iHiiiiisssWiiimii^ 
 
This book may be kept 
 
 — ^'»RTEEN DAYS 
 
THE NOVELS 
 
 OF 
 
 CAPTAIN MARRYAT 
 
 EDITED BY 
 
 R. BRIMLEY JOHNSON 
 
This Edition of Captain Marry at s No<vels, 
 
 made exclusively for members of the 
 
 NEJV YORK YACHT CLUB 
 
 is strictly limited to one hundred copies. 
 
 Copy No. / O 
 PRINTED FOR 
 H, A. VAN LIEtr, Esq. 
 
 A^- 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 
 in 2011 with funding from 
 
 LYRASIS members and Sloan Foundation 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/snarleyyowordogf1896marr 
 
NEW YORK YACHT CLUB EDITION 
 
 SNARLEYYOW 
 
 OR 
 
 THE DOG FIEND 
 
 BY 
 CAPTAIN MARRYAT 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 CROSCUP AND COMPANY 
 
 MDCCCXCVI 
 

Contents 
 
 
 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Chapter i . • » » « . i 
 
 Chapter ii 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 Chapter hi 
 
 
 ? 
 
 II 
 
 Chapter iv 
 
 
 
 i6 
 
 Chapter v 
 
 
 
 20 
 
 Chapter vi 
 
 
 
 28 
 
 Chapter vii 
 
 
 
 33 
 
 Chapter viii 
 
 
 
 37 
 
 )^ Chapter ix 
 
 
 
 43 
 
 ■^ Chapter x 
 
 
 
 , 56 
 
 Chapter xi 
 
 
 
 66 
 
 Chapter xii 
 
 
 
 71 
 
 Chapter xiii . 
 
 
 
 77 
 
 Chapter xiv , 
 
 
 
 86 
 
 Chapter xv 
 
 
 
 . 96 
 
 \^. Chapter xvi 
 
 
 
 lOI 
 
 Chapter xvii 
 
 
 
 109 
 
 Chapter xvih . 
 
 
 120 
 
 Chapter xix , 
 
 
 
 124 
 
VI 
 
 Contents 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XX 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XXI . 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XXII . 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XXIII . 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XXIV , 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XXV . 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XXVI . 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XXVll , 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XXVIII . 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XXIX . 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XXX . 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XXXI . 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XXXII . 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XXXIII . 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XXXIV . 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XXXV . 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XXXVI . 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XXXVII 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XXXVIII 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XXXIX . 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XL 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XLl . 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XLII • 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XLIII . 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XLIV . 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XLV . 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XLVI • 
 
 Chapter 
 
 XLVU • 
 
Cont 
 
 ents 
 
 
 vii 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Chapter xlviii . . . . , .372 
 
 Chapter xlix . 
 
 
 
 380 
 
 Chapter l . 
 
 
 
 386 
 
 Chapter li . 
 
 
 
 39* 
 
 Chapter lii 
 
 
 
 • 397 
 
 Chapter liii 
 
 
 
 . 404 
 
 Chapter liv 
 
 
 
 409 
 
 Chapter lv 
 
 
 
 . 415 
 
List of Etchings 
 
 Smallbones soon made his appearance . . Frontispiece 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Snarleyyow appeared on the forecastle, and made a 
 
 RUSH AT Smallbones . . . .65 
 
 The body half raised itself from its knees with a 
 
 strong muscular action, and then toppled over . ii9 
 
 " Mercy, WOMAN ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken, "Do not 
 
 HARM THE POOR DOG " . . . . 1 84 
 
 "Te tog's TAIL, mynheer," REPLIED THE CORPORAL, GRAVELY 288 
 '* Our of MY house, YOU VILLAIN ! " . , . 348 
 
 Drawn and Etched by J. Ayton Symington. 
 
Prefatory Note 
 
 The Dog Fiend, or Snarleytow is the earliest of 
 the three novels, The Phantom Ship and The Privateer sman 
 being the other two, in which Marryat made use of his- 
 torical events and attempted to project his characters into 
 the past. The research involved is not profound, but the 
 machinations of Jacobite conspirators provide appropriate 
 material for the construction of an adventure plot and for 
 the exhibition of a singularly despicable villain. Mr 
 Vanslyperken and his acquaintances, male and female, at 
 home and abroad, are all — except perhaps his witch-like 
 mother — thoroughly life-like and convincing : their con- 
 duct is sufficiently probable to retain the reader's attention 
 for a rapid and exciting narrative. 
 
 The numerous escapes of the vile cur, after whom the 
 novel is christened, and of his natural enemy Peter Small- 
 bones are not all equally well contrived, and they become 
 a little wearisome by repetition ; but a general atmosphere 
 of diablerie is very effectively produced by their means. 
 Some such element of unreality is absolutely demanded to 
 relieve the sordid and brutal details by which the main 
 plot is worked out ; and it must be admitted that in certain 
 passages — the death-struggle between Smallbones and the 
 lieutenant's mother, the discovery of the woman's body, 
 and the descriptions of kisses between Corporal Van Spitter 
 and the Frau Vandersloosh — Marryat's habitual literalness 
 becomes unpleasantly coarse. The offensive touches, how- 
 ever, are incidental, and the execution of the two villains, 
 Vanslyperken and Snarleyyow, with its dash of genuine 
 
xii Prefatory Note 
 
 pathos, is dramatic and impressive : — " They were damnable 
 in their lives, and in their deaths they were not divided." 
 
 As usual the interest of the novel depends almost entirely 
 upon men, but on the character of Mrs Corbett, nee Nancy 
 Dawson, Marryat has expended considerable care with 
 satisfactory results. Barring the indecorous habit of re- 
 gretting her past in public, which is not perhaps untrue to 
 nature, she is made attractive by her wit and sincere 
 repentance, without becoming unnaturally refined. The 
 song in her honour referred to on p. 107 is not suitable for 
 reproduction in this place. She was an historic character 
 in the reign of William III., but must not be confounded 
 with her more celebrated namesake ( 1 730-1 767) of Sadler's 
 Wells, Covent Garden, and Drury Lane, who danced a 
 horn-pipe in The Beggar's Opera to the air of ** Nancy 
 Dawson," which is mentioned in the epilogue of ^he Stoops 
 to Conquer, and survives in our nurseries as " Here we go 
 round the Mulberry Bush." 
 
 The greater part of Snarleyyow was first printed in The 
 Metropolitan Magazine, 1 836 and 1 837 ; but on reaching 
 Chapter xl., just as the novel had appeared in book form, 
 the editor — not then Marryat himself— told his readers 
 that it was not his intention to give an extended review 
 of this work, as they had already ** ample means of forming 
 their own opinion of its varied merits : " — " We shall 
 therefore content ourselves with a few remarks, in an- 
 nouncing its publication and giving a brief outline of the 
 termination of the story from our last number." At the 
 close of the said extracts he writes : — 
 
 " And so ends Snarleyyow, with as much quaintness, 
 spirit, and character as it commenced." 
 
 The book was evidently written in haste, and few of the 
 minor characters retained one Christian name throughout 
 its pages. It is here reprinted, with the corrections of 
 such slips as those just mentioned, from the first edition in 
 three volumes. Henry Colburn, 1837. 
 
 R. B. J. 
 
Snarleyyow 
 
 Chapter I 
 
 Introduction of divers parties and a red-herring. 
 
 It was in the month of January, 1699, that a one-masted 
 vessel, with black sides, was running along the coast near 
 Beachy Head, at the rate of about five miles per hour. 
 The wind was from the northward and blew keenly, the 
 vessel was under easy sail, and the water was smooth. It 
 was now broad daylight, and the sun rose clear of clouds 
 and vapour ; but he threw out light without heat. The 
 upper parts of the spars, the hammock rails, and the small 
 iron guns which were mounted on the vessel's decks, were 
 covered with a white frost. The man at the helm stood 
 muffled up in a thick pea-jacket and mittens, which made 
 his hands appear as large as his feet. His nose was a pug 
 of an intense bluish red, one tint arising from the present 
 cold, and the other from the preventive checks which he 
 had been so long accustomed to take to drive out such an 
 unpleasant intruder. His grizzled hair waved its locks 
 gently to the wind, and his face was distorted with an 
 immoderate quid of tobacco which protruded his right 
 cheek. This personage was second officer and steersman 
 on board of the vessel, and his name was Obadiah Coble. 
 He had been baptised Obadiah about sixty years before ; 
 that is to say if he had been baptised at all. He stood so 
 motionless at the helm, that you might have imagined him 
 to have been frozen there as he stood, were it not that his 
 
 S A 
 
2 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 eyes occasionally wandered from the compass on the 
 binnacle to the bows of the vessel, and that the breath 
 from his mouth, when it was thrown out into the clear 
 frosty air, formed a smoke like to that from the spout of a 
 half-boiling tea-kettle. 
 
 The crew belonging to the cutter, for she was a vessel 
 in the service of his Majesty, King William the Third, at 
 this time employed in protecting his Majesty's revenue 
 against the importation of alamodes and lutestrings, were 
 all down below at their breakfasts, with the exception of 
 the steersman and lieutenant - commandant, who now 
 walked the quarter-deck, if so small an extent of plank 
 could be dignified with such a name. He was a Mr 
 Cornelius Vanslyperken, a tall, meagre-looking personage, 
 with very narrow shoulders and very small head. Perfectly 
 straight up and down, protruding in no part, he reminded 
 you of some tall parish pump, with a great knob at its top. 
 His face was gaunt, cheeks hollow, nose and chin showing 
 an affection for each other, and evidently lamenting the 
 gulf between them which prevented their meeting. Both 
 appeared to have fretted themselves to the utmost degree 
 of tenuity from disappointment in love : as for the nose, it 
 had a pearly round tear hanging at its tip, as if it wept. 
 The dress of Mr Vanslyperken was hidden in a great coat, 
 which was very long, and buttoned straight down. This 
 great coat had two pockets on each side, into which its 
 owner's hands were deeply inserted, and so close did his 
 arms lie to his sides, that they appeared nothing more than 
 as would battens nailed to a topsail yard. The only devia- 
 tion from the perpendicular was from the insertion of a 
 speaking-trumpet under his left arm, at right angles with 
 his body. It had evidently seen much service, was 
 battered, and the clack Japan worn off in most parts of it. 
 As we said before, Mr Vanslyperken walked his quarter- 
 deck. He was in a brown study, yet looked blue. Six 
 strides brought him to the tafFrail of the vessel, six more 
 to the bows, such was the length of his tether — and he 
 turned, and turned again. 
 
The Dog Fiend 3 
 
 But there was another personage on the deck, a 
 personage of no small importance, as he was all in all to 
 Mr Vanslyperken, and Mr Vanslyperken was all in all 
 to him; moreover, we may say, that he is the hero of 
 the TAIL. This was one of the ugliest and most ill- 
 conditioned curs which had ever been produced: — ugly 
 in colour; for he was of a dirty yellow, like the paint 
 served out to decorate our men-of-war by his Majesty's 
 dockyards : — ugly in face ; for he had one wall-eye, and 
 was so far under-jawed as to prove that a bull-dog had 
 had something to do with his creation : — ugly in shape ; 
 for although larger than a pointer, and strongly built, 
 he was coarse and shambling in his make, with his 
 forelegs bowed out. His ears and tail had never been 
 docked, which was a pity, as the more you curtailed his 
 proportions, the better looking the cur would have been. 
 But his ears, although not cut, were torn to ribbons 
 by the various encounters with dogs on shore, arising 
 from the acidity of his temper. His tail had lost its 
 hair from an inveterate mange, and reminded you of 
 the same appendage to a rat. Many parts of his body 
 were bared from the same disease. He carried his head 
 and tail low, and had a villanous sour look. To the eye 
 of a casual observer, there was not one redeeming quality 
 that would warrant his keep ; to those who knew him 
 well, there were a thousand reasons why he should be 
 hanged. He followed his master with the greatest 
 precision and exactitude, walking aft as he walked aft, 
 and walking forward with the same regular motion, 
 turning when his master turned, and moreover, turning 
 in the same direction ; and, like his master, he appeared 
 to be not a little nipped with the cold, and, as well as 
 he, in a state of profound meditation. The name of this 
 uncouth animal was very appropriate to his appearance, 
 and to his temper. It was Snarleyyow. 
 
 At last, Mr Vanslyperken gave vent to his pent-up 
 feelings. " I can't, I won't stand this any longer," 
 muttered the lieutenant, as he took his six strides forward. 
 
4 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 At this first sound of his master's voice the dog pricked 
 up the remnants of his ears, and they both turned aft. 
 " She has been now fooling me for six years ; " and 
 as he concluded this sentence, Mr Vanslyperken and 
 Snarleyyow had reached the tafFrail, and the dog raised 
 his tail to the half cock. 
 
 They turned, and Mr Vanslyperken paused a moment 
 or two, and compressed his thin lips — the dog did the 
 same. " I will have an answer, by all that's blue ! " 
 was the ejaculation of the next six strides. The lieutenant 
 stopped again, and the dog looked up in his master's 
 face ; but it appeared as if the current of his master's 
 thoughts was changed, for the current of keen air re- 
 minded Mr Vanslyperken that he had not yet had his 
 breakfast. 
 
 The lieutenant leant over the hatchway, took his 
 battered speaking - trumpet from under his arm, and 
 putting it to his mouth, the deck reverberated with, 
 " Pass the word for Smallbones forward." The dog put 
 himself in a baying attitude, with his forefeet on the 
 coamings of the hatchway, and enforced his master's 
 orders with a deep-toned and measured bow, wow, 
 wow. 
 
 Smallbones soon made his appearance, rising from the 
 hatchway like a ghost ; a thin, shambling personage, 
 apparently about twenty years old — a pale, cadaverous 
 face, high cheek-bones, goggle eyes, with lank hair very 
 thinly sown upon a head, which, like bad soil, would 
 return but a scanty harvest. He looked like Famine's 
 eldest son just arriving to years of discretion. His long- 
 lanky legs were pulled so far through his trousers, that 
 his bare feet, and half way up to his knees, were ex- 
 posed to the chilling blast. The sleeves of his jacket 
 were so short, that four inches of bone above his 
 wrist were bared to view — hat he had none — his ears 
 were very large, and the rims of them red with cold, 
 and his neck was so immeasurably long and thin, that 
 his head appeared to topple for want of support. When 
 
The Dog Fiend 5 
 
 he had come on deck, he stood with one hand raised to 
 his forehead, touching his hair instead of his hat, and 
 the other occupied with a half-roasted red-herring. 
 " Yes, sir,*' said Smallbones, standing before his 
 master. 
 
 " Be quick ! " — commenced the lieutenant ; but here his 
 attention was directed to the red-herring by Snarleyyow, 
 who raised his head and snuffed at its fumes. Among 
 other disqualifications of the animal, be it observed, that 
 he had no nose except for a red-herring, or a post by 
 the way side. Mr Vanslyperken discontinued his orders, 
 took his hand out of his great coat pocket, wiped the 
 drop from off his nose, and then roared out, ** How dare 
 you appear on the quarter-deck of a king's ship, sir, with 
 a red-herring in your fist ? " 
 
 "If you please, sir," replied Smallbones, " if I were to 
 come for to go to leave it in the galley, I shouldn't find 
 it when I went back." 
 
 "What do I care for that, sir? It's contrary to ail 
 the rules and regulations of the service. Now, sir, hear 
 me " 
 
 " O Lord, sir ! let me off this time, it's only a soldier" 
 replied Smallbones, deprecatingly ; but Snarleyyow's 
 appetite had been very much sharpened by his morning's 
 walk; it rose with the smell of the herring, so he rose 
 on his hind legs, snapped the herring out of Smallbones' 
 hand, bolted forward by the lee gangway, and would soon 
 have bolted the herring, had not Smallbones bolted after 
 him and overtaken him just as he had laid it down on 
 the deck preparatory to commencing his meal. A fight 
 ensued; Smallbones received a severe bite in the leg, 
 which induced him to seize a handspike, and make a blow 
 with it at the dog's head, which, if it had been well aimed, 
 would have probably put an end to all further pilfering. 
 As it was, the handspike descended upon one of the dog's 
 fore toes, and Snarleyyow retreated, yeUing, to the other 
 side of the forecastle, and as soon as he was out of reach, 
 hke all curs, bayed in defiance. 
 
6 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Smallbones picked up the herring, pulled up his 
 trousers to examine the bite, poured down an anathema 
 upon the dog, which was, " May you be starved, as I am, 
 you beast ! " and then turned round to go aft, when he 
 struck against the spare form of Mr Vanslyperken, who, 
 with his hands in his pocket, and his trumpet under his 
 arm, looked unutterably savage. 
 
 ** How dare you beat my dog, you villain ? " said the 
 lieutenant at last, choking with passion. 
 
 " He's a-bitten my leg through and through, sir," 
 replied Smallbones, with a face of alarm. 
 
 " Well, sir, why have you such thin legs, then ? " 
 
 " 'Cause I gets nothing to fill 'em up with." 
 
 " Have you not a herring there, you herring-gutted 
 scoundrel? which, in defiance of all the rules of the 
 service, you have brought on his Majesty's quarter-deck, 
 you greedy rascal, and for which I intend " 
 
 " It ar'n't my herring, sir, it be yours — for your break- 
 fast — the only one that is left out of the half-dozen." 
 
 This last remark appeared somewhat to pacify Mr 
 Vanslyperken. 
 
 ** Go down below, sir," said he, after a pause, ''and 
 let me know when my breakfast is ready." 
 
 Smallbones obeyed immediately, too glad to escape so 
 easily. 
 
 "Snarleyyow," said his master, looking at the dog, 
 who remained on the other side of the forecastle ; " O 
 Snarleyyow, for shame! Come here, sir. Come here, 
 sir, directly." 
 
 But Snarleyyow, who was very sulky at the loss of his 
 anticipated breakfast, was contumacious, and would not 
 come. He stood at the other side of the forecastle, while 
 his master apostrophised him, looking him in the face. 
 Then, after a pause of indecision, he gave a howling sort 
 of bark, trotted away to the main hatchway, and dis- 
 appeared below. Mr Vanslyperken returned to the 
 quarter-deck, and turned, and turned as before. 
 
The Dog Fiend 7 
 
 Chapter II 
 
 Showing what became of the red-herring. 
 
 Smallbones soon made his re-appearance, informing Mr 
 VansJyperken that his breakfast was ready for him, and 
 Mr Vanslyperken, feeling himself quite ready for his 
 breakfast, went down below. A minute after he had 
 disappeared, another man came up to relieve the one at the 
 wheel, who, as soon as he had surrendered up the spokes, 
 commenced warming himself after the most approved 
 method, by flapping his arms round his body. 
 
 " The skipper's out o' sorts again this morning," said 
 Obadiah, after a time. " I heard him muttering about the 
 woman at the Lust Haus." 
 
 " Then, by Got, we will have de breeze," replied 
 Jansen, who was a Dutch seaman of huge proportions, 
 rendered still more preposterous by the multiplicity of his 
 nether clothing. 
 
 " Yes, as sure as Mother Carey's chickens raise the gale, 
 so does the name of the Frau Vandersloosh. I'll be down 
 and get my breakfast, there may be keel-hauling before 
 noon." 
 
 " Mein Got — dat is de tyfel." 
 
 " Keep her nor-east, Jansen, and keep a sharp look out 
 for the boats." 
 
 " Got for dam — how must I steer the chip and look for 
 de boats at de same time ? — not possible." 
 
 ** That's no consarn o' mine. Those are the orders, and 
 I passes them — you must get over the unpossibility how 
 you can." So saying, Obadiah Coble walked below. 
 
 We must do the same, and introduce the reader to the 
 cabin of Lieutenant Vanslyperken, which was not very 
 splendid in its furniture. One small table, one chair, a 
 mattress in a standing bed-place, with curtains made of 
 bunting, an open cupboard, containing three plates, one 
 tea-cup and saucer, two drinking glasses, and two knives. 
 
8 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 More was not required, as Mr Vanslyperken never in- 
 dulged in company. There was another cupboard, but it 
 was carefully locked. On the table before the lieutenant 
 was a white wash-hand basin, nearly half full of burgoo, 
 a composition of boiled oatmeal and water, very whole- 
 some, and very hot. It was the allowance, from the ship's 
 coppers, of Mr Vanslyperken and his servant Smallbones. 
 Mr Vanslyperken was busy stirring it about to cool it a 
 little, with a leaden spoon. Snarleyyow sat close to him, 
 waiting for his share, and Smallbones stood by, waiting 
 for orders. 
 
 " Smallbones," said the lieutenant, after trying the hot 
 mess before him, and finding that he was still in danger of 
 burning his mouth, " bring me the red-herring." 
 
 ** Red-herring, sir ? " stammered Smallbones. 
 
 " Yes," replied his master, fixing his little grey eye 
 sternly on him, " the red-herring." 
 
 " It's gone, sir ! " replied Smallbones, with alarm. 
 
 ** Gone ! — gone where ? " 
 
 " If you please, sir, I didn't a-think that you would have 
 touched it after the dog had had it in his nasty mouth ; 
 and so, sir — if you please, sir " 
 
 " And so what ? " said Vanslyperken, compressing his 
 thin lips. 
 
 " I ate it myself — if you please — O dear — O dear ! " 
 
 ** You did, did you — you gluttonous scarecrow — you 
 did, did you ? Are you aware that you have committed 
 a theft — and are you aware of the punishment attending 
 it.?" 
 
 " O sir — it was a mistake — dear sir," cried Smallbones, 
 whimpering. 
 
 ** In the first place, I will cut you to ribbons with the 
 cat." 
 
 " Mercy, sir — O sir ! " cried the lad, the tears streaming 
 from his eyes. 
 
 " The thief's cat, with three knots in each tail." 
 
 Smallbones raised up his thin arms, and clasped his 
 hands, pleading for mercy. 
 
The Dog Fiend 9 
 
 ** And after the flogging — you shall be keel-hauled." 
 
 '' O God ! " screamed Smallbones, falling down on his 
 knees, " mercy — mercy ! " 
 
 But there was none. Snarleyyow, when he saw the lad 
 go down on his knees, flew at him, and threw him on hrs 
 back, growling over him, and occasionally looking at his 
 master. 
 
 " Come here, Snarleyyow," said Mr Vanslyperken. 
 ** Come here, sir, and lie down." But Snarleyyow had 
 not forgotten the red-herring ; so in revenge, he first bit 
 Smallbones in the thigh, and then obeyed his master. 
 
 " Get up, sir," cried the lieutenant. 
 
 Smallbones rose, but his temper now rose also ; he 
 forgot all that he was to suffer, from indignation against 
 the dog : with flashing eyes, and whimpering with rage, he 
 cried out, as the tears fell, and his arms swung round, "I'll 
 not stand this — I'll j ump overboard — that I will : fourteen 
 times has that ere dog a-bitten me this week. Fd sooner 
 die at once, than be made dog's-meat of in this here way." 
 
 "Silence, you mutinous rascal, or I'll put you in 
 irons." 
 
 " I wish you would — irons don't bite, if they hold fast. 
 I'll run away — I don't mind being hung — that I don't — 
 starved to death, bitten to death in this here way " 
 
 " Silence, sir. It's over-feeding that makes you saucy." 
 
 ** The Lord forgive you ! " cried Smallbones, with 
 surprise ; " I've not had a full meal " 
 
 " A full meal, you rascal ! there's no filling a thing like 
 you — hollow from top to bottom, like a bamboo." 
 
 " And what I does get," continued Smallbones, with 
 energy, " I pays dear for ; that ere dog flies at me, if I 
 takes a bit o' biscuit. I never has a bite without getting a 
 bite, and it's all my own allowance." 
 
 " A proof of his fidelity, and an example to you, you 
 wretch," replied the lieutenant, fondly patting the dog on 
 the head. 
 
 " Well, I wish you'd discharge me — or hang me, I don't 
 care which. You eats so hearty, and the dog eats so 
 
lo Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 hearty, that I gets nothing. We are only victualled for 
 two." 
 
 ** You insolent fellow ! recollect the thiePs cat." 
 
 ** It's very hard," continued Smallbones, unmindful of 
 the threat, "that that ere beast is to eat my allowance, 
 and be allowed to half eat me too." 
 
 " You forget the keel-hauling, you scarecrow." 
 
 " Well, I hope I may never come up again, that's all." 
 
 " Leave the cabin, sir." 
 
 This order Smallbones obeyed. 
 
 " Snarleyyow," said the lieutenant, "you are hungry, 
 my poor beast." Snarleyyow put his forepaw up on his 
 master's knee. " You shall have your breakfast soon," 
 continued his master, eating the burgoo between his 
 addresses to the animal. " Yes, Snarleyyow, you have 
 done wrong this morning — you ought to have no break- 
 fast." Snarleyyow growled. "We are only four years 
 acquainted, and how many scrapes you have got me into, 
 Snarleyyow ! " Snarleyyow here put both his paws upon 
 his master's knee. " Well, you are sorry, my poor dog, 
 and you shall have some breakfast ; " and Mr Vansly- 
 perken put the basin of burgoo on the floor, which the 
 dog tumbled down his throat most rapidly. "Nay, my 
 dog, not so fast ; you must leave some for Smallbones, he 
 will require some breakfast before his punishment. There, 
 that will do ; " and Mr Vanslyperken wished to remove the 
 basin with a little of the burgoo remaining in it. Snarley- 
 yow growled, would have snapped at his master, but Mr 
 Vanslyperken shoved him away with the bell mouth of his 
 speaking-trumpet, and recovering a portion of the mess, 
 put it on the table for the use of poor Smallbones. " Now 
 then, my dog, we will go on deck." Mr Vanslyperken 
 left the cabin, followed by Snarleyyow ; but as soon as his 
 master was half way up the ladder, Snarleyyow turned 
 back, leaped on the chair, from the chair to the table, and 
 then finished the whole of the breakfast appropriated for 
 Smallbones. Having effected this, the dog followed his 
 master. 
 
The Dog Fiend ii 
 
 Chapter III 
 
 A retrospect, and short description of a new character. 
 
 But we must leave poor Smallbones to lament his hard 
 fate in the fore peak of the vessel, and Mr Vanslyperken 
 and his dog to walk the quarter-deck, while we make 
 our readers a little better acquainted with the times in 
 which the scenes passed which we are now describing, 
 as well as with the history of Mr Vanslyperken. 
 
 The date in our first chapter, that of the year 1699, 
 will, if they refer back to history, show them that "William 
 of Nassau had been a few years on the English throne, and 
 that peace had just been concluded between England with 
 its allies and France. The king occasionally passed his 
 time in Holland, among his Dutch countrymen, and the 
 English and Dutch fleets, which but a few years before 
 were engaging with such an obstinacy of courage, had 
 lately sailed together, and turned their guns against the 
 French. William, like all those continental princes who 
 have been called to the English throne, showed much 
 favour to his own countrymen, and England was overrun 
 with Dutch favourites, Dutch courtiers, and peers of Dutch 
 extraction. He would not even part with his Dutch 
 guards, and was at issue with the Commons of England on 
 that very account. But the war was now over, and most 
 of the English and Dutch navy lay dismantled in port, a 
 few small vessels only being in commission to intercept the 
 smuggling from France that was carrying on, much to the 
 detriment of English manufacture, of certain articles then 
 denominated alamodes and lutestrings. The cutter we 
 have described was on this service, and was named the 
 Tungfrau, although built in England, and forming a part 
 of the English naval force. 
 
 It may readily be supposed that Dutch interest, during 
 this period, was in the ascendant. Such was the case : and 
 the Dutch officers and seamen who could not be employed 
 
12 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 in their own marine were appointed in the English vessels, 
 to the prejudice of our own countrymen. Mr Vansly- 
 perken was of Dutch extraction, but born in England long 
 before the Prince of Orange had ever dreamt of being 
 called to the English throne. He was a near relation of 
 King William's own nurse, and even in these days, that 
 would cause powerful interest. Previous to the revolution 
 he had been laid on the shelf for cowardice in one of the 
 engagements between the Dutch and the English, he being 
 then a lieutenant on board of a two-decked ship, and of 
 long standing in the service ; but before he had been 
 appointed to this vessel, he had served invariably in small 
 craft, and his want of this necessary qualification had 
 never been discovered. The interest used for him on the 
 accession of the Dutch king was sufficient for his again 
 obtaining the command of a small vessel. In those days, 
 the service was very different from what it is now. The 
 commanders of vessels were also the pursers, and could 
 save a great deal of money by defrauding the crew : and 
 further, the discipline of the service was such as would 
 astonish the modern philanthropist ; there was no appeal 
 for subordinates, and tyranny and oppression, even amount- 
 ing to the destruction of life, were practised with impunity. 
 Smollett has given his readers some idea of the state of the 
 service a few years after the time of which we are now 
 writing, when it was infinitely worse, for the system of 
 the Dutch, notorious for their cruelty, had been grafted 
 upon that of the English : the consequence was, a combina- 
 tion of all that was revolting to humanity was practised 
 without any notice being taken of it by the superior 
 powers, provided that the commanders of the vessels did 
 their duty when called upon, and showed the necessary 
 talent and courage. 
 
