rman
confederation--at another in South America, canvassing the merits of
Bolivar and Saint Martin. There was no stopping him; his tongue was
like the paddle of a steam-boat, and almost threw as much spray in my
face. At last I threw off my coat, which he continued to hold in his
hand by the third button, and threw myself into one of the cribs
appropriated to passengers, wishing him a good night. He put my coat
down in the crib beneath, and as he could no longer hold the button, he
laid hold of the side of the crib, and continued his incessant clack.
At last I turned my back to him, and made no answer, upon which he made
a retreat, and when I awoke the next morning, I found that he was too
ill to spout politics, although as he progressed, he spouted what was
quite as bad.

Par parenthese, he was a great liar, and as he drew a long bow when he
was able to talk, so did he prove a long shot when he was sea-sick.
Confound the fellow, I think I see him now--there he stood, a tall,
gaunt misery, about the height of a workhouse pump, and the basin was on
the floor of the cabin, nearly three feet from his two feet; without
condescending to stoop, or to sit down, or to lift up the basin, so as
to lessen the distance, he poured forth a parabola, "quod nunc
describere" had just as well be omitted. I shall therefore dismiss this
persecuting demon, by stating, that he called himself a baron, the truth
of which I doubted much; that he was employed by crowned heads, which I
doubted still more. On one point, however, I had little doubt, although
he did not enter upon the subject, (and his tongue to a great degree
confirmed it) that he was a _chevalier d'industrie_.

"I am rid of him, thank God," exclaimed I, as I went on deck to breathe
a little fresh air, having lighted my cigar in the steward's berth as I
ascended. The first objects which attracted my attention, were a young
gentleman and lady, the former standing by the latter, who was sitting
in a pensive position, with her elbow leaning on the gunnel. She was in
deep mourning, and closely veiled.

"And how does the beautiful Maria find herself this morning?" said the
young gentleman, leaning over her with his hand on the rail to support
himself.

The beautiful Maria! How was it possible not to be attracted by such a
distinguishing appellation? The beautiful Maria! I thought of Sterne's
Maria, and the little dog with a string, and I trimmed my ear like a
windsail in