"Most brave and gallant
mariner, Count Funnibos and Baron Stilkin desire to return you their
most profuse thanks for the service you have rendered them, in
conducting them this far on their journey, and making known to them
this, I doubt not, worthy, stout, and sturdy captain, with whom they are
about to commence their voyages over the treacherous ocean."

"That's neither here nor there; I was happy to do you a service and
you're welcome to it, only in future don't make promises which you
cannot pay in better coin than that you have treated me with; and so
good day, Count Fuddlepate and Baron Stickum, or whatever you call
yourselves," answered the sailor; who, sticking his pipe in his mouth,
which he had taken out to make this long speech, and putting his hands
in his pocket, rolled back to where he had left his companions, to whom
he failed not to recount the liberal treatment he had received in the
way of compliment from the two exalted individuals he had introduced to
Captain Jan Dunck.

CHAPTER TWO.

"Well, Mynheers, the sooner we get on board the galiot the better," said
Captain Jan Dunck, addressing the Count and Baron. "She's a fine
craft--a finer never floated on the Zuyder Zee; she carries a wonderful
amount of cargo; her accommodation for passengers is excellent; her
cabin is quite a palace, a fit habitation for a king. She's well found
with a magnificent crew of sturdy fellows, and as to her captain, I
flatter myself--though it is I who say it--that you will not find his
equal afloat; yes, Mynheers, I say so without vanity. I've sailed, man
and boy, for forty years or more on the stormy ocean, and never yet
found my equal. I will convey you and your luggage and all other
belongings to Amsterdam with speed and safety, always providing the
winds are favourable, and we do not happen to stick on a mud-bank to be
left high and dry till the next spring-tide, or that a storm does not
arise and send us to the bottom, the fate which has overtaken many a
stout craft, but which by my skill and knowledge I hope to avoid.
However, I now invite you to come on board the _Golden Hog_, that we may
be ready to weigh anchor directly the tide turns, and proceed on our
voyage. There lies the craft on board which you are to have the
happiness of sailing;" and Captain Jan Dunck, as he spoke, pointed to a
galiot of no over large proportions which lay a short distance from the
wharf, with her sails loosed ready for sea.