedily transferred to them,
and every means resorted to for securing the pieces of wreck ; which
having accomplished, and a revenue cruizer directed to remain near the
spot, they made sail to work into the Queen's Channel, and proceed
to iSheerness.

" Well, I'm blessed, Joe," said the coxswain to his messmate Blather-
wick, as they stood upon the sloop's forecastle, " but I thought it was
all over with you, and Davy had grappled hould on you at last."

" Davy ! not he, the beggar," returned the boatswain's mate, as he
took an ample pull at a piece of negro-head which the other offered
for his acceptance ; " though I must own as he did clap me alongside
more than once, but with the assistance of some angel or other —
mayhap it was my Poll as crossed my daylights — I made the lubber
sheer off."

136 JEM BTTXT.

"And how did you manage to get overboard, Joe ?" inquired the
fioxs\vain_. "and where did you take the skipper in tow ? God bless his
honour ! I felt like another man when I cotcht sight on him again ; for
d'ye see, messmate, he's somehow got coiled away round a fellow's heart,
that it's impossible to capsize the bights ; and when it was diskivered
as he was lost, it was like tearing the very life out o' me. But tell us
all about it, Joe."

"Why the long and the short of it is just this here," returned the
boatswain's mate. "You know, Jem, when you got into the main-
channels to clear away the weather laniards, I manhandles my axe
to make my mark upon the mast; because, d'ye mind, I was dubersome
if it was not soon over the lee gangway all hands 'ud be adrift, and the
craft somewhere away where she is now. But it was sharp work, mess-
mate, to give strength to the blow and the frigate playing at ducks and
drakes in the water, besides being nearly on her beam-ends. Now, Jem,
1 had no orders to cut, and thou^^h seeing as Poll's foundered, I did not care
much about the matter of foundering myself; yet as there was ould mess-
mates and shipmates just come home, and a fair sprinkling of youngsters,
who had rather have a glass of grog than a full belly of salt water, why
I cut away at the mast as the fox bit oft his tail when he got it hard and
fast in a trap. But just as I gave the last stroke, I slipped, and should
have gone to looard, but that somebody cotcht hold of my arm till I righted
again, when looking as well as the darkness would allow, I seed it was
the skipper. ' God bless your honour,' says T, ' for that ere puekalowing
me. Let me have another slap at the stick, and it will come down this
timet' Well, I raises the axe, and cut ; and the shrouds and dead-eyes
came flying in- board, and one on 'em gives the skipper a clout o' the
Lead, just as the sea made a breach over us. Away he flew over the
lee gangway, like adipsy lead, and down came the mast thundering arter
him. Now, you know, messmate, I'd been reared in a collier, where
the apprentices take to the water as nat'rally as a Newfoundland dog,
tseeing as they sarve their time to it in all weathers; so when I seed the
skipper coming that sort of traverse, why 1 'stinetively jumps over upon
the wreck to. try and pick him up. But there was such a hissing noise
in the back water, and the ship looked so much like a black cofiin hang-
ing above me, that my head got bothered, and I almost forgot what I
was arter. Howsomever I happened to catch sight of summut dark
amongst the white eddies ; and with a spring like a billy-goat I boundc d
at it making sure it was the skipper ; but it was only his hat, which I
knowed by the dogvane on its cjuartor. * Still,' says I to myself, in all
due course of mattymatical reason, ' if the truck's so close aboard o' me,
the mast-head as owns it carnt be very far off; and so I watches like a
gull catching sprats, and presently 1 seed a hand with a uniform cuff
rising up about a couple of fathoms away on my beam, and taking a
dive, I went dow n under the body, and forced it up to the surface ; for,
d'ye mind, messmate, there's no good in letting a drowning man clap
his grappling-irons on to you, and so both go down together; and I
lamed that Irom a wooden-legged leftenant as commanded a cutter. 1
belonged to a seventy-four as was fitting out in Portsmouth harbour,

JEM BUNT. 137

and the cutter was lying alongside waiting a tide. We were rigging
the main-yard, as it lay athwart the gunnel, and I went out on the
starboard side — that's where the cutter was lying, messmate — to clap on
the brace-block and the lift, when, somehow — we'd been paid prize-
money, Jem, and there was suction enough aboard for a South- Sea
ocean of whales, so I'll tell you no lie about it, — I'd been bowsing my
jib up, and got a taut leech to my nose, when I makes a slip-bend of it,
and knocks a hole in the water, and the block comes arter me right
down on top of my head, so as to stupify me. At first nobody seed
me but the wooden-legged leftenant of the cutter, and he threw me the
eend of a rope, but it fell short, and I was so grummetified with the
rap on the sconce, that, blow me, if I didn't take it as easy as a marine
officer, and down I went among the fishes, as I drifted astern without
once striking out. I was dead stuperflabbergasted, messmate, and my
head was just like a methody chapel when all hands are singing
psalms, or a church-steeple with a peel o' bells a ringing, or a Phila-
delphy lawyer when he's laming proclymations ; in short, Jem, the
handle of my brains went hard up and hard down, like a sloop's tiller
in a stark calm. Presently I feels a tremendous poke in my ribs, that
drives me to the top of the water, for I was sinking, messmate ; and
somebody shouts in my ear, ' Out oars, and give way, my man, ' and
so I tries to swim, but it wouldn't do, messmate, and I was dropping
under, like a stone, when poke comes somut again right under me, that
shook me out of my sleep, and up I rises once more, and shakes the
spray from my bows. By this time I'd got a little gumption into me,
and ' Leave off your poking,' says I, ' for a poke's no joke, any how,'
and then I seed the leftenant of the cutter swimming alongside of me.
* Eouse, rouse, my man,' says he, 'strike out, and save yourself.' ' Aye,
aye, yer honour,' says I, 'but no more poking,' says 1 ; but Jem, I
couldn't bring the thing to its proper bearings, and I felt non-plushed
and sinking again, when I'm blessed if the leftenant didn't dive, and
poke he come it again ; and so he kept me afloat till one of the boats
picked me up. And how do you think he did it, Jem ? Well, theu,
I'm blow'd if it warn't with his wooden leg. He wouldn't let me clap
him aboard, or even touch him ; but when I was going down, he dives,
and whips his ammynition leg under me, and pokes me up again ; and
so, Jem, d'ye mind, I larned a lesson I havn't never forgot."

" But what about the captain, Joe," inquired the coxswain eagerly ;
for though he was mightily tickled with the veteran's yarn, yet he
was extremely anxious to learn in what way his esteemed commander's
life had been preserved.

" Why, as to the matter of that, Jem," returned the boatswain's
mate, hitching up his trousers, and assuming a look of self -satisfied im-
portance, " I saved him."

" And proud you ought to be of it, messmate," uttered Hardover
with fervour: " I'd give my year's pay If I could say as much."

" I am proud of it, Jem, as far as doing my duty goes : and I values
it more than all the prize-money as comes to my whack," rejoined the
boatswain's matej " but who is there now to share mv pride or my
18

138 JKM BUNT.

prize-money ? Oh ! Poll, Poll, you'll carry away the swiftcrs of my
heart! " He pumped up a heavy sigh — " God protect her ! I wonder
Avhere the devil she can have got to."

" Never fear, Joe, but you'll get within hail of her some o' these
here days," said the coxswain feelingly ; " but tell us how you saved
the skipper.''

" And the babby, too," continued the veteran, whose thoughts were
dwelling on the woman, who, in spite of all her failings, he most ardently
loved. •' But I tell you what it is, messmate ; that 'ere consarn o' the
young un is a mixtery to me. I saved the skipper, but I can't save
them." And rough as he was, he dashed a messenger of sensibility
from his furrowed cheek.

'• Come, Joe, avast heaving on that top-rope," exclaimed the coxswain
persuasively, and now more desirous of hearing the boatswain's mate's
narrative, as he hoped it would detach his thouglits from painful sub-
jects ; " I tell you, you takes it too much to heart."

Blatherwick gave him a look in which reproof and long-tried friend-
ship were blended, and then uttered, " Ah I Jem, you never know'd
what it is to be the father of a fine boy."

"Mayhap not, messmate — mayhap not," responded the coxswain,
•who could not forbear smiling at the conclusions to which the veteran
had come, both with respect to his paternity and the sex of the child,
as neither hai been affirmed, and the whole story rested on the tattle of
an old crone. " Eut I say, Joe," added he, "just belay all that, and
tell us about the skipper."

" I wool, Jem — 1 wool," answered the boatswain's mate, giving him-
self a forcible shake, as if to throw off distressing recollections ; " where
was I? Oil, aye, I remembers now ; I'd just brought the captain to
the surface — for I found it was he by liis applets sparkling in the light-
ning, and when I twigged the swabs 1 know'd him directly. We were
broad away from the wreck, and the tide was carrying us astarn so
that I saw it was onpossible to tow him to the main-mast, and in conse-
quence I hailed him to bear up for the mizen-mast, that was thumping
under the counter ; but. Lord love yer heart, I might as well have
hailed Adam's grandpapa, and I be^an to think he had let go the life-
lines, and struck to the enemy. Howsomever, messmate, it stood to
re;ison, if he was only onscnsible there was no fear of his clinging to me,
and so I catches hould on him, and makes him turn the turtle and float
upon his back, and then, giving him headway and striking out myself,
I grapples the mizen-mast, and stows him athwart it, hoping that, when
the squall had blowed itself out, 1 should make some on you hear
me aboard the frigate, and, rumbustical as she was, poor old creatur !
we might get him over the quarter into his cabin, and if any of hia
seams wanted caulking, or his spars wanted a fish clapped on, the
doctor would be all ready with his traps and half-o-dozen fathom
of plaster. But it shows, Jem, how a man may calkelate his reckoning,
and yet be out in his latitude ; fur whilst I was lashing the skipper to
the spar, I logged all these things down in my mind without looking
about me and when I had him safe, messmate, and diskivered that his

JEM BTTNT.

139

heart boat like a watch as big as a parish clock, T looked up, and I'm
blessed if we warn't clear of the frigate, and drifting away from the
etarn like fun."

"To hail the ship in such a case as this would have been all the same
as whistling a jig to silence thunder. So thinks I, ' Happj^-go-lucky I
I must make the best on it.' And so I did, messmate ; for I was to
looard of the top, that broke the sea off us, and I rubbed the skipper's
nose just about the tip of it — it's good practice, Jem, to chafe noses in
such cases as them there, for it's a sensible part, and alays obeys orders
— and I hailed him in his ears as loud as I could, and t claps his two
thumbs in atwixt my jaws, and gives 'em a gentle squeege with my
grinders. Feel here, Jem, at my tooth : mayhap you never know'd I'd
a cork tooth.

" A.11 right, Joe," responded the coxswain, who could not refrain from
laughing, though deeply interested in the narrative. "I never seed your
cork tooth, though I knows you have good teeth for drawing a cork out
of a bottle o' rum. But heave a hand, my hearty ; it seems you did
everything by the rule o' thumb."

" You may say that, my boy," uttered the boatswain's mate with
great glee; "oh! messmate, there's nothing like it. Many's the time
I've brought Poll out of a fit of hextericks by chawing her thumbs,
though she guv me full allowance of fist arterwards. Ah ! Poll, I wish
I could have a bite now, and the babby too. But, Jem, the long and
the short of it is, that arter hoperating upon the skipper with pinching,
— for that's another surgical tick-tack — I say, messmate, arter pinching
and thumping, and biting, he first of all opens hii3 eyes, and then he

140 JEM BrNT.

opens his mouth, and ' Where am I ? ' says he, ' Lord love yer honour,*
says I, 'it's overboard ye are,' ' And the ship ? ' says he, ' We can but
just see her, yer honour,' says I ; ' there slie is, like a black speck, and
we're adrift on the tubbylent ocean, like a jolly afloat on a main-hatch
grating; but I'm heartily glad yer honour's getting monstropelous again,
and i hopes no offence to yer honour's thumbs.' ' I'm sadly bewildered,'
says he. * No wonder, yer honour,' says I, ' for you've been rolling
over and over enough to twist any ofBcer's brains into grannies knots.
There's not none o' the clargy as could stand it, without mixing Greek,
and Hebrew, and gum- Arabic, and Scotch, and Dutch, and all the dead
langriges together.' ' Who is it with me ? ' axes he, quite faintly. ' It's
Joe Biatherwick, yer honour,' says I, ' as towed you alongside of the
wreck of the mizen-mast, arter them there dead-eyes had knocked you
overboard, when we cut away the main-mast.' * Cut away the main-
mast ?' says he, all dubersome, * ah ! I remembers something about it,
but my head — my head is very confused, and ' — he stopped short and
moved his hands, and thinks I, ' Mayhap it's in regard o' chawing his
thumbs,' but he didn't speak again for several minutes, and then he
said, ' Well, my man, I am indebted to you for my life thus far ; but
tell me in what way we left the frigate.' So I up and tells him all
about it, Jem, and I gives him his hat — for I'd clapp'd it upon ray own
head, messmate — and then we hung on to the mizen-mast, talking quite
pleasantly, and overhauling some secret affairs of our own. But the
skipper was much hurt, and one time he got quite onsensible in his dis-
course ; and he pulled a pictur out of his busum, and I'm bless'd if he
didn't say things as I shouldn't have liked every body to hear ; and he
kissed the pictur, and called his own self everything but a genelman.
Still, messmate, it's my belief he warn' non compass, as the larned calls
it ; and so I tries to bring him round again, when I'm bless'd if he didn't
hail me as Molly Somut or other."

"Molly Boyd, mayhap? " said the coxswain, inquiringly.

" So it was, Jem — it was Molly Boyd. Why, how the deuce corned
you to savvy that? " replied the Boatswain's mate, eagerly looking at
his companion. "But no matter just now, you must tell me thatarter-
wards. So he calls me Molly Boyd, and swore I'd run away with some
young lady, and then he "

" Is there one of the frigate's men forud here of the name of Bladder-
wig, or Botherwig, or somut like it ? " demanded a quarter- master, as
he advanced towards the place where they were standing.

"My name's Joe Biatherwick to my friends, and Botherwig to my
enemies,'' answered the boatswain's mate ; " which uU you have,
shipmate ? "

"I wants neither," returned the quarter-master; "it's yer own
captain as has sent for you into the cabin."

" Then I knows which he'd like best, and so here goes," replied Joe ;
" I'll be alongside of hira in the twinkling of a handspik." He turned
to the coxswain — " It's all right, Jem ; I dares for to say he's going to
guv me a bottle o' rum to mix with the salt water I've swallowed ; a
toothful 'ud do ua both good, old boy," and away he walked along the

JEM BTTNT. 141

gangway aft to the main ladder, which he descended, and then under
the half-deck to the state apartment. Here he found his commander
stretched upon the couch, and suffering severely from the injuries he
had sustained.

" Come here, my man," said Captain Weatherall, beckoning to him
to advance ; and Joe, twisting his tarpaulin hat, and walking upon his
toes, approached the resting-place of his chief. " I have sent for you
to prove that I am not ungrateful for the gallantry you have manifested
in rescuing me from immediate death. Is there any thing you would
wish me to do for you ? "

" Why, yer honour," returned Joe, fumbling about the rim of his
hat, "it's ail true enough as I saved yer honour, and would doit again if
80 be as it was wanted to be done. But the salt water arn't werry
healthful to a man's witals, and I shipped a few seas in my bridle-port,
when we was hanging on by the eye-lids to that 'ere mizen-mast. So,
if yer honour would order me a little — no, not a little, for there's a mess-
mate or two in the same predicklement — so, if yer honour 'ud be good
enough to order me a bottle o' rum, I don't know any thing else as I
wants, seeing I can get a new fit-out of toggery when the prize-money
is paid."

" At all events you're not covetous," responded the captain, smiling,
though in great pain ; for his question had reference to the boatswain's
mate's future prospects and welfare in life. " You shall have the bottle
of rum, my man — but keep sober, and remember you are in a strange
ship, where your captain will be reflected upon if discipline is relaxed.
My object in asking whether I could do any thing to serve you went far
beyond that ; and as life, even at the best, is precarious, take this
certificate as evidence of your general good conduct, and more especially
for the act by which I have been preserved. Here is also a demand
upon my agent for one hundred pounds ; and as I understand you are
married — "

" Ah, yer honour ! " forcibl)'^ responded Joe, in the fulness of his
heart, " God bless yer honour for your generosity ! But where's Poll r
— she's cut and run, yer honour ; and whether for t'other world, or is
still backing and filling in this, why, I knows no more than one of the
timber-heads."

" Indeed 1 " rejoined the captain ; " but you have had no time yet
to make inquiry. " You shall have liberty, and I will render you every
assistance."

" There's the babby, too ! " exclaimed Joe, almost ready to blubber
like a school-boy; " a father will have a father's feelings ! — "

" Eight, my man — right and proper," uttered Captain Weatherall, as
a flush of crimson burst through the brown of his sun-burnt features ;
" I did not know you were a parent. But take these, and be careful of
them ; and rely upon it, if my existence is prolonged, I will not forget
the service you have rendered me. I will assist you in seeking your
wife and child."

" WiU ye, yer honour? — Lord love yer heart, will ye?" exclaimed
the boatswain's mate, his face lighted up with pleasure, and his eye

142 JEM BirxT.

gleaming with delight ; thea I'm blest if I don't lend you a hand to
diskiver that there Molly Boyd — "

" Ah ! — what I — who r " demanded the captain, rising up with eager-
ness; " Molly Boyd ! — what do you know about Molly Boyd ? — speak,
my man ; tell me — has the coxswain betrayed — "

" What! Jeui Hardover, yer honour? " said Joe, somewhat alarme«l
at his commander's vehemence; " no yer honour ; I never heard Jem
overhaul a word of the matter — it was yer honour's own self as paid
out the slack of all that 'ere, when you was onsensibly spinning a yarn
upon the wreck of the mast."

" Indeed ! what did I say then ?' demanded the now agitated man,
his face assuming a very unusual paleness. " But avast, not now — do
not tell me now — you shall remain with me at Sheerness, and then T
can learn all about it. Go, my man ; behave yourself as you have always
done — be attentive to your duty. Go ; I will not forget you."

Joe moved away a step or two, and then turned round again. " May
I speak to the steward, yer honour.^"

" Speak to the steward ! " hurriedly exclaimed the captain, whose mind
was dwelling on associations which the boatswain's mate had conjured
up; " what can he know of the matter? — why should you speak to

hinl ? "

"In regard of the bottle o' rum, yer honour!" responded Joe,
hanging down his head, and looking somewhat confused at his own
presumption.

" Oh, aye — yes ! " replied Captain Weatherall, who felt relieved by
the explanation ; " by all means ; send him to me — you shall have it,
certainly. But again I warn you — keep sober I "

"I wool, yer honour; I wool;" uttered Joe, as he moved towards
the cabin door; " uo officer or man shall have it to say, ' Black's the
white o' my eye.' Good bye, yer honour," He made a scrape with
his foot, and put his right hand to the locks on his forehead. " I hopes
we shall have you all a-taunt again before long." And he quitted the
presence.

The coveted bottle of liquor was sent to the boatswain's mate, who
shared it as a sort of extra indulgence with his messmate Hardover and
another or two. But Joe was proffered plen' y of grog ; for every officer
had heard of his devotedness to his commander ; and the simple seaman,
•who believed he had done no more than his duty, found himself looked
upon as a noble hero ; and fore-and-aft his commendations were re-
peated. He nevertheless adhered to the promise which he had made to
Captain Weatherall, not to get drunk , and when working in for the
Little Nore, and he was directed with the coxswain to be ready to ac-
company his commander, ashore he had avoided his easily besetting sin,
and was perfectly sober.

The sloop was shortening sail between the Great and Little Nore
previous to anchoring at the latter place, when the quarter-master on
the look-out reported to the first lieutenant that the commissioner's
barge was pulling out towards them, and he believed there were some
officers in her. The first lieutenant directed his glass to the object, and

JEM BTTNT. H3

particularly scanned the persons who occupied the stern sheetu. "My
glass must be playing me some trick," said he to the surgeon, who stood
at his side ; " there never can be any human being so hideous in features
as the old blade with his gaff-topsel hat in yon boat— he is in uniform
too, and I can twig one epaulette at least on the left shoulder ; — some
veteran master and commander, I suppose "

" Laid up in ordinary for being ugly," returned the surgeon, laugh-
ing at his own repartee ; " but how has he managed to sport the com-
missioner's barge r "

" And that puzzles me ! " replied the lieutenant. " However, we
must have all ready for him. Quarter-master, tell Mr. Whistler, the
boatswain, to attend the side. Sidesman, your best ropes ; and get a
tow-line ready forud for the boat ! ' He walked aft to his commander,
and, touching his hat, reported proceedings. The anchor, however, was
let go, and the sloop had swung to the tide before the barge got along-
side. The hands were aloft, furling sails ; and though the boatswain
piped with the utmost shrillness, and the side-boys presented the ropes
with their accustomed agility, yet all the officers being engaged in
various duties, the visitors did not receive the most prompt attention.
Tiie first who ascended the gangway was a veteran of the old school, in
an undress uniform and an immense cocked-up hat ; he was followed by
a gentleman in plain clothes, whose pleasing and handsome countenance
foriiK'd a striking contrast to that of the old officer, who, on reaching the
quurter-deck, removed the immense roof from his head, and courteously
saluted the post of honour ; for, except a quarter-master and a midship-
man no one else was near him.

" Tlie first leftenunt will be here, directly," said the midshipman,
flippantly, for he could scarcely refrain from laughing at the ludicrous
appearance of the old gentleman ; " the captain is below, sir; shall 1
tell him ?"

" Harkee, young gentleman," responded the veteran, in a hoarse rough
tone, ''I tell' you what it is — them as plays the monkey, must expect
to have monkey's allowance. Go and tell your first lei'tenaut that I —
Vice-Admiral Sir Mulberry Boreas — am on board."

The very title of Vice- Admiral was quite sufficient to terrify the poor
little mid, but, when it was coupled with so euphonious a name, he
actually trembled ; and the first lieutenant making his appearance at that
moment, the little fellow slunk below, and no persuasions could induce
him to go again upon deck whilst the veteran remained on board.

" I have to apologise for my seeming inattention. Sir," said the lieu-
tenant, raising his hat with all becoming respect when he ascertained by
his uniform the exalted rank of the visitor.

" You were attending to your duty, I suppose, sir," remarked the
admiral, " and therefore no excuses are necessary. You have come in
from the back of Margate Sands, where a frigate has been lost, — and I
wish to know — "

" Ax yer honour's pardon. Sir," said Joe Blatherwick, coming up to
the veteran, his tarpaulin hat crushed in his left hand, whilst the thumb
and finger of his right was fumbling amongst the curly locks that hung

144 JEM BUNT.

clustering on his forehead; " I hopes no offence, yer honour, but may-
hap you mayn't disremember Joe, as was cap'n's coxsun in the Rum-
bustical, seventy-four ? "

" 1 recollect you perfectly," assented the admiral, his grim features
lighted up by a smile, for he loved to recognise his old shipmates, how-
ever humble their station. " But I am engaged just now ; wait there,
and I'll overhaul a word or two with you presently." He turned to
the lieutenant : " And now, sir, if you please, about the frigate ? "

"■ The man you were speaking to, sir, was one of her people — a
boatswain's-mate, I believe," responded the lieutenant ; '" he can afford
you every particular ; and a brave fellow he is ; " — (the admiral beckoned
lu Joe to return) — " for by all accounts he saved the life of his captain
when—"

"What; — what!" exclaimed the admiral, greatly excited — "saved
who? — saved the life of Captain Weatherall, did you say?" He ex-
tended his hand to the boatswain's-mate, who respectfully took it in his
hard horny nst. " Then" — and his voice was tremulous — " I am — I
will be his friend for life — Captain Weatherall, you say, was saved ?"

" Why, yes, yer honour," uttered Joe, wondering that so much fuss
should be made about an act that he merely considered as part of his
duty , " I picked him up, and he's down below in the cabin."

During this conversation the colour went and came on the face of the
younger man, who appeared considerably agitated ; but when he heard
that the captain was safe, he fervently ejaculated, " Thank God for that!
— I then still have a brother ! "

"Shall I still remain on deck, Sir Mulberry?" asked the younger
baronet, who, from motives of delicacy, did not like to burst at once upon
the captain ; " perhaps you had better see him first, and mention that 1
am here."

"Fudge! fudge, all fudge!" exclaimed the admiral, hurriedly (for
his sensibilities were not so acute as his nephew's); "would you lag
astern till the signal is made to come within hail ? No, no, Ned
'ull be glad to see you — offer hira your fist at once — Ned's not the
lad to refuse it." And he descended to the cabin, followed by Sir
Wentworth.

"What cheer? what cheer, my heai'ty ? " vociferated the admiral,
as he entered the door and beheld the captain, who still lay upon the
couch ; but, instantly struck with his haggard ajjpearance, he lowered
his tone: "Hurt, eh? — how's this? — No one ever told me you were
hurt ! — And here's your brother come to give you a friendly hail."

Sir Wentworth had at first held back lest he should oftend the captain
by manifesting what might be construed into unfeeling presumption ;
but when he saw evident symptoms of deep distress and pain, he pushed
hastily forward, and grasping the outstretched hand of his elder brother,
sat down on the couch by his side, and his nervous system being greatly
relaxed, he wept aloud.

For several minutes not a word was uttered. Sir Mulberry blowed
his nose, and pretended to wipe the perspiration from his face, but in
fact it was mere subterfuge to conceal his emotion. At length he

JEM BITOT. 145

uttered, though his voice was tremulous, " there, there — don't go for
to make a fool of yourself, nevvy — blubbering in that fashion like
a midshipman's boy at the tail of a gun ; Ned's glad to see you ;

and we'll have him up with us to Square ; and you shall wait

on him ; and I'll keep watch and watch with you ; — and we'll get him
all-a-taunto again. And — " He stopped short, for, weakened by the
blow he had received, and his long immersion in the water, the captain,
overpowered both in mind and body at this sudden meeting, fell back
upon the couch in a state of insensibility.

CHAPTER XIII.

" And in his brain —
"Which is as dry as the remainder biscuit
After a voyage — he hath strange places cramm'd
With observations, the which he vents
In mangled forms."

As You Like It.

Btjt it is necessary before proceeding further to offer a few words by
way of explanation touching the meeting described in my last chapter.
It will be recollected that I closed Chapter XL by stating " Sir Went-
worth joined his uncle in the carriage, and away they drove to the
Admiralty." At this place Sir Mulberry, whose person was well known,
was received with the utmost attention and respect by the under-secre-
tary, — for the man who was honoured with the regard of his sovereiga
and the esteem of his country was not exactly the character to be des-
pised even at this office. Sir Mulberry inquired whether any informa-
tion had been received of the position and condition of his majesty's
ship Neverflinch.

The under-secretary replied that "she had been last seen on the
previous night running through the Downs and Gull stream with
loss of bowsprit and fore-topmast, firing guns, and showing signals of
distress."

" He is a seaman, is Ned," said the admiral, as a glow of pride warmed
his heart. " The frigate must be as leaky as a sieve ; but if it's any
way possible to keep a ship afloat, no one is better able to do it than
Cajjtain "Weatherall. I thank, you, sir, for your information." And
he prepared for departure.

"Do me the favour, admiral, to remain a few minutes," said the
under-secretary, a kind-hearted and benevolent man ; " I will send to
ascertain whether any further intelligence has arrived."

He touched his bell, which was answered without delay by an
uttendant, — " Jones," directed the secretary — " go and ask Mr. Simpkins
■f ho has heard anything further respecting the Neverflinch frigate."
19

146 JEM BTTNT.

The man bowed, and withdrew. " It has been a tempestuous night, Sir
Mulberry; in fact, the gale has been very severe for this season, — don't
you think so ? "

" Kather of the roughest, Sir," returned the veteran ; " but we must
enpect a squall or two now and then. Why, if it wasn't for a bit of a
breeze, we should have all the old women cutting their petticoats short
and spinning away aloft for main-top-men."

" A pretty exposure that would be, indeed, admiral," responded the
secretary, with a laugh. " But you know many of our seamen, even to
this day, wear petticoat trowsers."

" And nothing to beat 'em," asserted Sir Mulberry ; " I used to ship
'era in my younger days ; and they sarve to keep the wet out and the
Warmth in."

Some further desultory conversation ensued, till the messenger re-
turned, and reported that, after diligent inquiry, he had been able to
learn nothing beyond that with which the admiral was already ac-
quainted. The veteran again thanked the secretary for his attention;
and after bidding him "Good day," returned to the carriage; but before
he had entered it, and whilst his foot was already on the step, an official
came to say that the telegraph was then at work in connexion with that
on Shooter's Hill, and the subject of communication — the wreck of the
Neverflinih.

"Eh r — what : " demanded the admiral, in haste. " Wrecked ? — the
frigate wrecked, did you say ? — But come, nevvy, let's go back to Mr.

D , and wait the issue of the signals. Poor Ked ! — the Neverfliuch

wrecked ! — but, my life upon it, he behaved like a man."

Without losing a moment, they hastened to the room of the under-secre-
tary, who, though it was contrary to general orders, accompanied them
to the roof of the building, where, in the progress of telegraphing, they
ascertained that a frigate, supposed to be the Nevrrflinch, had gone down
about two miles to the southward of the Kentish Knock, (a sand between
two and three leagues from the Foreland,) and that some of the officers
and seamen had perished; the rest had been picked up by the Dandelion
ship sloop, and the Coldbath gun-brig, which were then working up the
Queen's Channel, conjectured to be bound for Sheerness. The intelli-
gence had been gained from some of the Deal boatmen who had gone out
in the morning, and on their return had narrated the particulars at the
signal station.

This was quite enough to prompt the admiral to action; for, as it waa
not known who was lost, and who was saved, his mind became restless,
and he determined to start for Sheerness as soon as he had partaken of
some refreshment, and fresh horses were put on to the carriage. They

returned to Square, and arrangements were speedily made. " Of

course, nevvy, you'll join company," said Sir Mulberry, with something
more than mere pc rsua.iion in his manner ; " so bear a hand, my boy, if
so be as you want a change of gear and another suit of sails. Poor

Ned I — though, mayhap, he's Avast, avast ! its no use meeting

trouble half way; Ned's a seaman, and whatever may have become of
himself, I'm sure he did all he could to save his ship ; — so look smart

JEM BTTNT. 147

nervT, — the Dan[de?(i^'y"""*^<^^ave to wait a tide, — and the chances are
tJiaf- wp shall atJi me— it was ham svoiiv ix..u >-

tnat we snail g«t .. Wentworth, a very stirring luc ,

I need not say that an^ir_^ ^mw ,^^. J,^_ ,^ ,^. .^ ^^^ ^^u

mind between fraternal regara and the still stronsjer love tor rnu^ .a:
still he could not refuse to accompany the admiral, to whom he was so
much indebted; and the thoughts of leaving Miss El wester in her pain-
ful and doubtful situation distressed him exceedingly. He entered the
library, where he found our hero Jem, luxuriating amongst the books and
searching out the pictures. "The very individual I want," said the
baronet, who readily perceived that he possessed the means of informing
Amelia of every circumstance connected with his unavoidable absence ;
80 hastily sitting down to his desk, he penned an explanatory letter,
■which, as a matter of course, abounded with endearing epithets of ten-
derness and fervent affection.

" I am going away, Jem," said the baronet, addressing the boy, " but
I trust it will not be for long. To-night — "

" Vere are you going to ? " asked Jem, interrupting his patron, and
looking rather blank at the announcement.

"I am going to Sheerness," returned the baronet, desirous of fixing
the fact upon his mind, " my brother is come home from abroad, and we
are to hasten down to fetch him here."

" Ve ! vy who does yer honour mean by ve ? " demanded Jem,
rather gloomily ; " you arn't never a-going to take me vith you, are

you ? "

" No, Jem ! — no ; I have other occupation for you," replied Sir "Went-
worth, with energy. " Did you see the strange gentleman who came
to-day in his carriage ? "

" Vot, the Prince of Vales ? " inquired the lad, as he looked earnestly
in the baronet's face ; " yes, I seed the Prince of Vales, with his big
hat, and sword, and gold lace."

" And who told you it was the Prince of Wales ? " demanded Sir
Wentworth, who suspected some one had been practising' upon the boy's
credulity.

" Vy, it was von o' the flunkies," replied Jem ; sensible that hia
patron was angry about something, though he could not tell what.

" Oh, it was — was it ? " said Sir Wentworth, by no means pleased
that such liberties should be taken with his relative. " Can you recol-
lect Jem, which of them it was ? "

The lad hesitated ; he suspected that all was not right ; and he was
afraid he should bring the servant into trouble if he identified him —
though why, or wherefore, was a mystery, as he firmly believed that he
had actuallj- seen the Prince of Wales, and therefore he could not con-
ceive that his informant had erred. Still, hoping to avoid doing any
mischief, he answered, " Vy, no, yer honour; I can't say as I should
know him again. But vot's up about the Prince of Vales ? "

"You have been imposed upon my boy," responded the baronet,
hastily, " and I would discharge the fellow who presumed to take such
a liberty with his master. The officer you saw is not the Prince of
Wales, but Vice Admiral Sir Mulberry Boreas."

148 JEM btt:

-•

"Wice! — vot, yer honour?" asked J'^'-- -"■ ^ -'.■-> 1 ^ 'acing an
i^- 1 ^1. "^ -._ . — / severe for v.: » . i • ®

estimate upon thr^ *" — ' ^ l his name;

"^Lther of tb. ------ returned th. ' " ^^'^ ^^'^ ^

.Lxixu. Lue JtrrincB ui . -.^

'^'^x naven't time to explain these things to you now, J said Sir

"Wentworth, smiling at the lad's ideas ; " but as you will nave to try
and see the lady to-night, (for you know she expects you,) I want you
to understand that my brother. Captain Weatherall, has come from India
and I am going down to Sheerness to meet him in company with my
uncle."

" Vith who r " inquired the boy, with an arch knowingness in his
look. " Vy, vos that ere gcnelraan, as vosn't the Prince of Vales, 'my
uncle ? ' Well, though I've heard 'em talk ever so much about ' my
uncle,' I never seed him afore — no vender he's togg'd off so fine ; he
must have plenty of dumps to lend so many of 'em as he does, to every-
body as sjjouts tlieir traps."

The baronet stared at hearing the lad claim relationship, in the word
"my," with the vice-admiral; and still more so at his observation re-
lative to money-lending, for he had no idea that the only " UQcle " Jem
had ever been acquainted with, even by name, was the wealthy and kind-
hearted being, whose sign of the three balls (the Lombard arms), graced
every pawnbroker's shop in the metropolis. *' What do you mean, my
boy ? " asked Sir Wentworth ; " "out we will talk of this at some other
opportunity. Now mind what I say — you must contrive to deliver
this letter to the lady at the next house, and follow her directions. I
shall leave orders with Senhouse to see that you are properly taken
care of — "

" Oh, never you go for to mind that ere, Sir Ventworih,"' said Jem,
with an air of confidence ; "I arn't been so long in this here vurld but
vot I can take care o' myself. Ould Peter Macaw used to say — ' Vot
'uU become of you — you young wagabone ;' but I'll show Peter Alacaw
vot I am now. Only you jist give orders to let me have my own vay,
yer honour — as much grub as I can eat, and a glass of that ere vine as
you guv me yesterday, ven I vant's it — I shall hobble on pretty middling
till you comes back — except in regard of a little more money — for I
means to go wisit my ould master and missus; and I should like to guv
the young 'uns a blow out, for ould acqvaintance sake."

A servant here entered, and respectfully inquired whether the young
baronet was ready for his journey, as the old baronet was waiting. Sir
Wentworth told him that he would be with Sir Mulberry in a few
minutes ; and the servant having retired, corporal Senhouse was sum-
moned, and directed to give Jem every becoming latitude; and to supply
his wants in moderation. He then hurried away to his uncle — the car-
riage was in readiness, and, entering it with the admiral, away they

dashed from Square, and were soon rattling along the road for

Chatham.

" And how docs the world roU round with you, nevvy ? " inquired
the admiral. " What makes you in the sick-list, when you ought to
be enjoying yourself, and climbing aloft to pleasure, hand-over-hand f

JEM BUNT. 149

When I was your age, young man, thauk God, I'd never no time to
have anything ail me — it was hard work from morning till night. Mine
has been a stirring life, Sir Wentworth, a very stirring life ; and I hope
I shall never forget the days when my hands were dipped in the tar-
bucket."

" It is a good quality of the mind, Sir," replied the young baronet,
" to cherish a feeling of pride at having risen from humble origin."

" Humble, Sir — what do you mean by humble r" retorted the admiral,
warmly. " My father was one of the best seamen in his Majesty's navy ;
and though he never rose higher than boatswain's mate, yet, Sir. he
was an honour and credit to the sarvice. Bilberry Boreas, Sir — that's
your grandfather, young man, never had a drop of humble blood in his
veins."

" I think you have mistaken my meaning, uncle," mildly expostulated
Sir Wentworth. " I did not, by the term humble, allude to anything
degrading in character; but merely that the station was subordinate."

" And ar'n't we all subordinate ? " insisted tlie veteran, for anxiety-
had chafed his spirit. "Every man has his especial duty to perform in
working ship. The officers would be nothing without the men, nor the
men without the officers ; — though, I must say, that without officers —
aye, and good officers too, the sarvice would go to the devil. I've been
brought up in a rough school, nevvy. I sarved, in my j-ounger days,
with some of the best and bravest men in his majesty's navy. I was
born under Montague's pennant — mad Montague, as they used to call
him. He hod the old Bristol; and my verj- infancy inured me to the
music of rattling broadsides — for I was in her when she fougiit the Le
Inwincible — and I was then only a few weeks old. D — me, sir, I've
been brought up from the height of a wad amongst the ' fire-eaters,' as
they used to call 'em ; and I'll teU you, that when I was only a few
weeks old, I was stowed away in a flour-cask, as the ship went into
action with Jonquire's squadron. And I've heard my father tell the story
often, that whilst the Bristol was engaging the Le Inwincible, Cap'n
Fincher, in the Pembroke, tried to lun in betwixt us ; and because we'd
got close alongside, Cap'n Fincher hailed us ' to put our helm a-star-
board, or he should fall aboard of us.' And what do you think Mon-
tague answered?" The admiral paused.

" I really cannot say. Sir Mulberry," answered the young baronet,
whose thoughts were mox'C engaged upon the lady of his affections,
than on the yarn his old uncle was spinning ; nor did he know what
was meant by one ship falling aboard of another. " I really cannot say."

"No — no, how should you ? " assented the veteran, with a shake of
the head. ** You as never saw a shot fired in anger since you was bora,
it isn't in natur to expect you should know."

Sir Wentworth was somewhat nettled at the supposition of his
ignorance in nautical matters. He therefore interrupted his uncle -with
— " Perhaps, Captain Montague told him not to fall aboard of him for
fear he should break his limbs."

Sir Mulberry had been leaning back against the soft cushions of the
carriage whilst conversing, but on hearing this, he inclined his body

150 JEM BTTirr.

forward, and looked his nephew earnestly in the face. At first he sus-
pected that a quiz was intended — a joke that he abominated — but seeing
Sir Wentworth perfectly serious, the dark scowl left his countenance,
and was succeeded by a look that was meant for pity, as he muttered,
" What a know-nothing it is ! ah, that comes of not being educated in a
man-of-war. No, sir ; he did not say so — eyes and limbs were not of
much consideration that day. No, sir ; he told him to ' run foul of him

and be , for no man in the world should come in between him and

his enemy ' — that was the spirit, sir. And when he had silenced the Le
Inwincible, he made sail for the Le Diamond ; and fought her till the
Frenchman's decks were like a slaughter-house, and his scuppers run-
ning with blood, before she struck. Took two of 'em that day ; and
Bilberry Boreas, your grandfather, young man, was the first man in
boarding. Talk about humble origin, indeed ! — there was glory iu it,
sir I — glory ! My mother had half-buried me in a flour-cask, as I told
you, for fear of the shot, and when my father came down below,
and saw me, he wanted to know if they were going to make a sea-pie
of me."

** More like a magpie at present," thought Sir Wentworth, but he did
not say so. " Such recollections," he observed, " must be peculiarly
gratifying."

" But the admiral was determined, somehow or other, not to be
pleased. "No, sir," said he, they are not recollections; for I was too
young then, being only a babby, to know anything about it."

"It was a noisy and hazardous ushering into life, sir," remarked Sir
Wentworth ; and, desirous of pleasing his uncle by humouring his at-
tachment to yarn-spinning, he added, " your adventures must be highly
interesting, admiral."

" I've done my duty, young man," responded Sir Mulberry in a
more subdued tone of voice ; " and 1 shared prize-money when I was
only twelve months old ; for I was entered on the ship's books as a
supernumerary the very day I was born, and we captured a French
register-ship, with three hundred and sixty thousand dollars in her hold,
besides a valuable cargo. What do you think of that? — I was rolled
in dollars, sir — literally rolled in money, — never talk of humble origin
again."

" You really must pardon me, uncle, for making use of that term,"
said Sir Wentworth, somewhat vexed at its being so frequently re-
peated ; " I solemnly assure you, I meant nothing offensive."

" Mayhap not, mayhap not, assented the admiral, with more good
humour than he had hitherto manifested ; you meant that I rose from a
foremast man ; and so 1 did, — it's my pride that I did, — and good for-
tune, and a grateful countrj', have rewarded my sarvices. But avast,
avast — whilst speaking of the gratitude of my country, I mustn't forget
what is due to your father, young man ; lie was a gallant and honour-
able gentleman, and though there was that bit of a love affair betwixt
him and Miriam, he behaved handsomely at the last. For my part, I
can't, for the life of me, understand how people can be so fond of each
other as only to exist when together. Women are all very well in their

JEM BUNT. 151

place, to cook a piece of beef and wash a shirt ashore — though your fine
ladies would faint at the thoughts of it. But that which they calls
love I — it's like froth on the coom of a sea ; and many a true-love-kuot
gets transmogrified into a hangman's noose."

"Come, come, uncle, not so hard, if you please, upon the females,"
remonstrated Sir Wentworth ; " they are given to man as a blessing."

" And pretty blessings many of them are," exclaimed the old bachelor,
"thrown in to make up measure after a hard bargain."

" You are too censorious, admiral," returned iSir Wentworth ; " but
you do not mean all you saj' ; for I am sure you cannot forget I had a
mother and a grandmother who bore the name of Boreas."

" Aye, and so you had, boy," responded the admiral, grasping h's
nephew's hand with strong feeling, "so you had; and better women
never spread cloth to the breeze. Oh, don't think I like you a bit the
less for standing up for the sex — I admire them myself — in their places
though. Now there was old Rodney ; he was a devil of a fellow
amongst the lasses, and so was Montague ; and though they made thou-
sands upon thousands prize-money, why it never lasted long. I've
steered clear of them, young man, and shall be able to leave you and
Ned something comfortable when I slip from my moorings. Poor Ned,
1 hope he's safe ! — he'll be an honour to his country — no love affairs for
him, I'll answer for it ; though he was rather a wild slip at cruizing
among the lasses at Portsmouth — his ship's his wife — unfortunately he's
buried her — but he'll soon be married again— and that's the only wife a
seaman should have."

" You forget, admiral," responded Sir Wentworth, laughing. " if
sailors were not to marry, the breed of jolly tars would become extinct,
and who then shall we get to man our fleets r"

"Right, boy, right," assented the veteran, with great seriousness;
" I never thought of that ! Aye, aye, it's worth consideration, that is ;
and who knows but I may get married myself ? — in that sense it's a
duty we owe our country — eh ? — aye, so it is."

But this was a point Sir Wentworth was by no means desirous to
bring his uncle to ; and therefore, to divert his attention, he observed,
" I have heard strange tales about Captain Montague ; he once went
from Portsmouth to London by land in his boat — didn't he ?"

" Ah, I well remember that," answered Sir Mulberry, pleased that
he could indulge in his propensity for a yarn ; " I was then only a
youngster, and had followed him out of the Bristol into the Cumber-
land. Montague had taken some freak in his head to go to London
after a lady — there you see, boy, the women were at the head of the
mischief. Sir Edward Hawke had his flag flying at Spithead, and some
of the court gentry came down upon the sly to visit him — one of the
ladies was a young princess, who was said to be very beautiful ; and, at
one of your jigamaree balls at Portsmouth, given on the occasion,
Montague danced with her royal highness, and they seemed mightily
pleased with each other's company. So what must he do but fall
desperately in love with the princess, and commit a thousand extrava-
gances I and after the party had hauled their wind for the metropolis,

152 JEM BTTNT.

he goes to Sir Edward Hawke, and asks for leave of absence to mako
sail for London. The fleet were expecting to go into the Channel, but the
Cumberland was refitting ; and Sir Edward, fearful that the mad scamp
•would be after some hair-brained scheme or (other, told him that ' the
urgency of the sarvice required his utmost exertions, and he could not
grant him leave to go further from his ship than his barge would carry
him.' "Well, my boy, that was quite enough for the harum-scarum
brain of Montague, who was never at a loss for a project — his head was
like the devil's log-book, every day's work footed up with mischief of
Bome kind or other — and so he orders a spring-carriage to be made upon
wheels, and to be down at Point- Beach at a given hour on a day ap-
pointed. The secret w^as kept snug, and at the time named, the barge
fresh painted was ordered ashore, and away went the crew, in their
best clothes, and Montague was there all ready. So they hauled up the
barge, and mounted it on the carriage, and six horses, completely rigged,
•with fellows in blue silk jackets to steer 'em, clapped on to the towlines,
and the cossun took his station on the box ; and Captain Montague sat
down abaft, and the crew out-oars, and away they pulled up Point,
every body cheering as thej' went along, and so, before the admiral's
lodgings in High Street. Oh, I well recollect it ! — for, boy-like, I got
leave from the first lieutenant to see the fun, and there was a staff with
a pennant hoisted in the bows, and a small ensign hoisted abaft, and
men-of-war" s-men waving their tarpaulin hats ; and the sun shone
brightly, for it was spring time ; and the crew stretched out as grave as
the Book of Judges, and Montague never smiled, but sat as stiff as a
gunner's sponge. When they got to the admiral's lodgings on their
beam, Sir Edward came to the window — the coxsun -waved his hand —
the men tossed their oars, and Captain Montague rose up in the stern-
bheets and bowed — and then the crowd shouted again, and some of the
wags Set the bells a-ringing — and it certainly was a curious sight. And
60 Sir Edward, seeing how matters stood, sent for the captain, and
granted him permission to go to London without his barge. 13ut it
didn't end there ; for Montague had laid in three daj's' provision — wine,
and grog, and hams, and beef, and bread for all hands — and when he
had got his leave he told the coxsun to sarve it out, and then there was
a precious sliindy ; for the women — ah, they're always first and fore-
most in mischief^ — got aloft into the barge, and the postillions drove
round the town, and every soul got a glorious tuck out. Oh, aye, I
■well remember it ! "

Thus far the veteran had allowed the reminiscences of boyhood to
get the better of his judgment as an officer : but reflection came over
his mind, and he added with much seriousness — '*I3ut it was wrong,
though, young man ! — very wrong in Captain Montague ! — it encou-
raged insubordination, and gave a licensed sanction to drunkenness !
The sarvice was not then what it is now, and the seamen were more
reckless without being so brave."

" Don't you think, admiral, that association with females has rendered
them more civilised without deteriorating from their gallantry ?" iu-
quired Sir Wentworth.

Jr.ii PUNT. 15S

'• Can't say — never had experience that way," responded the admiral,
shrugging his shoulders, " tliough I sha'n't forget your hint, young
man, on the duty of marrying. " He looked earnestly at his m-phew,
whose face had assumed a crimson hue, and added, " You've rubbed the
phalk off your log-board my boy, and j'our figure-head is as red as if
you had just drawn a supply of paint from the dock-yard. Is it because
I may have a family, that makes you change colour, or have you been
looki?]g out for a consort for yourself, eh ? AYell, mayhap I mayn't be
altogether the man to make a long splice of it, though I'm as hale and
heart}- as ever [ was ; but it wouldn't be exactly ship-shape to see an
admiral of my standing, wlio«;e voice lias been heard in the roaring of
tlie hurricane and amid the thunder of battle, singing lullaby to a babby
that I could cradle in mj- hat — aye, sir, this very hat ; " and the
admiral took off his enormous roof, and eyed it with complacency as he
went through the imitative process of rocking a child to sleep.

Sir Wentworth, knowing the seriousness of his uncle's character, had
been rather alarmed when the veteran talked of matrimony, so that a
sudden flush came over his countenance; but he could not refrain from
smiling at the droll associations with which the old man had concluded ;
and he felt a rising ifaclination to reveal the exact position in which he
stood relative to iliss Elwester. Still a sense of delicacy for the lady
restrained him, and he merely observed that " marriage was a sacred
obligation to society ; and a good wife, above all price."

" Mayhap so — luayhap so," returned the admiral, with much earnestr
ness; "and some years hence, nevvy, when j-ou're old enough ^to com-
mand a craft of that kind, there can be no objections to your getting a
commission from the parson, and hoisting your pennant, liut you're
too young in your sailings, yet awhile, to go on a voyage for life with-
out knowing the trim of your vessel, or where she best carries her ballast.
A woman's a woman, nevvy — the same as a ship's a ship ; but who but
a lubber would go for to say that a Sunderland collier is equal to a
noble first-rate ? Not that I mean, nevvy, that a woman should carry
.guns, for she's better without 'em ; but that it requires knowledge and
( xperience of ratings in these matters, with some ])ractical skill in the
standing and running rigging ; and, above all, whether she's quick iu
btays, and will bear down directly the helm's up."

Thus passed the time in conversation, till they reached their destina-
tion. It was about midnight, and all inquiry was necessarily deferred;
but at an early hour the admiral was on the move, and commanding his
nephew to "turn out," they were in a short time making their way to
.the dockyard, where they learned that the sloop and brig had not yet
shown their numbers, but two vessels answering their description were
then at anchor below, waiting for the tide of flood. Deeply anxious, as
.both the baronets were, to ascertain the fate of their relative, the ad-
miral endeavoured to hire a vessel in which he could run down to the
sloop, but not succeeding, he waited on the commissioner as soon as he
was to be seen, and stated his difficulty. The use of the commisioner's
barge was offered, and gladly accepted, and by the time the vessels of
c War had got underway, and had turned up to the j^reat xSore, the
20 ■

164 XEM BTTNT.

idmiral and Sir Wentworth were pulling out of the harbour, and the in-
terview afterwards took place on board the sloop, as already described ;
and no time was lost in conveying Captain Weatherall ashore, where,
after a few hours' delaj', the carriage was again ordered, and riding
horses being hired for the coxswain and boatswain's mate, the whole
party started for the metropolis.

CHAPTER XIV.

•'His horse, who never in that sort
Had handled been before.
What thing upon his back had got
Did wonder more and more."

CoWPEU.

♦* A horse ! — a horse ! — my kingdom for a horse ! "

Shakespeare.

The day was beautifully fine as the party quitted Sheerness — the sun
shone on the gorgeous fields of meadow-grass and ripening corn — a cool
breeze swept across the waters, and gathered the fragrance of hedge
flowers in its progress over the land — the birds and the butterflies were
sporting in the warmth, and all, all spoke of happy England, the home
of a Briton's heart. Captain Weatherall felt its generous influences the
more from having been so long absent from the enjoyment ; and though
suffering severe pain, yet he could not but feel the affectionate attention
of his brother, and the rough but ardent kindness of the worthy ad-
miral. Both tried to soothe him under his misfortunes and affliction,
and he strove to repress compluinings, and endeavoured to appear cheer-
ful and happy. But they could not see the powerful workings of distress
that embittered every rising prospect of gratification — they were not
sensible that a worm was gnawing at the very heart's core, and bligliting
the opening germ of promised pleasure. The very semblance of the
scenery around them, as tliey came along the open road, reminded him
of a season and occurrences, when his spirit exulted in its joyous
strength, and the love of confiding innocence was his own.

As for the two seamen, they came jauntily along the road. Excla-
mations of regret and even tears had been shed to the memory of de-
parted shipmates — many a recollection of the old frigate had been
revived, with all the attachment that a seaman generally bears to the
reminiscences of his ship ; but neither sorrow nor melancholy could
endure long in the breasts of these children of the ocean, who felt that
they were again on their own liorae-shore, snatched from urgent peril
on the deep, and now revelling in the richness of bounteous nature, as
it lay spread before them. Oh ! there is an indescribable, an invaluable

.TEM BUM. 153

mellowness in the feelirg, when, after years of absence in a foreign land,
the feet first tread the rich and fertile soil of our native land, and the
eye beholds the sun -lit landscape of the splendid country of our birth,
where the valleys are teeming with abundance, and the hills are laugh-
ing in luxuriant gladness.

The steeds of the seamen were very dissimilar, both in symmetry
and behaviour; for that on which Joe had mounted was an old
hunter, and though now, through age and overwork, reduced to the
drudgery of a mere hack, had still the remnant of good blood in him;
and when warmed with exercise, his spirit would burst forth, and for
a short time he maintained his proud descent from a sire that had
carried royalty. The coxswain's was a large animal of the Flemish
breed, a steady going old blade, who seldom forgot his consistency ;
and having been frequently engaged in performing the last rites due
to perishing mortality, by drawing a hearse, he had acquired a degree
of solemnity perfectly compatible with the character he was expected
to enact.

When they were fairly out on the road, "Well, I'm blesaed, but this
here's a rum go, any how," said Joe Blatherwick to his messmate, as
they rode alongside of each other, each ambitious to display his horse-
manship to the best advantage, in the presence of the outriders in the
dicky of the carriage. " We've got a couple of clean-going craft, that's
for certain ; but somehow or other, I don't understand the heaving and
setting to the swell, as I've seed some of tiie genelmen practice ; and as
for these here gilguys and head-braces, according to my notion o' things,
they ar'n't rove as they should be."

" Why, shipmate, they do run soraut crojack-brace fashion, and that's
the truth on it," replied Hardovcr, trying to lift in his saddle to the
motion of the animal's trot; but this here pulling a-head, where a man
has to rise from his thwart every time he stretches out, jist puts me in
mind o' the Porteegeeze bargemen, when they keeps stroke by the
whistle. And then to have the tillffl--ropes leading forud instead of
aft, is enough to puzzle a man as has been used to steer with a wheel.
Yet arter all, messmate, we ought to be grateful for being where we
are, for we've overhauled a lesson in life within these few days, as
ought to be entered in the log-book of memory till we heaves short to
trip the anchor for the last time. It should make us think upon our
latter eend, Joe."

"Latter eend, Jem!" uttered the boatswain's mate, who took the matter
literally ; " why so it does, messmate — so it does — for mine's getting
most confoundedly chafed with this here leather consarn as is under me ;
and I'm blessed if it ull let me forget it." His horse began to show its
mettle. " Steady, there — steady, so," said he, addressing the creature,
which seemed to be aware that he was bestrode by some uncouth being,
totally unaccustomed to equestrian exercise, and therefore amused him-
self with prancing and playing tricks, that set curb and rein at de-
fiance. " He steers cursedly wild, Jem."

" I thinks you're too much by the head, shipmate," said the coxswain,
in a business-like way. " You do yaw about in your course like a

156 JEM BtTST.

Dutch schuyt running di-ad afore it. 13ul shift ballast furllier afl, Joe,
and lighten your craft forud, my boy ; mayhap you may then bring hor
to a small helm."

Ijut Joe's horse had no intention to be brought to a " small helm," as
the coxswain called it, that is, under obedient control, for it curvetted
and reared, and more than once or twice made a run towards the hedge,
as if inclined to take a leap. But there was one mode of his proceedin,<»
that jiuzzled the worthy tars more than all the rest, and that was its
caracolling sideways, or rather shoulder first. "Well, I'm blow'd," said
the boatswain's mate, vainly trying to soothe and keep him quiet, "if
this here don't beat me out and out. Wliy, Jem, a fellow may jist a3
well be sitting, tailor-fashion, on the back of a land crab, cruising oflf
the Pallysadcs in Jeemaker. What ud Poll say, if she could see me on
the deck of such a craft as this. Eut what's the use o* thinking about
Poll; she's slipped her wind, messmate; that letter — that onfortinate
letter has done it all. Well, blow all letter-writing, without a man can
keep his own reckoning all fair and aboveboard " — the horse started, —
*• 60-ho, darling, so-ho — there's a beauty, behave yourself, and stand stiff
under your canvass, wool you r "

The animal, in mere wanton playfulness, still continued restive and
unmanageable, to the great annoyance of the gallant searartn, and much
to the entertainment of the servants on the carriage. " You are out of
trim, Joe — I'm sartin you are," said Hardover, with vehemence. " Shift
ballast aft, as I tell j'ou, and you'll come to a straight course. But if so
be as you ctui't make better headway on it than you do now, why pivc
uiu u liail, luissuiale, and I 11 take you in tow."

" I'm tiiinking it must be the under-current Jem," said the l)oat-
fewain's-mate; and observing the outriders in the dickey ridiculing them,
he axigrily shouted out, "Avast, there, ye lubberly know-nothings. Do
you think a man as has rid for hours on a topsel-yaid in a gale of wind
and a heavy sea, cant sit upon sich a thing as this here horse. You
onmannerly scamps, I'll soon show you."

" Look ahead there, Joe," said the coxswain, irritated at the insult
attempted to be put upon his messmate; " one o' them there lick-dishea
is houlding out the slack of his handkercher to you for a towlin. They're
going away from us, hand over hand. Shift ballast, my hearty, as I
ad wises you. That ere animal has been used to have an officer on his
quarter-deck, anybody may see that — so jist you shift ballast, and let
us show them fellows what we can do."

