ted the surprising
appearance of their master, whom before they had only seen en passant;
and at length, one of the gentlemen, accosting him very courteously,
signified his wonder at seeing him in such an equipage, and asked if
he had not dropped his companion by the way. "Why look ye, brother,"
replied the commodore, "mayhap you think me an odd sort of a fellow,
seeing me in this trim, especially as I have lost part of my rigging;
but this here is the case, d'ye see: I weighed anchor from my own house
this morning, at ten A.M. with fair weather, and a favourable breeze
at south-south-east, being bound to the next church on the voyage of
matrimony: but howsomever, we had not run down a quarter of a league,
when the wind shifting, blowed directly in our teeth; so that we were
forced to tack all the way, d'ye see, and had almost been up within
sight of the port, when these sons-of-b--s of horses, which I had
bought but two days before (for my own part, I believe they are devils
incarnate), luffed round in a trice, and then, refusing the helm, drove
away like lightning with me and my lieutenant, who soon came to anchor
in an exceeding good berth. As for my own part, I have been carried over
rocks, and quicksands; among which I have pitched away a special good
tie-periwig, and an iron-bound hat; and at last, thank God! am got into
smooth water and safe riding; but if ever I venture my carcass upon such
a hare'um scare'um blood-of-a-b-- again, my name is not Hawser Trunnion,
d-- my eyes!"

One of the company, struck with this name, which lie had often heard,
immediately laid hold on his declaration at the close of this singular
account, and, observing that his horses were very vicious, asked how he
intended to return. "As for that matter," replied Mr. Trunnion, "I am
resolved to hire a sledge or waggon, or such a thing as a jackass; for
I'll be d--d if ever I cross the back of a horse again."--"And what do
you propose to do with these creatures?" said the other, pointing to the
hunters; "they seem to have some mettle; but then they are mere colts,
and will take the devil-and-all of breaking: methinks this hinder one is
shoulder-slipped."--"D-- them," cried the commodore, "I wish both their
necks were broke, thof the two cost me forty good yellow-boys.".-"Forty
guineas!" exclaimed the stranger, who was a squire and a jockey, as well
as owner of the pack, "Lord! Lord! how a man may be imposed upon!
Why, these cattle are clumsy