id a
third.

"I said as how it would be," said Obadiah Coble--"that dog is no dog, as
sure as I sit here."

The return of the dog certainly had a strong effect upon the whole of
the ship's company. The corporal swore that he was not in the cabin,
and that Mr Vanslyperken had arranged for his going on shore to look
for him, when all of a sudden the dog made his appearance, no one knew
how. Smallbones found himself so much in the minority, that he said
nothing. It was perfect heresy not to believe that the dog was sent
from the lower regions; and as for any further attempts to destroy it,
it was considered as perfect insanity.

But this renewed attempt on the part of Smallbones, for Vanslyperken was
convinced that an attempt had been made, although it had not been
successful, again excited the feelings of Mr Vanslyperken against the
lad, and he resolved somehow or another to retaliate. His anger
overcame his awe, and he was reckless in his desire of vengeance. There
was not the least suspicion of treachery on the part of Corporal Van
Spitter in the heart of Mr Vanslyperken, and the corporal played his
double part so well, that, if possible, he was now higher in favour than
ever.

After a day or two, during which Mr Vanslyperken remained on board, he
sent for the corporal, determining to sound him as to whether he would
make any attempts upon Smallbones; for to such a height had
Vanslyperken's enmity arrived, that he now resolved to part with some of
his darling money, to tempt the corporal, rather than not get rid of the
lad. After many hints thrown out, but not taken by the wily corporal,
who was resolved that Vanslyperken should speak plainly, the deed and
the reward of ten guineas were openly proclaimed, and Vanslyperken
waited for the corporal's reply.

"Mein Gott, Mynheer Vanslyperken! suppose it was possible, I not take
your money, I do it wid pleasure; but, sir, it not possible."

"Not possible!" exclaimed Vanslyperken.

"No, mynheer," replied the corporal; "I not tell you all, tousand
tyfils, I not tell you all;" and here the corporal put his hand to his
forehead and was silent, much to Vanslyperken's amazement. But the fact
was, that Corporal Van Spitter was thinking what he possibly could say.
At last, a brilliant thought struck him--he narrated to the lieutenant
how he had seen the ghost of Smallbones, as he thought, when he was
floating about, adrift on the Zuyder Zee--described with great forc