"Aye, aye, shipmate, I'll shift my berth directh' ; but I must jist
shorten in the slack of my legs first," returned the boatswain's-rnate,
removing his I'eet from the stirrup-irons, and then forcing them betweea
the two straps of the stirrup-leather, so as to raise his knees nearly to
a level with the seat of the saddle, out of which he sprang on to the
animal's hinder part, as a sweep would sit on a donkey, and immediately
the creature began to fling out and kick, to the great delight of the ser-
vants who roared with laughter, whilst the perspiration poured down
^oe's "well-bronzed face, as he unceasingly endeavoured to pacify the
arute. As for Jem, he puUed up, and looked on for a moment or two,

■ /:

JEM BnKT. 157

and then tried to haul alongside of his shipmate in distress. "Ease her)
boy, ease her," shouted the coxswain, who saw the boatswain's mate
tugging at the reins.

"Its o' no manner o' use," responded Elatherwick, holding on to the
hind part of the saddle with one hand, and trying to check the creature
with the other; "he warnt satisfied with me in amidships, and now
I've got into the starn-sheets he's worse nor ever, so I'll shift back
again, and try the fore -peak."

The coxswiin with some difficulty at last got close to hira on his
starboard bow, and extending his arm, made a snatch at the reins, in
order to take his messmate in tow ; but the restive brute, as if aware of
his design, turned suddenly round and kicked out behind. "Oh, you"re
up to that fun, are you ? " said Jem ; " then here's bear up under your
•Btarn, and rake j'ou." "Without losing a moment, the coxswain crossed
the flanks of the creature, and in passing gave him a smart blow
with his stick, never once thinking of the hazard to which he might
expose his friend, but intent only upon repaying an insult. This ho\v»
ever, quickly brought matters to a climax ; the horse's head was
turned towards Sheerness, and first thrusting his nose between his
fore legs, and again flmging out behind, he snorted violently, and then
started at full speed back upon the road he had already come. Poor
Joe had got into the saddle again, and now losing all restraint, bent
down, and clung round the animal's neck, resigning himself to his
fate, under a firm conviction that he had boarded a fiend ; his hat
came off, and remained behind, and away he went, flying along at
the rate of fourteen knots an hour. The spirited hack kept to the
highway as long as its direction was in a straight line, but a curve,
bounded by a dry ditch, jiresenting itself, the creature ran at it, and
cleared the space in good style. This was rather too mucli even Ibr
Joe's maguanimitj'' ; and therefore throwing himself from the saddle
during tlie leap, he performed a half somerset, and alighted in the
ditch, without sustaining any injury beyond a thorough shaking, so that
he was soon on his legs again.

When the coxswain saw his friend " make all sail " away from liim,
he immediately followed in chase as fast as the speed of his heavy animal
would let liim, and hailing as loud as he could for his messmate to
" tbrow all aback and bring up ; " and when he beheld Joe flying over
the ditch, he fully determined not to be outdone, but made ready to
go after him. 13ut the horse would not accede to tliis, and stopped
bhort at the bank, just as Joe had crawled to the summit, and was
forcing his way through a bed of nettles and thistles. " Yo-hoy,
my hearty, what cheer — what cheer .^ " demanded he j "a clean
capsize, and no butts started, I hope."

" No, no, messmate, responded the boatswain's mate, " nothing

carried away but myself — every timber sound, but ■ shaken ; and

I'll tell you what it is, Jem, that ere animal is one of yer 'long
shore devils. Who'd have thought that anything alive would have
used an onfortinate tar in this fashion ! And now what am I to do
to join the admiral ? "

158 STM -BxrsT.

" Do, Joe ? Lord love your silly head for axing such a question,"
exclaimed the coxswain, reproachfully ; " I thought you, as a seamaa
who has weathered many u gale, would have known better. What
must you do r why you must come aboard of me, to be sure, and my
craft must carry us both — that's what you must do. Why, do you
suppose I'd go for to desart you ? Catch hould of my leg, messmate,
ind mount up abaft — but stop, jist move on a little way, and pick up
your truck, as fell overboard during the run."

Blathorwick complied, looking occasionally at the animal he had so
recently parted company with, which was now standing in the midst
of a rich pasture, neighing with the delights of freedom. " Ah, laugh
away, ould Belzebub," said Joe ; " I'm well rid on you, any how. To
go for to play such pranks with an ould seaman. But no matter, you
lubber with onprincipled shanks, I've doubled upon you many a
time, and will do so again, please the pigs. He thought to nab me,
Jem, as sure as I'm alive; but it arnt come to that, and never will, if
I can but keep the weathergage. "

Having picked up his hat, Joe mounted behind the coxswain ; and
the carriage being now a long way in advance, the two seamen jogged
on quietly together to the tarry, where on arrival they found that
the admiral had already crossed, and proceeded onwards. The tars
were not long in passing over, and when on the opposite shore, they
obtained pipes, and tobacco, and grog. It was agreed that Joe should
steer, and Jem look out for squalls, and to relieve each other, watch and
watch at the helm. The saddle, however, was very much in their
way, and so they persuaded the ferryman to remove it altogether,
and substitute a checquered horse-cloth in its place, and thus equipped,
they once more set forward on their juurney, and from the clouds of
smoke that curled above their lieads, it might have been supposed they
were going by steam, only for one thing — steam had not theu been
applied to locomotives.

" I'm thinking, Joe," said the coxswain, as the spectators laughed
and passed their jokes upon the tars, " that we rather astonish the
weak minds of the long-shore folks, by their grinning like so many
cat-heads."

" Why, aye, messmate," responded the boatswain's mate, as he
puffed out a full fathom of smoke ; ** but then, d'ye see, it's all excu-
sable, for what are they but lubbers without nat'ral laming, who knows
no more of a snatchblock or a dead-eye, or, for the matter o' that, even
of a puttock-shroud, than a jolly does of handling a marlin spike, or
the boasun's yeoman about a sarmon- book. So never mind, my boy;
just keep her her course, and we shall find our port, never fear.
I ounly wish I could find Poll as easy — the prize-money 'ud be worth
veering and hauling upon then. Howsomever, I'm bless'd but wo
shall tickle the agents a teaser this time, by the power of money they'll
have to pay us ; and it puzzles my calkelation to know where it's
all to come from ; though no doubt they'll hould on by the slack
of as much as ever they can gather to theirselves. They're a precious
set of rogues, them agents, anyhow."

/EM BUNT. 159

"You're right there, Bhipmate," assented the coxswain, from past
experience. " But I say, Joe, where do you think them fellows goes to
when they slips their wind out o' this."

"Goes to!" responded Blatherwick with vehemence; " why who'd
ever ax sich a question as knows the main-tack from the captain's
applet — why, they goes to blazes, to be sure."

" And a comical, no man's land sort of a place that 'ere must be,"
uttered the coxswain. "I've pretty well overhauled every part of the
oncivilised globe in my time, but I'm bless'd if I should'nt like to take
a trip there, jist to see what sort of a consarn it is. As for ould Davy,
you may al'ays weather upon him by keeping a good luff, seeing he
carn't handle his craft well when close haul'd, in regard of his onna-
tural outrigger, which, whether he's pleased or angry, goes hard up
or hard down, swinging about like a spanker-boom in a calm. Now,
messmate, it stands to reason, when a ship's tiller has neither ropes,
guys, nor relieving tackle, it's onpossible to keep from making plenty
of lee- way, for the rudder gets full play to itself, and the vessel steers
as wild as a dog in a fair."

" There's wisdom and laming in that argyfication, Jem," said the
boatswain's mate, seriously. "And as for them prize agents — why,
I'm saying, messmate, if ever it should be your fortin — for there's
no telling what luck a fellow may have — to take a cruize in them
warm latitudes, why then jist keep a sharp look out to diskiver two
weasel-face, tallow-grease looking chaps, — the very moral and spit of
each other — though 1 arn't quite sure as there was a pair on 'em,_ and
that's the pint I'm most dubersome about."

" Why who were they, Joe ? " enquired the coxswain ; " sich things
do happen, you know, as people to be alike, and mayhap they were
twins."

"Well, that's jist what I wants to have dissolved to me," exclaimed
the boatswain's mate; "and I say, Jem, if ever you should come
athwart 'em — though it ar'n't very likely — all I wishes you to do, is to
ax the pickylating wagabone what has become of the prize-money for

Saint E , as we took under ould E. , and them there Spanish

prizes, some on 'em with a cargo of gold bars ; — for not never a soul
nfore the mast got as much coin out of 'em as you could jingle on a
tomb-stone — and I'm thinking the officers shared but little better, as
maj hap the admiral ahead could tell you."

" And who was the picarooning thief, Joe ? " demanded the cox-
Bwain. " But mind your helm, lad — there's a strange sail bearing
down right afore it, and carrying on a taut press."

The tars had emerged on the great turnpike-road to the metropolis ;
and the strange sail was the down coach for Dover, rattling along
at a good pace, and followed by clouds of dust. Joe Blatherwick
"wanted to heave- to to speak to them, but this was overruled by the
coxswain, who, instead of hauling athwart the road, prudently drew up
near the edge : and the seamen cheering as the vehicle passed, the
coachman and passengers, amidst much merriment at the unusual
epcctacle, promptly responded, and they again pursued their ^'ay.

TOO Jrrsi Ktrwi.

*' And novr, Joe," said Hardover, " whilst you keep your course, jist
overhaul the matter o' that prize agent. Who was he, Joe ? "'

"Wl-.owas lie?" roitonitcd the veteran, "well then, shipmate, it
'ud take as much breath as "ud till a main-course to tell you who he
was, and then mayhap j-ou'd be none the wiser. Some said he'd been
n boddy-grabber, as captured onfortinates when they had'nt a shot left
in the locUer — a sort of bomb-ketch ; otliers declared he was a hypo-
critical parson, who ate more of his neighbour's grub than his own, and
kept Ids children in other men's kitchens; but there was them as said
he'd been a reglar built clargy, as used to bend his sarplice all ship-
shape in a right arnest church, and had a full fight-devil commission
from his majesty. All I knows is, that he was the ailmiral's sacketary,
and sure enough he sacked all the prize-money, I'm saying, Jem, he was
a thundering rogut — but rogue's too good for him — he was an onnatural
lubber, as 'ud rob a poor babby of a mouthful of soft-tommy, if it was
well buttered."

" But how was it, Joe? — there, steady so, and steer small," said the
coxswain, as a gig drove past them. " Didn't you never, not none o'
you, make applicaton for payment r"'

"Application!" repeattd the boatswain's mate; "give us a tot o'
grog, Jem, — is it application you're talking about .^ why, aye, to be sure
we made application ; but what do you think the buffer did ? Well,
then, shipmate, arter the admiral struck his flag, the sacketary goes
ashore to the big town as we're bound to now, and takes a grand house ;
but seeing as one and another, officers and men, used to hail him fov the
prize-money, he purtends to slip his cable lor t'other world ; and he got
his death logged down in the newspapers, with a long palaver about his
honour and 'tegrity — pitching the gammon hot and strong, as there
warn't one word of truth in it from stem to starn. Well, Bill Transom,
as was Captain of the ould Sandwich's main-top, and 1 gets libertj',
meaning to go and overhaul the consarn, thinking mayhap we might get
somut if he warn't dead. So we up's anchor, and arter a long day's
cruise we finds the sacketaiy's house, and a grand place it was, in a
large square, with green trees and a garden in a-midsliips, and gemmen
in rich uniforms, and white-washed hands, backing and filling in every
direction. So we raps gently with our knuckli s, and not nobody never
cumed — and somebody told us to lay hould of the nigger's head, as was
stuck in the middle o' the door, and knock with that ; but we didn't
like to touch it, for fear of kicking up a bobbery and giving offence. So
we stands off and on ; sometimes coming to an anchor on the steps,
and then getting under way again, in hopes of some friendly craft
heaving in sight, jist to tell us the bearings and distance of the land.
At last, shipmate, we agreed to man-handle the knocker, and ax 'em to
show their number ; when, just as we got to the combings of the doorway,
up drives a dasliing carriage, and a fine holiday chap in uniform jumps
down from abaft, and lathers away at the knocker till all was blue; he
then opens the gangway of the coach, and out come the sacketary hisself."

"What! alter he was dead?" demanded the coxswain, laughing ;
" well, I'm bothered, Joe, but you're coming it pretty strong now."

JEM BUNT. IGl

" Dead ! — be blowed ;" vociferated the boatswain's mate ; " he waru't
never no more dead than you are. And so Bill Transom walks up to
him with a friendly hail, ' What cheer — what cheer, yer honour? the
lubberly know-nothings reported that you had dragged your anchors,

and gone to ; but here you are, as stiff as a midshipman, and as full

of life as a young shark.' — * What do you want, sailor.^ ' says the agent;
for I m sartin it was he, and having been his cabin boy, I ought to know.
— ' Want, yer honour ?' says Bill ; ' why, Lord love yer heart, what
should I want, but jist to clap you alongside, and ax for a handful o'
mopuses out of the prize-money, to get groggy with, and purchase some
togs for Bet? ' — Well, shipmate, I'm blowed if the onnatural ould rascal
didn't lug out a couple of fathoms of white cambric, and began swabbing
his eyes as if his scuppers were running over. 'I axes yer honour's
pardon,' says Bill, ' I didn't never mean to say anything ill-natured or
onkind, not by no manner o' means ; but I and Jem, here, wanted a few
traps, and — ' ' Poor fellows,' says the agent — an ould hypocrite — 'poor
fellows, I'm very grieved for you ; it is my dear departed brother as you
wants.' — ' Brother ! ' says Bill, and ' Brother ! ' says I, as we both stared
at liira, and then looked at one another. — * Yes, brother,' says he, ' Lord

E. 's sacketary as was ; alas ! alas! ' and he blubbered again — ' the

worthy man is now in his cold grave.' — ' Gammon ! ' says Bill, as he
bit right through his quid ; ' if you ar'n't the agent, you're his ghost ;
and I'm bothered if 1 cares which on you it is, so as you do but come
down handsomely.' — ' You distress me very much, sailor ;' says the can-
tankerous ould sinner, purtending to cry ; ' my likeness to my late excel-
lent brother deceives you.' — ' Gammon !' says Bill again, as he bowsed
up his trowsers, and gave the ould chap a sharp look ; *do you mean to
pay out the slack of a few guineas, or not ? that's all about it.' — ' You
are mistaken in the 'semblance, sailor,' says the insinivating rascal ; ' I
cannot be 'sponsible for my brother's acts.' — 'Brother's!' shouts Bill,
as he shoves his flippers into his sides, and brings his elbows a cock -bill ;
* brother's ! why you ar'n't never going for to say as you war'nt along

with Lord E , in the ould Sandwich :' — ' Never saw the ship in my

life,' says the wagabone. — ' What! never war'nt agent for the St. E

prize-money ?' hallooed Bill in surprise. — ' No, sailor, gnever,' replies
t'other; 'you are deceived by the likeness — it was my brother.' —

•Brother be !' says Bill, as he gives him another raking stare. —

' Brother be ! God Almighty never made two such ugly warment.'

And so, Jem, from that day to this, we not none of us never got the
valley of a marine's button. So much for prize agents."

Thus they proceeded in quiet converse and undisturbed, jogging slowly
along the great Dover highway, which, as they approached nearer to-
wards Chatham, was much thronged with passengers, who cheered the
gallant fellows ; and the servants on the admiral's carriage having ap-
prized the landlord of the inn at Eainham, where they stopped to ehange
horses, that the tars were on the road, with other circumstances con-
nected wiih their history, such as their having only witliin a few days
returned from India, the wreck of the frigate, and the saving of the cap-
tain's life, Boniface, who was both a kiud-hcarted man and a humourist,
21

162 JEM BUNT.

collected a respectable number of jovial blades from the neighbourhood,
and having marshalled them before his house, Avith a uniou-jack and
Dther flags in front, tlicy awaited the coming of the seamen. Nor was
he idle within doors, for he spread a substaatial repast, with plenty of
grog, to welcome their arrival.

Great was the gratihcation of the honest tars on nearing the inn,
to be greeted with three hearty cheers ; and, stopping the horse, they
returned the salutation with earnest good-will. This accomplished,
they rode up to the door and dismounted ; and again were cheered ia
grand style.

" Welcome, most welcome, my brave men," said the landlord, as he
grasped a hand of each. " Defenders of your country, you come in no
questionable shape — "

" 'No, not a bit of it," responded the boatswain's mate : " we've come
from Ingee. But where's the purser .^ — he must victual the craft, and
lay in sea stores for the rest of the voy'ge."

"I am the landlord," returned Boniface, good humouredly ; "your
horse shall be well taken care of ; and as for you, my worthy tars, the
best the house affords is at your service. Enter then, eat, drink, and be
merry."

" With all the pleasure in life, governor," said the coxswain; " the
run has given me a bit of an appetite ; and it ar'n't al'ays as we doubles
upon a banyan day. Why, Joe, I'm blessed if this ar'n't lucky enough,
though mayhap the admiral — "

" yay not another word, my friend," exclaimed the landlord, leading
them in. "I know Sir Mulberry well — God bless him — and he haa
left orders with me." They entered the room. "But come, sit down ;
and we'll have a jovial time of it."

The seamen stared at each other, and then at the repast, and then at
the landlord (who greatly enjoyed the sport) ; but they did not move till
Boniface conducted them to the head of the table, and placed one on his
right hand and the other on his left ; but they hesitated to be seated till
the company hurriedly took their chairs, when the boatswain's mate
exclaimed with much glee, "It's all ship-shape, Jem; so bring your
stani to an anchor, and lather away."

Thus advised, they fell-to with eagerness, and qualifying the meal
with a plentiful supply of grog, enjoyed themselves to their heart's
content ; heedless of the flight of time, and the distance they had yet
to go. After dinner, the soothing weed and a bowl of punch re-
plenished the board ; healths were drank amidst vociferous applause — >
songs were sung, the whole company joining chorus — bowl after bowl
of the intoxicating liquor disappeared till the animal spirits of all
became higlily exliilarated, and some were getting terribly uproarious.
As for the boatswain's mate and coxswain, they stood it out bravely
for some time; but at length the punch got the better of them ; they
were completely done up, and not having enjoyed rest for several
nights, they sank into deep sleep. This was just what the landlord
wanted; a post-chaise was ordered out, into which the insensible tars
were Miugly stowed — the puslillions received correct directions, which

JEM BUNT. 163

they repeated at every relay ; and it was not till the vehicle was
rattling over Westminster-bridge that either of them were aroused.
The first was the boatswain's mate, who on looking out caught sight of
his favourite element, the water ; and grumbling at the " unsteadiness of
the craft," again closed his eyes, which were not re-opened till they

arrived at Square ; when, wondering how they had got there, each

had a stiff glass of grog, and was conducted to a comfortable bed.

The party in the carriage had arrived several hours before ; physi-
cians had been summoned to attend on Captain Weatherall ; the ad-
miral was present at the consultation ; but, as soon as propriety ad-
mitted it. Sir Wentworth withdrew to question his trusty messenger.
Corporal Senhouse had fixed up a comfortable little tent bedstead
with chintz curtains in Jem's apartment, but the lad was afraid to
sleep in it lest he should fall out, so that the young baronet found him
rolled up in the blankets, and laying on the mattrass, which he had
dragged into a corner. He gently shook him by the shoulder, but
Jem was too sound asleep to be easily disturbed, and^ it was not till
he was roughly handled that he awoke.

"Halloo, vot's up ?" exclaimed he, rubbing his eyes, as he sat bolt
upright. "Who's chimbley's afire now, and nobody but Jem to put
it out r"

"Arouse, arouse, my lad, it is I," said Sir Wentworth. "I hope,
my boy, you will soon have done with chimnej^s altogether."

"Is it you, yer honour?" returned the lad, as he recognised the
baronet. " Vot, are you got back again ? Then I expects as you'll
vant the letters."

" Have you seen the lady, Jem ? " inquired Sir Wentworth. " Has
every thing been well managed ? "

" Oh nevwer you fear that, ven I'm consarned," replied the
youngster, pulling two packets from his coat pocket. " Yes, I have
seen the lady, and she has sent you them there."

The baronet took the letters eagerly, and was about to hurry away,
when Jem called out, "Is that 'ere rum-looking genelman, as vosn t
the Prince of Vales, come back too ? "

" He is, my boy," answered Sir Wentworth ; and to-morrow you
shall see him ; and then we will have some further talk — good night."
And he quitted the room.

But it is perhaps necessary I should give some account of Jem's
adventures during his patron's absence.

Miss Elwester was still kept a close prisoner in her apartment;

and though the duke of Q, had again called to press his suit,

she had positivety declined to see him. Old Lankrib was her jailer,
and the miserable man, — who experienced no satisfaction in anything
he did, but acted in strict obedience to his master's orders, — watched
with the utmost vigilance to prevent any communication reaching the
lady, taking care to be present himself at all times when the attendance
of the servants was required.

But love will find out a way, and Jem with ready wit had become the
connecting link between the two houses. At the appointed time he

U)4 JEM BPNT.

descended the chimney, and delivered the letter with which he had been
entrusted, and informed the lady of all the particulars he had learned of
Sir Wentworth's departure ; he described the admiral in his own pecu-
liarly graphic way, told of the mistake about the Prince ol Wales, till
he had exhau>ted his stock of kuuwledge; and then he settled himself
down on the hob to wait for Amelia's reply.

With many a smile and many a tear the lady perused the epistle.
Her own heart beat responsive to tlie affectionate, but respectful, lan-
guage in which her lover had addressed her, and she mentally deter-
mined that none other should share her dearest regards. A packet
had been already prepared for the young sweep, which was given to him,
and Jem, promising to renew his visit on the following evening, reas-
oended the chimney, and was soon snugly rolled up in his blankets, and
iust asleep.

The next morning the lad was early astir, and, having carefully
washed and dressed himself, he set out for the abode of his friend Pat,
to consult him upon the propriety of an interview with his old master;
for the boy shrewdly suspected, that if his advancement in life was
known, Mr. Fluewellen would make a heavy demand to free him from his
indentures. Pat was busy in his garden when Jem made his appearance
in the room ; but the warm-hearted Irishman immediately came in, and,
understanding the nature of Jem's dilemma, promised to go himself to
Camberwell for the purpose of trying to arrange matters to tlie satisfac-
tion of all parties. Whilst, however, they were in conversation, a voice
was heard upon the stairs, inquiring, in no gentle terms, " Is muster
Dunuywon overhead } "

" And that's meself," responded Pat, advancing to the door of the
room ; but Jem to whom the voice was perfectly familiar, caught hold
of his arm, saying —

" Not fur your life, Muster Dunnywon; my crikey, vere shall I hide?
its ould Fluevellin hisself ; 1 knows his gruffy. Do shove me up the
spout somevere." He looked at the fire-place, but his dress forbade the
act of getting up the chimney. "Vot shall 1 do? Dont let him see me."

" Arrah, go out in my garden, then," said Pat, raising the lad in
his arms, as if he had been a mere doll, and putting him out at the
window. Jem crept along by the parapet, and remained secure from detec-
tion. As soon as Donovan knew that his protege was safe, he opened his
door, and demanded who it was that "was afther axing him for himself ?"

" Vy, it's me. Muster Dunnywon," said the master-sweep, entering
the apartment ; " your old fiieud Muster Fluewellin ; and I'm come to
ax you if so be as you knows anything ol Jem Burnit ? "

"Faith, and I do that," answered Paddy, without hesitation; "and a
'cute lad and a smart lad he is, Mister Fiueweliin ; it's proud you ought
to be of the likes of him."

" He's well enough for the matter o' that," responded the master-
Bweep, not over and above pleased with Pat's eulogy. " But vere is he ?
for 1 arn't never set eyes on him these three days."

" is'ot tliese three days !" exclaimed Pat, with well-assumed surprise;
" by the powers, then, something must have happened to him!"

JFM BtTNT. 165

Mr. FluewoUin told his tale; bywhith it appeared that J. in's absence
had caused great displeasure and vexation to his master ; not that he
cared so verj' much about the welfare of the lud, — thou2:h, in justice to
him, it must be admitted that was certainly a consideration, — but ho did
not much like the idea of losing a good apprentice. What had become
of him no one could tell, though every one had a peculiar conjecture of
his own upon the subjict. Inquiry was made at the places the lad gene-
rally frequented, but without avail: his adventurous spirit was no
mystery, and the coroner's inquests in the newspapers were carefully
looked over, and still no success ; but when the young urchin, to whom
Jem had given the shilling, reported that he had seen him "dressed like
a genelman," and produced the coin to corroborate his testimony, it was
supposed that the boy had been discovered by his relatives ; and away
went Mr. Fluewellin to Peter Macaw, to whom he naturally concluded
such a thing must be known. But Piter Macaw was wholly ignorant
of the whole matter; and though he put on his enormous cocked-up-hat,
and shone resplendent in the gorgeous display of puce and silver ;
though he assumed the full plenitude of his parochial dignity and mys-
tification, yet Mr. Fluewellin gained not one particle of information
relative to the absentee, — simply because Peter Macaw had no informa-
tion to give ; nor had any soul breathing ever before asked a single
question as to the lad's whereabouts. Pat Donovan was looked upon as
a last resource, and the master-sweep had now come to make known his
grievance and claim advice. During his narrative, however, the Irish-
man readily discovered that a desire to make something by the adventure
was one principal actuating motive in Mr. Pluewellin's search after the
lad, and he resolved to defeat him.

" And now," said the master-sweep, when he had finished his recital,
" do you know anything about him, vere is he ? "

"An' if I did, Mister Fluewellin," returned the Irishman, warmly,
"do you think it's meself as 'ud sell tlie pass upon the lad? — It's mighty
few friends he's got in the wurld, barring meself, the cratur ; and yet
Jem's a 'cute boy ; and if you've been good to him, sorra, the fear but
he'll make it all up to j-ou some of these days; an' shure won't I go and
thry to find him out ! But lave him alone. Mister Fluewellin, and if
he's well to do, he'll never forget yez ; and if he's bad to do, he'll soon
be back again. I'll make a tower of discoveree as soon as I have put
off my dishabill, Mister Fluev cllin; an' it's,myself 'uU lam the jography
of this business, and I'll find him out, and never spake an ill word to
him — that I will, so I won't. An' so, by yer lave, Mister Fluewellin,
whiles I dthress — " and Pat made what was meant for a polite bow, as
he backed the master-sweep towards the door. "The shine o' the
morning to you, Mr. Fluewellin, and lashins of it ; my sarvice to yez,
and farewell."

As soon as he supposed his recent visitor had departed, Pat called to
the lad, who was quickly handed in at the window, and was cautioned
by his patron to avoid contact with his old master till some arrangement
had been made. The Irishman dressed himself in his best apparel, and
then informed the lad of his intention to enjoy himself for the day.

166 /EM BTTNT.

which <rem was perfectly agreeable to ; and they set off, to ramblo
amongst the green fields about Hampstead and Highgate, regaling them-
selves plentifully at the public-houses — for there was no want of money
— and rejoicing in the glorious beams of a bright summer's sun.

Hut Jem did not forget his duty ; he returned at dusk to the square
— revisited the lady, and received her commands, and then went to rest,
where Sir Wentworth found him. The baronet, on receiving his letters,
hurried back to his brother's room, resolving to pass the night there ;
for the captain overcome by his injuries and fatigue, was much worse,
and required — so said the doctors — the greatest vigilance and care,
Alas ! the worst of his affliction was want of peace of mind ; it was
this that deprived him of repose, and weighed down heavily on his
heart.

Tlie admiral would have remained with his nephews ; but this was
strenuously opposed, though he would not retire till a promise was
given tliat he should be summoned to keep the morning watch. As
soon as all was tranquil, and when he supposed his brother slept, Sir
Wentworth sat down to peruse his letters ; and the changes in his
countenance as he ])roceeded might well have indexed what was passing
in his mind, and even told the whole tale of his love. The lamp shone
clearly on his face, which was turned towards the bed ; but he deemed
himself unobserved, and gave way to the full and free indulgence of his
feelings. The miniature resemblance of Amelia was in his hand, and
he })ressed it to his lips, when a groan, a heavy groan from the captain
startled him ; and, hastening to the bed-side, he found the agitated
man awake, and trembling with deep emotion.

"What, what can I do for you, Edward.^" said he, in alarm;
"shall I ring the bell and summons the doctor — shall I — "

"No, no," responded the captain; "sit down, Wentworth, — sit
down by my side. I have not been sleeping, as you supposed ; I have
observed your actions, and they have revealed to me a fact it is in vain
for j'ou to endeavour to conceal. Nay, nay, mj'- brother hear me out ; "
for the 3'oung baronet gave indications of angry impatience. "You
will perhaps say it was not honourable in me to watch you ; but you
must acquit me of intentionally doing so — nor will I, if you wish it,
reveal the secret to a soul living. I cannot sleep ; there is a weight
upon my breast — aye, upon my conscience — that destroys sleep ; we
must contido in each other, and be friends. 0, Wentworth 1 I have
suffered the most torturing pangs for years ; night and day, unceasingly,
has remorse preyed upon my spirit — and yet, oh God, thou knowest
how readily I would have made reparation — " and, bowed with the
pressure of recollection, he covered his face with his hands, and wept.

" Do not thus distress yourself, Edward," said the young baronet,
soothingly ; try and gain composure, and forbear to revert to circum-
stances, whatever they are, which are painful to remember. Defer
your narrative to another opportunity, when you are more calm."

"It must not be," returned the captain, forcibly ; "I feel that it
will relieve me to communicate all to you ; and as I am here hove
down between life and death, you — yes, you, Weatworth, must become

JEM BtTNT. IG7

my best friend as well as brother, and do that which I cannot do my-
self. Sit down, and do not interrupt me."

Captain Weatherall then commenced a narrative, which I shall not
repeat in his own words, as I prefer giving a history of the trans-
actions from first to last, a great portion of which he was at that time
utterly unacquainted with.

CHAPTER XV.

' Oh ! how the passions, insolent and strong,
Bear our weak minds their rapid course along;
]\'lake us the madness of their will obey ;
Then die, and leave us to our griefs a prey !

« » * *

Upon that breast, by sordid rags defil'd,
Lay the wan features of a famish' d child ; — •
That sin-born babe in utter misery laid.
Too feebly wretched e'en to cry for aid."

CkabBE.

>T

In the course of my narrative I have mentioned " the Grange,
situated in a village about twelve miles from Gosport; — and, in good
truth, it was a lovely place ! — full of those beauties, both natural and
artificial, that give to the English landscape all its grace and purity.
The ancient building had been a monastery, and of course its site was
selected for solitude and retirement ; it lay in a valley whose fertile
meadows were watered by winding streamlets, that united near the
edifice, and formed a minature lake. Above rose the tree-crowned
hills, from whose summits might be seen one of the most extensive and
delightful views of panoramic scenery in the kingdom. On the south
^vas the Isle of Wight, with its intermediate channel of separation ; on
the north-west appeared Southampton ; to the south-east lay the ex-
tensive harbour of Portsmouth ; whilst more southerly, Spithead, with
its shipping, was distinctly visible. Whichever way the eye turned,
the spectacle was replete with busy vitality; but descending to the
sombre shades of the valley, the world, with its bustle, its troubles,
and its cares, was forgot, — a devotional feeling pervaded the mind, —
and the heart was lifted up in silent adoration to the Creator.

At the dissolution of the religious houses, in the time of Henry the
Eighth, the monastery with its lands had been given to a noble of the
court ; who, whilst himself and successors derived ample revenue from
the soil, suffered the venerable building to fall into delapidation ; and
much of its durable material had from time to time been conveyed
away, to repair fences, raise walls, erect barns and even farm-houses,—
whilst the concrete which held it together was used in mending roads.

A small portion of the building had, however, been preserved, and

168 J KM BUNT.

kept iu a htibili'ile state by the suceossive 8tew;irds ; until the last
resident of this class, having amassed a handsome fortune, built himself
a splendid hall at a few milts distance, and. by dint of chicanery,
contrived to possess himself of the whole of the property, through the
reckless improvidence of the young noble in whose service he had
engaged. The place called "the Grange," was then let; and, after
the occupation uf various tenants, came into the hands of two ladies,
who selected the spot as highly eligible for a boarding-school, and to
which tht'v removed with their establishment, from the neighbourhood
of Portsmouth.

At that period, the officers of the dock-yards, tradesmen, and many
others, had very little leisure to attend to the intellectual improvement
of tneir offspring ; and therefore glad to remove the female part from
the demoralization of a sea-port town, they rejoiced at being enabled to
meet the terms of the Mesdaraes Martin, who were in every respect
Worthy of the trust that was reposed in them. But even age, expe-
rience, and knowledge, are no match for the quick invention, and
almost equally as quick execution, of young females, to whom the
greatest charm was novelty, and the dearest wish of the heart con-
nected with the feelings of affection.

Amongst the pupils was a young lady between sixteen and seventeea
years of age, whose mother died when she was little more than aa
infant; and her father was killed when Mujor of the — th regiment,
fightmg under General Elliott, afterwards Lord Heathtield, in the
defence of Gibralter. The small pension allotted was not sufficient for
her maintenance ; yet that was all she possessfd, till a friend, trusting
to the generosity of a bachelor uncle, then in India, placed her in the
iMisses Martin's establishment, till communications could be made to
her wealthy relative, Colonel Mowbray, who not only gratefully ap-
proved of the arrangement, but also made suitable provision for the
future wants of his brother's child.

Eleanor Mowbray was a pretty and interesting girl — light hair —
Soft blue eyes — a perfect figure, and with a look of tenderness on ht^r
countenance that seemed to court the kind protection of all who saw
her. She was of the age [ have already stated, and visiting the family
of her friend during the Christmas holida5''s, when the Irresistible,
carrying the flag of 8ir Mulberry Boreas, came into Portsmouth
1{ irbour to relit; and the admiral being well acquainted with Mr,
tSykeH, received an invitation to make the house his home during his
stay in port. The offer was accepted ; and though Sir Mulberry was
not liap[)y out of liis ship, yet, as she wanted extensive repairs, he
yiehh'd to circumstances with the best grace he could.

Edward VVeatherall was at that time a passed midshipman under
his uncle, and daily expecting his commission as lieutenant. In-
heriting much of the beauty of his mother, and the manly bearing of
his fattier, he soon became a great favourite in the dwelling in whieh
the admiral had taken up his abode ; but, with the impetuous ardour
of his disposition, he particularly attai;iied himself to Aliss Mowbray,
who, on her part, deligiiied with lue ;^allaut youug sailor, was uot

JEM BTINT. 169

backward in preferring him to every one else. They had frequent
opportunities of being together; — affection rooted itself deeper and
deeper in their hearts.

Sir Mulberry knew nothing about love; and Mr. Sykes saw in the
youthful attachment nothing more than was natural between two young
persons. Had Sir Mulberry understood anything of the matter, or
entertained the least idea that Edward had cherished a strong feeling of
devoted regard for Eleanor, he would very soon have embarked him
for another station ; for he considered that a sailor had no more business
with a permanent sweetheart, than a marine had with a tail like a
maintop-man. It was a delightful six weeks to the young reefer, who
lost no opportunity of being with Eleanor ; and as Edward was at that
time looked upon as heir to his father's title and his uncle's prize-
money, the youthful confidants who were admitted into the secret,
viewed the match as every way an eligible one for Miss Mowbray.

At length Eleanor returned to the Grange, but not before vows of
lasting affection and eternal fidelity had been pledged between the
pair ; and within a week after her departure Edward obtained leave of
absence from his uncle to visit his home. Instead, however, of starting
for the paternal residence, he disguised himself in the attire of a fore-
mast-man, and set out for the neighbourhood of the Grange. Whether
this had been preconcerted or not I am unable to say, but certain it is,
that Edward took up his abode at Molly Boyd's ; and the interviews
with Eleanor were neither short nor few.

Oh, how delicious are the moments which are passed in the society
of those whom we love ! — especially when no eye but that of Heaven
is witness to the fond and pure endearments that are prompted by
virtuous affection. Edward had been educated in a rough school, it ia
true, and his morals had not always escaped the taint of vitiated
association ; but, like his mother, he had fixed his affections on a foun-
dation that no power on earth could shake, and he was ready to prove
his regard in any way that might be demanded of him.

It was necessary for his purpose that he should take a trip home,
and consequently he did so, just in time to intercept a letter from his
uncle, commanding him to return to his duty, and to take up his com-
mission as lieutenant. Making the best excuses he could, — though his
promotion was of itself an ample one, — he hastened back to Portsmouth,
and received his appointment as a junior lieutenant of the Irresistible,
the senior lieutenant having been promoted to make room for him.

Once more the intercourse with Eleanor was renewed ; the distance
was nothing for a good horse, and many an evening did Edward ride
over to Molly Boyd's, where the animal was placed under shelter,
whilst his rider stole away to the boarding-school, and enjoyed an hour's
sweet converse with Miss Mowbray, whilst the unsuspecting inmates
of the Grange were fast asleep in their beds. The young simpletons
never reflected upon what all this must lead to — they thought only of
each other ; and, supremely blest whilst sitting side by side, they
breathed forth protestations of undeviating constancy.

" I am a lieutenant now," said Edward ; "and although my pay is
22

1 70 JT M BUXT.

but sm ill, yet I have prize-raouey in hnnd, and my unole's liberal
allowance, as well as future prospects; — indeed, indeed, Eleanor, I
cannot live without you ! "

*' But your father, Edward — what would he say ! '' responded poor
Eleanor. " You know, Edward, I am but a portionless orphan, de-
pendent on the bounty of another ; for even my trilling pension would
cease, were I to listen to your proposal."

"You must, Eleanor, — indeed you must!" pa'^sionately exclaimed
the young oiRcor, as he pressed her to his heart. " My father will
never raise an objection when once he knows your worth : and though
my uncle may grumble for a time, yet he is too good a man to cherish
anger for ever. Say, then, that you will be mine, and let me take the
necessary steps to secure our future happine.s."'

" Why should I deny, Edward,'' returned she, " that my heart
would prompt mo to accede to all your wishes ! but do not — oh, let me
implore you I — be too precipitate. Your ship is ready for sea — ah me I ''
and she sighed heavily : " how lost — how desolate I shall be when you
are gone ! " The tears forced their way.

" Then why not, my love, at once consent to that union which must
bind us eternally together .' " demanded the young man.

" You could not, even then, be always with me, Edward," argued
the affectionate girl, "and lam much too selfish when I desire it.
But do not press me now, Edward ; wait till you return to port, and — "
she stopped.

" And what, Eleanor ? " asked the lieutenant, in a tone of melan-
choly, as he contemplated the postponement of his honourable in-
tentions.

" I will then be yours," uttered the fair girl, as she hid her face
upon his breast, and her arms clung round his neck. It was a moment
of intoxicating delight to both. Their lips were pressed in mutual
love and confidence. All — all, but the indulgence of passion was for-
gotten ; and when the hour of parting came, neither could speak for
anguish and remorse. Yet still the young lieutenant strained her to
his heart ; and he felt her scalding tears upon his cheeks ; they bore
witness against him as the betrayer of innocence ; and, rushing from
her embrace, he mounted his horse, and rode impetuously towards the
town.

It was a dark and dreary night, and conscience bitterly reproached
him ; nor could all the excuses which vice or sophistry presented,
diminish the agony of his findings. There was but one step — a repa-
ration for injured honour; and he determined to take it. But the ship
was on the point of sailing; and, previous to her departure, he once
more visited the neighbourhood of the Grange. Eleanor met him ; but
her step was no longer agile and elastic, — she moved slowly, as one
wlio mourns tlie demise of a friend. Her greeting was no longer
cheerful and happy. She placed her arms upon the shoulders of her
lover ; her head drooped, and she burst into tears; nor could Edward,
with all his efforts, refrain from following the example. In the
presence of Molly Boyd, they swore eternal fidelity ; and the lieutenant

JEM BUM. • 171

gave tlie fair girl a written promise of marriage, couched in as strong
terms as language could command. The old woman did not know the
rank that Edward held. She had never seen him in uniform, for he
had constantly worn the plain dress of a seaman ; and she thought it
was a pity that one so good-looking, and so gentleman-like, should not
be in a superior station. Eleanor had been kind and attentive to Molly
during a severe fit of illness, supporting her in affliction, and ministering
to her wants ; gratitude, therefore, kept her silent as to the stolen
interviews, and the young ofiicer's gold made her his firm friend.

The Irresistible sailed. Edward wrote to Miss Mowbray at every
opportunity ; and after an absence of several months, the ship returned,
but not to Poi'tsmouth. Sir Mulberry ran into Plymouth, where ho
struck his flag : and Edward received an appointment as lieutenant of
a frigate lying at Spithead. Without loss of time, he sent his luggage
round by a transport, that sailed with a fair wind, and travelled him-
self by land. So sudden had been his movements, that he had only
time to apprize Miss Mowbray of the change, and appoint a meeting at
Molly Boyd's. Thither he first of all directed his steps, and they
were soon in each other's arms. And now, for the first time, Edward
Weatherall learned that there was every probability of his becoming a
father: nor could the fact be much longer concealed from the prying
eye of curiosity. Oh, what a change came over his feelings I — and he
determined more than ever to screen the fair girl from the contumely of
the world, by openly uniting himself to her at the altar. His promises
to her were renewed, and they passed the brief interval of his stay in
making arrangements for the future.

The young lieutenant went to Portsmouth, took up his commission,
and then immediately hastened in a shore-boat to the ship, which ho
found getting under way for Lisbon. Half distracted, he would have
returned to the shore, but the transport had sent all his things on board,
and he could offer no excuse for quitting his duty ; so, hastil)'^ writing
a letter to Eleanor, to apprize her of the fact, he gave it to the water-
man, with directions to put it in the post the moment he landed. "With
great want of caution, however, he had enclosed a bank-note in the
letter, and, as might have been expected, it never reached its de-
stination.

Day after day did the wretched girl watch for the coming of her
lover; and day after day did her heart sicken with disappointment,
because she saw him not. She would not cherish or give encourage-
ment to a suspicion that he had deserted her ; and she tortured her
mind with fears that he was ill, or dead. Eacking apprehension couhi
not be borne much longer, and she prevailed on old Molly to journey
to Portsmouth to make inquiry ; but she did not know the name cf
the ship, — and she could not send to Mr. Sykes, as she feared to excite
alarm that probably might lead to the detection of her situation, — sj
that no information was obtained.

But the agony in which she passed her hours debilit:jted her franu',
and weakened her intellect; and she fdt the impo;.-ibili(y of con-
tinuing much longer in llie course of dtccptiuu she w ::j then pursuii^g.

172 JEM BTTNT.

She did not dare to reveal her condition to Molly Boyd ; but the old
woman had divined it from appearances, and was ready to undertake
anything that could save her from shame. Obscure lodgings were
taken in Portsea ; and thither the old woman removed with the
wretched girl, whom she described as her daughter, the wife of a sailor.
Great was the consternation at the Grange, when the disappearance
of Miss Mowbray was fully known. At first, it was hoped she had
merely gone to visit the family of Mr. Sykes, as Eleanor was under little
or no restraint from the mistresses of the establishment ; but when, on
application to that gentleman, it was ascertained that he knew nothing
of her, nor could rigid investigation discover any traces of her flight, or
the causes which led to it, the utmost alarm prevailed. Old Molly's
sudden departure about the same time added to the mystery of the
whole ; and not a soul could solve the difficulty.

Poor Eleanor keenly felt the change from her own delightful little
room at the Grange, to the lowly apartment she was then compelled
to occupy ; but she suffered a thousand times more intensely from the
supposed desertion of the lieutenant : and yet, in the midst of her dis-
tress, whilst outward want of comfort united with internal agony,
forced upon her a conviction of her lonely and wretched state, her
heart would make excuses for the seeming perfidy of her lover ; for
nothing could shake the strong undying aff'ection which she nurtured
for him.

And this is woman's love, — and such was Eleanor's. She mourned
her departure from the paths of innocence with deep and heart-felt
anguish ; yet she would not indulge one bitter thought against him who
had been the cause of all her misery. Her pillow was watered with her
tears, shed in hopeless wretchedness, from which there appeared to be
no escape ; but still her memory dwelt with tenderness upon the man,
who had thus involved her in the dark gulph of horrible despondency,
nor could she bring herself to believe that he had wantonly and wilfully
deserted her.

Thus time passed heavily away, in lonely dreary solitude, (for she never
left her room,) during the period that intervened between the time of her
quitting the Grange, and the hour which was to usher into this world
of care and sorrow, a little helpless being, the child of sin and shame.
Poor old Molly was unceasingly kind and attentive to the afflicted girl ;
but she could not refrain from frequently lacerating the bruised and
almost crushed heart of Eleanor, by inveighing against man's unfaith-
fulness and want of honour ; nor did she .spare invectives on the more
immediate and personal source of her young lady's tribulation. Daily
did the old woman visit the different lodging-places, both at Portsmouth
and Portsea ; and eagerly did she inspect the seamen in the numerous
boats, as well as the officers, under a hope that she might, perchance,
see the object of her unceasing search. The streets, the inns, were
vigilantly watched with similar expectation, and with the same results..
Oh, how many hours of sickening apprehension — tortured between the
anxious whisperings of her affection, that he might yet return, and the
certainty of every day's experience that he came not — did Eleanor ea-

JEM BTTNT. 178

^ure ! And then the conviction that she had lost the honoured station
in society which she had ouce possessed ; that, if seen and known by
former associates, they would despise and shun her ! — Oh, there was
fearful havoc in the bosom of that once happy, light-hearted innocent
girl!

At length the pangs of child-birth came upon her — the lingering
pains which Providence has ordained weak nature should endure in
bringing into opening life the first germ of perishing mortality ; and
•when it was over, and her infant lay sleeping by her side, — oh, how the
scalding tears flowed down her pale face, as she thought there was no
father's eye to look upon her babe ! — no father's lips to press its soft
and silken cheek ! — no partner's tongue to whisper words of joy and com-
fort in her ear ! Ah, no ! she was an outcast, with a dreary void
before her, having but one small object in perspective, the presence of
her child — the little being who now claimed her maternal solicitude and
care.

Daughters of virtue, could you have seen that injured and aiBicted
girl, as she lay extended on her lowly pallet — the cheeks so lately
blooming with the rosy hue of health, now ghastly pale, and attenuated
through wasting strength — those once full blue laughter-loving eyes,
which were used to be lighted up with joy unspeakable, and mirth un-
bounded, now dim, and covered as with a filmy web, and constantly
suffused with tears — the spectacle must have softened the asperities of
the human mind, and humbled the proudest spirit ! But, oh ! could
you have looked into that heart which man had devastated, and where
desolation triumphed, you would guard your purity of thought as of
more value than all the riches of the earth.

Fathers — but she had no father ! Mothers — but she had no mother !
Brothers ! — but she had no brother ! Sisters — but she had no sister !
Still I say, parents and relatives ! would you escape agonising reflection,
— would you avoid the irrepressible gnawings of compunction, — watch —
unceasingly watch over the interests of those entrusted to your guardian-
ship and care. Oh, save them from the extremity of woe that fell upon
the head of the devoted Eleanor Mowbray !

Existence had hung tremblingly in the balance, but life was spared,
and a change came over all her feelings ; — she was now a mother, and
the boy lay sleeping by her side. It is a beautiful and interesting sight
to witness the intense eagerness, anxiety, and pleasure with which a
young mother gazes upon her first-born soon after its entrance into
being, as it lays nestling in its warm coverings, well sheltered from the
air. The softer sex, in their youthful days, have ever been remarkable
for attachment to gentle pets that depended upon them for kindness and
support — it is inherent in their very nature — they delight to have some-
thing to nourish which they can call their own, whether it is a plant,
a bird, or an animal; and they attend it with vigilance and care. But,
oh ! how vastly is the feeling increased, concentrated, and enforced,
■when the mother beholds her helpless infant, and presses it to her
bosom — it opens to her new duties, new affections, in short, a new
world. And never was the wisdom of Divine Providence more power-

174 /EM BtrST.

fully manifested in human nature than by implanting a love of their off-
spring as an undying attribute of the female character. "What will not
a tender mother do for her chUd ?

Eleanor looked upon her boy, and powerfully did these maternal
emotions operate in her breast. But with them also came others of a
painful and humiliating nature. She was stretched upon a lowly pallet
with poor and coarse coverings ; and she thought how difierently she
■would hare been situated, had she been the honoured and acknowledged
wife of Edward Weatherall. She looked round her closely-confiaed,
mean, and dirty apartment, and she pictured to her imagination the
enjoyment arising from the luxury of a well-aired room, possessing
every essential to cleanliness and comfort, but of which she had been
deprived.

Thus time passed on, and it would be a painful and distressing task
to relate the many privations and trials the poor girl underwent. She
nursed, she nourished her infant with cheerful readiness ; but the la-
borious detail attendant upon it was almost too much for her, and the
money she had by her when she quitted the Grange was nearly expended.
Old 3iolly Boyd felt all the effects of advanced age ; and bending be-
neath the weight of years and rheumatism, was, at times, utterly inca-
pacitated for work of any kind ; so that Eleanor, in addition to the
cares of her infant, had to minister to to the wants of one who was
verging on second childhood.

Two months had passed away since her continement, and Eleanor's
money was expended. Article by article, and piece by })iece, were her
trinkets and her clothes consigned to the pawnbroker's ; but these only
yielded a temporary supply, and merely put off the evil day. Her
delicacy became roughened progressively, as her difficulties and her
labour increased ; intercourse with the uneducated and vulgar had
deadened the finer feelings of reserve and modesty. Alone, at night,
wrapped in a tattered shawl, she had wandered through the streets, in-
sulted by the wanton levity and licentiousness of many thoughtless
youths, who would have used their best exertions to have succoured
her, had they but known her tale of destitution and wretchedness.
Often, when accosted by naval officers, she would make inquiry after
the father of her babe, — for that was always uppermost iu her mind, —
but without effect. The coarse response, the ribald jest, the scorn of
laughter, were the general return ; and the more she grew accustomed
to them, the less objectionable they seemed. Still, though often pressed
by himger and soft persuasion, she preserved herself from falling lower
in the scale of moral degradation.

Old Molly died, and Eleanor was left alone. The delicate maiden, on
whom servants had cheerfully attended, and whose beautiful little bed-
room at the Grange, with its rose and ivy-mantled widow, presented all
the comforts which the human mind could well desire, now, night alter
night, sat in an old arm-chair, enveloped iu a common horse-rug and her
shawl, whilst stretched on the lowly pallet, the dead slept the sleep of
death before her. She would cradle her infant iu her arms till weary
nature became exhausted, and she feared that, during her teiuporai-y

JEM BUNT. 175

slumbers, her hold might relax, and she should let it fall ; then, un-
natural as it may seem, the almost heart-broken girl would give the
babe its fevered sickly nourishment, and wrapping it in its blanket, lay
it on the same mattress as the decaying corpse ; for, excepting the floor,
there was no other place of rest. Oh, what a contrast was there! — age
withered age. yielding to mortality, and turning to dust as it was ! —
infancy, smiling infancy, just entering upon life, slumbering by the side
of death !

And then the day of burial came. A parish funeral — a few deal
boards coarsely nailed together; no sliroud, no pall, no memorial on the
coffin, which four paupers, in their grey attire, carried to the grave.
T{ut the poor are not unmindful of each other on such occasions; four or
five old crones gathered together their bits of black, or borrowed from
their neighbours, and followed the perishing remains. Eleanor did not
join the mourning train, but she was present at the obsequies ; and
groans of anguish burst from her harrowed heart, as she saw the coffin
lowered into its dark and narrow prison-house, and heai'd th*' hollow
rattling of the mould upon the lid, as the chrgyman hurriedly pro-
nounced the words, " Ashes to ashes — dust to dust."

There were but few spectators to witness the mournful spectacle, for,
as I said before, it was a pauper's funeral ; and yet poor old Molly lay
as quiet and as snugly there, "in sure and certain hope of a joyful
rrsurrectiou," as she would have done had thousands attended to pay
tlieir last token of resj.ect, and tons of monumental marble been after-
wards piled above her breast. When the service was over, the ancient
mourners looked within the grave as the place to which they were all
liastening; and though still clinging with natural pertinacity to the
things of time, they expressed an earnest desire to escape from penury
and want, by entering upon another and a better world. And then they
returned to their abodes, and one, who was best provided for, invited
the rest to tea ; and hour after hour they sat, crowding round the fire,
recounting past occurrences, and telling tales of the dreary tomb.

It was dark when Eleanor re-entered her room; and pressing her baby
to her cold and eheeiless bosom, she sat down and wept.

"Father of mercies!" said she, "I have sinned, — I have sinned; but
oh, cast me not oft' in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot dis-
pleasure ! I have done evil in thy sight ; but the punishment is more
than I can bear ! Oh I whither — whither shall I flee from thy wrath ?
I cannot arise and go to my parents, for thou hast seen fit to remove
them from me. To whom, then, can I come, but unto thee ? A
suppliant at the footstool of thy throne I pray for pardon, and for
peace, through him that died for our transgression. Lord be merciful
unto me ! "

There was no light in the room ; — all was dark and drear, and desolate ;
and there sat the wretched Eleanor, her spirit crushed to the very earth
and her frame weak and emaciated through the want of food. Her
thoughts reverted to past scenes of joy and happiness ; and oh, how
lovely did they seem, now they M^ere gone for ever ! The future was a
gk omy void ; but harrassed imagination was filling it up with flitting

1 7fi JEM BTTNT.

visions of destitution and misery, and an untimely grave. For herself,
she mia:ht for a season endure privation and distress ; but for her child
— tlie little helpless innocent in her arms — oh ! all the mother's feelings
rushed over her soul, and pressing it to her aching bosom, she resolved
to undergo every suffering rather thanfo'Stke it. The infant having
vainly sought for nourishment, had cried .t-Af to sleep; and Eleanor,
laying it on the pallet from which the corpse had been so recently
removed, folded her shawl over her shoulders, and hurried desperately
into the streets. She had tasted no victuals that day ; and grief and
agitation had so overpowered her, that her tottering limbs could scarce
support her sinking frame. She saw viands and bread, and sweet refresh-
ments exhibited in the windows, and her hunger was tantalized to
ravening ; but she had no money to buj\ She heard the sounds of
music and of merriment as she passed along; and they seemed in
mockery of her woe. She was accosted by the gay, the heedless, and
the dissolute ; but their words fell on a deaf and fainting ear, — till
nature could bear no more, and she sank exhausted to the ground,
unconscious of all that was moving around her.

A crowd gathered over the fallen girl ; but as it was reported to bo
nothing more than an unhappy prostitute in a state of intoxication, no
hand was extended to raise her up, no tongue expressed sympathy for
her calamity, and there she lay exposed to curses, to contumely, and
even kicks; but she heard not the one, she felt not the other. At length
a murmuring whisper ran through the crowd that "the woman
was dead ; " and those who refrained from tendering help to the living,
were ready to lend their assistance when their services could no longer
be useful to the lifeless corpse. What anomalies there are in human
nature !

At this moment two gentlemen came up, one in the uniform of an
East India captain, the other in plain clothes, and inquired the cause of
the throng being thus assembled. On gaining the required information,
humiinity urged them to ascertain the truth ; and bending down, the
latter applied his hand to the seat of life, and discovered that the heart's
action had not ceased, but that the poor girl was still living. With gene-
rous promptitude they had her conveyed to the surgery of the nearest
medical practitioner, who immediately attended. The light fell upon a
countenance that displayed the wreck of great beauty, — though it was
pallid, and hollgw, and shrunk.

The surgeon adopted remedial measures, and applied restoratives ;
(the gentlemen looked on in silence ;) and soon the eyes of Eleanor un-
closed, and, separating her glossy tresses that had fallen over her fore-
head, she stared wildly around her. " Where am I.'' " she demanded,
looking first at one and then at another. " Who are you all ? and why
am I here ? But, oh ! give me food ! — give me water ! — water, or £
shall perish ! "

The gentleman in plain clothes started when he heard the voice, and
then fixed his intense gaze upon the features of the hapless female.
" Merciful providence! " whispered-he, as if to himself; " this then ia
one of thy mysterious ordinations ! " He turned to the India officer by

y/^W ^.f f,Y^?^ey?^

'/'

9/

JEM BmiT. 177

his Bide, and uttered in an under tone so as only to be heard by him
who was addressed, " Captain Meredith, this is the unhappy girl for
whom we have had so arduous a search. I remember that face, altered
as it is, too well to be mistaken ; " he shook with emotion, and raised
bis voice as he added, " yes, it is — it must be Eleanor Mowbray."

"Ha!" shrined the miserable girl as she heard her name mentioned;
*' who is it that remt-mbers the forlorn and wretched — who pollutes the
tongue ? — " She looked at the gentleman, and instantly ceased, for in
the individual before her she recognised the person of her former kind
friend and adviser, Mr. Sykes. IShe cast her eyes to the ground, — her
brain swam round, — her malady returned, and with a heavy heart-
rending groan she rehipsed into a swoon.

" This poor creature must have kindness and care," said the surgeon,
addressing himself to his assistant, who was endeavouring to restore her.
" This fuiutut'ss is the effect of exhaustion from the want of food. I
have no doubt she has suffered greatly ; and she requires nourishment
and rest." He turned to Mr. Sykes and the captain : "If you know any-
thing of her, gentlemen, it would really be an act both of generosity and
luinianity to see her safely restored to her friends ; and if they are
unable to supply her necessities, I am sure you will not refrain from
rendering your aid ; and my humble services shall be ready at any
time."

" You are good, sir — very good," returned Mr. Sykes, deeply moved
■iy this unexpected meeting, and at the deplorable condition in which he
ri;id found the female whom he had loved as his own child. " May God
Ti ward you, sir. Yes, I do know the poor afflicted creature, who, except
Hiyself and a relative in the East Indies, has, I fear, no other friends in
existence. What has reduced her to this state of wretchedness, I am
utterly ignorant. She may be fallen, or she may be innocent. I will
])ut no questions ; but I will not desert her in the time of her affliction."
The tears started from his eyes, but he subdued his emotion as he
inquired, " May she be removed, sir ? We are on the point ef em-
barking for the Mother Bank ; the India convoy is getting under way;
I am quitting England, and I would fain take her with me ; my family
are all on board ; — can it be accomplished, sir r "

The surgeon bent down over the inanimate form of the insensible
girl ; and whilst administering restoratives, replied, " I see nothing to
prevent her removal if it is done with care and caution — a little refresh-
ment— a few drops of laudanum to compose — "

"The pilot cutter is waiting for us," said Captain Meredith, im-
patiently ; " and really it is impossible for me to detain her any longer;
1 must away on board."

