1827.] Adcentures of Naufmgits. 153 



Vaitderbenholdcrstein, de Duke of Vellington would have lost every ting in de 

 vorld ' At that instant dinner was announced, and I bent my steps towards the 

 dining-room, marvelling greatly at the profound wisdom of the said Vanderbenhol- 

 derstein, but still more that I had never before heard mention even of his name." 



A tavern riot occurs here, which is laughably related ; but we like the 

 quarrels of the little French landlord at Serampore, Monsieur Darlow, 

 better : 



" This singular character was so very irascible, as to be continually fighting, 

 chiefly with Englishmen. In one of his contests, which were usually pugilistic, 

 he had the ill luck to lose his right eye, and in another, the whole of his front 

 teeth ; but sfill he remained as untameable as the hyaena j and seldom did he leave 

 his billiard-room when any English officers were there, without having to endure 

 the inconvenience of a temporary loss of his other eye. On these occasions he 

 was not idle in his execrations of the * diable Anglais /' in which he indulged 

 until his recovery was complete, when he would content himself by seizing the first 

 opportunity of having another set-to, and, in all probability, a fresh beating. His 

 disputes usually arose from espousing the cause of Napoleon, of whom he was an 

 ardent admirer. To me, however, he was remarkably assiduous, from the circum- 

 stance of my having a French lady for my wife; but not unfrequently would I find 

 him beginning on his weak point politics, and then Napoleon ; and when he did 

 so, as 1 knew his real temperament so well from report, I did not feel at all dis- 

 posed to argue the matter. When he found I did not dispute, or contradict his 

 rhapsodies, he was in an ecstacy of joy ; and hugging me in his arms with all the 

 fervour of a polar bear, declared * I was, be Gar, de best Anglais dat he ever 

 before see a very proper Anglais ! and dat he would give me is leetel finger/ 

 holding it up at the same time, * vit all de pleasure in de vorld P Telling him I 

 did not require such abundant proofs of his regard as that which he proposed, but 

 would prefer a bottle of his claret, he immediately ran down stairs, soon returning 

 with one under each arm. and one in each hand ; the contents of which always 

 proved so delicious, that I have sat enjoying myself very contentedly, while he 

 began upon the achievements of Napoleon, the whole of which he used to rehearse 

 from the beginning of his career, to the end. speaking very loud, in broken English, 

 and with a volubility that produced an effect extremely ludicrous. To all his dis- 

 course I listened attentively, nodding occasionally a sort of affirmation, and with 

 as much patience as if I had been in the hands of my hairdresser. At last, how- 

 ever, his wife supposing, from the noise he made, and guessing also from the 

 subject of his dialogue, that he waa going to fight, gently tapped at the door, and 

 in a shrill tone of voice called out, Monsieur D. / These mellifluous tones no 

 sooner saluted the sensitive ear of Monsieur, than he started, paused, and turning 

 suddenly pale, rose up ; and after apologizing for his abrupt departure, at the same 

 time reminding me of the precise situation in which he left Napoleon, he glided 

 quickly down stairs. I afterwards understood that he actually lived in constant 

 terror of this lady (his wife), a little delicate Hindoo girl, and the only person 

 in Serampore who could manage him. I was not sorry for having got rid of my 

 troublesome companion ; but reserving what remained of the wine for another 

 occasion, I retired to rest." 



The cup, however, of the afflictions of Naufragus is not yet full. Fail- 

 ing in his expectations of employment at Batavia, he sails for Padang, 

 where he arrives as he had arrived at Pulo Penang, seven years before 

 with one dollar in his possession ! but, Jess fortunate now than on tho 

 former occasion, he brings one possession beyond his single coin along 

 with him the very fever which has struck him with so much horror in 

 Batavia, and which in six weeks reduces him to the verge of the grave. 

 To tell the story in his own words he had found a friend, who was 

 ready to assist him ; his situation had been considered and canvassed ; and 

 the words of his patron were, " Cheer up, Naufragus ! Nil desperat-idum, 

 and all may yet be well." 



M.M. New Series. VoL.IV, No.20. X 