 Lieutenant Vanslyperken's character may be summed up in 
 the three vices of avarice, cowardice, and cruelty. A miser 
 in the extreme, he had saved up much money by his having 
 had the command of a vessel for so many years, during 
 which he had defrauded and pilfered both from the men 
 
The Dog Fiend 13 
 
 and the goverment. Friends and connections he had none 
 on this side of the water, and, when on shore, he had 
 lived in a state of abject misery, although he had the means 
 of comfortable support. He was now fifty-five years of 
 age. Since he had been appointed to the Tungfrauy he 
 had been employed in carrying despatches to the States- 
 General from King William, and had, during his repeated 
 visits to the Hague, made acquaintance with the widow 
 Vandersloosh, who kept a Lust Haus,* a place of resort for 
 sailors, where they drank and danced. Discovering that 
 the comfortably fat landlady was also very comfortably 
 rich, Mr Vanslyperken had made advances, with the hope 
 of obtaining her hand and handling her money. The 
 widow had, however, no idea of accepting the offer, but 
 was too wise to give him a decided refusal, as she knew it 
 would be attended with his preventing the crew of the 
 cutter from frequenting her house, and, thereby, losing 
 much custom. Thus did she, at every return, receive him 
 kindly and give him hopes, but nothing more. Since the 
 peace, as we before observed, the cutter had been 
 ordered for the prevention of smuggling. 
 
 When and how Mr Vanslyperken had picked up his 
 favourite Snarleyyow cannot be discovered, and must 
 remain a secret. The men said that the dog had appeared 
 on the deck of the cutter in a supernatural way, and most 
 of them looked upon him with as much awe as ill-wilJ. 
 
 This is certain, that the cutter had been a little while 
 before in a state of mutiny, and a forcible entry attempted 
 at night into the lieutenant's cabin. It is therefore not 
 unreasonable to suppose that Vanslyperken felt that a good 
 watch-dog might be a very useful appendage to his 
 establishment, and had procured one accordingly. All the 
 affection he ever showed to anything living was certainly 
 concentrated on this one animal, and, next to his money, 
 Snarleyyow had possession of his master's heart. 
 
 Poor Smallbones, cast on the world without father or 
 mother, had become starved before he was on board the 
 
 * Pleasure House. 
 
14 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 cutter, and had been starved ever ^nce. As the reader 
 will perceive, his allowance was mostly eaten up by the 
 dog, and he was left to beg a precarious support from the 
 goodwill and charity of his shipmates, all of whom were 
 equally disgusted with the commander's cruelty and the 
 ungainly temper of his brute companion. 
 
 Having entered into this retrospect for the benefit of 
 the reader, we will now proceed. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken walked the deck for nearly a quarter 
 of an hour without speaking : the men had finished their 
 breakfasts, and were lounging about the deck, for there 
 was nothing for them to do, except to look out for the 
 return of the two boats which had been sent away the 
 night before. The lieutenant's thoughts were, at one 
 minute, upon Mrs Vandersloosh, thinking how he could 
 persuade her, and, at another, upon Smallbones, thinking 
 how he could render the punishment adequate, in his 
 opinion, to the magnitude of the offence. While discussing 
 these two important matters, one of the men reported the 
 boats ahead, and broke up the commander's reverie. 
 
 " How far off? " demanded Mr Vanslyperken. 
 
 " About two miles." 
 
 ** Pulling or sailing ? " 
 
 "Pulling, sir ; we stand right for them." 
 
 But Mr Vanslyperken was in no pleasant humour^ and 
 ordered the cutter to be hove-to. 
 
 " I tink de men have pull enough all night," said Jansen, 
 who had just been relieved at the wheel, to Obadiah 
 Coble, who was standing by him on the forecastle. 
 
 " I think so too : but there'll be a breeze, depend upon it 
 — never mind, the devil will have his own all in good time." 
 
 " Got for dam," said Jansen, looking at Beachy Head, 
 and shaking his own. 
 
 " Why, what's the matter now, old Schnapps .? " said 
 Coble. 
 
 " Schnapps — yes — the tyfel — Schnapps, I think how 
 the French schnapped us Dutchmen here when you 
 Englishmen wouldn't fight." 
 
The Dog Fiend 15 
 
 "Mind what you say, old twenty breeches — wouldn't 
 fight — when wouldn't we fight ? " 
 
 " Here, where we were now, by Got, you leave us 
 all in the lurch, and not come down." 
 
 "Why, we couldn't come down." 
 
 " Bah ! " replied Jansen, who referred to the defeat 
 of the combined Dutch and English fleet by the French 
 off Beachy Head in 1 690. 
 
 " We wouldn't fight, heh ? " exclaimed Obadiah in 
 scorn, " what do you say to the Hogue ? " 
 
 " Yes, den you fought well — dat was good." 
 
 " And shall I tell you why we fought well at the Hogue 
 —you Dutch porpoise — ^just because we had no Dutchmen 
 to help us." 
 
 " And shall I tell you why the Dutch were beat off this 
 Head ? — because the English wouldn't come down to help 
 us." 
 
 Here Obadiah put his tongue into his right cheek. 
 Jansen in return threw his into his left, and thus the 
 argument was finished. These disputes were constant 
 at the time, but seldom proceeded further than words — 
 certainly not between Coble and Jansen, who were great 
 friends. 
 
 The boats were soon on board *, from the time that the 
 cutter had been hove-to, every stroke of their oars having 
 been accompanied with a nautical anathema from the crews 
 upon the head of their commander. The steersman and 
 first officer, who had charge of the boats, came over the 
 gangway and went up to Vanslyperken. He was a thick- 
 set, stout man, about five feet four inches high, and, 
 wrapped up in Flushing garments, looked very much like 
 a bear in shape as well as in skin. His name was Dick 
 Short, and in every respect he answered to his name, for 
 he was short in stature, short in speech, and short in 
 decision and action. 
 
 Now when Short came up to the lieutenant, he did not 
 consider it at all necessary to say as usual, " Come on 
 board, sir," for it was self-evident that he had come on 
 
1 6 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 board. He therefore said nothing. So abrupt was he in 
 his speech, that he never even said " Sir," when he spoke 
 to his superior, which it may be imagined was very 
 offensive to Mr Vanslyperken : so it was, but Mr Vansly- 
 perken was afraid of Short, and Short was not the least 
 afraid of Vanslyperken. 
 
 *' Well, what have you done, Short ? " 
 
 " Nothing." 
 
 " Did you see anything of the boat ? " 
 
 '* No." 
 
 " Did you gain any information ? " 
 
 " No." 
 
 " What have you been doing all night ? " 
 
 '' PuUing." 
 
 " Did you land to obtain information ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " And you got none ? " 
 
 "No." 
 
 Here Short hitched up the waistband of his second pair 
 of trousers, turned short round, and was going below, 
 when Snarleyyow smelt at his heels. The man gave him 
 a back kick with the heel of his heavy boot, which sent 
 the dog off yelping and barking, and put Mr Vanslyperken 
 in a great rage. Not venturing to resent this affront upon 
 his first officer, he was reminded of Smallbones, and 
 immediately sent for Corporal Van Spitter to appear on 
 deck. 
 
 Chapter IV 
 
 In which there is a desperate combat. 
 
 Even at this period of the English history, it was the 
 custom to put a few soldiers on board of the vessels of 
 war, and the Tungfrau cutter had been supplied with a 
 corporal and six men, all of whom were belonging to the 
 Dutch marine. To a person who was so unpopular as 
 
The Dog Fiend 17 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken, this little force was a great protection, 
 and both Corporal Van Spitter and his corps were well 
 treated by him. The corporal was his purser and purveyor, 
 and had a very good berth of it, for he could cheat as 
 well as his commandant. He was, moreover, his prime 
 minister, and an obedient executor of all his tyranny, for 
 Corporal Van Spitter was without a shadow of feeling — 
 on the contrary, he had pleasure in administering punish- 
 ment ; and if Vanslyperken had told him to blow any 
 man's brains out belonging to the vessel. Van Spitter 
 would have immediately obeyed the order without the 
 change of a muscle in his fat, florid countenance. The 
 corporal was an enormous man, tall, and so corpulent, 
 that he weighed nearly twenty stone. Jansen was the 
 only one who could rival him; he was quite as tall as 
 the corporal, and as powerful, but he had not the extra 
 weight of his carcass. 
 
 About five minutes after the summons, the huge form 
 of Corporal Van Spitter was seen to emerge slowly from 
 the hatchway, which appeared barely wide enough to 
 admit the egress of his broad shoulders. He had a flat 
 foraging cap on his head, which was as large as a buffalo's, 
 and his person was clothed in blue pantaloons, tight at 
 the ankle, rapidly increasing in width as they ascended, 
 until they diverged at the hips to an expanse which was 
 something between the sublime and the ridiculous. The 
 upper part of his body was cased in a blue jacket, with 
 leaden buttons, stamped with the rampant lion, with a 
 little tail behind, which was shoved up in the air by the 
 protuberance of the parts. Having gained the deck, he 
 walked to Vanslyperken, and raised the back of his right 
 hand to his forehead. 
 
 " Corporal Van Spitter, get your cats up for punish- 
 ment, and when you are ready fetch up Smallbones." 
 
 Whereupon, without reply. Corporal Van Spitter put 
 his left foot behind the heel of his right, and by this 
 manoeuvre turned his body round like a capstern, so as to 
 bring his face forward, and then walked off in that 
 
 S B 
 
i8 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 direction. He soon re-appeared with all the necessary 
 implements of torture, laid them down on one of the lee 
 guns, and again departed to seek out his victim. 
 
 After a short time, a scuffle was heard below, but it 
 was soon over, and once more appeared the corporal with 
 the spare, tall body of Smallbones under his arm. He 
 held him, grasped by the middle part, about where 
 Smallbones' stomach ought to have been, and the head 
 and heels of the poor wretch both hung down perpen- 
 dicularly, and knocked together as the corporal proceeded 
 aft. 
 
 As soon as Van Spitter had arrived at the gun he laid 
 down his charge, who neither moved nor spoke. He 
 appeared to have resigned himself to the fate which 
 awaited him, and made no resistance when he was stripped 
 by one of the marines, and stretched over the gun. The 
 men, who were on deck, said nothing; they looked at 
 each other expressively as the preparations were made. 
 Flogging a lad like Smallbones was too usual an occur- 
 rence to excite surprise, and to show their disgust would 
 have been dangerous. Smallbones' back was now bared, 
 and miserable was the spectacle ; the shoulder-blades 
 protruded, so that you might put your hand sideways 
 under the scapula, and every bone of the vertebrae, and 
 every process was clearly defined through the skin of the 
 poor skeleton. The punishment commenced, and the lad 
 received his three dozen without a murmur, the measured 
 sound of the lash only being broken in upon by the bay- 
 ing of Snarleyyow, who occasionally would have flown 
 at the victim, had he not been kept off by one of the 
 marines. During the punishment, Mr Vanslyperken 
 walked the deck, and turned and turned again as before.- 
 
 Smallbones was then cast loose by the corporal, who 
 was twirHng up his cat, when Snarleyyow, whom the 
 marine had not watched, ran up to the lad, and inflicted 
 a severe bite. Smallbones, who appeared, at the moment, 
 to be faint and lifeless — not having risen from his knees 
 after the marine had thrown his shirt over him, roused 
 
The Dog Fiend 19 
 
 by this new attack, appeared to spring into life and 
 energy ; he jumped up, uttered a savage yell, and to the 
 astonishment of everybody, threw himself upon the dog 
 as he retreated, and holding him fast with his naked arms, 
 met the animal with his own weapons, attacking him with 
 a frenzied resolution with his teeth. Everybody started 
 back at this unusual conflict, and no one interfered. 
 
 Long was the struggle, and such was the savage 
 energy of the lad, that he bit and held on with the 
 tenacity of a bull-dog, tearing the lips of the animal, 
 his ears, and burying his face in the dog's throat, as his 
 teeth were firmly fixed on his windpipe. The dog could 
 not escape, for Smallbones held him like a vice. At last, 
 the dog appeared to have the advantage, for as they 
 rolled over and over, he caught the lad by the side of 
 the neck ; but Smallbones recovered himself, and getting 
 the foot of Snarleyyow between his teeth, the dog threw 
 up his head and howled for succour. Mr Vanslyperken 
 rushed to his assistance, and struck Smallbones a heavy 
 blow on the head with his speaking-trumpet, which 
 stunned him, and he let go his hold. 
 
 Short, who had come on deck, perceiving this, and 
 that the dog was about to resume the attack, saluted 
 Snarleyyow with a kick on his side, which threw him 
 down the hatchway, which was about three yards off 
 from where the dog was at the time. 
 
 " How dare you strike my dog, Mr Short ? " cried 
 Vanslyperken. 
 
 Short did not condescend to answer, but went to 
 Smallbones and raised his head. The lad revived. He 
 was terribly bitten about the face and neck, and what 
 with the wounds in front, and the lashing from the cat, 
 presented a melancholy spectacle. 
 
 Short called some of the men to take Smallbones 
 below, in which act they readily assisted j they washed 
 him all over with salt water, and the smarting from his 
 various wounds brought him to his senses. He was then 
 put in his hammock. 
 
20 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Vanslyperken and the corporal looked at each other 
 during the time that Short was giving his directions — 
 neither interfered. The lieutenant was afraid, and the 
 corporal waited for orders. So soon as the men had 
 carried the lad below, Corporal Van Spitter put his hand 
 up to his foraging cap, and with his cat and seizings 
 under his arm, went down below. As for Vanslyperken, 
 his wrath was even greater than before, and with hands 
 thrust even further down in his pockets than ever, and 
 the speaking-trumpet now battered flat with the blow 
 which he had administered to Smallbones, he walked up 
 and down, muttering every two minutes, " I'll keel-haul 
 the scoundrel, by heavens ! Til teach him to bite my 
 dog." 
 
 Snarleyyow did not re-appear on deck ; he had received 
 such punishment as he did not expect. He licked the 
 wounds where he could get at them, and then remained 
 in the cabin in a sort of perturbed slumber, growling 
 every minute as if he were fighting the battle over again 
 in his sleep. 
 
 Chapter V 
 
 A consultat on in which there is much mutiny. 
 
 This consultation was held upon the forecastle of his 
 Majesty's cutter Tungfrau, on the evening after the 
 punishment of Smallbones. The major part of the crew 
 attended ; all but the Corporal Van Spitter, who, on these 
 points, was known to split with the crew, and his six 
 marines, who formed the corporal's tail, at which they 
 were always to be found. The principal personage was 
 not the most eloquent speaker, for it was Dick Short, who 
 was supported by Obadiah Coble, Yack Jansen, and another 
 personage, whom we must introduce, the boatswain or 
 boatswain's mate of the cutter ; for although he received 
 the title of the former, he only received the pay of the 
 
The Dog Fiend 21 
 
 latter. This person's real name was James Salisbury, but 
 for reasons which will be explained he was invariably 
 addressed or spoken of as Jemmy Ducks. He was indeed 
 a very singular variety of human discrepancy as to form : he 
 was handsome in face, with a manly countenance, fierce 
 whiskers and long pigtail, which on him appeared more 
 than unusually long, as it descended to within a foot of the 
 deck. His shoulders were square, chest expanded, and, 
 as far as half-way down, that is, to where the legs are 
 inserted into the human frame, he was a fine, well-made, 
 handsome, well-proportioned man. But what a falling off 
 was there ! — for some reason, some accident, it is supposed, 
 in his infancy, his legs had never grown in length since he 
 was three years old : they were stout as well as his body, 
 but not more than eighteen inches from the hip to the 
 heel ; and he consequently waddled about a very ridiculous 
 figure, for he was like a man razeed or cut down. Put 
 him on an eminence of a couple of ^eet, and not see his 
 legs, and you would say at a distance, " What a fine looking 
 sailor ! " but lee him get down and walk up to you, and you 
 would find that nature had not finished what she had so 
 well begun, and that you are exactly half mistaken. This 
 malconformation below did not, however, affect his 
 strength, it rather added to it ; and there were but few men 
 in the ship who would venture a wrestle with the boat- 
 swain, who was very appropriately distinguished by the 
 cognomen of Jemmy Ducks. Jemmy was a sensible, merry 
 fellow, and a good seaman : you could not affront him by 
 any jokes on his figure, for he would joke with you. He 
 was indeed the fiddle of the ship's company, and he always 
 played the fiddle to them when they danced, on which 
 instrument he was no mean performer ; and, moreover, 
 accompanied his voice with his instrument when he sang to 
 them after they were tired of dancing. We shall only 
 observe that Jemmy was a married man, and he had selected 
 one of the tallest of the other sex : of her beauty the less that 
 is said the better — Jemmy did not look to that, or perhaps, 
 at such a height, her face did not appear so plain to him as 
 
22 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 it did who were to those more on a level with it. The 
 effect of perspective is well known, and even children now 
 have as playthings, castles, &c., laid down on card, which, 
 when looked at in a proper direction, appear just as correct 
 as they do preposterous when lying flat before you. 
 
 Now it happened that from the level that Jemmy looked 
 up from to his wife's face, her inharmonious features were 
 all in harmony, and thus did she appear — what is very 
 advantageous in the marriage state — perfection to her 
 husband, without sufficient charms in the eyes of others to 
 induce them to seduce her from her liege lord. Moreover, 
 let it be recollected, that what Jemmy ivanted was height, 
 and he had gained what he required in his wife, if not in 
 his own person : his wife was passionately fond of him, 
 and very jealous, which was not to be wondered at, for, as 
 she said, " there never was such a husband before or 
 since." 
 
 We must now return to the conference, observing, that 
 all these parties were sitting down on the deck, and that 
 Jemmy Ducks had his fiddle in his hand, holding it with 
 the body downwards like a bass viol, for he always played 
 it in that way, and that he occasionally fingered the strings, 
 pinching them as you do a guitar, so as to send the sound 
 of it aft, that Mr Vanslyperken might suppose that they 
 were all met for mirth. Two or three had their eyes 
 directed aft, that the appearance of Corporal Van Spitter 
 or the marines might be immediately perceived j for, 
 although the corporal was not a figure to slide into a 
 conference unperceived, it was well known that he was an 
 eavesdropper. 
 
 " One thing*s sartain," observed Coble, " that a dog's 
 not an officer." 
 
 " No," replied Dick Short. 
 
 "He's not on the ship's books, so I can't see how it can 
 be mutiny." 
 
 " No," rejoined Short. 
 
 " Mein Got — he is not a tog, he is te tyfel," observed 
 Jansen. 
 
The Dog Fiend 23 
 
 ** Who knows how he came into the cutter ? " 
 
 " There's a queer story about that," said one of the 
 men. 
 
 Turn tum, tumty turn — said the fiddle of Jemmy Ducks, 
 as if it took part in the conference. 
 
 " That poor boy will be killed if things go on this 
 way : the skipper will never be content till he has driven 
 his soul out of his body — poor creature ; only look at him 
 as he lies in his hammock." 
 
 "I never seed a Christian such an object," said one of 
 the sailors. 
 
 " If the dog ain't killed, Bones will be, that's sartain," 
 observed Coble, " and I don't see why the preference 
 should be given to a human individual, although the dog 
 is the skipper's dog — now then, what d'ye say, my lads ? " 
 
 Tum tum, tum tum, tumty tumty tum, replied the 
 fiddle. 
 
 ** Let's hang him at once." 
 
 ** No," replied Short. 
 
 Jansen took out his snickerree, looked at Short, and 
 made a motion with the knife, as if passing it across the 
 dog's throat. 
 
 " No," replied Short. 
 
 ** Let's launch him overboard at night," said one of the 
 men. 
 
 "But how is one to get the brute out of the cabin?" 
 said Coble ; ** if it's done at all it must be done by day." 
 
 Short nodded his head. 
 
 "I will give him a launch the first opportunity," 
 observed Jemmy Ducks, **only — " (continued he in a 
 measured and lower tone) " I should first like to know 
 whether he really is a dog or w/." 
 
 ** A tog is a tog," observed Jansen. 
 
 ** Yes," replied one of the forecastle men, " we all know 
 a dog is a dog, but the question is — is this dog a dog ? " 
 
 Here there was a pause, which Jemmy Ducks filled up 
 by again touching the strings of his fiddle. 
 
 The fact was, that, although every one of the sailors 
 
24 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 wished the dog was overboard, there was not one who 
 wished to commit the deed, not on account of the fear of its 
 being discovered who was the party by Mr Vanslyperken, 
 but because there was a great deal of superstition among 
 them. It was considered unlucky to throw any dog or 
 animal overboard ; but the strange stories told about the 
 way in which Snarleyyow first made his appearance in the 
 vessel, added to the peculiarly diabolical temper of the 
 animal, had often been the theme of midnight conversation, 
 and many of them were convinced that it was an imp of 
 Satan lent to Vanslyperken, and that, to injure or to 
 attempt to destroy it would infallibly be followed up with 
 terrible consequences to the party, if not to the vessel and 
 all the crew. Even Short, Coble, and Jansen, who were 
 the boldest and leading men, although when their sym- 
 pathies were roused by the sufferings of poor Smallbones 
 they were anxious to revenge him, had their own mis- 
 givings, and, on consideration, did not like to have 
 anything to do with the business. But each of them kept 
 their reflections to themselves, for, if they could not 
 combat, they were too proud to acknowledge them. 
 
 The reader will observe that all their plans were 
 immediately put an end to until this important question, 
 and not a little difficult one, was decided — Was the dog a 
 dog? 
 
 Now, although the story had often been told, yet, as 
 the crew of the cutter had been paid off since the animal 
 had been brought on board, there was no man in the ship 
 who could positively detail, from his own knowledge, the 
 facts connected with his first appearance — there was only 
 tradition, and, to solve this question, to tradition they were 
 obliged to repair. 
 
 " Now, Bill Spurey," said Coble, " you know more 
 about this matter than any one, so just spin us the yarn, 
 and then we shall be able to talk the matter over soberly." 
 
 " Well," replied Bill Spurey, " you shall have it just as 
 I got it word for word, as near as I can recollect. You 
 know I wasn't in the craft when the thing came on board. 
 
The Dog Fiend 25 
 
 but Joe Geary was, and it was one night when we were 
 boozing over a stiff glass at the new shop there, the 
 Orange Boven, as they call it, at the Pint at Portsmouth — 
 and so you see, falling in with him, I wished to learn 
 something about my new skipper, and what sort of a chap 
 I should have to deal with. When I learnt all about him, 
 Fd half-a-dozen minds to shove off again, but then I was 
 adrift, and so I thought better of it. It won't do to be 
 nice in peace times you know, my lads, when all the big 
 ships are rotting in Southampton and Cinque Port muds. 
 Well, then, what he told me I recollect as well — ay, every 
 word of it — as if he had whispered it into my ear but this 
 minute. It was a blustering night, with a dirty south- 
 wester, and the chafing of the harbour waves was thrown 
 up in foams, which the winds swept up the street, they 
 chasing one another as if they were boys at play. It was 
 about two bells in the middle watch, and after our fifth 
 glass, that Joe Geary said as this : 
 
 "It was one dark winter's night when we were off the 
 Texel, blowing terribly, with the coast under our lee, 
 clawing off under storm canvas, and fighting with the 
 elements for every inch of ground, a hand in the chains, 
 for we had nothing but the lead to trust to, and the vessel 
 so flogged by the waves, that he was lashed to the rigging, 
 that he might not be washed away j all of a sudden the 
 wind came with a blast loud enough for the last trump, 
 and the waves roared till they were hoarser than ever; 
 away went the vessel's mast, although there was no more 
 canvas on it than a jib pocket-handkerchief, and the craft 
 rolled and tossed in the deep troughs for all the world like 
 a wicked man dying in despair ; and then she was a wreck, 
 with nothing to help us but God Almighty, fast borne 
 down upon the sands which the waters had disturbed, and 
 were dashing about until they themselves were weary of 
 the load ; and all the seamen cried unto the Lord, as well 
 they might. 
 
 ** Now, they say, that he did not cry as they did, like 
 men and Christians, to Him who made them and the waters 
 
26 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 which surrounded and threatened them; for Death was 
 then in all his glory, and the foaming crests of the waves 
 were as plumes of feathers to his skeleton head beneath 
 them; but he cried like a child — and swore terribly as 
 well as cried — talking about his money, his dear money, 
 and not caring about his more precious soul. 
 
 " And the cutter was borne down, every wave pushing 
 her with giant force nearer and nearer to destruction, 
 when the man at the chains shrieked out — * Mark three, 
 and the Lord have mercy on our souls ! ' and all the crew, 
 when they heard this, cried out — * Lord, save us, or we 
 perish.' But still they thought that their time was come, 
 for the breaking waves were under their lee, and the 
 yellow waters told them that, in a few minutes, the vessel, 
 and all who were on board, would be shivered in 
 fragments ; and some wept and some prayed as they clung 
 to the bulwarks of the unguided vessel, and others in a 
 few minutes thought over their whole life, and waited 
 for death in silence. But he, he did all ; he cried, and 
 he prayed, and he swore, and he was silent, and at last he 
 became furious and frantic ; and when the men said again 
 and again, * The Lord save us ! ' he roared out at last, 
 
 **Will the devil help us, for ' In a moment, before 
 
 these first words were out of his mouth, there was a flash 
 of lightning, that appeared to strike the vessel, but it 
 harmed her not, neither did any thunder follow the flash ; 
 but a ball of blue flame pitched upon the knight heads, 
 and then came bounding and dancing aft to the taffrail, 
 where he stood alone, for the men had left him to blaspheme 
 by himself. Some say he was heard to speak, as if in 
 conversation, but no one knows what passed. Be it as it 
 may, on a sudden he walked forward as brave as could be, 
 and was followed by this creature, who carried his head 
 and tail slouching, as he does now. 
 
 " And the dog looked up and gave one deep bark, and 
 as soon as he had barked the wind appeared to lull — he 
 barked again twice, and there was a dead calm — he barked 
 again thrice, and the seas went down — and he patted the 
 
The Dog Fiend 27 
 
 dog on the head, and the animal then bayed loud for 
 a minute or two, and then, to the astonishment and fear 
 of all, instead of the vessel being within a cable's length 
 of the Texel sands in a heavy gale, and without hope, the 
 Foreland lights were but two miles on our beam with a 
 clear sky and smooth water." 
 
 The seaman finished his legend, and there was a dead 
 silence for a minute or two, broken first by Jansen, who 
 in a low voice said, " Then te tog is not a tog." 
 
 "No," replied Coble, "an imp sent by the devil to his 
 follower in distress." 
 
 " Yes," said Short. 
 
 " Well, but," said Jemmy Ducks, who for some time 
 had left off touching the strings of his fiddle, " it would 
 be the work of a good Christian to kill the brute." 
 
 *' It's not a mortal animal. Jemmy." 
 
 «* True, I forgot that." 
 
 ** Gifen by de tyfel," observed Jansen. 
 
 " Ay, and christened by him too," continued Coble. 
 "Who ever heard any Christian brute with such a 
 damnable name ? " 
 
 " Well, what's to be done ? " 
 
 "Why," replied Jemmy Ducks, " at all events, imp o' 
 Satan or not, that ere Smallbones fought him to-day with 
 his own weapons." 
 
 " And beat him too," said Coble. 
 
 " Yes," said Short. 
 
 " Now, it's my opinion, that Smallbones ar'n't afraid of 
 him," continued Jemmy Ducks, " and devil or no devil, 
 he'll kill him if he can." 
 
 " He's the proper person to do it," replied Coble ; " the 
 more so, as you may say that he's his natural enemy." 
 
 " Yes, mein Got, de poy is de man," said Jansen. 
 
 " We'll put him up to it at all events, as soon as he is 
 out of his hammock," rejoined Jemmy Ducks. 
 
 A little more conversation took place, and then it was 
 carried unanimously that Smallbones should destroy the 
 animal, if it was possible to destroy it. 
 
28 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 The only party who was not consulted was Smallbones 
 himself, who lay fast asleep in his hammock. The 
 consultation then broke up, and they all went below. 
 
 Chapter VI 
 
 In which, as often happens at sea when signals are not made out, friends 
 exchange broadsides. 
 