" Pardon me, Captain Meredith, returned Mr. Sykes, greatly
agitated ; " my surprise at finding her, and more so my distress at
finding her thus, have made me forgetful of what is due to you. Your
ship is your own ; will you receive the unfortunate girl on board as
jiart of my family } I will cheerfully defray every expense for her
i-assage, and my daugiiters have clothes enough fur all."

" My passengers arc all higiily respectable, Mr. Sykes," argued the
23

178 JEM BTTNT.

captain, who was fearful of giving offence that might injure his repu-
tation on another voyage. "I feel for your unpleasant situation,
but — " and he paused.

" Her history is unknown," urged Mr. Sykes, with strong feeling
and a tone of powerful persuasion ; " her present condition has been
revealed to no one but ourselves. It will be dark whe» we get along-
side ; and I implore you by the respect you bear her uncle, by the
friendship you entertain for me, do not force me to leave her here — I
cannot do it — she will perish I "and he wrung his hands imploringly.

The kind-hearted seaman could not resist this urgent appeal ; the
generous sympathies of his nature were aroused, and though perplexed
under the apprehension of consequent unpleasantness, he did not refuse.
" We have not a moment to lose," said he, emphatically; "I would nU
miss the convoy for the world. And how are you to get this poor crea-
ture to the ship .'' "

" You consent, then !" exclaimed Mr. Sykes, his face brightening up ;
" my heart's best gratitude is yours ; — the rest may easily be accom-
plished." He turned to the surgeon; "You say, sir, that this unfortu-
nate may be removed without danger f" the professional nodded assent.
" But will you, sir," asked he with earnestness, — will you add to t^e
obligation I am already under to you, by accompanying her on board ?
if you will, twenty guineas — or make your demand, and I will answer
it. The pilot cutter will bring you back free of expense — you will take
a load of dilhculty from my friend, and my prayers to heaven shall gup-
plicate blessings on your head."

" You are strangers tome, gentlemen," said the surgeon, respectfully,
" and I have no doubt mean well to this poor female. But you must
excuse me from lending myself to an affair, the particulars of v>^hich /
know nothing. Professionally, I am at your service; but — withouj
meaning anything offensive — I have yet, as a man, to learn by what
ri^'ht you claim to hold a power over one who is not able to answer fo»
herself."

" Your scruples are too just, sir, not to be immediately admitted auu
admired," responded Mr. ISykes ; '* nor shall 1 hesitate to confide to
you, as briefly as possible, but 1 trust satisfactorily, the history of her
life, as far as I am cognizant of it. She is the daughter of the late
Major Mowbray, who gallantly fell in the defence of his country ; her
mother is also dead, and she was placed by myself at a ladies' boarding-
Bchool in this n<ighbourhood, where she at all times appeared to be
cheerful and happy. As a visitor at my own house, I never knew
one that gained more esteem, or imparted greater delight, that Eleanor
Mowbray; — she was all that the fondest hopes might anticipate. In
tlie midst of entire confidence in her conduct, she disappeared from the
school ; and from that time to this very evening I have neither seen nor
gained tidings of her. What has caused her defection is an utter
mystery ; and you, yourself, see the condition she is in. I am not
aware that she had any acquaintance, male or female, that could have
decoyed her away ; and yet she departed. During her strange and un-
accountable absence, letters arrived from Colonel Mowbray, her uucle.

JEM BUNT. 179

^lio holds a splendid official appointment at the court Oi Persia, request-
ing that his niece might come out to hira, and he would consider her
as his own child. Captain Meredith, my friend here, (he pointed to
the captain, who bowed,) was the bearer of these letters; and he was
instructed to carr)' her to India on his next — that is, this present voy-
age. We vainly sought for her in every direction ; no means were left
untried to discover her retreat ; but all were UTiavailing, till we found
her senseless in the street. The East India Company have done me
the honour to appoint me to an elevated station in their service at
Canton, and my family have already embarked. Now, sir, I will
appeal to yourself whether I ought not to take this young female with
me. If she remains in England, who will take cai'e of her? — you see
what she is ; and there is no telling, when health and beauty are re-
stored, what she may be in a country where European loveliness is
idolized. I have now told you all — Captain Meredith is impatient to
be gone — in fact, we have already remained too long — and, once more,
I entreat you to comply with my earnest solicitation to attend her till
she is aboard."

This plain imvarnished statement decided the surgeon to accompany
them ; especially as he would then himself be enabled to test the cer-
tainty of her embarkation. He supplied himself with restoratives and
stimulants ; arrangements were speedily made for departure — a carriage
was procured — the crowd had departed, and Eleanor, still in a state of
insensibility, was conveyed to the Sally-port, where a boat was waiting
for Captain Meredith ; and from thence they were soon embarked in a
pilot cutter, that was already under way. Wrapped up in a boat-cloak,
the poor girl was placed on a bed in the little cabin ; and the surgeon
supplied her with proper stimulants and nourishing liquors. Her
breath was hurried and fluttering — her pulse was weak — but her head
was scorched with unnatural heat, and a deep stupor sealed up her
faculties. The breeze was fresh — away danced the lively little cutter
along the Gosport shore, and the unconscious Eleanor was now upon
the dark waters, leaving her infant, the child of Edward Weatherall, in.
the depth of poverty, to the mercy of strangers.

180 XEM BimT.

CHAPTEK XVI.

*'Corae, ' All hands ahoy,' to the anchor;

From friends and relations to go :
Poll blubbers and cries - Devil thank her —

She 'U soon take another in tow.
This here breeze like the Ould One may kick us

About on the boisterous main ;
And p'rhaps if ould Davy don't nick us,

Some day we shall come back again."

I HATE already mentioned that Lieutenant Weatherall bad been
appointed to a frigate that sailed immediately for Lisbon ; at which
place his uncle, with a squadron, arrived a few months after him, and
made a vacancy for his nephew in his own ship. At that time admi-
rals had the power to place lieutenants under them as first, second,
third, &CC., not according to seniority in the dates of their commissions,
but as suited their own favour or knowledge of peculiar merit. Thus
Edward Weatherall, though very young, was honoured with the dis-
tinction of first lieutenant of a sixty-four ; and as the captain was
much advanced in years, and frequently laid up for weeks together
•with the gout, nearly the whole duty of attending to the squadron, as
well as to his own vessel, devolved upon Edward Weatherall. But he
had been educated in a good school, and being now thrown in a great
measure upon his own resources, he acquitted himself with great credit,
and gained considerable approbation. The government of England at
that time was extremely suspicious of the conduct of Spain ; and
Admii-al Boreas was entrusted with the charge of watching their naval
proceedings.

But though thus actively employed in a profession to which he waf
greatly attached, Edward suffered much anguish of mind when he
reflected on the exposed and critical situation in which he had left
Eleanor, Still he trusted that the letter, which he had so indiscreetly
given to the waterman, would explain everything to her satisfaction ;
and he fully determined on his return to England to make her his
wife. Several times he was on the point of soliciting his uncle to
grant him leave of absence ; but the knowledge of his strictness ia
morality, and his coldness to those fervent atiections which unite the
sexes together, deterred him from the risk. Had he asked to be sent
home without explaining the cause, he would at once have met with
a decided refusal ; and to state the real circumstances of the case, he
was well aware that he should not only have the admiral's marked
displeasure, and ia all likelihood be removed from the rank which,

JEM BUNT. 181

ambition rendered estimable to him, but the chances were that he
would be dismissed with disgrace, and lose the prospect of further
promotion. This he could not endure to think of; and he resolved,
therefore to remain, anxiously hoping that it would not be long before
the squadron was ordered to England. In the meantime he wrote to
Miss Mowbray, under cover to Molly Boyd, exhorting her to patience,
and pledging himself in the most solemn manner to marry her on his
return. He enclosed money for her present necessities, and advised
that suitable lodgings should be taken, provided circumstances com-
pelled her to quit the Grange. His assurances of increased regard and
undeviating fidelity were earnest and sincere ; and oh ! what consolation
would they have afforded that poor orphan girl had they ever reached
her hands ! Anxiously, most anxiously, did Edward entreat her to
write to him so as to relieve his mind of the distress he endured ; but,
as my readers already know, this could not be accomplished, as Eleanor
was totally ignorant as to the cause of his abandoning her, or where he
was to be found ; and great was the vexation and grief of the lieu-
tenant at hearing no tidings of her fate. He never for one moment
suspected the true cause of his disappointment. Ship after ship
brought out letters for ihe squadron, and each time did Edward
experience the flushings of hope revived to be crushed again into
despondency.

Various were the surmises which he formed upon the subject, but
in no instance did the conjecture arise that his communications might
have miscarried ; he therefore attributed Eleanor's silence to neglect ;
and mortified pride, as well as blighted afi'ection, were added to the
catalogue of his mental calamities. Thus eighteen months passed on ;
and at its expiration a sloop-of-war touched, on her passage out to
India, with despatches for the admiral, directing his return to England.
Edward's heart, though sickened by tumultuous agitation, and pained
by hope deferred, yet rejoiced at the certainty of being able to ascertain
the full extent of what he feared. The order to prepare for sailing
was cheerfully given, and he implored the favour of Heaven to grant
them a fair wind.

But mutable are the affairs of life ; for whilst the lieutenant was
indulging in the idea of soon beholding the white cliffs of Albion, his
Tincle was signing .an acting order, which was to give him the com-
mand of the sloop-of-war, and thereby consign him to the East Indies,
— the captain of a forty-four having died, and caused a vacancy in
j)ost rank, to which the commander of the sloop was elevated. But
these arrangements were not made till the last moment, and then the
admiral sent for his nephew into the cabin.

"Have you heard the news, Ned .^ " said he; for though rigid in
discipline \\ hen in the performance of duty, he always addressed his
nephew familiarly when they were together, and alone. " There '11
be some hot work in the East — it has been too long neglected — and
since Commodore King came away from the Indian Seas they 've been
infested with pirates that plunder every craft that comes in their way ;
and as for the Bombay grabs, they care no more for 'em than they do

182 JEM BUXT.

for a fleet of old women. Now a smart officer, Ned, may make hia
fortune on the Mahnitta coast, besides doing great service to his country.
Commodore Corn\\'allis is on his passage out to take the command, with
a squadron, and the Firefly — that handsome little sloop, Ned " — (and
he pointed out at the port) — "is to join him with all expedition.
"What's a few years in India, when there's every certainty of being
posted, and coming home as rich as a nabob ? You'll thank me for it
by-and-by, Ned ; — and here it is, with a letter of introduction to
Cornwallis — a rum fish, by the way — seldom says much, but the very
devil to work ; and here is also a letter to Captain Eyron, who I hear
goes out in the Phoenix frigate — I mean George Anson Byron — no
relation that I know of to ' Foul- weather Jack,' but a dashing stirring
fellow, that has seen some hard service, and wants to be at it again.
There, take 'em, my boy ; and though I shall be sorry to part with
you, yet the chances are so much in your favour, that I should be
doing you an injury if 1 was to allow selfish feelings to get to wind'ard
of me." He offered the papers, which the young lieutenant mecha-
nically received. " There — there, Ned — no thanks ; go and bargain
with Moorsom for an epaulette for your larboard shoulder, which I
hope to see shifted over to the starboard side* before long, and three
years afterwards you may double upon it, you know." And the
admiral lauglicd.

When first addressed, Edward Weatherall could not imagine what
his uncle was aiming at ; but as he proceeded in his harangue, the
truth flashed upon his mind ; and M^hilst his pride exulted at the
prospc-ct of commanding a fine handsome craft like the Firefly, his
heart grew heavier at the certainty of his being removed farther away
from England and Eleanor. It would be impossible for pen to describe
the severe struggle that ensued. Sanguine in his temperament, he
had unceasingly nurtured the wish to return home, and ascertain the
truth relative to the female whom he most ardently loved ; and now,
when his sickening spirit had become elated with the admiral's recal,
an impediment was at once thrown as a barrier in his way. He was
well aware that there were many in the squadron who would gladly
accept of the promotion ; and perhaps one word uttered to the admiral
that might lead him to think the gift was undervalued, would in a
great measure defeat his future prospects ; — and thus he stood hesi-
tating, with the letters and acting order still in his hands.

"Why, what the devil's come over you, young man?" said the
admiral somewhat sternly, as he drew himself erect and fiercely
squared his cocked-hat, — a sure signal that his anger was aroused.
" You surely do not mean to despise my good intentions towards you ? "
His voice became more softened as he continued, " I see how it is,
Ned — you do not like to leave me ; and I esteem you for it."

"You do me more than justice, sir," answered the lieutenant;
"and grateful as I feel for your kind consideration, j-et I should

* At that time masters aad commanders wore a single plain epaulette on the left
shoulder; post-captains, under three years, wore a plain epaulette on the right
shoulder; and after three years post rank, they had one on each shoulder.

JEM BUNT. 183

prefer remaining with you ; especially as I am sensible your influence
at the admiralty might obtain me the next step without my going
foreign."

" Mayhap so — mayhap so,"' returned the admiral, at all times pleasf-d
to hear of the respect in which he was held by those who were in
authority. " But that would be nothing, Ned, without a command ;
and I am not so certain that I could obtain that for you ; so that you
would have to skulk idly ashore on your half-pay, and that would be
the death of you, Ned. Now, there's the Firefly — look at her, my
boy — she's a sweet craft, and you might improve her, for I've made a
seaman of you, Ned — there she is, your own, and you not two-and-
twenty. And mark me, young man," (his voice and look became
serious,) — "the time is not far distant when stout ships and brave
cfiicers will be in demand to maintain old England's supremacy on the
ocean. The French are pulling down that which they will not be able
to build up again — they are standing upon a tack that m\ist bump them
ashore — they will find revolution a rock a-head, on which the nation
will split ; but England cannot lay alongside and keep her gung
Housed. Spain longs to humble our proud flag — she has already
appealed to France for help ; but Loohe has summut else to do than
send out a fleet that would soon cross the channel into a British port.
A war is coming — it must come — every crowned head in Europe is
unsafe if this revolutionary spirit is not brought up all standing. India
will be the first field for contest; and Cornwallis is a fire-eater — you
must, you cannot fail to distinguish yourself, Ned — your activity and
good conduct under my own eye assures me of it. Most of the captains
out there are old men ; there will be vacancies, Ned — vacanies in post
rank ; and by the time your two years have expired, if not before, you
will have a frigate. If you go home with me, and are laid up fur a
year or two, all that you can expect, if hostilities commence, will be
probably some old tub of a sloop. India 's the place, my boy, so think
no more about me, Ned. I'll square everything with your father and
Miriam ; and there's urgent reasons for your taking the Firefly, which
I cannot explain to you now — so make up your mind at once, and get
your traps ready for shifting, without losing a moment. You've done
your duty, young man ; and these are marks of my approval. Go —
go," and the veteran's voice grew tremulous as the thoughts of parting
with his nephew came stronger upon him.

AVithout uttering a word in replj% Edward Weatherall withdrew
from his uncle's cabin to his own, from the open port of which the
eloop-of-war with her white ensign and pennant flying, and her tapering
spars, looking rakish and enticing, could be distinctly seen. A boat with
the commander of the Firefly was midway between the two ships, ap-
proaching towards the admiral ; and the lieutenant immediately con-
jectured that Captain Moorsom was coming, pursuant to signal, to wait
upon yir Mulberry, for the purpose of receiving his elevation to post-
rank. The young man's mind was passion-tossed with the tumultuous
feelings that almost overpowered him. There was a coveted distinction
and a command, for] his acceptance or refusal, and the prospect of a

184 JEM BUNT.

brilliant career opening to excite his ambition. To throw away the
cliiince would be madness ; and yet to give up the hope he had so
fuudly cherished of performing an act of justice to Eleanor, was indeed
repugnant to all the better principles of honour, which he valued as
inestimable.

In this state of mental agitation he was aware that he would have
but a few moments to decide ; for the report of a heavy gun was heard,
■which was instantly fuUowed by the order, "Let fall;" and he knew
that the fore- topsail had been loosed, as the signal '" Prepare for sailing."
Captain Moorsom, (the commander of the Firefly) was soon alongside,
and then a second boat pulled up from a fifty-gun ship, with a lieutenant
in her, whom Edward recognised as the individual most likely to obtaia
the sloop of war, should he decline. Now, between the admiral's ship
and the fifty there had been a constant rivalry for smartness in the exe-
cution of nautical manoeuvres, and the balance was pretty equal. From
this cause a degree of professional jealousy had arisen ; and the moment
Edward beheld him the esprit da corps took possession of his faculties —
he could not endure the thought of witnessing the promotion of his
opponent, and at his own expense too. Youthful ambition stifled the
nobler sentiments, and prevailed ; so that when he was re-summoned to
his uncle's presence, his decision was sternly formed. Captain Moorsom
had received and accepted his appointment to the forty-four, and Edward
Weatherall became commander of the Firefly.

The admiral congratulated each upon his promotion ; and when on
the quarter-deck, Edward was suri'ounded by the officers, who expressed
their joy at his good fortune, and their regret at parting. He had
hardly time to think or reflect — his new duties gathered thickly upon
him ; he had assumed an onerous and important responsibility, from
which there was no receding; and his young heart fluttered with pride
and unrepressed delight, when he first trod the decks of his first com-
mand, and looked round upon the gallant fellows that were everywhere
])rompt to obey. Nor were these feelings lessened when he saw hia
rival, the first lieutenant of the fifty, passing under the sloop's stern, ou
liis return to his own ship — a glow of triumph excited him, and for
several minutes the generosity of his nature was subdued. But this
did not prevail long ; for when on boarding the admiral to take his last
farewell of the veteran, he learned that his late office was to be filled by
his active opponent, (ofi'ering a certainty of promotion when Sir Mul-
berry struck his flag,) he rejoiced in his good fortune, and they became
Btaunch friends.

" And now, Ned — Captain Weatherall, I mean," said the admiral,
as he grasped the young man's hand at parting ; " never forget that
your ancestors — and particularly your maternal grandfather — have
fought bravely for their country. What though their situations might
be subordinate, it was more to their credit that they did their duty Avith
honour to themselves. You will not flinch, Ned — 1 know you will not.
Keep a bright eye to wind'ard, and your canvass clean full. You will
want a few rupees when you get to Jiombay or Calcutta — here is a letter
of credit ; draw upon my agint for what you may require, your bills

'^I*'

4

JEM BFNT. 185

shall be duly honoured ; say five hundred pounds for the first year.
And above all things keep up the respectability of your family — it goes
far in India — and let them see who's your uncle. You need say
nothiug about the boatswain's mate, your grandfather, amongst the
purse-proud nabobs of the east, but always bear it in mind yourself;
and do justice to the seamen who may be placed under your control.
Keep every man to his station ; and remember that I have instructed
you by precept and example to deal leniently with their faults, and
largely with their merits ; and then, when you take them into action,
d — me, but they'll fight the devil, if he had a whole fleet of fire-ships
to back him. Good bye, Ned — I will say every thing to them at home
— write as often as you can to us. Good bye — fear God and defy old
Nick." And w^ithout waiting for reply the old veteran led him to the
entrance of the cabin, — wrung his nephew's hand, — closed the door, —
and then indulged in that fervency of affectionate solicitude which,
instead of diminishing the claim to manliness, is the strongest proof of
a noble and feeling heart.

The young commander was equally affected as his uncle ; and it was
M'ith difficulty he repressed the emotions which were struggling in his
breast, almost to the stifling of respiration. But there were many eyes
upon him ; and, with a desperate effort at calmness, he subdued the
agitation which was almost overpowering him, — bade adieu to his old
messmates, who crowded to shake him by the hand, — and as his boat
shoved off from alongside, his ears were greeted with three hearty cheers
that rose spontaneously from the crew, and gave an earnest to the people
in the sloop-of-war that their new captain was respected and beloved.
In a few hours the whole of the squadron was under way, and saluting
and saluted passed Belem Castle, with their canvass spread to the
breeze, — the admiral and his ships bound to England, — the' Firefly
trimming her sails for a long and distant voyage to India.

Whilst excitement lasted, and the novelty of his situation engrossed

his thoughts, Edward Weatherall experienced the pride and satisfaction

that his new station very naturally inspired ; but when alone upon the

wide ocean, and neither ships nor land were visible, old feelings and

old recollections came upon him with redoubled force. The monotony

of a life of idleness, compared with the active duties to which he had

been accustomed in the flag-ship, was but ill calculated to drive away

melancholy reflection ; and though he strove to conquer the agonizing

doubts and gnawing suspicions that wounded his peace, yet it was

without avail ; and in the secret silence of his cabin, where no eye

but that of Heaven could witness his distress, remorse and anguish

preyed upon his spirits, and brought down a fearful retribution. His

lieutenants and their messmates were considerably his seniors in years,

and they felt it somewhat of a degradation to be placed under the

command of one so young. But this gradually wore off — the mild,

unassuming, but strictly disciplined manners of the captain won upon

their confidence and regard — he studied their comfort and happiness,

end though at times the grief which incessantly acted upon his temper

rendered him irritable or morose, yet there was a degree of candour
'"> t

186 JEM BTTNT.

and kindness in his general conduct that amply atoned for temporary
unpleasantness. With the surgeon, a -well-educated and gentlemanly
man, he was communicative and affable; and the skilful practitioner,
who had studied human nature as an important part of his profession,
was not long in discovering that a blighting worm had en'-eloped
itself within the recesses of the young man's heart, and was destroying
tlie flower of existence at the very core. Delicacy and subordination
forbad(» his probing the evil to the quick ; but he endeavoured by
respectful attention, and a thousand nameless little kindnesses, to avert
the disease which he saw sooner or later must come, and would pro-
bably carry off its victim. Without the slightest manifestation of ser-
vility or subserviency, he contrived various methods to amuse and
instruct the young captain, who not only appreciated, but felt sincerely
grateful for his generosity of purpose.

But Edward could not divest himself of the sense of loneliness — he
had no messmates to converse with on an equality, and though hia
table was never without guests, who were well supplied, (for Captain
Moorsom was a man of fortune, and had laid in a large stock of luxuries
as well as necessaries,) yet his cabin was a sort of sanctum, which
repressed familiarity, and his rank constrained him to preserve a due
distance when on deck. He encouraged athletic exercises and cheerful
amusements amongst his people — never harassing them by unnecessary
exactions or vexatious occupations ; but still enforcing the inviolability
of the quarter-deck, by supporting his officers in the discharge of their
several functions. Seamen are like school-boys: — they detest the hard
task-master, and are ready to take advantage of undue relaxation ; but
revere the man who feels the importance of his own station, and with
care and consideration insists upon the full performance of requisite
obligations.

Onwards went the Firefly, hourly increasing her distance from old
Albion's shores, and perhaps — with the exception of him who ruled
the whole — there has seldom been congregated together happier spirits
or lighter hearts. Every succeeding day's experience had the effect af
attaching the officers and men, more and more, to their new com-
mander ; and they looked forward to deeds of enterprise when they
should arrive in the country to which they were destined. The equi-
noctial was crossed with the usual ceremonial of a visit from Neptune ;
and as llio Janeiro had been appointed by the comm'odore for a rendez-
vous, thither they pursued their course, till thej- made Cape Frio on
the cast of Brazil, and on the same evening were near to Morris's
islands at the entrance of the harbour.

A beautiful cluster of islets are those which bear the name of Morris
— at a distance, mere spei;ks upon the ocean, covered down to the
very water's edge with verdant foliage. How they first obtained their
name I have an indistinct remembrance; and I recollect something
of a tradition concerning them, that was communicated to me by a
Portuguese olliccr (who spoke the English tongue fluently) one after-
noon, as we sat in the balcony of a pretty house on the shores of Gloria
Bay. It wua a k>ve tale, of which an Englishman (his name I believe

JEM BimT. IP, 7

was Morris) was the nero, and a lady of the viceroy's court the heroine.
The Englishman was captain of an armed ship, in which the family of
the lady had taken a passage from Lisbon to Brazil ; and during the
voyage an ardent affection had grown up between them, and led to
many stolen interviews at night, when the eyes of caution were closed
in slumber. Fervently attached to each other, they enjoyed the passing
moments with delight; and though the future would at times darken
the prospects that rose before them, yet young hearts and warm
Jeelings rendered them mutually devoted ; and they trusted to some
unforeseen chance to aid them in their designs. It was not till the
hour of separation — when Adele was to become a favourite at the court
— that they felt the full extent of the bitterness of their situation ; and
yet the utmost reserve was necessary lest their secret should be be-
trayed.

The ship commanded by Captain Morris (for so I shall call him) waa
one of those free traders, or licenced Buccaneers, that, in defiance of
garde da costas, or Spanish cruisers, carried on a contraband traffic
along the western coast of South America ; and, unless report strongly
belied them, they were not over-scrupulous in appropriating things of
value, plundered from other vessels, to their own uses and advantages ;
Dor was it an uncommon event for towns and villages to be sacked iu
the dead of night, all precious metals removed from the chapels and
churches, and the whole disappear with the most astonishing celerity
during the darkness, — so that at day-light not a maurader could be
seen on the land, and nothing but a far-distant white speck at sea,
lifting like a gull upon a wave near the verge of the blue horizon.

Upon such a voyage was Captain Morris bound ; and oh, how his
very soul became elated when he contemplated the daring achievement
of taking Adele with him ! He did not doubt of her consent to, and
co-operation in, his plans ; and though he knew that certain death and
the sinking of his ship awaited him, if detected before he got beyond
the battery of Santa Cruz, yet, once bounding free upon the ocean, and
Adele would be entirely and irrevocably his own. His design was to
take his departure towards the close of the day, anchor outside the
forts, and then return at night in his boat to Gloria Bay, where the
lady, having quitted the residence of her parents, was to be waitin*
for him ; and thus he would be enabled to carry her clear off. The
manner in which he had conducted himself to his passengers h;;d v/on
their esteem, and he was at all times a welcome visitor at the house
they had taken in the suburbs of the city. Here he enjoyed frequent
access to Adele, and availed himself of every opportunity that oitVred to
secure her undeviating regard, and obtain her acquiescence to hia
proposals. The beautiful girl truly loved the young Englishman ; but
to abandon her parents, who had nurtured her in her infancy and
childhood, — to tear herself away from the dear companions of her early
years, and become an outcast and a wanderer, — was more than retiectioa
could endure, and she energetically refused. Still Morris persevered
in his visits, and his importunity grew stronger and stronger*
Her fervent affection for him at length weakened her I'esolvea, she

188 JEM BrNT.

felt during his short absences how painful it was to be divided ; and
what, then, would that wide and eternal separation be, when he quitted
her for ever ? The very thought was unutterable anguish — the reality
Bhe dreaded would be death.

Thus an internal conflict wasted the health and blighted the hap-
piness of the almost distracted girl, when a circumstance occurred that
eventuall}- decided her fate. At sea the lovers had been accustomed to
unrestricted association, and since their arrival, from the extreme
caution that had been used, they believed that the knowledge of their
attachment was confined solely to themselves. Oh, how apt are people
to deceive themselves in this particular ! Like the ostrich, who,
thrusting his head into a hole, fancies, because he can see nothing,
that therefore nobody can see him ; so do individuals, blinded to what
is passing around them, believe that they are equally secure from obser-
vation. Amongst the servants that had come out with the family of
Adele was a smart and rather pretty female, whose romantic ideas had
settled upon the handsome young captain ; and she tried, by numerous
little endearing artifices, to draw him beneath her enthralling influences.
Anger at finding her efforts useless did but inflame the passion, which
was at first but the mere eifect of woman's desire to make conquest?
but, gathering strength from the resistance opposed to it, deepened into
firm and enduring love. Whilst on board she had no opportunity of
ascertaining the real state of affairs relative to her young mistress, but,
"when on shore, the watchful eye of suspicion was not long in detecting
the cause for which she believed herself slighted ; and the rancour of
jealousy as quickly meditated a cruel revenge.

Morris was a protestant ; and Adele had been brought up under
the most rigid tenets of the catholic church, amongst whose priesthood
the protestants were denounced as heretics. But the warmth of sincere
regard was not to be chilled into hate through considerations for par-
ticular creeds or doctrines ; — and oh, how deeply is it to be deplored
that a conscientious view of certain passages in the book of sacred and
holy peace should involve men in hostile disputes, and frequently in
saciilegious bloodshed ! It is a melancholy reflection that millions of
lives have been sacrificed in religious feuds, under the pretext of
glorifying the Saviour of sinners. At llio Janeiro priestcraft revelled
in all the power which the universal dread of " Anathema Maranatha"
could create over degrading superstition and profound ignorance
amongst .the people ; and it was to one of the most bigoted and
severe of father confessors that Marietta, under a plea of sanctity,
disclosed the facts she had discovered, that Adele was beloved by a
heretic and loved him in return. This was quite enough to raise the
vengeance of the priests ; a secret conclave was held, and it was deemed
advisable to place a watch upon the hapless pair. The vindictive
eerviug-maid plotted the destruction of her young mistress, under a hope
that, when she was removed out of the M'ay, Captain Morris would
deal kindly with herself. A snare was laid, into which the unwary
lovers were enticed ; the sentiments of their hearts became known to
individuals set purposely to watch : and at Morria's departure from the

JEM BTTNT. , 189

house, Adele was ordered to prepare herself for a convent. The en-
treaties of parental affection were disregarded — iramolition and rigid
penance were decreed the portion of the wretched girl. At the next
visit of the captain these things became in part known to him, through
a Portuguese youth who had gone out with the family, and been
kindly treated on most occasions by Morris ; who now exhorted him
to gain an interview with Adele, and entreat her to escape the horrors
of imprisonment and lingering torture from a breaking heart, by placing
herself under his protection. He said that he would that night and
every succeeding one, be with his boat at a certain hour, at a particular
spot in Gloria Eay, awaiting her, as he was forbidden again to enter
the dwelling of her parents.

That night be fulfilled his promise; and when darkness had over-
spread the face of creation, he entered a small Jight punt with two
seamen, and repaired to the appointed place ; but hour after hour
passed away, and no one coming, he returned on board grievously
agitated and sorely disappointed. The following day he held no com-
munication with the shore, but exerted himself to the utmost on board
to get the ship ready for sea. The evening saw him again in his little
boat at the rendezvous ; where he had not been more than an hour,
when two youths made their appearance, one was Adele in disguise,
tlie other the young Portuguese who had assisted her to get awav.
Great was the delight of Morris as he clasped the terrified girl in his
arms ; and, as no moment should be lost, they hastily bade adieu to the
generous youth. Adele was conveyed to the boat, which was soon at
some distance from the shore, dancing upon the surface of the swelling
waters, and driftiug out of the harbour with the ebbing tide.

Their destination was soon told. To have taken Adele on board his
ship, Morris well knew would be tantamount to the recapture of the
lady, as Portuguese guards were constantly on the deck ; nor could he
hope to carry her off with him if she remained at any place within the
range of the forts, for his vessel would be thoroughly searched on
passing Santa Cruz, and there would be no possibility of concealing
her. He determined therefore to take her at once to one of the beautiful
wood-covered islands outside ; where, with a supply of provisions, and
a temporary shelter, she might remain till picked up on his passage to
sea. He had brought with him necessaries for the purpose — a sail for
a tent — a mattress to lie upon — and a basket with food. At first,
the sensitiveness of Adele shrunk from this arrangement, as she would
be left alone, and solitariness in such a place was appalling to her mind ;
but she saw there was no alternative between that and perpetual con-
finement in a convent — between union with her lover and eternal
separation from him — and she acquiesced.

The boat, sturdily propelled, reached one of the islands — a convenient
landing-place was found in a covered nook — the seaman hastily but
securely formed a tent — dry branches were collected and piled up, on
which the mattress was spread to be used either as seat or couch — the
viands, the wine, and the water were carefully bestowed — and Morris,
after contemplating his work with rich gratification, and taking a

190 JEM BUNT.

farewell embrace of Adele, re-embarked, and under cover of the dark-
ness, gained his ship unobserved.

The departure of Adele was not ascertained till the following
morniug, when she was called upon to attend early mass. Every
inquiry was instituted, every part of the house and garden was
Bearclu'd, but she was not to be found ; and so cleverly had her retreat
been managed, that not a clue could be obtained relative to the manner
of her escape. The wretched parents did not dare to breathe their
surmises beyond their own immediate sphere ; for they believed she
had been secretly and noiselessly abducted by inquisitjrial subordinates,
and she would have to suffer every horrible torture. Great was tlie
consternation amongst the reverend fathers when informed of the event ;
but though they could discover nothing by which they could fix
an imputation upon Captain Morris, yet they never for one moment
entertained any other opinion than that he was implicated in the affair,
though how or in what manner conjecture was utterly at fault. Stung
with mortification at dissappointed vengeance, a system of espionage was
adopted; which, though for two successive nights it failed, was, it
is supposed successful on the third ; for on the morning after Morris
had paid his last visit to the island, and full of hope and confidence
had promised on the following evening to remove her away, as his ship
■would then be at sea, — the boat was found adrift in Gloria Bay, bottom
up ; and as neither the captain nor the seamen could be found, it was
at once believed that they must have perished.

It was many years after this, when a British man-of-war was laying
in Ilio Janeiro harbour, that an English seaman, stricken in age, in a
most wretched plight, came down to the landing-place, and earnestly
besought the protection of the lieutenant who had charge of the
boat tliat was then waiting for the captain. The poor fellow ap-
peared to have emerged from the very depths of abject misery ; and,
as a subject of Great Britain, the inviolability of her flag was thrown
over him. He was conveyed on board, and proved to be one of the
men who had rowed Captain Morris to the island. He told his plaiu
unvarnished tale, — that, having made tliree previous trips, they were
waiting on the fourth till the captain should join them, when a full-
manned barge rau alongside the punt — they were seized and gagged
before they could give an alarm— the little boat was taken in tow, and,
leaving Morris and the lady behind them, they pulled away. The
punt was designedly overset and cast adrift; but tlie two men were sent
to the mines of San Paulo, where one died, and the other contrived to
get away.

This recital excited deep interest amongst the British officers. The
parents of Adele were in the grave; and though there were some
living who remembered the circumstance of Cajitain Morris being
drowned, they were yet utterly unacquainted with the facts connected
with that event, and it was deemed advisable to make no further
enquiries. But a restless curiosity had been aroused ; there wero
young an I ardent minds that longed to visit the spot, which tho
seaman declared he could readily point out, and the period at last arrived

JEM BtTNT. 191

in which their wish was to be gratified. The man-of-war sailed,
saluting the forts as she passed, but when off' the islands her canvass
was reduced — the main- top-sail was laid to the mast, and the boats
wore lowered down and manned. The captain, with the old seaman
for a pilot, took the lead, and without much difficulty he guided them
to the small cove, into which they pulled. Here he described the
meetings and partings of the lovers, and the ultimate seizure of him-
self and shipmate ; he then led the way to the spot where they had
erected the temporary shelter, and a feeling of awe crept over them
as they caught sight of the remnants of a tattered sail in the last
stage of rotten decay. A profound silence prevailed as they advanced
and beheld two human skeletons near to each other, at once telling
the story of their hapless fate : — they had perished from starvation !

This is but a brief sketch of the narrative, which I have somewhere
by me in detail, and when I can lay my hand upon it, will one day
or other give it to the public.

The Firefly was laying off these islands, and the Sugar-loaf at the
entrance of the harbour was seen lifting its head into the blue vast
above — not a breath curled the waters that lay like a polished mirror
reflecting the image of the sloop on its clear surface. The lines were
got up to fish, — the shark-hook was baited, in expectation tliat some
of these monsters might be induced to visit the ship, — when, just as
the back-fin of a large one was seen cutting through the yielding
element on the larboard beam, a young midshipman fell overboard from
the starboard mizen channels. Captain Weatherall heard the splash,
and, jumping on the hammock-nettings, he saw the youth struggling
in the water. In an instant his coat and hat were thrown oft, and,
plunging after him as he was sinking, he succeeded in raising him
to the surface. Ropes were thi'own from the channels — the boat was
instantly lowered ; but the shark had travelled quick and got close
under the stern of his prey, which he was turning on his back to seize,
when one of the seamen in the cutter jobbed the boat-hook between
his horrible jaws, and deprived him of his expected banquet. The
captain and the midshipman were rescued and got on board ; and this
incident, which manifested generous and fearless promptitude in their
commander, wrought with full effect on the feelings of the honest tars,
who from that time almost idolized tlieir chief.

A magnificent harbour is that of E,io Janeiro, with the city of San
Sebastian, beautiful as seen from the water, as it opens out on the
larboard hand, whilst running in for the anchorage ; and on the
starboard side, the mountains towering to the heavens, arrayed in the
richest verdure, amidst which are seen white convents, and churches
and chapels, to relieve and gratify the sight. The distance up the
river is studded with miniature islands, with monasteries having richly
cultivated gardens, yielding all the delicious fruits of a tropical climate.
It is a lovely scene ; and perhaps there is not a more splendid panorama
to be found in the whole world than that presented by the harbour
of Uio Janeiro.

Ar.d here it was that the Firefly anchored to replenish her stock of

192 3EM BtTNT.

water, and to recruit the health of the seamen upon fresh beef and
vegetables. Commodore Cornwallis had only quitted the port a few
days before ; and as Captain Weatherall was particularly anxious to
join him as early as possible, very little time was allowed for visiting
the shore. The casks were filled— a plentiful supply of fresh beef was
laid in — vegetables and fruit were in abundance; and the sloop again
put to sea, in pursuit of the commander-in-chief. They suffered a
heavy gale or two in rounding the Cape : and eventually got sight of
the commodore, whilst making the island of Johanna, in the Mosam-
bique channel.

Amongst all the strange characters that ever existed, old " Billy
Blue " (the name by which Cornwallis was generally known amongst
the seamen) ought to enjoy a vast degree of pre-eminence. He was
seldom heard to speak, scarcely ever seen to smile, — was dogged in his
opinion, and distant in his manners, — yet a universal favourite amongst
old England's tars, for his bravery was undoubted, and he never broke
his word. The first introduction of Captain Weatherall by no means
pleased him ; he was angry that Captain Moorsom had been removed,
and muttered something about the folly of appointing mere boys to
command, whom he should immediately supersede. But the letter
from Sir Mulberrj% though it did not exactly change the tenour of hia
ro.ind, yet suspended for a time his intention, and they parted pretty
good friends.

The first service of Captain Weatherall in the East Indies was the
suppression of piracy; ami in this he succeeded so well that he gained
the approbation of Earl Cornwallis, the governor-general and brother
to the commodore ; but it was not until a much larger force was sent,
that the ilaliratta chiefs were entirely subdued, ilis next service was
at the Andamans, where a naval depot was established ; and on the
breaking out of the war with Tippo Sahib, he was again actively em-
ployed on the Malabar coast, in preventing supplies from reaching the
enemy by sea ; and he was present at the action between Sir Richard
Stralian in the PiicBriix, and a French frigate, in which the latter was
captured, off Tellicherry. The commodore quitted India, and one of
his List acts was to post Captain Weatherall to the jSTeverflinch.

The declaration of war between England and France awakened the
energies of both army and navy; and a truly brilliant career was
opened to them, in which they acquitted themselves with honour and
glory. It is no part of my design to follow the gallant captain through
his course of important duties, which gained him the approval of his
superiors, and the admiration of every one. He was highly esteemed
by Admiral Kanier, who succeeded tlie commodore, and was ultimately
sent home to England, where his arrival has already been described.

But during the whole period of his absence he never ceased to
remember his visits to the Grange; and the undying affection he
cherislxed for Eleanor was as strong as in the moments of fondest
endearment. Time, it is true, had in some measure healed the
wounds caused by disappointment when first sent to India ; but
anxiety still preyed upon his mind, for, except on one occasion, he

Jem bunt. 193

had obtained no intelligence whatever relative to the female he still
most ardently loved. A packet had brought him out a number of
returned letters, with their enclosures, which he had addressed to
Eleanor; and they were backed with the words, " Eemoved — not
known where." This increased his perplexity and embarrassment,
and at length he wrote to Mr. Sykes; but, as already shown, that
gentleman had quitted England, and was then at Canton, so that no
reply was received. The intelligence of the death of his father, and
the announcement of his own illegitimacy, though softened by kind and
soothing communications from his uncle, made a deep impression on
his mind ; — it cast a stain upon the character of his mother, whom
he revered ; and that was worse to him than deprivation of birthright
and title. Of wealth he had abundance, for he had captured many
valuable prizes ; his post-rank had been confirmed by the admiralty ;
and yet, with riches and honour, one false step had embittered all his
days. He sometimes feared that Eleanor was dead, but still he felt
a secret communion within that made him banish the idea ; and his
first act on lauding at Portsmouth, after his interview with the admiral,
was to hurry to the house that had been occupied by Mr. Sykes.
Strange faces met bis earnest gaze ; — they knew nothing of such a
person ; and it was only by accident that he ascertained Mr. Sykes
had left the country. His journey to Molly Boyd's cottage has already
been narrated.

CHAPTEE XYII.

" Oh, Melancholy !

llVho ever yet could sound thy bottom ? — find

The ooze to show what coast thy sluggish crare

Might eas'liest harbour in .''

* * * *

Grief fills the room up of my absent child :
Lies in his bed ; moves up and down with me ;
Puts on his pretty looks; repeats his tongue;
Remembers me of all his gracious parts ;
Stuffs out his vacant garments with his form ; —
Then have I reason to be tond of grief 1

At the close of the fifteenth chapter we left the insensible Eleanor
in the small cabin of the pilot-cutter, running out from Portsmouth
harbour to the Mother Bank ; and she, who only a few hours before
was starving, destitute, and dying, was now watched over by anxious
friends, and attended with unremitting care, whilst the helpless infant
she had cherished with a mother's tenderness and love, was left
unprotected to the mercy of strangers.
25

194 JEM Bust.

Oh, how unaccountable to mortal ken are the vicissitudes of human
life ! and yet, in the dispensations of Providence, each having a useful
purpose and a wise end It is worse than folly — for it is the created
limiting; the power of the Creator — to suppose otherwise than that a
superintending influence of divine authority is constantly offering
blessings to mankind. And yet wluit misery, what wretchedness
may be traced, tliroughout all the grades of societj', by the perversion
of those blessings througli the frailty of our nature ! and in by far
the most numerous instances, the innocent suffer for the crimes of
the guilty.

It was near midnight when the cutter ran alongside of the India-
man and Eleanor was cai'efully hoisted on board, still enveloped in the
boat-cloak, so that no prying eye of curiosity could see her ; and it was
enough to say that she was sea-sick and helpless, to insure the com-
miseration of the officers on deck, — for the passengers had most of them
retired to rest. The surgeon saw her safely deposited in the cabin
appropriated to the family of Mr. Sykes ; and resigning his charge to
the surgeon of the ship, he received a very handsome douceur, and
took his leave as the cutter promptly sheered off, leaving the pilot to
discharge his duties.

The convoy had sailed some hours, and the sternmost ships were
then barely visible ; but Captain Meredith trusted to the speed of his
good ship to overhaul them. The Indiaman was already unmoored, —
the anchor was weiglied, — the canvas spread, and away they went
for the Needles jiassage, whicli tliey passed through at daylight ; and
with a fair wind bade adieu to the pilot, and joined the convoy running
down channel.

With the pilot went the last communications from the ship to
friends at home ; and oh, could those letters iiave been perused by an
indifferent eye, it would havo seen how much of keen regret and
ambitious hope they contained. As the cutter receded from view, the
passengers still fixed their earnest gaze upou her till she had dwindled
to a mere s])eik upon the horizon ; and when she disappe.-i'ed, it
seemed like the severing of the last link in the chain of connection
between hearts that loved and their native land.

When Eleanor was conveyed to Mr. tSykes's cabin, the young
ladies, who had known and were affectionately attached to her in
her days of peace and innocence, were briefly informed of her distress,
and suitable apparel was immediately provided. Not a murmur of
disapprobation escaped them, nor an unnecessary inquiry made ; they
had, Irom their earliest years, imbibed from their excellent father the
principles of true benevolence and christian charity. They were
gralihed that the wanderer had been found, and so opportunely re-
Btured ; but they had not long the power of reducing their principles
to praclice, for the motion of the sliip brought on that sickness and
liissitude which drove them to their cots, and reduced them to utter
helplessness.

The surgeon of the Indiaman, however, devoted great attention to
the full iuseusible Eleanor ; and at length succeeded in arousing her

JEM BUNT. 195

from stupor, so as to induce her to take nourishment. But she still
appeared unconscious of her situation; and fever and delirium suc-
ceeded, rendering restraint necessary. But hers was not the raging
■wildness, but the deception of mental aberration. She fancied herself
happy ; and with a pillow cradled in her arms, she would call it her
babe, and handle it ^\ iih the utmost care. Sometimes her sweet voice
was heard singing it to repose ; but the notes were so plaintive, so
heart-touching, that they brought tears into the eyes of listeners, and a
general sympathy prevailed for her throughout the ship.

Day after day passed on, but still there was no change in her
mind ; though health was progressively restored, and the loveliness
for which she had been so universally admired was not only renewed,
but rendered of higher iulerest by the afflicting condition of her
intellect. And now they were getting into warmer latitudes ; and
the milder atmosphere was grateful to her shattered constitution,
whilst the ocean breeze braced up the nerves to greater strength. Of
the cabin, of the ship, or the rolling waves as they succeeded each other
in the wake, she took no notice nor made any mention ; her thoughts
were constantly at the Grange, or in the cottage of Holly Boyd, but
no names or pointed allusions ever escaped her lips.

The convoy anchored at Madeira. It was early morning when they
brought up in the roads, and every part of the island was obscured
bv clouds, except the summit of the mountains that peered above them
like the flying islands of Sindbad the Sailor. But as the day advanced
the sun dispelled the vapours, and every portion of the land became
visible. The sight of the shore appeared to awaken remembrances in
the breast of Eleanor. Mr. Sykes was sitting with her when she first
beheld it from the stern windows, and he felt convinced a change had
come over her : — the colour forsook her cheeks, and deadly paleness
spread itself over every feature ; — she stretched her hands towards the
land — she gasped for breath — recollections of the past flew in quic,^
succession before her; — the thoughts of her real infant came rushing on
her mind — the precious babe she had unknowingly abandoned. Oh !
there is a strong feeling in a mother's heart for her oflspring, which
none but a mother can know ; aud she who wantonly deserts her
sucking babe, is a monster and a wretch whom the Almighty will
abandon in the hour of her tribulation. "My child! my child ! "
shrieked Eleanor ; " take me to my child ! " and rising up. she ran to
the stern gallery to precipitate herself into the ocean. But Mr. Sykes
was prompt in his prevention ; ho grasped her by the arms, aud forcibly
held her fast.

Again she shrieked, " My child ! my child ! " as she struggled to get
free ; but her own excited strength gave way ; she dropped upon the
deck, and was carried to her cot, dimly sensible to all that she had
endured. A deep and settled melancholy came over her ; — the sound
of her voice was seldom heard in utterance, though her lips would
frequently move as if communing with h«r own thoughts ; and no smile
was ever seen to change the moody expression of her features.

Thus matters continued during the remainder of the vo.yage to

196 JEM BUNT.

Bombay, and in no instance did Mr. Sykes endeavour to draw forth
the secret of her bosom : what his own conjectures were, never
escaped ; and his family, accustomed to take their rule of conduct
from him, did not attempt that which he seemed studiously to avoid.
The poor girl never quitted her cabin ; but every degree of tenderness
and kindness was manifested towards her, and the seamen, when
performing any necessary duty on the poop, carefully abstained from
making a noise that might *' disturb the lady who was unsettled in her
reason." Oh, could they have known the cause, how varied would
have been the feelings of those on board ! but everything had been
admirably managed to prevent suspicion of the forlorn and destitute
condition in which she had been discovered ; and the general suppo-
sition was, that her insanity had been produced by a compulsory
separation from one to whom she was devotedl}" attached.

A love- tale is ever welcome to the ear of a sailor : it awakens all his
rude sympathies ; it calls into operation every better sentiment of his
rough but honest nature; his compassion is excited at misfortune, and
his lieart rejoices at a happy termination to adventurous affection. No
wonder, then, that the alleged disasters of the wretched Eleanor — being
torn from the arms of a distracted lover (for so ran the story) to whom
she was affianced, and destined to become the bride of another — had
suspended the exercise of those faculties which the Creator had bestowed
upon mankind, to distinguish them from the other works of his mighty
hand.

At Bombay, Eleanor was conveyed on shore, and it was curious to
observe, that, at her departure from the ship, the utmost silence pre-
vailed from the period that slie appeared upon the quarter-deck, till
the boat in which she embarked had carried her beyond the reach of
hearing. There seemed to be but one simultaneous action of the mind
— tlie hand of Omnipotence had struck her ; and though the decree of
tlie Deity was neither questioned nor condemned, yet there was a deep
and heartfelt commiseration which induced respect for her misfortunes.

On shore, every attention suitable to the wealth and rank of Colonel
Mowbray was duly paid to his niece ; and here, in charge of her
uncle's friends, tlie unhappy girl was left by Mr. Sykes, who pursued
his further voyage to China. That gentleman had very naturally
expected that something might transpire when the hour of parting
came ; but though the worthy and excellent Samaritan was much
affected when, bidding her farewell, Eleanor betrayed but little
emotion, and made no disclosures whatever. A sort of passive indif-
ference appeared to have combined itself with her melancholy, though,
in point of fact, she was at most times acutely sensible to suffering.

A few months subsequent to her arrival at Bombay, Colonel Mowbray
(wlio had been apprised by Mr. Sykes of the derangement of intellect
under which Eleanor was labouring, at the same time stating his belief
that it would be but temporary) sent a proper escort for his niece, and
she joined him at his embassy at Ispahan. In point of loveliness
Eleanor was more beautiful than ever ; her figure and her features
were faultless; and the gallant old colonel was delighted with the

JEM BUNT. 19?

admiration wliich manifested itself amongst all who beheld her, whilst
she seemed insensible to the worship of a crowded and splendid court.
Once, and once only, did she display a vivid acuteness to the affairs of
life, and that was when accidentally overhearing a conversation between
her uncle and an oflBcer who had brought despatches from the Governor
General of India. They were talking of the war which was then
raging in the East, and the name of Captain Edward Weatherall was
mentioned in terms of high encomium. This was the first time, for
a long long period, that she had heard her lover spoken of, and the
chords of her heart vibrated responsive to the touch ; — her dormant
faculties were awakened, — her torpid senses were suddenly revived, —
she listened with earnest attention, — and though at first her perceptions
were somewhat mystified, yet they grew clearer and clearer as the
conversation proceeded, till at length her energies were called into
I^erfect play, and for a time reason resumed the full exercise of her
important functions. There could be no doubt as to the identity of her
supposed faithless lover, for he was alluded to as " a gallant young
man, the nephew of Admiral Boreas ; " and oh, — though she deemed
herself aggrieved, injured, and insulted, — how did her woman's heart
rejoice when she heard of his being ])romoted, as the reward of his
meritorious conduct and bravery ! In defiance of her wrongs she loved
him still, and gloried in the commendations that were bestowed upon
him as a tribute to his worth.

But this state of mind did not endure long ; remembrances of her
child — the infant she had left so strangely, and of whose fate she was
utterly ignorant — came with irresistible force, that almost overwhelmed
her. Edward might not be faithless ; — he might still love her with
unabated afi"ection ; but would that affection continue when he should
learn that his helpless babe had been abandoned to poverty, destitution,
and all the thousand ills that beset unprotected existence ? She herself
had experienced a wonderful vicissitude in her discovery and removal
by Mr. Sykes ; and the probability was, that some unforeseen occur-
rence had prevented Edward from fulfilling his promise of return,
and, perhaps, no means presented itself of rendering the necessary
information to apprise her of the fact.

Thus she would argue ; — and then pride would step in ; and though
she earnestly desired counsel, yet her sensitiveness recoiled at the idea
of betrayal, should she err in the choice of a confidant ; and the prospect
of being slighted, abhorred, and shunned, deterred her from communi-
cating her real situation to any one. Ah ! could she have known the
feelings of Edward Weatherall — his ardent love — his keen remorse—
his earnest desire to retrieve the past, how soon might peace have been
partially restored to both I but she shrank from the task of address-
ing him, and he was totally ignorant of her being in that part of the
world.

Again a deeper melancholy fell upon her, and her uncle was reluctantly
compelled to draw her from public society. At intervals, however, she
was more animated, and the hopes of Colonel Mowbray were revived,
that her malady might in the course of time be removed; no opportunity

198 JKM BUNT.

was suffered to escape that could afford amusement; the most indefati-
gable exertions were called into operation to try and effect improvement,
— sometimes with sensible results, — at others aggravating the symptoms.
The young Shah was greatly interested in her unhappy condition ; he
had been smitten by her beauty, and the delicate attentions of the
Persian prince would have been delightful to the bosom which insanity
had not seared. Nor were they entirely lost on Eleanor, but the first
attachment of her young heart could not be dissolved ; and though
grateful fur his constant and respectful kindness, she was nothing
more.

CHAPTEK XVIII.

*' Lwt his lack of years be no impediment to let him lack a reverend estimation ;
fori never knew so young a body with so old a head."

" Be assured, you'll find a difference,
Between the promise of his greener days,
And these lie masters now."

"A British tar to fear 's a stranger;
Safe in port, forgets all danger ;
Drinks his grog and tries to sing;
Ilates Billy Pitt, but loves his king."

The morning after the arrival of Sir Edward Weatherall at home,
with the Admiral and tlie Captain, and subsequently the two seamen,
Jem Burnit was early astir, fur he longed to learn some particulars of
the new comers, especially of Sir Mulberry Boreas and his patron's
brother. The servants, however, had been up late, and none of them
were upon the move, so that, except the attendant in the chamber of
the Captain, the lad had the range of the house to himself. Noiselessly
did he pass through the various apartments till he reached the parlour ;
and there to his great delight, discovering the admiral's enormous
cocked hat and sword, they were quickly transferred to his own person ;
though the first was as much as he could stagger under, and nearly
extinguished him, and the latter was longer than his own altitude. To
prop up the hat, he thrust in the inside a lamb-skin mat, that hung like
a flaxen wig about his shoulders ; and sloping arms with the sword as
a soldier would a firelock, he strutted to and fro before the looking-
glass, which reflected his figure, and as he admired himself, he mentally
uttered —

"My crikey! how veil I looks in this here toggery! don't I vish
Master Dunny won could see me ! I vonder vether Sir Mulberry Bolus
would lend 'em to me, to go and pay a visit to the governor at
Cambervcll — though p'r'aps they'd take me for Boney, and clap me ia

JEM BUNT. igy

the cage, and that 'ud be no fun any how. But I do look fine, and no
mistake ! Vy, the cockem-up hat is bigger than Peter Macaw's, and he
didn't not never carry such a veapon as this ; I vender if it ever cut
any body's head off ! " and the lad assayed to draw it, but it was too
tight in the scabbard. Again mounting it over his shoulder, he ex-
tended his legs, and assuming a look of defiance, continued, " Veil, I'm
blowed if I don't go and fight the French, and then, mayhap T shall be
a Sir ilulberry Bolus too, and vear acockera-up hat and a sword, though
I shouldn't like to have sich a nose, and that's vy I suppose they calls
him Sir Mulberrj'."

The lad, gratified beyond measure at the exhibition which he made,
continued for some time longer parading about ; but fancying that so
much show would be worth nothing unless some one could see him, he
resolved on marching to the sleeping-room of Corporal Senhouse, in
order to display his borrowed finery to the veteran.

Now it so happened, that the Corporal's, being a double-bedded room,
had been given up the previous night to Jem Hardover, and Joe Blather-
wick ; and true to old habits, the seamen were early awake, but being
rather cloudy when they turned in, each was perplexed and confused at
finding himself stowed away in such a snug berth ; and simultaneously
opening the curtains, which had been closed upon them, they raised
themselves in bed, and exchanged looks without uttering a word. The
corporal, who had assisted them at their toilette, when unconsciously
retiring to rest, had furnished them with clean and delicate white night-
caps, which still remained upon their heads, and somewhat changed the
identity of their features, so that they stared at one another in a doubt-
ful manner, till Blatherwick exclaimed, " Well, I'm bkss'd if that aint
Jem ! — What cheer — what cheer, my hearty ? "

"Avast, Joe, avast !" responded the coxswain, in an under tone;
"how the deuce do we know what port it is as we've moored ship in ?
Mayhap, messmate, we've run in under false colours, — for, blow me, if
I recollects anything about last night, and my head ar'n't got the haze
blowed off it this morning. But I'm saying, messmate, its snug we are
coiled away, and safe, in these here four-masted consarns, and to my
thinking, it ud be onwise and onprudent, if so be as there's any error
in the reckoning, to kick up a bobbery and get turned out, till we've
bottled off a little more sleep."

" There's right reason and plain sailing in that, Jem," returned the
boatswain's mate; " it aint many spells as we've had below lately. But,
my eyes, Jem, what ud Poll think, if she could see her own living Joe
with such a white-royal at his mast-head as this here ! " and he
twirled the night-cap round on his fist ; " I wish she could haul along-
side of me now, old boy ; — but she's gone, Jem — she's gone ; and all
through that letter- writing ! " and he shook his head and gave a heavy
sigh.

