ff? Remember thou art at
Boston, and not in old England. Here, men drink in a godly manner, and
use the gifts of Providence as not abusing them; and not like blinded
papists, or as some say, like them of the Church of England; but I am
more liberal, as becomes one of my profession. Be thankful for the
clemency of Master Prout, a worthy man, and a considerate, whose
advice is like silver nails driven in by the master of assemblies."

Thus continued, in this strain, the astute landlord, until Master
Prout had left the house, and was out of hearing, when he released the
captain, and allowed him liberty of speech.

If the publican had expected a burst of angry language from the
sailor, he was agreeably disappointed. So far from venting his
feelings in that way, the worthy captain seemed now to consider all
that had happened as a capital joke, and broke out in a hearty laugh.

"Queer country, my men, this," he said, "where a meddlesome tipstaff
will not let a true-blooded Englishman pay toll to his Majesty's
excise. But old Sour-chops is gone, and we will have 'tother bottle
now to drink better manners to him; so bear a hand, Nettle, Thistle,
or whatever you call yourself."

"I dare not give you more wine for the present," said the host.
"Master Prout's authority is absolute in this matter, and not a drop
from spigot or bottle runs on your account. Be reasonable, noble
captain," he continued, seeing that the sailor was disposed to insist
on his demand, "and consider that in refusing thee, I do in some sort
prejudice myself for our mutual benefit."

Here the companions of the captain interfering, and the citizens, in
particular, insisting that on no account would they drink more, the
refractory Sparhawk, after some growls at the "queer country," was
obliged to submit, and soon after, paying the reckoning, took leave
with his company.

The scene was not altogether new to Arundel, who had looked on with
amused interest. It was not the first time when he had seen the
official in the exercise of his somewhat arbitrary authority, order
away, like the physician of Sancho Panza in his famous government of
Barrataria, the goblet, just as it was about to be carried to the lips
of the expecting guest. He had before laughed at the stare of
bewildered disappointment of the astonished toper, and the subdued
humor of Master Prout, hardly concealed by his austere exterior, but
he felt no disposition to censure the severity of the reg