 Notwithstanding all the precautions of the party on the 
 forecastle, this consultation had been heard by no less a 
 person than the huge Corporal Van Spitter, who had an 
 idea that there was some mystery going on forward, and 
 had contrived to crawl up under the bulwark, and throw 
 himself down on the forestaysail, which lay between two 
 of the guns. Having so done without being perceived, 
 for it was at the very moment that the party were all 
 listening to Bill Spurey's legend of the dog's first appear- 
 ance on board, he threw a part of the sail over his fat 
 carcass, and thus remained undiscovered during the re- 
 mainder of the colloquy. He heard them all descending 
 below, and remained still quiet, till he imagined that the 
 forecastle was clear. In the meantime Mr Vanslyperken, 
 who had been walking the deck abaft, unaccompanied by 
 his faithful attendant (for Snarleyyow remained coiled up 
 on his master's bed), was meditating deeply how to gratify 
 the two most powerful passions in our nature, love and 
 revenge : at one moment thinking of the fat fair Vander- 
 sloosh, and of hauling in her guilders, at another reverting 
 to the starved Smallbones and the comfort of a keel- 
 hauling. The long conference on the forecastle had not 
 been unperceived by the hawk's eye of the lieutenant, 
 and as they descended, he walked forward to ascertain 
 if he could not pick up some straggler who, unsupported 
 by his comrades, might be induced by fear to acquaint 
 him with the subject of the discussion. Now, just as 
 Mr Vanslyperken came forward Corporal Van Spitter 
 
The Dog Fiend 29 
 
 had removed the canvas from his body, and was about 
 to rise from his bed, when he perceived somebody coming 
 forward. Not making it out to be the lieutenant, he 
 immediately dropped down again and drew the canvas 
 over him. Mr Vanslyperken perceived this manoeuvre, 
 and thought he had now caught one of the conspirators, 
 and, moreover, one who showed such fear as to warrant 
 the supposition that he should be able to extract from 
 him the results of the night's unusually long conference. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken walked up to where the corporal lay 
 as quiet, but not quite so small, as a mouse. It occurred 
 to Mr Vanslyperken that a little taste of punishment in 
 esse would very much assist the threats of what might 
 be received in posse ; so he laid aside his speaking-trumpet, 
 looked round, picked up a handspike, and raising it above 
 his head, down it came, with all the force of the lieu- 
 tenant's arm, upon Corporal Van Spitter, whose carcass 
 resounded like a huge kettle-drum. 
 
 "Tunder and flame," roared the corporal under the 
 canvas, thinking that one of the seamen, having discovered 
 him eavesdropping, had thus wreaked his revenge, taking 
 advantage of his being covered up, and pretending not to 
 know him. "Tunder and flame!" roared the corporal, 
 muffled up in the canvas, and trying to extricate himself; 
 but his voice was not recognised by the lieutenant, and, 
 before he could get clear of his envelope, the handspike 
 had again descended ; when up rose the corporal, like 
 a buffalo out of his muddy lair, half-blinded by the last 
 blow, which had fallen on his head, ran full butt at the 
 lieutenant, and precipitated his senior officer and commander 
 headlong down the fore-hatchway. 
 
 Vanslyperken fell with great force, was stunned, and 
 lay without motion at the foot of the ladder, while the 
 corporal, whose wrath was always excessive when his 
 blood was up, but whose phlegmatic blood could not 
 be raised without some such decided stimulus as a hand- 
 spike, now turned round and round the forecastle, like 
 a bull looking for his assailants ; but the corporal had 
 
30 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 the forecastle all to himself, and, as he gradually cooled 
 down, he saw lying close to him the speaking-trumpet 
 of his senior officer. 
 
 ** Tousand tyfels," murmured Corporal Van Spitter, 
 " but it must have been the skipper. Got for damn, dis 
 is hanging matter ! " Corporal Van Spitter was as cool as 
 a cucumber as soon as he observed what a mistake he had 
 made ; in fact, he quivered and trembled in his fat. " But 
 then," thought he, " perhaps he did not know me — no, he 
 could not, or he never would have handspiked wf." So 
 Corporal Van Spitter walked down the hatchway, where 
 he ascertained that his commandant lay insensible. " Dat is 
 good," thought he, and he went aft, lighted his lanthorn, 
 and, as a ruse, knocked at the cabin-door. Receiving no 
 answer but the growl of Snarleyyow, he went in, and then 
 ascended to the quarter-deck, looked round him, and 
 inquired of the man at the wheel where Mr Vanslyperken 
 might be. The man replied that he had gone forward a 
 few minutes before, and thither the corporal proceeded. 
 Of course, not finding him, he returned, telling the man 
 that the skipper was not in the cabin or the forecastle, and 
 wondering where he could be. He then descended to the 
 next officer in command, Dick Short, and called him. 
 
 "Well," said Short. 
 
 " Can't find Mr Vanslyperken anywhere," said the 
 corporal. 
 
 " Look," replied Dick, turning round in his hammock. 
 
 " Mein Got, I have looked de forecastle, de quarter- 
 deck, and de cabin, — he not anywhere." 
 
 " Overboard," replied Dick. 
 
 " I come to you, sir, to make inquiry," said the 
 corporal. 
 
 " Turn out," said Dick, suiting the action to the words, 
 and lighting with his feet on the deck in his shirt. 
 
 While Short was dressing himself, the corporal sum- 
 moned up all his marines ; and the noise occasioned by this 
 turn out, and the conversation overheard by those who 
 were awake, soon gave the crew of the cutter to under- 
 
The Dog Fiend 31 
 
 stand that some accident had happened to their commander. 
 Even Smallbones had it whispered in his ear that Mr 
 Vanslyperken had fallen overboard, and he smiled as he lay- 
 in the dark, smarting with his wounds, muttering to him- 
 self that Snarleyyow should soon follow his master. By 
 the time that Short was on the quarter-deck, Corporal Van 
 Spitter, who knew very well where to look for it, had, 
 very much to the disappointment of the crew, found the 
 body of Mr Vanslyperken, and the marines had brought it 
 aft to the cabin, and would have laid it on the bed, had 
 not Snarleyyow, who had no feeling in his composition, 
 positively denied its being put there. 
 
 Short came down and examined his superior officer. 
 
 " Is he dead ? " inquired the corporal with alarm. 
 
 " No," replied Short. 
 
 ** Vat can it be then ? " said the corporal. 
 
 " Stunned," replied Short. 
 
 ** Mein Got ! how could it happen ? " 
 
 "Tumbled," replied Short. 
 
 "What shall we do, sir ? " rejoined the corporal. 
 
 " Bed," replied Short, turning on his heel, and a minute 
 after turning into his hammock. 
 
 " Mein Got, the dog will not let him go to bed," ex- 
 claimed the corporal. 
 
 " Let's put him in," said one of the marines, " the dog 
 won't bite his master." 
 
 So the marines lifted up the still insensible Mr Vansly- 
 perken, and almost tossed him into his standing bed-place, 
 right on the body of the snarling dog, who, as soon as he 
 could disengage himself from the weight, revenged himself 
 by making his teeth meet more than once through the 
 lanthorn cheek of his master, and then leaping off the bed, 
 retreated growling under the table. 
 
 " Well, you are a nice dog," exclaimed one of the 
 marines, looking after Snarleyyow in his retreat. 
 
 Now, there was no medical assistance on board so small 
 a vessel. Mr Vanslyperken, was allowed a small 
 quantity of medicine, unguents, &c., but these he always 
 
32 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 sold to an apothecary, as soon as he had procured them from 
 the authorities. The teeth of the dog had, however, their 
 effect, and Mr Vanslyperken opened his eyes, and in a faint 
 voice cried " Snarleyyow." Oh, if the dog had any spark 
 of feeling, how must he then have been stung with remorse 
 at his ingratitude to so kind a master ! But he apparently 
 showed none, at least, report does not say that any 
 symptoms were manifest. 
 
 After a little burnt oakum had excoriated his nose, and 
 a certain quantity of the cold salt-water from alongside had 
 wetted through his bed-clothes, Mr Vanslyperken was 
 completely recovered, and was able to speak and look about 
 him. Corporal Van Spitter trembled a little as his com- 
 mandant fixed his eyes upon him, and he redoubled his 
 attention. 
 
 "Mein Got, Mynheer Vanslyperken, how was this 
 happen ? " exclaimed the corporal in a pathetic tone. 
 Whereupon Mr Vanslyperken ordered every one to leave 
 the cabin but Corporal Van Spitter. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken then communicated to the corporal 
 that he had been knocked down the hatchway by one of 
 the men when he went forward ; that he could not dis- 
 tinguish who it was, but thought that it must have been 
 Jansen from his size. Corporal Van Spitter, delighted to 
 find that his skipper was on a wrong scent, expressed his 
 opinion in corroboration of the lieutenant's : after which a 
 long consultation took place relative to mutiny, disaffection, 
 and the proper measures to be taken. Vanslyperken men- 
 tioned the consultation of the men during the first watch, 
 and the corporal, to win his favour, was very glad to be 
 able to communicate the particulars of what he had over- 
 heard, stating that he had concealed himself for that 
 purpose. 
 
 *' And where did you conceal yourself?" said Vansly- 
 perken with a keen inquiring look : for it immediately 
 occurred to him that, unless it was under the sail, there 
 could be no concealment for such a huge body as that of 
 the corporal ; and he had his misgivings. But the cor- 
 
The Dog Fiend ^3 
 
 poral very adroitly observed, that he stood at the lower 
 step of the fore-ladder, with his head level with the 
 coamings ; and had, by this means, overheard the con- 
 versation unperceived, and had only walked away when the 
 party broke up. This restored the confidence of Mr 
 Vanslyperken, and a long discussion took place, in which 
 it was agreed between them, that the only way to prevent 
 Snarleyyow from being destroyed, was to try some means 
 to make away quietly with poor Smallbones. But this 
 part of the conversation was not carried to any length : for 
 Mr Vanslyperken, indignant at having received such injury 
 in his face from his ungrateful cur, did not, at that moment, 
 feel the current of his affection run so strong as usual in 
 that direction. After this, the corporal touched his hat, 
 swung round to the right about in military style, and left 
 the cabin. 
 
 Chapter VII 
 
 In which Mr Vanslyperken goes on shore to woo the Widow Vandersloosh. 
 
 Three weeks of comparative calm now passed away, 
 during which Mr Vanslyperken recovered of his wounds 
 and accident, and meditated how he should make away 
 with Smallbones. The latter also recovered of his bites, 
 and meditated how he should make away with Snarleyyow. 
 Smallbones had returned to his avocations, and Vansly- 
 perken, intending mischief, treated him more kindly, as a 
 blind. Snarleyyow also, not forgetting his defeat on the 
 quarter-deck, did not renew his attacks, even when the 
 poor lad helped himself to biscuit. 
 
 The Tungfrau anchored in the Downs, and Mr 
 Vanslyperken received despatches for the Hague ; King 
 William having written some letters to his friends, and 
 sent over to them a little English money, which he knew 
 would be acceptable ; for continental kings on the English 
 throne have never appeared to have a clear sense of the 
 s c 
 
34 Snarleyyow ; or, 
 
 honour conferred upon them. England, in their ideas, 
 has always been a parvenue kingdom ; her nobles not able 
 to trace farther back than the Conquest ; while, in their 
 country, the lowest baron will prove his sixteen quarters, 
 and his descent from the darkest ages. But, nevertheless, 
 upon the same principle that the poor aristocracy will 
 condescend to unite themselves occasionally to city 
 wealth, so have these potentates condescended to reign 
 over us. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken received his despatches, and made the 
 best of his way to Amsterdam, where he anchored, 
 delivered his credentials, and there waited for the letters 
 of thanks from his Majesty's cousins. 
 
 But what a hurry and bustle there appears to be on 
 board of the Yungfrau — Smallbones here, Smallbones 
 there — Corporal Van Spitter pushing to and fro with the 
 dog-trot of an elephant ; and even Snarleyyow appears to 
 be unusually often up and down the hatchway. What 
 can it all be about ? Oh ! Mr Vanslyperken is going on 
 shore to pay his respects, and continue his addresses, to 
 the widow Vandersloosh. His boat is manned alongside, 
 and he now appears on the cutter's quarter-deck. 
 
 Is it possible that this can be Mr Vanslyperken ? 
 Heavens, how gay ! An uniform certainly does wonders 
 with some people : that is to say, those who do not look 
 well in plain clothes are invariably improved by it ; while 
 those, who look most like gentlemen in plain clothes, lose 
 in the same proportion. At all events Mr Vanslyperken 
 is wonderfully improved. 
 
 He has a loose pair of blue pantaloons, with boots 
 rising above his knees pulled over them : his lower parts 
 remind you of Charles the Twelfth. He has a long 
 scarlet waiscoat, with large gilt buttons and flap pockets, 
 and his uniform coat over all, of blue turned up with red, 
 has a very commanding appearance. To a broad black 
 belt over his shoulder hangs his cutlass, the sheath of 
 which is mounted with silver, and the hilt of ivory and 
 gold threads j and, above all, his small head is almost 
 
The Dog Fiend ^^ 
 
 dignified by being surmounted with a three-cornered 
 turned-up and gold-banded cocked hat, with one corner 
 of the triangle in front parallel with his sharp nose. 
 Surely the widow must strike her colours to scarlet, and 
 blue, and gold. But although women are said, hke 
 mackerel, to take such baits, still widows are not fond 
 of a man who is as thin as a herring : they are too 
 knowing, they prefer stamina, and will not be persuaded 
 to take the shadow for the substance. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken was, nevertheless, very well pleased 
 with himself, which was something, but still not quite 
 enough on the present occasion ; and he strutted the deck 
 with great complacency, gave his final orders to Dick 
 Short, who, as usual, gave a short answer; also to 
 Corporal Van Spitter, who, as usual, received them with 
 all military honour ; and, lastly, to Smallbones, who 
 received them with all humility. The lieutenant was 
 about to step into the boat, when a doubt arose, and he 
 stopped in his advance, perplexed. It was one of no 
 small importance — was Snarleyyow to accompany him or 
 not ? That was the knotty question, and it really was a 
 case which required some deliberation. If he left him on 
 board after the conspiracy which had been formed against 
 him, the dog would probably be overboard before he 
 returned ; that is, if Smallbones were also left on board ; 
 for Mr Vanslyperken knew that it had been decided that 
 Smallbones alone could and should destroy the dog. He 
 could not, therefore, leave the dog on board with safety ; 
 and, as for taking him on shore with him, in that there 
 was much danger, for the widow Vandersloosh had set 
 her face against the dog. No wonder : he had behaved 
 in her parlour as bad as the dog Crab in the Two 
 Gentlemen of Verona; and the Frau was a very clean 
 person, and had no fancy for dogs comparing their legs 
 with those of her polished mahogany chairs and tables. 
 If Mr Vanslyperken's suit was to be decided according to 
 the old adage, *'love me, love my dog," he certainly had 
 but a poor chance ; for the widow detested the cur, and 
 
^6 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 had insisted that it should never be brought into her 
 house. Take the dog on shore, therefore, he could not ; 
 but, thought Mr Vanslyperken, I can take Smallbones on 
 shore, that will do as well. I have some biscuit to 
 dispose of, and he shall go with it and wait till I come 
 off again. Smallbones was, therefore, ordered to put on 
 his hat and step into the boat with two half bags of 
 biscuit to carry up to the widow's house, for she did a 
 little business with Mr Vanslyperken, as well as allowing 
 him to make love to her ; and was never so sweet or so 
 gracious, as when closing a bargain. So Mr Vanslyperken 
 waited for Smallbones, who was soon ready, for his best 
 consisted only in a pair of shoes to his usually naked 
 feet, and a hat for his generally uncovered head. And 
 Mr Vanslyperken, and Smallbones, and the biscuit, were 
 in the boat, when Snarleyyow intimated his intention to 
 join the party ; but this was refused, and the boat shoved 
 off without him. 
 
 As soon as Mr Vanslyperken had shoved off, Dick 
 Short, being in command, thought he might as well give 
 himself leave, and go on shore also. So he went down, 
 put on his best, and ordered the other boat to be manned, 
 and leaving Obadiah Coble on board as the next officer, 
 he took with him Jansen, Jemmy Ducks, and four or 
 five others, to have a cruise. Now, as Snarleyyow had 
 this time made up his mind that he would go on shore, 
 and Short was willing to indulge him, for he knew that 
 Smallbones, if he fell in with him, would do his best to 
 launch him into one of the canals, so convenient in every 
 street, the cur was permitted to get into the boat, and 
 was landed with the rest of the party, who, as usual, 
 repaired to the Lust Haus of the widow Vandersloosh j 
 where we must leave them for the present, and return to 
 our friend, Mr Vanslyperken. 
 
The Dog Fiend yj 
 
 Chapter VIII 
 
 In which the Widow lays a trap for Mr Vanslyperken, and Smallbones 
 lays a trap for Snarleyyow, and both bag their game. 
 
 The widow Vandersloosh, as we have informed the 
 reader, was the owner of a Lust Haus, or pleasure-house 
 for sailors : we will describe that portion of her tenements 
 more particularly by-and-bye : at present, we must advert 
 to her own private house, which stood adjoining, and had 
 a communication with the Lust Haus by a private door 
 through the party wall. This was a very small, snug 
 little habitation, with one window in each front, and two 
 stories high ; containing a front parlour and kitchen on 
 the basement, two small rooms on the first, and two on 
 the second floor. Nothing could be better arranged for 
 a widow's residence. Moreover, she had a back-yard 
 running the whole length of the wall of the Lust Haus 
 in the rear, with convenient offices, and a back-door into 
 the street behind. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken had arrived, paid his humble devoirs 
 to the widow, more humble, because he was evidently 
 pleased with his own person, and had been followed by 
 Smallbones, who laid the biscuit by the scraper at the 
 door, watching it as in duty bound. The lieutenant 
 imagined that he was more graciously received than usual. 
 Perhaps he was, for the widow had not had so much 
 custom lately, and was glad the crew of the cutter were 
 arrived to spend their money. Already had Vanslyperken 
 removed his sword and belt, and laid them with his 
 three-cornered laced hat on the side-table ; he was already 
 cosily, as of wont, seated upon the widow's little fubsy 
 sofa, with the lady by his side, and he had just taken 
 her hand and was about to renew his suit, to pour forth 
 the impromptu effusions of his heart, concocted on the 
 quarter-deck of the Tungfrau^ when who should bolt 
 into the parlour but the unwelcome Snarleyyow. 
 
38 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " O that nasty brute ! Mynheer Vanslyperken, how 
 dare you bring him into my house ? " cried the widow, 
 jumping up from the sofa, with her full-moon-face red 
 with anger. 
 
 " Indeed, widow," replied Vanslyperken, " I left him 
 on board, knowing that you were not fond of animals 5 
 but some one has brought him on shore. However, I'll 
 find out who it was, and keel-haul him in honour of your 
 charms." 
 
 " I am fond of animals, Mr Vansl5^perken, but I am not 
 fond of such animals as that — such a filthy, ugly, disagree- 
 able, snarling brute ; nor can I think how you can keep 
 him after what I have said about it. It don't prove much 
 regard, Mr Vanslyperken, when such a dog as that is kept 
 on purpose to annoy me." 
 
 **I assure you, widow " 
 
 "Don't assure me, Mr Vanslyperken, there's no occasion 
 — your dog is your own — but I'll thank you to take him 
 out of this house; and, perhaps, as he won't go without 
 you, you had better go with him." 
 
 Now the widow had never spoken so indignantly before : 
 if the reader wishes to know why she did so now, we will 
 acquaint him ; the widow Vandersloosh had perceived 
 Smallbones, who sat like Patience on a monument, upon 
 the two half bags of biscuit before her porch. It was a 
 query to the widow whether they were to be a present, or 
 an article to be bargained for : it was therefore very advis- 
 able to pick a quarrel, that the matter might be cleared up. 
 The widow's ruse met with all the success which it 
 deserved. In the first place, Mr Vanslyperken did what 
 he never would have believed himself capable of, but the 
 wrath of the widow had worked him also up to wrath, 
 and he saluted Snarleyyow with such a kick on the side, as 
 to send him howHng into the back-yard, followed him out, 
 and, notwithstanding an attempt at defence on the part of 
 the dog, which the lieutenant's high boots rendered harm- 
 less, Snarleyyow was fairly or unfairly, as you may please 
 to think it, kicked into an outhouse, the door shut, and 
 
The Dog Fiend 39 
 
 the key turned upon him. After which Mr Vanslyperken 
 returned to the parlour, where he found the widow, erect, 
 with her back turned to the stove, blowing and bristling, 
 her bosom heaving, reminding you of seas mountains high, 
 as if she were still under the effect of a just resentment 
 for the affront offered to her. There she stood waiting in 
 all dignity for Mr Vanslyperken to repair the injury done, 
 whether unintentional or not. In few words, there she 
 waited, for the biscuit to be presented to her. And it was 
 presented, for Vanslyperken knew no other way of appeas- 
 ing her wrath. Gradually the storm was allayed — the 
 flush of anger disappeared, the corners of the scornfully- 
 turned-down mouth, were turned up again — Cupid's bow 
 was no longer bent in anger, and the widow's bosom slept 
 as when the ocean sleeps, like ** an un weaned child." 
 The biscuit bags were brought in by Smallbones, their 
 contents stored, and harmony restored. Once more was 
 Mr Vanslyperken upon the little sofa by the side of the 
 fat widow, and once more did he take her melting hand. 
 Alas ! that her heart was not made of the same soft 
 materials. 
 
 But we must not only leave Short and his companions in 
 the Lust Haus, but the widow and the lieutenant in their 
 soft dalliance, and now occupy ourselves with the two 
 principal personages of this our drama, Smallbones and 
 Snarleyyow. 
 
 When Smallbones had retired, with the empty bread- 
 bags under his arm, he remained some time reflecting at 
 the porch, and then having apparently made up his mind, 
 he walked to a chandler's shop just over the bridge of the 
 canal opposite, and purchased a needle, some strong twine, 
 and a red-herring. He also procured, "without purchase," 
 as they say in our War Office Gazettes, a few pieces of 
 stick. Having obtained all these, he went round to the 
 door of the yard behind the widow's house, and let himself 
 in. Little did Mr Vanslyperken imagine what mischief 
 was brewing, while he was praising and drinking the beer 
 of the widow's own brewing. 
 
40 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Smallbones had no difficulty in finding out where 
 Snarleyyow was confined, for the dog was very busy 
 gnawing his way through the door, which, however, 
 was a work of time, and not yet a quarter accomplished. 
 The place had been a fowl-house, and, at the bottom of 
 the door, there was a small hatch for the ingress and 
 egress of these bipeds, the original invention of some 
 thrifty spinster, to prevent the maids from stealing eggs. 
 But this hatch was closed, or Snarleyyow would have 
 escaped through it. Smallbones took up his quarters in 
 another outhouse, that he might not be observed, and 
 commenced his operations. 
 
 He first took out the bottom of one bread-bag, and 
 then sewed that on the other to make it longer ; he then 
 ran a string through the mouth, so as to draw it close 
 when necessary, and cut his sticks so as to support it 
 and keep it open. All this being arranged, he went to 
 where Snarleyyow was busy gnawing wood with great 
 pertinacity, and allowed him not only to smell, but to 
 tear off the tail of the red-herring, under the door ; and 
 then gradually drew the herring along until he had 
 brought it right under the hatch in the middle, which 
 left it at the precise distance that the dog could snufFit 
 but not reach it, which Snarleyyow now did, in preference 
 to gnawing wood. When you lay a trap, much depends 
 upon the bait ; Smallbones knew his enemy's partiality 
 for savoury comestibles. He then brought out his bag, 
 set up his supporters, fixed it close to the hatch, and put 
 the red-herring inside of it. With the string in one 
 hand, he lifted up the hatch with the other. Snarleyyow 
 rushed out and rushed in, and in a moment the strings 
 were drawn, and as soon as drawn were tied tight round 
 the mouth of the bag. Snarleyyow was caught ; he 
 tumbled over and over, rolling now to the right and now 
 to the left, while Smallbones grinned with delight. After 
 amusing himself a short time with the evolutions of his 
 prisoner, he dragged him in his bag into the outhouse 
 where he had made his trap, shut the door, and left 
 
The Dog Fiend 41 
 
 him. The next object was to remove any suspicion on the 
 part of Mr Vanslyperken ; and to effect this, Smallbones 
 tore off the hatch, and broke it in two or three pieces, bit 
 parts of it with his own teeth, and laid them down before 
 the door, making it appear as if the dog had gnawed 
 his own way out. The reason for allowing the dog still 
 to remain in prison, was that Smallbones dared not 
 attempt anything further until it was dark, and there 
 was yet an hour or more to wait for the close of the 
 day. 
 
 Smallbones had but just finished his work in time ; for the 
 widow having been summoned to her guests in the Lust 
 Haus, had left Vanslyperken alone, and the lieutenant 
 thought this a good opportunity to look after his four- 
 footed favourite. He came out into the yard, where he 
 found Smallbones, and he had his misgivings. 
 
 *' What are you doing here, sir ? " 
 
 " Waiting for you, sir," replied Smallbones, humbly. 
 
 "And the dog?" said Vanslyperken, observing the 
 strewed fragments of the door hatch. 
 
 " He's a-bitten himself out, sir, I believe." 
 
 " And where is he, then ? " 
 
 " I don't know, sir , I suppose he's gone down to the 
 boat." 
 
 Snarleyyow hearing his master's voice, had commenced 
 a whine, and Smallbones trembled ; fortunately, at that 
 moment, the widow's ample form appeared at the back- 
 door of the house, and she called to Mr Vanslyperken. 
 The widow's voice drowned the whine of the dog, and 
 his master did not hear it. At the summons, Vansly- 
 perken but half convinced, but not daring to show any 
 interest about the animal in the presence of his mistress, 
 returned to the parlour, and very soon the dog was 
 forgotten. 
 
 But as the orgies in the Lust Haus increased, so did it 
 become more necessary for the widow to make frequent 
 visits there ; not only to supply her customers, but to 
 restrain them by her presence ; and as the evening wore 
 
42 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 away, so did the absences of the widow become more 
 frequent. This Vanslyperken well knew, and he there- 
 fore always pressed his suit in the afternoon, and as soon 
 as it was dark returned on board. Smallbones, who 
 watched at the back-door the movements of his master, 
 perceived that he was refixing his sword-belt over his 
 shoulder, and he knew this to be the signal for departure. 
 It was now quite dark, he therefore hastened to the out- 
 house, and dragged out Snarleyyow in the bag, swung 
 him over his shoulder, and walked out of the yard-door, 
 proceeded to the canal in front of the widow's house, 
 looked round him, could perceive nobody, and then 
 dragged the bag with its contents into the stagnant 
 water below, just as Mr Vanslyperken, who had bidden 
 adieu to the widow, came out of the house. There was 
 a heavy splash — and silence. Had such been heard on 
 the shores of the Bosphorus on such a night, it would 
 have told some tale of unhappy love and a husband's 
 vengeance ; but, at Amsterdam, it was nothing more than 
 the drowning of a cur. 
 
 " Who's there — is it Smallbones ? " said Mr Vansly- 
 perken. 
 
 " Yes, sir," said Smallbones, with alarm. 
 " What was that noise I heard ? " 
 
 "Noise, sir? Oh, I kicked a paving-stone into the 
 canal." 
 
 " And don't you know there is heavy fine for that, you 
 scoundrel ? And pray where are the bread-bags ? " 
 
 " The bread-bags, sir ? Oh, Mr Short took them to tie 
 up some vegetables in them." 
 
 " Mr Short ! O, very well. Come along, sir, and no 
 more throwing stones into the canal j why you might have 
 killed somebody — there is a boat down there now, I hear 
 the people talking." And Mr Vanslyperken hastened to 
 his boat, which was waiting for him ; anxious to ascertain 
 if Snarleyyow, as he fully expected, was in it. But to his 
 grief and disappointment he was not there, and Mr Vansly- 
 perken sat in the stern sheets, in no pleasant humour. 
 
The Dog Fiend 43 
 
 thinking whether it was or was not a paving-stone which 
 Smallbones had thrown into the canal, and resolving that 
 if the dog did not appear, Smallbones should be keel-hauled. 
 There was, however, one more chance, the dog might 
 have been taken on board. 
 
 Chapter IX 
 
 A long chapter, in which there is lamentation, singing, bibbing, and 
 
 dancing. 
 
 It may readily be supposed, that the first question asked 
 by Mr Vanslyperken, on his gaining the quarter-deck, was, 
 if Snarleyyow were on board. He was received with the 
 military salute of Corporal Van Spitter, for Obadiah Coble, 
 having been left commanding officer, had given himself 
 leave, and, with a few men, had joined Dick Short and the 
 first party at the Lust Haus, leaving the corporal as the 
 next senior officer in charge. The answer in the negative 
 was a great mortification to Mr Vanslyperken, and he 
 descended to his cabin in no very good humour, and 
 summoned Smallbones. But before Smallbones was sum- 
 moned, he had time to whisper to one or two of the 
 conspirators — " He's goneP It was enough ; in less than a 
 minute the whisper was passed throughout the cutter. 
 " He's gone," was sibilated above and below, until it met 
 the ears of even Corporal Van Spitter, who had it from 
 a marine, who had it from another marine, who had it from 
 a seaman, who — but it was, however, soon traced up to 
 Smallbones by the indefatigable corporal — who considered 
 it his duty to report the report to Mr Vanslyperken. 
 Accordingly he descended to the cabin and knocked for 
 admission. 
 
