within these
water-marks was under the laws of Leaphigh; all between them and those
of some other country, was the high seas; and all within those of
the other country, Leaplow for instance, was under the exclusive
jurisdiction of that other country.

With a favorable wind, the Walrus could run to the watermarks in about
half a day; from thence to the water-marks of Leaplow was two days'
sail, and another half day was necessary to reach our haven. As we
drew near the legal frontiers of Leaphigh, several small fast-sailing
schooners were seen hovering just without the jurisdiction of the king,
quite evidently waiting our approach. One boarded us, just as the outer
edge of the spanker-boom got clear of the Leaphigh sovereignty. Judge
People's Friend rushed to the side of the ship, and before the crew of
the boat could get on deck, he had ascertained that the usual number of
prizes had been put into the little wheel.

A monikin in a bob of a most pronounced character, or which appeared to
have been subjected to the second amputation, being what is called in
Leaplow a bob-upon-bob, now approached, and inquired if there were
any emigrants on board. He was made acquainted with our characters and
objects. When he understood that our stay would most likely be short, he
was evidently a little disappointed.

"Perhaps, gentlemen," he added, "you may still remain long enough to
make naturalization desirable?"

"It is always agreeable to be at home in foreign countries--but are
there no legal objections?"

"I see none, sir--you have no tails, I believe?"

"None but what are in our trunks. I did not know, however, but the
circumstance of our being of a different species might throw some
obstacles in the way."

"None in the world, sir. We act on principles much too liberal for so
narrow an objection. You are but little acquainted with the institutions
and policy of our beloved and most happy country, I see, sir. This is
not Leaphigh, nor Leapup, nor Leapdown, nor Leapover, nor Leapthrough,
nor Leapunder; but good old, hearty, liberal, free and independent, most
beloved, happy, and prosperous beyond example, Leaplow. Species is of
no account under our system. We would as soon naturalize one animal as
another, provided it be a republican animal. I see no deficiency about
any of you. All we ask is certain general principles. You go on two
legs--"

"So do turkeys, sir."

"Very true--but you have no feathers."

"Neither has a