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Now before this building, his blue coat laid by, his shirt sleeves

rolled up, his glazed hat on the back of his head, was the Bo'sun,

polishing away at a sing lustily as he worked So loudly did he sing,

and so engrossed was he, that he did not look up until he felt

Barnabas touch him Then he started, turned, stared, hesitated, and,

finally, broke into a semman as bore away for Lon'on

alongside Master Horatio, his Lordship!"

"Yes," said Barnabas, extending his hand, "how are you, Bo'sun?"

"Hearty, sir, hearty, I thank ye!" Saying which he touched his

forehead, rubbed his hand upon his trousers, looked at it, rubbed it

again, and finally gave it to Barnabas, though with an air of apology

"Been s a bit ship-shape, sir, 'count o' this here day

being a occasion,--but I'm hearty, sir, hearty, I thank ye"

"And the Captain," said Barnabas with some hesitation "How is the

Captain?"

"The Cap'n, sir," answered the Bo'sun, "the Cap'n is likewise hearty"

"And--Lady Cleone--is she well, is she happy?"

"Why, sir, she's as 'appy as can be expected--under the circumstances"

"What circumstances?"

"Love, sir"