passed since he had left the widow's, and the
supernatural appearance of the dog after he had thrown it overboard. He
then pointed out that it was necessary that Vanslyperken should not only
be blinded as to the state of matters between them, but that, to entrap
him still more, the widow should, if possible, make friends with him.
To this the widow unwillingly consented; but as the corporal pointed out
that that was the only chance of her occasionally seeing him, and that
by his pretending to be in love with Babette, Vanslyperken might be
deceived completely, she did consent; the more so, that the greater
would be his disappointment at the end, the more complete would be her
vengeance. Their plans being arranged, it was then debated whether it
would not be better to send some message on board to Vanslyperken, and
it was agreed that it should be taken by the corporal. At last all was
arranged, the six bottles of beer were finished, and the corporal having
been permitted to imprint as many hearty smacks upon the widow's thick
and juicy lips, he returned on board.

"Come on board, Mynheer Vanslyperken," said the corporal, entering the
cabin.

"Very well, corporal; did you do all you wanted? for we sail again at
daylight."

"Yes, Mynheer, and I see somebody I never see before."

"Who was that, corporal?" replied Vanslyperken, for he had been feasting
upon the recollections of the fair Portsmouth widow, and was in a very
good humour.

"One fine Frau, Mynheer Vanslyperken--very fine Frau. Babette came up
to me in the street."

"Oh, Babette; well, what did she say?"

Hereupon the corporal, as agreed with the widow, entered into a long
explanation, stating his Babette had told him that her mistress was very
much surprised that Mr Vanslyperken had passed close to the door, and
had never come in to call upon her; that her mistress had been quite
satisfied with Mr Vanslyperken's letter, and would wish to see him
again; and that he the corporal, had told Babette the dog had been
destroyed by him, Mr Vanslyperken, and he hoped he had done right in
saying so.

"No," replied Vanslyperken, "you have done wrong, and if you go on shore
again, you may just give this answer, that Mr Vanslyperken don't care a
damn for the old woman; that she may carry her carcase to some other
market, for Mr Vanslyperken would not touch her with a pair of tongs.
Will you recollect that, corporal?"

"Yes," replied the corporal, grinding his