ugh, "profane and execrable wretch!--we have said, that in
consideration of those rights which, even in thy filthy person, we feel
no inclination to violate, we have condescended to make reply to thy
rude and unseasonable inquiries. We nevertheless, for your unhallowed
intrusion upon our councils, believe it our duty to mulct thee and thy
companion in each a gallon of Black Strap--having imbibed which to the
prosperity of our kingdom--at a single draught--and upon your bended
knees--ye shall be forthwith free either to proceed upon your way, or
remain and be admitted to the privileges of our table, according to your
respective and individual pleasures."

"It would be a matter of utter impossibility," replied Legs, whom the
assumptions and dignity of King Pest the First had evidently inspired
some feelings of respect, and who arose and steadied himself by the
table as he spoke--"It would, please your majesty, be a matter of utter
impossibility to stow away in my hold even one-fourth part of the same
liquor which your majesty has just mentioned. To say nothing of the
stuffs placed on board in the forenoon by way of ballast, and not to
mention the various ales and liqueurs shipped this evening at different
sea-ports, I have, at present, a full cargo of 'humming stuff' taken in
and duly paid for at the sign of the 'Jolly Tar.' You will, therefore,
please your majesty, be so good as to take the will for the deed--for by
no manner of means either can I or will I swallow another drop--least
of all a drop of that villainous bilge-water that answers to the hall of
'Black Strap.'"

"Belay that!" interrupted Tarpaulin, astonished not more at the length
of his companion's speech than at the nature of his refusal--"Belay that
you tubber!--and I say, Legs, none of your palaver! My hull is still
light, although I confess you yourself seem to be a little top-heavy;
and as for the matter of your share of the cargo, why rather than raise
a squall I would find stowageroom for it myself, but"--

"This proceeding," interposed the president, "is by no means in
accordance with the terms of the mulct or sentence, which is in its
nature Median, and not to be altered or recalled. The conditions we have
imposed must be fulfilled to the letter, and that without a moment's
hesitation--in failure of which fulfilment we decree that you do here be
tied neck and heels together, and duly drowned as rebels in yon hogshead
of October beer!"

"A senten