ontract,
and chaws off ears as a matter of genteel business, why it ain't my
cut."

JEFFRY MAULBOY took another chew of tobacco.

"You can go on," he said. "I won't hurt you. You're too small potatoes
for me."

While this gentle raillery was in progress, BELINDA felt somebody
tugging at her dress. She looked down, and saw Mr. ARCHIBALD BLINKSOP, a
sailor-looking chap who smelt of tar, and well he might, for he had
ploughed the tempestuous deep for upwards of six months, as a common
sailor on the Erie Canal.

"Shiver my starboard binnacle amidships," said he, "why don't you choose
_me?"_

She squeezed his hand and winked at him.

"I _will_ choose you, dear," said she. "Don't blush so."

The game has commenced.

JEFFRY MAULBOY, standing aloof, is just taking a fresh chew, when a hand
is laid on his shoulder.

The hand is that of ANN BRUMMET, the poor relation, and the voice that
breaks on his ear is also the property of that extraordinary woman.

"JEFF," said she cautiously, "meet me in just half an hour, out back of
the house. You know the place. Where the woodbine has twined so much.
I've got something _very_ particular to tell you." And she pinched his
arm slyly.

The game progresses.

The Hon. MICHAEL LADLE and ARCHIBALD BLINKSOP are conversing together.

"That MAULBOY is a jackass," said the former. "Is he a friend of
your'n?"

"Well, not exactly," returned ARCHIBALD. "You see, it's just like this,"
he continued, hitching up his pants behind, and rolling, the same as
sailors do on the stage. "About two months ago JEFF made a voyage with
me. One night we were bowling along the canal under a very stiff breeze.
The compass stood north-east and a half, the thermometer was chafing
fearfully, and the jib-boom, only two-thirds reefed was lashing
furiously against the poop-deck. Suddenly, that terrible cry, 'A man
overboard!' I lost no time. I bore down on the taffrail threw the cook
overboard, and soon had the satisfaction of seeing our noble craft lay
over abaft the wind. Then, quick as thought, I belayed the windlass and
lowered a gaff. It struck something soft. I heard JEFF cry: 'Don't hit
my head again.' I was careful. The gaff slid along his back, and finally
settled firmly into the seat of his trousers. He was hoisted aboard. The
first thing he did was to see if his tobacco was safe. Then he offered
me a chew and said: 'Bless you, bless you; you have saved my life, and
owe me a debt of gratitude fo