t, without even drinking his
lordship's good health. He stared, and I believe thought me mad. I
certainly do own that my dress and appearance perfectly corresponded
with my actions. I had not been washed, shaved, or "cleaned," I since
had left the ship, three days before. My beard was grown, my cheeks
hollow, my eyes sunk, and for my stomach, I leave that to those
fortunate Frenchmen who escaped from the Russian campaign, who only can
appreciate my sufferings. My whole haggard frame was enveloped in a
huge blue flushing coat frosted like a plum-cake with ice and snow.

As soon as I could speak, I said, "I beg pardon, my lord, but I have had
nothing to eat or drink since I left the ship."

"Oh, _then_ you are very welcome," said his lordship; "I never expected
to see you again."

"Then why the devil did you send me?" thought I to myself.

During this short dialogue, I had neither been offered a chair or any
refreshment, of which I stood so much in need; and if I had been able,
should have been kept standing while I related my adventures. I was
about to commence, when the wine got into my head; and to support
myself, I leaned, or rather staggered, on the back of a chair.

"Never mind now," said the captain, apparently moved from his listless
apathy by my situation; "go and make yourself comfortable, and I will
hear it all to-morrow."

This was the only kind thing he had ever done for me; and it came so _a
propos_ that I felt grateful to him for it, thanked him, and went below
to the gun-room, where, notwithstanding all I had heard and read of the
dangers of repletion after long abstinence, I ate voraciously and drank
proportionately, ever and anon telling my astonished mess-mates, who
were looking on, what a narrow escape the dead body had of being
dissected and broiled. This, from the specimen of my performance, they
had no difficulty in believing. I recommended the three men who had
been with me to the care of the surgeon; and, with his permission,
presented each of them with a pint of hot brandy and water well
sweetened, by way of a night-cap. Having taken these precautions, and
satisfied the cravings of nature on my own part, as well as the cravings
of curiosity on that of my mess-mates, I went to bed and slept soundly
till the next day at noon.

Thus ended this anomalous and fatal expedition: an ambassador sent with
the sacred emblem of peace, to commit an act of hostility under its
protection. To h