"Take another snooze, messmate, and belay all sorrow," said the
coxswain, soothingly ; there's nothing like nat'ral rest for relieving the
mind ; it's jist the same thing as a rolling- tackle for a topsel-yard — keeps
all steady, and bars all chafes. Do as I do, close your gangway," — he

200 '^'^ BtTNT.

dropped the curtains—" and make all snug till the hammocks are piped

"^Blatherwick complied, and having re-adjusted his white-royal, as he
calh-d it— alias his night-cap— he endeavoured to compose himself to
sleep just as Jrm cautiou4y opened the door of the apartment and
strutted in, with the intention of surprising the corporal, but unfor-
tunately in turning round, the sword struck against the door-post, and
the well-known rattle of a warlike instrument instantly aroused the two
seamen who again raised themselves in their beds, and re-opening the
curtains, stared with astonishment at the lad, who, on his part, was no
less surprised.

" Veil, I'm blesa'd," said Jem, as he stood between the two beds, and
looked first at the coxswain, and then at the boatswain's mate, "Veil,
I'm bless'd, but this here's a rum go, anyhow ! ^ Vy, there's a delicate
pair on you, and nighther the corporal arter all ! "

" Yohoy," exclaimed Bbitherwick, " what ship, my boy, what ship ?
Why, you've more sail aloft than such a small hull can carry ; a puff of
wind ud capsize you.''

" Cap-size," repeated Jem, "it ar'n't a cap at all; it's a cockem-up
hat, and belongs to "

" Oh, you never need go for to tell us who's the owner of it," uttered
Hardover, with a self-satisfied grin ; " we'd swear to that guinea-mans
caboose any day in the week. But I say, Joe, it's like the fair-weather
signal in the downs ; it tell's us that we are in a safe port ; for if that
aint the admiral's flag — hat, I means— I never seed it afore in my
life."

" Veil, but you isn't fly, arter all," responded Jem ; " you ar'n't
awake to it, I see. This hat aint the admiral's by a long chalk ; for
I twigg'd it myself, kivering the tupenny loaf of Sir Mulberry Bolus."

"Sir Mulberry who?" demanded the boatswain's mate angrily;
"speak more respectfully of your betters, young shaver ; it ud show as
if you had some edecation bestowed on you, as well as a neat fit-out by
the tailor,"

" But I ar'n't never been edocated," returned Jem, with perfect good
humour, " except by Muster Dunnywon, an Irish genelman as 1 knows.
But I say, my coveys, vere do you come from ?" and Jem very coolly
etuek his arms a-kimbo, and awaited a reply.

" Upon my word, but you're a fine little fellow," said the coxswain,
iiughing at the lad's perfect self-possession, " I wonder who made your
breeehes ? "

" Veil, 1 don't like to be sarcy," returned the boy, composedly, " but
since you axes the qvestion, vy it ud be ondecent not to tell you. Veil,
it vos jist the tailor as measured my legs."

A roar of unrestrained mirth from the seamen brought in Corporal
Senhou-ic, who stared as much as the tars had done at beholding Jem's
grotesque appearance. A brief explanation f«jllowed, and llanluvcr and
Bl.itherwick, convinced that they were in a correct position, ma le ihcra-
Belved p^'rfeetly couteuled, and at breakfast time they seated tlioaiselves
very comfortably to enjoy their meal, — the corporal doing all the

yf^ ^M^^y/-- /r-Za^H^e^ /^^^^ • J^^fe'/..^^'^-^

JEM nu>T. 201

honours, and Jem affording tlieiu a fund- of amusement." ISir Edward
paid them a visit in the course of the morning, supplied them with
cash, and with the young ei devant sweep as their guide, they sallied
forth to enjoy a raau-of-war'a cruise, in order to view the lions of
London.

After Captain Weatherall had unburthened his mind to his brother,
he felt more relieved ; and Sir Edward pledged himself that no exertion
should be spared to gain all the information that could possibly be ob-
tained. The baronet also made his confidential communications, and
though not much disposed to mirth, the captain could not forbear
smiling when told of the means of intercourse between Miss Elwestcr
and Sir Edward. Promises were exchanged of mutual assistance, and, fur
the present, not a sentence of what had transpired was to bo made
known to the admiral, who, worthy soul ! had no idea whatever that
either of his nephews had the slightest female engagement upon their
hands.

During the day, several distinguished officers of the navy called to
pay their respects .to Sir Mulberry, and to express brotherly commisera-
tion for the ciiptain, who was confined to his bed by order of the medical
attendants, and strict directions left that he should not be disturbed by
visitors, as, from agitation of mind and severe bodily injuries, he required
repose and tranquillity.

As for Jem, never was lad more in his glory; and being perfectly
well acquainted with every part of the metropolis, both east and west,
he was well adapted for the task he had undertaken, of chaperoning the
gallant tars. The coxswain was highly delighted with his ( xcursion,
and so Mould the boatswain's mate have been, but for his remembrance
of Poll ; and not a female that in the remotest degree restmbled her
did he see, but he immediately gave chase, for the ptirpose, as he said,
" of overhauling her figure-head." Thus he was continually crossing
the streets, to and fro, and not unfrequently hailing some woman or
other " to heave-to till he came alongside."

Jem did not know what to make of this, but Hardover explained it
to him ; and the lad having received a full description of Poll, (such as
she was when her husband left England,) kept a sharp look out, and
directed Blatherwick's attention to many a good dame whom he would
otherwise have missed. It may readily be conjectured that the eccentric
conduct of the boatswain's mate not only drew upon tlie trio the eyes of
observers, but as, after examination he would turn away with some un-
couth expression of disappointment, the ang( r, and often the vituperation,
of the parties addressed were promptly bestowed, and more liian once or
twice they were nearly getting into trouble.

As a matter of course, they requested Jem to pilot them to the
" Admiralitj," and the lad very promptly complied ; the seamen, how-
ever, were rather disappointed when they beheld the building, as it
was by no means commensurate with the grand ideas they had formed
of an establishment that held supreme sway over the British navy.
From thence they proceeded to the "Horse Guards j " and whilst
the two mounted sentinels, a young sweep, wliO had been
26

202 JEM BUNT.

carefully watching the party; very cordially claimed acquaintance with
our hero, and was, in fact, the fellow- apprentice to whom Jem had, a
day or two previous, given a shilling.

" Veil, you're a nice un, you are, to come and ondress a genelman of
my appearance!" said Jem, as he assumed the grandee. "There,"
offering him a sixpence, " go along, little boy, and tell your missus to
give you a hunk of bread and butter."

" It ain't o' no use, Jem, to try and come it over me in that vay,"
returned the lad, eyeing the sixpence wistfully, but declining to take
it ; for he was aware that Mr. Fluewellin was at no great distance,
and, in all probability, a witness to their meeting. " I knows as
you're Jem, and though I scorns to split upon you, yet I'm jiggered
if master hasn't got his gimlets on you now, and," looking round,
" there he is, by the hookey."

Old recollections of discipline and correction crossed the mind of our
hero, and for the moment forgetting his elevation, he exclaimed, " My
crikey, Bill ! — vhereabouts ? "

But Mr. Fluewellin did not allow of time to reply ; for instantly
stepping up, he grasped Jem's arm, and claimed him as a run-away
apprentice. It was now that the metamorphosed lad, with cool
indifference, first gazed in the face of his old master, and then turning
to the surprised seamen, uttered, ** Gentlemen, jist have the goodness
to fetch a constable for this here old covey, as doesn't know how to
behave hisself. Ve'll see vot Sir Mulberry Bolus ull say to him."

"No gammon, you young wagabone," vociferated the enraged master
sweep ; " but come along home to Cambervell, and sarve yer time out,
or I'll have you afore the beaks, and you'll get three months in the
House of Correction for your tricks."

The coxswain and boatswain's mate knew no more of Jem than that
they had found him an inmate in Sir Edward's house, and somewhat
of a favourite with the baronet, and therefore they conceived it im-
possible that the claim of Fluewellin to his services could be correct ;
so that they immediately commanded him to " unhook his grappling-
irons from the boy's yard-arm ; " but with this the master sweep
refused to comply, and as a mob is soon gathered in London, a very
miscellaneous assemblage was speedily collected round the disputants,
and as master sweeps never enjoy any very great portion of public
estimation, on account of their being considei'ed harsh and cruel to their
eervaiits, popular favour proclaimed itself in behalf of our hero, who
preserved the most perfect equanimity, and even expressed regret at
" the poor man's mistake."

Fluewellin had sense enough to perceive that he would have but
small chance of succeeding in his attempt upon Jem's person, notwith-
standing he was acting legally in seizing him ; for the seamen, though
not over desirous of encountering such a sooty opponent, prepared fur
action, and the multitude gave evident indications of affording them the
most determined support. Thus circumstanced, the master-sweep
relinquished his hold of the lad's arm, resolving in his own mind,
however, not to lose sight ot him. " I'll have you yet," said he in aa

JEM Btmr.

2C3

under tone, principally intended for the hearing of his run-away
apprentice.

"Poor onfortunate man," uttered Jem, aloud, as he placed himself
for better protection between the two seamen ; "I feels for your sitiva-
tion, — but dont go for to make sich mistakes again. I'm sorry for you,
and it's a pity ; so to show as I'm a genelman, here's a seven -shilling
bit to get a pot of beer with. Good morning ;" and the audacious
youngster, removing his hat, made a very polite bow, which produced
roars of laughter amongst the mobility, and excited great anger in the
breast of his late master, who refused the small gold coin. The trio
then departed.

At the dinner hour they returned to the baronet's and were heartily
regaled with excellent cheer; and as, after the repast, they preferred

remaining m

again.

" the berth " (as they styled the room) to going abroad
pipes and tobacco and grog were furnished to them, and Jem,

filling up a yard of clay for himself, with a bright pewter tankard of
heavy- wet by his side, sat himself down with the most perfect self-pos-
session, to listen to the narratives of the tars, as they gave the corporal

u full account of the loss of the poor old Neverflinch, and the rescuing
of the captain from death. From this catastrophe they changed the
subject to the delights of a sea-life, in ranging the ocean, visiting foreign

201 JEM PUNT.

lands, and thrashing the French, till Jem's heart glowed with admira-
tion, and he secretly determined also to be a sailor.

E'. ening came; and the baronet having addressed an affectionate
letter to Amelia, the ex-sweep changed his array, for the purpose of
conveying it to its destination. According to his usual mode, he
descended the chimney, and when at the lowest part, so as not to be
visible, he stopped, and gave the preconcerted signal, which, howevei',
was not responded to, and both stillness and darkness prevailed Again
and again the signal was repeated, but still no reply ; and at last the
lad, grown impatient by delay, got upon the fire-grate, so that he could
look into the room ; but the gloom was too dense for him to distinguish
anything, nor could he, whilst holding his breath to listen, detect any
sound that might convey to his faculties a belief that the apartment was
tenanted. From observations made during his previous visits, he was
pretty well acquainted with the locality of the furniture, the door, and
other things ; and after waiting in much suspense for several minutes,
he, witli great caution, and as noiselessly as possible, got down upon the
floor ; and having, as a seaman would say, taken his " departure '' from
the fire-place, he dropped upon bis hands and knees, and crawled about,
listening at intervals for the slightest noise.

" Veil, this here's a rum go, any how ! " thought Jem, as he became
perfectly convinced that he was alone in the room ; " here's the door
shut'' — as he passed his hand over it; — " I vonder if it's locked.^"
He turned the handle, and the door immediately opened, disclosing
to his view the rays of a faint light that dimly illumined the wallsj
and which came from a lamp at the other extremity of the passage.
In what manner this lamp was carried, or suspended, Jem could not
exactly distinguish ; but it was in zig-zag motion, and its movements
were extremely erratic. Peeping through the unclosed aperture, the
boy watched with intense eagerness ; for, independent of his desire to
gain every information for his patron, the undertaking he was engaged
in just suited his love of adventure; so glancing his eyes back towards
the chimney, so as to make sure of tlie position of his retreat, he
remained steadily at his post, to watch the advancing luminary, which
was one of those kind of lamps that are backed, so as to throw their
liglit forward, and at the same time keep in shade all that remains
behind it.

Tiui papsnge was rather lengthy, and the lamp passed from side to
side, sometimes making short pauses in the middle, though, even then,
with a curious kind of oscillation, and not unfn quently going back a
pace or two, in retrograde motion, and then springing forward a;.;ain.

" Veil, I'm blessed,'' said Jem, mentally, crou hing with his head
close to the floor, in order the better to avoid detection, " I'm blessed
If that eie lamp ain't trinmud with some of Vitbread's heavy, and has
got so svipey that it carn't light straight ! " Nor was the lad's strange
conjecture altogether incorrect ; for though the lamp was perfectly
innocent of inebriety, yet the individual who carried it was certainly
iu that glorious state of nebulosity which fully justified the remark of
being " swipey."

JEM BtTNT.

2or.

The shuffling noise of feet hastily ascending the staircase, put Jem
upon his mettle, and in a few seconds he beheld a tall, gaunt figure in
the passage, on the approach of which the lamp was turned away, and
became eclipsed by»the petticoats of a stout female, who gave evident
symptoms of inability to stand alone.

" So," exclaimed the gaunt figure, as he steadied the female by the
arm, " Master gone, — mistress gone, — cook gets drunk."

'^ Drunk yourself. Master Lankrib," responded the woman, with
hiccupping vehemence; "I'm parfately sober;" (she reeled against
the wall in refutation of her assertion ;) " there ! see how you staggers ;
why, you can hardly stand ; — come, old chap, let me carry you to
bed." She took hold of the man of lath with a firm grip, but, over-
powered by the liquor, she fell down, forcing the old man with her; —
the light wa.s extinguished, — she screamed most lustily for help, — and
as the servants came running to the spot, Jem re-ascended the chimney,
to inform Sir Edward of every circumstance that had taken place ; but,
true to his old habit, when about half way up, he indulged in a short
snooze, in which he dreamed of big cocked-up hats and gold-mounted
hangers.

206 TEM BtTNT.

CHAPTER XIX.

"And then the grog goes round,
All sense of danger di-own'd,

We despise it to a man ;
"We sing a little and laugh a little.
And work a little and swear a little,
And fiddle a little and foot it a little,

And swig the flowing can." Dibdin.

" Nobly he yokes
A smiling with a sigh : as if the sigh
Was that it was, for not being such a smile ;
The smile mocking the sigh, that wouhl tly
From so divine a temple, to commix
With winds, that sailors rail at." Shakespeare,

"During Jim's absence, which was of no very long duration, the
baronet, as usual, underwent a great variety of changes in his tem-
perament. From being almost maddened by impatience, he strove to
restore calm to his mind through the exercise of reason — then
sickening ajjprehensions arose and produced a faintness that he could
not control ; and this was succeeded by a sudden gush of joy, as
anticipations of pleasure from the conviction of Amelia's love swelled
in his heart. Mingled with these sensations was commiseration for
bis brother, in whose hapless situation he felt a lively interest ; and
he could not forbear reverting to the early history of his parents, which
in some measure resembled that of their distressed son.

He was pacing to and fro in his library, awaiting Jem's return,
when the lad entered and made his report of what he had witnessed,
and all the knowledge he had gained, which he said, "parfectly satis-
fied him that Mr. Helvester had run avay vilh the lady."

This was a heavy blow to the baronet, and for an instant jealousy
of the duke assumed an ascendancy over him ; but this was quickly
dispelled when he called to remembrance the assurances he had re-
ceived of Amelia's unchanging and unchangeable regard. But might
not force, or violence, or terror be employed to compel a union wit'ti
the noble ? for he knew the usurer had set his heart upon making his
daughter a duchess, and as he had none of the milk of human kindness
in his nature. Sir Edward dreaded the worst. Still he thought the
iad might be mistaken as to lier departure, and therefore he made him
minutely repeat his story over again, and then urged him to descend
the chimney once more, to collect what other information he possibly
could.

JEM BUNX. 20?

Without a moment's hesitation the lad obeyed, but requested that he
might be furnished with a dark lantern, that he might be the better
enabled to search the apartments. The corporal was summoned, the
lantern was provided, and Jem set out on his second mission, " fully
detarmined," as he said, " to make somut on it." But this time he
descended a different flue to what he had done before, hoping to get
down into the servants' apartments, and, by friglitening the cook,
■whilst in her fit of intoxication, obtain the intelligence he wanted
relative to the lady. Possessing pretty accurate skill in ascertaining
the direction of chimneys, Jem succeeded tolerably well, and though
not exactly in the bed-room of the cook, he soon discovered by tlie
noise that he was in the next to it, and that she was endeavouring to
disrobe her fat person, grumbling most bitterly that " every body had
got drunk, and there was not a sowl to help her."

" She's all alone, pretty baa-lamb," mentally thought Jem, as ho
crept towards the door, which stood partly open, and the lad per-
ceived that the apartment he was in led into that of the cook.
Cautiously peeping in, he beheld the portly dame vainly striving to
divest herself of her stays, as she reeled from side to side in an
ancient and ricketty arm-chair.

" Pretty doings," muttered she, whilst trying to untangle the gordian
knot in her stay-lace, and rendering it still more complex in its con-
fusion. '* Pretty doings, indeed — master (hiccup) goes into the —
(hiccup) — -the devil's in the stay-lace — "

" No, I'm here," gruffly responded Jem, as, squatting in the half-
opened aperture of the door-way, he flashed the glare of his lantern in
her face.

"And what do you want there — or here — or any where, you
Wagabone ? " demanded the cook, nothing daunted; "let's have none
o' your tricks, and come and onlace my stays."

Jem advanced slowly towards her as she rolled her heavy and
giddy sight over his dingy presence. " Vere's the eend ? " asked ho,
" but nem-miud, you shall go vith me, stays and all — I'm a himp —
onless you tells me vhere's your master gone."

" A himp, are you ? " exclaimed the fearless cook, as she vainly
essaj'ed to rise ; " only let me get at you, I'll himp you with a
vengeance — "

"Vhere's your master?" demanded Jem, as hoarsely as his voice
would permit. " Vere's your master ? I axes."

" Why, along with your master, most likelj-, if you are a himp,"
returned the cook, still struggling to gain her feet ; " but you mustn't
try to gammon me — if you'd any dealings with Satan, you'd know
precious well where everybody was, without axing questions."

"There'll be a good roast ven they puts you down to the fire,"
gruffly remarked Jem, as he cautiously moved towards the table, on
which the candle was placed; " you'll frizzle finely, and I'll baste j'ou
myself."

" I only wish I could lay hold on you," growled the punchy dame ;
" I'd give you a little laming in the art of cookery — I would — con-

208 JEM BUNT.

found these stays — eveiybody's been drinking — and you're drunk too
— you hignoramus, to talk about cooking."

" Oh, I knows how to fry soles," returned Jem ; " as j^ou'll find out
ven master comes and carries j'uu off pig-a-baek."

" I defies your whole crcw%'' hiccupped the cook, with increased
vehemence; "what, do you think I can't stand a good fire? Away
with you, you onconscionable scamp — if you won't onlace my stays —
and oh, if I gets you in ray claws."

" Hookey ! " returned Jem, as, concealing the light of his lantern
with tlie shade, he extinguished that of the candle, and they were
instantly in darkness. " Vill you tell now?" asked the boy again,
flasliing the glare in her face, and then hiding the lamp.

Wliether the cook was really frightened or not must remain a
matter of doubt ; but certain it is that the chair gave waj* beneath
her struggles or her agitation, and down she rolled upon the floor,
shaking the roof, makmg the windows rattle with her fall, and
roaring out with all her might for help. Jem had only time to creep
into a cupboard, when that spare semblance of anatomy, old Lankrib,
raising his lamp above his head, and shading his eyes with his hand,
stood in the open doorway, and bent forward to inspect the premises.
The cook lay kicking and sprawling on the ground, with the wreck of
the chair that had tumbled upon her, performing strange and unac-
countable pantomimics to the optics of the old man, who, in the rude
mass of mingling legs and arms, fancied some uncouth monster was
before him. The lady of the cullender declared she had seen "sperits,"
with the truth of which the steward was perfectly satisfied — and she
implored him "-to come and help her up." But remembering their
encounter in the passage, he was by no means prepared to submit to
a closer approximation, and thoiigh his aged eyes were kienly trying to
distinguish between the easy chair and the cook's uneasy fVanie, j'et not
one step did he progress towards her assistance.

'Ain't you ashamed?" uttered the old man, reproachfully, as his
head moved from side to side in the course of inspection, and seemingly
as much at a loss to unravel tlie mystery, as the cook had been to dis-
entangle her stay lace. " Ain't you ashamed r — all this noise — this
indelicate display ! — must tell master — no help for it — go to bed — do ! "
" Oh, Muster Lankrib — you barbarian, to see my distress and not
come near me ! " whined she, whilst disengaging herself from the
embarrassing weight of her frail support. " Oh, you are a cruel man
— go away — go away — but ligiit my candle fi.rst."

Lankrib was about to comply with this reasonable request, but was
compelled to pass vi ry near to where tlie cook sat upon the floor,
rocking herself to and fro; and it was as much as ever Jem could
do to control his risibility, as he saw him stepping over the boards
almost on the tips of his toes, ready to spring away like a grass-
hopper, should she attempt to touch him. His trembling hands were
applying the wick to the candle of the lamp, which he had placed upon
the table, wlien he felt the grip of the cook's fleshy fingers entwined
rouiid the bones of his 1> gs — his terror became extreme, and the next

JUM BTJNT. 209

moment he was down by her side, as she exclaimed, " You'll get drunk
will you ? — I"ll pay you off for this."

What might have happened it is utterly impossible to say, for at
that moment, whilst the frightened steward was wheezing out peti-
tions for mercy, a thorough Jack Tar, in the person of Bill Breezy,
entered the room, cutting the half caper of a hornpipe, and flourishing
his tarpaulin hat. "Halloo, what's the row here.'" shouted he;
" heard signals of distress, and hauled up to answer 'era, though I'm
blessed if the passage warn't as bad as the straits of Bafileman, where
you can't square your yards for monkeys. But what's the row ? " He
staggered towards the prostrate parties, evidently betraying by his own
erratic movements that he had been indulging pretty freely in his
favourite beverage. But when he beheld the relative positions of the
cook and the steward, he burst into an immoderate fit of laughter, and,
Beating himself on the low bedstead, clapped his hands upon his knees,
and bending his body forward in the attitude of attention, exclaimed,
" Now, go it, my hearties ! "

" They're all — every soul on 'em drunk," hiccupped the cook, at the
same time bestowing a not over gentle cuff on the poor old man ; "and
this here half-shrivelled atomy, as 'ud starve us all, is the worst."

"Ho — ho! I see how the land lies," responded Bill, clapping on his
hat and leaning further forward ; " all hands tosticated in regard of that
vile habit of drinking. Now, ar'n't you a precious scamp, ould Land-
crab ? — and a proper name they've given you, seeing as you're nothing
but ribs and butts. But, I'm saying, ar'n't you a precious scamp to be
left in charge of a craft, and to be stowed away up here in a berth where
you havu't any manner of right to be ? — getting groggy, too — and — oh,
for shame on you, ould Landcrab — for shame ! "

It was perfectly useless for the steward to insist upon his sobriety, or
to state that he had merely come to the room on hearing the cook's
cries — both Bill and the female persisted in charging the old man with
being intoxicated, to the great delight and amusement of Jem, who
secretly witnessed and heartily enjoyed the whole scene.

Lankrib. however, was permitted to rise up from the clutches of his
enemy, which he was not slow in accomplishing ; and as the cook made
futile attempts to do the same, she stammered forth, "Anybody may
see, with half an eye, what's the matter with the old vilyan — he's in a
state of outrageous /^ebriet}^"

" And I'm blessed if you ar'n't close aboard of a state of sAebriety,
then," mumbled Bill, as he watched her actions. " Here's a pretty lot
to take care of my uncle's property — the onsenseless ould fool — to leave
Buch a gang, and to go for to run away with his own daughter. But
there you are, both on you, ?iO)i compass — that's like the babes in the
wood, nothing to steer by — and I'm blowed if I haven't a great mind to
lock you in here together, by way of clapping you in irons till ould
Grampus comes aboard again."

The ancient steward was much shaken and weakened by the discipline
lie had undergone, but the idea of being shut in with such a she-dragon
as the cook, excited his extreme terror, and he was unsteadily hurrying
27

210 JEM BUNT.

towards the door, for the purpose of making his escape, when Bill spran*
after, and grasping him by the collar of his coat, raised him up from
the floor and carried him to the bed, where he was deposited at full
length, with an assurance of severe chastisement if he should offer to
move. " And now," said the seaman, again seating himself in his
former position, "though it ar'n't in natur to expect much knowledge
of bearing and distances from a man as is so obnopulated with licker that
he can't steer a steady course, nor yet make out the soundings on the
chart when he looks at it — yet. Muster Landcrab, there's nothing like a
stiff norwester for the lockers of the heart ;" — the steward groaned, and
Bill continued, " Ah, you ar'n't onsensible to reason, I can see ; and so,
as I means to be easy with you, if so be as you obeys orders, why jest
overhaul your log, and tell me whereabouts they have stowed away
cousin Meely."

"I do not know," responded the steward, who laid perfectly motion-
less, lest the seaman should put his threat into execution.

" That scores j^ou for one dozen," said Bill, twisting up his necker-
chief as taut as a piece of rope, and then extending it at arm's length
towards the steward. " Jist you feel of that, ould chap ; and I'm blessed
if you sha'n't taste it, if you pays out the slack of any more sich how-
dacious yarns as that last. But mayhap the lady here might onlighten
nie — " he turned towards the cook, — "Oh, that is what you means, is
it ? " exclaimed he, springing hastily from the bed.

Whilst Bill had been managing the steward, the cook had contrived
to amputate one of the legs from the antiquated chair, and, crawling
towards the bed with it in her hand, she aimed a tremendous blow at
the seaman, just at the moment he turned round to address her; but
being thus apprized of her design, he jumped out of the way, and the
bludgeon fell in a slanting direction, so as to give Lankrib a persuasive
inducement to break the injunction laid upon him by the seamen, lest
tlie stroke should be repeated. In doing this, however, he overturned the
table on which was the lamp — the light was extinguished, and they
were all in utter darkness.

"'Ware hawse! shouted Bill, as the cook laid about her with the leg
of the table, vociferating, " Get out of my room, the pair on you — what
do you want here with a lone woman ? — where's that 'ere old Lank-
rib r" &c., &c.

Jem considered that this would be a suitable opportunity for him to
get away, and creeping towards the door, the position of which he knew,
he encountered the skeleton legs of the steward who yelled for mercy,
and was clutching the lad, when the latter flashed the lantern in his
face, so as to blind and bewilder him still more, and, precipitating himself
forward, he fell at full length in the next apartment. The flash had also
a strong effect on both Bill Breezy and the cook ; but Jem, once more
concealing his light, gained the chimney, and was soon beyond reach,
though he could hear the other servants coming up the stairs, and re-
maiuL'd a few minutes to listen to the Babel-like confusion which suc-
ceeded when they entered the rooms.

At length Jem returned to his impatient patron, and in his huraorou*

ll . Be.

./y^L/^..X>.^i'r■^^.=Juy//^'^f'/■. ci-/u/ VA^' ^'>^'^.

JEM BUNT. 211

way, reported all that had occurred. But the baronet's mind was too
much passion -tossed to heed the lad's drollery — there was so much
mystery in the whole affair; but one thing seemed certain, — that both
father and daiighter were gone. The presence of the seaman, and his
claims of affinity, perplexed him ; but, fi'om Jem's statement, he was
not altogether a welcome or expected visitor. This prompted the idea
that he would not remain long in the house, or at all events, Jem, who
was unknown, might knock at the front door and ask for him. On thia
being mentioned to the lad, he readily acquiesced, and though he had
not heard his name, yet he could give a perfect descriptiou of his
person.

Not a moment was lost. Jem changed his dress, and in a few
minutes the square echoed again with his summons at the residence
of Mr. Elwester. Both knocker and bell went to work — the footmaa
speedily unclosed the portal, and the ex-sweep, with a swaggering gait,
" requested to see the genelman sailor as was in the house."

" You must come in, then," said the footman, " for nothing short of
the place being on fire will get him out."

" Vy> vhere's your master } " asked Jem, as, without manifesting
the slightest hesitation, he walked in; "I thought he voa alays at
home."

" Too much of that to be good," responded the other, contemptuously ;
" but he's gone off this afternoon with his daughter, and so we've been
having a bit of a jollification."

" Jist what I likes," uttei'ed Jem, in an off-hand tone of gratification ;
though I'm a genelman myself, vith plenty of money," — and he rattled
his cash in the pockets of his small-clothes, — " yet I loves a spree
ve reliever I can catch it."

The footman stared at the miniature effegy of maturity when Jem
styled himself "a genelman," but, nevertheless, he made no personal
remark, but merely requested our hero to follow, which he did, dowa
stairs into a capacious kitchen, with a large table in its centre, at the
head of which sat Bill Breezy in all his glory — his pipe in his mouth
and his grog before him, whilst on each side were ranged some eight
or ten male and female servants, enjoying the absence of a covetous
old master. The table was well furnished with liquors of all descrip-
tions, for Lankrib had lost his keys, and the miser's cellars contained
a plentiful stock, as he was in the habit of sparing certain quantities to
his especial and particular friends, with whom he was in the habit of
doing business in the loan department.

Such a change in so short a time, and under the same roof, Jem
very little expected to see ; but as it was supposed by the rest that
the lad was a friend of the footman's, he was immediately invited to
partake of their cheer ; and Bill hailing his appearance with great glee,
so as to lead the footman to the belief that they were acquainted, no
difficulty arose on either side, and Jem, taking a vacant seat by the
side of the seaman, filled his pipe with all the ease of a mar of
forty, and bowed to the company as he drunk " all their werry gtod
healths."

212 JEM BtnsT.

The mirth of the moment was relative to the recent affair of
Lankrib and the cook ; and Jem learned that, after his departure, the
former had carefully locked and bolted >»imself into his room, and the
latter had been put to bed, whilst Bill, who was known to be the
master's nephew, descended to the kitchen and became chairman of
the company that had assembled to do honour to a hasty invite to
"supper and spiritual liquors at nine." Joyous and noisy were the
party ; but Jem took an opportunity of whispering to the gallant tar
that he " vonted to speak to him about his cousin Meely, and there
vos some bold shipmates a vaiting for him vhere he could suck the
monkey as long as he liked." At the same time he " begged Bill to
try and find out vhere her father had taken the lady."

Poor Bill's senses had begun to spin and reel, but this communi-
cation, seriously made, steadied him a little, and he was about to make
inquiry, when the sounds of carriage- wheels rattled past the area, and
suddenly ceased as the vehic4o stopped in front of the house — the next
minute a loud rapping at the knocker and a ringing peal upon the bell
announced the return of Mr. Elwester. In an instant all was con-
fusion— the table was cleared, and the visitors concealed themselves,
some in cupboards, others in the coal-ceiiar, whilst Jem leisurely
followed the footman, and standing behind the open door as the usurer
entered, he slyly slipped out unperceived, and going to the postillion,
as if belonging to the household, he remarked, " Your hosses have had
a sharp run on it, apparently — how many miles have they come r "

" Why, we changed at Darford," returned the post-boy, " and it's
a long drive ; I'm precious thirsty, I know — can we get a drop of
anything to drink ? "

" Not till you've put up your hosses," responded Jem, "and then
you shall come back and have jist vhat you likes. Put me inside of
the thing-em-he, and I'll go vith you to the stables, and then I can
Bhow you the vay back."

To this the postilion assented — the chaise was driven to the nearest
livery stables, the horses were rubbed down and suppered up, and
Jem and his new-made friend returned to the square at the very
minute when Bill Breezy, ejected from his uncle's mansion, was seen
rolling out of it. The youngster caught him by the hand, " Vy, Bill,"
said he, "you're as moppy as the cook vos ven you put her to bed.
But come along, my covey ; I'll show you vot you'll call a snug port,
and a shipmate or two to keep you company."

" All square, my son," hiccupped Bill, " all square ; make sail, and
I'll follow in your wake."

" Vake — " reiterated Jem, "ah, I is avake, and no mistake about it.
But I shant leave hold of your flipper, so come along, and ve'U go and
Bee t^ir Mulberry Bolus."

" What ship's that? " demanded Bill, as he allowed the lad to lead
him along. " 2^ever heard on her afore ! "

"But you've heard of that bootiful lady as you calls your cousin
Meely," observed Jem; " and only vait a little while, that's all."

** Cousin Meely — ah, she is a beauty ! " itjsponded the tur, as they

JEM BCNT. 213

stopped before Sir Ed^vard's residence. " What ! are you going back
to uncle Grampus again r "

"Not jist yet," returned Jem^ as he rang the bell, and the door was
promptly opened by the baronet himself, whose impatience was fast
breaking through all bounds of restraint. " Here ve are, your honour,
all three on us, come to ax you how you do, and to take a glas3
together;" — they ascended the steps, and Jem continued, as the
baronet held the open door — " Valk in, genulmen, valk in — this here.
Sir Edvard, is Muster Breezy, cousin to Miss Helvester ; and this
t'other genelraan, is the boy vhat druv the shay from Darford."

However unintelligible this might be to the individual to whom it
was addressed — I mean the baronet — he certainly refrained from mani-
festing ignorance, but politely requested them to come in ; at the
same time his heart beat most violently, and his frame became tremu-
lous with sickening suspense between hope and fear. Bill scraped
his leg, hitched up his trousers, and his hat being off, he put his
hand to the clustering locks of hair that hung down over his forehead,
as he entered followed by the postboy, who merely touched his cap on
passing the baronet.

" Show them into the butler's room, Jem," said Sir Edward, "and
make them both welcome ; they will find plenty there " — and then he
uttered, in a lower key, so as only to be audible to the lad, " As soon
as you have seated them, come to me in the library."

Jem knowingly nodded his head, as he winked his eye to himself, ia
token of acquiescence, and then conducted the pair to the apartment,
in which were assembled, over their pipes and grog, the corporal, the
boatswain' s-mate, and the coxswain. No sooner did Bill Breezy catch
sight of the blue jackets, than his heart warmed towards his brother
tars, and dancing in, he gave the usual hail, — "What cheer, my
hearties ? — what cheer ? " but, looking more attentively at the boat-
swain's-mate, he vociferated — " What ! why, no ! " — he stooped down,
and placing his hands upon his knees, as he gave the veteran an earnest
gaze — " and yet it is ; there's no mistaking that figure-head ; "—he
sprang up, slapped his hand upon his thigh, so as to make the place
echo again — " Well, then, I'm bless'd if that aint Joe Blatherwick ! "

"Aye, aye, shipmate," responded Joe, " that's my name on the ship's
books, sure enough ; and though the ould Neverflinch 'uU never muster
me at quarters again, yet I means to hould on by my name as long as
it 'nil hould on by me. But I carn't say as I disremembers you."

" Mayhap not, Joe — mayhap not," returned the seaman, extending
his hand ; " but give us your fin, my hearty ; you carn't have gone
never to have forgot little Bill Breezy, as was in the fore- top of the
ould Eenown, when you was fokslemun ! "

" Why, aye ! " exclaimed the boatswain's-mate, as he measured the
tall and athletic seaman with his eye from head to foot — "1 do recol-
lect somut about little " — and he laid a stress upon the word ' little ' —
" Breezy, though he warn't never none o' the smallest then ; but if
you're he, then success to his majesty's beef and grog, for it's made a
man on you; — so here's my claw ; and bring yourself to an anchor

214 JEM Btrui.

alongside of me, whilst I axes you a bit of catechiz about the ould
llenown. Well, now I comes to look at you, the cut of your jib seems
more familiar to me." Bill seated himself, and Joe went on. "And
60 you're that ongracious young scamp as was up to every mischief,
and mastered every dooty. Do you remember stealing the carpenter's
last quid, and making him knock it to smash with his own hammer r "

There was a general laugh; and Jem having placed his newly-lbund
acquaintances quite at their ease, left them, to join the baronet in the
library. But on passing through the hall, the coeked-up hat and
sword of the admiral again attracted his attention; and resuming them,
in the same manner as he had done in the morning, he determined to
present himself a conspicuous figure before Sir Edward. Scaixely
however, was the one nicely balanced on his head, and the other
sloped over his shoulder, than who should make his appearance but
JSir Mulberry Boreas. Now, the admiral was, at all seasons, extremely
tenacious of the trappings of his exalted rank ; he therefore gave the
lad a fierce and fiery look, and threatened to shove him up the chimney,
for presuming to meddle with the gear of state.

Notwithstanding that Jem was somewhat alarmed at the anger of
the admiral, whose large and pimpled nose glowed like a hot coal, yet
he could not forbear grinning at the idea of being forced up a chimney
by way of punishment, which so scandalized the veteran's sense of
discipline, that he seized the boy by the nape of his neck, and would
most certainly have inflicted chastisement on the spot, had not Jem
adroitly slipped himself out of his coat, and springing away, ran with,
all his speed up the stairs to the library, where, to the surprise of the
baronet, he concealed himself beneath the table.

"What is the matter with you, Jem — what are you afraid of?"
demanded the baronet.

" Lock the door, your honour ; pray lock the door," entreated the
lad, just peeping out his head from under the cloth, like a tortoise from
his shell ; " there's Sir Mulberry Bolus vith his big soard, and my
life isn't safe."

"Nonsense!" peevishly returned the vexed baronet; "you have
been playing some silly trick or other. Come out ! the admiral will
not hurt you."

"Von't he, though?" eagerly responded the boy; " my crikey, but
I shouldn't like to try him. V}^, he cotch'd hold on me, and looked as
if he vould svallow rac like a j'oung frog."

"Come out, I say!" uttered the baronet warmly. "I tell you
there is no danger ; the admiral is not coming here."

"Veil, that does alter the case, vhich, I assure your honour, vos a
case o' distress," whined Jem, as he crept out from his place of con-
cealment ; " my precious eyes ! vy, vot a nose he's got."

"You must not make such remarks," said Sir Edward, somewhat
sternly; " they are not becoming in a boy of your age and situation.
But, now tell me all you have learned respecting the errand you
went upon."

With this request Jem readily complied ; after which the post-boy

JEM BUNTi 215

^ras summoned to the library, and questioned as to his knowledo'e
of the route the carriage had taken. Now, it so happened that it
was his turn-out in the early part of the morning, when Mr. Elwester
and his daughter arrived at Dartford, and he had driven them forward
to the next stage, where they again changed horses, and proceeded
on towards Kochester ; but, as he left with his pair, he could not
tell how far they went. But he assured Sir Edward there could
be no difficulty in finding it out from the other lads on the road,
who, for a small consideration, would tell all about it. He also said
that '• the old gentleman and the young lady kept the glasses up all
tlie waj^" and that "the young lady looked very down in the
mouth."

" What is your name r " inquired the baronet, elated by hope at
the prospect of speedily discovering the place to which Amelia had
been conveyed,

" My name, your honour r '' returned the postillion, as he looked
earnestly, and somewhat doubtingly, at Sir Edward.

"Yes — yes, your name — do not be afraid to confide in me," an-
swered the baronet eagerly; "you shall be well rewarded for your
information."

"I arn't afeard of your honour," responded the postillion, "fori
think you never seed me before. My name's Isaac Haxted, at your
sarvice, but they calls me Zikey Hackstride, in regard of m)^ being
a postboy ; " and Isaac laughed.

"You druv Mr. Ilelvester home, Zikey," intruded Jem, who atten-
tively listened to all that passed, "and you druv him part of the
vay down ? "

"Yes, I did," answered the individual addressed.

" And in course, Zikey, the old codger tipped veil ? " remarked Jem,
in a tone of inquiry, and at the same time giving Isaac an arch look,

" Tipped well } — why, yes, I don't think," sneeringly returned
the post-boy; "he guv me nothing going down, acause he promised
me Bomut handsome when he came back : — and what do you think
it was ? "

"Vj-, two half-crowns vouldn't have been out of the vay for sich a
rich old man as tliat," answered Jem, rattling his own money in
the pockets of his smalls; "his honour thei'e vouldn't have minded
double on it."

" Two half-crowns I " repeated Isaac, with what he meant for a
stare of amazement. " Whj', we does fall in with genelmen some-
times as comes what's out-and-out regular ; for they thinks o' the
hardships we undergoes, in driving their horses quick for 'em — rain
or shine, wind or snow — and it was only last week that a trump of a
blade as was going down to wote at Maidstun election, guv me half-a
guinea to make haste, and half-a-crowu when we got in, for the fatigue
I'd undergone. But this here old chap as you're speaking about, guv
me only two tanners, and one of them I think's a bad 'un."

" Veil, I never did!" responded Jem, as he exultingly took out a
handful of silver, and displayed it to the other's gaze. " Look there.

216 JEM BUNT.

Zikey; vot do you think of all that? and there's gold too," picking out
half-a-guinea and a seven-shilling piece from among the rest ; " hia
honour never let's me vant for dumps ; not by no means, old chap."

Isaac eyed the glittering coin with no small degree of envy towards
its possessor; and the baronet very soon perceived that Jem's ruse
had taken full effect — in fact, that a key of a similar metal would
unlock every secret of the post-boy's heart, and bind him firmly to his
interests, at least, till some one bid a higher price, which was not a
very likely case for some time to come, if, indeed, it could ever
happen at all

"He shall not want for recompence," remarked the baronet;
"perhaps I may return with him. liut, go back now to the corporal's
room, and enjoy yourself. I will send for you before long. Jem, beg
the favour of Mr. Breezy to come to me here, and show him
the way."

"Vot Bill, your honour ?— ay, that I vill; for he's a regular trump,
he is," exclaimed our hero, turning to depart. " Come along, Zikey,
and blow your cloud like a smokey chimbley, and then damp it down
vith a vet blanket of cold vithout. Come along, old vhip'em ; ve'll
have a night on it."

They reached the library door, which Jem opened, and the post-boy,
somewliat bewildered at his good fortune, was walking out, but the
young sweep caught hold of his arm, and turning him half round,
uttered, " Vere's your manners, Zikey? make his honour a bow."

The post-boy put his hand to his head, and the pair descended to the
jovial tars, who were now in high glee; and, as the parlour they were
in was too distant for any noise they might make being heard, so as to
disturb the captain or the admiral, they had been indulging in the
merriment of a song, possessing that essential to a seaman's ideas of
musical harmony, a hearty, jovial, rattling chorus, in which the corporal,
whose austerity had become relaxed by soaking in good wine, most
cordially joined.

Jem Hardover, the coxswain, had for many years been a great
favourite, both ashore and afloat, for his qualities as a songster. He
had a good and pleasing voice ; and, though not exactly endowed with
taste in his execution, yet there was at all times a plaintiveness and a
display of feeling, that operated more powerfully upon the hearts of
the unsophisticated tars than any effort of professional skill. He had
been called upon for a song ; and just as Isaac and his conductor en-
tered the room, he had hemmed two'or three times, taking a sip of his
grog between each hem, and as soon as they were berthed, he com-
menced the following ditty.

1UI1UI.\H FOR ENGLAND, IIO!

The tidings came— the Frencliman's vag;
gFrom the mast-head hung drooping dowa,
For over it ap))rared the flag

Britannia loved to eall her own i
And shouts of triumph rent the sky,

28

JEM BTTNT. 217

Amid the roar of rattling guns ;
And banners flash'd, and hearts beat high,— ^

A welcome home to Britain's sons,
Who'd fought and beat the daring foe-
Hurrah for England ! England, ho I

And Nancy stood upon the shore.

And watch'd each coming sail ;
For well she knew her brave Jack Moora

In courage would not fail :
And whilst the bells were pealing loud,

And joy had banish' d care,
She felt alone though in a crowd —

Her husband was not there ;
For he had sailed to meet the foe.
Shouting — " Hurrah for England, ho I"

At length the frigate heaves in sight ;

Strong are both hopes and fears j
Her bosom swells with rich delight,

And then melts down to tears :
Clasping her babe with action wild.

The prayer ascends to HeaVn —
** Grant that the father of my child

Back to his home be given.
For he has beat his country's foe —
Hurrah for England ! England, ho I *

The anchor from the bows is cast.

And sinks into the clay ;
And batter'd sides and shatter'd mast

The desperate fight betray :
And whilst aloft each topman starts.

To furl the clew'd up saU,
Oh ! there are sad and sickening hearts,

As anxious doubts prevail ;
But yet they've beat the daring foe-
Hurrah for England ! England, ho !

The boats shove off, and whispers rua-^
" They bear the wounded brave ; "
(For aU who died beside their gun

Have shared a seaman's grave ;)
And gently as the boatmen row

To ease a shipmate's pang,
A sigh of grief, a wail of woe,

Subdue the shouts that rang,
Because they beat the daring foe—
And won for England— England, ho 1

And Nancy hurries to the spot

At which the boat must land ;
Her fainting spirit fears " he's not"—

But there she takes her stand ;
And eagle-Uke, her look is cast

Upon the barge's crew,
For Jack was bowman when she last '

Had bade a sad acUeu —
"When off he sailed to meet the foe,
bhouting— "Hurrah for England, ho 1 *

'218 JEM BtJNT.

And wives and sweethearts gather round-
Souls that must love till death ! —

No voico is beard— there's scarce a souud--'
Poor Nancy ga-ips for breath!

They near the crowded shore ;
She sees the bowman's face ;

Jt is her pride, her own Jack Moore ^
She's ciasp'd in his embrace.
«* Nancy, we've bang'd the haughty foe — •

Hurrah for ijngland ! England, ho ! "

Nothing could exceed our hero's delight during the time that hia
namesake, Jem, was chanting his stave. As I have said hefore, Nature
had bestowed upon him a good feeling, a lively intellect, and quick per-
ception ; and the turnings of the ditty worked upon the generosity of
his temper and disposition so strongly, that, when ^the coxswain came
to the finale, where Nancy sees her husband, he literally roared out
with extreme gratification, whilst the tears trickled down his cheeks;
for so well had Hardover given expression to the words, that the whole
scene, in its strongest colouring, was present to the vivid imagination of
the lad, and no voice w^s more loud than his, j^s he joined the chorus of
the last line-^

JJurrfth for England ! England, ho I "

which he repeated over and over again, even when the others had ceasedi
As soon as the the effervescence had a little subsided, Jem remembered
his duty, and going to Eill Breezy, he politely requested his attendance
upon the baronet. Now liill had arrived at that period of suction when
a man indulges in a comfortable assurance of his own prowess and
abilities, and has no need to urge the old Scotchman's petition — ■" I pray
God send us a good conceit o' ourselves ; '' bo that the probability is,
Bill would have refused compliance, as derogatory to his elevated dignity,
but that he had been informed Sir Mulberry Boreas, Yice^Admiral of
the Ked, was in the house, and therefore obedience became the test of
duty. In a few minutes, he was in Sir Wentworth's presence. The
baronet received him very graciously, as cousin to the lady whom he
loved--:: took his hand nnd shook it cordially'—offered him a chair--^
ordered in refreshments, and proffered every attention — all which Bill,
in his then dubious condition, attributed to his own superlative merits j
for though he had heard of the state of compulsion and restraint
under which his geutle cousin laboured from the persecuting devoirs of
the Puke of Q=«=-, and the harsh perverseness of his uncle in insisting
upon hia grace being received as a suitor, yet he was not aware that any
previous attachment existed'-aud thus the friendly, and even condescend'
log. manners of the buronet, instead of being credited to their proper
account of regard for Amelia, wexQ logged down by Bill as due to him"
self, for hie own intrinsio and super«exceUent worth. As a matter of
consequenco, this produced the moat ludicrous scenes for some time, each
miblulung the other's uumuing, m they progreseed ia a Btrange oonfused
eoiivcisiilion. But at U'lij^ih, JJiil's mlellects became more cleared—
mutuul ixi'lauations eusutd»-ih(> tar was delighted with hia "new

JDM fitTNT. 219

cousin," as he called hira, and swore broadsides against the duke. He
gave the baronet a brief sketch of his own history — his early years ; the
cruel neglect of his uncle ; the progress he had made in the service of
his majesty; his visit to " ould Grampus;" the capsize of the duke;
and every circumstance down to that day, in the morning of which,
whilst resting on the rails before that noted house, "the Green Man,"
on Blackheath, as he was returning from Woolwich, he had seen the
chaise with Mr. Elwester and his daughter drive up the hill, and remain
a few minutes at the top to breathe the horses. Suspecting something
was wrong, and coercion was about to be used to furtlier the usurer's
schemes, he threw himself along upon the grass, and hid his face, till
they were again in motion, and had passed him, when he promptly gave
chase, hoping to keep the vehicle in sight ; but the speed with which
they travelled surpassed his ; and though he caught a donkey, and
mounted it, "to keep," as he said, " as close as possible in their wake,
yet the spiteful and unconscionable animal capsized down a sand-pit,
which laid onseen in his course, and he was obliged to lay-to for a spell
to repair damages, so that he lost 'em altogether." Desirous, however,
of picking up all the information he could, hd had proceeded to the
metropolis, and hovered about his uncle's residence till the evening,
wlien he contrived to make his entrance unperceived, during the arrival
of some of the expected company, and the events took place which
have already been recorded ; for, on ascending the stairs, to get at old
Lankrib's room, he heard the cries of the cook, and groped his way to
the scene of action.

It hardly need be said that Sir Edward was glad of his new ally, who
as a matter of preference, wished to rejoin the society of his brother tars,
Jem was commended for his adroitness in bringing the seamen and the
postboy to his patron's house, and all parties seemed hij;hly pleased at
the rencontre. The seamen and our hero again took their places in tlie
corporal's room ; whilst the baronet was framing excusts to urge to Sir
Mulberry, should he deem it necessary to make a journey down the
roud, and laying plans to rescue Amelia from persecution.

22C JEM BUNT.

^CHAPTEll XX.

" I cannot tell
"What Heayen hath given him ; let some graver eye
Pierce unto that ; hut I can see his pride
Peep though each part of him. "Whence has he that ? "

" What is in thy mind
That makes thee stare thus t Wherefore breaks that sigh
From the inward of thee ? One, but painted thus,
Would be interpreted a thing perplex'd
Beyond self-explication." Shakespeare.

Feom some cause or other — whether it was the suspicion of his own
brain, or he had actually detected something like communication between
Sir Wentworth and his daughter (though undeniably not the means) —
whatever it was, he was determined at once to break through every pro-
bable opportunity for such intercouse, by removing the young lady away
from the metropolis to an antiquated edifice situated some distance
from the highway between Kochester and Maidstone, whem 1--3 ^'.1^^

the Duke of Q, might visit, and ende^^-^nviC W L'iiiig her to reason.

In doing this, the usurer reposed every confidence in the discretion of
his daughter; nor aid be entertain any apprehension that the nob'e
would attempt rudeness or violence, which could only defeat his o\\ n
purposes.

So sudden was the command of her father for immediate deparMirw;
that she was summoned from her bed, and had scarcely •uriiuiuat time
to hurry on her clothes ; and, prompt to oUey, not an instant was lost,
60 that she oould devise no scheme to apprize tlie baronet of her de-
parture, nor did she herself know to what part of the country it would
be the pleasure of her parent to have her conveyed. She knew the
utter inutility of remonstrance or resistance, and she had seen quite
enough of her father's rigid execution of his threats upon others, not
to be fully sensible that he would most assuredly fulfil his promise of
turning her from his doors if she refused compliance with his mandates.

When Amelia quitted her chamber she was informed that her father
was already in the carriage waiting till she joined him, and had ex-
pressed great impatience of delay ; she accordingly hurried down to the
door, but no vehicle was to be seen ; Lankrib, however, requested her to
follow him, and in the street, at the corner of the square, they found a
hack-chaise,|into which she was handed, and the postboy instantly drove
ofi. It was early morning, and very few people were stirring, so that
Mr. Elwester cherished a hope that they had escaped all observatiian, and
his departure would remain undetected by the members of the baronet's
establishment, or any one who could convey the information to them j

JEM BUNT, 221

indeed had it not been for Bill Breezy accidentally discovering them on
Blackheath, their -whereabouts would have been wholly unknown to Sir
Weutworth.

Delightful would have been the pure and bracing air of the country
to Amelia, shut up as she had been so closely in her apartment, but as
in her haste she had forgotten her veil, her father would not allow the
glasses to be let down, and the heat was almost stifling. In other
respects, however, the old man's manners were gentle and his language
kind, for he hoped to work upon her feelings so as to bring her round to
his views, whilst she patiently acquiesced in his unnatural proceedings,
which had actually betrayed him ; for the chances were, that Bill
had taken very little notice of the chaise, but for its being so closely
shut up.

During the journey, the father and daughter held but little conversation,
and even in that there was nothing to disturb harmony, for the old man
cautiously abstained from all irritating topics, except that now and then
he quietly referred to the all engrossing wish of his heart — that of seeing his
child a titled lady amongst the nobility of the land, and what title was
more desirable than that of duchess? Amelia uttered not a sentence that
was calculated to provoke her parent ; she never attempted to question the
right he had of disposing of her person where he pleased, but she still
most respectfully claimed the privilege which the God of nature had be-
towed with respect to her affections.

It was not yet noon when the chaise entered the gateway to the vene-
'rable building already mentioned; and notwithstanding much of it had
gone to decay, Amelia was greatly struck by the natural beauty of the
scenery, so that for the moment she thought how calmly she could pass her
life there, away from the turmoils of the world, particularly if the baronet
could share it with her. The chaise drew up at the entrance of the old
mansion — no attendants were in waiting, the window shutters were closed,
and there was a cold and chilling aspect in the dark grey walls, though in
many parts mantled with ivy, that held but strange communion Avith the
gaiety and splendour of the landscape that was spread in rich luxuriance
around. But though the rattling of the wheels had not disturbed the
inmates of the bulding, yet they iiad aroused from their dreamy day-
slumbers a whole colony of rooks both young and old, whose astonishment
at beholding such a phenomenon as a carriage in that place was loudly
expressed as they rose from their nests and wheeled their flight round
the topmost branches of the trees.

The postillion alighted and rang the bell, and in a few minutes an
aged woman, tottering under years and infirmity, made her appearance
at the entrance. Mr. Elwester and his daughter alighted, but as the
female had received no intimation of their intended visit, there was
nothing prepared for them. The rooms, however, were partly furnished
with chairs, tables, &c., whose manufacture seemed to be coeval witli the
existence of the mansion. The walls were covered with tapestry that
one time must have been extremely beautiful, but the colours had
greatly faded, and in many places the materials had fallen into decay
through damp ; the fire-places weje of the large, open kind, having

222 JEM BUST.

nothing more than two loose stout iron bars, running nearly the whole
depth of the recess, and each supported in front by the brass tigure of a
large dog, for the purpose of raising the burning wood, for which sort
of fire it was solely adapted.

By the assistance of a young girl, an apartment was made ready, and
Amelia was commanded by her father " to consider that as her home ;" at
the same time expressing a hope that, *' before long she would accede
to his prudent and earnest wishes to see her placed in a sphere where
splendour and magnificence abounded."

" But not happiness," thought Amelia, as a sigh escaped her ; and then
addressing her parent, she said, " I am sensible my dear father, that it is
your earnest desire to aggrandize me that prompts your conduct ; but
indeed, indeed, I can never conquer the aversion I have to the Duke
of Q— ."

" Bather say, perverse girl, that you are determined to cherish a silly,
romantic attachment to another," returned Mr Elwester, angrily. " But
my wealth was not gained by yielding to such foolish sentimental stuff:
nor shall it be thrown away in humouring it. The time will come when
j'our warmest gratitude will be expressed for my paternal solicitude and
care in providing you with so exalted a husband. Besides, his domains are
within my keeping whilst he lives — give him a son, and the)' will be
mine for ever. It will not be very long before the duke is gathered to
the tomb of his ancestors, and then your grace — -" and the old man
bowed — " I mean my daughter, may shine forth the leading star of the
gay world. Oh, there shall be palaces, whose gorgeous richness shall
surpass the abodes of royalty — every nation of the earth shall contribute
to adorn and beautify. You shall have parks, and manors, and pleasure
grounds; your equipages shall excite the envy of the cuurt; your reti-
nues, in their gold-laced liveries, shall glitter like the shining of the sun;
costly robes, decked with pure diamonds, shall adorn your person, with
pages to bear your sweeping train, as you walk amongst marble statues
of choice Italian workmanship, with golden lustres spreading their per-
fumes and shedding a second daylight over your spacious drawing-room.
All this will I do for you ; aye, more — abundantly more, let me but
once see the coronet of a duchess surmount your brow."

" But if this is really your design, my father, why bring me hither ?"
asked Amelia, whose mind for the moment was staggered at the brilliant
prospects opened by the old man's promises.

" Assure me that you will — that you do consent to my proposals, and
we journey back together," replied the usurer, who hoped that he had
wrought upon the pride and ambition of his daughter.

The lady licditated — a conflict was raging in her bosom between the
passion for splendour, and the generous but fervent love of the heart.
At length the latter triumphed, and taking her parent's hand within her
own, Amelia faintly uttered — " In anything else, my father, you shall
find me all obedience."

The old man turned his small fierce eyes upon her, and with a look of
determined dogged resolution, exclaimed, "Aye, and so you will in tiiis,
my child. You will not break your aged father's heart, and sLud his

JEM BTTNT. 223

grey haira in sorrow to the grave ! Have I not toiled wearily for years
• — my nights in sober calculations, and my days in speedy execution — -to
behold my descendants among the nobility of the land ? Waking or
Bleeping, it has been my constant thought ; and every guinea that I
treasured was doubly precious to me as a means of bringing my desires
nearer to consumraftdon ; and now — now it is within my grasp" — and,
etretching forth his hand, he clutched his fingers together — " aye, even
beyond my most sanguine expectations, think you I will lose it for an
idle love-sick tale of maudlin sentiment ? No — I say again, no ; " his
anger rose as he strode across the room. "There is, there must
be a degeneracy about you, girl, to prefer a humble and beggarly
baronet to a high and puissant duke — you have inherited it from your
mother."

