t eyes and broken-hearted."

"I calculate you are no fool of a screamer," said the American, shoving
off his boat from the barge, and pulling to his vessel.

"And I calculate you're no fool of a liar," said young Tom.

"Well, so he is; but I do like a good lie, Jacob, there's some fun in
it. But what the devil does the fellow mean by calling a gale of
wind--_a gal_?"

"I don't know," replied Tom, "unless for the same reason that we call a
girl _a blowing_."

Our conversation was here interrupted by Mr Hodgson, the new head
clerk, of whom I have hitherto said nothing. He came into the
establishment in the place of Mr Tomkins, when we quitted the Battersea
wharf, and had taken an evident dislike to me, which appeared to
increase every day, as Mr Drummond gave me fresh marks of his
approbation. "You, Faithful, come out of that barge directly, and go to
your desk. I will have no eye-servers under me. Come out, sir,
directly."

"I say, Mr Quilldriver," cried old Tom, "do you mean for to say that
Jacob is an eye-sarver?"

"Yes, I do; and want none of your impertinence, or I'll unship you, you
old blackguard."

"Well, then, for the first part of your story, my sarvice to you and you
_lies_; and as for the second, that remains to be proved."

Mr Hodgson's temper was not softened by this reply of old Tom. My
blood was also up, for I had borne much already; and young Tom was
bursting with impatience to take my part. He walked carelessly by the
head clerk, saying to me as he passed by, "Why, I thought, Jacob, you
were 'prentice to the river; but it seems that you're bound to the
counting-house. How long do you mean to sarve?"

"I don't know," replied I, as I walked away sulkily; "but I wish I was
out of my time."

"Very well, sir, I shall report your behaviour to Mr Drummond. I'll
make him know your tricks."

"Tricks! you won't let him know his tricks. His duty is to take his
trick at the wheel," replied old Tom; "not to be brought up at your
cheating tricks at the desk."

"Cheating tricks, you old scoundrel, what do you mean by that?" replied
Mr Hodgson, in a rage.

"My father means _ledger_demain, I suppose," replied young Tom.

This repartee from a quarter so little expected sent off the head clerk
more wroth than ever.

"You seemed to hit him hard there, Tom," said his father; "but I can't
say that I understand how."

"You've had me taught to read and write, father," replied young Tom;
"and a'