inous sin," said that individual, in his
sepulchral voice; "and I think it my duty to denounce such iniquity."

"You are welcome to do so, if it affords you any amusement," returned
Boreas, hauling up another great fish upon the deck, and coolly
re-baiting his hook; "but I would thank you to stand back and mind your
own business."

"It's my duty, man of sin, to warn you of your danger, and tell these
ill-advised people not to follow your evil example."

"Tol-de-rol!" said Boreas, snapping his fingers, and casting his line
overboard. "Our blessed Lord, when He was hungry, gathered ears of corn
and ate them, on the Sabbath-day. I and my people are starving, and we
fish to obtain food to preserve us and these little ones"--pointing to
the children--"alive. And now, Sir, you have had your answer."

The preacher regarded him with a sullen scowl, and turned away--but not
without sundry threatenings of Divine vengeance, "which he was certain,"
he affirmed, "would follow his wicked proceedings. And you, Madam," he
continued, addressing himself to Flora, "I am surprised to see you, who
ought to know better, not only abetting this man in his iniquitous
proceedings by your presence, but actually participating in his guilt!"

"If I thought he was acting wrong, Mr. S----," said Flora, "I should not
be here. But I consider that he is engaged in a good work, which God has
sanctioned, by giving us the food we sought."

"A false and worldly conclusion, which will be followed by the same
punishment that befel the rebellious Israelites in the wilderness, when
they lusted for strange food."

"The case is somewhat different. Their daily food, though distasteful to
them, was constantly supplied; but some of these people have no food at
all."

"They deserve to starve, for their disobedience and want of faith!"

"When our stores are exhausted," said Boreas, "those who are _well_
supplied must contribute their stock for the general benefit. We shall
not starve alone."

"How, Sir!--Do you expect the prudent to give up their substance to the
idle and the improvident?"

This was said with much asperity of look and tone.

"Hunger knows no law--respects no property. In cases of general
distress, men claim all things in common, and become Communists in
downright earnest. While your locker contains a single biscuit, you
will be called upon to share it with the rest."

Mr. S---- made no answer to this speech, and walked sullenly away.