is was not the way to try people and that Sam
must hold his tongue; so the trial went on, and at first they had it all
their own way. Then our turn came, and I was called up to prove what
had passed, and I stated how the man was with Sam's wife, and how he,
having the harpoon-iron in his hand, had run it through his body. Then
they compared the certificates, and it was proved that the little
Jezebel had married them both; but she had married Sam first, so he had
the most right to her; but fancying the other man afterwards, she
thought she might as well have two strings to her bow. So the judge
declared that she was Sam's wife, and that any man, even without the
harpoon in his hand, would be justified in killing a man whom he found
in bed with his own wife. So Sam went scot-free; but the judge wouldn't
let off Sam's wife, as she had caused murder by her wicked conduct; he
tried her a'terwards for _biggery_, as they call it, and sent her over
the water for life. Sam never held up his head a'terwards; what with
having killed an innocent man, and the 'haviour of his wife, he was
always down. He went out to the fishery, and a whale cut the boat in
two with her tail; Sam was stunned, and went down like a stone. So you
see the mischief brought about by this little Jezebel, who must have two
husbands, and be damned to her."

"Well, that's a good yarn, father," said Tom, as soon as it was
finished. "I was right in saying I would hear it. Wasn't I?"

"No," replied old Tom, putting out his large hand, and seizing his son
by the collar; "and now you've put me in mind of it, I'll pay you off
for old scores."

"Lord love you, father, you don't owe me anything," said Tom.

"Yes, I do; and now I'll give you a receipt in full."

"O Lord! they'll be drowned," screamed Tom, holding up both his hands
with every symptom of terror.

Old Tom turned short round to look in the direction, letting go his
hold. Tom made his escape, and burst out a-laughing. I laughed also,
and so at last did his father.

I went on shore, and found that old Tom's report was correct--the
Dominie was at breakfast with Mr Drummond. The new usher had charge of
the boys, and the governors had allowed him a fortnight's holiday to
visit an old friend at Greenwich. To save expense, as well as to
indulge his curiosity, the old man had obtained a passage down in the
lighter. "Never yet, Jacob, have I put my feet into that which floateth
on the watery el