t of my biscuit--we shall
see;" and Mr Vanslyperken stepped into his boat and pulled on board.

On his arrival he found that a messenger had come on board during his
absence, with the letters of thanks from the king's loving cousins, and
with directions that he should return with them forthwith. This suited
the views of Vanslyperken; he wrote a long letter to the widow, in which
he expressed his willingness to sacrifice everything for her, not only
to hang his dog, but to hang himself if she wished it--lamented his
immediate orders for sailing, and hinted that, on his return, he ought
to find her more favourable. The widow read the letter, and tossed it
into the grate with a "Pish! I was not born yesterday, as the saying
is," cried the widow Vandersloosh.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN.

IN WHICH THE SHIP'S COMPANY JOIN IN A CHORUS, AND THE CORPORAL GOES ON A
CRUISE.

Mr Vanslyperken is in his cabin, with Snarleyyow at his side, sitting
upon his haunches, and looking in his master's face, which wears an air
of anxiety and discomfiture; the fact is, that Mr Vanslyperken is
anything but content; he is angry with the widow, with the ship's
company, with the dog, and with himself; but his anger towards the dog
is softened, for he feels that, if anything in this world loves him it
is the dog--not that his affection is great, but as much as the dog's
nature will permit; and, at all events, if the animal's attachment to
him is not very strong, still he is certain that Snarleyyow hates
everybody else. It is astonishing how powerful is the feeling that is
derived from habit and association. Now that the life of his cur was
demanded by one, and, as he was aware, sought for by many, Vanslyperken
put a value upon him that was extraordinary. Snarleyyow had become a
precious jewel in the eyes of his master, and what he suffered in
anxiety and disappointment from the perverse disposition of the animal,
only endeared him the more. "Yes, my poor dog," apostrophised the
lieutenant, "they would seek your life, nay, that hardhearted woman
demands that you should be laid dead at her porch. All conspire against
you, but be not afraid, my dog, your master will protect you against
all."

Vanslyperken patted the animal on the head, which was not a little
swelled from the blows received from the broom of Babette, and
Snarleyyow rubbed his nose against his master's trousers, and then
raised himself up, by putting his paw upon his master's kn