 In the meantime Vanslyperken had been venting his 
 ill-humour upon Smallbones, having, as he took off from 
 his person, and replaced in his drawers, his unusual finery, 
 administered an unusual quantity of kicks, as well as a 
 
44 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 severe blow on the head with his sheathed cutlass to the 
 unfortunate lad, who repeated to himself, by way of con- 
 solation, the magic words — " He's gone" 
 
 " If you please, sir," said Corporal Van Spitter, ** I've 
 discovered from the ship's company that the dog is gone," 
 
 " I know that, corporal," replied Vanslyperken. 
 
 ** And, sir, the report has been traced to Smallbones." 
 
 " Indeed ! — then it was you that said that the dog is 
 gone — now, you villain, where is he ? " 
 
 " If you please, I did say that the dog was gone, and 
 so he is ; but I didn't say that I knew where he was — no 
 more I don't. He's runned away, and he'll be back to- 
 morrow — I'm sure he will." 
 
 " Corporal Van Spitter, if the dog is not on board again 
 by eight o'clock to-morrow morning, you will get all ready 
 for keel-hauling this scoundrel." 
 
 ** Yes, mynheer," replied the corporal, delighted at 
 having something to do in the way of punishment. 
 
 Smallbones made up a lachrymal face. 
 
 "It's very hard," said he ; " suppose the dog has fallen 
 into the canal, is that my fault ? If he's a-gone to the 
 bottom of the canal, that's no reason why I'm to be 
 dragged under the bottom of the cutter." 
 
 " Yes, yes," replied Vanslyperken, " I'll teach you to 
 throw paving-stones oif the wharf. Leave the cabin, sir." 
 
 Smallbones, whose guilty conscience flew into his pallid 
 face at the mention of the paving-stones, immediately made 
 a hasty retreat ; and Vanslyperken turned into his bed and 
 dreamt of vengeance. 
 
 "We must now return to the Lust Haus, and the party 
 on shore ; and our first task must be, to give the reader 
 an idea of what a Lust Haus may be. It is, as its name 
 imports, a resort for pleasure and amusement ; and in this 
 respect the Dutch are certainly very much in advance of 
 the English, who have, in the pot-houses and low inns 
 resorted to by seamen, no accommodation of the kind. 
 There is barely room for Jack to foot it in a reel, the 
 tap-room is so small j and as Jack is soon reeling after 
 
The Dog Fiend 45 
 
 he is once on shore, it is a very great defect. Now, the 
 Lust Haus is a room as large as an assembly-room in a 
 country-town, well lighted up with lamps and chandeliers, 
 well warmed with stoves, where you have room to dance 
 fifty reels at once, and still have plenty of accommodation at 
 the chairs and tables ranged round on each side. At the 
 end of the room is a raised chair, with a protecting railing, 
 on which the musicians, to the number of seven or eight, 
 are posted, and they continue during the evening to play 
 when requested. The people of the Lust Haus furnish 
 wine and spirits of every description, while cakes, nuts, 
 walnuts, oranges, &c., are supplied from the baskets of 
 numerous young women who hand them round, and press 
 their customers to purchase. Police officers superintend 
 these resorts to remove those who are violent, and interfere 
 with the amusements of others. On the whole, it is a 
 very gay scene, and is resorted to by seamen of all nations, 
 with a sprinkling of those who are not sailors, but who 
 like amusement, and there are plenty of females who are 
 ready to dance with them, and to share their beer or grog. 
 Be it further known, that there is a great deal of decorum 
 in a Lust Haus, particularly among the latter sex; and 
 altogether it is infinitely more rational and less debasing, 
 than the low pot-houses of Portsmouth or Plymouth. 
 
 Such was the place of amusement kept by the Frau 
 Vandersloosh, and in this large room had been seated, for 
 some hours, Dick Short, Coble, Jansen, Jemmy Ducks, 
 and some others of the crew of his Majesty's cutter 
 Tungfrau. 
 
 The room was now full, but not crowded, it was too 
 spacious well to be so. Some sixteen couples were 
 dancing a quadrille to a lively tune played by the band, 
 and among the dancers were to be seen old women, and 
 children of ten or twelve : for it was not considered im- 
 proper to be seen dancing at this humble assembly, and 
 the neighbours frequently came in. The small tables and 
 numerous chairs round the room were nearly all filled, 
 beer was foaming from the mouths of the opened bottles. 
 
46 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 and there was the ringing of the glasses as they pledged 
 each other. At several tables were assemblages of Dutch 
 seamen, who smoked with all the phlegm of their nation, 
 as they gravely looked upon the dancers. At another 
 were to be seen some American seamen, scrupulously neat 
 in their attire, and with an air distinguee, from the 
 superiority of their education, and all of them quiet and 
 sober. The basket-women flitted about displaying their 
 stores, and invited every one to purchase fruit, and 
 particularly hard-boiled eggs, which they had brought in 
 at this hour, when those who dined at one might be 
 expected to be hungry. Sailors' wives were also there, 
 and perhaps some who could not produce the marriage 
 certificates ; but as these were not asked for at the door, 
 it was of no consequence. About the centre of the room, 
 at two small tables joined together, were to be seen the 
 party from the Tungfrau : some were drinking beer, some 
 grog, and Jemmy Ducks was perched on the table, with his 
 fiddle as usual held like a bass viol. He was known by 
 those who frequented the house by the name of the 
 Manikin, and was a universal object of admiration and 
 good-will. The quadrille was ended, and the music 
 stopped playing. 
 
 *' Come now," said Coble, tossing off his glass, " spell 
 oh ! — let's have a song while they take their breath. 
 Jemmy, strike up." 
 
 " Hurrah for a song i " cries Jemmy. " Here goes." 
 Jemmy then tuned one string of his fiddle, which was a 
 little out, and accompanying his voice, sang as follows : 
 all those who were present immediately keeping silence, 
 for they were used to Jemmy's melody. 
 
 Twas on the twenty-fourth of June, I sailed away to sea, 
 
 I turned my pockets in the lap of Susan on my knee ; 
 
 Says I, my dear, 'tis all I have, I wish that it was more, 
 
 It can't be helped, says Susan then, you know we've spent galore. 
 
 You know we've spent galore, my Bill, 
 
 And merry have been we. 
 Again you must your pockets fill. 
 
 For Susan on your knee. 
 
The Dog Fiend 47 
 
 ** Chorus, my boys — " 
 
 For Susan on my knee, my boys, 
 With Susan on my knee. 
 
 The gale came on in thunder, lads, in lightning, and in foam, 
 Before that we had sail'd away three hundred miles from home ; 
 And on the Sunday morning, lads, the coast was on our lee, 
 Oh, then I thought of Portsmouth, and of Susan on my knee. 
 
 For howling winds and waves to boot, 
 
 With black rocks on the lee, 
 Did not so well my fancy suit. 
 
 As Susan on my knee. 
 
 Chorus. — With Susan on my knee, my boys. 
 With Susan on my knee. 
 
 Next morning we were cast away upon the Frenchman's shore, 
 We saved our lives, but not our all, for we could save no more ; 
 They marched us to a prison, so we lost our liberty, 
 I peeped between the bars, and sighed for Susan on my knee. 
 
 For bread so black, and wine so sour. 
 
 And a sou a-day to me. 
 Made me long ten times an hour, 
 
 For Susan on my knee. 
 
 Chorus, — For Susan on my knee, my boys, 
 For Susan on my knee. 
 
 One night we smashed our jailer's skull, and off our boat did steer. 
 And in the offing were picked up by a jolly privateer ; 
 We sailed in her the cruise, my boys, and prizes did take we, 
 I'll be at Portsmouth soon, thinks I, with Susan on my knee. 
 
 We shared three hundred pounds a man, 
 
 I made all sail with glee, 
 Again I danced and tossed my can, 
 
 With Susan on my knee. 
 
 Chorus. — With Susan on my knee, my boys. 
 With Susan on my knee. 
 
 " That's prime, Jemmy. Now, my boys, all together," 
 cried Obadiah Coble. 
 
48 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Chorus. — ^Very good song, and very well sung, 
 Jolly companions every one ; 
 We are all here for mirth and glee, 
 We are all here for jollity. 
 Very good song, and very well sung. 
 Jolly companions every one ; 
 Put your hats on to keep your heads warm, 
 A little more grog will do us no harm. 
 
 " Hurrah ! now, Bill Spurey, suppose you tip us a stave. 
 But I say, Babette, you Dutch-built galliot, tell old Frank 
 Slush to send us another dose of the stuff; and d'ye hear, 
 a short pipe for me, and a paper o' baccy." 
 
 The short, fat Babette, whose proportions all the 
 exercise of waiting upon the customers could not reduce, 
 knew quite enough English to require no further explana- 
 tion. 
 
 " Come, Jemmy, my hearty, take your fingers off your 
 fiddle, and hand in your pot," continued Coble; "and 
 then if they are not going to dance, we'll have another 
 song. Bill Spurey, wet your whistle, and just clear the 
 cobwebs out of your throat. Here's more 'baccy. Short." 
 
 Short made no reply, but he shook out the ashes and 
 filled his pipe. The music did not strike up again, so Bill 
 Spurey sang as follows : — 
 
 Says the parson one day, as I cursed a Jew, 
 
 Do you know, my lad, that we call it a sin ? 
 I fear of you sailors there are but few, 
 
 St Peter, to heaven, will ever let in. 
 Says I, Mr Parson, to tell you my mind. 
 
 No sailors to knock were ever yet seen, 
 Those who travel by land may steer 'gainst wind, 
 
 But we shape a course for Fidler's Green. 
 
 For Fidler's Green, where seamen true, 
 
 When here they've done their duty, 
 The bowl of grog shall still renew 
 
 And pledge to love and beauty. 
 
 Says the parson, I hear you've married three wives, 
 Now do you not know, that that is a sin ? 
 
 You sailors, you lead such very bad lives, 
 St Peter, to heaven, will ne'er let you in, 
 
The Dog Fiend 49 
 
 Parson, says I, in each port I've but one, 
 
 And never had more, wherever I've been ; 
 Belovv^ I'm obliged to be chaste as a nun, 
 
 But I'm promised a dozen at Fidler's Green. 
 
 At Fidler's Green, where seamen true, 
 
 When here they've done their duty, 
 The bowl of grog shall still renew, 
 
 And pledge to love and beauty. 
 
 Says the parson, says he, you're drunk, my man, 
 
 And do you not know that that is a sin ? 
 If you sailors will ever be swigging your can, 
 
 To heaven you surely will never get in. 
 (^Hiccup.) Parson, you may as well be mum, 
 
 'Tis only on shore I'm this way seen ; 
 But oceans of punch, and rivers of rum. 
 
 Await the sailor at Fidler's Green. 
 
 At Fidler's Green, where seamen true, 
 
 When here they've done their duty, 
 The bowl of grog shall still renew, 
 
 And pledge to love and beauty. 
 
 ** Well reeled off, Billy," cried Jemmy Ducks, finishing 
 with a flourish on his fiddle, and a refrain of the air. I 
 don't think we shall meet him and his dog at Fidler's Green 
 — heh ! " 
 
 " No," replied Short, taking his pipe from his lip. 
 
 " No, no. Jemmy, a seaman true means one true in heart 
 as well as in knowledge ; but, like a blind fiddler, he'll be 
 led by his dog somewhere else." 
 
 ** From vere de dog did come from," observed Jansen. 
 
 The band now struck up again, and played a waltz — a 
 dance new to our country, but older than the heptarchy. 
 Jansen, with his pipe in his mouth, took one of the women 
 by the waist, and steered round the room about as leisurely 
 as a capstern heaving up. Dick Short also took another, 
 made four turns, reeled up against a Dutchman who was 
 doing it with sangfroid, and then suddenly left his partner 
 and dropped into his chair. 
 
 ** I say. Jemmy," said Obadiah Coble, " why don't you 
 give a girl a twist round } " 
 s D 
 
50 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " Because I can't, Oby ; my compasses arn't long enough 
 to describe a circle. You and I are better here, old boy- 
 I, because Fve very little legs, and you, because you 
 havn't a leg to stand upon." 
 
 "Very true — not quite so young as I was forty years 
 ago. Howsomever I mean this to be my last vessel. I 
 shall bear up for one of the London dock-yards as a rigger." 
 
 " Yes, that'll do ; only keep clear of the girt-lines, 
 you're too stiff for that." 
 
 ** No, that would not exactly tell ; I shall pick my own 
 work, and that's where I can bring my tarry trousers to an 
 anchor — mousing the mainstay, or puddening the anchor, 
 with th^ best of any. Dick, lend us a bit of 'baccy." 
 
 Short pulled out his box without saying a word. Coble 
 took a quid, and Short thrust the box again into his 
 pocket. 
 
 In the meantime the waltz continued, and being a 
 favourite dance, there were about fifty couples going round 
 and round the room. Such was the variety in the dress, 
 country, language, and appearance of the parties collected, 
 that you might have imagined it a masquerade. It was, 
 however, getting late, and Frau Vandersloosh had received 
 the intimation of the people of the police who super- 
 intend these resorts, that it was the time for shutting up ; 
 so that, although the widow was sorry on her own 
 account to disperse so m.erry and so thirsty a party as they 
 were now becoming, so soon as the waltz was ended the 
 musicians packed up their instruments and departed. 
 
 This was a signal for many, but by no means for all, to 
 depart ; for music being over, and the house doors closed, 
 a few who remained, provided they made no disturbance, 
 were not interfered with by the police. Among those who 
 stayed were the party from the TungfraUy one or two 
 American, and some Prussian sailors. Having closed up 
 together, 
 
 " Come," cried Jemmy, ** now that we are quiet again, 
 let's have another song ; and who is it to be — Dick 
 Short?" 
 
The Dog Fiend 51 
 
 ** Short, my boy, come, you must sing." 
 
 '' No," replied Short. 
 
 " Yes, yes — one verse," said Spurey. 
 
 *' He never sings more," replied Jemmy Ducks, " so he 
 must give us that. Come, Short." 
 
 " Yes," replied Short, taking the pipe out of his mouth, 
 and wetting his lips with the grog. 
 
 S'lort stay apeak was the anchor, 
 
 We had but a short minute more, 
 In short, I no longer could hanker, 
 
 For short was the cash in my store. 
 I gave one short look, 
 
 As Poll heaved a short sigh 
 One short hug I took, 
 
 Short the matter cut I, 
 And off I went to sea. 
 
 *' Go on, Dick." 
 
 " No," replied Short, resuming his pipe» 
 
 " Well, then, chorus, my boys." 
 
 Very good song, and very well sung, 
 
 Jolly companions every one ; 
 
 We all are here for mirth and glee, 
 
 We all are here for jollity. 
 
 Very good song, and very well sung, 
 
 Jolly companions every one ; 
 
 Put your hats on, and keep your heads warm, 
 
 A little more liquor will do us no harm. 
 
 " Now then, Jemmy Ducks, it's round to you again. 
 Strike up, fiddle and all." 
 
 " Well, here goes," said Jemmy Ducks. 
 
 The captain stood on the carronade — first lieutenant, says he. 
 Send all my merry men aft here, for they must list to me : 
 I havn't the gift of the gab, my sons — because I'm bred to the sea, 
 That ship there is a Frenchman, who means to fight with we. 
 Odds blood, hammer and tongs, long as I've been to sea, 
 I've fought 'gainst every odds — but I've gained the victory. 
 
 That ship there is a Frenchman, and if we don't take she, 
 'Tis a thousand bullets to one, that she will capture zve ; 
 
52 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 I havn't the gift of the gab, my boys, so each man to his gun> 
 If she's not mine in half an hour, I'll flog each mother's son. 
 Odds bobs, hammer and tongs, long as I've been to sea, 
 I've fought 'gainst every odds — and I've gained the victory. 
 
 We fought for twenty minutes, when the Frenchman had enough, 
 I little thought, said he, that your men were of such stuff; 
 The captain took the Frenchman's sword, a low bow made to he, 
 I havn't the gift of the gab, Mounsieur, but polite I wish to be. 
 Odds bobs, hammer and tongs, long as I've been to sea, 
 I've fought 'gainst every odds — and I've gained the victory. 
 
 Our captain sent for all of us ; my merry men, said he, 
 I havn't the gift of the gab, my lads, but yet I thankful be ; 
 You've done your duty handsomely, each man stood to his gun, 
 If you hadn't, you villains, as sure as day, I'd have flogged each mother's soil. 
 Odds bobs, hammer and tongs, as long as I'm at sea, 
 I'll fight 'gainst every odds — and I'll gain the victory. 
 
 Chorus. — Very good song, and very well sung, 
 Jolly companions every one ; 
 We all are here for mirth and glee, 
 We all are here for joUity. 
 Very good song, and very well sung, 
 Jolly companions every one ; 
 Put your hats on to keep your heads warm, 
 A little more grog will do us no harm. 
 
 ** Now, Coble, we must have yours," said Jemmy Ducks. 
 
 " Mine ! well, if you please : but half my notes are 
 stranded. You'll think that Snarleyyow is baying the 
 moon : howsomever, take it as it is." 
 
 Oh, what's the use of piping, boys, I never yet could larn, 
 The good of water from the eyes I never could disarn ; 
 Salt water we have sure enough without our pumping more, 
 So let us leave all crying to the girls we leave on shore. 
 
 They may pump, 
 
 As in we jump 
 To the boat, and say, " Good-bye ; " 
 
 But as for men. 
 
 Why, I say again. 
 That crying's all my eye. 
 
 I went to school when quite a boy, and never larnt to read, 
 The master tried both head and tail — at last it was agreed 
 No laming he could force in me, so they sent me off to sea. 
 My mother wept and wrung her hands, and cried most bitterly^ 
 
The Dog Fiend ^^ 
 
 So she did pump, 
 
 As I did jump 
 In the boat, and said, "Good-bye; " 
 
 But as for me, 
 
 Who was sent to sea, 
 To cry was all my eye. 
 
 I courted Poll, a buxom lass ; when I returned A B, 
 I bought her ear-rings, hat, and shawl, a sixpence did break we ; 
 At last 'twas time to be on board, so, Poll, says I, farewell ; 
 She roared and said, that leaving her was like a funeral knell. 
 
 So she did pump, 
 
 As I did jump 
 In the boat, and said, " Good-bye ; " 
 
 But as for me 
 
 With the rate A B, 
 To cry was all my eye. 
 
 I soon went back, I shoved on shore, and Polly I did meet, 
 For she was watching on the shore, her sweetheart for to greet, 
 She threw her arms around me then, and much to my surprise, 
 She vowed she was so happy that she pumped with both her eyes. 
 
 So she did pump, 
 
 As I did jump 
 To kiss her lovingly, 
 
 But, I say again, 
 
 That as for men, 
 Crying is all my eye. 
 
 Then push the can around, my boys, and let us merry be ; 
 
 We'll rig the pumps if a leak we spring, and work most merrily: 
 
 Salt water we have sure enough, we'll add not to its store. 
 
 But drink, and laugh, and sing and chat, and call again for more. 
 
 The girls may pump. 
 
 As in we jump 
 To the boat, and say, " Good-bye ; " 
 
 But as for we. 
 
 Who sailors be. 
 Crying is all my eye. 
 
 ** Bravo, Obadiah ! now one more song, and then we'll 
 aboard. It won't do to bowse your jib up too tight here," 
 said Jemmy •, ** for it's rather dangerous navigation among 
 ail these canals — no room for yawing." 
 
 " No," replied Dick Short. 
 
 "Then," said Jemmy, jumping off the table with his 
 
54 Snarleyyow ; or, 
 
 fiddle in his hand, "let's have the roarer by way of a 
 finish — what d'ye say, my hearties ? " 
 
 Up they all rose, and gathered together in the centre of 
 the room, save Jemmy Ducks, who, flourishing with his 
 fiddle, commenced. 
 
 Jack's alive and a merry dog, 
 
 When he gets on shore, 
 He calls for his glass of grog, 
 
 He drinks, and he calls for more. 
 So drink, and call for what you please, 
 
 Until you've had your whack, boys ; 
 We think no more of raging seas, 
 
 Now that we've come back, boys. 
 
 " Chorus, now — " 
 
 With a ivhip, snip, high cum diddledy, 
 
 The cog-wheels of life have need of much oiling ; 
 
 Smack, crack — this is our jubilee : 
 
 Huzza, my lads ! we'll keep the pot boiling. 
 
 All the seamen joined in the chorus, which they accom- 
 panied both with their hands and feet, snapping their 
 fingers at ivhip and snipy and smacking their hands at smack 
 and cracky while they danced round in the most grotesque 
 manner, to Jemmy's fiddle and voice ; the chorus ended in 
 loud laughter, for they had now proved the words of the 
 song to be true, and were all alive and merry. According 
 to the rules of the song, Jemmy now called out for the 
 next singer. Coble. 
 
 Jack's alive and merry, my boys. 
 
 When he's on blue water, 
 In the battle's rage and noise. 
 
 And the main-deck slaughter. 
 So drink and call for what you please, 
 
 Until you've had your whack, boys ; 
 We'll think no more of angry seas, 
 
 Until that we go back, boys. 
 
 CJterus, — With a ivhip, snip, high cum diddledy, 
 
 The cog-wheels of life have need of much oiling ; 
 Smack, crack — this is our jubilee ; 
 
 Huzza my lads ! we'll keep the pot boiling. 
 
The Dog Fiend ^^ 
 
 Jansen and Jemmy Ducks, after the dancing chorus had 
 finished, 
 
 Yack alive and merry, my boys, 
 
 Ven he get him frau, 
 And he vid her ringlet toys, 
 
 As he take her paw. 
 So drink, and call for vat you please. 
 
 Until you hab your vack, boys ; 
 Ve'll think no more of angry seas, 
 
 Till ve standen back, boys. 
 
 Chorus and laughter. 
 
 With a zuhif, snip, high cum diddledy, 
 
 The cog-wheels of life have need of much oiling ; 
 
 Smack, crack — this is our jubilee ; 
 
 Huzza, my lads, we'll keep the pot boiling. 
 
 Bill Spurey — 
 
 Jack's alive and merry, boys, 
 
 When he's got the shiners ; 
 Heh ! for rattle, fun, and noise, 
 
 Hang all grumbling whiners. 
 Then drink, and call for what you please, 
 
 Until you've had your whack, boys ; 
 We think no more of raging seas, 
 
 Now that we've come back, boys. 
 
 Chorus. — With a ivhip, snip, high cum diddledy. 
 
 The cog-wheels of life have need of much oiling ; 
 Smack, crack — this is our jubilee ; 
 
 Huzza, my lads ! we'll keep the pot boiling. 
 
 *'Dick Short must sing." 
 " Yes," replied Dick. 
 
 Jack's alive and full of fun, 
 
 When his hulk is crazy, 
 As he basks in Greenwich sun. 
 
 Jolly still though lazy. 
 So drink, and call for what you please, 
 
 Until you've had your whack, boys ; 
 We'll think no more of raging seas. 
 
 Now that we've come back, boys. 
 
 Chorus. — With a zvhip, snip, high cum diddledy. 
 
 The cog-wheels of life have need of much oiling ; 
 Smack, crack — this is our jubilee ; 
 
 Huzza, my lads ! we'll keep the pot boiling. 
 
^6 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 As this was the last chorus, it was repeated three or 
 four times, and with hallooing, screaming, and dancing in 
 mad gesticulation. 
 
 " Hurrah, my lads,'* cried Jemmy, " three cheers and a 
 bravo." 
 
 It was high time that they went on board ; so thought 
 Frau Vandersloosh, who trembled for her chandeliers ; so 
 thought Babette, who had begun to yawn before the last 
 song, and who had tired herself more with laughing at it ; 
 so thought they all, and they sallied forth out of the Lust 
 Haus, with Jemmy Ducks having the advance, and fiddling 
 to them the whole way down to the boat. Fortunately, 
 not one of them fell into the canal, and in ten minutes they 
 were all on board 5 they were not, however, permitted to 
 turn into their hammocks without the important infor- 
 mation being imparted to them, that Snarleyyow had 
 disappeared. 
 
 Chapter X 
 
 In which is explained the sublime mystery of keel-hauling — Snarleyyow 
 saves Smallbones from being drowned, although Smallbones would have 
 drowned him. 
 
 It is a dark morning j the wind is fresh from the north- 
 west ; flakes of snow are seen wafting here and there by 
 the wind, the avant-couriers of a heavy fall; the whole 
 sky is of one murky grey, and the sun is hidden behind a 
 dense bank. The deck of the cutter is wet and slippery, 
 and Dick Short has the morning watch. He is wrapt up 
 in a Flushing pea-jacket, with thick mittens on his hands ; 
 he looks about him, and now and then a fragment of snow 
 whirls into his eye •, he winks it out, it melts and runs 
 like a tear down his cheek. If it were not that it is 
 contrary to man-of-war custom he would warm himself 
 with the douhle-shiiffle, but such a step would be unheard of 
 on the quarter-deck of even the cutter Tungfrau, 
 
The Dog Fiend S7 
 
 The trapaulin over the hatchway is pushed on one side, 
 and the space between the coamings is filled with the 
 bull head and broad shoulders of Corporal Van Spitter, 
 who, at last, gains the deck ; he looks round him and 
 apparently is not much pleased with the weather. Before 
 he proceeds to business, he examines the sleeves and 
 front of his jacket, and having brushed off with the palm 
 of his hand a variety of blanket-hairs, adhering to the 
 cloth, he is satisfied, and now turns to the right and to 
 the left, and forward and aft — in less than a minute he 
 goes right round the compass. What can Corporal Van 
 Spitter want at so early an hour ? He has not come up 
 on deck for nothing, and yet he appears to be strangely 
 puzzled : the fact is, by the arrangements of last night, 
 it was decided, that this morning, if Snarleyyow did not 
 make his appearance in the boat sent on shore for fresh 
 beef for the ship's company, the unfortunate Smallbones 
 was to be keel-hauled. 
 
 What a delightful morning for a keel-hauling ! 
 
 This ingenious process, which, however, like many 
 other good old customs, has fallen into disuse, must be 
 explained to the non-nautical reader. It is nothing more 
 nor less than sending a poor navigator on a voyage of 
 discovery under the bottom of the vessel, lowering him* 
 down over the bows, and with ropes detaining him exactly 
 in his position under the kelson, while he is drawn aft 
 by a hauling line until he makes his appearance at the 
 rudder-chains, generally speaking quite out of breath, 
 not at the rapidity of his motion, but because, when so 
 long under the water, he has expended all the breath 
 in his body, and is induced to take in salt water en lieu. 
 There is much merit in this invention ; people are very 
 apt to be content with walking the deck of a man-of-war, 
 
 * The author has here explained keel-hauling as practised in those times 
 in small fore and aft vessels. In large and square-rigged vessels, the man 
 was hauled up to one main-yard arm, and dropped into the sea, and hauled 
 under the bottom of the vessel to the other ; but this in small fore and 
 aft vessels was not so easily effected, nor was it considered sufficient punish- 
 ment. 
 
58 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 and complain of it as a hardship, but when once they 
 have learnt, by experience, the difference between being 
 comfortable above board, and the number of deprivations 
 which they have to submit to when under board and 
 overboard at the same time, they find that there are worse 
 situations than being on the deck of a vessel — we say 
 privations when under board, for they really are very 
 important : — you are deprived of the air to breathe, 
 which is not borne with patience even by a philosopher, 
 and you are obliged to drink salt water instead of fresh. 
 In the days of keel-hauling, the bottoms of vessels were 
 not coppered, and in consequence were well studded 
 with a species of shell-fish which attached themselves, 
 called barnacles, and as these shells were all open- 
 mouthed and with sharp cutting points, those who under- 
 went this punishment (for they were made by the ropes 
 at each side, fastened to their arms, to hug the kelson 
 of the vessel) were cut and scored all over their body, 
 as if with so many lancets, generally coming up bleeding 
 in every part, and with their faces, especially their noses, 
 as if they had been gnawed by the rats ; but this was 
 considered rather advantageous than otherwise, as the loss 
 of blood restored the patient if he was not quite drowned, 
 and the consequence was, that one out of three, it is said, 
 have been known to recover after their submarine ex- 
 cursion. The Dutch have the credit, and we will not 
 attempt to take from them their undoubted right, of 
 having invented this very agreeable description of punish- 
 ment. They are considered a heavy, phlegmatic sort of 
 people, but on every point in which the art of ingeniously 
 tormenting is in request, it must be admitted that they 
 have taken the lead of much more vivacious and other- 
 wise more inventive nations. 
 
 And now the reader will perceive why Corporal Van 
 Spitter was in a dilemma. With all the good-will in the 
 world, with every anxiety to fulfil his duty, and to obey 
 his superior officer, he was not a seaman, and did not 
 know how to commence operations. He knew nothing 
 
The Dog Fiend 59 
 
 about foddering a vessel's bottom, much less how to 
 fodder it with the carcass of one of his fellow-creatures. 
 The corporal, as we said before, turned round and round 
 the compass to ascertain if he could compass his wishes ; 
 at last, he commenced by dragging one-rope's end from 
 one side and another from the other ; those would do 
 for the side ropes, but he wanted a long one from for- 
 ward and another from aft, and how to get the one from 
 aft under the cutter's bottom was a puzzle ; and then there 
 was the mast and the rigging in his way j — the corporal 
 reflected — the more he considered the matter, the more his 
 brain became confused ; he was at a nonplus, and he gave 
 it up in despair : he stood still, took out a blue cotton 
 handkerchief from the breast of his jacket and wiped his 
 forehead, for the intensity of thought had made him 
 perspire — anything like reflection was very hard work for 
 Corporal Van Spitter. 
 
