that mattresses should be made of cork, with bands and straps to
facilitate buckling them together, and that a ship's chairs, tables,
camp-stools, etcetera, should be so constructed as to be convertible
into rafts, which might be the means of saving hundreds of lives that
would, under present arrangements, inevitably be lost. Why, I ask, does
not Government see to this? have a special committee appointed to
investigate, find out the best plan, and compel its adoption? Men will
never do this. They are too obstinate. What's wanted is that our
ladies should take it up, and howl with indignation till it is done."

"My dear Giles, ladies never howl," said Barret, quietly tapping the end
of an egg; "they smile, and gently insinuate--that is always sufficient,
because irresistible!"

"Well, being a bachelor I cannot say much on that point," returned
Jackman. "But I was not aware that _you_ were married?"

"Neither am I; but I have a mother and sisters, aunts and cousins, and I
know their ways."

"If such are their ways, I must get you to introduce me to them," said
the woods-and-forester. "Come on deck, now, and I will give you a
practical illustration of what might be done."

Jackman, being an enthusiast, always went at things, "with a will."

"Bring me a hen-coop, Quin," he said to the steward, who, having so far
completed his morning work, and consumed his morning meal, was smoking
his pipe, seated on the rail beside Tips. Tips was an admirer of the
Irishman, and, in consequence, an imitator as far as he dared and was
permitted.

"Lend a hand, ye spalpeen," said Quin, going forward, and quickly
returning with the coop, from which a cackling of strong remonstrance
issued.

"Will ye have the other wan too, sor?"

"Yes, and the main-hatch besides, and a lot of spun-yarn. Of course
that's not strong enough for real service, but it will do for
illustration."

In a few minutes the two hen-coops were placed face to face and lashed
firmly together, despite the remonstrative poultry. Then the main-hatch
was laid upon the top, and fixed there by means of the iron rings at its
four corners.

"Now, Quin, fetch four of the cabin chairs," said the operator, "and
observe, gentlemen, how much more easily and quickly this would have
been accomplished if the coops, and hatch, and chairs had been made to
fit into each other, with a view to this very purpose, with strong
straps and buckles in handy positions. Now, the