or so small a cottage, and comfortably furnished,
with a floor of red tile, and with a grate at one end well raised up
from the hearth. Upon the hob a kettle sang murmurously, and on a trivet
stood a plate whereon rose a tower of toasted muffins. A round table
occupied the middle of the floor and was spread with a snowy cloth
whereon cups and saucers were arranged, while in the midst stood a great
bowl of shrimps.

Now above the mantel-piece, that is to say, to the left of it, and
fastened to the wall, was a length of rope cunningly tied into what is
called a "running bowline," above this, on a shelf specially contrived
to hold it, was the model of a full-rigged ship that was--to all
appearances--making excellent way of it, with every stitch of canvas set
and drawing, alow and aloft; above this again, was a sextant, and a
telescope. Opposite all these, upon the other side of the mantel, were a
pair of stirrups, three pairs of spurs, two cavalry sabres, and a
carbine, while between these objects, in the very middle of the chimney,
uniting, as it were, the Army, and the Navy, was a portrait of
Queen Victoria.

Bellew also noticed that each side of the room partook of the same
characteristics, one being devoted to things nautical, the other to
objects military. All this Bellew noticed while the soldier was brewing
the tea, and the sailor was bestowing the last finishing touches to
the muffins.

"It aren't often as we're honoured wi' company, sir," said Peterday, as
they sat down, "is it, Dick?"

"No," answered the Sergeant, handing Bellew the shrimps.

"We ain't had company to tea," said Peterday, passing Bellew the
muffins, "no, we ain't had company to tea since the last time Miss
Anthea, and Miss Priscilla honoured us, have we, Dick?"

"Honoured us," said the Sergeant, nodding his head approvingly, "is the
one, and only word for it, Peterday."

"And the last time was this day twelve months, sir,--because
why?--because this day twelve months 'appened to be Miss Priscilla's
birthday,--consequently to-day is her birthday, likewise,--wherefore the
muffins, and wherefore the shrimps, sir, for they was this day to have
once more graced our board, Mr. Bellew."

"'Graced our board,'" said the Sergeant, nodding his head again,
"'graced our board,' is the only expression for it, Peterday. But they
disappointed us, Mr. Bellew, sir,--on account of the sale."

"Messmate," said Peterday, with a note of concern in his voice,