 "Tousand tyfels ! " at last exclaimed the corporal, and 
 he paused and knocked his big head with his fist. 
 
 •'* Hundred thousand tyfels ! " repeated the corporal 
 after five minutes' more thought. 
 
 *' Twenty hundred tousand tyfels ! " muttered the 
 corporal, once more knocking his head : but he knocked 
 in vain ; like an empty house, there was no one within 
 to answer the appeal. The corporal could no more : so 
 he returned his pocket-handkerchief to the breast of his 
 jacket, and a heavy sigh escaped from his own breast. All 
 the devils in hell were mentally conjured and summoned 
 to his aid, but they were, it is to be presumed, better 
 employed, for although the work in hand was diabolical 
 enough, still, Smallbones was such a poor devil, that 
 probably he might have been considered as remotely allied 
 to the fraternity. 
 
 It may be inquired why, as this was on service, Corporal 
 Van Spitter did not apply for the assistance of the seamen 
 belonging to the vessel, particularly to the officer in charge 
 of the deck ; but the fact was, that he was unwilling to 
 do this, knowing that his application would be in vain, for 
 
6o Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 he was aware that the whole crew sided with Smallbones ; 
 it was only as a last resource that he intended to do this, 
 and being now at his ivit^s end, he walked up to Dick 
 Short, who had been watching the corporal's motions in 
 silence, and accosted him. 
 
 "If you please. Mynheer Short, Mynheer Vanslyperken 
 give orders dat de boy be keel-hauled dis morning : — I 
 want haben de rope and de way." 
 
 Short looked at the corporal, and made no reply. 
 
 " Mynheer Short, I haben tell de order of Mynheer 
 Vanslyperken." 
 
 Dick Short made no reply, but leaning over the hatch- 
 way, called out, " Jemmy." 
 
 ** Ay, ay," replied Jemmy Ducks, turning out of his 
 hammock and dropping on the lower deck. 
 
 Corporal Van Spitter, who imagined that Mr Short 
 was about to comply with his request after his own 
 Harpocratic fashion, remained quietly on the deck until 
 Jemmy Ducks made his appearance. 
 
 " Hands," quoth Short. 
 
 Jemmy piped the hands up. 
 
 ** Boat," quoth Short, turning his head to the small boat 
 hoisted up astern. 
 
 Now as all this was apparently preparatory to the work 
 required, the corporal was satisfied. The men soon came 
 up with their hammocks on their shoulders, which they 
 put into the nettings, and then Jemmy proceeded to lower 
 down the boat. As soon as it was down and hauled up 
 alongside, Short turned round to Coble, and waving his 
 hand towards the shore, said, 
 
 *^Beef." 
 
 Cobie, who perfectly understood him, put a new quid 
 into his cheek, went down the side, and pulled on shore 
 to bring off the fresh beef and vegetables for the ship's 
 company ; after which Dick Short walked the deck and 
 gave no further orders. 
 
 Corporal Van Spitter perceiving this, went up to him 
 again. 
 
The Dog Fiend 6i 
 
 ** Mynheer Short, you please get ready.*' 
 
 ** No ! " thundered Short, turning away. 
 
 " Got for dam, dat is mutiny," muttered the corporal, 
 who immediately backed stern foremost down the hatch- 
 way, to report to his commandant the state of affairs on 
 deck. Mr Vanslyperken had already risen ; he had slept 
 but one hour during the whole night, and that one hour 
 was so occupied with wild and fearful dreams that he 
 awoke from his sleep unrefreshed. He had dreamed that 
 he was making every attempt to drown Smallbones, but 
 without effect, for, so soon as the lad was dead he came 
 to life again ; he thought that Smallbones' soul was in- 
 corporated in a small animal something like a mouse, and 
 that he had to dislodge it from its tenement of clay ; but 
 as soon as he drove it from one part of the body it would 
 force Its way back again into another ; if he forced it out 
 by the mouth after incredible exertions, which made him 
 perspire at every pore, it would run back again into the 
 ear ; if forced from thence, through the nostril, then in 
 at the toe, or any other part ; in short, he laboured 
 apparently in his dream for years, but without success. 
 And then the ** change came o'er the spirit of his dream ;'* 
 but still there was analogy, for he was now trying to 
 press his suit, which was now a liquid in a vial, into the 
 widow Vandersloosh, but in vain. He administered it 
 again and again, but it acted as an emetic, and she could 
 not stomach it, and then he found himself rejected by 
 all — the widow kicked him, Smallbones stamped upon 
 him, even Snarleyyow flew at him and bit him , at last, 
 he fell with an enormous paving-stone round his neck, 
 descending into a horrible abyss head foremost, and, as 
 he increased his velocity, he awoke trembling and con- 
 fused, and could sleep no more. This dream was not 
 one to put Mr Vanslyperken into good humour, and two 
 severe cuts on his cheek with the razor as he attempted 
 to shave, for his hand still trembled, had added to his 
 discontent, when it was raised to its climax by the entrance 
 of Corporal Van Spitter, who made his report of the 
 
62 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 mutinous conduct of the first officer. Never was Mr 
 Vanslyperken in such a tumult of rage; he pulled off 
 some beaver from his hat to staunch the blood, and wiping 
 off the remainder of the lather, for he put aside the 
 operation of shaving till his hand was more steady, he 
 threw on his coat and followed the corporal on deck, 
 looked round with a savage air, spied out the diminutive 
 form of Jemmy Ducks, and desired him to pipe "all 
 hands to keel-haul." 
 
 Whereupon Jemmy put his pipe to his mouth, and after 
 a long flourish, bawled out what appeared to Mr Vansly- 
 perken to be — all hands to be keel-hauled; but Jemmy 
 slurred over quickly the little change made in the order, 
 and, although the men tittered, Mr Vanslyperken thought 
 it better to say nothing. But there is an old saying, that 
 you may bring a horse to the pond, but you cannot make 
 him drink. Mr Vanslyperken had given the order, but 
 no one attempted to commence the arrangements. The 
 only person who showed any activity was Smallbones 
 himself, who, not aware that he was to be punished, and 
 hearing all hands piped for something or another, came 
 shambling, all legs and wings, up the hatchway, and 
 looked around to ascertain what was to be done. He was 
 met by the bulky form of Corporal Van Spitter, who, 
 thinking that Smallbones' making his appearance in such 
 haste was with the intention of jumping overboard to 
 avoid his punishment, immediately seized him by the 
 collar with the left hand, turned round on a pivot towards 
 Mr Vanslyperken, and raising his right hand to his 
 foraging cap, reported, " The prisoner on deck, Mynheer 
 Vanslyperken." This roused the lieutenant to action, for 
 he had been walking the deck for a half minute in deep 
 thought. 
 
 ** Is all ready there, forward ? " cried Mr Vanslyperken. 
 
 No one replied. 
 
 ** I say, boatswain, is all ready ? " 
 
 "No, sir," replied Jemmy ; " nobody knows how to set 
 about it. I don't, anyhow — I never seed anything of the 
 
The Dog Fiend 6;^ 
 
 like since I've been in the service — the whole of the ship's 
 company say the same." But even the flakes of snow, 
 which now fell thick, and whitened the blue jacket of 
 Mr Vanslyperken, could not assuage his wrath — he 
 perceived that the men were refractory, so he summoned 
 the six marines — who were completely under the control 
 of their corporal. 
 
 Poor Smallbones had, in the meantime, discovered what 
 was going on, and thought that he might as well urge 
 something in his own defence. 
 
 "If you please, what are you going for to do with 
 me ? " said the lad, with a terrified look. 
 
 " Lead him forward," said Mr Vanslyperken ; " follow 
 me, marines -, " and the whole party, headed by the 
 lieutenant, went before the mast. 
 
 " Strip him," cried Mr Vanslyperken. 
 
 " Strip me, with the snow flying like this ! An't I 
 cold enough already ? " 
 
 " You'll be colder when you're under the bottom of the 
 cutter," replied his master. 
 
 " O Lord ! then it is keel-hauling a'ter all ; why what 
 have I done ? " cried Smallbones, as the marines divested 
 him of his shirt, and exposed his emaciated body to the 
 pitiless storm. 
 
 " Where's Snarleyyow, sir ? — confess." 
 
 " Snarleyyow — how should I know, sir ? it's very hard, 
 because your dog is not to be found, that I'm to be 
 dragged under the bottom of a vessel." 
 
 " I'll teach you to throw paving-stones in the canal." 
 
 "Paving-stones, sir ! " and Smallbones' guilty conscience 
 flew in his face. "Well, sir, do as you please, I'm sure 
 I don't care ; if I am to be killed, be quick about it — I'm 
 5ure I sha'n't come up alive." 
 
 Here Mr Vanslyperken remembered his dream, and the 
 difficulty which he had in driving Smallbones' soul out of 
 his body, and he was fearful that even keel-hauling would 
 not settle Smallbones. 
 
 By the directions of Mr Vanslyperken, the hauling 
 
64 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 ropes and other tackle were collected by the marines, for 
 the seamen stood by, and appeared resolved, to a man, to 
 do nothing, and, in about half an hour, all was ready. 
 Four marines manned the hauling line, one was placed at 
 each side-rope fastened to the lad's arms, and the corporal, 
 as soon as he had lifted the body of Smallbones over the 
 larboard gunnel, had directions to attend the bow-line, 
 and not allow him to be dragged on too fast : a better 
 selection for this purpose could not have been made than 
 Corporal Van Spitter. Smallbones had been laid without 
 his clothes on the deck, now covered with snow, during 
 the time that the lines were making fast to him; he 
 remained silent, and as usual, when punished, with his 
 eyes shut, and as Vanslyperken watched him with feelings 
 of hatred, he perceived an occasional smile to cross the lad's 
 haggard features. He knows where the dog is, thought 
 Vanslyperken, and his desire to know what had become 
 of Snarleyyow overcame his vengeance — he addressed the 
 shivering Smallbones. 
 
 ** Now, sir, if you wish to escape the punishment, tell me 
 what has become of the dog, for I perceive that you know.'* 
 
 Smallbones grinned as his teeth chattered — he would 
 have undergone a dozen keel-haulings rather than have 
 satisfied Vanslyperken. 
 
 ** I give you ten minutes to think of it," continued the 
 lieutenant ; " hold all fast at present." 
 
 The snow storm now came on so thick that it was 
 difficult to distinguish the length of the vessel. Small- 
 bones' naked limbs were gradually covered, and, before 
 the ten minutes were expired, he was wrapped up in snow 
 as in a garment — he shook his head occasionally to clear 
 his face, but remained silent. 
 
 ** Now, sir," cried Vanslyperken, ** will you tell me, or 
 overboard you go at once ? Will you tell me ? " 
 
 ** No," replied Smallbones. 
 
 " Do you know, you scoundrel ? " 
 
 ** Yes," replied Smallbones, whose indignation was 
 roused. 
 
The Dog Fiend 6$ 
 
 '* And you won't tell ? " 
 
 ** No," shrieked the lad — " no, never, never, never ! " 
 
 " Corporal Van Spitter, over with him," cried Vansly- 
 perken in a rage, when a sudden stir was heard amongst 
 the men aft, and as the corporal raised up the light frame 
 of the culprit, to carry it to the gunnel, to the astonish- 
 ment of Vanslyperken, of the corporal, and of Smallbones, 
 Snarleyyow appeared on the forecastle, and made a rush at 
 Smallbones, as he lay in the corporal's arms, snapped at his 
 leg, and then set up his usual deep baying, " bow, bow, 
 bow ! " 
 
 The re-appearance of the dog created no small sensation 
 — Vanslyperken felt that he had now no reason for keel- 
 hauling Smallbones, which annoyed him as much as the 
 sight of the dog gave him pleasure. The corporal, who 
 had dropped Smallbones on the snow, was also dis- 
 appointed. As for Smallbones, at the baying of the dog, he 
 started up on his knees, and looked at it as if it were an 
 apparition, with every demonstration of terror in his coun- 
 tenance ; his eyes glared upon the animal with horror and 
 astonishment, and he fell down in a swoon. The whole of 
 the ship's company were taken aback — they looked at one 
 another and shook their heads — one only remark was made 
 by Jansen, who muttered, "De tog is no tog a'ter all." 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken ordered Smallbones to be taken below, 
 and then walked aft; perceiving Obadiah Coble, he 
 inquired whence the dog had come, and was answered 
 that he had come off in the boat which he had taken on 
 shore for fresh beef and vegetables. Mr Vanslyperken 
 made no reply, but, with Snarleyyow at his heels, went 
 down into the cabin. 
 
66 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Chapter XI 
 
 In which Snarleyyow does not at all assist his master's cause with the Widow 
 Vandersloosh. 
 
 It will be necessary to explain to the reader by what 
 means the life of our celebrated cur was preserved. When 
 Smallbones had thrown him into the canal, tied up, as he 
 supposed, in his winding-sheet, what Mr Vanslyperken 
 observed was true, that there were people below, and the 
 supposed paving-stone might have fallen upon them ; the 
 voices which he heard were those of father and son, 
 who were in a small boat going from a galliot to the steps 
 where they intended to land ; for this canal was not like 
 most others, with the water in it sufficiently high to enable 
 people to step from the vessel's gunnel to the jetty. 
 Snarleyyow fell in his bag a few yards ahead of the boat, 
 and the splash naturally attracted their attention ; he did 
 not sink immediately, but floundered and struggled so as 
 to keep himself partly above water. 
 
 " What is that ? " exclaimed the father to his son, in 
 Dutch. 
 
 " Mein Gott ! who is to know ? — but we will see ; " 
 and the son took the boat-hook, and with it dragged the 
 bread-bags towards the boat, just as they were sinking, 
 for Snarleyyow was exhausted with his efforts. The two 
 together dragged the bags with their contents into the 
 boat. 
 
 ** It is a dog or something," observed the son. 
 
 " Very well, but the bread-bags will be useful," replied 
 the father, and they pulled on to the landing-stairs. When 
 they arrived there they lifted out the bags, laid them on 
 the stone steps, and proceeded to unrip them, when they 
 found Snarleyyow, who was just giving signs of returning 
 animation. They took the bags with them, after having 
 rolled his carcass out, and left it on the steps, for there 
 was a fine for throwing anything into the canal. The cur 
 
The Dog Fiend 6^ 
 
 soon after recovered, and was able to stand on his legs ; 
 so soon as he could walk he made his way to the door of 
 the widow Vandersloosh, and howled for admittance. 
 The widow had retired : she had been reading her book of 
 prieres, as every one should do, who has been cheating 
 people all day long. She was about to extinguish her 
 light, when this serenade saluted her ears 5 it became 
 intolerable as the dog gained strength. 
 
 Babette had long been fast asleep, and was with 
 difficulty roused up and directed to beat the cur away. 
 She attempted to perform the duty, arming herself with 
 the broom ; but the moment she opened the door Snarley- 
 yow dashed in between her legs, upsetting her on the 
 brick pavement. Babette screamed, and her mistress came 
 out in the passage to ascertain the cause ; the dog not 
 being able to run into the parlour, bolted up the stairs, 
 and snapping at the widow as he passed, secured a berth 
 underneath her bed. 
 
 " Oh, mein Gott ! it is the dog of the lieutenant," 
 exclaimed Babette, coming up the stairs in greater dishabille 
 than her mistress, and with the broom in her hand. 
 " What shall we do — how shall we get rid of him ? " 
 
 ** A thousand devils may take the lieutenant, and his 
 nasty dog, too," exclaimed the widow, in great wrath 5 
 ** this is the last time that either of them enter my house ; 
 try, Babette, with your broom — shove at him hard." 
 
 " Yes, ma'am," replied Babette, pushing with all her 
 strength at the dog beneath the bed, who seized the broom 
 with his teeth, and pulled it away from Babette. It was a 
 struggle of strength between the girl and Snarleyyow — 
 pull, Babette — pull, dog — one moment the broom, with 
 two-thirds of the handle, disappeared under the bed, the 
 next the maid recovered her lost ground. Snarleyyow 
 was first tired of this contention, and to prove that he had 
 no thoughts of abandoning his position, he let go the 
 broom, flew at Babette's naked legs, and having inserted 
 his teeth half through her ankle, he returned growling to 
 his former retreat. " O dear, mein Gott ! " exclaimed 
 
6S Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Babette, dropping her broom, and holding her ankle with 
 both hands. 
 
 *' What shall we do ? '" cried the widow, wringing her 
 hands. 
 
 It was indeed a case of difficulty. Mynheer Vandersloosh, 
 before he had quitted this transitory scene, had become a 
 personage as bulky as the widow herself, and the bed had 
 been made unusually wide ; the widow still retained the 
 bed for her own use, for there was no knowing whether 
 she might not again be induced to enter the hymeneal 
 state. It occupied more than one half of the room, and 
 the dog had gained a position from which it was not easy 
 for two women to dislodge him ; and, as the dog snarled 
 and growled under the bed, so did the widow's wrath rise 
 as she stood shivering — and it was directed against the 
 master. She vowed mentally, that so sure as the dog 
 was under the bed, so sure should his master never get 
 into it. 
 
 And Babette's wrath was also kindled, now that the first 
 pain of the bite had worn off; she seized the broom again, 
 and made some furious lunges at Snarleyyow, so furious, 
 that he could not regain possession with his teeth. The 
 door of the room had been left open that the dog might 
 escape — so had the street-door; and the widow stood at 
 the foot of the bed, waiting for some such effect being 
 produced by Babette's vigorous attacks ; but the effects 
 were not such as she anticipated ; the dog became more 
 enraged, and at last sprang out at the foot of the bed, flew 
 at the widow, tore her only garment, and bit her in the 
 leg. Frau Vandersloosh screamed and reeled — reeled 
 against the door left half open, and falling against it, 
 slammed it to with her weight, and fell down shrieking. 
 Snarleyyow, who probably had intended to make off, 
 seeing that his escape was prevented, again retreated 
 under the bed, and as soon as he was there he recom- 
 menced an attack upon Babette's legs. 
 
 Now, it appears, that what the united courage of the 
 two females could not accomplish, was at last effected by 
 
The Dog Fiend 69 
 
 their united fears. The widow Vandersloosh gained her 
 legs as soon as she could, and at first opened the door 
 to run out, but her night dress was torn to ribbons in 
 front. She looked at her situation — modesty conquered 
 every other feeling — she burst into tears, and exclaiming, 
 ** Mr Vanslyperken ! Mr Vanslyperken ! " she threw her- 
 self in an ecstasy of grief and rage on the centre of the 
 bed. At the same moment the teeth of the dog were 
 again fixed upon the ankles of Babette, who also shrieked, 
 and threw herself on the bed, and upon her mistress. 
 The bed was a good bed, and had for years done its duty ; 
 but you may even overload a bed, and so it proved in this 
 instance. The united weights of the mistress and the 
 maid coming down upon it with such emphasis, was more 
 than the bed could bear — the sacking gave way altogether, 
 and the mattress which they lay upon was now supported 
 by the floor. 
 
 But this misfortune was their preservation — for when 
 the mattress came down, it came down upon Snarleyyow. 
 The animal contrived to clear his loins, or he would have 
 perished ; but he could not clear his long mangy tail, 
 which was now caught and firmly fixed in a new species 
 of trap, the widow's broadest proportions having firmly 
 secured him by it. Snarleyyow pulled, and pulled, but he 
 pulled in vain — he was fixed — he could not bite, for the 
 mattress was between them — he pulled, and he howled, 
 and barked, and turned himself every way, and yelped j 
 and had not his tail been of coarse and thick dimensions, 
 he might have left it behind him, so great were his 
 exertions ; but, no, it was impossible. The widow was a 
 widow of substance, as Vanslyperken had imagined, and 
 as she now proved to the dog — the only difference was, 
 that the master wished to be in the very situation which 
 the dog was now so anxious to escape from — to wit, tailed 
 on to the widow. Babette, who soon perceived that the 
 dog was so, now got out of the bed, and begging her 
 mistress not to move an inch, and seizing the broom, 
 she hammered Snarleyyow most unmercifully, without 
 
70 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 any fear of retaliation. The dog redoubled his exertions^ 
 and the extra weight of Babette being now removed, he 
 was at last able to withdraw his appendage, and probably 
 feeling that there was now no chance of a quiet night's 
 rest in his present quarters, he made a bolt out of the 
 room, down the stairs, and into the street. Babette 
 chased him down, threw the broom at his head as he 
 cleared the threshold, and then bolted the door. 
 
 ** O the beast ! " exclaimed Babette, going up stairs 
 again, out of breath ; ''he's gone at last, ma'am." 
 
 *' Yes," replied the widow, rising up with difficulty 
 from the hole made with her own centre of gravity j " and 
 — and his master shall go too. Make love indeed — the 
 atomy — the shrimp — the dried-up stock-fish. Love, quotha 
 — and refuse to hang a cur like that. O dear ! O dear ! 
 get me something to put on. One of my best chemises all 
 in rags — and his nasty teeth in my leg in two places, 
 Babette. Well, well, Mr Vanslyperken, we shall see — I 
 don't care for their custom. Mr Vanslyperken, you'll not 
 sit on my sofa again, I can tell you ; — hug your nasty cur 
 — quite good enough for you. Yes, yes, Mr Vansly- 
 perken." 
 
 By this time the widow had received a fresh supply of 
 linen from Babette ; and as soon as she had put it on she 
 rose from the bed, the fractured state of which again called 
 forth her indignation. 
 
 " Thirty-two years have I had this bed, wedded and 
 single, Babette ! " exclaimed the widow. " For sixteen 
 years did I sleep on that bed with the lamented Mr 
 Vandersloosh — for sixteen years have I slept in it, a 
 lone widow — but never till now did it break down. How 
 am I to sleep to-night ? What am I to do, Babette ? " 
 
 "'Twas well it did break down, ma'am," replied 
 Babette, who was smoothing down the jagged skin at 
 her ankles ; "or we should never have got the nasty 
 biting brute out of the house." 
 
 "Very well — very well. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken 
 — marriage, indeed, I'd as soon marry his cur." 
 
The Dog Fiend 71 
 
 ** Mein Gott ! " exclaimed Babette. " I think madame, 
 if you did marry, you would soon find the master as cross 
 as the dog ; but I must make this bed." 
 
 Babette proceeded to examine the mischief, and found 
 that it was only the cords which tied the sacking which 
 had given way, and considering that they had done their 
 office for thirty-two years, and the strain which had been 
 put upon them after so long a period, there was not much 
 to complain of. A new cord was procured, and, in a 
 quarter of an hour, all was right again ; and the widow, 
 who had sat in the chair fuming and blowing off her 
 steam, as soon as Babette had turned down the bed, 
 turned in again, muttering, ** Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken 
 — marriage indeed. Well, well, we shall see. Stop till 
 to-morrow, Mr Vanslyperken ; " and as Babette has 
 closed the curtains, so will we close this chapter. 
 
 Chapter XII 
 
 In which resolutions are entered into in all quarters, and Jemmy Ducks is 
 accused of mutiny for singing a song in a snow-storm. 
 
 What were the adventures of Snarleyyow after this 
 awkward interfence with his master's speculations upon 
 the widow, until he jumped into the beef boat to go on 
 board of the cutter, are lost for ever ; but it is to be 
 supposed that he could not have remained the whole 
 night without making himself disagreeable in some quarter 
 or another. But, as we before observed, we know 
 nothing about it; and, therefore, may be excused if we 
 do not tell. 
 
 The widow Vandersloosh slept but little that night : 
 her soul was full of vengeance; but although smarting 
 with the imprints of the cur's teeth, still she had an eye 
 to business; the custom of the crew of the cutter was not 
 to be despised, and, as she thought of this, she gradually 
 cooled down. It was not till four o'clock in the morning 
 
72 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 that she came to her decision ; and it was a very prudent 
 one, which was to demand the dead body of the dog to 
 be laid at her door before Mr Vanslyperken should be 
 allowed admittance. This was her right, and if he was 
 sincere, he would not refuse ; if he did refuse, it was not 
 at all clear that she should lose the custom of the seamen, 
 over the major part of whom Vanslyperken then appeared 
 to have very little control ; and all of whom, she knew, 
 detested him most cordially, as well as his dog. After 
 which resolution the widow Vandersloosh fell fast asleep. 
 But we must return on board, where there was almost 
 as much confusion as there had been on shore. The re- 
 appearance of Snarleyyow was considered supernatural, 
 for SmaJlbones had distinctly told in what manner he had 
 tied him up in the bread-bags, and thrown him into the 
 canal. Whisperings and murmurings were heard all 
 round the cutter's decks. Obadiah Coble shrugged up 
 his shoulders, as he took an extra quid — Dick Short 
 walked about with lips compressed, more taciturn than 
 ever — Jansen shook his head, muttering, " Te tog is no 
 tog " — Bill Spurey had to repeat to the ship's company 
 the legend of his coming on board over and over again. 
 The only persons who appeared not to have lost their 
 courage were Jemmy Ducks and poor Smallbones, who 
 had been put in his hammock to recover him from his re- 
 frigeration. The former said, " that if they were to sail 
 with the devil, it could not be helped, pay and prize- 
 money would still go on ; " and the latter, who had quite 
 recovered his self-possession, " vowed that dog or devil, 
 he would never cease his attempts to destroy him — if he 
 was the devil, or one of his imps, it was his duty as a 
 Christian to oppose him, and he had no chance of better 
 treatment if he were to remain quiet." The snow-storm 
 continued, and the men remained below, all but Jemmy 
 Ducks, who leaned against the lee side of the cutter's 
 mast, and, as the snow fell, sang, to a slow air, the 
 following ditty, it probably being called to his recollection 
 by the state of the weather. 
 
The Dog Fiend ^7^ 
 
 Twas at the landing-place that's just below Mount Wyse, 
 Poll leaned against the sentry's box, a tear in both her eyes, 
 Her apron twisted round her arms, all for to keep them warm, 
 Being a windy Christmas-day, and also a snow-storm. 
 
 And Bet and Sue 
 Both stood there too, 
 
 A-shivering by her side, 
 They both were dumb, 
 And both looked glum. 
 
 As they watched the ebbing tide. 
 Poll put her arms a-kimbo, 
 
 At the admiral's house looked she, 
 To thoughts before in limbo, 
 
 She now a vent gave free. 
 You have sent the ship in a gale to work. 
 
 On a lee shore to be jammed. 
 I'll give you a piece of my mind, old Turk, 
 
 Port Admiral, you be d d. 
 
 Chorus. — We'll give you a piece of our mind, old Turk, 
 Port Admiral, you be d d. 
 
 Who ever heard in the sarvice of a frigate made to sail 
 
 On Christmas-day, it blowing hard, with sleet, and snow, and hail ? 
 
 I wish I had the fishing of your back that is so bent, 
 
 I'd use the galley poker hot unto your heart's content. 
 
 Here Bet and Sue 
 Are with me too, 
 
 A shivering by my side, 
 They both are dumb. 
 And both look glum, 
 
 And watch the ebbing tide. 
 Poll put her arms a-kimbo, 
 
 At the admiral's house looked she, 
 To thoughts that were in limbo. 
 
 She now a vent gave free. 
 You've got a roaring fire I'll bet, 
 
 In it your toes are jammed. 
 Let's give him a piece of our mind, my Bet, 
 
 Port Admiral, you be d d. 
 
 Chorus. — Let's give him a piece of our mind, my Bet, 
 Port Admiral, you be d d. 
 
 I had the flour and plums all picked, and suet all chopped fine. 
 To mix into a pudding rich for all the mess to dine ; 
 I pawned my ear-rings for the beef, it weighed at least a stone, 
 Now my fancy man is sent to sea, and I am left alone. 
 
74 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Here's Bet and Sue 
 Who stand here too, 
 
 A shivering by my side, 
 They both are dumb, 
 They both look glum, 
 
 And watch the ebbing tide. 
 Poll put her arms a-kimbo, 
 
 At the admiral's house looked she, 
 To thoughts that were in limbo, 
 
 She now a vent gave free. 
 You've got a turkey I'll be bound, 
 
 With which you will be crammed, 
 I'll give you a bit of my mind, old hound, 
 
 Port Admiral, you be d d. 
 
 Chorus. — I'll give you a bit of my mind, old hound. 
 Port Admiral, you be d d. 
 
 I'm sure that in this weather they cannot cook their meat, 
 
 To eat it raw on Christmas-day will be a pleasant treat ; 
 
 But let us all go home, girls, it's no use waiting here, 
 
 We'll hope that Christmas-day to come, they will have better cheer„ 
 
 So Bet and Sue 
 Don't stand here too, 
 
 A shivering by my side, 
 Don't keep so dumb, 
 Don't look so glum. 
 