Amelia's cheeks glowed at hearing her lover and her deceased parent
thus disrespectfully mentioned, and for the moment the spirit of her sex
was aroused. But instantaneous reflection showed her the folly of saying
anything to exasperate her father ; and, therefore, she remained silent,
and, for several minutes, the conversation dropped ; but it was evident,
by the agitation of the old man's frame, and the muscles of his counte-
nance, as he hurriedly paced the apartment, that he was powerfully
excited. At last he stopped, and harshly exclaimed, " Choose — aye,
choose, and quickly, too — my blessing or my curse. Yes, I say — " and
his .voice grew more shrill and loud— " my fervent blessing, or an old
man's curse ! "

" You cannot mean it, my father ! " uttered the terrified lady, as she
caught hold of his arm, and looked imploringly in his face. " Oh ! you
cannot mean it; no, no, you will never curse your child."

So wild, 60 beseeching, so fraught with anguish was the countenance
of his daughter, that, for the moment, the father's heart relented — but
it was only for the moment— for the appeal had conveyed a contingency
that she did not intend to court the blessing (which was to be purchased
by the abandonment of one she loved, and a union with a man she
abhorred) ; and, throwing her from him, he sternly spoke, " I have said
it— yes, I have said it, and I will not retract ! "

The terror-stricken girl had frequently witnessed the burst of violent
passion which at times operated most fearfully on the temperament of her
lather ; but she never remembered to have seen him so outrageous as he
then was ; his eyes were red and fiery— his nostrils were distended — every
feature of his face quivered M'ith unrepressed anger, and his whole frame
peemed convulsed by extreme excitement ; but at the same time there wag
a fixed resolve in his manner, which fully evidenced that his purposes
were not to be shaken, even when bis impetuosity was calmed down by
reflection.

" Oh, my father, you will distract my brain !" exclaimed Amelia, ag
she pressed the .palms of her hands upon her forehead, and the room
eeemed to float round her. " Beason with me — calmly reason ; I will
indeed listen attentively to what you may say ; but oh, do not — do not
curee me ! "

" Then take my blesBing, child," urged the obdurate man, assuming

224 JEM BUNT.

greater mildness of manner. " I have offered you your choice — both
are before you — it is now in your own hands ; " his voice softened down
into tenderness, as he added, " and surely, Amelia, you will not reject
the benediction of a parent ? "

" Oh ! no, no ! exclaimed the agitated girl, as she clasped her hands
together in the attitude of supplication ; " bless me, my father — my
heart is bursting — let me implore you to grant your blessing. In the
name of my departed mother — '' her voice became deep and solemn, as
she fell upon her knees before him, uttering — "aye, in the name of my
creator, I entreat; " and then besought him, in the language of Esau,
"• J^less me — even me, my father ! "

The old mau's features quivered with emotion, as some of the better
feelings of human nature rose predominant within his breast — his hands
•were slowly raised — the blessing hung tremblingly on his tongue ; but
with the sudden transition to which he was so often subject, the thought
of having gained his long-desired and anxiously cherished object rushed
with overpowering force upon his mind ; for what else could she mean,
by requiring a blessing, than giving her consent to the paramount wish
of her father's heart, so that instead of the benediction, he exultingly
uttered, " My daughter, then, will gladden the residue of my days ; she
will realize my fondest hopes, and 1 shall yet see my descendants among
the nobles of the land. Yes, yes, I see it is so ; I feel the certainty
renewing my strength — my child will give her hand to the exalted noble-
man who humbly — aye, Amelia, think of that, a duke who humbly sues
for it. This is a proud moment, and now " — he extended his outspread
hands towards her — " now may the richest blessings of a parent — "

" Oh, stop — stop, my father! " exclaimed the shuddering and shrinking
girl, whose righteous principles revolted at the idea of practising decep-
tion on her father, and thereby converting his benediction into denun-
ciation. She had been afforded time for reflection, and there are seasons
in which a few moments" exercise of reason might have prevented the
miseries of long, long years of agony. Amelia was quick in intellect ;
Bhe saw at once the error under which her father laboured ; another
instant might have consigned her to a greater wretchedness than she
had ever yet known, and therefore she suddenly entreated, " Stop, stop ;
neither bless nor curse me ; oh, do not wither up my young existence by
insisting upon this marriage ; indeed, indeed 1 cannot wed the duke,
liut gmiit me time for calm consideration; let me school my heart to
resignation ; let me — "

"My blessing or my curse, I say ! " vociferated the usurer, who hoped
to gain his end by following up the heavy blow he had already struck
upon the heart of the agonized child; "the choice is before you, for assu-
redly the one or the other shall be your portion, and that speedily, too ! "

Amelia was well aware of the unbending nature of her father's cha-
racter ; and even her own disposition strongly tended the same way, as if
inherited from him. She had firmly resolved not to sacrifice her happiness^
and yet she dreadi d to hear a parent's malediction ; a mist swam before
her eyes — her res])iration grew convulsive — and before the old ik:ian'e
decision could be formed, she fell prostrate and insensible upon the tkwfij

JEM BUNT. 225

The aged woman and the young girl were summoned, and, leaving hia
daughter to their care, Mr. Ehvester hurried from the house, got into
the chaise, and, without waiting to witness or ascertain his daughter's
recovery, he was in a few minutes afterwards on his road back to the
metropolis, half-maddened at what he called " the foolish obstinacy of
the girl ; " but he did not curse her.

AVhether the usurer actually intended to fulfil his threat of anathema-
tising his only child, or merely employed it as an engine of torture to attain
his object, must now remain unknown ; but his heart continued unre-
lenting from his determined purpose, and he would have submitted to any
debasement or degradation — he would have sacrificed every principle of
his small stock of integrity, and his wealth he was already prepared to
lavish, to achieve his end. He had tried coercion ; he had endeavoured
to work upon her passions and her feelings'; he had used harsh language
and soft persuasion ; but they were all unavailing to shake her fidelity
to the batonet, and induce her to many in defiance of the dictates of her
heart. And now he was about to stake another venture, in which he
hoped to be more successful. Only a few minutes elapsed from the time
of entering his house, before he again quitted it, and was^on his way to
the palace-like mansion of the Duke of Q, — .

The night, as before observed, was beautifully fine and calm ; but
the old man felt not its benign and tranquillizing influences, for his
mind was utterly absorbed in the scheme which he had in view. " Well,
there is hazard in it," thought he, as he shufiied along the pavement ;
" but my whole existence has been one continuous game of chance, and
often have I been driven to utter desperation ; still fortune has be-
friended me; all the proud desires of my mind, except one and only one,
have been fully gratified ; and shall I shrink under dastardly apprehen-
sions of danger when, by some lueky stroke, the conquest maybe gained
and that last and most coveted distinction be within my power .'' No, I
must run the risk ; and should the circumstances become known, the
father of a duchess may laugh the world to scorn, especially one who
holds in his hands the deeds of many a lordly estate, and whose wealth
is beyond vulgar calculation. Why is the night so clear and still, whilst
the tempest of passion rages thus violently in the human breast ? The
skies are resplendent with bright orbs; oh, that they were glittering gold,
and mine ! then, indeed would I triumph over potentates and nations,
and crowned heads would sue for the honour of an alliance with my
house ! House ? aye, I who. in my days of infancy, was the tenant of
a workhouse — but what am I now r Princes and nobles come to me for
money — they beg, they entreat the old man to aid them in the pursuit
of pleasure, or preserve them from ruinous disgrace. I do both the one
and the other, and am I blaraeable to demand my due at fitting oppor-
tunity ? Ko ! it is m}- own, and if they cannot satisfy the bond, it is
no fault of mine if the law proceeds to judgment; the crime, if any be
committed, lies with the legislature, not with me. A^d this same high
and mighty duke, who scorning the old money-lender, would yet become
his son ; " a scowl of contempt passed across his features — " oh, a
golden key will fit the wards of every heart, and unlock its dearest
29

2'26 JEM BUNT.

interests; this duke despises my mean origin, whilst he covets the
wealth which makes me what I am — he must have his hounds, his
mistresses, his spkndid establishments, to vie with brother dukes, and
excite their envy ; but it is with my money that he does this, and my
daiiiihter's children will be ennobled through my means."

He reached the portal of his grace's residence, and already swelling
with fancied importance, he was about to make the door rattle beneath
the ponderous weight of the knocker, when his usual sudden revival of
caution induced him to let it fall gently with a single tap. Several
minutes elapsed, and he was about to repeat the operation, when his
grace's carriage drove up, and the footmen, in hurrj'ing to announce the
duke's presence, nearly overturned the usurer, as they commanded him
to " stand out of the way."

But, by the light of the blazing Hambeaux, the noble instantly re-
cognised the visitor, and, hurrying himself from the carriage, he rebuked
his servants for that very incivility which, on any other occasion, he
would have encouraged ; and, taking Mr. Elwester by the arm, they
walked into the brilliant drawing-room together. The old man glanced
his eyes around upon that magnificent apartment ; he gloated on the
richness of its furniture and decorations — the gorgeous hangings, the in-
estimable paintings, and a thousand other things that everywhere met
the gaze ; and a thrill of delight warmed up his cold and narrow heart,
as he mentally uttered, "These are all mine — my own."

"Believe me, I am most delighted to see you, my dear sir," uttered
his grace, as, with his own hands, he placed a chair for the man he
despised. " To what event am I indebted for this unexpected plea-
sure ? "

" My zeal for your grace's future happiness has prompted me to break
in thus unseasonably upon you," responded the usurer, with much
seriousness of manner.

" Indeed ! " returned the noble. " I hope no evil or mischief has
befallen your amiable and lovely daughter. Oh, would that she
were implanted hither, to grace my poor abode!" and the duke
glanced proudly round the splendidly adorned drawing-room, which
Mr. Elwester had, only a minute before, mentally marked down as
his own.

" She is, [ trust, safe and well, my lord," obsequiously replied tha
usurer ; " but none, except a parent, can imagine the bitter pangs caused
by disobedience and ingratitude in the offspring that has been tenderly
cherished."

" I deeply regret the distress you must have experienced in this affair,"
responded tiie wily noble; "it has been to me a source of grief and pain.
But, mj- dear sir. may I offer you refreshments ? " — the old man bend-
ing low, declined, and the duke went on — " I was about to say, my dear
sir, that once exalt (d — that is, I mean — once deigning to accept my
hand, the lady will thank us for our exertions ; aye, even for our seeming
harshness and severity — for will she not be ranked amongst the highest
subjects of the realm ? the pride of her husband, and the envy of every
lady in the court? But I crave your pardon; I fear something must have

JEM BUNT. 227

occurred of an unpleasant nature, and nij"- devotion to the charming
Amelia must plead my best excuse for impatience — you have some
communication to make; let me entreat you not to keep me longer in
torturing suspense."

Thus urged, Mr. Elwester looked cautiously around, to see if any one
was near enough to listen to what was said, and finding that he might
safely proceed, he commenced, in a low tone, to state to his grace that
having his happiness in view, he had removed Amelia to the country ;
and he then unfolded his plan, the result of which shall be given in
another chapter.

CHAPTER XXL

" This is a world of frolic and fun —
Ot sickness, aud sorrow, and pain ;
Some play with a rattle — some sliouldor the gnm —
Some rush into battle, whilst others off run.
As governed by prospects of gain —
Like the chapter that follows —as well as its head,
A medley, at best, and is veiy soon read." — MS.

Whkn the convivial party broke up in the corporal's room it was
morning, and Bill Breezy was carried to a comfortable bed in one of the
spare chambers, for recollections of Amelia had induced the baronet to
give directions that he should be well taken care of. The boatswain's
mate and the coxswain took possession of the same " hammocks "(as
they called them) in which they had slept the night before. The
postillion was accommodated with a " shake-down," as he pugnaciously
rejected every attempt to raise him up'; and Jem was creeping off to his
mattress, and blankets, in a snug corner, on the floor, for he could not
reconcile himself to a bedstead — and the lad who recklessly and fear-
lessly cut all sorts of capers on the dizzy summit of a chimney-pot, was
tilarmed at the probability of rolling out of bed ! What funny and
unaccountable creatures we all are ! I have said, Jem was creeping (iff
to his snug corner, elate wath dignity and strong beer, when the whim
seized hold of his mind to have another interview with Sir Mulberiy's
huge cocked-up hat and tremendous sword ; and, for this purpose, he
slowly and stealtliily, on his hands and knees, made his approaches
towards the j arlour in which he had first of all made their acquaintance.
The handle of the door was in his hand, to be turned, when it was sud-
denly and forcibly torn from his grasp, by the door itself being thrown
open — and out bounced some one or other of corpulent proportions,
who, not seeing the lad, tumbled over him, and came heavily to the
ground.

" Fire and furies ! " exclaimed a rough stentorian voice, which Jem
immediately recognised as being the exclusive property of the gallant

228 JEM BDNT.

admiral. " Fire and furies ! " &c. &c. — for I cannot pen all the terrible
denunciations that he uttered. " Fire and furies ! — what is all this ? "
Jem squatted in the attitude of an ape, and, grinning horribly at the
veteran, uttered sounds somewhat similar to the noise made by that
animal ; he then skipped away to a distance, but having swallowed too
much of the heavy, he rolled over and over, which, though performed
involuntarily, more naturally resembled the real antics of the monkey
tribe than the attempts he had previously made. "A baboon — by all
that's abominable ! " exclaimed the veteran, who had fallen asleep in
the parlour, and had his rest disturbed by an exciting vision ; "I was
dreaming of some such lubber — and here he is in reality. It is he, I
suppose, that has been dancing upon me, and kicking up the devil's
delight, hammering away upon my head-piece, and burying me bows
under, whilst every timber in my hull is battered with shot." He
raised himself upright to a ^'seat upon the floor, and rubbing his legs,
looked most ruefully ; whilst Jem, who had recovered from his evolu-
tions, ascended a step or two of the stairs, and turning round, uttered
— " Coo — coo — cooa ! " as he scratched his side, turned his head over
his shoulder coaxingly, and gathered his limbs up, all ready for a momen-
tary start.

" Confound your ' coo — coo — coo ! ' " exclaimed the enraged admiral ;
" only let me grapple with you, and you wont ' coo — coo — coo ' agaiu
in a hurry. But where the deuce can he have come from ? Broke his
chain, I suppose. Ah! you're grinning, you son of a sea-cook; it isn't
much you'd grin, if I could get hold of you."

At this moment the corporal made his appearance, descending the
stairs, and Jem, who saw that detection was unavoidable, bounded up,
almost upsetting the soldier, as he had but shortly before the admiral.
"Eest quiet from your tricks, young devil's-kin, do," grumbled the
corporal; " if you don't mend your manners, and arn't drilled into somut
like discipline, we shall have a mutiny in the camp."

"And in the fleet too, I'm thinking," uttered the admiral. " Why
it's past all human bearing. And so, it's no monkey after all, but the
young imp that treated my emblems of dignity and rank so disrespect-
fully this evening. Clap hold of him corporal, and tow him down
alongside of me here ; I'll teach the rascal a little subordination."

But Jem was not exactly prepared to take the admiral's kssons so
readily, for, springing on to the banisters^he soon distanced the corporal,
and, bolting into his own sleeping-room, he bolted everybody else out,
and was very soon in as sound a sleep as if he had been taking his accus-
tomed half-way rest in a chimney.

The corporal descended, and rendered his aid in setting the veteran
seaman on his legs again. "A precious monkey-faced young rascal,"
growled the admiral, as, leaning upon Senhouse's arm, he hobbled back
into the parlour, "to capsize a British officer of my rank and long
standing in the service — one who has seen more banyan days, and fought
more battles, than the scamp has had weeks pass over his head, from
the hour of his being launched. But who is the boy, Senhouse ? — who
is he ? "

// • ^7yJ-r./7

'7y t 'Vyyy'/y/lj yyy^-j^ ^T y y^ i ^7^/. .

/■/

JEM BUNT. 229

IJow tliis was a question rather mal d propos to the old soldier, for
his attachment to his master deterred him from entering into minute
explanations, whilst his habitual sense of duty to a superior otficer
prompted him to speak the truth. Between the two, he replied by
putting another inquiry, — ' Does your honour mean the lad's birth,
parentage, and edecation ? "

"No!" testily returned the veteran, as he reseated himself on the
sofa ; " I care nothing about his birth and parentage — where he was
born is no matter — he's a spawn of Satan, and takes after his father ;
and as for his edecation, he has given me a specimen of it to-night as
will be logged down upon my body for the next six weeks, at least.
Who does he belong to ? "

"To a chimney-sweep at Camber — ," responded the corporal, in
strict obedience to the question ; but, instantly recollecting his duty to
his master, he stopped short, and drawled out a long — "Oh! — who
does he belong to, did your honour say? "Why, yer honour, he's in
the service of Sir Edward ; and, though a precious mischievous young
urchin " — he paused for an instant, and then proceeded — " yet he's a
well-behaved and good lad too, upon the whole."

" Why, what do you mean, old man, by backing and filling in your
speech after this lubberly fashion ? " demanded the admiral, warmly.
" First he belongs to a chimney-sheep ; and then he's in the service of
your master — he's next a mischievous young dog, but a very nice lad —
why, what the devil do you mean, and how can you reconcile such
contradictions ? "

But the corporal was relieved from further embarrassment by the en-
trance of Sir Edward, who, having patiently listened to the full detail of
his uncle's distresses, feelingly condoled with him, and soothed his irri-
tability by assurances that the offending youngster should be corrected
for his daring presumption. The admiral was somewhat appeased, and,
his own man being summoned, he retired to his apartment, where,
stretched at his ease, and in deep repose, he soon forgot all mishaps.
The fact was, the veteran had been giving a snug dinner-party to three
or four old messmates in that very parlour. A fat turkey was his
favourite dish, and a remarkably fine one had graced the festive table,
which he cut up, or, to use his own expression, " boarded in grand
style," and fared most sumptuously. After this, by way of perpetuating
his enjoyment of turkey, nothing could be more natural than to make
repeated attacks on the sublime port, which he did, with but little
intermission till his friends departed — nor did he miss them for some
time — and at last he fell fast asleep upon the sofa, and then began
his misery. The fragments of . the dismembered bird mustered by
divisions round his head, and, seizing the two drumsticks, beat to
quarters on the drums of bis ears, whilst a fearful array of empty
decanters, their stoppers performing endless gyrations and toppling in
all directions, danced Scotch reels upon his chest, to the reverberating
sound of the hollow-toned music. From this he had been suddenly
aroused by a supposed broadside of corks, from the muzzles of a dozen
of champagne, and, springing from the sofa with more alacrity than

230 .TKT.r BUNT.

usual, he was hurrying to call the boarders to repel the assault, when
he tumbled over the sprawling lad at the room door.

After seeing his uncle safe to bed, Sir Edward once more took up his
station by the side of his restless and suffering brother, and, as there
was now no concealments between them, the baronet frankly related all
that had occurred, and he declared his intention to send Jem oif in the
Bucceeding forenoon, by the return chaise, to trace out, bj' means of the
several post-boys, the rout of road Mr. Elwester had taken, and, if
possible, to discover the retreat of Amelia. He also proposed to despatch
Ilardover to Portsmouth, to make every inquiry relative to Molly l5oyd,
aad to gather wliat particulars he could concerning Miss JMowbray.
To this the captain assented, as he was well aware that he could confide
in the coxswain's discretion ; and, whilst he himself was rendered
incapable of prosecuting a search in person, it was some satisfaction
to his wounded mind to be enabled to institute any proceedings that
had discovery for their object.

Notwithstanding the hour at which Jem had tumbled into his nest,
he was true to old practised habits, and awoke at his accustomed time,
when, calling to remembrance the untoward occurrences that excited
the wrathful ire of Sir Mulberry Boreas, he arose, noiselessly dressed
hiojself, and, creeping silently down stairs, he quitted the house, de-
termined to use all the expedition he could, and seek counsel of his
friend, Pat Donovan ; with this intent he proceeded, with hasty steps
to St. Giles's, and, as the working classes are generally early risers,
he found the warm-hearted Irishman busily engaged admiring the
green and growing potatoe-tops in his garden on the roof.

" Good morning to you. Muster Dunuywon I " saluted Jem, out of
the attic window; "I hopes your taturs has thruv well since I saw
'em last."

" Arrah, Jem, ray sowl, and it's meself is glad to see yez ! " returned
Pat, with energy, really pleased at the boy's visit ; " an as for the
praties — well, tlien, I cant say much for their ilegance, when compared
with the raal fruit from the daar land wliere Sir Wulther Rally first
planted 'em. You've haard of Sir Walther Kally, may be, Jem r "

" Vy, not as I recollects," responded the lad, with a knowing toss
of his head. " Does lie live about Peckham or Cambervell, or
that vay ? "

Pat looked at the boy earnestly. " Arrah, no, Jem," said he ; " no —
it's many the long years since he lived at all, and he's dead enough
now. But Sir Walter llally was a thrue Milesian, and the first man as
invented pratees and baccy — two of the greatest comforts, barring
t;ie ouisky, that iver delighted an Irishman's heart."

" But how could he inwent taturs } " demanded Jem, who never
failed to question his friend upon any doubtful topic that might be
started ; " how could he inwent taturs, seeing as they grows in the
yaarth ? "

" Well, and what of that?" remarked the undismayed Irishman,
as he laughed at the lad's seeming ignorance ; " and does'nt baccy grow,
too? — a beautiful harb."

JEM BUNT, 231

"Now, the only tobacco Jem had ever seen was the manufactured
article, as it is sold, and may be purchased in the shops. He had no
conception whatever of its original state ; and to suppose that the fine
downy threads of short-cut, shag, or returns, grew amongst the flowers
from the ground was, to his view, perfectly ridiculous, and it can be no
wonder that he should utter, with evident symptoms of doubt — " Vot,
bacca grow like a wegetable ? — veil, that's a good 'un, any how ! "

" Och, it's but a small power o' larning you're after getting among
the quality there, Jem, and myself not to the fore to tache you ! "
exclaimed Donovan, with a commiserating shake of the head. " It's
money as they'll give yez, and it's fine clothes as they'll dthress you in,
but it's the larning, Jem — it's the edecation as you wants — it's the
abrecumdabra of the BcienLCs as makes a scholar and a gintleman —
success to it."

"Veil, Muster Dunnywon, and it's somut o' that kind, as veil as
the pleasure o' seeing on you again, as brought me here this morning,"
exclaimed the lad ; " I've made up my mind to go to sea, and fight the
French, and so I've comed to ax your adwice about it."

"Small blame to you for that, Jem," returned the laughing Pat,
"like the north Cork, you may become the terror o' the world — and
faith they made every body run, but, by me sowl, it was afther them,
though. JSTot as I would wish to disparage your nathral courage ana
abilities, Jem — and no one is to be despised for his years or size. Arrah,
didn't the lion let the mouse out of the cabbage-net f and long life to
yez, Jem, and more power to your elbow, who can tell but what yoK.
may become a great sea-gineral ? "

"Vot, like Sir Mulberry Bolus? " demanded the sanguine lad, in
great delight that his friend Donovan should encourage his ambitious
aspirings ; " but he aint a general, he's a great navy officer, as they calls
an admirable."

"An admiral, you mane, Jem?" said the Irishman; "but, by he
name, I should have taken him to be potticary to the fleet — an it's a
round-about name is Bolus to go to bed with."

Pat Donovan now entered his apartment through the window, and
Jem at once gave him a succint account of all that had transpired since
their last interview, particularly his rencontre with the veteran admiral,
whose terrible vengeance he greatly feared. The Hibernian listened
with patient attention, and then advised the lad to return as quick as
possible, for it was plain to be seen that Sir Wentworth had not with-
drawn his patronage, but would probably feel himself bound in honour to
do something handsome for a boy who had rendered him such service.

" And Jem, ma vourneen," added Patrick, "let the worst come to the
worst — an it's yourself knows where my family estate lies up here it
the sky parlour, an how proud I'd be to have yez intirely under my
own tuthoration — divei a haperth shall you go back to swapeiug
again."

They parted ; and the lad returned without delay to square.

23? 3i.U JiL'xM.

CHAPTER XXII.

" All the world 's a staffe.
And all the men aud women merely players."

" I told ye all,
When ye first put this dangerous stone a rolling,
'Twould fall upon yourselves."

" You called me Jew,
And spat upon my Jewish gaberdine," Shakespeake.

In accordance with the proposed plan, arranged between the baronet
and the captain, Jem Hardover, the coxswain, was directed to get
himself ready to go down to Portsmouth, in order to make enquiries
relative to Miss Mowbray, and for this purpose he was furnished with
letters to various respectable individuals, but with instructions not to
make use of them unless there was a necessity for so doing. A
seaman's baggage is soon prepared, and, as the boatswain's mate was
extremely desirous of learning every particular that could throw a light
on the disappearance of his wife, he earnestly solicited permission to
accompany his messmate, which, after some admonitory advice, was
granted ; but, as Captain Weatherall had no actual command, and must
necessarily undergo the investigation of a court martial for the loss of
his ship, the two seamen were taken by Sir Edward to the Admiralty,
where liberty-tickets were procured for them from authority there
could be no questioning, and thus they would enjoy protection from all
official annoyances — of press-gangs, and marine guards, and Serjeants
of foot, looking out for detention money.

AVhen they returned to Charing-cross the Portsmouth coach was just
starting, and the two seamen had only time to berth themselves aloft
amongst some brother tars, who were going back to their ships, (leave
of absence having expired,) when smack went the whip, round went
the wheels, and oil they set upon their journey, cheering as they drove
rapidly along ; though it must be owned that some of them felt very
much like school-boys whose holidays were over. However they had
spent their cash to " the honour of ould England," and they were bound
on board again to get more.

Amongst the passengers who sat in the dickey, was a jolly, red-fared,
tradesman-looking sort of man, aud by his side was a young officer in
the undress uniform of mate of an East Indiaman ; but never were
there any two countenances in the whole world that better evinced
thorough good temper ; the coxswain and boatswain's mate occupied
places facing them, and on one side was Nathan, a Jew crimp, going

JEM BUNT. 233

thorough good temper ; the coxswain and boatswain's mate occupied
places facing them, and on one side was Nathan, a Jew crimp, going
down to look after " bishness " amongst the Indiamen that were waiting
for convoy at the Mother Eank ; whilst <fn the other side was one of
Africa's contented though degraded race, who belonged to a frigate then
lying at Spithead. The other parts were covered with liberty-men and
their bags. But we must not omit the guard, a clever, humorous
fellow, full of frolic and fun, who squeezed himself in between the iron
railing of the dickey and the tradesman. As for the coachman — a race
now becoming extinct — he was of the old school — his chin buried in
neckcloth, though the height of summer, and a bunch of flowers as big
as a moderate-sized cabbage graced his breast.

Away they rattled merrily along, and freshening the nip occasionally,
as they stopped to change horses, the j^oung officer invariably offering
refreshment to the tradesman by his side, who for his part seemed totally
ignorant of maritime concerns, and all matters connected with the sea.

"Your life nuist be a jovial one," said the tradesman good-
humoredly, " if you are always as happy as you appear to be now."

"Always as happy! why, to be sure we are," responded Jem, with
a look of merriment and glee. " What ud make us otherwise ? Not but
what we meets with rubs and chafes in working ship as well as you
do ashore. But when a seaman gets a good ship, a good captain, and
food officers, he arn't never got no right to be onhappy, as long as he
[loes his duty like a man."

" Well, it is strange to me you can love a service in which you are
kept under so much restraint, and undergo so many hardships," re-
marked the tradesman.

" Ah, you are speaking of the man-of-war's men," rejoined the
India t fficer ; " it is different with us to what it is under the pennant."

"And what difference is there, sir?" asked Jem, respectfully.
" You makes long voyages out and home, and we are kept on a
station for years — you gets money by marchandize, and we gets it
by fighting."

'* Veil, ma tear, dat is all de differensh in de vurld," said Nathan,
fixing his keen eyes on the coxswain ; " but de monish is de monish
arter all, vether you gets it by de fighting or by de trading."

" All in a fair way, Nathan," returned the officer, laughing; " there's
no cheating either in the one or the other."

"No, ma tear — no sheating in de Ingieman's," responded the
chuckling Jew, as he shook his head. " You only make mishtake mid
de coshtom housh — dat's all."

The laugh went against the officer, as the well-known smuggling
propensities of the Indiamen rose to the remembrances of the seamen,
and even the tradesman joined in it, though he did not seem well to
know why. At last the officer replied, " At all events, Nathan, our
pockets are not lined with poor men's groans, like yours."

"Oh, ma tear, dat vould be noting," uttered the Jew; " dey very
s )on vears out mid de guineas inside, vether Chew or chrestien — all's
Ton for dat."
30

234 JEM BUNT.

" ^Yhy ayo, Cluster Xat'uxn," said the guard, " there's something to
Le pi(:ked up everywhere, if folks don't go for to stand over nice about
the way of doing it I've some idea of turning Israelite myself, for I
lliinks there's more to be made on it than being guard of a cutch — it's
too h jnest a calling to make much on."

" ;:'J'ot in de down journeys, I daroshay," remarked the Jew; " de
sliailors have shpent all deir monish den. But it ish de up journeys,
mid de pay and de prize monish in deir pooketsh — dat's de time o' day
for you — oh, I vill change de places miJ you den."

" No doubt on it," uttered Joe Blatherwick, assentingly, " there'd be
bu^ a Flemish account of cash by the time we got to London. Oh, I've
h;id some 'sperience with your tribe, and I means to have a little more,
af jre I've done — there's an agent in Portsea as I've a long reck'ning to
work out on, and a matter of lee- way to fetch up. At what rate do you
vally a man's life among the Jews? "

" Veil, a great deal vill depend upon de circumstanshes," answered
'Nathan, with a business-like toss of his head; " but do you mean de
value to liimshelf, or to anoder } "

" Why, what difference does it make ? " inquired Joe ; "a man's life
is his life, and ought to be as much prized by a shipmate as hisself."

"Cut dut ish folly," responded the Jew contemptuously: "you are
ignoramush not to know de diffc-rensh. If a man is rish, he vill like to
live long in de laud, dat he may enjoy de comforts and blesshings ; but
dat, ma tear, is de very rcashon his relashions vill vish him dead, dat
dey may get vot he cannot take avay mid him."

" Well, I saved a Jew's life, and not many days ago, either," said
Joe; "and I means him to comedown handsomely for it, too; so I
jist thought I'd ax you the wallyation o' the thing."

" Vos he rish Chew ? " demanded the Israelite.

"Yes, I've no doubt on it,"' replied the boatswain's mate; "and
he would have been drowned if I hadn't gone overboard and picked
him up."

" I)id you make de barginsh mid him ? " asked the Jew, throwing a
searching glance upon the seaman's countenance.

" Make a bargain with him !" repeated Joe in amazement; "why,
what the devil do you mean r "

" Mean ! " responded Nathan ! " mean ! vot should I mean but de
barginsh — de barginsh to shave his life ? "

" What ! calkelate upon the matter o' money when a man's sinking ?"
indignantly exclaimed the coxswain. " Well, I'm bless'd, Nathan, but
you're a biggerer scamp than I thought you was."

" Not in de leasht, ma tear — not in de leasht," returned the Jew ;
" it's alvuysh bcsht to have de barginsh — for de barginsh is de barginsh
— and ven ve make de burginsli, there can be no mistake, you know —
oh, I alvaysh shtick to de b irginsh."

" And so, because I didn't make a reg'lar bargain with him, you
think I fcha'n't get anything, I suppose," said the boatswain's mate,
warmly.

"Veil, I link it ish very doubtful," resumed the Jew, shrugging up

-Inoi^'rt'fc'^

■fyy}-y/-^.</ /!/i.r:- HJ-^^ct^ _ o/fi '^■?i/?z^'0'Z^a/i<^'/?

JEM BUJST. 235

his shoulders ; " it's alvaysh besht to have de barginsh mid my
peoples."

Thus conversing, they journeyed along till the coach stopped at
Godalming, and tlie passengers were allowed twenty uiinuLes to get their
dinner. On entering the room, however, there did not ai)pear to by
anytiiing prepared — the cloth was laid, it is true ; but the essentials to
appease hunger were wanting, and nearly one-half of the allotted liiuo
was expired before the edibles were placed upon the board — in fact, they
had done but li'.tle more than get comfortably seated, when the horn of
the guard announced that the horses were put to, and they were again
ready for a start ; nor was it long before a waiter entered the room and
declared that the coachman was determined to proceed w^ithout them,
unless they immediately departed.

" Have you all dined, gentlemen ? " inquired the tradesman ; aud a
general grumble was the response. " I, for one, am resulved not to go
without my dinner. Waiter, you will expect us to pay the full price, I
suppose ? "

"Am very sorry, sir — very sorry," bowed the waiter, obsequiously ;
"it is no fault of ours — not in the least, sir — the coachman, sir."

" Oh, aye ; I understand all those thi/igs," said tlie^tradesman ; " and
what do you charge for the dinner? "

"Five shillings each, sir," rei)lied the master of the inn, who, having
entered at the moment, had heard the question. " I have been speak-
ing to the coachman, sir — he says his time is up, and he dare not
stop."

"Five shillings," remarked the tradesman ; " most extortionate — my
fellow-passengers, I perceive, are making the most ofit ; I have scarcely
had anything — however, this will do," he took out a capacious silk
handkerchief, perfectly clean, and, putting a cold fowl and some bread
in it, quitted the table. In an instant his example was followed — every
one seized something — a general scramble ensued, and throwing down
the money demanded, the whole made a quick passage through the
waiters ; and were very soon berthed upon the coach, where JS^athan,
who had not joined the party, had already resumed his seat ; but rising,
to let the others pass, the young India officer dexterously conveyed a
a knuckle of ham into the capacious coat-poeket of the Jew.

The landlord called loudly for the way-bill, that he might ascertain
the name of the leader of this affair ; but the guard was up, the coach-
man smacked his whip, and off they went, leaving " mine host" to
bluster as much as he pleased. At starting, however, the tradesman
took a card from a small case, and threw it towards the waiters, one of
whom picked it up, and handed it to his master.

" You did that amazingly well, sir," said the India officer, approv-
ingly ; " a thorough seaman couldn't have done it better, and we are
all very much your debtors."

" Tliey are a rapacious set — those landlords," replied the person ad-
dressed; "I have travelled the same road before, as our fiiend will
remember, when he sees my name."

"We've weathered the purser on this here tack, howsomcver," said

236 JEM BUNT.

the coxswain, as he waved the leg of a turkey over his head. " "What
have you got, Joe? "

" Why, not the matter of any great deal," responded the boatswain's
mate, as he produced a fair-sized pigeon-pie. dish and all ; " here's a
mere trifle, jist in regard of keeping my teeth in active sarvice."

"Come, my lads, let's club together," said the tradesman j "I have
got a cold fowl — "

" And I a tongue," added the India officer, producing the article he
had named.

" Ve all know dat as you've got a tongue, ma tear," said the Jew
smartly; and then looking at the beautiful reality, "Ha — vot you have
got two, eh ? Veil, veil."

"And what have you got, Nathan," demanded the officer, as he
winked at the coxswain ; " surely you'll add something to the general
mess."

" I am but a poor Chew," responded Nathan, shrugging up his
shoulders, and looking ruefully sad. " Beshides, to-day ish my fasht-
day."

" Jist have the goodness to rig in your ring-tel boom. Muster Na-
than," said Jem Hardover, pressing his hand against the Jew's coat-
pocket ; or, mayhap, its a starn chaser, though it feels a good deal like
a bottle of brandy."

" De brandy — oh, de brandy — no, no ; I have not got de brandy,"
Mttered the Israelite quickly ; " I'm sober mansh."

" Well, but this here what-you-may-call-it ull punch daylight through
my quarter, if you don't onship it," urged Jem, again fumbling at the
pocket of the Jew.

" Oh, dere ish noting dere," insisted Nathan ; "no more as my hand-
kerchie ; " but, willing to content the seaman, he pulled the tail of his
coat round nearly in front, " you are velcome to satishfy yourshelf."

Jem, who had seen the deposit made, promptly took the Jew at his
word, and, thrusting his hard horny hand into the pocket, drew forth
with a "Heave of all," but sounding more like " Ho eah yeo," the
knuckle of ham. Roars of laughter followed this palpable exhibition,
in which every one who witnessed it heartily joined, and the grinning
negro showing nearly the whole extent of his white teeth, exclaimed —

"Ha-ha, Massa Eattan — ye nebber tink for dat, eh, boy? — I'll tank
you for littlee bit, you please — to nyam wid de turkey — no? "

But it would be utterly impossible to describe the countenance of the
Jew when he beheld the abomination — a combination of scorn, rage, and
loathing — his swarthy complexion changed to a livid hue, he gnashed
his teeth as he looked from one to another, and perceived that all were
indulging in ridicule, with the single exception of the tradesman, who,
though he could not at first refrain from laughing, yet, conjecturing, by
the earnestness of his fellow-traveller, that a trick had been played
off upon him, he subdued his mirth and became serious.

" A nice tit-bit, Muster Nathan, for the fag-eend of a banyan-day,"
eaid the boatswain's mate.

" Vich of you has done dis ? " demanded the Jew, as soon as bis

JEM BTTNT. 237

wrath would arlmit of utterance ; " I vill liave de law — I vill have
de law upon you all. Fadther of my peoples, I am de poor pershe-
cuted Chew." He paused a moment, and then uttered a malediction in
Hebrew.

" If this has heen nothing more than a practical joke," said the
tradesman seriously, "and I am induced to believe that such is the case,
I hope it will never be repeated. We should respect religious scruples,
however unworthy the object maj' be who cherishes them."

" De choke," repeated Nathan, with great bitterness of spirit, "ah,
de choke you call it, eh ? veil, veil, it ish do clioke ; but by my fadther
Abrahams dey shall pay for de choke if I finds out who it vos."

This little affair, or perhaps it might be the eating, caused a cessation
of merriment, and for nearly a quarter of an hour scarcely a word was
uttered, though but few mouths were idle, nor indeed was good humour
thoroughly restored till they reached the next place to change horses.
Here the India officer purchased a bottle of sherry and a couple of wine
glasses, and insisted upon the tradesman sharing the wine. The boat-
swain's mate laid in a stock of rum and tobacco, and all hands very soon
got jovial again ; even Nathan disguised his mortification and anger, for
observing that Joe Blatherwick and the coxswain were plentifullj" sup-
plied with cash, he indulged a hope that he should be able to transfer
some of it to his own pocket.

The sun was descending in the north-western quarter as they passed
over Postdown hill, and Portsmouth, Spithead, the Isle of Wight, the
glistening ocean, all laid in beautifnl panorama before them. And per-
haps there is no part of the kingdom that displays scenery of a similar
description, so various in its nature, and so truly picturesque in its
display, especially to the eye of the mariner who loves his profession,
his wooden cradle, and the nurse that has so often rocked him to sleep.

" Ah ! there they are, Jem," said the boatswain's mate, pointing to
the glorious wooden walls of old England, as they laid slumbering on
the bosom of the tide ; "there they are ; but where is the ould hooker
as was among 'em a few days ago .'' 8he's gone, Jem, she"s gone, and
the tother too," and he gave a mournful shake with his head.

" Why, ay, Joe," assented the coxswain, as old remembrances came
across his mind, " there's a somut moloncholy about it ; but keep your
luff, messmate, we shall weather upon all mishaps before long ; the ould
craft might have had a worse eend than she's got, for I should'nt like
her to have been laid up to linger away plank by plank, and, mayhap,
at last be broken up for firewood.''

" Of what ship are you speaking ? " inquired the tradesman, who had
been listening to the conversation of the seamen.

" We were only overhauling a bit of reckoning about the ould Never-
flinch, sir," responded Jem ; " she was a frigate as left there five or sis
days ago, and after some bad weather in the channel, she went down
near the Kentish Knock, off the North Foreland."

"Ay, I saw something about it in the papers," remarked the trades-
man, ♦' and there was an account of one gallant fellow who saved the life
of his captain."

238 JEM BUNT.

"What!" exclaimed Joe, in anger, " saw it in the papers? Well,
I'm bloiv'd, but it's a devilish hard case as a man can't do his duty with-
out their logging it down again him in the lub'oerly papers."

"But the papers spoke very highly of the act, my man," asserted
the tradesman with warmth ; " they gave a long account of it, and praised
the worthy seaman for his gallant conduct."

" To my thinking, sir," answered the boatswain's mate, " to my
thinking, it 'ud be better for 'em to be minding their own business ;
■what else had they got logged again me — anything in the regard of
Poll?"

" Were you the man, then, my friend ? " inquired the tradesman, his
eyes glistening with pleased surprise.

" And if I am," returned .Joe, "I did no more than my duty, as any
seaman would have done over and over again for so good a captain.
Here's my messmate here as has been his coxsiin for years would have
been glad of the chance."

"I honour you, my man, both for your conduct and your feelings,"
Uttered the tradesman ; " thus it is that good commanders gain the
devotion of their people, and the flag of England reigns triumphant ou
the ocean."

" I tought you said 'twas Chew you ?haved," observed IS^athan, look-
ing earnestly at the boatswain's mate.

" And so I did save a Jew," returned the tar, "one of your own tribe
too ; but that was two or three days before 1 puckalowed the skipper
out of the water."

Our friend Joe now became an object of much interest, and the trades-
man expressed an earnest desire to make his future acquaintance, if he
would call at No. — , in Higli-street, and inquire f)r Piter Thompson.
This Joe very good-hunioredly promised to do, thinking as " mayhap
he might lend him a hand in his cruise arter Poll."

They landed at Portsmouth during a glorious sunset, and the two
Beamen sliouldering their bags, gave their fellow-passengers a parting
salute, and made sail for the Duncan's Head, where, having deposited
their burtliens, and hailed an old shipmate or two, they commenced
operations, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour. Thej' first directed
their course to Portsea, to the house in which Mrs. Elatherwick had
lodged ; but it had often changed its tenants, and those who now resided
in it knew nothing of the boatswain's mate or his wife, A neighbour,
however, had an indistinct recollection of a woman who lived there
some seven years back, that on hearing of the death of her husband,
went away, and took a young child with her ; but memory failed in
recording any circumstance more intimately connected with the subject,
80 as to identify the individual as Mrs. Blatherwick.

No further intelligence could be obtained, and the gallant tars were
on their way back to the Duncan's Head, when they were stopped by a
Ueutenant commanding a press-gang, who demanded what ship they
Dclonged to.

" We belongs to none, your honour, jist yet," answered Jem Hurd-
over, touching his hat, " we have been wrecked."

XEM BUNT. 239

" Ha, ha," grinned the lieutenant, " the old story ; but I must take
you along with me, my men."

" But we have protections, sir," said the boatswain's mate ; " protec-
tions from the Admiralty."

" Oh ! very good, my men, very good," responded the officer ; " of
course you can have no objection to show them to me."

" None in life, your honour," returned Joe, " in regard of its being
all ship-shape and proper with respect to duty."

" Well, where are they ? " inquired the lieutenant; "you seem very
slack in stays with your protections ; it is but showing them, and a
little overhauling, and you will both be at liberty."

Such a contingency as being stopped by a press-gang had never
entered the minds of the two seamen when they left the Duncan's
Head ; they felt they were thorough men-of-war's men, in the service of
their king, and as they had the most honourable intentions themselves,
they did not think it possible that others would suspect them, and con-
sequently they had thoughtlessly left their protections in their bags.
The moment this crossed the mind of the boatswain's mate, he looked
first at the lieutenant, then at the coxswain, and then at the gang which
surrounded them, for he was aware that the officer would disbelieve his
assertions, and consequently there was no avoiding being detained.

" Well, your protections, my men," demanded the lieutenant, laugh-
ing. " Aye, aye, I see how it is, you belong to one of the Indiamen
at the Mother Bank, deserters, perhaps, from one of his majesty's ships."
He turned round, and called to a person who stood at a little distance,
" come here, mj- friend, and see if these are the men you informed of."

The man who had been hailed advanced, and the two seamen instantly
recognised their fellow-passenger bj' the coach — the Jew. " Yesh, ycsh,
dem are de men, they come down mid de mate of an Ingeeman to-day,
and vash to go off in de pilot-boat to-night."

" Why you onconscionable ould scamp," exclaimed Hardover, "to go
for to spin such a rotten yarn as that ere j why, yer honour, he never
doesn't mean it."

" Oh no, ma tear," returned the Jew, shrugging his shoulders, and
holding up his hands, "tish all choke, tish all choke," and then turning
to the officer, "dem are de men, saar, you may do as you pleash."

" Why the truth is, yer honour, that not expecting to be run aboard
of, we left our protections at the Duncan's Head," explained Joe
Platherwick, somewhat confused by the incidents that had occurred,
" but this oald lubber," pointing to the Jew, "knows as we had them
in our bags ; it's all a bit of revenge on his part — "

" No, no, ma tear, only choke, noting more dan choke," interrupted
Nathan ; " as for your proteckshuns, bah ! tish all choke."

"The ould filbricating villyan ! " uttered the coxswain. "We be-
longed to the Neverllinch frigate, sir, as went down the other day,
which no doubt your honour knows on, and we are corned here with
special purtections on pertickler business for Captain Weathcrall, whose
coxsun I am — that is, was when the hooker kept afloat. This here is
ray shipmate and messmate — that is, was my shipmate, and is my mesa-

240 JEM BDNT.

mate still ; his name on the books — I bolieres you was born witli it,
•wasn't you, Joe ?"' The other nodded assent. "Well, your honour, his
name on the shijt's books, by natral birth and by muster, is Joe Blather-
wick, with the rating of chief boatswain's mate, and — "

"All very fine, my man,'" said the lieutenant, " and you spin a yarn
like a chaplain, but it won't do with me. You must produce your
documents, or come along with me/'

" Dt)ckymeiits, your honour," Tittered Joe, "them's hard wordo to
men as doesn't dt-sarv^ them." A light seemed to break in upon him,
*' Oh, I ax pardon, mayhap your honour means the purtections. Oh ! they
are eas^ily got, and so if so be as you'll jist let us go and bring em to you — "

" !No, no, my man, we'll have no step-and-fetch-it to-night, if you
please," answered the lieutenant, laughing at the perplexity of the poor
Lllows, and firmly believing he had picked up a couple of prime hands,
for there was no mistaking the character of the two seamen. " Come,,
my lads, it wou't do ; make sail quietly, and you shall have good usage,
a smart ship, and capital cruising ground, plenty of prize money, and
Greenwich for a full due when you're brought up all standing."

" I see there's no help for it, Jem," said the boatswain's mate, in a
tone half mirthful, " but it does tickle my fancy, for two ould men-of-
war's men to be ramshackled in this here no man's land sort of a
fashion. Why, your honour, I'm 'titled to Griimage now if I likes to
liuve it; but the sarvice arn't worked all the stuff out o' me yet ; and
if I could ounly di-^kiver Poll — but it's of no use argifying fore and aft,
r.or backing and filling in regard of making you believe us, though that
Duld moonshee," pointing to the Jew, "knows it's all true enough."
Jle laid hold of jSathau by the coat, " Come, come, jist pay out the
slack of what you never paid out afore in your life ; tell this officer the
truth, and make a clear conscience. We had nothing whatsomever to
do with the bit of pork in your pocket."

" Go as you vays, ma tear," exclaimed the Jew, freeing himself from
tlio seaman, and all his evil passions rising together at the allusion to
the knuckle-bone of ham, " it vas all choke, you knows, blesslied
Abrahams, it vas all choke to the poor pershecuted Chew ; and now, ma
tear, tish all choke mid you. I musht go — "

" Not just yet, my friend," said the lieutenant, " 1 must trouble you
tu accompany me back to the rendezvous ; a little investigation is
requisite before we part."

To this arrangement the Jew objected, and even made use of threats
if it should be persisted in ; but the lieutenant was firm, and, in fact,
began to suspect Kathan was practising some artifice to del'raud the
seamen of money due, by getting them impressed, a practice which had
become very prcvah-nt, and wliich he determined, if possible, to detect
and punish, and so he marched them all three off together.

" You have de monish," said the Jew, in an under tone, to the
coxswain, as they walked side by side, " vot vill you give me to shvear
it ish all a mishtako, and so get you free ? "

" Why 1 don't mind coming down handsomely as soon as I am clear,"
answered Jem, who was vexed at being detained.

JEM BTTNf. l4t

"But I musht have de monish now," responded the Jew. in a dogged
inanner, " de barginsh ish de barginsh, — oh, deresh noting like de
barginsh."

" Tlien you'll not get a scurraugh, you ould sinner," exclaimed
Jem, and turning to the officer, uttered — "■ here's Nathan here wants
uie to shell out, and he says he'll get me off."

"Just what I suspected," remarked the lieutenant hastily; "here,
Johnson and Innis, have the politeness to wait upon this old gentle-
man here," directing the attention of two of th#gang to the Israelite,
and they immediately drew their pistols from their belts and clapped
him alongside. " He is aged and feeble," continued the officer, " so
each take an arm, and give him your best support, lest he should
stumble." The men obeyed, and in this manner they reached the ren-
dezvous.

" Your bags, you say, are at the Duncan's Head, my men," observed
the lieutenant to the two seamen, who answered in the affirmative.
" Well, you shall ?end any one you may choose for them ; but I shall be
much mistaken if they are found there. As for the mate of the India-
man, do you know where I cm catch him ? for if he has been encoura-
ging deserters — but perhaps the information of Nathan may be correct
upon that score too,"

At this moment another part of the gang, officered by a greyheaded
midshipman, arrived, bringing with them the identical individual whom
the lieutenant had named. He immediately, to the great discomfiture of
the seamen, claimed acquaintance with them, which more strongly con-
firmed the suspicions of the lieutenant. The India officer then complained
bitterly of the treatment he had received, in being forcibly dragged from
his inn, notwithstanding his having shown his protection. But in this
instance a peace officer was united to the gang, and the charge against
the mate was — "having encouraged deserliou," for such the lieutenant,
on the information of the vindictive Jew, made sure it would be fuund
to be. The mate of the Indiaman again produced his protection ; but
as he was now in the hands of the civil power, under a serious accusa-
tion, he was retained in custody along with Nathan, wh<i began to feel
ver)' uncomfortable, and earnestly implored to be released.

" And now, my men, for your bags," said the lieutenant, again ad-
dressing the two seamen ; " I know that it is of no use sending, yet still
you shall have fair play, so say the word."

" Oh, it's all right, your honour, if we gets our bags," responded the
boatswain's mate, much gratified at the prospect of getting oft so easily;
*' but mayhap your honour wouldn't mind the begrudging of sending a
boarding party with one on us to the Duncan's Head, for I shouldn't
like to lose my traps, seeing as they are all new."

*' No doubt of it," said the lieutenant ; " new for the voyage. Well,
I don't mind complying with your request; and you, my man," turning
to the coxswain, " shall go. Here, Mr. Ivemay," addressing the mid-
shipman, "take three hands, and accompany this good fellow to the
Duncan's Head at the Sallyport, to fetch his own and his shipmate's
bags," The midshipman touched his hat with "Aye, aye, sir; " and
31

2i2 Jem bunt.

the lieutenant continued, " lleraember, Mr. Ivemay, he is in joMf
charge, and lose him at your peril."

Joe made himself quite comfortable during the absence of the cox-'
Bwain; he was supplied with a pipe and some grog. The mate of the
Indiaman was furnished with wine, of which the lieutenant partook,
whilst the revengeful old Jew shrunk himself up in a corner, sometimes
bemoaning his hard fate, and then, casting a malignant glance of
triumph at his late fellow -passengers, he muttered in Hebrew to him-
self. Jem was away about an hour, and when he returned Joe cordially
greeted him, but his friendly hail met with no response.

" Well, and where's the bags, Mr. Ivemay .'"' inquired the lieutenant,
with a grin upon his countenance, whilst the eyes of the Jew were
lighted up with triumph.

" The landlord, sir," responded the midshipman, "reports that he saw
two men come in with bags, but every place has been searched, and tliey
are nowhere to be found."

'^ I thought so," exclaimed the lieutenant, laughing, as he glanced at
the seamen, who looked at each other in astonishment mingled with
dismay.

" Well, then, I'm bless'd if there ar'n't bedevilment in all this, your
honour," uttered the boatswain's mate, looking with pious horror at the
Jew ; " and Nathan there is at the bottom of it."

" I know that too," said the lieutenant, "but deep as he may be, we
shall fathom his tricks."

The sallow complexion of the Israelite became ashy pale ; his eyes
grew dim, and seemed to be almost sinking ; but rallying a little he
forced out — " Oh, no, no, no, it ish all choke, noting more den as clioke,
ma tear," and fell prostrate on the ground in a fit.

CHAPTER XXII I.

"Why should the private pleasure of some one
Become the public plague of many mo ?
Let sin, alone committed, light alone

Upon his head that hath transgressed so ;
Let guilty souls be freed from guilty ^^'o :

For one's offence, wliy should so many fall.
To plague a private sin in general }"

Shakespeare.

Soon after Jem Burnit's return from the visit of his friend, Pat
Donovan, he was summoned to the library, where he found the baronet,
who, after mildly reproving him for the trick he had played his uncle,
explained to him the course of proceeding he was to adopt in going
down the road with the postboy, so as to discover into what part of

JEM B0NT. 243

Kent Miss Elwester had been conveyed. Much, however, was left to
his own discretion, and he was plentifully supplied with money, so as to
be enabled to pay well for intelligence. As soon as the desired informa-
tion was obtained, he was to endeavour to steal an icterview with the
lady, and then meet the baronet (who purposed travelling down the
same evening) at Gravesend, or on the road ; and if anything should
occur to prevent his coming, then an express was to be forwarded by
one of the postboys.

Highly elated with his embassy, Jem started with his new confederate,
Isaac, whom he consulted on the desire he had to change his dress for
a jacket and trowsers. The latter approved of the design, for he ex-
pected to make something by taking him to a clothier's, who would not
fail to charge the uninitiated lad half as much again as the articles were
worth, and one-third of the profits would be no bad morning's work. A
" ready-made " shop near Westminster-bridge wus visited in the course
of their journey — a sailor's habiliments were procured — Jem equipped
himself, and proudly reseating his small body in the vehicle, with
"Zikey" on the bar, they drove off towards Shooter's Hill, where the
first change took place, and so on to Dartford.

Jem had never travelled so far before ; the beauty of the country and
the fineness of the summer weather quite enchanted him ; besides, he
was now possessed of what he coui^idered unbounded wealth, and yet,
though burning to display it to his companion, he had prudence enough
to keep it secret, merely contenting himself with showing that which
Zikey was already sensible of, in more ways than one — he was not desti-
tute. At Dartford they were fortunate enough to find the lad who had
carried Miss Elwester forward ; fresh horses were ordered, and, at Jem's
request, Zikey accompanied him down the road ; he treated them hand-
somely, and they progressed joyfully along towards Rochester. By tlie
assistance of Isaac, the whole route was cleverly ascertained, the self-
same lad who had driven Mr. Elwester and his daughter to the ancient
building the day before now performing the same office for our lieio.
But he did not go up at once to tlie house, as he was not aware of the
strength and number of its inmates,- who might, perhaps, on suspicion,
prevent his seeing the lady, and perhaps detain him so that he should
not be able to meet his patron at the time appointed. Still, aa he felt
sati?fied his person must be unknown, he felt a strong inclination to
stroll about the grounds and reconnoitre, especially as he indulged a
hope that he should get to see the lady ; he therefore directed Isaac to
return to the roadside inn and wait for his coming, promising to rejoin
them again in about an hour.

It was a delightful ramble to the lad as he strode through the long
grass, and listened to the melodious warblings of the lark, as, di-
minished to a mere speck, it hovered above its nest ; the hedges, too,
were filled with wild flowers, mingling their lovely hues with the
various shades of verdant foliage that everywhere met the sight. Jem
was elated, almost to ecstacy, but he did not forget his duty, and there-
fore, striking into the avenue that le<l to the building, he boldly walked
forward.

244 JEM BUNT.

When the truly wretched Amelia had, on the day previous, slowly
returned to consciousness, she felt relieved when informed that het
father was gone and left no directions that she should be under restraint,
but yet she feared that the dreaded anathema had been uttered, and for
several hours her mind was dreadfully tortured by the apprehension that
a parent's curse was upon her head. At length, however, she grew
more calm ; and as the evening advanced, she went out into the garden,
that was still beautiful, though in wild disorder, and from thence she
viewed the surrounding scenery, smiled upon as it was by a delightful
Bunset.

There is nothing so well calculated to soothe and tranquillize a dis-
tressed spirit as watcliing the gradual deepening of shade on a still sum-
mer's evening. The early morning is delicious, — refreshing and invigo-
rating the relaxed frame, and preparing it for the endurance of fatigue
during the coming day ; but it is in the evening hour that the heart
feels softened down to devotion and love.

Such, then, were the feelings of Amelia, and when she retired to her
room a pleasant calm had allayed her agitation, and she slept sounjly.
The glorious and unobstructed rays of the sun on the following morning
awoke her from a slumber that had been sweet and composiug ; and it
was not long before she was again in the garden enjoying the fragrance
of the flowers, refreshed as they were by the night dews. Thus passed
away the forenoon, when, on walking down the avenue beneath the
umbrageous branches of the thick-spreading walnut trees, sho beheld a
sailor-boy approacli. Desirous of relieving the monotony of the moment,
she advanced towards him, and, in the pleased and smiling countenance
of the lad, recognised an acquaintance. At first, however, there was
some little doubt — his face was so bright and clean ; but this vanished
on the instant that she heard his voice uttering, " Yell, Miss — here I
is again."

'" liush 1 "' said Amelia, looking round Lu ^ee if any one was observing
them, and a flush of crimson spreading over her cheeks with gratifluation
that her lover had so readily discovert d her.

"Oh ! there's not never nobody votsomever about. Miss," answered
Jem, taking oft' his hat and showing a letter that had been deposited
inside, " It's from Sir Ventvorth ; and he's on the vay down his self;
as you '11 see all about it in the writing. Miss. Veil, I am so happy
to see you — you can't tliink. liut stop. Miss; there's old sly-boots
looking out at the door. I '11 hold out my hat to you, jist as if I vos
begging — and do you take out the letter jist as if you vos a going to put;
haU-a-crown in the hat — but feel in your pockets flrst, and go through
all the motions,"

The young lady obeyed her instructions — she felt in her pocket — fur
ladies wore pockets in those days — and drawing out her purse, dropped
a coin into the boy's hat, and secured the letter. " You are a good lad,"
said she with a smile ; "now go and remain outside the great gates,
and 1 will come to you presently."

