8 A MONTH IN THE FORESTS OF FRANCE. 



of the crew advanced to introduce my dogs to the 

 most comfortable little horsebox, well strawed and 

 covered with a tarpaulin, that had been provided for 

 them on deck, and for which I had written. Into 

 this I put the hamper containing the four whelps, 

 and then fastened Malwood and the terriers with 

 their chains. As this was being perfected, I was 

 much amused with the way in which a jolly tar 

 fraternised with my terrier Nipper. The man was 

 in ecstasies with the dog, and treated him as if he 

 had been his own son, all because, as he assured me, 

 '^ the little dog was so like himself, ever ready for love 

 or war." Nip's attentions to both Malwood and Tacks, 

 as well as his inclination to " pitch into anything 

 alive," I fear warranted all the sailor's conclusions. 



I had now nothing to care for but myself. East, 

 west, north, and south were then carefully scanned 

 over, to ascertain the probability of the continuance 

 of smooth water and convalescent passengers, when, 

 all observations being satisfactory, I repaired to 

 the " infernal regions " below, to select a berth, re- 

 solving that if there was ruffle enough to make any 

 of the passengers ill, I would share dear old Mal- 

 wood's cabin ; for, never knowing what sea-sickness 

 is myself, it is a horror to me to be among those who 

 suffer from its terrible throes. In selecting a berth 