 Nor watch the ebbing tide. 
 Poll put her arms a-kimbo. 
 
 At the admiral's house looked she, 
 To thoughts that were in limbo. 
 
 She now a vent gave free. 
 So while they cut their raw salt junks. 
 
 With dainties you'll be crammed, 
 Here's once for all my mind, old hunks, 
 
 Port Admiral, you be d d. 
 
 Chorus. — So once for all our mind, old hunks. 
 Port Admiral you be d d. 
 
 " Mein Gott ! but dat is rank mutiny, Mynheer Shemmy 
 Tucks," observed Corporal Van Spitter, who had come 
 upon the deck unperceived by Jemmy, and had listened to 
 the song. 
 
 " Mutiny, is it..'* " replied Jemmy, " and report this 
 also. 
 
 " I'll give you a bit of my mind, fat thief. 
 You, corporal, may be d d." 
 
The Dog Fiend 7^ 
 
 '*Dat is better and better — I mean to say, worser and 
 worser," replied the corporal. 
 
 " Take care I don't pitch you overboard," replied Jemmy, 
 in wrath. 
 
 " Dat is most worse still," said the corporal, stalking aft, 
 and leaving Jemmy Ducks to follow up the train of his 
 own thoughts. 
 
 Jemmy, who had been roused by the corporal, and felt 
 the snow insinuating itself into the nape of the neck, 
 thought he might as well go down below. 
 
 The corporal made his report, and Mr Vanslyperken 
 made his comments, but he did no more, for he was aware 
 that a mere trifle would cause a general mutiny. The 
 recovery of Snarleyyow consoled him, and little thinking 
 what had been the events of the preceding night, he 
 thought he might as well prove his devotion to the widow> 
 by paying his respects in a snow-storm — but not in the 
 attire of the day before — Mr Vanslyperken was too econo- 
 mical for that; so he remained in his long threadbare 
 great-coat and foul-weather hat. Having first locked up 
 his dog in the cabin, and entrusted the key to the corporal, 
 he went on shore, and presented himself at the widow's 
 door, which was opened by Babette, who with her person 
 barred entrance : she did not wait for Vanslyperken to 
 speak first. 
 
 ** Mynheer Vanslyperken, you can't come in. Frau 
 Vandersloosh is very ill in bed — the doctor says it's a bad 
 case — she cannot be seen." 
 
 ** 111 ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken ; " your dear, charming 
 mistress ill ! Good heavens ! what is the matter, my dear 
 Babette ? " replied Vanslyperken, with all the pretended 
 interest of a devoted lover. 
 
 " All through you, Mr Vanslyperken," repHed 
 Babette. 
 
 ** Me ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken. 
 
 " Well, all through your nasty cur, which is the same 
 thing." 
 
 " My dog ! I little thought that he was left here," 
 
y6 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 replied the lieutenant ; " but, Babette, let me in, if you 
 please, for the snow falls fast, and *' 
 
 " And you must not come in, Mr Vanslyperken," replied 
 Babette, pushing him back. 
 
 " Good heavens ! what is the matter ? " 
 
 Babette then narrated what had passed, and as she was 
 very prolix, Mr Vanslyperken was a mass of snow on the 
 windward side of him before she had finished, which she 
 did, by pulling down her worsted stockings, and showing 
 the wounds which she had received as her portion in the 
 last night's affray. Having thus given ocular evidence of 
 the truth of what she had asserted, Babette then delivered 
 the message of her mistress ; to wit, " that until the dead 
 body of Snarleyyow was laid at the porch where they now 
 stood, he, Mr Vanslyperken, would never gain re-admis- 
 sion." So saying, and not feeling it very pleasant to 
 continue a conversation in a snow-storm, Babette very 
 unceremoniously slammed the door in Mr Vanslyperken's 
 face, and left him to digest the communication with what 
 appetite he might. Mr Vanslyperken, notwithstanding the 
 cold weather, hastened from the door in a towering passion. 
 The perspiration actually ran down his face, and mingled 
 with the melting snow. *'To be or not to be" — give up 
 the widow or give up his darling Snarleyyow — a dog whom 
 he loved the more, the more he was, through him, entangled 
 in scrapes and vexations — a dog whom every one hated, 
 and therefore he loved — a dog which had not a single 
 recommendation, and therefore was highly prized — a dog 
 assailed by all, and especially by that scarecrow Smallbones, 
 to whom his death would be a victory — it was impossible. 
 But then the widow — with such lots of guilders in the 
 bank, and such a good income from the Lust Haus, he had 
 long made up his mind to settle in possession. It was 
 the haven which, in the vista of his mind, he had been 
 so long accustomed to dwell upon, and he could not give 
 up the hope. 
 
 Yet one must be sacrificed. No, he could part with 
 neither. ** I have it," thought he ; ** I will make the 
 
The Dog Fiend ^^ 
 
 widow believe that I have sacrificed the dog, and then, 
 when I am once in possession, the dog shall come back 
 again, and let her say a word if she dares ; I'll tame her, 
 and pay her off for old scores." 
 
 Such was the determination of Mr Vanslyperken, as he 
 walked back to the boat. His reverie was, however, 
 broken by his breaking his nose against a lamp-post, which 
 did not contribute to his good-humour. " Yes, yes, Frau 
 Vandersloosh, we will see," muttered Vanslyperken ; "you 
 would kill my dog, would you ? It's a dog's life I'll lead 
 you when I'm once secure of you, Madame Vandersloosh. 
 You cheated me out of my biscuit — we shall see ; " and 
 Mr Vanslyperken stepped into his boat and pulled on 
 board. 
 
 On his arrival he found that a messenger had come on 
 board during his absence, with the letters of thanks from 
 the king's loving cousins, and with directions that he should 
 return with them forthwith. This suited the views of 
 Vanslyperken; he wrote a long letter to the widow, in 
 which he expressed his willingness to sacrifice everything 
 for her — not only to hang his dog, but to hang himself if 
 she wished it — lamented his immediate orders for sailing, 
 and hinted that, on his return, he ought to find her more 
 favourable. The widow read the letter, and tossed it into 
 the grate with a Pish ! "I was not born yesterday, as the 
 saying is," cried the widow Vandersloosh. 
 
 Chapter XIII 
 
 In which the ship's company join in a chorus, and the corporal goes on a 
 
 cruise. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken is in his cabin, with Snarleyyow at his 
 side, sitting upon his haunches, and looking in his master's 
 face, which wears an air of anxiety and discomfiture j the 
 
y8 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 fact is, that Mr Vanslyperken is anything but content ; he 
 is angry with the widow, with the ship's company, with 
 the dog, and with himself; but his anger towards the dog 
 is softened, for he feels that, if anything in this world 
 loves him, it is the dog — not that his affection is great, 
 but as much as the dog's nature will permit ; and, at all 
 events, if the animal's attachment to him is not very strong, 
 still he is certain that Snarleyyow hates everybody else. 
 It is astonishing how powerful is the feeling that is derived 
 from habit and association. Now that the life of his cur 
 was demanded by one, and, as he was aware, was sought 
 for by many, Vanslyperken put a value upon him that was 
 extraordinary. Snarleyyow had become a precious jewel 
 in the eyes of his master, and what he suffered in anxiety 
 and disappointment from the perverse disposition of the 
 animal, only endeared him the more. ** Yes, my poor 
 dog," apostrophised the lieutenant, " they would seek 
 your life — nay, that hard-hearted woman demands that 
 you should be laid — dead at her porch. All conspire 
 against you, but be not afraid, my dog, your master will 
 protect you against all." 
 
 Vanslyperken patted the animal on the head, which was 
 not a little swelled from the blows received from the 
 broom of Babette, and Snarleyyow rubbed his nose against 
 his master's trousers, and then raised himself up, by 
 putting his paw upon his master's knee. This brought 
 the dog's head more to the light, and Vanslyperken 
 observed that one eye was swelled and closed. He ex- 
 amined it, and, to his horror, found that it had been beaten 
 out by the broom of Babette. There was no doubt of it, 
 and Mr Vanslyperken's choler was extreme. ** Now, may 
 all the curses of ophthalmia seize the fagot," cried the 
 lieutenant; "I wish I had her here. My poor, poor dog!" 
 and Vanslyperken kissed the os frontis of the cur, and what 
 perhaps had never occurred since childhood, and what 
 nothing else could have brought about, Mr Vanslyperken 
 wept — actually wept over an animal, which was not, from 
 any qualification he possessed, worth the charges of the 
 
The Dog Fiend 79 
 
 cord which would have hanged him. Surely the afFections 
 have sometimes a bent towards insanity. 
 
 After a short time the lieutenant rang his bell, and 
 ordered some warm water, to bathe the dog's eye. 
 Corporal Van Spitter, as Smallbones was in his hammock, 
 answered the summons, and when he returned aft with 
 the water, he made known to Mr Vanslyperken the 
 mutinous expressions of Jemmy Ducks. The lieutenant's 
 small eye twinkled with satisfaction. "Damned the 
 Admiral, did he ! — which one was it — Portsmouth or 
 Plymouth ? " 
 
 This, Corporal Van Spitter could not tell ; but it was 
 certain that Jemmy had damned his superior officer; **And 
 moreover," continued the corporal, **he damned me." 
 Now Mr Vanslyperken had a great hatred against Jemmy 
 Ducks, because he amused the ship's company, and he 
 never could forgive any one who made people happy ; 
 moreover, he wanted some object to visit his wrath upon : 
 so he asked a few more questions, and then dismissed the 
 corporal, put on his tarpaulin hat, put his speaking-trumpet 
 under his arm, and went on deck, directing the corporal 
 to appoint one of the marines to continue to bathe the eye 
 of his favourite. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken looked at the dog-vane, and perceived 
 that the wind was foul for sailing, and moreover, it would 
 be dark in two hours, so he determined upon not starting 
 till the next morning, and then he thought that he would 
 punish Jemmy Ducks ; but the question occurred to him 
 whether he could do so or not. Was James Salisbury a 
 boatswain by right or not .«* He received only the pay 
 of a boatswain's mate, but he was styled boatswain on the 
 books. It was a nice point, and the balance was even. 
 Mr Vanslyperken's own wishes turned the scale, and 
 he resolved to flog Jemmy Ducks if he could. We say, 
 if he could, for as, at that time, tyrannical oppression 
 on the part of the superiors was winked at, and no 
 complaints were listened to by the Admiralty, insubordina- 
 tion, which was the natural result, was equally difficult 
 
8o Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 to get over ; and although on board of the larger vessels, 
 the strong arm of power was certain to conquer, it was not 
 always the case in the smaller, where the superiors were 
 not in sufficient force, or backed by a numerous party of 
 soldiers or marines, for there was then little difference 
 between the two services. Mr Vanslyperken had had 
 more than one mutiny on board of the vessels which he 
 had commanded, and, in one instance, his whole ship's 
 company had taken the boats and gone on shore, leaving 
 him by himself in the vessel, preferring to lose the pay 
 due to them, than to remain longer on board. They 
 joined other ships in the service, and no notice was taken 
 of their conduct by the authorities. Such was the state 
 of half discipline at the period we speak of in the service 
 of the king. The ships were, in every other point, 
 equally badly fitted out and manned ; peculation of every 
 kind was carried to excess, and those who were in 
 command thought more of their own interest than of 
 anything else. Ship's stores and provisions were constantly 
 sold, and the want of the former was frequently the 
 occasion of the loss of the vessel, and the sacrifice of the 
 whole crew. Such maladministration is said to be the case 
 even now in some of the continental navies. It is not until 
 a long series of years have elapsed, that such regulations 
 and arrangements as are at present so economically and 
 beneficially administered to our navy, can be fully 
 established. 
 
 Having settled the point so far, Mr Vanslyperken then 
 proceeded to debate in his own mind, whether he should 
 flog Jemmy in harbour, or after he had sailed ; and feeling 
 that if there was any serious disturbance on part of the 
 men, they might quit the vessel if in harbour, he decided 
 that he would wait until he had them in blue water. His 
 thoughts then reverted to the widow, and, as he turned 
 and turned again, he clenched his fists in his great-coat 
 pockets, and was heard by those near him to grind his 
 teeth. 
 
 In the meantime, the news had been imparted by the 
 
The Dog Fiend 8i 
 
 marine, who came up into the galley for more warm water, 
 that the dog had had one of his eyes put out, and it was 
 strange the satisfaction which this intelligence appeared to 
 give to the ship's company. It was passed round like 
 wildfire, and, when communicated, a beam of pleasure was 
 soon apparent throughout the whole cutter, and for this 
 simple reason, that the accident removed the fear arising 
 from the supposition of the dog being supernatural, for the 
 men argued, and with some reason, that if you could put 
 out his eye, you could kill him altogether ; for if you 
 could destroy a part, you could destroy the whole. No 
 one ever heard of the devil's eye being put out — ergOy the 
 dog could not be a devil, or one of his imps : so argued a 
 knot of the men in conclave, and Jansen wound up by 
 observing, " Dat de tog was only a tog after all." 
 
 Vanslyperken returned to his cabin and stated his in- 
 tentions to his factotum and confidant. Corporal Van 
 Spitter. Now, in this instance, the corporal did not 
 adhere to that secrecy to which he was bound, and the 
 only reason we can give is, that he had as great a dislike 
 to jemmy Ducks as his lieutenant — for the corporal obeyed 
 orders so exactly, that he considered it his duty not to 
 have even an opinion or a feeling contrary to those of 
 his superior officer. He was delighted at the idea of 
 flogging Jemmy, and communicated the lieutenant's in- 
 tention to the most favoured of his marines, who also 
 told the secret to another, and thus in five minutes, it 
 was known throughout the cutter, that as soon as they 
 were in blue water, the little boatswain was to be tied 
 up for having damned the admiral in a snow-storm. The 
 consequence was, as the evening was clear, that there 
 was a very numerous assemblage upon the forecastle of 
 the cutter Tungfrau, 
 
 "Flog Jemmy," said Bill Spurey. "Why, Jemmy's 
 a hofficer." 
 
 " To be sure he is," observed another ; " and quite as 
 good a one as Vanslyperken himself, though he don't 
 wear brass on his hat," 
 
 a/ 
 
 V9 
 
 V 
 
82 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 ''D— n it — what next— heh, Coble?" 
 
 Coble hitched up his trousers. " It's my opinion he'll 
 be for flogging us next, Short," said the old man. 
 
 *' Yes," replied Short. 
 
 ** Shall we allow Jemmy to be flogged ? " 
 
 " No," replied Short. 
 
 "If it warn't for them 'ere marines, and the lumpy 
 beggar of a corporal," observed one of the seamen. 
 
 "Pish," quoth Jemmy, who was standing among them. 
 
 "Won't he make it out mutiny ? " observed Spurey. 
 
 " Mein Gott ! it was mutiny to flog de officer," said 
 Jansen. 
 
 " That's very true," observed another. 
 
 "But Jemmy can't stand against the fat corporal and 
 the six marines," observed Bill Spurey. 
 
 " One up and t'other down, I'll take them all," observed 
 Jemmy, expanding his chest. 
 
 " Yes, but they'll all be down upon you at once, Jemmy." 
 
 " If they lays their hands upon an officer," observed 
 Coble, " it will be mutiny ; and then Jemmy calls in the 
 ship's company to protect him." 
 
 " Exactly," observed Jemmy. 
 
 " And den, mein Gott, I zettle for de corporal," 
 observed Jansen. 
 
 " I'll play him a trick yet." 
 
 "But now, it's no use palavering," observed Spurey; 
 " let's come to some settlement. Obadiah, give us your 
 opinion as to what's best to be done." 
 
 Hereupon Coble squirted out a modicum of 'baccy juice, 
 wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and said, 
 " It's my opinion, that the best way of getting one man 
 out of a scrape, is to get all the rest in it. Jemmy, d'ye 
 see, is to be hauled up for singing an old song, in which 
 a wench very properly damns the admiral for sending a 
 ship out on a Christmas-day, which, let alone the un- 
 christian-like act, as you may know, my lads, always turns 
 up on a Friday, a day on which nothing but being blown 
 out from your anchors can warrant any vessel sailing on. 
 
The Dog Fiend 83 
 
 Now, d'ye see, it may be mutiny to damn a live admiral, 
 with his flag hoisted — I won't say but what it is — but 
 this here admiral as Jemmy damned, is no more alive than 
 a stock fish ; and, moreover, it is not Jemmy as damns 
 him, but Poll; therefore it can be no mutiny. Now, 
 what I consider best is this, if so be it be against the 
 articles — well, then, let's all be in for it together, and 
 then Vanslyperken will be puzzled, and, moreover, it 
 will give him a hint how matters stand, and he may think 
 better of it ; for although we must not have Jemmy 
 touched, still it's quite as well not to have a regular 
 breeze with the jollies ; for if so be that the Scarborough, 
 or any other king's ship, be in port when we arrive, 
 Vanslyperken may run under the guns, and then whip 
 the whole boiling of us off to the Ingies, and glad to 
 get us, too, and that's no joke. Now, that's my idea of 
 the matter." 
 
 "Well, but you've not told us how we are all to get 
 into it. Coble." 
 
 " More I have — well, that's funny ; left out the whole 
 burden of my song. Why, I consider that we had better 
 now directly sing the song over again, all in chorus, and 
 then we shall have damned the admiral a dozen times 
 over ; and Vanslyperken will hear us, and say to himself, 
 * They don't sing that song for nothing.' What do you 
 say, Dick Short, you're first hofficer ? " 
 
 ** Yes," replied Short. 
 
 ** Hurrah ! my lads, then," cried Bill Spurey ; " now 
 then, strike up. Jemmy, and let us give it lots of 
 mouth." 
 
 The song which our readers have already heard from 
 the lips of Jemmy Ducks, was then sung by the whole of 
 the men, con animo e strepito, and two verses had been 
 roared out, when Corporal Van Spitter, in great agitation, 
 presented himself at the cabin door, where he found Mr 
 Vanslyperken very busy summing up his accounts. 
 
 " Mein Gott, sar ! dere is de mutiny in de Tungfrau^'* 
 cried the corporal. 
 
84 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 ** Mutiny ! " cried Vanslyperken, catching at his sword, 
 which hung up on the bulk-head. 
 
 " Yaw, mynheer — de mutiny — hear now de ship's 
 company." 
 
 Vanslyperken lent his ears, when the astounding chorus 
 came rolling aft through the door of the cabin, 
 
 " I'll give you a bit of my mind, old hunks, 
 Port Admiral — you be d d." 
 
 " Bow, WOW, wow," barked Snarleyyow. 
 
 ** "Why, it's the whole ship's company ! " cried Vansly- 
 perken. 
 
 " All but de Corporal Van Spitter, and de six marines," 
 replied the corporal, raising his hand up to his head a la 
 milttaire, 
 
 ** Shut the door, corporal. This is indeed mutiny and 
 defiance," cried Vanslyperken, jumping up from his chair. 
 
 " It is von tyfel of a song," replied the corporal. 
 
 ** I must find out the ringleaders, corporal ; do you 
 think that you could contrive to overhear what they say 
 after the song is over ? they will be consulting together, 
 and we might find out something." 
 
 " Mynheer, I'm not very small for to creep in and 
 listen," replied the corporal, casting his eyes down upon 
 his huge carcass. 
 
 " Are they all forward ? " inquired the lieutenant. 
 
 " Yes, mynheer — not one soul baft." 
 
 ** There is the small boat astern ; do you think you 
 could get softly into it, haul it up to the bows, and lie 
 there quite still ? You would then hear what they said, 
 without their thinking of it, now that it is dark." 
 
 " I will try, mynheer," replied the corporal, who quitted 
 the cabin. 
 
 But there were others who condescended to listen as 
 well as the corporal, and in this instance, every word 
 which had passed, had been overheard by Smallbones, 
 who had been for some hours out of his hammock. When 
 
The Dog Fiend 85 
 
 the corporal's hand touched the lock of the door, Small- 
 bones made a hasty retreat. 
 
 Corporal Van Spitter went on the quarter-deck, which 
 he found vacant ; he hauled up the boat to the counter, 
 and by degrees lowered into it his unwieldy carcass, which 
 almost swamped the little conveyance. He then waited 
 a little, and with difficulty forced the boat up against the 
 strong flood-tide that was running, till at last he gained 
 the chesstree of the cutter, when he shortened in the 
 painter (or rope that held the boat), made it fast to a ring- 
 bolt without being perceived, and there he lay concealed, 
 not daring to move, for fear of making a noise. 
 
 Smallbones had, however, watched him carefully, and as 
 the corporal sat in the middle thwart, with his face turned 
 aft, catching but imperfectly the conversation of the men, 
 the lad separated the painter with a sharp knife, and at the 
 same time dropping his foot down, gave the bow of the 
 boat a shove off, which made it round with the stream. 
 The tide was then running five or six miles an hour, and 
 before the corporal, in the utter darkness, could make out 
 what had occurred, or raise his heavy carcass to assist 
 himself, he was whirled away by the current clear of the 
 vessel, and soon disappeared from the sight of Smallbones, 
 who was watching his progress. 
 
 It is true that the corporal shouted for assistance when 
 he found himself astern, and also that he was heard by the 
 men, but Smallbones had leaped among them, and in a few 
 words told them what he had done ; so of course they took 
 no notice, but rubbed their hands with delight at the idea 
 of the corporal being adrift like a bear in a washing-tub, 
 and they all prayed for a gale of wind to come on that he 
 might be sv/amped, and most of them remained on deck to 
 hear what Mr Vanslyperken would say and do when the 
 corporal's absence was discovered. Mr Vanslyperken 
 remained nearly two hours without sending for the 
 corporal ; at last, surprised at not seeing him return, he 
 went on deck. The men on the forecastle perceiving this, 
 immediately disappeared gently down the fore-hatchway. 
 
86 Snarleyyow ; or, 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken walked forward and found that every one 
 was, as he supposed, either in bed or below ; for in 
 harbour the corporal kept one of the watches, and this 
 night it was his first watch. Vanslyperken looked over 
 the side all round the cutter, and could see no boat and no 
 Corporal Van Spitter, and it immediately occurred to him 
 that the corporal must have gone adrift, and he was very 
 much puzzled how to act. It would be flood-tide for two 
 hours more, and then the whole ebb would run before it was 
 daylight. Corporal Van Spitter would traverse the whole 
 Zuyder Zee before they might find him. Unless he had 
 the fortune to be picked up by some small craft, he might 
 perish with cold and hunger. He could not sail without 
 him ; for what could he do without Corporal Van Spitter, 
 his protection, his factotum, his distributer of provisions,. 
 &c. The loss was irreparable, and Mr Vanslyperken ,- 
 when he thought of the loss of the widow's favour and the 
 loss of his favourite, acknowledged with bitterness that his 
 star was not in the ascendant. After some reflection, Mr 
 Vanslyperken thought that as nothing could be gained by 
 making the fact known, the wisest thing that he could da 
 was to go to bed and say nothing about it, leaving the 
 whole of the ulterior proceedings until the loss of the boat 
 should be reported to him in the morning. Having 
 arranged this in his mind, Mr Vanslyperken took two or 
 three turns more, and then went down and turned in. 
 
 Chapter XIV 
 
 In which some new characters appear on the stage, although the corporal 
 is not to be heard of. 
 
 The loss of the boat was reported by Obadiah Coble at 
 daylight, and Mr Vanslyperken immediately went on deck 
 with his spy-glass to ascertain if he could distinguish the 
 corporal coming down with the last of the ebb-tide but 
 he was nowhere to be seen. Mr Vanslyperken went to 
 
The Dog Fiend 87 
 
 the mast-head and surveyed in every direction, but he 
 could neither see anything like the boat or Corporal 
 Van Spitter. His anxiety betrayed to the men that he was 
 a party to the corporal's proceedings, and they whispered 
 among themselves. At last Mr Vanslyperken came down 
 on deck, and desired Corporal Van Spitter to be sent to him. 
 Of course, it was soon reported to him that Corporal 
 Van Spitter was nowhere to be found, and Mr Vansly- 
 perken pretended to be much astonished. As the lieu- 
 tenant took it for granted that the boat had been swept 
 out with the ebb, he determined to get under weigh in 
 pursuance of his orders, pick up the corporal, if he could 
 find him, and then proceed to Portsmouth, which was the 
 port of his destination. Smallbones attended his master, 
 and was so unusually active that the suspicious Mr 
 Vanslyperken immediately decided that he had had a finger 
 in the business ; but he took no notice, resolving in his own 
 mind that Smallbones should some day or another be 
 adrift himself as the corporal was, but with this difference, 
 that there should be no search made after him. As soon 
 as the men had finished their breakfasts, the cutter was got 
 under weigh and proceeded to sea. During the whole 
 day Vanslyperken cruised in the Zuyder Zee looking for 
 the boat, but without success, and at last he unwillingly 
 shaped his course for England, much puzzled and per- 
 plexed, as now he had no one to act as his steward to 
 whom he could confide, or by whose arrangements he could 
 continue to defraud the ship's company ; and, farther, he 
 was obliged to put off* for the present all idea of punishing 
 Jemmy Ducks, for, without the corporal, the marines were 
 afraid to move a step in defiance of the ship's company.' 
 The consequence was, that the three days that they were 
 at sea, Mr Vanslyperken confined himself altogether to his 
 cabin, for he was not without some fears for his own 
 safety. On his arrival at Portsmouth, he delivered his 
 letters to the admiral, and received orders to return to his 
 cruising ground after the smugglers as soon as he had 
 replaced his lost boat. 
 
SB Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 We have observed that Mr Vanslyperken had no relations 
 on this side of the water ; but in saying that, we referred 
 to the epoch that he was in the service previous to the 
 accession of King WilUam. Since that, and about a year 
 from the time we are now writing about, he had brought 
 over his mother, whom he had not, till the peace, seen for 
 years, and had established her in a small apartment in that 
 part of the town now known by the name of the Halfway 
 Houses. The old woman lived upon a small pension 
 allowed by the Dutch court, having been employed for 
 many years in a subordinate capacity in the king's house- 
 hold. She was said to have once been handsome, and when 
 young, prodigal of her favours j at present she was a palsied 
 old woman, bent double with age and infirmity, but with 
 all her faculties as complete as if she was in her prime. 
 Nothing could escape her little twinkling bloodshot eyes, or 
 her acute ear ; she could scarcely hobble fifty yards, but 
 she kept no servant to assist her, for, like her son, she 
 was avaricious in the extreme. What crime she had com- 
 mitted was not known, but that something lay heavy on 
 her conscience was certain j but if there was guilt, there 
 was no repentance, only fear of future punishment. 
 Cornelius Vanslyperken was her only living child : she 
 had been twice married. The old woman did not appear 
 to be very fond of him, although she treated him still as a 
 child, and executed her parental authority as if he were 
 still in petticoats. Her coming over was a sort of mutual 
 convenience. She had saved money, and Vanslyperken 
 wished to secure that, and also have a home and a person 
 to whom he could trust ; and she was so abhorred, and 
 the reports against her so shocking where she resided, 
 that she was glad to leave a place where every one, as she 
 passed, would get out of her way, as if to avoid contamina- 
 tion. Yet these reports were vague, although hinting at 
 some horrid and appalling crimes. No one knew what 
 they exactly were, for the old woman had outlived her 
 contemporaries, and the tradition was imperfect, but she 
 had been handed down to the next generation as one to be 
 avoided as a basilisk. 
 
The Dog Fiend 89 
 
 It was to his mother's abode, one room on the second 
 floor, to which Mr Vanslyperken proceeded as soon as he 
 had taken the necessary steps for the replacing of the 
 boat. As he ascended the stairs, the quick ear of the old 
 woman heard his footstep, and recognised it. It must be 
 observed, that all the conversation between Vanslyperken 
 and his mother was carried on in Dutch, of which we, of 
 course, give the translation. 
 
 ** There you come, Cornelius Vanslyperken ; I hear 
 you, and by your hurried tread you are vexed. Well, 
 why should you not be vexed as well as your mother, in 
 this world of devils ? " 
 
 This was a soliloquy of the old woman's before that 
 Vanslyperken had entered the room, where he found his 
 mother sitting over a few cinders half ignited in a very 
 small grate. Parsimony would not allow her to use more 
 fuel, although her limbs trembled as much from cold as 
 palsy ; her nose and chin nearly met ; her lips were like 
 old scars, and of an ashy white ; and her sunken hollow 
 mouth reminded you of a small, deep, dark sepulchre ; 
 teeth she had none. 
 
 " How fare you, mother ? " said Vanslyperken on enter- 
 ing the room. 
 
 ** I'm alive." 
 
 ** And long may you live, dear mother." 
 
 ** Ah," replied the woman, as if doubting. 
 
 " I am here but for a short time," continued Van- 
 slyperken. 
 
 " Well, child, so much the better ; when on board you 
 save money, on shore you must spend some. Have you 
 brought any with you ? " 
 
 ^* 1 have, mother, which I must leave to your care." 
 
 " Give it me then." 
 