" Vont I then, Miss ! " responded Jem, who had removed the token
from his hat, and discovered it to be a guinea ; " vont 1, that's all ! only

JEM BtTNX. 24-5

you're too kind to me, and I vos as rich as a Jew before this. Sir Yt-i.t-
Torth gives me lots of money, and I'm as happy as a king; only that
Sir Mulberry Bolus, vith bis great sword and hat, and his red nose — my
crikev, vot a nose he's got ! it is a mulberry nose — his'n is."

""We are observed, Jem," said the lady, as she perceived both the old
female and the young one looking towards them. "Go, now, and wait
as I tell you."

"I vill. Miss — I vill," responded the boy, making several low bows,
as if in grateful acknowledgment of charity, and turning round, he
proceeded towards the gates ; whilst Amelia returned at once to the house,
and retiring to her apartment, perused and reperused the fervent but
respectful declarations of the baronet ; shedding tears of pleasure tliat
she should be so affectionately remembered, and strengthing her resolves
to remain firm and faithful to the choice of her heart.

In the midst of the lady's reveries the juvenile messenger was almost
forgotten ; but at length calling to mind that he would be waiting to
rejoin his master, she again walked out. Sir Wentworth's letter had
apprised her of his intended visit — appointing time, &c., therefore she
had only to inform Jem of the place, and request him to bring the
baronet to the avenue at a certain hour. On reaching the gates (which
were panelled up like folding doors) she did not open them, but going
close, spoke loud enough for any one on the other side to hear. !No
response was made — she called "Jem," but still there was no reply —
she raised her voice still louder, but all was silent ; and fancying that
the lad, overcome by the heat, might have fallen asleep, she opened the
wicket and looked forth — not a soul was there — then hastily closing it
she strolled up the path, and, after the lapse of a few minutes, once
more was at the entrance, uttering the name of "Jem," but no one
answered — again she looked out, but the place was clear. This was
repeated several times, and as often attended with the same result ; till
after the lapse of an hour, passed in much agitation, the lady finding
that Jem did not make his appearance, went back to the house and
watched from an upper window that commanded a distant view of the
road by which she expected Sir Wentworth would come.

Evening was throwing its misty vapours over the landscape, and she
was again enjoying the coolness of the air, when the noise of carriage
wheels caused her heart to throb tumultuously as the thoughts of the
approach of her lover took possession of her mind. Then, again, other
ideas were suggested — the baronet would hardly venture to drive up in
his carriage, and it probably might be her father, whose caprice she had
60 often experienced, come to conveys her back to the metropolis, or to
remove her to some other place by which her interview with Sir Went-
worth would be prevented. After all, it probably was some traveller,
"wholly unconscious of her existence.

Thus mentally arguing the matter, and tremulous with expectation,
she stood in the avenue awaiting the issue. The sounds grew louder and
louder, and as the vehicle advanced, her pulses throbbed with gn ater
violence ; but when the carriage drove past the gates, a sickening sen-
sation of disappointment produced a faintness that almost overwhelmed

246 JEM BCNl.

her, and she leaned against the bole tf a large tree for support. Su(i-
denly a cessation of the noise evidenced that either the carriage had
stopped or was moving at a very slow pace, and a reaction ensued in her
bosom as the imayiniilion became busy with conjecture.

At this moment she was joined by the young female from the house,
with whose company she could have well dispensed ; but the girl spoke
so respectfullv wlu^n advising the lady to "come in from the chilling
damp of the night dew," tliat Amelia could not be angry.

" The dew will not affect me,' said the lady ; " I love its refreshing
coolness, and the evening is so delightfully fine."

" IJut there may be danger to you, ma'am, from other quarters," uttered
the girl with earnestness ; " and it would break my heart to think any
harm should happen to you."

" Harm ! — harm to me I " repeated the lady, rather startled at tho
intimation, and fancying that the young female knew more than she
had spoken. " Who is there that I have to fear in this lone place ? "

" Ah ! that is it," returned the girl mournfully ; " it is a lone place,
and therefore the more dangerous. But pray come home with me —
grandmother is angry at your staying out."

" Indeed ! — angry ! " repeated Amelia, somewhat haughtily. " Am I
not her mistress, and the mistress of my own actions ? "

•' Oh, do not be offended, ma'am," rejoined the girl imploringly; "it
is with me that she is angry — as she always is when any tiling dis-
pleases her."

"Ah, well, Maria, she is aged," considerately urged the lady, "and
we must endeavour to bear with the tempers of people in years. Go in
now, I will follow you presently."

"Oh, come — come directly, dear miss," entreated the girl; "there
are gypsies, and poachers, and bad people in this neighbourhood. That
boy who came begging of you to-day may belong to some of them, and
seeing you so beautifully dressed, he may bring some of his gang to rob
and ptiliaps murder us — oh, do pray come in."

" 2v 0 — no, Maria — that boy — " Amelia stopped, for in her eagerness
to defend Jem: she had almost betrayed her knowledge of him, she there-
fore added — " could not be connected with thieves."

" Oh, indeed, ma'am, you must not go by looks," argued the girl; " them
folks always pick out the mot innocent-looking amongst the chik^'en on
purpose to deceive you." The voice of the grandmother was heard
calling "Maria." "I must run," continued she, "or perhaps I shall
be beat — oh, if you would but go with me — do come, and 1 '11 lock and
bolt the doors."

The earnestness of the girl awakened suspicions in the mind of Amelia
that she was acquainted with sometliing that militated against her
eafet)-^; and in the first moment of alarm she was about to comply with
Maria's request, but the hazard of missing her lover detained her, and
she merely remarked, "Your grandmother and yourself have lived here
unmolested for several years : why should you apprehend any danger
just now ? what can all this mean ? "

" Oh, ma'am, I overheard their scheming," replied the apparently

STM BtTNl, 24?

distressed girl, taking the lady by the band. "But I dare not tell
you — indeed I dare not — grandmother would kill me if she knew I had
Baid as much as I have ; but do come in and let me fasten fhe doors."

The manners and language of the girl plainly evinced that she was
labouring under alarm, and Amelia could not repress the anxious fears
which began to rise in her own mind, but careful not to betray them, she
soothed Maria ; and the grandmother again calling, the girl uttered,
" Remember, I have warned you," and ran off towards the house, foU
lowed by Amelia at a more deliberate pace. She had not, however,
taken many steps when three men burst from the dark shadow of the
hedge, and whilst two of them secured an arm each, the third bound a
handkerchief over her eyes, and then the whole raising her from the
ground, rapidly bore her along. At first, surprise rendered her speech-
less, but it was not long before she was enabled to shriek out and
call loudly for help ; and her cries were answered by those of the young
girl. The men hurried faster, but terror had given her fresh energies,
and her strugyles to get free retarded their progress. Hitherto they had
used no more force than was necessary to carry her, but now a powerful
restraint was offered, and one of them swore that unless she was quiet
they would compel her to silence by gagging her. For this he was
rebuked by some one of the party, who urged the fellows to greater
speed; but Amelia's shrieks were redoubled, nor were they unheard, for
just as the bearers had reached within a few yards of a travelling car-
riage and four horses, several persons rushed forward and commanded
them to stop.

" It is a deranged woman," exclaimed a voice, which Amelia thought
she recognized. "Do not attempt to detain us — as for resistance, it is
folly to think of it."

" Avast, you lubberly know nothings " answered a sturdy seaman,
placing himself between the carriage, and the persons who held Amelia.
" Cast off 3-our grappling-hooks, you piratical rascals, or I'm bio wed
if I don't capsize every man jack on you, or my name's not Eill Breezy."

" Oh, William — William, save me — save me," cried the lady, as the
men set her down, but still retained their hold.

"Ha — what! cousin Meley ! " shouted the tar; "mad, eh! ware
hawse, you lubbers," and flourishing his club stick, one of the fellows
was struck to the earth ; the others, however, still tried to urge her
on towards the carriage, but fresh forces coming up they were compelled
to relinquish their hold ; and Avhen the bandage was removed from her
eyes, Amelia found herself in the arms of Sir Wentworth Weatherall.
Still the cowardly assailants of the lady would not tamely relinquish
their prize : they were prompted by a tall man, whose person and fea-
tures were concealed by the wrappings of a large cloak; but Sir Went-
worth, resigning the lady to the cnarge of her cousin, stepped forward
and demanded " bj' what right such a dastardly outrage had been per-
petrated upon an unprotected female ? "

"And pray who are you that are bold enough to put so impertinent a
question ? " asked the tall individual fiercely ; and Amelia instantly
recognised the voice of the Duke of Q, .

24 R J!-:^ BtJN^f.

"If, can 1) ' but of small consequence who I am," answered the baro-
net, "thougUnij' name is not unkown to your grace. And is this tlie
occupntion of a noble of the land — au hereditary legislator— one who
ought by the force of example to deter from crime ? Hasten to your
carriagv, and as 5-ou drive to the metropolis, reflect upon your conduct —
the assaulter of innocence and beauty — the — "

"Peace, scoundrel," vociferated the duke, as almost bursting with rage
he exposed a pistol and cocked it. " I have sanction for what I do, and
unless ycu yield up the lady — "

" JNever — never," exclaimed the baronet eagerly, for he also presented
a similar weapon. "Fool, do you think that I am unarmed?" He
approached nearer to the duke, and uttered in a lower tone, " This,
my lord, must be settled elsewhere — my name is Sir Wentworth
Weatherall."

" It sluill be settled here — here upon the spot," answered the enraged
noble ; and turning to his servants, he exclaimed, " Cowards — you are
two to one in number against them — and do you hang back?" The
servants, stung bj' the reproach, advanced.

" Stop," shouted the baronet ; '" you, who have only obeyed your
master, I shall leave to the grasp of the law, unless you attempt to
offer ])ersonal violence, and then I will defend myself and that lady
whilst I have life."

"Oh, never fear the lubbers," vociferated Bill Breezy, whom Amelia
had entreated to render all the assistance in his power to the baronet.
" Here am I — and here's another or two ready to back us — so come on
and I'll jist give your honor's disgracesliip a rub down, with an oak
towel. You go for to run away with cousin Meley ! "

B:ifflfd in liis object, and maddened by resentment, the duke lost sight
of discretion and reason. He called upon his men to follow him, and
rushing at the rescuers, a desjierate fray ensued, in the midst of which
fire-arms were used, and more than one or two fell. Bill and the
baronet, with his servants, stoutly contested the ground ; and Amelia,
wrought up to a pitch of desperation lest her lover should be sacrificed,
a]iproached the combatants as the old woman and her granddaughter
joined her. In advancing, however, she had to pass close to the spot
where one of the wounded lay extended on the earth — he pronounced
her name — she uttered a piercing thrilling shriek, and dropped senseless
by liis side. It was her father.

»EM BUNT. 249

CHAPTEK XXIV.

" Life is but a changing scene,
Now tempestuous, now serene ;
Grief to-day, and joy to-morrow,
Followed up by pain and sorrow :
Sun and showers, smUes and tears,
Doubts and cares, and hopes and feara ;
But to life we still hold fast,
Aud enjoy it to the last."— MS.

WflKN Jem, acting agreeably to the lady's directions, took his station
outside the gates, he "wished lor some means of passing his time away.
A small hole near one of the gate-posts attracted his attention ; this was
speedily enlarged, and the lad amused himself by pitching gold and
silver into it, as boys are accustomed to play with dumps. So eagerly
was he engaged in this pursuit, that he did not observe the approach
of a sergeant and three marines, who were close upon him before he
could gather up the glittering coin. Such a spectacle very naturally
excited the curiosity of the sergeant, who with his party had been
taking a deserter from the infantry to the depot at Maidstone, and he
accosted Jem, inquiring " Who and what he was."

" It aint of much matter votsomever who I am," answered the lad,
*' I aint not nevwer doing any harm."

" But where did you get all this money? " asked the Serjeant, as he
glanced at it with an avaricious longing in his eyes.

" Oh, it's all corae'd honestly by," replied Jem, filling his pockets as
quickly as he could; "vot a thing it is that a genelman carn't have a
bob or two in his pursession but every body axes him vereabouts he
got it."

" A gentleman, eh ! " remarked the sergeant, smiling as he winked
at his comrades ; " but what ship do you bolong to ? "

Jem was gratified at being taken for a sailor, forgetting that it was
his dress that had caused the mistake. However, he felt no inclination
either to undeceive the marine, or to tell him who he really was. "I
don't ezactly know," said he, " vether it's any perticular consekence to
you vot ship I belongs to."

The sergeant looked at the lad with offended dignity as he replied,
** Oh, but it is of consequence to me ; I am an officer, and a repre^
Bentative of his majesty the king."

" My crikey ! are you ? " interrupted the boy, to the great amuse-
32

250 JEM E0NT.

ment of the privates ; " vot, a biggerer man nor Sir Mulberry Bolus r
veil, the king must be a rum cove if he's like you."

ISow the sergeant was a tail lanky man, with a very repulsive cast
of countenance, and a squint of one of his eyes ; but he himself believed
there was not a bettci'-looking soldier in the whole Chatham division,
so that Jem's remarks wounded his self-esteem. " Yes, you young
scamp," pronounced he, '"■ I am in my official capacity, the represen-
tative of the sovereign, and it will be my duty, unless you can give a
better account of A'ourself, to apprehenil you as a deserter."

"Hookey!" ejaculated the grinning lad, whose mind reverted to
the exhibitions he had seen in the public streets when an armed guard
with fixed bayonets was escorting a deserter to the head-quurters of his
regiment, " Do I look like a sodger .^ "

" No ; but you have deserted from one of his majesty's ships," an-
swered the sergeant, "and I have every reason to believe you have, or
perhaps run away from your master."

" Vicli on 'em ? " asked the boy archly. "Muster Fluevellin arn't
never got no riglit to my sarvices now I'm with a barrow-night."

" Aye, aye, 1 suspect I'm right," said the sergeant, though he wa3
rather doubtful on the subject. " Do you belong to the house up
yonder? "

" Vy, no — I means, yes," answered Jem, not a little perplexed what
to say, but determined not to betray his patron.

" Oh, then, you can have no objection to go up there with me,"
urged the sergeant, " and then I shall be satisfied."

" Satisfied ! " repeated Jem ; " vy, vot's put you out ^ I arn't going
to trouble you ; vy's the matter as you can't let me alone ? "

" Cumc, come, this won't do," uttered the sergeant haughtil_y, '-you
must go with me. There, Jones and liumphreys, lay hold of the boy ;
bring him along."

" Ah, you jist do," said Jem, trying to dodge out of the way of the
two marines, who, however, soon caught him. " Veil, I don't care ; it
'ull be all your faults, you know, and see vot Sir Mulberry Bolus 'ull
say to it ven he comes to larn how you've used a friend of his nevy's."

The sergeant gave a scrutinizing glance at the lad, when he heard a
title repeated ; but judging that it was a mere subterfuge, he turned
away, gave the word of command — "March," and Jem found himsrlf
borne along against his will between the two marines, who had grasped
each an arm. He went silently at first, hoping that they would have to
pass the road-side inn where the post-chaise was waiting, and being
there identified, might obtain his release ; but in this he was disap-
pointed, fur the party struck across a succession of meadows that led
them wide of the inn, and Jem was compelled to abandon this hope.
The boy, however, did not cry, or give way to distress; he imagined
that his detention would be only temporary, as no doubt they should
meet the baronet, and every thing would be well. But night drew
nigh — they saw no baronet, and the sergeant having stopped at a
public-house, refreshments were provided for the party at the youngster's
expeuao, aud he was urged to drink, till, overcome with weariness and.

JEM BUNT. 251

rexation, the liquor took full effect, and Jem was completely intoxicated.
What became of him for several hours afterwards he did not know;
but when consciousness returned, he found himself in a wretched con-
dition from mud and filth, h"ing upon a coil of rope in a dark place,
where the smell was horrible, and the noise perfectly confounding,
whilst the incessant motion rendered him giddy and sick, and he fancied
he was dying. He felt his pockets, his money was all gone ; he thought
of the disappointment of his patron, and numerous other things crowded
on his mind, till he burst into tears and wept bitterly. From this state
he was aroused by some one near him, who exclaimed, " Holloa, young
shiver-the-mizen, what, piping your eye } Ah, well ! a little of that
won't do you any harm, seeing how groggy you was when they brought
you aboard."

"Aboard!" uttered Jem, in a plaintive voice, "aboard of vot ?
vere am I ? "

" Oh, it's all snug you are, my boy," responded the same voice ;
" you're aboard the Tender, bound out to the Great iS'ore, and perhaps
may be sent round to the Downs, or to Portsmouth, if they're in want
of hands."

Now Jem knew just as much what was meant by the Tender as he
did about the Great Nore ; but the pitching of the vessel, and the
sickness caused by it, so unusual to anything he had ever before expe-
rienced, perfectly satisfied him that he was on the water ; but in what
place, or how he came there, were complete riddles to him ; nor had he
altogether got rid of the effects the debauch of the previous night had
produced upon his intellect ; he had some confused notions of what had
taken place, but there was nothing clear and definite. He tried to
compose himself to sleep, but found it impossible. It is true, that he
now and then fell into a dose, but was almost immediately disturbed,
and bis horror and dismay seemed to increase ; in fact, this was the
first time in his life that he had been truly w'i'etched.

The hold of the Tender (a small cutter) was crowded with men and
lads, who had either been pressed, or were sent away by the civil
power for misdemeanors — a mingling of all sorts and sizes. Some
were sober and sorrowful, others were drunk and noisy, and incessantly
trying to annoy the rest ; it was a scene of dreadful confusion, for all
who had money were enabled to procure liquor clandestinely, and the
stench and heat were scarcely endurable. Every now and then a quarrel
took place, and severe blows were exchanged, so that there were bruised
and bleeding features, and even fractured limbs ; but no one in authority
interfered, or took the slightest notice of their proceedings : they were
left entirely to themselves ; and, as the number of the intoxicated kept
increasing, they rolled over or trod upon the unhappy creatures who
did not or could not give way to the indulgence of drunkenness. !Not
unfrequently a lurch of the vessel would throw some who could not
preserve their balance with violence against the timbers, and contu-
sions and wounds were the consequences.

Such a spectacle as this — with his heart sick and his head aching
ready to split — could not give Jem a very favourable opinion of the life

252 JEM BUNT.

of a sailor, or that profession which he had so earnestly wished to follow ;
in truth, he was heartily disgusted, and earnestly wished himselt' ashore.
Eut if the occurrences of the day — although but a dim twilight iu
the hold — could thus affect him, how proportion ably greater were his
Bufferings increased when night came on, and all was utter darkness,
■whilst the same debauchery, noise, and fighting continued, and the
grating being placed over the hatchway, scarcely a breath of air could
be felt by those below. As the man had said, the Tender had been
ordered round to the Downs, add they were standing with a stiff breeze
down the Five Fathom Channel. Dreadful indeed was that night to
Jem, and great was his relief on the following morning, when the whole
were called up to go on board the guard-ship, alongside of which the
cutter lay. The cool breeze came delightfully to the parched and
fevered cheeks of the lad, who, though he found it difficult to stand,
even when holding on, was offered no assistance, but served as a sort of
laughing-stock and a butt for nautical wit amongst his late companions
in durance.

On the deck of the guard-ship, however, he had a more firm footing,
and was able to walk ; the whole were arranged for inspection, and one
by one were summoned into the office to give their several names and
occupations. When it came to our hero's turn, and the question as to
his appellation being put, he shortly answered " Jem Buru't."

" H.0 ! ho ! Jem Bunt," said the clerk, affecting to laugh ; " quite
ship-shape and nautical I" and down went the name as pronounced.

" And where have you done "your duty, Jem ? " demanded the clerk,
as he poised his pen and looked at the haggard and distressed counte-
nance of the lad.

" Vot, sir ?" asked Jem, who did not exactly comprehend the question;
" did you ax me vere I had done my duty ? "

" Yes, responded the clerk, in a tone of banter, as he mimicked the
lad's manner ; " that's vot I axed you."

"Veil, then, I've done it at Cambervell and that vay, and in the city
and the subbubs," answered the lad; " but I hopes you are not going to
keep me here."

" Oh no," rejoined the clerk, with mock respect ; "your services are
too valuable to be confined to a guardo ; in fact 1 shouldn't be surprised
if they make you an admiral at once."

" Vot, like Sir Mulberry Bolus ?" uttered Jem, in revived spirits, aa
the vision of the cocked-hat and sword rose before him. " Veil, then,
I'll do my duty any vere and every vere."

A roar of laughter greeted the boy from the clerk and his subordinates,
and Jem, having declared that he had never yet been to sea, was entered
accordingly in the muster-books, and ordered to go below. It was a
hard trial for the poor fellow — he knew nobody, and not a soul either
knew or cared for him ; but still his admiration was excited by all he
beheld and witnessed, and he found ample food for contemplation. The
next day he was drafted, with several others, into a seventy-four, that
Bailed iu a few hours afterwards to Portsmouth ; and if his admiratioa
had been raised by a ship at anchor, how greatly was it increased when,

JEM BUNT. 253

■with the canvass spread, the beautiful craft glided rapidly down channel,
and every evolution was performed with the precision of clock-work.

The line-of battle ship was new from the river, and destined for the
Mediteranean, so that her stay at Spithead was of very short duration,
and in the course of a few days Jem was upon the open ocean ; but he
had reconciled his mind to his circumstances — he was now a sailor, and
his readiness to learn induced the captain of the mizen top (under whom
he was placed) to take great pains with him ; so that, in a month or
two, he became a tolerably smart topman. It is true, he discovered that
he was not privileged to wear a cocked-hat and a sword ; but, neverthe-
less, he was contented, and hope and ambition whispered that the day
might come when he should be elevated to distinction. And now it was
that Jem's good qualities did him intinite service — the old seamen took
notice of him, and, finding him apt to learn, very cheerfully afforded
him the best instruction. With the younger seamen he was a favourite,
on account of his humour and readiness to oblige ; and though many a
practical joke was j^layed off upon him, yet he took them all in good
part — smoked his pipe in the galley, and drank his allowance of grog
with much enjoyment.

The duty in the Mediteranean was rather arduous ; but they had the
satisfaction of capturing several prizes, one of which was valuable, and
though the share which would come to Jem was but small, yet the
prospect of receiving it gave additional stimulus to his exertions. Prom
his having been accustomed to elevated situations, from whence he had
indulged himself in looking at the surrounding scenery, his eye was
quick to detect anything that appeared, and particularly in misty weather.
Now it so happened that, vv hilst aloft one hazy morning, soon after day-
break, he saw something which appeared to him like a dark pillar of
smoke moving along upon the waters, and he immediately communicated
the circumstance to the officer of the watch. Nothing, however, could
be seen from the deck, and though a midshipman was sent up the rigging,
yet he reported that the haze was too thick to make anything out, and
he believed the unpractised eyes of the lad had been deceived. Jem,
however still persisted that he had beheld " sommut like a floating
chimbley, vith the smoke rising straight up ; " and he got laughed at by
officers and men. One of the quarter-masters, however, was a great
patron of Jem, and he respectfully suggested to the lieutenant, that
•* mayhap the lad was right, arter all, and they might lose a good prize
—as probably it was an enemy's marchantman."

This made a suitable impression on the officer's mind so as to induce
him to go aloft himself to where the lad still continued, and a freshening
breeze causing a partial break in the mist, he became sensible that what
the boy had called smoke was a strange sail under a heavy press of
canvass, standing away from them. In an instant all was bustle — the
line-of-battle ship's head was put towards the stranger — the captain
was informed, and soon made his appearance upon the deck — the hands
were turned up, and at the lapse of a few minutes they were in the
full excitement and eagerness of chase. Jem was sent to the fore-
topmast head, to keep the vessel in sight — the drum beat to quarters,

254 JEM BUNT.

and conjectures and anticipations ran high as to what the stranger
could be.

The glorious sun rose higher in the heavens and dispelled the mists,
and then they clearly discerned from the deck a ship of the line under
a press of sail, standing for Toulon. At first it was supposed that she
was one of their own squadron — the private signal was hoisted, but it
remained unanswered — the colours were displayed from the peak, when
up rose from the strangeru stern the revolutionary flag of Prance. The
announcement of this fact ran like wild-firo through the men at quarters
and a loud cheer of defiance burst forth from the daring tars, who were
immediately summoned from their guns, to try every means to come up
with the enemy. But this was no easy task — the stranger had the
superiority in sailing ; although it was but trifling, yet, if her advan-
tage continued, there certainly was no chance of catching her. Whea
first seen, she could not have been at any very great distance, and, had
Jem's report been instantly attended to, everything was in favour of
their getting alongside ; but now fears prevailed that she would escape.
The lad was rewarded by the commendations of his captain, and the
first lieutenanat was directed to have an eye upon him in future, to
ascertain whether he was worthy of greater favour.

A tantalizing thing is a chase, when first one ship and then the other
draws ahead : it was evident the Frenchman was employing every
manoeuvre to get away, and equally active were the British in striving to
get up to her. But the wind died away as the day advanced — the sails
no longer slept in the breeze — a perfect calm ensued, and the boats
were immediately hoisted out and lowered to tow. It was a gratifying
spectacle to witness the arduous exertions of the worthy tars whilst
labouring and cheering each other at the oars and sweeps ; and though
no very great progress was made, yet it shortened the distance between the
two ships, till the Frenchman followed tlie example of the English, and
also got out his boats. Thus they continued till the afternoon — when a
light breeze sprung up off the land, which gave the enemy the weather-
gage ; but it soon became apparent that the British had decidedly the
best of it upon a bowline,

^ot a moment was lost in taking advantage of the wind — the boats
were hoisted in (the Frenchman passed his astern, and thus impeded his
progress) — the sails were nicely trimmed — one of the best hands was at
the weather wheel, watching to luff at each increase of the breeze, and
every heart was elate at the renewed prospect of bringing the enemy to
action.

Jem narrowly observed what was going forward, and his friend of
the mizen-top had enough to do to reply to the lad's questions, and to
explain why and wherefore everything was done. At last, after two or
three boards to windward, they got their opponent within reach of shot,
just as the sun was sinking below the horizon. The breeze freshened ;
there was a certainty of coming up with the chase, for she was now
nearly a head — the drum again beat to quarters, and the sail-trimmers
alone were ordered to remain at their stations, ready to shorten sail
should it be deemed necessary. The British had ceased firing, for it

iKH BtTJfT, 255

lulled the wiud ; but the Frenchman served his stern-chasers with good
effect, as the sails of the pursuer amply testified.

Our hero was powder-monkey to two of the quarter-deck-guns, and
had an excellent opportunity of witnessing the havoc made in the canvass
as the shot rent through it. His patron, the quarter-master was at the
con, and Jem would have liked to have gleaned some information from
him, but the veteran was too busily engaged in attending to the steering
to take much notice of the lad, though he now and then dropped a word
of encourageme.'it and advice as he paced athwart the deck on his im-
portant duty.

" "VVe are Bearing her fast," said the captain, addressing the master :
"and, as the breeze is light, we will get close upon his weather
quarter, leaving just distance enough to bear up under his stern and
rake him — "

''Very well, sir," responded the master; " and I don't care how soon,
for she's cutting up the canvass terribly — we shall only want a lick of
tar, and there'll be parcelling enough for a whole fleet. However, she
has not yet made us any chips."

Here was food for Jem's contemplation — he knew what a chimney
rake was, and he had seen a garden rake ; and how either of them was
to act upon a large ship surpassed his comprehension. Then, again, the
allusion to chips puzzled him exceedingly ; but on this latter, it was not
many minutes before it was explained to him, for two or three shot from
the enemy successively hulling them, the splinters began to fly about,
and caused severe contusions to several of the crew.

" There's chips enough now, master," remarked the captain ; and Jem
instantly took the hint with respect to "chip" making. "Yell, this
here is comical," thought he ; " and I vonder vot it's all about —
liow them balls vissels, and then comes thudding through the vood
— my crikey ! but I don't half like it. 1 vish Muster Dunnywon vos
here—"

At this moment the old quarter-master touched him, and in an under
tone said, " Keep your weather eye up, my lad — you begins to look a
little greenish — l.ould your head stiff and steady when the shots come,
and don't be drawing it down atwizt your two shoulders, like a tortoise
bobbing his snout under the shell." He turned to the steersman,
" There, luff you may, boy — luff — that puff ull do it." Again he
addressed the lad, who had had time to amend his manners, " Ah I now
you looks more nat'rally fit for his majesty's quarter-deck — don't
let your box rest upon the breech of the gun, but hold it by a taut
laniard, to show that you're rough and ready, the moment as they vonts
a cartridge." Again he spoke to the helmsman, " Near, boy — near — the
wind's lulling again — don't go for to shake a cloth — full and by, my
boy — full and by." Once more Jem had his counsel — " We shall have
warm work presently, youngster ; but all as you have got to do is —
ounlj^ to look at the captain of the gun, and see when he wants a
charge — don't you go for to be staring about you, like a stuck-pig or a
jolly on a topsel-yard, when his kit's adrift in the lee scuppers ; but
you just mind your own duty, and keep yourself cool and steady. You

2 "6 JEM BUNT.

knows what smoke is, Jem, and so there'll be nothing in that— luff, yoii
may — luff — ah, there's the breeze that ull soon blow the smoke off —
but I'm saying, Jem, don't you be looking out for squalls ;■ but mind
and look smart, and fetch up the cartrid-es — and if so be as I'm sent
away in tlie prize — why — "

He said no more— Jem heard a rustling, whizzing noise in his ears
that almost stunned him ; and a suffocating sensation, from a stoppage
of breath, made him gasp for air. Still he was sensible that he had
been forced from the place where he had been standing and thrown to
some distance ; but there was a dimness over his sight that prevented
him from seeing what had caused this sudden change. The captain of
the gun raised him up and spoke to the kd, but his hearing seemed to
be gone, or rather he could hear nothing but a hissing singing sound
that drowned all others.

" Is he hurt ? " inquired the captain, kindly taking hold of the lad's
arm. " Believe him from the laniard," for Jem still firinly clung to
liis box, "and take him below to the surgeon."

" It was only the wind of the shot, your honour," responded the
captain of the gun, " and the fresh air 'ull revive him sooner than going
down into the cockpit. There, he's coming to — halloo, Jem ; — rouse,
my boy — we shall want you presently ; " and then he muttered in a
lower tone, "for if I don't pay them there fellows back in their own
coin for poor Ben's death — then there's no snakes in Virginny —
that's all."

The stunning effects of the shot began to wear off, and the first thing
that Jem beheld, on recovering his sight, was three or four men
raising the mangled body of his adviser and patron, the gallant quarter-
master, who had been struck down by the twenty-four pounder that
had passed so close to the lad's head as to cause the mishap that befel
him. It had struck the quarter-master on the breast, crushing all his
chest and upper part into one horrible and misshapen mass, and life
was instantly extinct. Mingling sensations of horror and terror con-
vulsed the poor boy, but, at the same time, producing a reaction in
his system almost as sudden as the shock he had received. He sprang
forward, and clasped the hand of his humble, but always generous
frit nd, just as they were launching the body out at the port; and so
strong was his grasp, that he would probably have been drawn over-
board after him, but that the first lieutenant caught him by the
shoulders — the weight of the dead man was more than he could support,
his hold relaxed, and the corpse dropped almost noiselessl}^ into the
ocean — a few swabs cleaned tlie deck of blood, and in a minute or two
every thing was as tranquil as if no such event had happened. Jem,
thoui;h still sufil'ring from the eft'ects of his violent prostration, tVlt
gratified at having been the last to bid the quarfer-master farewell ; he
felt bis energies revive, and calling to mind the counsel of him who was
now no more, he stood rigidly with liis box — grit-ved, and sad, and
hurt, but determined to devote himself, as far as he knew how, to the
full ])(rformance of liis duty.

" There's mettle in that youngster," remarked the captain to the

''''^^^l^t^Wv

G^'^ ^.^.^^^A^^.^^^-^^^,^, /.,,^.^^,

/

Jem BI7NT. 25?

toaster, as they witnessed the transaction. " If he continues to behave
■well — " what more he would have uttered must be left for the sequel,
as shown in his conduct. It was at this instant that they had attained
the position on the weather-quarter of the enemy which had been
decided upon for bearing up and raking her.

CHAPTEE XXV.

•'In seeking tales and informations
Against this man, (whose honesty, the devil
And his disciples only envy at,)
Ye blew the fire that burns ye."

Shakespeare.

The close of Chapter XXII, left Joe Elatherwick and Jem Hardover
in custody of the press-gang ; and the Jew, Nathan, in a fit, liora^
which, however, he was recovered by fresh air and a copious supply of
cold water thrown over him, which brought on severe shivering and
ague ; and he sat in the rendezvous groaning and complaining, some-
times in English, and at other times in Hebrew, a melancholy picture
of human misery.

" You see how the matter stands, Nathan," said the boatswain's
mate, argnmentatively. " If so be as you'd done the right thing, and
squared your conscience by the lifts and braces of truth, why, in course,
you might now have been comfortably stowed away in your hammock
bottling off sleep ; but as you thought fit to scandalize all aloft, and
make a mockery of honesty, why, you see, you jist gits a black dog for
a blue monkey, and, mayhap, may slip your hould on life afore you can
fulfil the catechiz commandment as says, ' Thou shalt love thyself as
well as thy neighbour.' "

" Avast there, shipmate," exclaimed the young officer of the Indiaman ;
" you haven't got the proper reading of the thing. It runs, ' Thou
BhaJt love thy neighbour as thyself.' "

" Mayhap so, sir — mayhap so," responded the boatswain's mate,
assentingly ; " but, I take it, it is much about the same meaning arter
all ; for a man as doesn't vally hisself can't have any very great regard
for a messmate, or for a shipmate. And in good case why — there's
Nathan there, if so be as he'd loved his own self, why he wouldn't now
be hanging in the doldrums out of spite to Jem and me ; and you, sir,
would have been none the worse for it."

" It certainly is very provoking," said the officer; "but I trust the

morning will set all matters to rights ; and if I lose my ship by this

detention, I will make Nathan pay fur it, and pretty smartly too ; " — the

Jew groaned, — " and you, my men, have good ground of action against

33

258 JEM BUNt.

him for giving false information, by which yoii have lost your bags.**

"• All this is very clever," remarked tlie lieutenant, who still believed
that Nathan was correct in what he had said about the seamen " You
carry the farce on admirably, but you haven't the marines to deal with.
Make your lives happy, my lads. I'll try and find your bags, if they're
not already sent ofi* to the Mother-bank — in fact, I have already got a
clue." The shivering Jew started, and turned his keen gaze upon the
speaker, who continued, "Aye, aye, I see I'm not far from the right
bearings of the concern — I've known the trick played before, but I'm
a little older now."

What he meant he did not explain ; but it was evident that hid
language produced considerable excitement in the feelings of the
Israelite, whose tremor and suffering seemed to increase. As for the
eeamen, they were well aware that if their bags were produced in the
same state in which they had left them, their immediate release would
be the result ; they cmsequentl}' m lie themselves contented, under the
assurance of tlie lieutenant, that there was a probability of their being
found. The mate of the Indiaram also enjoyed a confidence that hia
confinement would not endure very long, as he trusted to au early
development of the aft'air, which would entirely exonerate him from
the charge which had been trumped up.

During the night the gang was not idle, and almost every hour
brought in parties of seamen, who had either overstaid their liberty
from the men-of-war, or had stolen ashore from the transports and
merchant vessels for a land cruise, and henceforth were destined to
serve in his Majesty's navy. Some of them were intoxicated and
noisy, but great forbearance was manifested towards them, and no
particular harshness was inflicted upon any — the lieutenant did hia
duty, but he performed it humanely.

Morning came, but no bags Were forthcoming, and the two seamen,
with the Jew, and the officer of the Indiaman, were taken before the
mayor to substantiate the accusation against the prisoners. The rest of
the detenus were sent on board the guard-ship in the harbour. When
in the justice-room, the lieutenant briefly related, that " he had received
information from Nathan, that two deserters from a frigate at Chatham
had come down by the same coach with him, and were going, with the
mate of an Indiaman, on board one of the outward-bound convoy then
at the Mother-bank ; in consequence of this he had been enabled to
take the deserters, and deeming it I'ight to secure the person of the
officer for thus decoying away men from the service of his Majesty,
he had procured the aid of the civil power, and, with some of hia
gang, had taken him into safe custody, and he was now brought before
Ilia worship to examine into the case."

" This is a very serious charge, young man," said the mayor, with
solemnity, " and entails a heavy penalty by way of punishment."

*' I shall meet it fearlessly, your worship," returned the mate, " and
make no doubt that I sluiU convince yuu of my perfect innocence in
the matter. I never saw the men till they got upon the coach in
London, and I was coming down to join my ship."

JKM BUNT. 259

" That may be," rejoined the mayor; "but I know these things are
io adroitly managed, that it is with great difficulty they can be de-
tected. But what has your accuser to say ? " — addressing the Jew —
"speak man."

" Veil then, yer vurship, I vill tell all," answered Nathan, more
emboldened by the presence of the magistrate. " One of my peoples
did tell me he had crimped two men who vere deserters, and he vos to
meet de mate of de Ingieman at Charing cross mid de sailors, and they
Tos all to come down here to Portshmouth together. Veil, your vorship,
ven I gets upon de coach, I sees my friend mid de two mens come up,
and dis officer speaks to 'em, and den dey all gets upon de coach too ;
and my friend saysh to me, * Nathan, vill you look arter de monish ?
I vill do good turn for you some oder day — dere's no use in two going
down.' So, your vurship, I promish'd my friend ; but ven ve got
down dey vouldn't give me de monish, and so I goes to the rendezsh-
voush and informs on top of 'em, and here dey are."

"And now, young sir, what answer have you to make to this?"
inquired the mayor.

"That there is not one word of truth in it from beginning to end,
except that Nathan did certainly speak to a brother Jew at Charing-
cross, and we all came down by the same coach together : the rest is
fabrication. I had no knowledge whatever of the men ; nor did I
utter one word to either of the Jews till I spoke to Nathan, after we
had commenced our journey, I do not believe that the seamen are
deserters."

" Deserters, your honour ! " said the boatswain's mate with energy,
" Lord love yer heart, we've sarved his Majesty too long to play a
trick like that. As for my shipmate, he was coxun to Captain
Weatherall, of the ould Neverflinch, as went down the other day,
and he's corned here with letters on business for the skipper, who is
hove down in his cot, through the damage he got in his hull ; and
as for me, why, the long and the short of it is, yer honour, that I've
joined him company in the cruise, as I hoped to gain some intelligence
of Poll, who has been missing from her anchorage, in regard of a
letter I sent." And Joe told the story which has already been
narrated.

"Well, my men, you must have some proofs of this to produce,"
observed the mayor. " Where are your tickets, and the letters you
speak of ? "

" Why, that's it, yer honour," answered Jem, touching the forelock
of his hair with his finger and thumb; " whilst we were away from
the Duncan's Head last night, some pirate walked off with our bags
and all the despatches, and so, in course, we arn't never got nothing
to show."

" That's unfortunate, too," remarked the mayor ; "but is there no one
in Portsmouth who can say who you are } "

" Oh yes, yer honour," answered the coxswain, cheerfully ; " there's
ould Jenny, at Sallyport — there's the landlord of the Duncan's Head — ■
there's Sal Wesson, of Capstan Square — there's — "

260 JEM BUNT.

The mayor shook his head. " Such evidence would avail you
nothing, for I could not rely upon it. I fear there is no alternative
but to remand you. Is there no respectable tradesman that could speak
to your identity ? "

" iSpeak to what, yer honour ? " demanded the coxswain respect-
fully. " Mayhap the dentity ia in the bags along with the rest of
the gear."

" I meant to ask whether there is no respectable tradesman that you
are acquainted with, who could speak to your character } " rejoined
the mayor.

" 1 have it, your worship's honour ! " responded the boatswain's
mate, giving a whistle, and then slapping his hand upon his thigh.
" I have it ! — there was a genelman as came down with us, one Muster
Peter Thompson, as lives in High-street, and he gave me his direction
on this here card," and Joe fumbled in his waistcoat-pocket, and pro-
duced the card which bad been given him on the coach by the seeming
traiiesman. "If yer honour will only jist be good enough to send for
him, he 11 put you on the right tack direclly, and prove that this here ia
all a bamboozle by that unconscionable ould scamp, because somebody
put a ham bone in his pocket."

The countenance of the Jew assumed a marked expression of
mingled abhorrence and malignity at the mention of the insult that
had been offered to him. " lilesshed Abrahams," said he, as he clasped
his hands, " I am but a poor chew ; " but on the instant his look became
moi'e tranquil, and a smile enlivened his featui-es as he uttered, " Uh,
de ham bone — dat vash noting, ma tear, noting at all — it vash only de
choke, you know, — onlj^ de choke," and his frame quivered with rage,
which he vainly endeavoured to quell.

The mayor looked at the card which had been lumded to him by the
boatswain's mate, and then said, " I will send for Mr. Peter Thompson
— at least, make inquiry who or what he is."

" Eah ! " scornfully uttered the Jew, " your vorship may shave your-
shelf de troubles — dere is no such person as Peter Thompshon dere — it
ish all sham — but shend if you like — shend if you like — it vill turn out
all de shame as de bagsh."

The seamen stared, but again reiterated their request that inquiry
should be made at the house in High-street, that they might be saHshed
♦.hat it was as Nathan had said. To this very reasonable solicitation
the mayor consented, and a constable was dispatched to make the neces-
sary investigation. During his absence the accused party stood on one
side, and another case was called on. This was the quarter- master of
a seventy-four, who was found Ij ing intoxicated in the kennel, which
he swore was his hammock ; and on being raised up, he fought with
the ofliiiers for turning him out in his watch below.

" What have you to say to this, my man ? " demanded the mayor,
who could not help smiling at the tar's appearance.

The quarter-master was a fine tall athletic man, one of those perfect
models of a thorough seaniua which some of our line-of-battle ships
nreseuted duiing the last war. His clothes still showed marked proofs

— -^y^/L..,.,; _ r.^/^. S^,

JEM BUNT, 2(M

of his drunken frolic, and the effects of the liquor had not yet evapo-
rated. His tarpaulin hat was crushed between his hands, till its shape
was very questionable : and when he heard the interrogation, he
turned his quid, and answered, "Well, yer honour, all as I've got to
Bay is, that it's precious hard if a poor fellow on liberty can't spend hia
prize-money and enjoy liisself jist as he likes, without them there cho-
keewallers grabbing hould on him. If I gets drunk aboard, then there's
them Articles of War, and ' Boatswain's mate, give him a dozen;' but
now I'm ashore, it's quite onconsciouable that I aint allowed to be
groggy without being boarded and man-handled by yer 'long-shore
lBhi[)"s corporals, and sich like."

"But the constables were taking care of you, my man," said the
mayor; "and you acted most ungratefully towards them, by breaking
the peace."

" Any piece as Bob as broke he's ready to pay for, yer worship,"
responded the quarter-master, putting his hand into liis trowsers'
pocket, and pulling forth a number of guineas ; " only say what's the
damage, ould chap, and Bob 'uU make all that square."

" You must talk to the constables, ray man," said the mayor; " you
have assaulted and beat them, yet I should be loth to send you to
the sessions."

" Send me where, yer honour?" asked the quarter-master, with a
broad grin. " I'm thinking you must ax the skipper first."

The constables pulled him away, and he paid pretty smarlly for
the encounter ; thus encouraging similar attacks upon the unguarded
seamen on liberty, for the purpose of extorting money. As soon as it
was arranged —

" It's all right now, yer honour," said the quarter-master ; " and if
BO be as you'd like a drop of summut, only say the word, and Bob 'ull
send for the best directly."

The mayor laughingly declined the offer ; and this case being dis-
posed of, the next was called ; but before it was proceeded with, a
bustle at the entrance of the court attracted attention in that direction.
The magistrate, being elevated, saw in a moment what it was that
caused the stir, and, rising from his seat, he directed the constables to
"make way." A passage was immediately cleared to the bench, and
the port admiral, who had entered, made his way through the court,
and placed himself in front of the mayor, who bowed, and requested him
to take a seat by his side.

The sight of the admiral's uniform was, to the worthy seamen, like
the warm rays of the sun in a cold climate — delightfully cheering to the
heart ; and Jem whispered to the boatswain's mate, " It 'ull be all
right now, messmate, if his honour will only wait to hear our griev-
ousness. He'll never see an honest tar bamboxtered by a rascally Jew.
Who is his honour, Joe ? "

The admiral had walked forward to the bench, so that his back was
towards the seamen during this inquiry ; but when he turned to sit
down, and his face became perfectly conspicuous, the two shipmates
gazed, first at the admiral and then at each other, with the most

262 JJiM BCNT.

intense eagerness, doubt, and astonishment, playing upon their bronzed
features.

<<"VV"ho— is — he?" drawled out the boatswain's mate; "who is
he? — well then, I'm blessed — that is, I'm blowed— that is, I'm
bothered — only look yerseif, Jem — there's no mistaking that 'ere
figure-head — and a pretty mess of lobscouse we've made of it, my
boyo."

" Why, aye," whispered the coxwain in reply ; " my mind musgives
me — sich a hearty phisog arn't to be overhauled every day — but he
doesn't never mean us any harm, messmate — he's too good a soul for
that."

But if surprise was pictured on the faces of the seamen, that of the
Jew was perfectly livid with consternation, as he bent his keen eyes
on the admiral ; and in a suppressed tone, though overheard by those
who were near liira, he uttered in agony, " S'help me Abrahamsh —
tish Peter Thompshon — tish Peter Thompshon ! "

The mate of the Indiaman also recognised his fellow-passenger of
the previous day, and bowed with great politeness, which was returned

by the admiral — now no longer Peter Thompson, but Sir Henry •.

The gallant officer whispered to the mayor, and the two held a con-
versation together, apparently of a humorous kind, as their frequent
smiling evinced. At the close, the accused parties were again called
forward, when a fresh stir was made at the entrance, and two or three
constables appeared, dragging in a Jew boy, whilst others carried a
couple of bags, which the coxswain and the boatswain's mate instantly
knew as their own, and eagerly sprang forward to take possession of
their property. The constables refused to deliver them up, and violence
might have been the consequence, but for the voice of the admiral, who
commanded the seamen to remain quiet, and everything should be
restored to them — an order which not only long custom, but inclination,
induced them to obey.

"God bless your honour," said Joe Blatherwick; "I know your
honour 'ud see us righted — and in regard of being shipmates in that
'ere coach, I hopes your honour 'uU not take any offence in regard of — "

"liest easy, my man," returned the admiral, interrupting him;
" you shall have justice done you, never fear — and I am glad that I
can render any service to so brave a fellow. — May I request the favour,
Mr. Mayor, that they, as well as the young officer, may be at once dis-
charged from custody? " He looked at tlie lieutenant of the gang. " I
V^Il be responsible, Mr. Lawrence — these men are not deserters, nor
can any charge be substantiated against the mate of the Indiaman. As
for the Jew," — he glanced at him with anger, and then added, "but he
had provocation ; and though revenge is a deadly guest to cherish — yet
— however, we shall hear what he has to say."

But Nathan had nothing to utter : he saw in the apprehending of
his accomplice, the Jew boy, that the whole of his nefarious and
malicious scheme was frustrated ; terror took possession of his faculties,
and he stood muttering to himself like an idiot. The Jew boy was
placed at the bar, and the constables narrated the manner in which

jor BtNT. 2r>3

tiif'T liad traced him to the lodgings of Nathan, where he was found,
with the bags, concealed under the bed. The lad himself at once cou-
JFessed that he had been engaged by the elder Israelite to steal the
Lags from the Duncan's Head ; for which purpose he had watched the
seamen out, and taken the things during their absence ; but his em-
ployer not coming home, the bags had never been opened. This was
however done in the court, and the liberty tickets, with all the other
documents displayed, to the great delight of the tars and the disappoint-
rnent of the press lieutenant.

This ended the matter ; Nathan and the boy were consigned to the
custody of the constables for re-examination. The admiral withdrew,
followed by the mate of the Indiaman and the worthy tars ; and when
in the outer hall he stopped, and told the latter to proceed at once to
the performance of their duty, and in the evening to call upon Peter
Thompson, in High-street. To the mate he said, " I hope, sir, this
will be a lessen to you never to do anything to offend the religious
scruples of any man, whatever his creed may be. It was done in a
thoughtless moment, and perhaps I set the example. However, as we
were messmates yesterday, so let us be to-day. I shall expect to see
you at dinner — never mind dress — at six o'clock ; and to-morrow morning
toy boat shall convey you aboard your ship — the convoy will not sail for
several days to come."

Jem and Joe were once more at liberty to pursue their researches ;
and, slinging each a bag over his shoulder, they returned to the Duncan's
Head; and having washed and put on clean rigging, they comforted
the inner man, and then set out on their exploring expedition. The
coxswain went over to Molly Boyd's cottage, and made every inquiry in
the neighbourhood ; but he could gain no intelligence, nor obtain a clue
to guide him for the future The letters were delivered to the agent,
who suggested an examination of the parish records, to ascertain
whether the names of poor Molly, or Miss Mowbray, could be found
in the register. This he himself undertook to do ; and, after many
hours' inspection, that of Molly Boyd was found ; but there was no
reference as to who she was, except the fact of pauperism, or where
she came from. The parish accounts of the same date were examined,
and the supply of a coffin discovered, for the burial of Molly Boyd, of

street, Portsea, the very street in which Mrs. Blatherwick had

lodged ; and thither they again went and instituted inquiry. But it
was almost ineffective. It is true that the neighbour before spoken of
remembered " a sailor's wife being confined, and also the death of
•old Molly; but what became of the mother or the infant she could
not recollect. Her faculties were much impaired through old age ; but
she fancied there was something strange about the matter; either the
child died, or the mother ran away and left it, or something of the
kind ; but what it really was she had no memorial."

This was all they could learn, and its ambiguity only served to
increase the mystery. As for Joe, sanguine in his expectations of
finding Poll and the baby, he never relaxed, but visited all his old
haunts ; sought out former acquaintances ; chased almost every woman

264 J KM ur.NT.

he saw, particulaly if she had ati infant in her arms, forgetting in hi3
eagerness that the child must be iiow grown a great boy; but, like
mail}- others, his mind only dwelt upon ideas of scenes and circumstances
as he had left or last heard of them.

The coxswain, having executed his commission, prepared to return
to his commander; but he had yet one mournful duty to perform, and
that was to pay a visit to the widow of his old messmate, who had been
drowned in Madras roads. The worthy fellow felt the awkwardness of
the task, especially as his regards were somewhat inclined to the widow,
and his messmate's tobacco-box, which he had promised to bring her,
had gone down in the frigate. At last he mustered courage to repair
to the neat little cottage of her mother, with whom she resided ; but it
was some time before he ventured near the door ; and the probability is
that he would have remained much longer, but for a soft hand that was
put into his; and on looking down, he saw the child of her whom he
loved. The little fellow had recognised the friend of his mother — one
who had spoken softly and kindly to her — and he noiselessly took that
mode of renewing an acquaintance.

" What cheer — what cheer, my lad ? " exclaimed the coxswain,
rather abashed at being detected sauntering about as if upon the look-
out. " And so you knew me again, eh ? "

" 0 yes, sir," responded the boy, " I remembered you directly ;
for you was good to mother, and she is often talking about you, and
wishing to see you."

" That's in regard of the 'bacca-box," thought Jem, though he felt
gratified that he should be borne in memory on any account.

" And how is your mother, my boy ? aye, and your grandmother
too.^ Are all hands well and hearty ? "

" You must come and see," said the boy, pulling the seaman towards the
door ; " they will be so glad — mother has been expecting you ever so long."

At this moment the door opened, and the widow herself came forth
to look for her son. A glow of pleasure brightened up her wan cheeks
when- she beheld by whom he was accompanied ; and Jem — all the
warm feelings of his heart gaining the ascendancy — boldly stepped
forward, and extended his hand, which the widow received, and pressed
with the fervour of unexpected joy and long-felt gratitude, lie was
welcomed to the cottage, where he talked over times that were
gone, and spoke with energy and affection of his old messmate, and
declared how happy it would make him if he could but be a father to
liis child. This certainly was an indirect way of courting the widow ;
and it had more effect than all the high-flown language that could have
been cmplKVi'd, even had Jem been a i)erfect master in the art of flattery.
To love her cliild was to love herself; and she treasured the saying in
lier bosom. The coxswain passed a delightful three hours : the un-
fortunate tobacco-box was forgotten, for it was no fault of his that it
had been lost ; and when he took his departure, the widow and her sou
accompanied hira on part of his way. It was then — whilst the fair
hand of the female reclined upon his arm, and he led the boy by bis
i^ide — it was then that Jem's honest eloquence found utterance.

JEM BTTNT. 265

""Well, my precious," said he, as he drew her closer to his side, " a
craft upon the ocean is but a lonesome thing without a consort;
nothing but blue waters all round, and a dark sky above ; and this is
bad enough if there's only days in the reck'ning, but it's sad and dis-
pirituous indeed when it lasts for months, and you run short of provisions
and water — here away, buffeted by gales of wind that makes every
timber sneer again — there away, scorched up in a dead calm that melts
the seams atwixt the planks and the blacking on the bends ; and the
heart sickens, and faints, and longs, without the least help for it."

"That must be trying, indeed," assented the widow; — "but sea-
men undergo great hardships, my friend, and yet they do not always
last long."

" But suppose, my precious, there was a look-out for its lasting as long
as life houlds together," responded the coxswain, quickly ; " wouldn't
you hail the sight of a friendly sail with three cheers ? "

•' Certainly," replied the widow, somewhat provokingly ; " but then,
you know, the cause of grief and distress would terminate."

'• Why, that's jist it ! " exclaimed the seaman, hurriedly and firmly,
as if he had gained an important point. " Here are you, my precious,
beating to wind'ard under storm gear, and noboddy whatsomever to
cheer you up with a kindly hail, or to take you in tow when you can't
make headway again the breeze. And here am I, Jem Hardover, ready
to be a parent to your boy, and to clap you alongside — sailing under the
same colours, with a parson's licence for keeping you company — not for
a day or two, nor a month or two, but till the voyage of life is up, and
then mayhap we may bear away for heaven together/'

" I will not pretend to misunderstand your meaning, my excellent
friend," replied the widow, with much feeling ; " and I unreservedly
own that your kindness and generosity has not been lost upon me ;
but — " and she paused.

" Heave ahead, my precious," uttered the coxswain, with eager
delight; " roll away the butt, and let's have a clear gangway to your
thoughts — only say the word, and I'll be a dutiful and loving husband
— and the poor youngster there shall find a protector and a friend.
What am I to do with all my prize-money and my pay, without you'll
say, ' Yes ? ' And if Tom — rest his soul — could hear me now, he'd
smile upon us both, and bless us when we're spliced. You know the
thing's onpossible for him to come hisself, seeing he's safely moored iu
Glory Bay ; and so, my precious, take an honest tar for better or
worser, and then — " he stopped, and gave her a look mingling entreaty
with affection.

"For both our sakes, " returned the widow, " such an engagement
ought not to be hastily concluded upon. I know my boy wants a kind
and prudent guardian to promote his future welfare — I have not been
able to jtrovide him with suitable instruction : and for myself — " she
paused, and then added, " it requires consideration."

" Oh, take your time, my precious," said the seaman, generously
" I don't want to hurry you, not by no manner of means — only say a|
you'll have the pay and the prize-monev, jist to make the cottage snug
34

266 JEM BUNT.

for the ould lady, and to put the boy out to school — thal'a all — and
then I shall be happy."

"You have already supplied my parent most liberally," returned the
widow, warm with grateful emotions : " she will now be able to pay
her back rent, and we shall both enjoy comforts that have long been
denied to us. I feel it, my friend — deeply feel it. But do not urge
me further at present — I will write to you ; and pray let me know at
all times whereabouts you may be found — do not leave me to think
that you are unhappy — I would do anything to serve you; and if ever
I should change my name again, I know no one in existence that
I should desire but yours — God bless and keep you."

"Then it 'ull be all right?" exclaimed the gladdened tar, as he
caught the boy up in his arms and kissed him, for they had reached
the place of patting. There was no one to witness the scene as he
took the widow's hand, " You'll be mine," said he, as he drew her
gently towards him ; and then suddenly throwing one arm rouud
her neck, he pressed a kiss upon her lips, and hurried away.

That night the seamen returned to the metropolis to make their
report.

CH APT Ell XXV I.

" Reason with the fellow
Before you punish him,

Lest you should ehanee to whip your information,
And beat the mesrr.ger, who bids beware
Of what IS to be dreaded."

Shakespeare.

So earnest had been the desire of Mr. Elwester to see his daughter a
duchess, that he had meanly degraded himself, by proposing to the duke
that he should carry Amelia off to Scotland, as if by her own consent, at
tliesame time he himself would secretly accompan}" them, to prevent the
scandal of the world, should the aifair become known. This he hoped
would have the twofold effect of providing for his child and disgusting
the baronet, for he trusted that Amelia's delicacy, after travelling so far
with his Grace, would induce her to accept his hand, liut the usurer
had not calculated upon his ])lots being thwarted or undermined ; he
entertained no idea that the place to which he had taken the lady was
discovered; and he determined that a bold stroke should be struck at
once. It was this that had brought the hostile parties into collision ;
for his Grace had acceded to the old man's design, which he was carry-
ing into execution ; and the baronet missing Jem upon the road, had
hurried on with Bill Breezy, and meeting the return chaise which the
postillion would detain uo longer, as the boy did not come, " Zikoy "

JEM BUNT. 267

informed Sir Edward of all particulars, and conducted him to the spot
where the unfortunate rencontre took place.

