to capitulate.
The doctor then changed the subject, and talked about the yellow fever,
and other diseases of the climate; so that by his account, the West
India islands were but hospitals to die in. Those most likely to be
attacked were men in full strong health. The spare men stood a better
chance. This conversation was carried on until it was time to leave--
Mrs To at last quite silent, and the captain gulping down his wine with
a sigh. When we rose from table, Mrs To did not ask us, as usual, to
stay and hear a little music; she was, like her piano, not a little out
of tune.

"By the powers, doctor, you did that nately," said O'Brien, as we left
the cabin.

"O'Brien," said the doctor, "oblige me, and you, Mr Simple, oblige me
also, by not saying a word in the ship about what I have said; if it
once gets wind, I shall have done no good; but if you both hold your
tongues for a short time, I think I may promise you to get rid of
Captain To, his wife, and his pigs." We perceived the justice of his
observation, and promised secrecy. The next day the ship sailed for
Plymouth, and Mrs To sent for the doctor, not being very well. The
doctor prescribed for her, and I believe, on my conscience, made her
worse on purpose. The illness of his wife, and his own fears, brought
Captain To more than usual in contact with the doctor, of whom he
frequently asked his candid opinion, as to his own chance in a hot
country.

"Captain To," said the doctor, "I never would have given my opinion, if
you had not asked it, for I am aware, that, as an officer, you would
never flinch from your duty, to whatever quarter of the globe you may be
ordered; but as you have asked the question, I must say, with your full
habit of body, I think you would not stand a chance of living for more
than two months. At the same time, sir, I may be mistaken; but at all
events, I must point out that Mrs To is of a very bilious habit, and I
trust you will not do such an injustice to an amiable women, as to
permit her to accompany you."

"Thanky, doctor, I am much obliged to you," replied the captain, turning
round and going down the ladder to his cabin. We were then beating down
the Channel; for, although we ran through the Needles with a fair wind,
it fell calm, and shifted to the westward, when we were abreast of
Portland. The next day the captain gave an order for a very fine pig to
be killed, for he was out of provisions. Mrs To still kept her be