gro says, master Fid; he thinks that
yonder object, which is lifting so fast to leeward, is not a sail."

As the topman saw no sufficient reason for concealing his astonishment at
this wild opinion, it was manifested with all the embellishments with
which the individual in question usually set forth any of his more visible
emotions. After casting a short glance in the direction of the sail, in
order to assure himself there had been no deception, he turned his eyes in
great disgust on Scipio, as if he would vindicate the credit of the
association at the expense of some little contempt for the ignorance of
his companion.

"What the devil do you take it for, Guinea? a church?"

"I t'ink he'm church," responded the acquiescent black.

"Lord help the dark-skinned fool! Your Honour knows that conscience is
d----nab-y overlooked in Africa, and will not judge the nigger hardly for
any little blunder he may make in the account of his religion. But the
fellow is a thorough seaman, and should know a top-gallant-sail from a
weathercock. Now, look you, S'ip, for the credit of your friends, if
you've no great pride on your own behalf, just tell his"----

"It is of no account," interrupted the Rover. "Take you this glass, and
pass an opinion on the sail in sight yourself."

Fid scraped his foot, and made a low bow, in acknowledgment of the
compliment; and then, depositing his little tarpaulin hat on the deck of
the poop, he very composedly, and, as he flattered himself, very
understandingly, disposed of his person to take the desired view. The gaze
of the topman was far longer than had been that of his black companion;
and it is to be presumed, in consequence, much more accurate. Instead,
however, of venturing any sudden opinion, when his eye was wearied, he
lowered the glass, and with it his head, standing long in the attitude of
one whose thoughts had received some subject of deep cogitation. During
the process of thinking, the weed was diligently rolled over his tongue,
and one hand was stuck a-kimbo into his side, as if he would brace all his
faculties to support some extraordinary mental effort.

"I wait your opinion," resumed his attentive Commander, when he thought
sufficient time had been allowed to mature the opinion even of Richard
Fid.

"Will your Honour just tell me what day of the month this here may be,
and mayhap, at the same time, the day of the week too, if it shouldn't be
giving too much trouble?"

His two