ribs of the middy, that almost took
away his breath. We give this as a specimen of Mr Small's style of
practical and theoretical logic combined.

"The admiral, sir, is coming down the street," said Sleek, entering,
"and I think he is coming here."

Mr Small, who did not venture to chop logic with admirals, but was
excessively polite to such great people, went out to receive the
admiral, hat in hand.

"Now, Mr Small," said the admiral, "the counting-house for business, if
you please. I have very unexpected orders to leave Portsmouth. I must
save the next tide, if possible. The ships will be ready, for you know
what our navy can do when required: but as you know, I have not one atom
of stock on board. The flood-tide has made almost an hour, and we must
sail at the first of the ebb, as twelve hours' delay may be most
serious. Now, tell me--here is the list of what is required; boats will
be ready and men in plenty to get it on board;--can you get it ready by
that time?"

"By that time, Sir William?" replied Small, looking over the tremendous
catalogue.

"It is now eleven o'clock; can it all be down by four o'clock--that is
the latest I can give you?"

"Impossible, Sir William."

"It is of the greatest importance that we sail at five o'clock; the fact
is, I must and will; but it's hard that I must starve for a whole
cruise."

"Indeed, Sir William," said Mr Small, "if it were possible; but two
cows, so many sheep, hay, and everything to be got from the country; we
never could manage it. To-morrow morning, perhaps."

"Well, Mr Small, I have appointed no prize-agent yet; had you obliged
me--"

Our hero now stepped forward and ran over the list.

"Can you inform me, sir," said he to the flag-captain, "whether the
_Zenobia_ or _Orestes_ sail with the squadron?"

"No, they do not," was the reply.

"I beg your pardon, Mr Small," said Joey, "but I do think we can
accomplish this with a little arrangement."

"Indeed!" cried Sir William.

"Yes, Sir William; if you would immediately make the signals for two
boats to come on shore, with steady crews to assist me, I promise it
shall be done."

"Well said, O'Donahue!" cried the captain; "we are all right now,
admiral; if he says it shall be done, it will be done."

"May I depend upon you, Mr O'Donahue."

"Yes, Sir William; everything shall be as you wish."

"Well, Mr Small, if your young man keeps his word, you shall be my
prize-agent. Good morning to