The announcement that Mr. Elwester had fallen, and that his daugh-
ter was extended senseless, if not lifeless, by the side of her father, at
once terminated the contest ; and the duke, as if sensible that he should
cut a ridiculous figure by remaining, ordered the wounded of his suite
to be gathered up, and ascending his carriage he drove off, cursing his
folly in having undertaken a scheme that had proved so detrimental to
his interests, and dreading the scorn and laughter of the world at his
failure. Already his imagination began to picture the affair in the cari-
cature shops ; and when he entered his splendid mansion at the West-
end, he was out of humour with himself and all the world.

The baronet, on the suspension of hostilities, had instantly run to the
assistance of Amelia, whom he raised from the ground, and placing his
hand above the heart, ascertained that it still beat, and terror alone had
deprived her of animation. The usurer had received a pistul ball in the
breast — by whose hand fired, none could tell except himself; he was
conveyed to the dwelling, and Isaac Haxted was instantly despatched
for a surgeon, with directions to bring proper instruments for extracting
the ball. The old man's sufferings were very great, both mentally and
bodily ; he frequently inquired for his child, but his language was ex-
tremely incoherent — sometimes speaking of her as " My lady duchess,"
and then muttering the half- uttered malediction upon her head for dis-
obedience. Nor were his worldly affairs forgotten, as in broken and
unconnected sentences he spoke of his cash, and bonds, and mortgages
— now in soft accents, as if engaged in tendering a loan, and then
•with harshness insisting on repayment : his mind was constantly
wandering.

Sir Edward carried Amelia to her apartment, where, with the aid of
the young girl — for the aged woman had concealed herself, and could not
be found — he tried restoratives, till he had the satisfaction of seeing the
beloved of his heart awakened to consciousness ; and in his delight, he
imprinted a kiss upon her fair forehead, as she reclined backward on hia
arm. Her first inquiry was for her father ; and on being informed that
he still lived, and a surgeon had been sent for, she insisted upim going
to him. The baronet, fearing that she was yet too weak, would have
dissuaded her from her purpose; but she w^as. so earnest and determined
that he at length supported her to the room where Mr. Elwester laid
extended on an ancient couch, and it was apprehended he was " breath-
ing the slow remains of life away." She spoke to him, — he seemed to
recognise her voice ; but reason no longer lield sway over his under-
standing— visions of future worldly grandeur occupied the thoughts of
the man who laid tremblingly on the sloping verge of eternity, and his
desires were grasping at increased wealth, at the moment when exis-
tence was apparently passing away. Oh, how many are there endowed
with the full enjoyment of their faculties, who are hourly doing the
same !

The surgeon arrived, and after examining the wound, gave but small
encouragement to hope that life would be saved j the ball had taken a

268 JEM BTTNT.

slanting direction, shattered the breast bone, and was extracted from the
cavity under the arm. A composing draught was administered, and the
professional gentleman consented to remain with his patient through the
night. Neither Amelia nor the baronet would quit the wounded man ;
and they sat side by side, watching with the most intense anxiety the
effects of the medicine. Bill Breezy at length discovered the old
woman in the wine cellar, which contained some choice old stuff, and he
and " Zikey," soaked their clay to the health of cousin " Meley," and
the recovery of uncle "Grampus."

The usurer slept soundly whilst the narcotic operated ; but as its
effects began to subside, he again became restless and disturbed, though
not so bewildered in his imagination. At times he fancied he was hold-
ing converse with Lankrib, and more than once he charged the old man
with robbing him. What ground there was for such an accusation it
was impossible to tell, for Amelia had been kept profoundly ignorant of
her father's affairs ; yet she could not but feel uneasy at the conviction
that a great portion of his master's property was at the mercy of the
old wretch who had been her jailor. The baronet, when informed of it,
partook of the feeling, but both considered that it would be indelicate
at that precise time to take any decided step. After some consultation,
however, they deemed it desirable to despatch Bill Breezy to watch pro-
ceedings ; at the same time cautioning him to be silent on the melan-
choly catastrophe that had occurred ; and, above all, for the sake of
the cousin whom he loved, to keep from indulging in his easily beset-
ting sin.

]iy the seaman the baronet sent a hasty sketch of events to his bro-
ther, and expressed a hope that he should be with him on the following
day, as by that time it was more than probable a marked change would
occur in the usurer, either through favourable symptoms, that might
enable them to bring him to town, or unfavourable symptoms that must
shortly terminate in dissolution. He also sent to Corporal Senhouse,
directing that if Jem had come back, every indulgence might be ex-
tended towards him.

That evening Mr. Elwester awoke from a deamy and uneasy slumber
to ])erfect consciousness : he looked round the room at first with a wild
and vacant stare ; but when he saw his daughter, as she drew near to
administer to his wants, recollection resumed its functions. " Where ia

the Bight Honourable — I mean his grace the duke of Q ? " said he

inquiringly: "yet, why do I ask? — Amelia, your hand; — oh that I
could oee the coronet encircling your brow, I should die content ! Die ?
— I will not die ; there is too much to be done to quit this world hastily,
and yet 1 fear I have got my death."

" Compose yourself, my dear father," said the affectionate daughter,
as she laid her hand upon his cold and clammy forehead ; "I trust you
will long survive to be ha])py in your home."

*' Happy ? " repeated the old man, "aye, happy ; have I not gold, and
jewels, and lands enough to make me so ? No, no, my child no. From
boyhood your father's sole hajipiness was to accumulate wealth, and to
increase his possessiona. This feeling grew with my growth ; and whea

JKM BUNT. 269

Ji after life I saw my daughter, it was coupled with a desire to see her
aruongst the noblest of the land — it has been my daily thought, my
nightly dream — the food that nourished my ambition ; and think you I
can hnd any other happiness now ? "

" Oh, do not thus distress yourself, my father," entreated the afflicted
girl, as with tears streaming down her cheeks she bent over the aged
man ; " Providence is bountiful in its dispensations."

" Will it make you a duchess, girl?" uttered the obdurate man,
with harshness ; " will it place you high in the scale of liritish peer-
esses ? if not, it can do nothing for me. No, no, it can do no good
to me."

Amelia shuddered as she listened ; but she said no more, for she was
fearful that his danger might be increased should angry passions be
aroused ; and the surgeon coming in at the time, enjoined strict silence
upon him, unless he was determined upon hastening his departure from
the world. The wound was examined and pronounced favourable ; and
the old man's mind dwelling with intense anxiety upon getting to
London, the surgeon said that if he remained tranquil through the
night, he might be removed by short and easy stages on the follow-
ing day.

Bill Breezy got safe to his destination, and was strict to his charge ;
he delivered the baronet's letters ; not, it is true, to the right person,
for he was not aware that captain Weatherall was confined to his bed ;
and having by accident stumbled in the twilight upon the admiral, who
was in an undress suit, they were given to him, and he retiring into
his room without examining the direction, saw enough to excite alarm
in his mind that his nephew was about to perpetrate some foolish action.
This prompted him to peruse the whole ; and he became horrified, when
he ascertained that such indignities had been heaped upon so exalted a
nobleman as the duke of Q — , tor the veteran still cherished high
notions of rank, and considered it equal to sacrilege to insult a duke.
At first he was puzzled how to act ; one minute he determined to wait
upon his Grace, and offer him a manly .apology ; then he thought it
would be best previously to have an interview with his nephew, and
learn at once how matters stood. At length he ordered four post-horses
to his carriage, and it actually was driven up to the door before he re-
collected that he was wholly unacquainted with the place from which
Sir Edward had written. He inquired for the seaman who had
brought the letter, but he was gone; and there the veteran ranged
about the hall and parlour, fretting and fuming and condemning to per-
dition everything an inch high. He did not like to disturb the captain ;
besides, he felt somewhat mortified that a sort of intrigue should be
carried on under his very nose, without his being informed of it, or
having wit enough to discover it ; and he was about to order his car-
riage away, when Bill again made his appearance, in order, as he said,
" to have a drop of comfort with the corporal."

The admiral at once grappled hold of him, exclaiming, "Halloo, my
man ; from whence did you bring these despatches ?."

" That, your honom-, is more than I can tell you by word of

270 JEM BUNX.

mouth," replied the tar, unshipping his hat ; " but I think I could find
it out."

" You do, do you? " responded the admiral with warmth ; " then my
man, jump into my carriage, and let U3 make sail as if the devil was in
chase."

"Axing your honour's pardon, I can't never do that," said the sea-
man firmly, but respectfully ; " cousin Meley has put me in charge of
the craft — that's the house, I mean, and I 'm sartin your honour would
not wish a tar to neglect his duty."

*' What the deuce do I care for your cousin Meley ! " exclaimed the
admiral, with impatience in his voice and gesture ; " it is to me, sirrah,
you owe obedience. Bear a hand aboard the carriage directly."
. " Hopes your honour will excuse," respectfuUj'^ answered the seaman ;
" there's as much money as 'ud fill the chest of Chatham alongside, and
ould Landcrab wants a good look-out kept upon him."

"D — old Landcrab," vociferated the veteran in a rage ; " what super-
annuated fumbler is old Landcrab ? Sounds, sirrah ! do you know who
you are speaking to } "

"Why, yes, your honour," returned Eill ; "and I hopes no ofience.
You're Captain Weatherall, as I take it."

"Captain who ?" demanded the indignant old seaman. " Harkye,
fellow — look at me — ay, at me, sirrah; is that gold lace," and he
pointed to the two broad bands that surrounded his arm just above the
cufi's of his dress- coat, which he had put on, " is that the uniform of a
captain ? No, sir, I am not a captain, but vice-admiral Sir Mulberry
Boreas."

" And the letter, your honour," said Bill boldly ; I guv' him to your
honour under a wrong reckoning, but it^is no matter ; I know your honour
'ud deliver him safe to the right owner."

"And suppose I have not delivered it," replied the admiral; "and
further, suppose I have read it myself; what then, sirrah ? "

" What then, j'our honour?" repeated the seaman undauntedly;
" why then, I should say as your honour had done a dishonourable
thing ; and if you was the lord high admiral I would tell him the same,
though 1 should go through the fleet for it to-morrow. But it's only a
bit of gammon — Sir Mulberry Boreas arn't never done that which a fore-
mast man ud scorn to do."

"A pretty pass the service has come to at last!" exclaimed the
veteran, stung by the remarks of the seaman, and proudly admitting
and admiring the justice of them; "a pretty pass, indeed! why, zounds,
sirrah ! if you had presumed to say as much to me, when my flag was
hoisted, I woidd have tried you by a court-martial for mutiny, and
hung you."

" jN^o, you would'nt, your honour," responded the bold tar, carelessly
hitching up his trowsers ; " for though I never sarved under you,
yet I've been messmate with those as have ; and there w^arn't never a
soul but spoke of you as the seaman's friend, and ud always see 'em
righted when thy were not in fault ; and your honour knows as I'm not
iu fault now."

JTEM BUNT. 271

" Confound the Mlow ! " mumbled the self-accusing admiral, highly
gratified, however, at what his men had said of him. " Confound the
fellow ! and so, because I've done a silly thing, my nevey must go and
make a fool of himself, and I cannot find out where he is."

" Oh, if that's all your honour wants, there's Zikey there 'ull pilot you
down in no time,'" answered Bill.

" Zikey ! — and pray who is Zikey ? " demanded the admiral, vexed
with himself and everything else.

This brought on an explanation. Isaac Haxted, the postillion, was
introduced, and soon found himself mounted on the box of the admiral's
carriage, which, with the veteran inside, started off for the journey to
Eochester. Previous, however, to entering the vehicle, he pvit a hand-
some present into the hand of Bill Breezy, saying, " Act with the same
honesty, through life, my man — only a little more respectful to your
superiors. I shall not lose sight of 3-0U, depend upon it." He waited
for no reply, and the seaman promptly returned to his post.

Day was breaking as the carriage of Sir Mulberry drove up the
avenue and stopped at the door of the building. Amelia had, through
the earnest persuasion of Sir Edward, retired to rest, and the
baronet was watching by the side of her father, when the sound of the
wheels aroused him, and he instantly rushed down to the entrance, so
that when the admiral alighted the first individual he beheld was his
nephew.

" Well, young sir, and pray what am I to think of all this? " de-
manded the veteran, fiercely. "Pretty usage for a kind uncle as
never denied you anything, truly ! But the world's full of deceit now-
a-days ; there's no telling a friend from a foe — nothing but false colours
and forged papers."

"Ton are irritated, uncle," said Sir Edward, in reply. " I trust
you will not think so meanly of me when all the particulars are laid
before you."

" Irritated, sir ! well then, I am irritated, to find that you have
deceived me, sir," responded the admiral with warmth. " But there,
it's only what may be expected when a man shoves his head into the
bight of an apron string — the women take him in tow, and in nine cases
out of ten turn out to be pirates."

" In this instance you will be mistaken, sir," returned the baronet,
proudly. " The lady is a superior — "

"Fiddlestick! superior!" uttered the admiral, peevishly inter-
rupting him ; " when a man's in love, it's always the same song at the
windlass."

'■ Do you speak from experience, uncle r " inquired Sir Edvard,
his good-humour returning. " But how did you find the place out ? "

" Oh, I did that. Sir Edward," shouted Zikey ; for which the
baronet wished him at the bottom of the Eed Sea. However, as there
appeared to be some mystery attending it, he thought it best to say but
little ; and, therefore, oftering Sir Mulberry his arm, he courteously
invited him to enter. The admiral declined assistance, but he followed
his nephew into the house. Here the tale ©f aflPection was frankly

272 Jr.:,i ErxT.

told ; nor wfis a single occurreuce concealed, not even the mode of
coraiuunication down the chimney, at which the admiral could not
refrain from smiling, though his anger kindled when he thought of the
tricks the young sweep had pLiyed him. The circumstance which
induced Sir Edward to quit Loudou, as well as the results, were also
narrated ; and ultimately the admiral was introduced to Miss Elwester,
and wa% for him, much pleased with her appearance. Whatever
feeling of vexation and disapproval the veteran might cherish against
the concealment practised by his nephew;, it became absorbed in one of
greater magnitude, and that was caused by the usurer's rejection of the
baronet's suit. This he felt to be a gross indignity, and all the blood
of the Boreases rushed into his already crimsoned face. "It is true,"
thought he, *• a duke is a duke, and his rank ought to be respected —
but here, where the girl is as good as errgaged, and prefers my nevey,
who is only a baronet, to a prouder title — Zounds and fury ! if it
wasn't for his being hove down, I'd clap the old money-lender alongside,
and teach him that a British vice-admiral is inferior to none but his "
king and those who carry a flag at the main. Well, after all, the boy
is not so much to blame ; and I've seen enough in my younger days of
the consequence of running athwart hawse of a love affair to stand over
nice in my sailing now. He ought to have signalled me upon the
subject, though ; and if so be as I'd found the match ail shipshape,
why my consent shouldn't have been wanting. But then, it isn't
possible to clap old heads upon young shoulders ; and so he shall have
the girl — and a decent clean-going craft she seems to be. Ay, he shall
have this Miss Elwester, and be made a lord too, if money and long
services can do it." He went up to Sir Edward : " You have done
wrong, nevey, in not apprising me before how matters stood. How-
ever, I suppose you have overhauled the whole consarn now. 1 like
the looks of the lady, though I don't much fancy her name — but that.
3'ou will saj', cau be easily amended. There's my hand, nevey," and he
extended the member that had so often been raised against the
enemies of his country, which the baronet immediately grasped with
fervour — " there's my hand, I say — the hand of a seaman as lias
fought his way to honourable distinction, and never broke his word. The
girl, that is I mean Miss Elwester, shall be yours ; and as for the consent
of her father — leave me alone to hoist that out of him ! By what title
should you like to be made a lord on ? Let's have none of your wishy-
washy concerns, but a regular manly title as will speak for itself.
I hate your Lord Titmantops and your Lord Trufflubags, all moonshine
and sea-frotli — think of one as will be a good mouthfuU, and be no
dispamgpment to him as bears it. Now, my Lord Sheetanchor, or my
L'>rd Kigliteen-pounder, sounds well — though for the matter o' that,
Weatherall's not so very bad either, and sarves to remind you that you
must keep a good luff and get to windard. So, mind me, nevey, and
make j'our mind easy ; I'll have you ralc^d a lord upon his Majesty's
muster-books, and then you'll go to Parlcyment in your own right,
and sarve your king on shore, whilst the captain is sarving him at sea.
Yes, I'll make a lord of you."

J7'5i nuNT. 27r»

The baronet stared with astonishment, and for a minute or two
giized upon the countenance of his uncle, whose faculties he feared
had become somewhat im])aired ; but the truth flashed upon his
mind, and with much gratitude he acknowledged the veteran's
intended kindness. The usurer was informed of the admiral's arrival,
and his desire to see him. The honour was at first declined, but
Sir Mulberry was not to-be so easily' put off — he went uninvited to
the room of the wounded money-lender, upon whom the gorgeous
uniform of the naval officer made a due and desired impres-siou, and
tlie two old men were left alone.

What passed at this interview has never transpired — certain it is,
that, at its close, the admiral announced that Mr. El wester had
gratefully accepted the offer of the veteran's carriage to convey him
to the metropolis ; and the lovers augured well, that this commence-
ment of acquaintance between the two was favourable to their
several and joint interests. In his communication with Sir Edward,
however, the admiral unhesitatingly expressed his contempt and
disgust for the character of the usurer, and swore that it was
*' only out of regard for his nevey, that he had suffered the vehicle
to be polluted by such a blood-sucker ; " and he actually hud it entirely
new lined before he would enter it again.

Mr. Ei wester, accompanied by his daughter, reached London, where
the affray was making some noise in the fashionable world; and the
duke found it necessary to visit his country residence till the scandal
had blown over. The baronet was unrestrained in his visits to Amelia,
and averything assumed a pleasing aspect for their future happiness.
[Rigid inquiries were made after poor Jem. Advertisements were
published and rewards offered to any one who could render an account
of him ; but as they did not happen to meet the eye of the sergeant-
of-marines, the cause of his absence, as well as his whereabouts,
remained undiscovered. But more of this iu another chapter.

The coxswain and the boatswain's mate returned from their exploring
excursion ; and the former made his report to Captain Weatherall, who
resolved, as soon as he could get about, to investigate the matter iu
person. The register of Molly Boyd's death gave him hopes that he
should be able to make further discoveries, and therefore he longed to
begin his search. In a fortnight from that time he was convalescent ;
in another week he waited upon the First Lord of the Admiralty, who
received him very graciously, and he was directed to go down to
Tortsmouth to attend the court-martial, that had been ordered to try
him and his ofiicers for the loss of the frigate.

Eager to commence his search after Eleanor, he did not waste a
single moment in unnecessary delay ; and the admiral's travelling-
carriage being newly done up, he proposed conveying his nephew down
in a style suited to the rank and wealth of a rich old admiral. The
captain would have excused himself, but he could not bear to wound
the feelings of his uncle, and the proposition was acceded to with
many thanks. The gallant officer bade farewell to his brother, and
Sir Mulberry attributing his haste to a desire to meet the charge,
35

274 JEM BUNT.

and once more be serving his country, hurried away, assuring Sir
Elward that he would neither forget nor neglect his future prospects.
The two seamen followed in a chaise with the luggage, and that night
all hands were once more snug in Portsmouth.

The court-martial was held — Captain Weatherall was not only
honourably acquitted, but when the president returned him his sword,
it was given with a handsome eulogy on his coolness and intrepidity
in the hour of peril, and his general gallantry and officer-like conduct
on every occasion. The boatswains mate was also highly commended
for saving liis commander, and a gold medal presented to him, which
liad been subscribed for by a number of officers. Nor was this all the
honours that awaited them, for, on returning to the quarter-deck of the
guard-ship, the Port Admiral, accompanied by Sir Mulberry Boreas,
was waiting for them, and the former put into Captain Weatherall's
hands an appointment to a fifty-gun ship, then fitting out ; and Joe
Blatherwick and Jem Hardover received warrants, one as boatswain
and the other as gunner, on board the same ship. This was a joyous
moment ; but it was rendered still more so when they ascertained that
the whole of the remainder of the Neverflinch's crew, both officers
and men, were turned over to serve under the much-esteemed chief.
Ttiis distinguished mark of approval and respect almost overpowered
Sir Mulberry Boreas ; and the Port Admiral, in addressing the worthy
seamen, begged them not to forget their old friend and fellow-traveller
Peter Thompson.

It was a ludicrous sight to see the new-made warrant-officers when
they first sported their unifoi-ms. Accustomed almost from infancy,
to the round jacket, they could not reconcile themselves to the
long togs, the tails of which were constantly in their way ; but they
got over this in the course of time ; and though Joe never did nor ever
could bend his goar properly, yet Jem became a smart-looking fellow,
and did great credit to his class. The coxswain had held no cor-
respondence with the widow of his old messmate, but he took the
earliest opportunity of paying her another visit at Gosport ; and so
earnestly did he press his suit, that the widow at length consented, and
became Mrs. Hardover — the pay and prize-money were placed at her
disposal, the boy was put to school, and comfort once more abounded
where there had been want, and grief, and mourning.

Captain Weatherall, now being on the spot, prosecuted his researches
after Miss Mowbray ; but as delicacy forbade him to make any public
announcement, his individual exertions were unavailing. The rascally
waterman to whom he had given his letter on going out to Lisbon, was
iead — the acquaintances of Mr. Sykes knew nothing as to what had
become of Eleanor — and the surgeon who had accompanied her to the
Indiaman, had retired from business, and was located in a distant part
of the country ; so that the enquiries, which probably might have
come to his knowledge had he remained in Portsmouth, were utterly
unknown to him.

«M BIWT. , 275

CHAPTEll XXYir.

•'My niiud is troubled like a fountain stirr'd,
And I myself see not the bottom of it."
• • • *

•* 1 will keep her ignorant of her good.
To make her heavenly comforts of despair,
When it is least expected."

Btjt we must again call to remembrance that legalized depository
for pulverised ammonia, known by the name of "Nobody's Hole."
Since the time that Jem was discovered within its charmed boundaries
it still continued the groundwork of perpetual altercation and dispute
between the two parishes, but more especially to those profound and
important parochial authorities, Mr. Glumbulky and Mr. Macaw.
The lapse of years had made no difference in their parochial antipa-
thies — the ci-devant rat-catcher never ratted ; his brother beadle
having been bit once, took especial care not to meddle with trap again.
Their hatred to each other was undeviating ; and therefore, like old
politicians, whose opinions have undergone no change, they might be
called "consistent" men. Increased age had not softened the
parochial rancour of their stomachs — (for it was a matter of doubt
whether either of them had a heart, and if they had, it must have
been too small to contain the vast accumulation of animosity and spite
which they nourished ; so that, the stomach being the most capacious
part of their person, I think I am correct in using the term) — nor
were the asperities of their nature subdued by the weekly exhortations
of the several clergymen who officiated at the parochial churches—
they had other work to do than to listen to sermons, and though door-
keepers in the house of worship, yet they were principally engaged
amongst the tents of wickedness.

Nor were the demonstrations of hostility less active between the
two rival houses — not of York and Lancaster — but those bearing signs
— one " The Clerk and Half-crown," the other, " The Parson and
Corkscrew." There the committees sat in conclave, and from thence
issued the rectified spirits that kept alive the flame of discord. It is
true that some of the members of both parties had taken their depar-
ture from the scene of strife, and their names and many virtues were
recorded on upright stones that stood in the respective church-yards ;
but other aspirants started forth — young men emulous of parochial

276 ' JEM Buxr.

honour, and desirous of treading in the steps of their fathers in paro-
chial matters, but more especially at parochial feasts and festivals.

Tlius stood affairs in the parishes of Saint Paterpat and Saint
Leadauhall, when early one morning, ahuut a week after Jem's disap-
pearance, a handsome yellow-bodied carriage was seen descending ihe
hill, whose foot was slippered in Nobody's Hole. At the bottom the
vehicle stopped ; a servant in black opened the door, and forth issued
a lady in deep mourning, who was accompanied by a masculine-looking
female, whose contour of countenance and olive complexion, marked
her as belonging to the gipsey tribe. This latter personage entered
the area of the outlawed spot, and directed the attention of the lady
to a part — in fact, the very place where the beadle had first discovered.
young Jem fast asleep; and they conversed together for sevt.'ral
minutes in a very earnest manner, during which the lady was evidently
shedding tears.

Now it so happened, that ilr. Glumbulky was prowling near the
spot, and his parochial curiosity was aroused at witnessing so unusual
a spectacle; he, consequently, with a great assumption of parochial
dignity, drew nigher to the parties, for, having a good view of the dark •
faced female, he suspected that she was the queen of the gipsies, en-
gaged in the unholy vocation of telling fortunes. xVs a matter of
course, the pious horror of the official was aroused, and j-et a
superstitious awe crept over his mind when he looked at the
mysterious expression which characterized the features of the sup-
posed oracle of Fate, that deterred him from promptly interfering.
However he still continued to gnin a closer approximation to their
vicinity, and heard the woman utter, in a deep sepulchral voice, "It
is destiny, my lady ! — it is destiny ! — there is no resisting that ! "

" Haugh — ha — hem," went Mr. Glumbulky, now fully satisfied that
his surmises were correct; and prompted by impulse, he mustered
courage enough to emit sounds that instantly drew attention towards
himself. liut still mentally shrinking from the consequences of exaspe-
rating the olive- coloured woman, whose keen eyes were instantly fixed
upon him, he tried, by hitching up the collar of his bottlc-green-and-
gold coat, and squaring his enormous laced cocked-hat, to manifest a
show of bravery he was very far from feeling ; nor, did the sense of
his undue daring diminish when the woman, after a minute or two's
surprise, addressed him in a commanding tone.

"Ycu are the beadle of this parish," said she, "the man whose
tyranny to those in want often urges them into crime, which you are
equally rigid in punishing. Speak, man ; arc you not the beadle of
this parish ? "

" Why — yes — that is, I means no," returned Glumbulky, fearful
of making any admission relative to Nobody's Hole that might involve
his superiors in difiiculties, and dreading still more lest the long-con-
tested point should be set at rest; "I'm the parochial beadle of this
here parish, — but that arn't never no parish at all,"

Mr. Glumbulky intended to convey the intelligence that he was
beadle of the parish on whoso ground he then stood, but that Nobcdy'a

JEM B0NT. '277

Hole, very naturally, belonged to nobody ; his confused manner of
doing it, however, brought upon hira a wrathful scowl from the olive
lady, who exclaimed, " You are the beadle of a parish, that is no
parish I — what is your meaning? "

This Mr. Glumbulky would have found it difficult to explain,
though he comprehended it well enough himself; he therefore merely
remarked. " Yes, I am the beadle of Saint Puterpot, at your
sarvice."

"Have you held the office many years?" enquired the dark female,
more complacently.

" I don't know as it matters much to strangers how long I've been
in this parochial office," answered the beadle, his confidence returning
in proportion as the other assumed a milder manner ; " but as I ar n't
got no cause to be ashamed on it — why, I've no objections to tell you.
You must understand, then, I've been beadle here ever since I left off
rat-catch — that is, I means, about fourteen years."

** You must remember, then, although 'tis several years since it
occurred — you must remember the circumstance of a child being found
asleep in this place — a boy — a pretty boy — but he was in tatters
then — " said the woman, with emotion ; whilst her companion, the
lady in black, almost held her breath as she awaited the reply.

" Eemember it ! — vy to be sure I remembers it I — and good cause
vy ; " returned the functionary, with animation, the whole occurrence
of his proud triumph over his rival rushing with vigour upon his
mind. The lady gave a convulsive gasp. "You means young Jem,
as ve had the trial about — but I shoved the brat off upon t'other
parish." And he raised himself erect in conscious dignity, as having
performed a praiseworthy act.

" I could have sworn to the extent of your benevolence by one look
— only one look at your face," uttered the female solemnly, " And
pray to what parish was the child sent ? "

At this moment, a coat of puce and silver was seen advancing, as
the armorial bearings of Mr. Macaw ; and in two minutes, or less, the
parochial staff- holders stood face to face. The first questions that had
been put to Glumbulky were now repeated to the new comer, but
in the presence of his adversary he would have nothing to do with
Nobody's Hole. On the subject of Jem, however, he was more
communicative, and desirous of being thought a humane man, he
answered their inquiry with " Oh yes, poor little fellow ! I took every
care of him, and had him nursed, and fed, and clothed, and he grew
up to be a fine boj'-."

" Heaven bless you for that ! " uttered the lady fervently, although
in an under- tone. " But tell me — tell me what became of hira ? "

" Vy he V03 bound 'prentice to a chimbley-sveep at Cambervell,"
answered the beadle ; " and the parochial authorities bought him new
clothes, that he might go decent to his purfessiou."

Here Mr. Glumbulky was heard muttering something to himself,
but the only word that could be distinctly made out was, " Gammon."
This stirred up the spirit of contention in Macaw, and the rivals would

278 JilM BUNT.

Boon have got to hard words and bitter language, but for the eagerness
of the lady to hear more of the lad ; and Mr. Macaw, inviting her to
his dwelling, she requested him to get into the carriage and accompany
her thither. To this the puce-and-silver clad beadle gratefully ac-
ceded ; and as he removed his cocked hat to enable him to enter, no
language can describe the look of gratified pride and unmeasured con-
tempt which he cast upon bottle-green-and-gold, who, almost struck
dumb with surprise and envy, stood gaping at the respect paid to his
parochial rival.

Arrived at the residence of Macaw, and clear of interruption, every
particular connected with the lad was readily communicated, and,
ultimately, the three re-entered the carriage, and were driven to Mr.
FlueweUin's at Camberwell. That eminent professional was not at
home ; but Mrs. Fluewellin, after inveighing against the boy's ingra-
titude for leaving so kind a master, related many of the incidents which
had occurred, and at length informed them that he had run away, and
was last seen dressed like a gentleman, though she was very much
afraid he had got into bad company, and was little better than a young
pickpocket.

The lady in black appeared much distressed at this intelligence,
whilst her attendant encouraged her by saying that, " as long as he
was alive, and there was every probability of finding him, hopes
might be cherishid of rescuing him from disgrace." Hei'e, probably,
the search for that day would have terminated, but for Macaw calling
to remembrance an old acquaintance, Pat Donovan ; but he had nd
knowledge where Pat's family mansion was situated, nor could Mrs.
Pluewellin inform them. But the lady, having determined to ascertain
everything connected with the boy, expressed her wish to remain till
the master-sweep came in ; and as this was backed by a handsome
donation, it was not refused ; nor, indeed, would it have been had
nothing been given, for Mrs. Fluewellin was a kind-hearted and feeling
woman, though at times somewhat matrimonially dominant. The
interval was passed in viewing the sleeping apartment of the boys;
and as the visitors seemed deeply interested in all that concerned poor
Jem, the place where he had so often passed his nights was pointed
out ; and the lady, reasoning only from what she herself had always
enjoyed, shuddered as she looked upon the blackened walls and the
Booty blankets.

At length Mr. Fluewellin arrived, and he readily undertook to guide
them to the exalted domicile of Pat Donovan, whom he strongly sus-
pected of knowing something about the lad. Away they drove to the
classic purlieus of St. Giles, and, stopping at the house, the master-
sweep ascended to the topmost altitude. Paddy was still out of work,
and he sat, sans culottes, upon a box in his little garret, endeavouring to
darn up a rent in his Sunday small-clothes.

" Arrah, then, it's meself as is bothered entirely in regard o' doing
it nate ; an' the breeches the best I've got," said he to himself,
as he drew the stitches ; and then commenced einging with much
feeling —

JTM ItTTNT. 279

* Farewell to ye, Erin ; a long sad adieu

To your shamrock-spread meadows bespangled with dew;
To your goulden-topp'd mountains, all bright in the sun;
To your valleys so fair, where the clare sthramlets run ;
To the banks of your rivers, the green fields that lave ,
To the smiles of tlie fair— to the hearts that are brave :
Farewell to ye, Erin, farewell !

* Adieu to ye, Erin— farewell to your shores -

To the Bryans, Macarthies, 0 Roukes, and 0 Mores !
Good luck to the home which my soul fondly loves ;
Your lakes, and your forests, and sweet shady groves;
To the land of the sthranger I sail o'er the main,
And may-be shall niver behold yez again :
Farewell to ye, Erin, farewell !

" Farewell to ye, Erin ! a long, long adieu !
And Norah Mavourneen, a farcM^ell to you —
Oh the thoiights of my mind, and the throb of my breast,
In the hour of my grief in the day of my rest —
Sweet Norah Mavourneen — ma cushla machree,
All faithful and honest, shall cling unto thee :
Fai'ewell to ye, Norah, farewell ! "

"Och, bother to the breeches — shure, an' I'm ounly making one hole
into two ; an' its meself as is mightily bedivelled infirely in regard o'
that same ' What '11 I do at all, an' the widthow Docherty foment me ?
Arrah, bad luck to it; but here goes again." He then continued his
sewing and his song : —

" Farewell to ye Erin — thou pride of my heart.
My thoughts will be wid yez, though now forc'd to part!
Oh Norah, farewell !— in the darkness of night
I will dthrame of your beauty with fancied delight :
Through the toils of the day my afloction shall burn
And cheer up my heart "

" Muster Dunny won ! " shouted a voice upon the stairs, as Pat was
trying to flourish with a musical shake ; " Muster Dunnywon ! "

"An* that's meself!" responded Pat, in the same loud tone. " Arrah,
■what ull I do, and the ondacency o' the breeches not being mended ? "
And he shuffled into his unmentionables just as Mr. Fluewellin laid his
hand upon the latch of the door. " Och, then, shure, an' it's a mighty
hurry ye're in, an' meself in dishabill ! "

"I hopes you're well, Muster Dunnywon," said the master-sweep, as
he opened the door and entered the apartment where Pat was scrambling
to clothe his nether man, but by an awkward mistake had turned the
back of his garment to the front. " I hopes you're well ; and I've
brought a lady to see you ! "

'■'Dacency ! — dacency, Mr. Fluewellin ! " exclaimed Pat. " Arrah,
tell the lady to wait a minute ! — Don't you see that I've got my behind
before ? — an' tare-an-ounds, it's bothered I am intirely ! — Och, then tell
the darlin to wait a little ! " And the goodnatured Irishman, embar-
rassed and confused, was endeavouring to rectify his error, when footsteps
were heard ascending the stairs. " Arrah, then, my lady, stop awhile ! "

280 JEM BUNT.

shouted he ; but the person continued to ascend. " Oh whirrasthrue '
— och hone, an' what'U I do now ? — Shut the door, shut the door
Muster Fluewellinl — Och, but it bangs nathral history; and what ud the
widow Dochert)' say? — Arrah, stop my lady!" The footsteps approached
nearer, and Pat rushed to the door just as the red face of Mr. Macaw
appeared above the landing, looking, for all the world, like the rising sun
with a cocked-hat on. " Bad manners to ye ! " said Pat, as soon as he
discovered who the intrader was: "och, bad luck to your jaiius ! an'
is it the semblance o' your ugly self, Misther Magaw, and no lady
after all ? "

The lady's a vaiting on you down stairs," mumbled the oflxjnded
beadle ; "she's a sitting in her coach, and vants to speak to you about
that 'ere boy Jem,"

" Jem ! — the cratur ! — och, then, it's but small news she '11 get ffom
me,'' returned the Irishman, as he adjusted his garment; "and what
nil she want wid him, !Misther Magaw ? "

" Vy, that I expects she'll tell you herself," answered the beadle,
morosely.

" She's a fine lady, and a titled von," said Mr. Pluewellin ; "though
vot her title is 1 haven't heard — but she vants sadly to know about
the boy.'"

A new light seemed suddenly to break iu upon the Irishman, and
•with it came a strong suspicion that tlie beadle and the sweep were
practising a ruse upon him for the purpose of discovering where the lid
was to be found ; and raising himself erect, he looked first at one and
then at the other, as he uttered, " Oh, then, honour bright, isn't it ga n-
nion ye're pitching about a lady at all? "

" Jist look over your parryput and you may see the coach," answered
Pluewellin. " No, no ; it's all true enough."

As soon as Pat was arrayed, he descended to the street, and makiiig a
bow, " hoped her ladyship was well." He was questioned about the
lad, but would only answer in private, for he was fearfid of committing
Jem with his old master. The address of the lady was given, with a
handsome donation to both the beadh; and the sweep, who were re-
quested to make inquiry and impart information without delay. The
pair went off together, not a little pleased with their presents, but
vexed with the Irishman fir not cons;dering them worthj^ of his confi-
dence. Pat was then desired to enter the carriage, which was ordered
to the residence of Sir Edward Weatherall,

They found the baronet at home, and the request for an audience was
immediately granted. The two females and the Irishman were ushered
into the library, where Sir Edward received them; and the matter b;ing
explained, he at once admitted that Jem had lived with him, and it was
his intention t ^ haA'e promoted his future welfare, but for his sudden and
unaccountable lisappearance. He declared that no exertions had been
BpareA to disco> er him, but the whole had been ineffectual.

JKM BCNT. 281

CHAPTEK XXVIII.

'"Twere a concealment
"Worse than a theft, no less than a tradncement,
To hide your doings ; and to silence that,
"Which, to the spire and top of praises vouch'd,
"Would seem but modest,"

Shakespeare.

"Hard a- weather the helm!" said the captain of the Ironsides,
jeventj'-four, in a subdued tone, to the man at the wheel; and then com-
manded messengers to run down on the main and lower decks, and teU
the lieutenants to see that the guns were well pointed as they bore
up under the emmy's stern. The ship promptly payed off from the
wind , but the Frenchman, who now displayed a rear-admiral's flag,
was prepared for the manoeuvre, and both tillers seemed to be acted upon
at the same moment of time. The captain of the Ironsides ran to tha
wheel, which he shifted hard a-lee ; the first lieutenant ordered the head-
sheets to be let go, and the lively ship flew up to the wind again before
the Frenchman had attempted to follow the example, and which to them
was indeed unexpected. The consequence was, that the Ironsides poured
a raking broadside into her opponent's stern ; and then throwing the
head-sails a-back, bore up and repeated the dose from her other side.
The firing deadened the wind, and shortly afterwards the two ships fell
aboard of each other, and kept up the deadly strife.

Jem, who had been much shaken by his fall, was almost astounded at
the noise of the guns and the havoc caused by the shot.. He saw many
a brave fellow fall, but still was brisk and alert on his duty.

" And vot's all this about ? " demanded the lad of one of the seamen;
"it seems worry silly to me — ven shall we leave off fighting } — I don't
half like it."

"Don't you, young fly-by-night?" answered the seaman; "there, give
me a cartridge — I d advise you to ax the cook to let you step out at the
back door."

" So I vill," declared the boy, who took the recommendation in its
literal sense. " And yet I vont run avay nighther. But vot's all on it
about .^"

" Do you see that flag up there i " responded the seaman, pointing to
the admiral's flag at the Frenchman's mast-head ; and Jem nodded
assent. "Well then, we're fighting for that; and shall keep hard at
it, hammer and tongs, till ve gets it ? "

" Vy, that is foolish, to kill von another for such a bit of trumpery
36

282 J KM BUNT.

as that," remarked the boy, as he looked up. " And vill they leave
off t]<;litiiig if ye gets i»;? "

" Yes, they will," returned the man ; " but don't you go for to
trouble your head about them consarns — see to your cartridges, and
bear a hand in bringing 'em up."

But Jem could not get out of his head what he had heard respecting
the flag ; and as the ships lay grinding together, and several attempts
Lad been made bj' both to board, he ^yas compelled for some time to
remain inactive. At length a shot knocked his box to shatters, and
thinking himself exonerated from further cartridge bearing, he dis-
appeared. Again the conflict raged, and both ships were for some
considerable time enveloped in smoke. The fire slackened, and a
breeze springing up, it cleared partially away, and the Frenchman
appeared destitute of both ensign and flag.

"She has struck, sir," shouted tlie master, as he ran aft to his
commander ; " her colours are down — hurrah ! "

" But she is not silenced," answered the captain, as he looked aloft
and satisfied himself of the truth of the master's report respecting
the colours; "her ensign has been shot away — but where can the
admiral's flag be? "

" Vy, here it is, your honour," said Jem, who had hastened up to
his commander, and on hearing the inquiry had pulled forth the
identical article from the breast of his shirt. He held it out, " There
it is, your honour ; so now tell 'em to stop fighting, and let's have no
more about it."

The captain took the tri-colour from the lad's hands, and earnestly
looking at it, demanded, " Where did you get this, my boy ? "

" Vy, 1 got it from up there, your honour," and he pointed to the
Frenchman's mast-head. " I svarmed up the pole for it, and nobody
seed me. Jack Hatchet told me it vos vot you vos fighting for, and so,
your honour, I vent and got it."

" The enemy has ceased firing, sir," exclaimed the first lieutenant ;
and this was the fact. The French admiral was wounded and below —
the first captain was killed, and the second captain, seeing both flag
and ensign down, supposed they had been struck by the admiraFs
orders, and therefore commanded the people to cease firing.

" Have you surrendered r " hailed the captain of the Ironsides,
waving the captured flag over his head.

The Frenchman answered in the aflirraative ; but becoming instantly
apprised of his mistake, he would have retracted. It was, however, too
late. The French seamen had left their guns ; and the British seamen,
headed by their commander, rushed on board the enemy, and her
capture was completed. Jem was scarcely aware that he had performed
any meritorious act — he had become accustomed to go aloft with great
quickness, and he had found no difficulty in passing from ship to ship,
and not being observed in the density ol the smoke, Ik; gained the mast-
liead of the Frenchman, and secured the coveted prize, with which lie
•had descended undetected. As soon as he had delivered it to the cap-
tain, he went to the seaman from whom he had obtained the informa-

JEM BUXT. 283

tion, and merely said, "It's done, Jack — the captain has got the flaj^-- •
don't go for to fire any more — it qvite deafens me."

As soon as possession was taken, Jem was called to the quarter-deck,
and, much to his surprise, reseived the thanks of his commander for th<j
gallant action he had performed, and a promise was given that care
should be taken for his future welfare.

" Eut I don't vant to stop here, sir," said Jem ; *' I'd rather go ashore
again, if you please — I can do arout sveeping chimbleys now."

The captain smiled — the gunner was requested to take the lad under
his protection and to mess with him, till further orders. The ships bore
up for Gibraltar, where they got a rough refit, and then sailed for
England. Jem's exploit was highly spoken of amongst the tars ; but
the midshipmen looked upon him with envy, and he was too frequently
subjected to their annoyance. At last they arrived at Plymouth,
where the Eubynose was then lying, and Sir Mulberry had been ap-
pointed port admiral.

The engagement was loudly and generally talked of, and the worthy
and generous commander of the Ironsides took especial care that Jem's
feat should not be forgotten. He mentioned the subject warmly in
his letters, and the newspapers of the day extolled the boy as a prodigy
of valour ; and e^ en the grim-visaged port admiral, unconscious that
it was the monkey from whose tricks he had formerly suffered, de-
sired to confer some favour upon him, that might be the source of
encouragement to others.

Jem, equally ignorant who the port admiral really was, received
a summons to attend upon him at his office on shore. The captain
of the Ironsides took him in his own boat, and was introducing him
into the room where the admiral was, but catching sight of the well-
remembered, indeed, once-seen-never-to-be-forgotten countenance of
t>ir Mulberry Boreas, the lad started off as hard as he could run ;
but being stopped by some officers and seamen, be was immediately
recognised by two of the former, who were no other than Mr.
Blaiherwick and Mr. Hardover, and they conducted him back to the
admiral's office, where he was furced in — the warrants suspecting
that Sir Mulberry wished to settle accounts with him for his former
mischievous pranks.

'•What made you cut and run, my boy?" said the admiral, with
kindness in his manner, as Jem hung down his head to conceal his
face. " There, don't be ashamed — you have done a brave thing, and
I wish to reward you." Jem raised his head, and was instantly
recognised by the veteran. " Ha !— eh ! — what! — my old tormentor,
as I'm alive ! — the ape, and what not — and — and — "

" Veil, I hopes your honour 'ull forgive me," uttered Jem, pleadingly.
" I never meant no harm votsomever — it vos only in fun."

" You should have chosen other objects for your sport, my lad,"
returned the veteran, angrily ; "but in consideration of what you have
since done, why — but stop — stop."

" Oh no, don't you never go for to stop, your honour," uttered Jem,
in a tone of entreaty. " Say as you'll drop all about it."

284 JEM BtmT.

" You have my forgiveness, young man," said the admiral ; " it wii
not that I meant. Pray do you know who your parents were ? "

" No, your honour ; I did'nt never have any," answered the lad.
** I was a dissolute desarted orphan, picked up in Nobody's Hole."

A general laugh from all, except the admiral, followed this declara-
tion. The lad looked round in auger, and, regardless that most of the
mirthful party were officers, he exclaimed, " Veil, spoonies. and vot
are you laughing at ? You may come to be misfortunate yourselves
some day or other."

This was construed into insolence, and murmurs of disapprobation
arose, which were checked by the admiral, who, knowing the lad's
history, took him by the hand, and said, " Gentlemen, notwith-
standing this youth's present appearance, I must now introduce him
as Sir Henry de Harcourt Gregory, and possessing not only one of the
oldest baronetages in the kingdom, but standing next in succession to
the coronet of an earl."

Looks of doubt and incredulity appeared upon the countenances of
most present ; but Jem, who did not comprehend more than that Sir
Mulberry was very gracious, and which he feared would not last very
long, remained without emotion, till the admiral again addressed him
as Sir Henry, and, much against the boy's inclination, conducted him
into an inner apartment, where he was informed that he had a mother
still living, and was, indeed and in truth, a baronet with great wealth
and larger expectations.

"Veil, I alays thought I vos somebody," said the boy; "and now
von't I make the fortin of Muster Dunnywon, and remember all them
as has behaved veil to me. And ven shall I see my mother ? "

*' Eest easy, my boy," replied the admiral ; " I will send you off to
London at once, for I know she is grieving at your less. Your captain
is going up, and he will take you with him to my nevy's. You shall
go as you are, too, without any further delay. Be a good lad, and
don't disgrace yourself or your family."

" Disgrace myself I — vy, I never did, your honour ; and I hopes my
family 'ull never disgrace me," returned the lad proudly. " But I
can't make it out how I can be a barrownight. Howsomever, Muster
Dunnywon 'ull let me into the secret."

After further conversation, refreshments were provided, a chaise and
four drove up to the office, in which Jem and his captain embarked for
the metropolis, where they arrived all safe at the residence of Sir
Edward Weatherall, and Jem was warmly greeted bj" his patron on his
return, as well as the good fortune that awaited him. Miss Elwester
was delighted to see her little messenger again ; the lad was as happy
as a prince. In his interview with his mother he manifested but liliie
sensibility ; but the lady was almost overcome as she pressed him to
her heart and wept tears of gladness.

As soon as he possibly could, Jem made his escape from the constant
bustle which surrounded him, and the bowing and deference of ser\'ant3,
to pay a visit to his old friend Pat Donovan, who had been already
apprized of the great change that had occurred in favour of bis protege,

TEM BUNT. 285

whose name he had also heard extolled in the public prints. The heart
of the boy beat high with exultation as he ascended the stairs at
Saint Giles's ; and a gush of old reraeinbrances, mingled with gra-
titude and generosity swelled in his breast, as he heard the well-known
voice of Pat chaunting an Irish ditty in praise of green Erin, inter-
larding the stave with embellishments of his own. Jem, at any other
time, would have boldly entered the room, but now he gently knockud
at the door.

" Come in," shouted Pat with vehemence, expecting a fellow-
labourer. " Arrah, it's mighty ilegant ye're afther getting Misther
Tim, ; an' it's meself must sport a brass knocker ; — " Jem opened the
door, and walked forward, and the moment Donovan caught siglit of
him, he exclaimed, "Oh joy! oh joy! — an' is it yerself, then, Jem,
my darling — that is, I mane — me lord ? " and from demonstrations of
perfect gratification, which were evinced by whistling and snapping his
fingers, he bowed with the utmost respect.

"There now, Muster Dunnywon," said Jem, "don't let us go to
have any more of that 'ere about my lord — let me be as I alays wus—
plain Jem. Besides I aru't a lord j^et — I am only a barrownight, like
Sir Mulberry Bolus."

" An' it's brave and ventersome ye are, Jem," continued the Irish-
man; "oh thin it's meeself has haared all about your takin the
admiral's flag : and it wint to the heart of me with the pride an' the
pleasure, Jem, that's Sir Henry, I manes — " Pat bowed. " Och
then, to think of the gintry coming to visit the likes o' me — oh, it's
mightily honoured I am intirely. And her ladyship there to the fore,
in her iligant carriage — and the widthow Docherty seeing me get into
the wehicle — long life to it — 'Och love is the sowl of a nate Irish-
man,'" continued he, alternately singing and talking, — "an it's meself
as is proud to see you, Jem — that's my lurd I manes."

"liow do ha done vith all that, I say again," urged the lad : "if
you don't give it over, I shall toddle. Vy, I arn't a bit more happy
now than I was afore, only summut better in regard of being com-
fortable. And 1 vants you to go and live with me, Muster Dunnywon.
You must cut the long-tailed Griffin, and have every thing as you vishea
for, and enjoy yourself like a genelman. It's all veil enough to be
vith knights and barrownights, and such like qvality ; but somehow
I arn't at home in their company : and they laughs at me — the pour
creaturs — because I can't talk flash, as they do. But there's not none
on 'em as can go up a chiuibley — "

" Or iver made prisoner of an admiral's flag, my darelin," observed
the Irishman. "Oh! niver mind them, Jem — an' it's meself is so
happy intirely in regard of your luck — it's wild I am with the joy ; "
and he cut the capers of a jig so high that every bound threatened to
send his head through the roof.

After many characteristic demonstrations of Pat's highly excited
feelings, Jem, at last, got him to put on his best clothes, as the lad
was determined not to part with him again, for his first request to his
parent was, that Pat should reside under the same roof, and the lady

286 JEM BTIKT.

acquainted with Donovan's generous kindness to her son when un-
friended and destitute, cheerfully complied. Together they sallied
forth ; — an apartment had already been prepared, but Pat resolved to
retain his humble lodgings, at least for the present, till he ascertained
how things turned out.

J3ut it is now time to give some explanation relative to the events
that brought Jem to his present proud estate, which I shall condense
from the detailed narrative which Lady Gregory communicated to
her son.

Henry de Ilarcourt went out to India with his regiment a subaltern,
but the climate and the wars so rapidly reduced the number of officers,
that in the course of a very few years he had not only attained
the rank of lieutenant-colonel, but had also amassed considerable
wealth, with which he returned to England in command of the
regiment, and soon afterwards married a lady of rank, who made a
most excellent wife, and they enjoyed much real undisturbed happiness.
But this was not destined to continue long — the lady died, leaving
three children, two boys and a girl, to the paternal care of her greatly
distressed husband, whose feelings were still further agonized by losing
in succession, and at a short interval, both of his sons. An active life
was the remedy he adopted to combat against his griefs, and he at once
embarked for India, with the rank of major-general, leaving his
daughter to the care of an aunt, with ample means to provide for her
education and wants. Twelve years elapsed before she again saw her
father; and when he retui'ued a lieutenant-general with a still larger
fortune, she was turned seventeen, well accomplished, and though not
beautiful, still there was a pleasing smile upon her countenance, and
a polished intelligence in her conversation, which fixed attention when
admiration for mere beauty would have become wearied with the
sameness. The general's constitution had not escaped the ravages of
an eastern clime and the indulgence in eastern luxuries — he had
become irritable and peevish, but was greatly delighted with, and
proud of, his daughter, who sought by every means to soften the as-
perities caused by disease.

The general purchased a handsome country seat at no great distance
from Canterbury, where he enjoyed the society of some of his old
associates ; and the officers of the regiments stationed in the neigh-
bourhood, or at Dover, were always welcome guests at his table. M.iny
were the suitors for Miss de Harcourt's favour, but there was only one
to whom she was really attached, and he was a lieutenant of dragoons,
the son of a poor baronet, but related to several noble families, who
had procured him an official appointment in Canada. Young Gregory
was nut only handsome in his person, but he also possessed many quali-
fications in mind and manners, that were powerful recommendations
in the estimation of the lady. Very few individuals had the least
suspicion of this attachment, for in the presence of others the lieutenaut
always preserved a respectful distance ; and, fully aware of the sen-
timents of Louisa, his regards were untainted by petty jealousy if she
conversed with or smiled upon anybody else. They knew each other's

JEM BTTNT. 287

devoted affection, and, united by the bonds of mutual confidence, their
conduct in public was regnhited by the strict rules of etiquette ; it was
in private that they gave free indulgence to their love.

General de Harcourt almost idolised his daughter ; and he hoped to
see her married into some distinguished family of high rank and exten-
sive influence. Ho was a proud and a determined man ; and as ho
grew older, and became more and more deadened to the softer emotions
of the mind, this hope strengthened into positive resolution, which ou
several occasions he imparted to Louisa. Eut the fiat had already gone
forth ; young Gregory had become the dear object of lier heart's
tenderest solicitude, and she constantly framed excuses for declining the
overtures that were made to her by others, however high in title or
abounding in riches they might be. Whether the general suspected
her attachment to the lieutenant of dragoons or not, certain it is that
the regiment was ordered to a distant station, and the cause of removal
was atti'ibuted to De Harcourt. The lovers were much distressed at
the prospect of separation ; both dreaded the consequences that might
arise tVotu it ; — a secret marriage was proposed by the young ofiicer, and
acceded to by the young lady. They were privately united at Canter-
bury by a clergyman of the cathedral ; and though the hour of parting
was one of deep regret, yet they possessed the consolation of knowing
that their hands as well as their hearts were irrevocably joined in one
sacred and holj^ bond.

Shortly after his departure, young Gregory received an appointment,
with the brevet of captain, as principal aid-de-camp to the commander-
in-chief in Canada, which he would have gladly declined, but the pro-
mises of speedy promotion, and the urgent requests of his father,
together with the persuasions of his wife (who hoped that a change ia
circumstances might reconcile the general to what was now inevitable),
all conspired to determine him. and he crossed the ocean to Quebec.

But after he was gone the lady deeply regretted his departure, for she
found that it was probable she would become a mother; and her mind
was agonised at the prospect of her father's terrible displeasure, should
he be made acquainted with the fact. In the urgency of her distress,
she revealed her secret to the aunt with whom she had been brought up,
and earnestly besought her assistance and counsel ; nor was it withheld,
Mrs. Gregory's accouchment was managed in the most secluded manner
in the neighbourhood of the metropolis, when everybody thought she
was travelling on the continent ; — the child was put out to nurse, and
received at the font the name of Henry de Harcourt Gregory.

Information of this event was sent out to the captain, who, as soon as
it was possible, obtained leave of absence, determined to return home,
and at all hazards acknowledge and succour his wife. He embarked in
a timber-ship, which two months afterwards was discovered water-logged
at sea, and abandoned by her crew. AVhat became of the latter was
rievt r accurately known ; the long-boat was found bottom-up off the
coast of Ireland, and it was conjectured that every soul must have
■perished.

The state of Mrs. Gregory at the supposed melancholy Me of her

288 JEM BUNT,

husband cannot be described ; but the cup of her calamity was not yet
full. The person to whose charge her child had been consigned, had
belonged formerly to the tribe of gypsies, and her son was still a mem-
ber of the community. The infant was stolen from the abode of its
nurse ; and she, though strongly suspecting the gypsies of the theft, did
not dare to inform against them, lest they should visit her with ven-
geance ; and thus Mrs. Gregory's afflictions were immeasurably increased
by the loss of her child. Her aunt adopted every means, short of pub-
lishing names, for its discovery, and large rewards were offered : but all
her efforts were ineffectual ; nor was it till the son of the nurse came
home to his mother's cottage to die, that the facts of the abduction were
fuUy revealed, as well as that the child was abandoned by one of the
women in a particular part of the metix-polis, which he not only accu-
rately described, but also gave it its right appellation of "Nobody's
Hole " The nurse got a neighbour to note down and witness dates and
occurrences as given by the dying man ; and as soon as he was beyond
the reach of earthly punishmen-t, she communicated the particulars to
the aunt of Mrs. Gregory,

Both General de ilarcourt and the father of the late captain were now
dead, so that further secresy was unnecesary. The whole was promptly
related to Louisa, who lost not a moment in commencing a search after
her son ; she was accompanied by the nurse, and the result of their
inquiries has already been narrated.

One of the lad's early visits was paid to the establishment of Mr,
Fluewellin, where Jem dispensed largely his bounty, and gave all the
young chummies a handsome feast, Pat Donovan presiding on the
occasion. His mother would have checked him, as she considered the
association degrading to her child, but Jem declared " he vould much
rather not be a barrownight, if so be as they vanted to take avay his
precious liberty ; " and the lady finding that it would be impossible to
polish his manners all at once, very wisely left it to time and educatioa
to produce a change.

fciir Edward Weatherall undertook to be his instructor, for Jem would
not submit to be sent to school, and a private tutor at home would only
have been an object for mischievous amusement ; but with his patron and
Miss Amelia he was always tractable and happy, and readily attended to
their wishes and advice. Mr, Ehvester still lingered in existence, with
a wound unhealed in his breast, and the earnest and only desire of his
soul ungratiiied. He was reconciled to Sir Edward, the admiral having
promised to spare neither exertions nor money to get his nephew created
a peer ; but he would not consent to the marriage taking place until the
peerage was obtained. To this the baronet was compelled to assent j
but he was happy in the society of Amelia, and placed the utmost re-
liance on the word of his uncle. The Duke of Q never troubled

them again ; he formed another matrimonial connexion, in which the
lady had no objection to barter her wealth for the title of duchess,
which was all that she ever attained, for she was old and ugly, though
immensely rich ; but a great portion of her fortune went into the coffers
of the old usurer, who gloated over it with an unnatural delight.

JEM BT7NT 289

CHAPTEK XXIX.