 Vanslyperken pulled out a bag and laid it on the lap of 
 his mother, whose trembling hands counted it over. 
 
 *' Gold, and good gold — while you live, my child, part 
 not with gold. I'll not die yet — no, no, the devils may 
 pull at me, and grin at me, but I'm not theirs yet." 
 
90 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Here the old woman paused, and rocked herself in her 
 chair. 
 
 ** Cornelius, lock this money up and give me the key : — 
 there, now that is safe, you may talk, if you please, child : 
 I can hear well enough." 
 
 Vanslyperken obeyed; he mentioned all the events of 
 the last cruise, and his feelings against the widow, Small- 
 bones, and Jemmy Ducks. The old woman never inter- 
 rupted him, but sat with her arms folded up in her 
 apron. 
 
 " Just so, just so," said she, at last, when he had done 
 speaking ; "I felt the same, but then you have not the 
 soul to act as I did. I could do it, but you — you are a 
 coward ; no one dared cross my path, or if they did — ah, 
 well, that's years ago, and I'm not dead yet." 
 
 All this was muttered by the old woman in a sort of 
 half soliloquy : she paused and continued, " Better leave 
 the boy alone, — get nothing by it ; — the woman — there's 
 work there, for there's money." 
 
 "But she refuses, mother, if I do not destroy the dog." 
 
 ** Refuses — ah, well — let me see: — can't you ruin her 
 character, blast her reputation ; she is yours and her money 
 too ; — then, then — there will be money and revenge — both 
 good ; — but money — no — yes, money's best. The dog 
 must live, to gnaw the Jezebel — gnaw her bones — but 
 you, you are a coward — you dare do nothing." 
 
 " What do I fear, mother ? " 
 
 " Man — the gallows, and death. I fear the last, but I 
 shall not die yet : — no, no, I luill live — I will not die. Ay, 
 the corporal — lost in Zuyder Zee — dead men tell no tales ; 
 and he could tell many of you, my child. Let the fish 
 fatten on him." 
 
 " I cannot do without him, mother." 
 
 " A hundred thousand devils ! " exclaimed the old 
 mother, " that I should have suffered such throes for a 
 craven. Cornelius Vanslyperken, you are not like your 
 mother : — your father, indeed " 
 
 " Who was my father ? " 
 
The Dog Fiend 91 
 
 *' Silence, child, — there, go away — I wish to be alone 
 with memory." 
 
 Vanslyperken, who knew that resistance or remonstrance 
 would be useless, and only lead to bitter cursing and 
 imprecation on the part of the old woman, rose and 
 walked back to the sallyport, where he slipped into his 
 boat and pulled on board of the Tungfrau, which lay at 
 anchor in the harbour, about a cable's length from the 
 shore. 
 
 " Here he comes," cried a tall bony woman, with nothing 
 on her head but a cap with green faded ribbons, who was 
 standing on the forecastle of the cutter. " Here he comes ; 
 — he, the willain, as would have flogged my Jemmy." This 
 was the wife of Jemmy Ducks, who lived at Portsmouth, 
 and who, having heard what had taken place, vowed 
 revenge. 
 
 " Silence, Moggy," said Jemmy, who was standing by 
 her. 
 
 ** Yes, I'll hold my tongue till the time comes, and then 
 ril sarve him out, the cheating wagabond." 
 
 " Silence, Moggy." 
 
 " And as for that 'peaching old Corporal Blubber, I'll 
 Wan Spitter him if ever he turns up again to blow the gaff 
 against my own dear Jemmy." 
 
 " Silence, Moggy — there's rowed of all, and a marine at 
 your elbow." 
 
 ** Let him take that for his trouble," cried Moggy, 
 turning round, and delivering a swinging box of the ear 
 upon the astonished marine, who not liking to encounter 
 such an Amazon, made a hasty retreat down the fore- 
 hatchway. 
 
 " So there you are, are you ? " continued Moggy, as 
 Vanslyperken stepped on the deck. 
 
 " Silence, Moggy." 
 
 " You, that would flog my own dear darling duck — my 
 own Jemmy." 
 
 '* Silence! Moggy, will you?" said Jemmy Ducks, in 
 an angry tone, ** or I'll smash your peepers." 
 
92 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " You must climb on the gun to reach them, my little 
 man," replied his wife. "Well, the more I holds my 
 tongue now, the more for him when I gets hold on him. 
 Oh ! he's gone to his cabin, has he, to kiss his Snarley- 
 yow: — I'll make smallhones of that beast afore I'm done 
 with him. Flog my Jemmy — my own, dear, darling 
 Jemmy — a nasty lean " 
 
 ** Go down below. Moggy," said Jemmy Ducks, push- 
 ing her towards the hatchway. 
 
 " Snivelling, great-coated " 
 
 " Go below," continued Jemmy, shoving her. 
 
 " Ferret-eyed, razor-nosed " 
 
 "Go down below, will you?" cried Jemmy, pushing 
 her near to the hatchway. 
 
 " Herring-gutted, bare-poled " 
 
 " Confound it ! go below." 
 
 " Cheating rip of a wagabond ! Lord, Jemmy, if you 
 a'n't a shoved me down the hatchway ! Well, never 
 mind, my darling, let's go to supper ; " and Moggy caught 
 hold of her husband as she was going down, and with 
 surprising strength lifted him off his legs and carried him 
 down in her arms as she would have done a child, much 
 to the amusement of the men who were standing on the 
 forecastle. 
 
 When it was dusk, a boat dropped alongside of the 
 cutter, and a man stepped out of it on the deck, when 
 he was met by Obadiah Coble, who asked him, " What's 
 your pleasure ? " 
 
 "I must speak with the commander of this vessel 
 directly." 
 
 "Wait a moment, and I'U tell him what you say," 
 replied Coble, who reported the message to Mr Van- 
 slyperken. 
 
 " What sort of a person is he ? " demanded the lieu- 
 tenant. 
 
 " Oh, I don't know, — sort of half-bred, long-shore 
 chap — looks something between a bumbailey and a bum- 
 boatman." 
 
The Dog Fiend 93 
 
 " Well, you may show him down." 
 
 The man, who shortly after entered the cabin, was a 
 short, punchy little fellow, with a red waistcoat, knee- 
 breeches, and a round jacket of green cloth. His face 
 was covered with carbuncles, some of them so large that 
 his small pug-nose was nothing more in appearance than 
 a larger blotch than the others. His eyes were small and 
 keen, and his whiskers of a deep red. As soon as he 
 entered the cabin, he very deliberately locked the door 
 after him. 
 
 " Nothing like making sure," observed he. 
 
 " Why, what the devil do you want ? " exclaimed 
 Vanslyperken, rather alarmed; while Snarleyyow walked 
 round and round the thick calves of the man's legs, 
 growling, and in more than two minds to have a bite 
 through his blue worsted stockings ; and the peculiar 
 obliquity with which he carried his head, now that he 
 surveyed with only one eye, was by no means satis- 
 factory. 
 
 " Take your cur away, and let us proceed to business, 
 for there is no time to lose," said the man coolly, taking 
 a chair. "Now there can be no eavesdropping, I trust, 
 for my life may be forfeited, if I'm discovered." 
 
 "I cannot understand a word of all this," replied 
 Vanslyperken, much surprised. 
 
 ** In a few words, do you want to put some five 
 thousand pounds in your pocket ? " 
 
 At this question Vanslyperken became attentive. He 
 beat off the dog, and took a chair by the side of the 
 stranger. 
 
 " Ah ! interest will always bring civility ; so now to 
 the point. You command this cutter, do you not .? " 
 
 "I do," replied Vanslyperken. 
 
 ** Well, you are about to cruise after the smugglers ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " I can give information of a cargo to be landed on a 
 certain night worth ten thousand pounds or more." 
 
 '* Indeed ! " replied Vanslyperken. 
 
94 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " Yes, and put your boats in such a position that they 
 must seize the whole." 
 
 " Tm very much obliged to you. Will you take some- 
 thing, sir, any scheedam ? " said Vanslyperken, unlocking 
 one of his cupboards, and producing a large stone bottle, 
 and a couple of glasses, which he filled. 
 
 "This is very good stuiF," observed the man; **ril 
 trouble you for another glass." 
 
 ** This was one more than Mr Vanslyperken intended ; 
 but on second thoughts, it would make his new acquaint- 
 ance more communicative, so another was filled, and as 
 soon as it was filled, it was emptied. 
 
 " Capital stuff! " said he of the rubicund face, shoving 
 his glass towards Vanslyperken, by way of hint ; but the 
 lieutenant would not take the hint, as his new guest had 
 already swallowed as much as lasted himself for a week. 
 
 **But now," observed Vanslyperken, "where is this 
 cargo to be seen, and when ? " 
 
 " That's tellings," replied the man. 
 
 ** I know that ; but you have come to tell, or what the 
 devil else ? " replied Vanslyperken, who was getting 
 angry. 
 
 " That's according," replied the man. 
 
 " According to what ? " 
 
 " The snacks," replied the man. " What will you 
 give up ? " 
 
 " Give up ! How do you mean ? " 
 
 " What is my share to be ? " 
 
 " Share ! you can't share — you're not a king's officer." 
 
 ** No, but I'm an informer, and that's the same thing." 
 
 "Well, depend upon it, I'll behave very liberally." 
 
 " How much, I ask ? " 
 
 " We'll see to that afterwards ; something handsome, 
 depend upon it." 
 
 " That won't do. Wish you good-evening, sir. Many 
 thanks for the scheedam — capital stuff! " and the man 
 rose from his chair. 
 
 But Mr Vanslyperken had no intention to let him go •, 
 
The Dog Fiend 95 
 
 his avarice induced him at first to try if the man would 
 be satisfied with his promise to reward him — a promise 
 which would certainly never have been adhered to. 
 
 ** Stop ! my dear sir, do not be in such a hurry. Take 
 another glass." 
 
 "With pleasure," replied the man, re-seating himself, 
 and drinking off the scheedam. ** That's really prime •, 
 I like it better every time I taste it. Now, then, shall 
 we go to business again ? I'll be plain with you. Half 
 is my conditions, or I don't inform." 
 
 **Half!" exclaimed Vanslyperken ; ** half of ten 
 thousand pounds ? What, five thousands pounds ? " 
 
 ** Exactly so ; half of ten is five, as you say," 
 
 " What, give you five thousand pounds ? " 
 
 *'I rather think it is I who offer you five thousand, for 
 the devil a penny will you get without me. And that 
 I will have, and this bond you must sign to that effect, 
 or I'm off. You're not the only vessel in the harbour." 
 
 Vanslyperken tried for some time to reduce the terms, 
 but the man was positive. Vanslyperken then tried if he 
 could not make the man intoxicated, and thus obtain 
 better terms -, but fifteen glasses of his prime scheedam 
 had no effect further than extorting unqualified praise as 
 It was poured down, and at last Mr Vanslyperken un- 
 willingly consented to the terms, and the bond was 
 signed. 
 
 " We must weigh at the ebb," said the man, as he put 
 the bond in his pocket. ** I shall stay on board ; we 
 have a moonlight night, and if we had not, I could find 
 my way out in a yellow fog. Please to get your boats 
 all ready, manned and armed, for there may be a sharp 
 tussle." 
 
 " But when do they run, and where ? " demanded 
 Vanslyperken. 
 
 " To-morrow night at the back of the Isle. Let me 
 see," continued the man, taking out his watch ; " mercy 
 on me ! how time has flown — that's the scheedam. In 
 a couple of hours we must weigh. I'll go up and see if 
 
g6 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 the wind holds in the same quarter. If you please^ 
 lieutenant, we'll just drink success to the expedition. 
 Well, that's prime stuff, I do declare." 
 
 Chapter XV 
 
 In which the crew of the Tungfrau lose a good prize, and Snarleyyow 
 loses his character. 
 
 The next morning the Tungfrau was clear of St Helens, 
 and sounding the eastern part of the Isle of Wight, after 
 which she made sail into the offing, that she might not be 
 suspected by those on shore waiting to receive the cargo. 
 The weather was fine, and the water smooth, and as soon 
 as she was well out, the cutter was hove-to. In the hurry 
 of weighing, Mr Vanslyperken had not thought, or had 
 not known perhaps, that the wife of Jemmy Ducks was 
 still on board, and as he was turning up and down on the 
 quarter-deck, he perceived her on the forecastle, laughing 
 and talking with the men. 
 
 " What woman is that ? " said he to Jansen, who was 
 at the wheel. 
 
 ** De frau, mynheer. Dat is de frau of Shimmy Duk.'* 
 
 ** How dare she come on board ? Send her aft here, 
 marine." 
 
 The marine went forward and gave the order ; and 
 Jemmy, who expected a breeze, told his wife to behave 
 herself quietly. His advice did not, however, appear to 
 be listened to, as will be shown in the sequel. 
 
 " How came you on board, woman ? " cried Vansly- 
 perken, looking at her from top to toe several times, as 
 usual, with his hands in his great-coat pockets, and his 
 battered speaking-trumpet under his arm. 
 
 " How did I come on board ! why, in a boat to be sure," 
 replied Moggy, determined to have a breeze. 
 
 *' Why did you not go on shore before the cutter 
 sailed ? " replied Vanslyperken, in an angry tone. 
 
The Dog Fiend 97 
 
 ** Why, just for the contrary reason, because there was 
 no boat." 
 
 ** Well, ril just tell you this, if ever I see you on 
 board again, you'll take the consequences," retorted 
 Vanslyperken, 
 
 " And I'll just tell you this," replied Moggy ; " if ever 
 you come on shore again you shall take the consequences. 
 I'll have you — I give you warning. Flog my Jemmy, 
 heh ! my own dear darling Jemmy." Hereupon Moggy 
 held out one arm bent, and with the palm of her other 
 hand slapped her elbow — " There! " cried she. 
 
 What Jemmy's wife meant by this sign, it is impossible 
 for us to say ; but that it was a very significant one was 
 certain, for Mr Vanslyperken foamed with rage, and all 
 the cutter's crew were tittering and laughing. It was a 
 species of free-masonry known only to the initiated 
 at the Sallyport. 
 
 ** Send the marines aft here. Take this woman below," 
 cried Vanslyperken. ** I shall put all this down to your 
 husband's account, and give him a receipt in full, depend 
 upon it." 
 
 "So you may. Marines, keep off, if you don't wish 
 your heads broken; and I'll put all this down to your 
 account \ and as you say that you'll pay off on my pet, mark 
 my words, if I don't pay off on yours — on your nasty cur 
 there. I'll send him to cruise after Corporal Van Spitter. 
 As sure as I stand here, if you dare to lay a finger on my 
 Jemmy, I'll kill the brute wherever I find him, and make 
 him into saus singers, just for the pleasure of eating him. 
 I'll send you a pound as a present. You marine, don't be 
 a fool — I can walk forward without your hoffering your 
 
 arm, and be d d to you." So saying, Moggy stalked 
 
 forward and joined the men on the forecastle. 
 
 "D'ye know much of that strapping lass?" said Mr 
 Vanslyperken's new acquaintance. 
 
 ** Not I," replied Vanslyperken, not much pleased at 
 the observation. 
 
 " Well, look out for squalls, she'll be as good as her 
 
98 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 word. We'll draw the foresheet, and stand in now, if 
 you please." 
 
 It was about dusk, for the days were now short, and 
 the cutter was eight miles off the land. By the directions 
 of the informer, for we have no other name to give him, 
 they now bore up and ran along the island until they were, 
 by his calculations, for it then was dark, abreast of a certain 
 point close to the Black Gang Chyne. Here they hove-to, 
 hoisted out their boats, three in number, and the men were 
 sent in, well armed with pistols and cutlasses. Short had 
 the charge of one. Coble of the second, the stern-sheets of 
 the third was occupied by Vanslyperken and the informer. 
 As soon as all was ready, Jemmy Ducks, who, much 
 against Vanslyperken's wish, was left in charge of the 
 cutter, received his orders to lie-to where he was, and 
 when the tide made flood, to stand close in-shore ; and all 
 was prepared for a start, when it occurred to Vanslyperken 
 that to leave Snarleyyow, after the threat of Jemmy's wife, 
 and the known animosity of Smallbones, would be his 
 death-warrant. He determined, therefore, to take him in 
 the boat. The informer protested against it, but Vansly- 
 perken would not listen to his protestations. The dog was 
 handed into the boat, and they shoved off. After they had 
 pulled a quarter of an hour in-shore, they altered their 
 course, and continued along the coast until the informer 
 had made out exactly where he was. He then desired the 
 other two boats to come alongside, told the crews that 
 they must keep the greatest silence, as where they were 
 about to proceed was directly under where the smugglers 
 would have a party to receive the goods, and that the 
 least alarm would prevent them from making the capture. 
 The boats then pulled in to some large rocks, against 
 which the waves hoarsely murmured, although the sea was 
 still smooth, and passing between them, found themselves 
 in a very small cove, where the water was still, and in 
 which there was deep water. 
 
 The cove was not defended so much by the rocks above 
 water, for the mouth of it was wide ; but there appeared 
 
The Dog Fiend 99 
 
 to be a ridge below, which broke off the swell of the 
 ocean. Neither was it deep, the beach not being more 
 than perhaps fifty feet from the entrance. The boats, 
 which had pulled in with muffled oars, here lay quietly for 
 nearly an hour, when a fog came on and obscured the view 
 of the offing, which otherwise was extensive, as the moon 
 was at her full, and had shone bright. 
 
 " This is all the better," whispered the informer, " they 
 will fall into the trap at once. Hark ! hist ! I hear oars." 
 
 They all listened ; it was true, the sound of oars was 
 heard, and the men prepared their arms. 
 
 The splash of the oars was now more plain. ** Be silent 
 and ready," whispered the informer, and the whisper was 
 passed round. In another minute a large lugger-built 
 boat, evidently intended for sailing as well as pulling, was 
 seen through the fog looming still larger from the mist, 
 pulling into the cove. 
 
 " Silence, and not a word. Let her pass us," whispered 
 the informer. 
 
 The boat approached rapidly — she was within ten 
 fathoms of the entrance, when Snarleyyow, hearing the 
 sound, darted forward under the thwarts, and jumping on 
 the bow of the boat, commenced a most unusual and 
 prolonged baying of Bow wow, bow wow wow wow ! 
 
 At the barking of the dog the smugglers backed water 
 to stop their way. They knew that there was no dog 
 with those they expected to meet, it was therefore clear 
 that the Philistines were at hand. The dog barked in 
 spite of all attempts to prevent him, and acting upon this 
 timely warning, the lugger-boat pulled short round, just 
 as lights were shown from the cliffs to notify an enemy at 
 hand, for the barking of the dog had not escaped the 
 vigilance of those on shore, and in a few seconds she dis- 
 appeared in the mist. 
 
 "Blast your cur! Five thousand pounds out of my 
 pocket;" exclaimed the informer. ** I told you so. 
 Chuck him overboard, my men, for your pockets would 
 have been lined." 
 
loo Snarl eyyow; or, 
 
 Vanslyperken was as savage, and exclaimed, " Give 
 way, my men, give way ; we'll have them yet." 
 
 *' Send a cow to chase a hare," replied the informer, 
 throwing himself back in the stern-sheets of the boat, 
 ** I know better ; you may save yourself the trouble, and 
 the men the fatigue. May the devil take you, and your 
 cursed dog with you I Who but a fool would have 
 brought a dog upon such an occasion ? "Well, I've lost 
 five thousand pounds ; but there's one comfort, you've 
 lost too. That will be a valuable beast, if you put all 
 down to his account." 
 
 At this moment Vanslyperken was so much annoyed at 
 the loss of what would have been a fortune to him, that 
 he felt as angry as the informer. The boats' crew were 
 equally enraged, the dog was pommelled, and kicked, and 
 passed along from one to the other, until he at last gained 
 the stern-sheets, and crouched between the legs of his 
 master, who kicked him away in a rage, and he saved 
 himself under the legs of the informer, who, seizing a 
 pistol, struck him with the butt-end of it such a blow, 
 that nothing but the very thick skull of the dog could 
 have saved him. Snarleyyow was at a sad discount just 
 then, but he very wisely again sought protection with his 
 master, and this time he was not noticed. 
 
 ** What are we to do now ? " observed Vanslyperken. 
 
 ** Go back again, like dogs with their tails between 
 their legs ; but observe, Mr Lieutenant, you have made 
 me your enemy, and that is more serious than you think 
 for." 
 
 " Silence, sir, you are in a king's boat." 
 
 " The king be d d," replied the informer, falling 
 
 back sulkily against the gunnel of the boat. 
 
 ** Give way, men, and pull on board," said Vanslyperken, 
 in equally bad humour. 
 
 In equally bad humour the men did give way, and in 
 about an hour were on board of the cutter. 
 
 Every one was in a bad humour when the affair was 
 made known ; but Smallbones observed, ** that the dog 
 
The Dog Fiend loi 
 
 could be no such great friend, as supposed, of Vansly- 
 perken's, to thwart his interests in that way ; and certainly 
 no imp sent by the devil to his assistance." The ship's 
 company were consoled with this idea, and Jansen again 
 repeated, ** that the tog was but a tog, after all." 
 
 Chapter XVI 
 
 In which we change the scene, and the sex of our performers. 
 
 "We must now leave the cutter to return to Portsmouth, 
 while we introduce to our readers a new and strange 
 association. We stated that the boats had been ensconced 
 in a very small cove at the back of the Isle of Wight. 
 Above these hung the terrific cliff of the Black Gang 
 Chyne, which, to all appearance, was inaccessible. But 
 this was not the case, or the smugglers would not have 
 resorted there to disembark their cargo. At that time, 
 for since that period much of the cliff has fallen down, 
 and the aspect is much changed, the rocks rose up from 
 the water nearly perpendicularly, to the height of fifty 
 or sixty feet. At that height there was a flat of about 
 one hundred feet square in front of a cave of very great 
 depth. The flat, so called in contradistinction to the 
 perpendicular cliff, descended from the seaward to the 
 cave, so that the latter was not to be seen either by vessels 
 passing by, or by those who might be adventurous enough 
 to peep over the ridge above ; and fragments of rocks, 
 dispersed here and there on this flat, or platform, induced 
 people to imagine that the upper cliff was a continuation 
 of the lower. The lower cliff, on which this platform in 
 front of the cave was situated, was on the eastern side as 
 abrupt as on that fronting the sea to the southward ; but 
 on the western side, its height was decreased to about 
 fifteen feet, which was surmounted by a ladder removed 
 at pleasure. To this means of access to the cave there 
 
I02 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 was a zigzag path, used only by the smugglers, leading 
 from the small cove, and another much more tedious, by 
 which they could transport their goods to the summit of 
 this apparently inaccessible mass of rocks. The cave 
 itself was large, and with several diverging galleries, most 
 of which were dry ; but in one or two there was a 
 continual filtering of clear pure water through the lime- 
 stone rock, which was collected in pits dug for that 
 purpose on the floor below ; these pits were always full 
 of water, the excess being carried off* by small open drains 
 which trickled over the eastern side of the platform. 
 Some attention to comfort had been paid by the inhabitants 
 of these caverns, which were portioned off here and there 
 by sail-cloth and boards, so as to form separate rooms and 
 storehouses. The cookery was carried on outside at the 
 edge of the platform nearest the sea, under an immense 
 fragment of rock, which lay at the very edge ; and by an 
 ingenious arrangement of smaller portions of the rock 
 neither the flame was to be distinguished, nor was the 
 smoke, which was divided and made to find its passage 
 through a variety of fissures, never in such a volume as to 
 be supposed to be anything more than the vapours drawn 
 up by the heat of the sun. 
 
 In this abode there were at least thirty people residing, 
 and generally speaking, it might be called a convent, for it 
 was tenanted by women. Their husbands, who brought 
 over the cargoes, returning immediately in their boat to 
 the opposite shore, for two reasons ; one, that their boats 
 could only land in particular seasons, and could never 
 remain in the cove without risk of being dashed to pieces ; 
 and the other, that the absence of all men prevented 
 suspicion ; the whole of the interior smuggling being 
 carried on by the other sex, who fearlessly showed them- 
 selves on every part of the island, and purchased their 
 necessary supplies of provisions here and there, without 
 exciting any misgivings as to the nature of their employ- 
 ment. A few isolated cottages, not far from the beetling 
 brow of the cliff above, were their supposed abodes 5 but 
 
The Dog Fiend 103 
 
 no one ever troubled them with a visit, and if they did, 
 and found that they could gain no admittance, they 
 imagined that the occupants had locked their doors for 
 security, while they were busied with their labours in the 
 field. Accustomed to climb up the tortuous path from 
 the cave to the summit, the women would, on the darkest 
 night, carry up their burdens and deposit them in the 
 cottages above, until they had an opportunity of delivering 
 their contraband articles into the hands of their agents ; 
 and this traffic had been carried on for many years, without 
 the government or excise having the slightest suspicion by 
 what means the smuggling was accomplished. As we 
 before observed, the great articles in request, and which 
 were now smuggled from France, were alamodes and lute- 
 strings. The attention of government had been called to 
 check the admission of these goods, but hitherto their 
 attempts had not been attended with much success. 
 
 At the grey of the morning after the attempt to seize 
 the smugglers had been defeated by the instrumentality 
 of Snarleyyow, upon the top of the immense fragment of 
 the rock which we have described as lying upon the sea- 
 edge of the platform, was perched a fair, slight-made little 
 girl, of about twelve years of age. She was simply clad 
 in a short worsted petticoat and bodice of a dark colour ; 
 her head was bare, and her hair fluttered with the breeze ; 
 her small feet, notwithstanding the severity of the weather, 
 were also naked, and her short petticoat discovered her 
 legs half way up to the knee. She stood there, within a 
 few inches of the precipice below, carelessly surveying the 
 waves as they dashed over the rocks, for she was waiting 
 until the light would enable her to see further on the 
 horizon. By those who might have leaned over the ridge 
 above, as well as by those who sailed below, she might 
 have been taken, had she been seen to move, for some sea 
 bird reposing after a flight, so small was her frame in 
 juxtaposition with the wildness and majesty of nature 
 which surrounded her on every side. Accustomed from 
 infancy to her mode of life, and this unusual domicile, her 
 
104 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 eye quailed not, nor did her heart beat quicker, as she 
 looked down into the abyss below, or turned her eyes up 
 to the beetling mass of rock which appeared, each moment, 
 ready to fall down and overwhelm her. She passed her 
 hand across her temples to throw back the hair which the 
 wind had blown over her eyes, and again scanned the 
 distance as the sun's light increased, and the fog gradually 
 cleared away. 
 
 " A sharp look out, Lilly, dear ; you've the best eyes 
 among us, and we must have a clue from whence last 
 night's surprise proceeded." 
 
 " I can see nothing yet, mother ; but the fog is driving 
 back fast." 
 
 ** It's but a cheerless night your poor father had, to pull 
 twice across the channel, and find himself just where he 
 was. God speed them, and may they be safe in port again 
 by this time." 
 
 " I say so too, mother, and amen." 
 
 " D'ye see nothing, child ? " 
 
 ** Nothing, dear mother ; but it clears up fast to the east- 
 ward, and the sun is bursting out of the bank, and I think 
 I see something under the sun." 
 
 "Watch well, Lilly," replied the woman, who was 
 throwing more wood on the fire. 
 
 ** I see a vessel, mother. It is a sloop beating to the 
 eastward." 
 
 " A coaster, child ? " 
 
 ** No, mother, I think not. No, it is no coaster — it is 
 that king's vessel, I think, but the glare of the sun is too 
 great. When he rises higher I shall make it out better." 
 
 "Which do you mean, the king's cutter on the station, 
 the Tungfrau f " 
 
 " Yes, mother," replied Lilly, "it is. I'm sure it is the 
 Tungfrau.^^ 
 
 "Then it is from her that the boats came last night. 
 She must have received some information. There must be 
 treachery somewhere ; but we'll soon find that out." 
 
 It may appear singular that Lilly could speak so positively 
 
The Dog Fiend 105 
 
 as to a vessel at a great distance ; but it must be remem- 
 bered that she had been brought up to it, nearly all her 
 life. It was her profession, and she had lived wholly with 
 seamen and seamen's wives, which will account for her 
 technical language being so correct. What Lilly said was 
 true ; it was the Tungfrau, which was beating up to regain 
 her port, and having to stem a strong ebb-tide during the 
 night, had not made very great progress. 
 
 " There are three other vessels in the ofHng,** said Lilly, 
 looking round, " a ship and two brigs, both going down 
 channel : " and as she said this, the little thing dropped 
 lightly from rock to rock till she stood by her mother, and 
 commenced rubbing her hands before the now blazing fire. 
 
