he young gentleman sees his error, and has retracted; I ask
no more.' `If you are satisfied, sir,' replied the captain, biting his
lips, `of course I have nothing more to say. Youngster, you may go to
your duty, and recollect that you never again use such expressions to
your superior officer,' and, said he in a low tone, `I may add, never
venture in my presence to make such an apology as that again.'"

I never saw old Anderson laugh so much as he did at this story of my
father's. They continued to talk and smoke their pipes till about nine
o'clock, when my father and he went to the hospital, and Bramble took
possession of a bed which had been prepared for hints in my mother's
house.

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE.

IN WHICH I LEARN THE HISTORY OF OLD NANNY.

The next day, as soon as I had finished a letter to Bessy, in which I
gave her a detail of what had passed, I went to old Nanny's to persuade
her, if possible, to tell me her history. She was not at home, the door
of her house was locked, and the shutters of the shop fastened. I was
about to return to Fisher's Alley, when I perceived her hobbling down
the street. I thought it better to make it appear as if I met her by
accident; so I crossed over the way and walked towards her. "Well,
mother," said I, "are you out so early?"

"Ah, Jack, is it you? Yes, it is through you that I have had to take so
long a walk."

"Through me?"

"Yes, those presents you brought me. I'm almost dead. Why do you bring
such things? But I did not do badly, that's the truth."

I knew from this admission that old Nanny had sold them for more than
she expected; indeed, she proved it by saying, as she arrived at her
house, "Well, Jack, it's very troublesome to have to walk so far; but as
you cannot get me bottles or those kind of things, you must bring me
what you can, and I must make the best of them. I don't mind trouble
for your sake, Jack. Now take the key, unlock the door, and then take
down the shutters; and mind how you walk about, Jack, or you'll break
half the things in my shop." I did as she requested, and then we sat
down together at the door as usual.

"I think I shall go away to-morrow, or early the next morning, mother,"
said I, "for Bramble is here, and he never stays long from his work."

"That's all right, he sets a good example; and, Jack, if you do go, see
if you can't beg a few more shells for me: I like shells."

"Yes, mother, I will not forget; but, as