t of a knowledge of administering to the cure of
souls!"

"And the cure of bodies, ye'll be permitting me to add, Sir Gervaise,"
observed Magrath, taking an enormous pinch of a strong yellow snuff.

"Our secretary would make but a lubberly fist at turning off a delicate
turtle-soup out of pig's-head; such as we puts on our table at sea, so
often," muttered Galleygo in the ear of Mrs. Larder.

"I see nothing to object to, Sir Gervaise, if the language is agreeable
to Sir Wycherly," answered the barrister by profession, though not by
practice. "It would be advisable to get his approbation of even the
language."

"That we intend to do, of course, sir. Sir Wycherly, do you find the
terms of this will to your liking?"

Sir Wycherly smiled, and very clearly gave the sign of assent.

"I thought as much--for, Atwood has made the wills of two admirals, and
of three captains, to my knowledge; and my Lord Chief Justice said that
one of the last would have done credit to the best conveyancer in
England, and that it was a pity the testator had nothing to bequeath.
Now, Sir Wycherly, will you have one executor, or more? If _one_, hold
up a single finger; and a finger for each additional executor you wish
us to insert in these blanks. One, Atwood--you perceive, gentlemen, that
Sir Wycherly raises but _one_ finger; and so you can give a flourish at
the end of the 'r,' as the word will be in the singular;--hey! Atwood?"

The secretary did as directed, and then reported himself ready to
proceed.

"It will be necessary for you now to _name_ your executor, Sir
Wycherly--make as little effort as possible, as we shall understand the
name, alone."

Sir Wycherly succeeded in uttering the name of "Sir Reginald
Wychecombe," quite audibly.

"This is plain enough," resumed the vice-admiral; "how does the sentence
read now, Atwood?"

"'_Imprimis:_--I do hereby constitute and appoint Sir Reginald
Wychecombe of Wychecombe-Regis, in the county of Herts, Baronet, the
executor of this my said will, &c.'"

"If that clause is to your liking, Sir Wycherly, have the goodness to
give the sign agreed on."

The sick man smiled, nodded his head, raised his hand, and looked
anxiously at his kinsman.

"I consent to serve, Sir Wycherly, if such is your desire," observed the
nominee, who detected the meaning of his kinsman's look.

"And now, sir," continued the vice-admiral; "it is necessary to ask you
a few questions, in order that Atwood may k