10 AN AMERICAN FARMER IN ENGLAND. 



" Is that all, sir?" 



"Well, no ; the old man said, if you was a mind to, he'd like 

 to have me see if I could make a trade with yer for some 'backy. 

 We hain't had none now a going on two week, and he's a most 

 sick. How is't yer mind to?" 



"Is that all your business, sir?" 



"Well yes; guess 'tis about all." 



"I think you had better go into your boat, sir." 



He thought so too, when he saw the main-yard immediately 

 afterwards begin to swing round. As the officer stepped below, 

 he went over the side. When he called out to have the painter 

 let go though, he was told to wait a bit, and directly a small 

 parcel of tobacco was handed down, and the same officer, looking 

 over the rail, asked, 



"Did you say the Lucretia Ann?" 



"Ay, ay, sir; Lucreetshy Ann, of Sag-Harbor." 



"Mr. Starrboard, I believe." 



" < Buck ' sir, l buck.' How about this 'backey ? " 



The lieutenant, raising his head, his cap, striking the main- 

 sheet as it was being hauled down, was knocked off and fell into 

 the water, when one of the whalers immediately lanced it and 

 held it up dripping. 



" Hallo, mister ; I say, what shall we do with this cap ? Did 

 you mean ter throw it in." 



The officer once more looked over the side, with half a dozen 

 grinning middies, and imperturbably dignified, replied, 



"You will do me the favor to present it to captain Buck, and 

 say to him, if you please, that when he wishes to communicate 

 with one of Her Majesty's ships again, it will be proper for him 

 to do so in person." 



"Oh, certainly oh, yes ; good night to yer. Here, let's have 

 that cap. Give way, now, boys," so saying he clapped it on the 



