The Nineteenth Century 149 



twisted rope-yams formed a covering for the head, in the shape of an enor- 

 mous wig, with a considerable length of pigtail behind — the body was 

 covered with large fish-scales, but looked, however, very much like tin and 

 pewter — the arms were bare, but ornamented, as was also the neck, with 

 sea-shells and pieces of rock-coral, all of divers colours — the face, as much 

 of it as could be seen, was of a dingy snuff-shaded red — the eyes and fea- 

 tures displayed a laughter-loving fondness for fun and mischief. 



"Here I am, your honour," said he, taking the forelock of his sea-weed 

 covering between the finger and thumb of his left hand, and lugging it a 

 httle forward. 



The Lieutenant raised his hat in return to the salute. "And what are your 

 commands with us?" asked he. 



"I am a Triton, your honour, sent as a messenger by King Nepttuie, to 

 welcome all hands of you to his derminions," answered the strange-looking 

 being; "and to say as he pin'poses to pay you a wisit, with Queen Hamper- 

 tight, to muster the ship's company and claim the hiunbug (he meant 

 "hommage") of his subjects as have never crossed the equiknockshall hne 

 afore. And your honour knows as it's of no use to try and gammon him in 

 the regard of the overhauling, for here's a hst of names as he expects to 

 see, to do him soot and sarvice, as well to give a friendly hail to owld ship- 

 mates — that is, I means friends and acquaintances." 



"And that's kind on him, too," said the boatswain, who just made his 

 appearance; "but I'm saying, my scaly blade, do you think that he'll recol- 

 lect us aU?" 



"No doubt in the world. Master Blowbellows," answered the Triton; "you 

 see as I knows you. But there's much in regard of the cut and shape of the 

 figure-head, and yours arn't to be easuy forgotten, any how." 



A most insubordinate burst of laughter followed this response, for the 

 boatswain had about as ugly a countenance as any mortal would be glad 

 to get rid of; and he slued round, mumbling to himself, "Ho — ho — that's 

 it, is it? — all discipline hove to the devü. But never mind, my fine fellow, 

 I'll pay you off for your joke before many dog-watches are out, never fear." 



When order was somewhat restored, the Triton handed the hst to the 

 Lieutenant — (who had laughed as hearty as any of the rest) — and again 

 touching his sea-weed, he disappeared. There was the same splashing imder 

 the bows — the same 'Tdm up" and "gee wohy," but in a few minutes aU 

 was again silent, the sails were filled, and the watch returned to their 

 several duties. 



As soon as the decks were washed and dried, a spare topsail was triced 

 up athwart-ships to the after-shrouds of the fore-rigging, so as to conceal 

 every thing forward from those who were abaft; the hammocks were 

 stowed and the boatswain's mate piped to breakfast. During the meal, the 

 past and expected visits of the morning were amply discussed, and most 

 terrific pictures were given to the iminitiated, of the tortures they would 

 have to undergo. 



