."

"Give them to my steward.--`Small chair for Ellen--canvas for
veranda.'--Oh! here's something else--have you any painted canvas?"

"Only a waist-hammock-cloth, sir, ready fitted."

"We must expend that; `no old on charge.' Send it on shore to the
cottage, and I shall want some pitch."

"We've lots of that, your honour."

"That will do, Mr Hurley; desire the sentry to tell my steward to come
here."

"Yes, your honour." (Exit boatswain, and enter steward.)

This personage belonged to the party of marines, who had been drafted
into the ship--for Captain Capperbar's economical propensities would not
allow him to hire a servant brought up to the situation, who would have
demanded wages independent of the ship's pay. Having been well drilled
at barracks, he never answered any question put to him by an officer,
without recovering himself from his usual "stand-at-ease" position--
throwing shoulders back, his nose up in the air, his arms down his
sides, and the palms of his hands flattened on his thighs. His replies
were given with all the brevity that the question would admit, or rapid
articulation on his own part would enable him to confer.

"Thomas, are the sugar and cocoa ready to go on shore?"

"Yes, sir."

"Don't forget to send that letter to Mr Gibson for the ten dozen port
and sherry."

"No, sir."

"When it comes on board, you'll bring it on shore a dozen at a time, in
the hair trunk."

"Yes, sir."

"Mind you don't let any of the hay peep outside."

"No, sir."

"Has the cooper finished the washing-tubs?"

"Yes, sir."

"And the small kids?"

"No, sir."

"Have you inquired among the ship's company for a gardener?"

"Yes, sir; there's a marine kept the garden of the major in the
barracks."

"Don't forget to bring him on shore."

"No, sir."

"Recollect, too, that Mrs Capperbar wants some vinegar--the boatswain's
is the best--and a gallon or two of rum--and you must corn some beef.
The harness cask may remain on shore, and the cooper must make me
another."

"Yes, sir."

"Master Henry's trousers--are they finished yet?"

"No, sir; Spriggs is at them now. Bailly and James are making Miss
Ellen's petticoats."

"And the shoes for Master John--are they finished?"

"Yes, sir."

"And Master Henry's?"

"No, sir. Wilson says that he has lost Master Henry's measure."

"Careless scoundrel! he shall have four-water grog for a week; and,
steward, take three bags of bread on shore, a