r
saw such a fine swell in the counter, and all so trim--no ropes towing
overboard. Well, Mr Simple, I said to myself, `Damnt it, if her
figure-head and bows be finished off by the same builder, she's
perfect.' So I shot ahead, and yawed a little--caught a peep at her
through her veil, and saw two black eyes--as bright as beads, and as
large as damsons. I saw quite enough, and not wishing to frighten her,
I dropped astern. Shortly afterwards she altered her course, steering
for that white house. Just as she was abreast of it, and I playing
about the weather quarter, the priests came by in procession, taking the
_host_ to somebody who was dying. My little frigate lowered her
top-gallant sails out of respect, as other nations used to do, and ought
now, and be damned to them, whenever they pass the flag of old
England--"

"How do you mean?" inquired I.

"I mean that she spread her white handkerchief, which fluttered in her
hand as she went along, and knelt down upon it on one knee. I did the
same, because I was obliged to heave-to to keep my station, and I
thought, that if she saw me, it would please her. When she got up, I
was on my legs also; but in my hurry, I had not chosen a very clean
place, and I found out, when I got up again, that my white jean trowsers
were in a shocking mess. The young lady turned round, and seeing my
misfortune, laughed, and then went into the white house, while I stood
there like a fool, first looking at the door of the house, and then at
my trowsers. However, I thought that I might make it the means of being
acquainted with her, so I went to the door and knocked. An old
gentleman in a large cloak, who was her father, came out; I pointed to
my trowsers, and requested him in Spanish to allow me a little water to
clean them. The daughter then came from within, and told her father how
the accident had happened. The old gentleman was surprised that an
English officer was so good a Christian, and appeared to be pleased. He
asked me very politely to come in, and sent an old woman for some water.
I observed that he was smoking a bit of paper, and having very
fortunately about a couple of dozen of real Havannahs in my pocket (for
I never smoke anything else, Mr Simple, it being my opinion that no
gentleman can), I took them out, and begged his acceptance of them. His
eyes glistened at the sight of them, but he refused to take more than
one however, I insisted upon his taking the whole