" Some push along with four-in-hand,
Wliilst others drive at random,
In wiskey, buggy, gig, or dog-cart,'
Curricle, or tandem. Song.

*' Oh, I have passed a miserable night,

So full of ugly sights, and ghastly dreams 1 "

" I would I could
Quit all offences with as clear a conscience."

Shakespeark

""Well, Muster Blatherwiek," said the gunner of the IJubynose to
his old messmate the boatswain, " I don't never know what you may
think of things in general, but I'm saying, Muster Blatherwiek — "

" Heave and paul there, shipmate," exclaimed the boatswain, inter-
rupting him, " and let's have no more gammon with your Muster
Blatherwicks ; it's all very ship-shape and proper when you're on
duty ; but jist stow it all now, as we're ashore on leave — do, there's a
good sowl ; let us forget our long togs, and be Jem and Joe to each
other as we used to be. I arn't quite sure I'm so comfortable and
happy, as when I was boasun's mate of the ouM craft ; for d'ye mind,
my boyo, now we're warrants, the other officers; dont desociate along-
side of us, and it wouldn't do to demean ourselves to the foremast men,
for that would clap a stopper upon what they calls suboddynation and
dishipline — "

"I'm summut o' your way of thinking, Muster — that is, Joe,"
answered the gunner; "I don't feel as the warrant makes me more
happy; but then, you know, shipmate, it rates Mrs. Hardover as an
officer's lady, and, bless her heart, she desarves it; so, d'ye see, its
wallyable arter all."

This conversation passed as our old acquaintances were quitting the
dock-yard on leave of absence for the day, but were sadly puzzled what
to do with themselves. Mrs. Hardover was at Gosportwith her mother.
Mrs. Blatherwiek still continued undiscovered ; and her husband had
become more resigned, though his affections clung to her, and he would
not believe that she was dead. They saw the jolly tars in joyous
groups, making the most of their liberty ; and whilst they looked back
at old times, their hearts longed to join in the unrestrained enjoyments
of the jovial souls. They also beheld, and were occasionally addressed
by officers : but as Blatherwiek had observed, there was no association ;
37

290 JEM BUNT.

H was merely a friendly hail on passing; and as they did not dare to
lower their dignity to the seamen, neither did the midshipmen nor
lieutenants consider the worthy warrants as eligible companions for
themselves.

" What shall we do, Jem ? " asked the boatswain, somewhat mourn-
fully. " Here we are, come on a cruise of pleasure, jist as fiat as a
pair of soles can well be ; do tell us, Jem, what tack we shall stand
on?"

" Well, Muster — that is, Joe," returned the other, " there's a warmth
in the sun and a brightness in the day that speaks of green fields and
meadows, and the like o' that ; so if you has nothing to say again itj
we'll go in-shore, and have a look at 'eui. Not as I'm thinking,
shipmate, that any sight on land is to be comparisoned in the same day
with the blue waters as they dance around us, and the goulden sky, as
it shines in its glory above our heads. But then, d'ye mind, we wallys
things by their opposites, and so in course a bit of a cruise between a
couple of hedges 'ull sarve to make us love the open sea more and more.
What do you say to it, Joe ? "

" With all my heart, Jem — with all my heart," assented the boat-
swain ; " there's nothing like a little change arter all. But how shall
we go ? "

" Not on horseback, I take it," said Hardover, looking archly and
good humouredly at his old friend ; " for though there arn't much
larning and navigation required in keeping a plain course where it's all
laid down for you by marks and bearings, yet some of them coasters
are apt to steer precious wild, and then it's as bad as working ship in a
narrow channel between rocks, in a craft as won't answer her helm.
Let's have a shay, Joe, and a animal as knows the difference atwixt
Ptarboard and port ; I don't mind his carrying on — that's all the better,
for I hates yonr dull sailers as bobs twice in a sea and stands still to
look at it ; give me a clean-going ten knotter, as 'ull feel the tiller
ropes, and houlds up stiff in a breeze, and then I'm your coxsun."

It was speedily agreed upon ; a chaise was hired, and the worthy
tars, with Hardover to drive, started forth to take a look at the country.
The gunner contrived to manage the affair tolerably well. It is true
that he more than once or twice ran foul of different vehicles, and got
his wheel locked in that of a waggon ; but he soon got clear again ;
and when spoken to by the boatswain as not minding his helm, Jem
declared that he did it on purpose, "jist to show his shipmate how
dexterousl}^ he could dcxtricate himself from diflSculty." At last they
got upon the road, and went on blithe enough, though neither of them
could help wishing that their wives were with them.

There is perhaps no place in the world where the beauties of summer
scenery are more diversified and conspicuous tlian in highly-cultivated
England. I luive seen most parts of the globe, and can with confidence
assert, in this particular my native land bears the pre-eminence.
There are certainly in other lands objects of greater grandeur — stupen-
dous mountains, whose summits are eternally covered with snow,
whilst the valleys beneath are smiling in verdure — interminable forests,

JEM BUNT. 291

magtUcent rivers, and gorgeously splendid cities; but for rural sim-
plieity, that at once delights the heart and fascinates the spirit. England
stands unrivalled ; and I never yet knew a foreigner that had travelh d
through my country, but admitted the gratifying fact. Oh, this should
be a happy, happy spot, where the ground teems with abundance, and
the ingenuity of its inhabitants is incessantly engaged in promoting its
prosperity ! And yet we see squalid poverty amongst the millions,
whilst the few are revelling in wealth and luxury. And why is this ?
The English are a brave and intelligent people when dealing with an
open enemy ; but they suffer themselves to be too easily gulled and
deluded by pretended friends amongst themselves, and who only use
them as tools and instruments to secure their own aggrandisement.
The bundle of sticks taken separately are easily broken ; but what
power could control the united voice and will of a free and determined
people ?

Pardon digression, — the thoughts were suggested by the rich and
delightful views which my native land presents, and where the mind
promptly and proudly turns from contemplating the almost perfect
labours of agriculture to behold our ports and harbours, filled with the
abundance of commerce from almost every nation of the earth ; to see
our cities of merchandize, and our towns of manufactures ; — and yet
wretchedness and misery abound.

This latter, however, was not the case with the two warrants, who
mightily enjoyed their drive — sang snatches of sea-sangs ; talked over
old cruises, both ashore and afloat ; hailed almost every one they passed
with joyous glee ; hove-to to freshen the nip just where they pleased ;
and were as happy as school-boys indulged with a holiday. After
accomplishing a distance of about fourteen miles, they stopped at an
inn to refresh; and as their uniforms would not sanction their "blowing
a cloud " on their passage out, they now had their pipes, and, seated
in an ancient, but large carved oak apartment that commanded a beau-
tiful prospect of the land, with the Channel in the distance, on which
the white sails shone brightly in the sunlight, their enjoyment was
complete. And now, finding that the berth was comfortable, the
attendance good, the fare excellent, and the respect paid to them un-
exceptionable, they ordered dinner, and not only invited the landlord to
partake of it, but hearing that there were two retired naval veterans
in the neighbourhood, they requested the honour of their company ;
and the five sat down to table, full of good-feeling and harmony ; and
a jovial day they had of it together, making the panelled walls of that
venerable room echo again to their boisterous mirth. Bowl after bowl
of steaming punch was brought in and emptied ; the fragrant weed
sent forth its curling vapours, so as nearly to obscure them from each
other; and their visions became more and more indistinct, and less
easily to be defined.

But the time for departure came — the reckoning was paid, the chaise
was brought out, and the veterans taking their scats, they started off,
warmly cheered by those whom they left behind. As it was dusk, and
they were in a happy state of forgetfuluess as to their rank in the

292 JEM BtJKT.

service, they had each a short pipe in his mouth, and puiFed away with
hearty good-will. Natural instinct taught the horse that he was on
his way to his own stable, and, being well fed and fresh, he stepped
out in style ; but Blatherwick, whose senses were somewhat erratic,
fancied that the animal was not pursuing the straight road. "Mind
your helm, Jem," said he, as he held out his pipe before him, and de-
tected it cutting some curious and strange capers : " steer her small,
Jem — that 'ere animal arn't to be trusted by no means — he's onduber-
some in regard of his course, and yaws about like a gallyot with a starn
sea arter her ; and to my notion o' things, he's tostioated Jem — he's
tosticated.''

Now Jem, though superlatively happy, was not so far gone as the
boatswain ; yet still he was sufficiently so to entertain something of a
similar opinion, especially as his attention was more immediately
directed to the operation of steering. To have endeavoured to create
a belief in either of their minds that they were not both perfectly
sober, would have been a vain and futile task, and consequently they
expressed astonishment at seeing the trees dancing, and jigging, and
reeling, in the dusky twilight, as they swept along at considerable
speed. The mail coach overtook them, and the horse, being an old
stager, took to galloping as soon as he heard the sound of the horn
behind him. The guard and driver of the mail very soon discovered
how matters stood ; and as these gentry were never known to be back-
ward in perpetrating a bit of mischief, they edged on the leaders till
their noses were pretty close to the two warrants, who felt their hot
breath come steaming over their shoulders.

"Starboard, Jem — starboard — "exclaimed the boatswain; "I'm
blessed if everything alive arn't running mad."

" Starboard it is," returned the gunner ; and the horse obeyed the
reins so as to draw nearer to the side of the road.

" Ship ahoy ! shouted Blatherwick, turning half round, so that his
face came nearly in contact with the nose of the off leader, who threw
up his head, and seemed to enjoy the sport. " Ship ahoy — port your
helm — port, or you'll be aboard of us directly."

" Twang-twang," went the guard's horn, which put the chaise horse
still more upon his mettle and caused him to accelerate his already
quick speed.

" We'U head him now, Joe," said the gunner, delighted at the rate
they were carrying on : "go it, my sweet'un ! — there she walks, ship-
mate, and we're leaving the enemy fast."

But Jem's calculation was wrong ; the leaders of the mail were
again close to their backs, and the gunner made a nearer approach to
the hedge-side, so that one wheel was within a few inches of the ditch
that bounded the highway. Thus they kept on for some time, the
guard occasionally blowing his horn and pushing them ahead, and the
coachman bringing his nags up steadily to resume their position. The
punch, the tobacco, and the confusion, wrought powerfully upon the
boatswain, whose head dropped upon his shoulder as he muttered,
" Mind — your — helm — Jem — them devils are arter us yet."

JEM BUNT. 293

In this dilemma, Jem repeatedly hailed them to "sheer off," but
he received no other reply than roars of laugliter and the " twang "
of the guard's musical instrument, till, almost maddened and desperate,
he determined upon trying a manoeuvre that he hoped would rid him
of his tormentors, and that was, as he himself termed it, *' to haul
right athawt the enemy's bows, and so get clear sea-room on the otlier
side " With this intent, he tugged at the rein with violence, but by
mistake he pulled the wrong one ; the obedient horse instantly honoured
the check, and down he went into the ditch, dragging the chaise " and
pair " after him, whilst the mail passed on and left them to their fate.
The animal reared, and kicked, and plunged, to extricate himself, and
eventually the shafts were snapped short off, the traces were broken,
and floundering up the bank, he bounded away for Plymouth. Tlie
chaise did not fall quite over, but kept its upright position, a little
inclined to the left ; but the shock was no more than a sudden heave
of the sea would have been to the veteran boatswain, who preserved
his seat, and was soon in a deep slumber ; whilst the gunner, roused by
the occurrence, set off with very erratic movements in chase of the
horse, but finding himself very soon distanced, he essayed to return to
his old shipmate, and had got pretty near to the wreck, when, over-
come by exertion, he rolled into a field, and, laying down under the lee
of a hay-stack, fancied he was in his cot ; so, calling big boy to
" dowse the glim," or in other words, to '• extinguish the light," he
resigned himself contentedly to slee}).

The boatswain's repose was not of the most tranquil nature : he had
slipped down to the bottom of the chaise and laid his head upon the
cushion ; but every now and then he half unclosed his eyes, and telling
Jem to " mind his steering," once more shut them again, and sunk into
slumber. Day was opening her crystal portals in the east, when the
noise of the birds awoke lilatherwick, but not at first to consciousness
as to the exact posture of afi'airs ; he rubbed his nose, and then his
eyes, and looking out behind, exclaimed, " Halloo, shipmate — what are
you arter — driving starn foremost ? " — and then, directing his eyes to
the fore part of the vehicle, he demanded, "Where's the horse?—
Here's a pretty rig! " — and missing his companion, "What, Jem gone
too, and I stowed away here down in the run ! — this is a nice sitivation
for an officer of his Majesty's fleet to be in, anyhow ! And how did
it all happen, I should like to know ? — Oh, Poll ! if you could only see
me now — cooped up here like a cockroach in an egg-shell — disgracing
my uniform, and looking for all the world like one of the babes in the
wood — it's a precious clout o' the head as you'd give me — and I only
wishes them robin redbreastes would come and kiver my innocent head
over with leaves." He shouted, "Jem, where are you, my boyo? " but
the gunner was too sound to hear him. He next pulled out his silver
call, and was putting it to his lips, but seeming to recollect himself,
he returned it to his pocket, saying, " It's of no manner of use, arter
all, turning the hands up to clear the wreck, seeing as I've got no
hands to turn up. It's a snug place, too, and I'm harboured under the
green trees. My coppers are hot and my brain's ratber dizzy ; but

294 JEM BUNT.

that's with the noise of the dicky-birds — oh, Poll — Poll!" — he shook
his head in maudlin sadness, — " I wish you was alongside of me ; I'm
blessed if I wouldn't turn out, and tow you into dock — ah, that I
would. Howsomever, it's of no use blubbering, and taking things so
much to heart. Here I am in the shady bowers, when I ought to be
in my own store-room; but this is a novelty, and I'm tired and sleepy,
and so here goes for another snooze ; " and down he laid his head, and
again composed himself to rest.

The ditch into wliich the vehicle had descended was rather deep, but,
as the season was dry, contained very little water. Above, the branches
from the edge spread widely over it, so as nearly to conceal it from
view, and consequently Joe was almost hidden from sight, as well as
comfortably hidden from the night dew. He slept soundly, till the sun
hud risen pretty high, when he again awoke, and shouted loudly for
Jem : but Hardover made no answer. " He's not never desarted me,
I'm sartin," said he, "and must be moored somewhere in the neigh-
bourhood. I'll jist try what this 'uU do," — and putting his call to his
mouth, he blew a loud shrill whistle, which was immediately responded
to with, " Aye, aye, shipmate — what's the matter? "

" Where are you, Jem ? " asked the boatswain ; " I knew you'd
never desart me in sich a predickyment as this ; haul your wind this
way, and lend us a hand, old boy."

" Aye, aye, Joe — aye, aye," returned the gunner, without making
his appearance. •' Eut I shant turn out without you pipe all hands
properly, as you ought to do."

The boatswain complied: the whistle once more rose, loud and shrill,
from beneath the foliage, and was followed by a hoarse voice shouting,
" All hands ahoy — come down here, Jem, and clear the wreck."

The gunner's rest had been undisturbed until the well-known
sound of the boatswain's call aroused him as if by instinct, and he in-
stantly replied to it. Staring round, he found that he was in the
grounds of a handsome cottage, that stood at no great distance from
him, and on the lawn appeared a stout female, attired in widow's
weeds, who was calling to a youth to come back, but the lad de-
claring that he had heard a strange bird in the hedge, pursued his way
to the very place beneath which the boatswain was lying, and whoso
whistle had attracted the youngster's attention. The female finding
her requests disregarded, followed after, for the purpose of bringing
him back, and Jem, seeing the coast clear, leaped the gate, and got into
the road. Joe was still seated in the chaise, looking ruefiUly, when
the cracking of the branches above caused him to raise his head, and
amid the green foliage he beheld a lovely little face gazing earnestly
below.

" Come awa)', Edward — come away," said the female, approaching
on the other side; ""you'll tumble in, and break your limbs — come away
I say."

" Oh, do let me look for it," entreated the boy; "I'm sure it's nest
must be somewhere here about; and we shall see the old one fly
out presently."

:yV

J£M BUNT. 295

"Tou're right, my precious," said the boatswain, from his dor-
mitory ; " the oiild un's in his nest here — but, ah me ! — the young
un's gone. Oh Poll, Poll !-~if I could ounly see you and the
babby"—

The boy drew back, alarmed, but the female had heard the veteran's
exclamation, and instantly advanced ; "Who and what are you ? " de-
manded she, in a tone of command that thrilled through the veteran's
whole frame. He looked up, and beheld a face he had never once for-
gotten— the features and the voice were her's — he could not speak.
Pun, Edward," continued she; "run and let loose the dog, and send the
gardener here to watch the premises, and take the fellow up, if so be
as he'shobstropelous."

Joe heard the order ; it cut him to the heart — he found the use of
bis tongue. " What, Poll ! " said he ; " the blessings on your head ! —
what, my own Poll ! "

"Don't go for to 'Poll' me, fellow," exclaimed the disdainful
woman; "it's like your imperence — my name's Whiffintoffle — Mrs.
Whiffintoffle ! — and that is my willa, and these are my grounds. Poll,
indeed ! — Whiffintoffle's my name."

" Whiff and what ? " asked the sturdy boatswain, scrambling through
the hedge ; "you're coming it pretty thick and strong, I'm thinking —
Whiff-and-what, did she say, Jem ? — surely I arn't never fast asleep
Again ; " and bursting through the obstruction, he stood fully revealed
to the undaunted woman. A loud shriek escaped hor, as she placed
her hands over her eyes, as if to shirt out some terrible object ; " It's
false, it's false," screamed she ; "he wrote me a letter to say as he was
dead — oh Joe, Joe ! to come for to go to trouble me with your ghost;
and in an officer's uniform too ! "

" Ghost, my precious ! " roared Joe ; " not a bit of it — all flesh and
blood, and all your own ;" — and he caught her in his arms with an era-
brace that ought to have satisfied any reasonable woman of his being
something more than a mere spirit. But the lady was not to be so
readily assured ; she still screamed and struggled to get free. " Oh
Poll! — my own Poll! — as I've ever been true to, and alays loved^
and Where's the babby ? — oh, I longs to see my child, my own hoff-
epring ! "

" Your what?" demanded the female at once stopping her noise, and
looking earnestly at her husband, whom, in spite of all her faults, she
had always regarded with affection. " But are you indeed Joe ? — Joe
Blatherwick ? Oh, why did you send me that cruel letter ! "

" Lord love you, Poll, it was all a mistake," replied the boatswain,
again embracing her, and this time without resistance. " Yes, I am
your own Joe Blatherwick ; but I'm blessed if you didn't frighten me
about that there Whiff-and-tussell consarn as you jist now overhauled.
But I'm saying, where's the babby. Poll? — bear a hand, let's see my
boy ! "

"Your boy! why I don't know what you means, Joe," responded the
woman : " but it's no use standing here. Come in, Joe, and let's see if
we can't explain matters to one another. This here's my willa," — and

296 JKM BUNT.

she pointed to the cottage, — "and you shall be as welcome to it as the
flowers in May."

By this time, the dog and the gardener bad been let lose on one side,
and the gunner had joined the party on the other; but whilst the former
were ordered back again, the latter was very favourably received, as an
old acquaintance and shipmate ; and together they entered the habi-
tation, which was fitted-up and furnished in a showy style, to the great
amazement of the boatswain ; but as breakfast was ready, he forbore
asking questions, and his newly-found wife had reasons of her own for
not saying too much.

After the meal (which had been qualified by sundry attacks upon a
large case-bottle) had terminated, mutual explanations ensued, which
may be given in few words. Joe's history is already known, and there^
fore it is unnecessary to recapitulate it. Mrs. Blatherwick said that "ou
the departure of her husband from England, she took lodgings in Portsea,
where soon after an old woman and her daughter came to reside — the
latter was said to be married to a seaman, but she misdoubted it — how-
ever, she gave birth to a child, and suffered great distress. Old Molly
died, and on the very day of the funeral, the young one deserted her
infant, and was never heard of again."

" Ould Molly ! " repeated Jem once or twice, as if trying to recollect
something. " Mayhap you didn'l never come for to know what her
t'other name was r "

" Oh, but 1 did though ! " answered the narrator; "I remembers it
very well — her name was Boyd."

" What!" exclaimed the two warrants, springing up from their seats ;
" Boyd ! Molly Boyd ! here's a diskivery ! — here's a laud-fall ! " " And
what," said Jem, " was the young 'un called ? "

"I thinks it was Helen, or somut like that — and a pretty creature to
look at she was, too," replied Poll.

" Well, I'm blessed if this arn't a lucky day, any how," uttered Jem
with delight. " And what became of the babby ? "

" Why I couldn't never, never see it want," responded Mrs. Blather-
A^ick, " and so I took charge of it myself, and nursed it, and — ''

" Lord love you, Poll, give us a kiss for that," exclaimed the gratified
boatswain, suiting the action to the word ; " you'd always a kind and
noble heart of your own. But heave ahead in your yarn, my
liearty, and give us another drop of the stuff — it's not my babby,
arterall."

" Well, Joe, when that 'ere cruel letter comed, I could not stop
in Portsea," continued the dame, " and so I went up to London ; and
as the boy took to loving me as if I was his own mother, why I
carried him with me. But I grieved so at losing you, Joe," — and
she wiped her eyes with a stiff muslin apron, — " that to keep up my
spirits I went to live housekeeper with a Jarman gentleman, as did a
little business in the Flushing trade, and had several craft of his own.
But ho was a lone gentleman, Joe, and with a good deal of money, and
Bo, as I never expected to see or hear of you again, why Joe, he made
roe an offer — "

JKM BTTNT. 297

"I'm blessed, but that was kind in him, too," said the boatswain;
" but what did ho offer you, Poll ? "

" Why, Joe — it was all along in regard of that cruel letter," re-
turned Mrs. Blatherwick ; " I thought as how vou wur dead, or I'm
sure I'd never have had him — his name was Whiffintoffle, and — "

" Belay all that ! " exclaimed the excited boatswain ; " I see it now
— blow my toplights, but I see it plain enough. Oh, Poll ! Poll ! —
and so you got ?pliced to Whiff-and-tussel, and forgot your own wartuous
and dutiful husband, as never whopped you but once in your life. Oh,
Poll ! Poll ! '■ — and he dashed his quid out of the window,

"No, no, Joe," I didn't never forget you," pleaded the wife; "it
was that cruel letter; and being a lone woman, and thinking of you,
that made me marry Mr. Whiffintoffle — "

" There, Poll, never you go for to whisper that 'ere main-to'-bowlin
name again," exclaimed Joe, trying to smother and soothe down his
irritated feelings ; " and if Mister Whiz-and-snuffle's got any regard
for hisself, he'll give me a wide berth, and — "

" Jist give over being angry, Joe," urged the respondent ; " the poor
gentleman's dead and gone, and left me a fortin to myself — and it's
all no fault of mine, Joe. Here's the willa that I bought, and the
grounds ; and the matter of three hundred a-year, and a pony-chaise,
and a pony ; and there's cocks and hens in the yard, and ducks and
geese in the pond, and a litter of young pigs in the stye, and plenty of
wine and good liquors in the cellar ; — and they're all your own Joe,
now you've come back to me — for I've always thought of you, Joe —
and though he was a kind husband was Mr. Whiff — "

" Hush, Poll ! hush ! dont go for to speak of the dear ould sowl
again," said the boatswain, gently placing his hand over his wife's
mouth ; " we should never harbour animosity again' them that is dead
and buried — but never pay out the slack o Lis name arter this. I
knows it was all in regard o' that 'ere letter ; but it shan't never
happen any more, for I've axed the jiurser's steward to larn me to
write myself, and I've got as far as making boat-hooks and grappling-
irons, only it puzzles me in my edecation when I comes to splice 'em
together, or make 'em tail on to one another. And so. Poll, Ave'Jl try
and forget the past, and I'll come and moor ship here by-and-by ; and
Jem shall bring his missus, for he's took Harry Yeoman's widow iu
tow, and we'll be as happy as kings and queens."

" But may I make so bould as to ax you whereabouts is the boy ? " in-
quired Jem with earnestness — "I means the boy as you took to London ? ''

" Why there he is, looking in at the window at you," replied Mrs.
Blatherwick, pointing to tlie lad they had just seen. " Come in,
Edward, and speak to the officers," and the youngster sprang through
the open window into the room, and his hand was instantly seized by
the worthy gunner, who gazed intently upon his countenance.

" Look, Joe — do jist look," said .Jem exultingly, as ho turned the
lad's face towards the boatswain. "Now, did you ever see two figure-
heads more alike ? He's the very moral of his father, oui:ly lor the
softness in the eyes and the whiteness of the skin."
38

208

JEM nvxT.

" They're his mother's eyes, and she was as fair as hallyhlaster,'*
remarked Mrs. Blutherwick ; " but how do you know anything about
his father ? "

" Do I savvy anything about my own skipper ? " argued the
gunner. " Ax Joe, there, if this young genelman arn't the son of
Captain Weatherall."

" The son of Captain Weatherall ! " reiterated Mrs. I'latherwick,
looking first at one and then at the other, with strong expressions of
doubt upon her countenance — " How can that be ? "

" Oh, all right enough," answered Joe, with confidence, " it's as
plain to me, Poll, as there's jometry in navigation. Arn't Jem and I
been cruising to fall in with the lady — and didn't I hail every beauty
as hove in sight, thinking it was you ? "

" Well, I don't understand it at all," urged Mrs. Blatherwick. " Let
me hear all about it, Joe ; and Edward, come and stand by the side of
me, and listen,"

The whole matter, as the reader may suppose, was fully explained ;
and it was arranged that they should set out for Plymouth without
delay. Mrs. Blatherwick and the lad in the pony-cliaise ; the two
warrants by the coach that was momentarily expected.

fKH SOKT. 299

CH APT Ell XXX.

" All things that we ordained festival
Turn from their office to black funeral ;
Our instruments to melancholy bells;
Our wedding cheer to a sad burial feast ;
Our solemn hymns to sullen dirges change ;
Our bridal flowers serve for a burial corse."

EoMEO AND Juliet.

Captain Weatherall was walkiug his quarter-deck when the boat-
swain and gunner, accompanied by Mrs. Blatherwick and young
Edward, came alongside. 11 is mind was dweiliug upon past occur-
rences, and there was an unusual feverish irritation about him which
he could not account for — a sort of presentiment that something was
likely to happen, but of what nature his mind remained in utter
ignorance. He was in this frame when Jem, having reported himself
to the first lieutenant, stood, hat in hand, near the after-hatchway, la
order to attract his attention.

''Well, gunner," said the captain, " you've come on board again.
We're off to sea in a day or two — have you got all your stores from the
gun- wharf .^ "

•' Yes, your honour — that is, sir," answered Hardover ; " they're
all stowed away in the magazine and store-room. But may I be so
'bould, sir, as to ax to speak a word or two to you in your cabin ? "

The captain started, and fixed a keen look upon the gunner, and
then threw a rapid glance at Mrs. Blatherwick and the boy, who had
just ascended the gangway. " Speak to me in the cabin ? " said he,
whilst a sickening tumultuous sensation shot through his heart. " la
it anythiag important?" Jem nodded. "Anything about — " and he
stopped short, as he looked inquiringly at Hardover. Jem nodded
again. A crimson flush rushed over the captain's cheeks, and he
turned and walked aft into his cabin, followed by the gunner.

"And now — what — what is it, my man — that is, Mr. Hardover? "
eagerly demanded the commander of the Kubynose, as he stood leaning
against the back of a chair, trembling with excitement and emotion
" Speak— spe&k ! "

" I hopes your honour 'ull not be offended at my bringing on 'em
aboard," uttered the gunner, smoothing his hair down over his forehead.

" Biinging who on board," repeated the captain, apprehensive that his
own sanguine desires "had anticipated more than was about to be

300 JEM BUNT.

rc'ulizod. " I saw the female and the lad — I suppose they were your
wife and her child."

" Not in the least, your honour," responded the gunner ; " the lady
as yuu pleased to mention is Mrs. WhifFaudbussel — that is, I mean, Mrs.
Blatherwick, the boasun's wife — and the young genelman, your
honour — " and Jem smiled, "I hopes no offence — "

" Go on — go on,'' hastily exclaimed the agitated officer, vexed with
himself at being thus eager about a matter which it appeared did not
concorn him. " I thought you had some intelligence of — " and he
^topped, but he gave the gunner a look full of meaning.

" And so I have, sir," uttered Hardover, with strong feeling. " That
young gentleman is no other than your own child, as Joe's wife took
to when Molly Boyd died."

" And — Eleanor — Miss Mowbray ? " exclaimed the captain. " What
— what of her ? Has she, too, sunk into the gave .^ Lost to me for ever ?
Merciful God, support me in this hour of trial ! Sit down — sit down,
Hardover — don't heed me, there's a good fellow; " he paced the cabin
in violent agitation. "Now, do ait down, and let me hear the whole."

Jem obeyed, and seating himself upon the front bar of one of the
chairs, he repeated all that had come to his knowledge that morning ;
and in a short time afterwards, Mrs. Blatherwick and her charge
were sent for into the cabin. It was an affecting interview. At first,
Captain Weatherall could hardly articulate a word — the sternness of
the man was struggling with the feelings of the father — the energy of
maturity strove to master the warm affections of the heart It was his
cliild that stood before him — his eyes had never beheld him till that
moment — nature was gradually claiming the exercise of her privilege — ■
he felt it stealing upon his spirit, but his pride would not submit to
the presence of witnesses to his emotion. He waved his hands towards
the cabin door, "Leave me — leave me to myself," requested he; and
they left liim with the lad. "And you are mine ! " said he mourn-
fully ; " my son — the child of Eleanor Mowbray." He held him at
arm's-length, and gazed intently on his features — old remembrances of
the female he so ardently loved, the mother of his boy, were revived
with overpowering force — his breast swelled almost to bursting — he
clasped his offspring in his arms, and bending his head upon the shoul-
ders of the boy, the hard}' seaman wept.

As soon as his mind had been somewhat soothed, Mrs. Blatherwick
was again summoned and fully questioned as to all she knew relative
to Eleanor ; and the distressing narrative of that poor girl's privations
and sufferings were like coals of fire to the already burning remorse in
the captain's soul ; and when again alone, the spirit of the strong man
was bowed down even to childish weakness, and his agony became
almost insupportable as a dread arose, that, overwhelmed with her
weight of misery, the wretched girl had, in a moment of delirium,
rushed unbidden into the presence of her Maker. Oh, the horror of
such contemplations, without a single hope to cling to — where all is
cheerless despondency, and not a glimmering ray of expectation shiuea
through the dreaded future !

ji,M Bc:;'!. 301

Captain We:.ll.eral1. appeared no more on deck that day, but he
Would not part with the boy ; and when evening carae, his boat was
manned, and he took him on shore, where he remained till the ship
was unmoored, and then Edward accompanied him on board again. The
anchor was weighed, and they stood out for sea. Every day brouglit
an accession of affection in the breast of the father towards his child,
and they were almost inseparable. The youngster had much of the
tenderness of his mother in his composition — he was greatly attached
to Mrs. Blatherwick, who had generously, though perhaps not over-
wisely, supplied the place of a parent to him ; but he soon learned to
respect and esteem his father, who was a very different sort of a
man to Mr. WhiflBntofEe ; and though at the outset the lad rather
spurned at restraint, yet the captain, by judicious means, progressively
brought him within proper bounds, and he was infinitely more happy
than when in the enjoyment of unrestricted indulgence.

There had been a long continuance of easterly winds, which had pre-
vented the convoys from getting into the channel; and one object
which the Piubynose was ordered to accomplish, consisted in supplying
the merchant vessels with provisions and water, as it was very natu-
rally supposed they must run short of those essentials to existence alter
a long voyage. The enemy's cruisers and privateers were also extremely
busy, and' had been tolerably successful; therefore, Captain Weatherall
was directed to look sharp after them.

Great indeed was the distress of many of the vessels he fell in with,
and most timely was the succour that he brought; some were reduced
to a state bordering on starvation, and others were almost perishing
with thirst ; but every necessary aid was given to them. Nearly a
week was occupied in this way, when one morning, soon after daylight,
two large ships were observed close to the Eubynose. The haze had
been so extremely dense throughout the nighj as to prevent any distant
object from being seen, so that the vessels had approached to close
approximation without any previous intimation of their being near each
otlier. The officer of the watch in the fifty immediately apprized his
captain, and at first they were supposed to be two British cruisers ; the
private signal was shown, and remained unanswered ; and, as the light
increased, one of the strangers was di.^tinctly made out to be a French
frigate, making the best possible use of her legs, and the other it was
conjectured was an East Indiaman which she had captured. Sail was
instantly made in chase, but the frigate walked two feet to the fatiy's
one, and very soon distanced her pursuer, to the great regret and annoy-
ance of Captain Weatherall (whose active spirit could not brook the
grandmama pace of the old Kubynose), and the vexation of the ship's
company, which, from the first lieutenant to the cook's mate's secretary
of state, longed to have a slap at the enemy. But even the captured
Indiaman sailed well, and it was not till after a forty-eight hours' ruu
that the man-of-war got along-side of her, when she at once sur-
rendered, without firing a shot, and proved to be the Lady Nelson from
Bombay, with a valuable cargo, taken by the Kepublican national frigate
the day before, having separated from the homeward-bound fleet during

302 JEM Btmx.

the ^ale of wind. The captain, most of the officers and crew, with
several of the passengers, had been shifted to the Frenchman, leaving
the lascars, and a few hands to assist the prize-people in navigating
the capture into port. Some of the passengers also remained, and the
ofBcer who first boarded from the Kubynose, on his return reported to
his commander that there was a sick lady on board, who was not in a
fit state to be removed ; the surgeon of the Indiaman had been sent to
the Republican, and consequently there was no medical attendant to
administer to her wants under affliction.

Captain Weatherall solicited the surgeon of the Eubynose to wait
upon the lady, and to off"er every accommodation of his ship, should it be
deemed advisable to remove her, or to assure her of the best possible
attention if her desire was to remain in the Indiaman. Mr. Stuart
found the lady labouring under general debility, both of body and mind,
and apparently fast fading away in the withering embrace of decline.
On his return to the fifty, he spoke of the female as singularly lovely,
but extremely taciturn, with occasional outbreaks of mental delirium.
There was nothing in the condition of her disease to prevent the change
from the Indiaman to the fifty, but the surgeon feared it would cause
nervous irritation that might hasten dissolution.

" What can we do, then, doctor : " inquired the captain
earnestly; "perhaps you can spare one of your assistants, who
probably would have no objection to take charge with the prize-master
into port."

" On my own part, sir," responded Mr. Stuart, " I &ra perfectly pre-
pared to enter into any arrangement ; it is for Captain Weatherall to
give orders."

" I am fully aware of that, my dear sir," answered the captain,
" though sending away an assistant surgeon is somewhat novel ; but
I would wish to make things pleasant to all parties."

" May I bo pt rmitted to ask, sir, whether it is your intention to
keep company with the re-capture ? " respectfully demanded the
surgeon.

"That must depend upon circumstances, doctor," replied the cap-
tain ; " I have pretty well fulfilled ray orders, and the heart of this
easterly breeze seems to be breaking, so that the probability is that I
shall convoy the Ladj- Nelson in."

" III that case, sir, I shall be most happy to attend to the sufferer
myself, whenever you can spare me a boat," said the surgeon.

" I5ut the chances are precarious, doctor," remarked the captain ;
" would there be anything indelicate or improper in my setiug the lady
myst.f.^';

"]Not in the least, sir," responded the surgeon, "she is dressed, and
lays upon a couch in the stern cabin, the whole of which I understand
she occupied. I have some idea that she is a widow, who has recently
lost her husband, as she is in deep mourning ; and now I remember
she said something about a child."

" Poor thing," uttered Captain Weatherall, as he endeavoured to
restrain a heavy sigh, "perh;iis she has sustained the loss of both.

?1EM BTTNT. ?03

Well, doctor, I will accompany you, and be guided by circumstances
Mphen we get on board."

At this moment Captain Weatherall observed, for the first time, that
Edward had been listening to the conversation, and now, taking his
father's hand, and looking beseechingly in liis face, he solicited per-
mission to go with him to the Indiaman.

" Why, what can you do there, my boy ? " asked the captain, with a
emile, as he gazed intently on the countenance of his child.

" I would do anything I could for the poor lady," responded the
l5ad, as the tears stood trembling in his eyes ; " oh, do let me go and
see her."

" The attentions and tenderness of childhood are well calculated to
soothe affliction," remarked the captain, in an undertone to himself;
" at all events the trip can do him no harm." He then addressed his
son, "Well, Edward, you may go; but mind how you get down tlie
side, and don't be in a hurry; " for the gratified boy, deligiited with his
father's assent, had danced off towards the gangway, followed by his
anxious parent.

•'I've got leave to go, Mr. Hardover," said the boy to the gunner,
" will you help me down the steps ? not but what I could do
it by myself, but the captain would be angry."

The gunner gave a glance at his commander, as his fingers went
mechanically to the rim of his hat ; a nod of acquiescence was the
response ; and our old acquaintance, Jem, assisted the lad into the
barge, where he was quickly followed by the surgeon and Captain
AVeatherall.

The Indiaman had stood a smart action with the French frigate, and
Bustaincd considerable damage from the enemy's shot before she struck,
very little of which had been repaired ; the prize-crew were, however,
now actively employed in shifting the sails and splicing the gear, and
the carpentei-'s people in stopping shot-holes, &c. The captain gave a
rapid glance over their proceedings, andthen walked aft to the cuddy.
Edward had been beforehand with him, for he could hear the harmo-
nious sound of his voice in the after-cabin as he soothingly addressed the
sick lady. The cabin door stood partly open, and he could see a female
dressed in black, leclining on a couch, but sufficiently raised up to hold
Edward by the arm with one hand, as she parted the curling, clusterirg
locks on each side of his forehead with the other. Her back was to the
captain, but the face of his child was distinctly visible as he looked up
with teaiful tenderness to the countenance of the lady. A turn of his
head caused him to catch sight of the captain, and he uttered in a
soft tone, while delight sparkled through the rich drops of kindly feel-
ing, "Here is my father; I told you, lady, that he would come to see
you ; " and withdrawing himself he ran to his parent and led him for-
ward. The female did not at first alter her position ; she seemed hardlj-
conscious of what was passing; but, missing the boy, she turned round
to lut'k for him at the very moment that Captain Weatherall hud ad-
vtmced towards her. Their eyes met; there was a sudden start, as with
the swiftness of lightning they scanned each other's person, and the

304 JEM BTJNr.

next instant Eleanor Mowbray was in the arras of her still fondly-attached
lovtr, to whom she clung with almost supernatural energy, as he pressed
her hi-ad ag:dnst his breast. But her hold grew feeble, or only retained
its tension by sudden snatches — it relaxed— ceased — and she sank into
insensibility.

The surgeon was immediately summoned, but it was long before ani-
mation was restored; and during the interval the captain sustained great
mental agony, as he feared they had only met to be separated for ever.
Gradually, however, consciousness returned.

" Have I been dreaming ? " said she, as she strove to raise herself
erec't. " Could it be— was it Edward Weatherall that I beheld ? " The
surgeon motioned to the captain to keep out of sight as much as possible,
" Ah, no!" she continued faintly, "such visions are but too frequent to
my a(!hing heart'; the hand — the hand of death is upon me," she uttered
wildly, " 1 shall never see my native land again." Then, as sudden
recollections of her deserted child crossed her mind, there came also
remembrances of the pretty lad who had recently visited her. "Where
is he: " demanded she; "the boy — the— the— ministering angel that — '
it was true," she shrieked ; " he called him father— Edward 1 Edward!
oh, let me not call in vain."

As both the father and the son bore the same name, they each of them
eagerly stood forward. " I am here, my Eleanor," uttered the agitated
captain, as he sat down by her side, and passed his arm over her shoulders
to raise her up.

" And I am here, lady," said the weeping boy, as he took the white
and attenuated hand that laid extended on the couch; "let me kiss you,
and we will nurse you ; wont we, father ? "

" Ha !;' shrieked the excited Eleanor, and then laughed wildly, "he
has spoken again— he has called him father ! " She threw her long fair
hair back from her brow, as she fixed her keen gaze on the captain's coun-
teuance. " Speak, Edward," said she with energy ; " speak — is it— oh,
merciful heaven ! can it be — "

" It is, it is, my Eleanor," answered the captain, with strong emotion,
as he vainly strove to repress the overpowering sources of nature's gush-
ing fountain ; and then addressing the lad, he addded, " Edward, this
ladv is your mother."

Vain, indeed, would be the endeavour to describe the scene that fol-
lowed. The mind of the beautiful woman continued at times to wander,
but she would not let the lad quit her for an instant ; sometimes she
would press his head upon her bosom, and in a voice sweetly plaintive
sing snatches of those songs with which she had lulled him to sleep when
an infant cradled in her arms; and then confused reminiscences of the
past would come over her, and she would talk incoherently of her deserted
and perishing babe; but no murmur of reproach escaped against her lover,
who tried to calm her agitation and remove her fears. Again the con-
viction that Edwaad Weatherall and her boy were present with her,
burst brightly through the gloouiy clouds that had gathered round her
darkened faculties, and laying her head upon the breast of the one, as she
held the other to her heart, her joy was too vast to admit of utterance.

JEM BUNT. 305

That evening she was conveyed in the barge to the man-of-war,
everything having been duly prepared in the captain's cabin for her
reception ; and when alone with her lover she declared " there was but
one wish more to be gratified, and she should die in peace."

" Nay, dearest, talk not of dying," said the captain encouragingly,
*' I trust we shall yet have many years of happiness together ; and
what is there that my Eleanor can require that I will not strive to fulfil ? "

*' Alas ! Edward, no," returned she, " I cannot deceive myself, and
I will not delude you ; too well I know that my time with you is short.
Oh, it will be harder to me now to quit the world, and my spirit clings
more eagerly to life as the prospect of its contracting span comes
vividly before me ; so lately found — so soon to part again. Yet," —
and she pressed her hands together, and raised her eyes in fervent
supplication, — " yet grant, O most merciful Father, that ere I depart
this vale of sorrow and affliction ; oh, grant that the stain may be
washed away from my name, and that I may enter thy presence
hallowed by the character of wife ! "

" Now may God in his mercy hear and answer the prayer,
Eleanor ! " exclaimed the captain with energy, " that is but a small
portion of the reparation I will make ; every hour of my existence
shall be devoted to exertions for your future tranquillity and comfort.
Come, dearest, endeavour to seek repose, you have been much tried
this day; to-morrow we will hope for a revival." She pressed his
hand, and looked tenderly upon him. " I will be near you, my love ;
— and here comes one who knew you in adverse times." Mrs. Blather-
wick entered. " She will be kind and attentive to your wants, and
will not leave you till the morning."

Mrs. Blatherwick was not at first recognized, but a short conver-
sation recalled many past occurrences to remembrance ; and grateful,
indeed, was the poor mother when she learned that her companion had
been the means of saving her child : she occasionally dozed during the
night, but even then her dreams were mixed up with the transactions
of the previous day, and she was restless and disturbed.

The wind shifted round to the westward, and the Eubynose went
awa)' with her yards squared to the breeze, and in three days was
again moored in Plymouth Sound. Captain Weatherall reported
his arrival to Sir Mulberry Boreas, and then hastened to bring Eleanor
ashore. It was evident to all that the tide of existence was fast ebbing
away, and that she could not long survive. Suitable apartments were
obtained, and the captain lost not a moment in procuring a special
license for their union. This, however, occupied some time, and
nature was sinking to its last struggle as the clergyman joined their
hands in holy matrimony.

"I have now," said she feebly, "but one other earthly duty to
perform, and then — " her voice became inarticulate, but she waved
her hand to Mrs. Blatherwick, who well understood her meaning, and
retired to execute her commands.

Colonel Mowbray had died at Bombay, bequeathing to his niece
the great bulk of his lara;e property ; and, in case of her dying intestate,
39

306

JEM BUNT.

Daring

the whole was to be divided amongst distant relations.
Captain Weatherall's absence on dulj-, Eleanor had instructed an
eminent attorney to draw up a will in favour of her son, by which he
was entitled to' an immense fortune— under the trusteeship of his
father whilst a minor — on his coming of age. This document was
already prepared, and the attorney waiting for its execution by the
Beveral parties. It was to introduce him that Mrs. Blatherwick had
withdrawn, and they now appeared together. The instrument was
placed in the hands of Captain Weatherall to peruse, and subsequently
signed by the expiring woman and the witnesses.

"And now," said she, presenting it to her husband, "the cares of
life with rae are over. My passage through existence has been short,
but tempestuous — the storms have subsided — happiness is smiling upon
me : it is hard to part — but the will of heaven be done ! its decrees
are wiser than our erring judgment — and," looking tenderly at the
captain, " perhaps it is for the best. You will not forget me, Ed-
ward," continued she, in a tone of inquiry sweetly plaintive. "Yet,
do not grieve ; for God is merciful to the penitent ; and will receive
me to his holy rest. The tongue of reproach will be silenced when I
am in the grave. Be a parent to our child, Edward — but I know you
will, and therefore upon that score my mind is at ease. I feel,
Edward — I feel my breath is failing — a dimness is coming over my
sight — and, Edward, 1 would pass my last moments in imploring the
forgiveness of my Maker ; kneel, my husband — oh, there is sweet
music in that name ! kneel, my child — let all kneel, and join with me
m prayer — that my spirit may ascend to the throne of Omnipotence
with the supplications for pardon and for peace."

There was no other persons present but Captain "Weatherall, his son,
the surgeon, and Mrs. Blatherwick, and these kneeled around the bed
of expiring humanity. The prayers were in secret, but the silence
■was broken by sobs of anguish, as Eleanor — her pallid face beaming
with a heavenly smile — addressed her Maker. One of her hands was
clasped between those of her husband, and the other held her bey's;
supported by the pillows, she gazed for a moment alternately upon
those who were so dear to her — her lips moved, but no utterance could
be heard — there was a slight tremor through her frame— her bvvathing
ceased, and the spirit of poor Eleanor took its flight for ever.

J£M BTTNT. 307

CONG LIT SIO IT.

" My endeavours
Have ever come too short of my desires,
Yet filed with my abilities."

" The end crowns all ;
And that old common arbitrator, Time,
"Will one day end it."

Shakespeare.

And now for a wind-up to this eventful history. Through ths
powerful interest of Vice-Admiral Sir Mulberry Boreas with the
government, added to a well-timed application of a few thousands, Sir
Wentworth Weatlierall was created a baron and a peer of the realm,
under the style and title of Lord Wentworth, of Wentworth Hall;
and the scruples of Mr. Elwester being thus in a great measure
removed, he no longer withlield his assent to the marriage of his
daughter with the newly-made nobleman, especially as he cherished
hopes, that through the medium of his great wealth, he should be
further enabled to obtain an earldom for him, and he should yet be
spared to see his child a countess.

The wedding was sumptuous in the extreme : the ceremony was
performed at the house of Amelia's parent, — all that money could
procure was put in requisition for the occasion. Both the young lord
and his bride had earnestly disired that their union might bear some-
thing of a private character, but the father was resolute in insisting
upon its being conducted on the most magnificent scale ; and his mind
gloated on the gorgeous display which he had planned, to give eclat to
the nuptials of his daughter ; his hoards of massive plate were brought
forth to decorate the festive board ; the servants were arrayed in rich
state liveries of dark green, thickly trimmed with broad gold lace and
bullion shoulder knots — and looked like generals in the Eussiaa
service, whilst Elwester himself was dressed with singular plainness,
and old Laukrib wore an elegantly embroidered court suit of earlier
times, which made him resemble a living skeleton curiously attired in
mockery of death. Numerous and high in rank were the visitors
invited. Some went out of curiosity to laugh at the old man's
assumption of aristocracy — others were too deeply in his debt to anger
him by remaining awaj- ; and there were not a few who hoped to gain
his favour b}' compliance, so that they might thereafter profit by his
loans. Lady Harcourt and her son. attended through attachment

308 JBM BtTNT.

to the young conple ; the admiral carae up purposelj' to the metropolis
to be present, and Jem, when he beheld the gold-laced uniform and
cocked hat, was half tempted to go to sea again that he miglit
be dressed as fine. The old usurer, although still labouring under
debility, gave his child away at the altar, and at the close of the
ceremony was the first to salute her as " my lady ; " nor was the title
of " your ladyship," scarcely erer off his lips through the remainder of
the time they were together. Captain Weatherall was at sea ; but had
his ship been in port, he was too much stricken in heart to have joined
the festive party. Bill Breezy, however, was there in all his glory,
rigged out in a suit of dress-clothes for the occasion ; but after
thT banquet, when the newly-married couple, with a splendid equipage,
had taken their departure for a princely mansion in the country, the
gift of Mr. Elwester, Bill dowsed his long togs, and, resuming his blue
jacket and trowsers, mounted aloft to the two-shilling gallery aC
Drury-lane theatre ; but, having already drank pretty freely, he did
not remain there long — he wanted more grog, and there was no lack of
places to supply him, till, overcome by liquor, he wandered into Covent-
garden market, and, falling prostrate among a heap of cabbages, he
slept away the night under the protection of a powerful, muscular
Irishwoman, who resisted the attempts of everyone to meddle witlt
him; for she declared " the bowld tar was the best defender of his
eounthry ; and musha, bad luek to the sowl as 'ud thrate him with
oncivility." When daylight came she aroused Bill from hia slumbers-,
and the effects of intoxication not having evaporated, he was greatly at
a loss to comprehend his situation, " Halloo, my hearties," shouted he,
as, struggling to rise, he grappled hold of the esculant plants. ^ " By yer
leaves, I'll turn out — but how the deuce did I get here : " Mrs.
O'Flannigan, with no small degree of circumlocution, informed him
of every particular, and the part which she had taken in securing him
from molestation ; he found his money was untouched, and admiring
the honesty and kindness of his friend, he offered to treat her with
anything she liked, provided a conveyance could be procured to take
them to the nearest grog-shop. Mrs. O'Flannigan proffered her
services to carry him thither in her basket — a feat that just suited
Bill's notions of fun, and he instantly acceded to it. The basket was
placed upon the ground, and down squatted the tar, coiling his lower
stancheons underneath him like a tailor ; the whole was then steadily
raised to the woman's head by some of her colleagues, and she walked
off with her burthen amidst the uproarious shouts of the fraternity,
most of whom accompanied her to witness the completion of her
undertaking.

Mrs. O'Flannigan* performed her task with great tact and ability.
Bill sometimes got a little unsteady, which she at once con-ected by
shouting, •' Arrah, sit aisy, yer sowl, or it's smashed iu the kennel

• A portrait of " this imminent lady " was taken some few years since by IMr.
Hobert Cruikshank, for the late proprietor of Richardson's Hotel, Covent Garden
where it is probable it may still be seen.

JEM B0KT.

309

ye'll be iutirely, an small blame to meself for that same." Tht.-y
reached the grog-shop in safety, and here the gallant and eccentric
fellow not only paid his conductress handsomely for her trouble, but he
also ordered a treat for all hands as far as his casli would go, in honour

of his cousin Meley, which terminated in a general Irish row through-
out the market.

This was one of Ihe last of Bill's drinking bouts, and from this time
he used his utmost endeavours to keep free from intoxication. As lie
was an excellent seaman, and a trulj- brave fellow, it was proposed to
purchase him a ship in the merchant employ ; but this he declined,
being resolved to continue in the service of his king and country. Cap-
tain Weatherall gave him the rating of master's mate in the Kubynose,
and by carefully watching his failing, he succeeded in checking, and
eventually of correcting it altogether, so as to render himself eligible to
a lieutenancy, which in the course of time he obtained.

I always feel a degree of cheerless melancholy when bidding farewell

810 JEM BCNT.

to old acquaintances — particularly when they liave become endeared to
me by familiar associations in the hours of pleasantry and mirth : even
the seasons of affliction and difficulty have sweetened the companion-
ship, and the heart has been beguiled of half its sorrows by the
gratifying presence of honest worth. They may be oidy the creatures
of imagination — the peopling of the space in my lone apartment by the
visions of fancy, but, if intercourse with them elevates the mind to ])rize
and cherish virtue, whilst it excites abhorrence of and indignation
against vice, why they are the fi'iends that should be loved, and it is
difficult to part from them.

But this is a world of change, as well for the gorgeous sovereign as
the humbls tanner ; and we soon get through it — from the titled rich,
who keep their money in joint-stocks, to the poor washerwoman who
relies solely upon her coppers. We make a will, and death brings iu
his bill ; we offer him a check upon a bank of time, but it is dis-
honoured ; we pray for an extension — it is not granted ; the inflexible
creditor puts in an execution — a seizure takes place — our last note is
torn from us, and we ourselves are changed from time into eternity.

And now to finish this eventful history. Captain AYeatherall never
married agjain ; he attained an elevated rank in his profession, and his
son, following in his footsteps and aided by the interest of Sir
Mulberry, became a post-captain at twenty-three.

The worthy old admiral lived to hoist red at the main, and was
amongst the first promotions on the resumption of that honoured flag.

Mr. Elwester did not long survive the marriage of his daughter, but
his ardent wish to see her a countess was gratified, as, through a large
loan to government, he stipulated that his son-iu-law should be created
m earl. This was accomplished, but he was not spared to caress the
iittle lords and honourables that inci'eased the family ; he expii-ed, was
buried with great pomp — and a marble monument iu the parish church
of one of his estates records his unexampled virtues and his exemplary
piety.

The boatswain and gunner, after a suitable service, retired to enjoy
their otium cum dignitate ; but not much liking the cottage, they
removed to the neighbourhood of Greeuwicli Hospital, where they
enjoyed the society of old messmates and shipmates, and drank their
grog, and spun their tough yarns, till all was blue. The only mark of
displeasure Joe ever evinced against Wliiffintoffle was to get a sign-
painter to daub out the old gentleman's portrait, and paint his own
over it.

After the foregoing flourish from an old tar, which would puzzle the
boatswain to uncoil, it may be supposed that I am about to announce
the place of nativity of my hero, and thereby immortalize it for ever.
But no such thing shall I attempt. It is true, that contrary to former
precedent, a contention did occur as to which place he belonged, but
this happened while he was yet a little child ; and the strife was not as
to the sjiot that should claim him, but actually which should get rid of
liim ; and so important was the settling of the point considered, that
the records of centuries were searched, and gentleman high iu the legal

JEM BUNT. 811

profession occupied nearly a whole day in discussing the merits of this
in testing case, before the dignified judges of the land.

The question in dispute was not as to the child's birth-place, for that
was unknown, but touching the right of discordant parishes to exercise
their tender mercies in providing for his future wants.

Oh ! it was a grand spectacle to witness ; the judge upon the bench,
listening, when awake, to ihe pros and cons ; the counsel in the heat of
argument, shaking the powder from their curly-tail wigs ; and beadles,
and overseers of the poor, and fat parishioners, lending their eager ears
to the nice distinctions of the law although they could not understand
them.

At last after a patient, and of course impartial investigation of many
hours' duration, the court came to the decision that the boy was born
somewhere, (an axiom which he was at all times ready to demonstrate,
but more particularly at his meals) and that he was certainly chargeable
to some especial parish unknown.

Lady Harcourt, in the progress of time, had the satisfaction to see
her son much polished, but Jem never could wholly eradicate old
feelings and old remembrances : he underwent no particular course of
studies, but was led by judicious management to gain considerable
practical information upon almost every subject, which his own acute-
ness turned to general advantage, when a seat was purchased for him
in the House of Commons. Nor did he ever forget the humble station
from which he had arisen, for the industrious poor always found in him
u ready and active friend.

Pat Donovan had long paid suit and service to the buxom widow
Docherty, who had not smiled altogether favourably upon the worthy
Irishman, for — Pat was poor. But when Jem took the honest fellow
in his handsome carriage to visit her, and she saw his fine proportions
fashionably arrayed in an elegant coat and waistcoat, buck-skin tights,
and top-boots, he became irresistible, and she became Mrs. Donovan.
Lady Harcourt settled an annuity upon them. Pat enjoyed a sinecure,
and a cottage with a " pratee " garden — bis wife was created laundress
to the family.

Messrs. Glumbulky and Macaw cherished their parochial animosities,
for like other public functionaries, each had his own immediate coterie ;
that of Mr. Glumbulky meeting nightly — Sundays excepted — at the
sign of the "Parson and Corkscrew," and that of Mr. Macaw holding
their head quarters at the " Clerk and Halfcrown." But, as

Fleas have other fleas to bite 'em
And so go on ad itifinitum,

80 did the members individually of these coteries form coteries of their
own till war was waged to the very teeth of the boundaries, and an
annual fight took place between the rival charity schools on the Saints'
day, when the bumps inflicted on the invaders would have sadly puzzled
the learned Dr. Spurzheim, from the peculiarity of their situation, and
only to be accounted for on a principle oi free-lcnowledgy (it is a shocking
bad' pun — perhaps the last worst — but I cannot help it,) with which

812

J KM BUNT.

the doctor could have no acquaintance, especially as that talented man
was of opinion that education should he infused into the seat of intellect
— the hrain ; whereas, in parochial schools, it was flogged in at a very
different seat, (if I may be allowed the term) the antipodes to the
head.

At the Clerk and Half-crown, annually, on the first of M'ay, a handsome
dinner was provided at Jem's expense, he himself presiding on the occa-
sion, with the emblazonry of puce-and-silver on his right hand; every soul
in the poor-house being regaled at the same time — whilst a banquet waa
spread upon the lawn before Lady Harcourt's mansion for every
sweep who chose to partake of it.

Tho sign then known as "The Clerk and Half-crown'' has been
changed, but the house is yet standing beneath the benign influence
of Saint Leadandall ; and to commemorate the remarkable occurrence
the subjoined armorial bearings may be seen, richly painted and
gilded, over the mantel-piece of the club-room.

lOBTDON : — PRINTED BY WILI.OrOHBT & CO., 26, RMITHFIEID.

ILLUSTRATED STANDAUD WORKS

PUBLISHING BY

WILLOUGHBY & CO..

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