 ** Nancy must go over to Portsmouth," observed the 
 mother, "and find out all about this. I hardly know 
 whom to suspect; but let Nancy alone, she'll ferret out 
 the truth — she has many gossips at the Point. Whoever 
 informed against the landing, must know of this cavec" 
 
 But we must introduce the mother of Lilly to the reader. 
 She was a tall, finely-featured woman, her arms beautifully 
 moulded, and bare. She was rather inclined to be stout, 
 but her figure was magnificent. She was dressed in the 
 same costume as her daughter, with the exception of a net 
 worsted shawl of many colours over her shoulders. Her 
 appearance gave you the idea that she was never intended 
 for the situation which she was now in ; but of that here- 
 after. As the reader may have observed, her language 
 was correct, as was that of the child, and proved that she 
 had not only been educated herself, but had paid attention 
 to the bringing up of Lilly. The most perfect confidence 
 appeared to subsist between the mother and daughter : the 
 former treated her child as her equal, and confided every- 
 thing to her ; and Lilly was far advanced beyond her age 
 in knowledge and reflection ; her countenance beamed with 
 intelligence ; perhaps a more beautiful and more promising 
 creature never existed. 
 
 A third party now appeared from the cave; although 
 not in canonicals, his dress indicated his profession of a 
 
io6 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 priest. He approached the mother and daughter with, 
 " Peace be with you, ladies." 
 
 " You forget, good father," .replied the elder of the 
 females, ** my name is Alice — nothing more." 
 
 " I crave pardon for my forgetting who you were. I 
 will be more mindful. Well, then, Alice — yet that familiar 
 term sounds strangely, and my tongue will not accustom 
 itself, even were I to remain here weeks, instead of but 
 two days — I was about to say, that the affair of last night 
 was most untoward. My presence is much wished for, 
 and much required, at St Germains. It was unfortunate, 
 because it proves that we have traitors among us some- 
 where 5 but of that, and of the whole affair, I will have 
 cognizance in a few days." 
 
 " And should you discover the party ?" 
 
 " His doom is sealed." 
 
 " You are right." 
 
 "In so important and so righteous a cause, we must not 
 stop at aught necessary to secure our purpose. But, tell 
 me, think you that your husband will soon be here 
 again ? " 
 
 *' I should think not to-night, but to-morrow or the 
 next he will be off; and if we can show the signals of 
 surety he will land, if the weather will permit." 
 
 **'Tis indeed time that I were over. Something might 
 now be done." 
 
 "I would so too, father-, it is a tedious time that I 
 have spent here." 
 
 " And most unfitting for you, were it not that you 
 laboured in a great cause ; but it must soon be decided, 
 and then that fair lily shall be transplanted, like a wild 
 flower from the rock, and be nurtured in a conservatory." 
 
 " Nay, for that, the time is hardly come. She is better 
 here, as you see her, father, than in the chambers of a 
 court. For her sake I would still remain; but for my 
 husband's sake, and the perils he encounters, I wish that 
 one way or the other it were decided." 
 
 **Had there been faith in that Italian, it had been so 
 
The Dog Fiend 107 
 
 before now," replied tlie priest, grinding his teeth, and 
 turning away. 
 
 But the conversation was closed at the appearance of 
 some women who came out of the cave. They were 
 variously clothed, some coarsely, and others with greater 
 pretensions to finery : they brought with them the imple- 
 ments for cooking, and appeared surprised at the fire 
 being already lighted. Among them was one about 
 twenty-five years of age, and although more faded than 
 she ought to have been at that early age, still with 
 pretensions to almost extreme beauty. She was more 
 gaily dressed than the others, and had a careless, easy 
 air about her, which suited to her handsome, slight 
 figure. It was impossible to see her without being 
 interested, and desiring to know who she was. 
 
 This person was the Nancy mentioned by Alice in her 
 conversation with Lilly. Her original name had been 
 Nancy Dawson, but she had married one of the smugglers, 
 of the name of Corbett. Her original profession, previous 
 to her marriage, we will not dwell upon ; suffice it to say, 
 that she was the most celebrated person of that class in 
 Portsmouth, both for her talent and extreme beauty. Had 
 she lived in the days of King Charles II., and had he seen 
 her, she would have been more renowned than ever was 
 Eleanor Gwynne ; even as it was, she had been celebrated 
 in a song, which has not been lost to posterity. After a 
 few years of dissipated life, Nancy reformed, and became 
 an honest woman, and an honest wife. By her marriage 
 with the smuggler, she had become one of the fraternity, 
 and had taken up her abode in the cave, which she was 
 not sorry to do, as she had become too famous at Ports- 
 mouth to remain there as a married woman. Still she 
 occasionally made her appearance, and to a certain degree 
 kept up her old acquaintances, that she might discover 
 what was going on — very necessary information for the 
 smugglers. She would laugh, and joke, and have her 
 repartee as usual, but in other points she was truly 
 reformed. Her acquaintance was so general, and she was 
 
io8 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 such a favourite, that she was of the greatest use to the 
 band, and was always sent over to Portsmouth when her 
 services were required. It was supposed there, for she 
 had reported it, that she had retired to the Isle of Wight, 
 and lived there with her husband, who was a pilot, and 
 that she came over to Portsmouth occasionally, to inquire 
 after her old friends, and upon business. 
 
 "Nancy Corbett, I must speak to you," said Alice. 
 " Come aside : I wish you, Nancy, to go over immediately. 
 Can you go up, do you think, without being perceived ? " 
 
 " Yes, Mistress Alice, provided there is no one to see 
 me." 
 
 " The case is so important, that we must run the risk." 
 
 " We've run cargoes of more value than that." 
 
 " But still you must use discretion, Nancy." 
 
 *' That's a commodity that I've not been very well pro- 
 vided with through life ; but I have my wits in its stead." 
 
 " Then you must use your wit, Nancy." 
 
 " It's like an old knife, well worn, but all the sharper." 
 
 Alice then entered into a detail of what she would find 
 out, and gave her instructions to Nancy. The first point 
 was, to ascertain whether it was the cutter which had 
 received the information; the second, who the informer 
 was. 
 
 Nancy, having received her orders, tied the strings of 
 her bonnet, caught up a handful of the victuals which were 
 at the fire, and bidding the others a laughing good-bye, 
 with her mouth full, and one hand also occupied, descended 
 the ladder, previously to mounting the cliff. 
 
 "Nancy," said Lilly, who stood by the ladder, "bring 
 me some pens." 
 
 " Yes, dear ; will you have them alive, or dead ? " 
 
 " Nonsense, I mean some quills." 
 
 "So do I, Miss Lilly ; but if you want them dead, I 
 shall bring them in my pocket — if alive, I shall bring the 
 goose under my arm." 
 
 " I only want the quills, Nancy," replied Lilly, laughing. 
 
 " And I think I shall want the feathers of them before 
 
The Dog Fiend 109 
 
 Fm at the top," replied Nancy, looking up at the majestic 
 cliff above her. " Good-bye, Miss Lilly." 
 
 Nancy Corbett again filled her handsome mouth with 
 bread, and commenced her ascent. In less than a quarter of 
 an hour she had disappeared over the ridge. 
 
 Chapter XVII 
 
 In which there is a great deal of plotting, and a little execution. 
 
 We will follow Nancy Corbett for the present. Nancy 
 gained the summit of the cliff, and panting for breath, 
 looked round to ascertain if there was any one in sight, but 
 the coast was clear ; she waited a minute to recover herself 
 a little, and then set off at a brisk pace in the direction of 
 the hamlet of Ryde, which then consisted of a few fisher- 
 men's huts. It was an hour and a-half before she gained 
 this place, from whence she took a boat, and was safely 
 landed at the Point. The fisherman who brought her over 
 was an old acquaintance of Nancy's, and knew that he 
 would have to remain to take her back, but he was well 
 paid for his trouble, and it was a lucky day for him when 
 Nancy required his services. The Tungfrau had rounded 
 St Helen's, and was standing into Spithead, when Nancy 
 landed, and the first door at which she knocked was at the 
 lodgings of Moggy Salisbury, with whom she was well 
 acquainted, and from whom she expected to be able to gain 
 information. On inquiry, she found that Moggy had not 
 come on shore from the cutter, which had sailed during 
 the night very unexpectedly. 
 
 This information pleased Nancy, as Moggy would in 
 all probability be able to give her important information, 
 and she took up her quarters in Moggy's apartments, 
 anxiously awaiting her arrival, for Nancy was not at all 
 desirous to be seen. In due time the cutter was again 
 anchored in the harbour, and the first order of Mr 
 
no Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Vanslyperken's was, that Moggy Salisbury should be 
 sent on shore, which order was complied with, and she 
 left the vessel, vowing vengeance upon the lieutenant and 
 his dog. The informer also hastened into a boat, and 
 pulled on shore on the Gosport side, with a very 
 significant farewell look at Mr Vanslyperken. Moggy 
 landed, and hastened, full of wrath, to her own lodgings, 
 where she found Nancy Corbett waiting for her. At first 
 she was too full of her own injuries, and the attempt to 
 flog her dear darling Jemmy, to allow Nancy to put in 
 a word. Nancy perceived this, and allowed her to run 
 herself down like a clock ; and then proposed that they 
 should send for some purl and have a cosy chat, to 
 which Moggy agreed, and as soon as they were fairly 
 settled, and Moggy had again delivered herself of her 
 grievances, Nancy put the requisite questions, and dis- 
 covered what the reader is already acquainted with. She 
 requested, and obtained a full description of the informer, 
 and his person was too remarkable, for Nancy not to 
 recognise immediately who it was. 
 
 "The villain!" cried she; "why, if there was any 
 
 man in whom we thought we could trust, it was 
 
 him ; " for Nancy had, in her indignation, nearly pro- 
 nounced his name. 
 
 ** Nancy," said Moggy, ** you have to do with the 
 smugglers, I know, for your husband is one of them, 
 if report says true. Now, Tve been thinking, that the 
 cutter is no place for my Jemmy, and that with this peak- 
 nosed villain, he will always be in trouble. Tell me, will 
 they let him in, if he volunteers." 
 
 " I can't exactly say, Moggy ; but this I can tell you, 
 that you may be very useful to them in giving us informa- 
 tion, which you may gain through your husband." 
 
 ** Ay, and not only through my husband, but from 
 everybody on board the cutter. I'm yours, Nancy — and 
 here's my hand on it — you'll see what I can do. The 
 wagabond, to attempt to flog my own dear, darling duck 
 —my own Jemmy. Only tell me what you want to 
 
The Dog Fiend iii 
 
 know, and if I don't ferret it out, my name's not Moggy. 
 But hear me, Nancy ; I join you now hand and heart, 
 though I gain nothing by it ; and when you choose to 
 have him, I'll bring you my little duck of a husband, and 
 he will be worth his weight in gold, though I say it that 
 shouldn't say it." 
 
 ** Thanky, Moggy ; but you shall not work for 
 nothing;" and Nancy laid a gold Jacobus on the table. 
 ** This for your present information. Be secret and 
 cautious, and no gossiping, and you'll find that you shall 
 have all you wish, and be no loser in the bargain. And 
 now, good-night — I must be away. You shall see me 
 soon. Moggy ; and remember what I have told you." 
 
 Moggy was astonished at the sight of the gold Jacobus, 
 which she took up and examined as Nancy departed. 
 *' Well," thought she, " but this smuggling must be a 
 pretty consarn ; and as sure as gold is gold, my Jemmy 
 shall be a smuggler." 
 
 Nancy turned down the street, and passed rapidly on, 
 until she was clear of the fortifications, in the direction of 
 South Sea Beach. A few scattered cottages were at that 
 time built upon the spot. It was quite dark as she passed 
 the lines, and held her way over the shingle. A man was 
 standing alone, whose figure she recognised. It was the 
 very person that she wished to find. Nancy watched him 
 for awhile, and observed him pull out a paper, tear it in 
 two, and throw it down with gesticulations of anger and 
 indignation. She then approached. 
 
 " What's o'clock ? " said Nancy. 
 
 ** Do you want the right time ? " replied the man. 
 
 " To a minute," replied Nancy, who, finding that the 
 password was given correctly, now stopped, and faced the 
 other party. " Is that you, Cornbury ? " 
 
 " Yes, Nancy," replied the man, who, was the same 
 person who went on board of the cutter to give the in- 
 formation. 
 
 " I have been seeking you," replied Nancy. " There 
 has been some information laid, and the boats were nearly 
 
112 Snarleyyow ; or, 
 
 surprised. Alice desires that you will find out what boats 
 entered the cove, whom they belonged to, and, if possible, 
 how they obtained the information." 
 
 " Boats nearly surprised ! — you don't say so," replied 
 Cornbury, with affected astonishment. " This must 
 indeed be looked to. Have you no idea " 
 
 " None," replied Nancy. ** There was no vessel to be 
 seen the next morning — the fog was too thick. Have you 
 seen Wahop ? " 
 
 " No ; I thought he was on the Isle." 
 
 ** He ought to have been, but has not come ; I have been 
 at the oak-tree for three nights running. It's very strange. 
 Do you think that he can have played false ? " 
 
 " I never much liked the man," replied Cornbury. 
 
 " Nor I either," replied Nancy ; " but I must go now, 
 for I must be back at the crags before daylight. Find out 
 what you can, and let us know as soon as possible. I 
 shall be over again as soon as the cargo is run ; if you find 
 out anything, you had better come to-morrow night." 
 
 ** I will," replied Cornbury ; and the parties separated. 
 
 ''* Traitor," muttered Nancy, when she was once more 
 alone. " If he comes, it shall be to his death ; " and 
 Nancy stooped down, picked up the pieces of paper which 
 Cornbury had torn up, and put them in the basket she 
 carried on her arm. 
 
 It will be observed that Nancy had purposely thrown 
 out hints against Wahop, to induce Cornbury to believe 
 that he was not suspected. Her assertion that Wahop was 
 not on the island was false. He had been three days at 
 Ryde, according to the arrangement. The bait took. 
 Cornbury perceiving that the suspicion was against Wahop, 
 thought that he could not do better than to boldly make 
 his appearance at the cave, which would remove any 
 doubts as to his own fidelity. 
 
 Nancy hastened down to the Point, and returned that 
 night to Ryde, from whence she walked over to the cave, 
 and was there before daylight. She communicated to 
 Alice the intelligence which she had received from Moggy 
 
The Dog Fiend 113 
 
 Salisbury, and the arrangements she had proposed to her, 
 by which the motions of the cutter could be known. 
 
 " Is that woman to be trusted, think you, Nancy ? " in- 
 quired Alice. 
 
 " Yes, I believe sincerely she may be. I have known 
 her long 5 and she wishes her husband to join us." 
 
 " We must reflect upon it. She may be most useful. 
 What is the character of the officer who commands the 
 vessel ? " 
 
 " A miser, and a coward. He is well known — neither 
 honour nor conscience in him." 
 
 ** The first is well, as we may act upon it, but the 
 second renders him doubtful. You are tired, Nancy, 
 and had better lie down a little." 
 
 Nancy Corbett delivered the pens to Lilly, and then 
 took the advice of her superior. The day was remarkably 
 fine, and the water smooth, so that the boats were expected 
 that night. At dusk two small lights, at even distances, 
 were suspended from the clifF, to point out to the boats 
 that the coast was free, and that they might land. Alice, 
 however, took the precaution to have a watch on the 
 beach, in case of any second surprise being attempted ; 
 but of this there was little fear, as she knew from Nancy, 
 that all the cutter's boats were on board when she entered 
 the harbour. Lilly, who thought it a delight to be one 
 moment sooner in her father's arms, had taken the watch 
 on the beach, and there the little girl remained perched 
 upon a rock, at the foot of which the waves now only 
 sullenly washed, for the night was beautifully calm and 
 clear. To a passer on the ocean she might have been 
 mistaken for a mermaid who had left her watery bower 
 to look upon the world above. 
 
 What were the thoughts of the little maiden as she 
 remained there fixed as a statue ? Did she revert to the 
 period at which her infant memory could retrace silken 
 hangings and marble halls, visions of splendour, dreamings 
 of courtly state, or was she thinking of her father, as 
 her quick ear caught the least swell of the increasing 
 
114 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 breeze ? Was she, as her eye was fixed as if attempting 
 to pierce the depths of the ocean, wondering at what 
 might be its hidden secrets, or as they were turned 
 towards the heavens, bespangled with ten thousand stars, 
 was she meditating on the God who placed them there ? 
 Who can say ? — -but that that intellectual face bespoke 
 the mind at work is certain, and from one so pure and 
 lovely could emanate nothing but what was innocent and 
 good. 
 
 But a distant sound falls upon her ear ; she listens, and 
 by its measured cadence knows that it is the rowers in a 
 boat : nearer it comes and more distinct, and now her 
 keen eye detects the black mass approaching in the gloom 
 of night. She starts from the rock ready to fly up to 
 the cave to give notice of an enemy, or, if their anticipated 
 friends, to fly into the arms of her father. But her alarm 
 is over, she perceives that it is the lugger, the boat dashes 
 into the cove, and the first who lands strains her to his 
 bosom. 
 
 ** My dearest Lilly, is all well ? " 
 
 " Yes, all is well, father ; but you are well come." 
 
 " Run up, dearest, and let the women be ready to 
 assist. We have that here which must soon be out of 
 sight. Is the Father Innis here ? " 
 
 " Since Thursday last." 
 
 " 'Tis well, dear ; you may go. Quick, my lads, and 
 beach the cargo : — see to it, Ramsay ; I must at once unto 
 the cave." Having given these directions, the father of 
 Lilly commenced his ascent over the rough and steep 
 rocks which led up to the cavern, anxious to obtain what 
 information could be imparted relative to the treachery 
 which had led to their narrow escape two nights preceding. 
 
 He was met by Alice, who cordially embraced him ; 
 but he appeared anxious to release himself from her en- 
 dearments, that he might at once enter upon matters to 
 him of more serious importance. "Where is the Father 
 Innis, my dear ? " said he, disengaging himself from her 
 arms. 
 
The Dog Fiend 1 15 
 
 " He sleeps, Robert, or, at least, he did just now, but 
 probably he will rise now that you are come. But in the 
 meantime, I have discovered who the traitor is." 
 
 ** By all the saints, he shall not escape my vengeance ! " 
 
 Alice then entered into the particulars related by Nancy 
 Corbett, and already known to the reader. She had just 
 concluded when Father Innis made his appearance from the 
 cave. 
 
 " Welcome, thrice welcome, holy father." 
 
 "Welcome, too, my son. Say, do we start to-night?" 
 
 "Not till to-morrow night," replied the husband of 
 Alice, who having ascertained that in all probability Corn- 
 bury would come that night, determined, at all risks, to 
 get possession of him : "we could well be over before 
 daylight, and with your precious person, I must not risk 
 too much. You are anxiously expected." 
 
 " And I have important news," replied the priest; "but 
 I will not detain you now ; I perceive that your presence 
 is wanted by your men." 
 
 During this colloquy the women had descended the 
 ladder, and had been assisting the men to carry up the 
 various packages of which the boat's cargo consisted, and 
 they now awaited directions as to the stowing away. 
 
 " Ramsay," said the leader, " we do not return to- 
 night ; take the men, and contrive to lift the boat up on 
 the rocks, so that she may not be injured." 
 
 An hour elapsed before this was effected, and then the 
 leader, as well as the rest of the smugglers, retired to the 
 cave to refresh themselves with sleep after their night of 
 fatigue. As usual, one woman kept watch, and that 
 woman was Nancy Corbett. The ladder had been hauled 
 up, and she was walking up and down, with her arms 
 under a shawl, to a sort of stamping trot, for the weather 
 was frosty, when she heard a low whistle at the west side 
 of the flat. 
 
 "Oh, ho! have I lured you, you traitorous villain?" 
 muttered Nancy, "you come in good time: "and Nancy 
 walked to the spot where the ladder was usually lowered 
 
ii6 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 down, and looked over. Although the moon had risen, it 
 was too dark on that side of the platform to distinguish 
 more than that there was a human form, who repeated the 
 whistle. 
 
 " What's o'clock ? " said Nancy, in a low tone. 
 
 " Do you want the right time to a minute ? " replied a 
 voice, which was recognised as Cornbury's. Nancy- 
 lowered down the ladder, and Cornbury ascended the 
 platform. 
 
 ** I am glad you are come, Cornbury. Have you heard 
 anything of Wahop ? " 
 
 ** No one has seen or heard of him," replied the man, 
 " but I have found out what boats they were. Did the 
 lugger come over to-night ? " 
 
 ** Yes," replied Nancy, " but I must go in and let 
 Mistress Alice know that you are here." 
 
 Nancy's abrupt departure was to prevent Cornbury from 
 asking if the boat had remained, or returned to the French 
 coast ; for she thought it not impossible that the unusual 
 circumstance of the boat remaining, might induce him to 
 suppose that his treachery had been discovered, and to make 
 his immediate escape, which he, of course, could have 
 done, and given full information of the cave and the parties 
 who frequented it. 
 
 Nancy soon re-appeared, and familiarly taking the arm 
 of Cornbury, led him to the eastern side of the platform, 
 asking him many questions. As soon as he was there, the 
 leader of the gang, followed by half a dozen of his men, 
 rushed out and secured him. Cornbury now felt assured 
 that all was discovered, and that his life was forfeited. 
 ** Bind him fast," said the leader, " and keep watch over 
 him ; — his case shall soon be disposed of. Nancy, you will 
 call me at daylight." 
 
 "When Cornbury had been secured, the men returned 
 into the cave, leaving one with a loaded pistol to guard him. 
 Nancy still remained on the watch. 
 
 " Nancy Corbett," said Cornbury, ** why am I treated 
 thus?" 
 
The Dog Fiend 117 
 
 " Why ? " replied Nancy, with scorn ; ** ask yourself 
 why. Do you think that I did not know when I sought 
 you at the beach that you had sailed in the cutter, had 
 brought the boats here, and that if it had not been for the 
 lieutenant taking his dog in the boat, and its barking, you 
 would have delivered us all into the hands of the 
 Philistines ? — wretched traitor." 
 
 "D — n ! " muttered Cornbury ; " then it is to you, you 
 devil, that I am indebted for being entrapped this way." 
 
 " Yes, to me," replied Nancy, with scorn. " And, 
 depend upon it, you will have your deserts before the sun 
 is one hour in the heavens." 
 
 ** Mistress Nancy, I must beg you to walk your watch 
 like a lady, and not to be corresponding with my prisoner 
 anyhow, whether you talk raison or traison, as may 
 happen to suit your convanience," observed the man who 
 was guard over Cornbury. 
 
 "Be aisy, my jewel," replied Nancy, mimicking the 
 Irishman, "and Til be as silent as a magpie, anyhow. 
 And, Mr Fitzpatrick, you'll just be plased to keep your 
 two eyes upon your prisoner, and not be staring at me, 
 following me up and down, as you do, with those twinklers 
 of yours." 
 
 "A cat may look at a king. Mistress Nancy, and no 
 harm done either." 
 
 ** You forget, Mr Fitzpatrick," replied Nancy, ** that I 
 am now a modest woman." 
 
 " More's the pity, Mrs Nancy, I wish you'd forget it 
 too, and I dying of love for you." 
 
 Nancy walked away to the end of the platform to avoid 
 further conversation. The day was now dawning, and 
 as, by degrees, the light was thrown upon the face of 
 Cornbury, it was strange to witness how his agitation and 
 his fear had changed all the ruby carbuncles on his face to 
 a deadly white. He called to Nancy Corbett in a humble 
 tone once or twice as she passed by in her walk, but 
 received no reply further than a look of scorn. As soon 
 as it was broad daylight, Nancy went into the cave to call 
 up the leader. 
 
ii8 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 In a few minutes he appeared, with the rest of the 
 smugglers. 
 
 "Philip Cornbury," said he, with a stern and un- 
 relenting countenance, " you would have betrayed us for 
 the sake of money." 
 
 " It is false," replied Cornbury. 
 
 ** False, is it ? — you shall have a fair trial. Nancy 
 Corbett, give your evidence before us all." 
 
 Nancy recapitulated all that had passed. 
 
 " I say again, that it is false," replied Cornbury. 
 *' Where is the woman whom she states to have told her 
 this ? This is nothing more than assertion, and I say again, 
 it is false. Am I to be condemned without proofs ? Is my 
 life to be sacrificed to the animosity of this woman, who 
 wishes to get rid of me, because " 
 
 " Because what ? " interrupted Nancy. 
 
 ** Because I was too well acquainted with you before 
 your marriage, and can tell too much." 
 
 "Now, curses on you, for a liar as well as a traitor ! " 
 exclaimed Nancy. " What I was before I was married is 
 well known ; but it is well known, also, that I pleased my 
 fancy, and could always choose. I must, indeed, have had 
 a sorry taste to be intimate with a blotched wretch like 
 you. Sir," continued Nancy, turning to the leader, 
 " it is false ; and whatever may be said against me 
 on other points, Nancy Dawson, or Nancy Corbett, 
 was never yet so vile as to assert a lie. I put it to you, 
 sir, and to all of you, is not my word sufficient in this 
 case ? " 
 
 The smugglers nodded their heads in assent. 
 
 " And, now that is admitted, I will prove his villany 
 and falsehood. Philip Cornbury, do you know this 
 paper ? " cried Nancy, taking out of her bosom the 
 agreement signed by Vanslyperken, which she had picked 
 up on the night when Cornbury had torn it up and thrown 
 it away. "Do you know this paper, I ask you ? Read it, 
 sir," continued Nancy, handing it over to the leader of the 
 smugglers. 
 
The Dog Fiend 119 
 
 The paper was read, and the inflexible countenance of 
 the leader turned towards Cornbury, — who saw his doom. 
 
 " Go in, Nancy Corbett, and let no women appear till 
 all is over." 
 
 " Liar ! " said Nancy, spitting on the ground as she 
 passed by Cornbury. 
 
 " Bind his eyes, and lead him to the western edge," said 
 the leader. 
 
 " Philip Cornbury, you have but a few minutes to live. 
 In mercy, you may see the holy father, if you wish it." 
 
 ** I'm no d d papist," replied Cornbury, in a sulky 
 
 tone. 
 
 " Lead him on then." 
 
 Cornbury was led to the western edge of the flat, where 
 the cliff* was most high and precipitous, and then made to 
 kneel down. 
 
 " Fitzpatrick," said the leader, pointing to the con- 
 demned. 
 
 Fitzpatrick walked up to the kneeling man with his 
 loaded pistol, and then the others, who had led Cornbury 
 to the edge of the cliff", retired. 
 
 Fitzpatrick cocked the lock. 
 
 "Would you like to say, 'God have mercy on my 
 treacherous sinful sowl,' or anything short and sweet like 
 that ? " said Fitzpatrick ; "if so, I'll wait a couple of 
 seconds more for your convanience, Philip Cornbury." 
 
 Cornbury made no reply. Fitzpatrick put the pistol to 
 his ear, the ball whizzed through his brain, the body half 
 raised itself from its knees with a strong muscular action, 
 and then toppled over and disappeared down the side of 
 the precipice. 
 
 " It's to be hoped that the next time you lave this 
 world. Master Cornbury, it will be in a purliter sort of 
 manner. A civil question demands a civil answer any- 
 how," said Fitzpatrick, coolly rejoining the other men. 
 
I20 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Chapter XVIII 
 
 The whole of which has been fudged out of the History of England, and 
 will therefore be quite new to the majority of our readers. 
 
 Were we in want of materials for this eventful history, 
 we have now a good opportunity for spinning out our 
 volumes ; but, so far from this being the case, we hardly 
 know how to find space for what it is now absolutely 
 necessary that the reader should be acquainted with. Our 
 friends may probably recollect, when we remind them of 
 the fact, that there was a certain king, James II., who sat 
 upon our throne, and who was a very good Catholic — that 
 he married his daughter, Mary, to one William of Orange, 
 who, in return for James's kindness in giving him his 
 daughter, took away from him his kingdom, on the plea, 
 that if he was a bad son-in-law, at all events, he was a 
 sound Protestant. They may also recollect, that the 
 exiled king was received most hospitably by the grand 
 monarque, Louis XIV., who gave him palaces, money, and 
 all that he required, and, moreover, gave him a fine army 
 and fleet to go to Ireland and recover his kingdom, bidding 
 him farewell with this equivocal sentence, " That the best 
 thing he, Louis, could wish to him was, never to see his 
 face again." They may further recollect, that King James 
 and King William met at the battle of the Boyne, in which 
 the former was defeated, and then went back to St 
 Germains and spent the rest of his life in acts of devotion 
 and plotting against the life of King William. Now, 
 among other plots real and pretended, there was one laid 
 in 1695, to assassinate King William on his way to Rich- 
 mond; this plot was revealed, many of the conspirators 
 were tried and executed, but the person who was at the 
 head of it, a Scotchman, of the name of Sir George 
 Barclay, escaped. In the year 1 696, a bill was passed, 
 by which Sir George Barclay and nine others who had 
 escaped from justice, were attainted of high treason, if they 
 
The Dog Fiend 121 
 
 did not choose to surrender themselves on or before the 
 25th day of March ensuing. Strange to say, these parties 
 did not think it advisable to surrender themselves ; perhaps 
 it was because they knew that they were certain to be 
 hung ; but it is impossible to account for the actions of 
 men : we can only lay the facts before our readers. 
 
 Sir George Barclay was by birth a Scotchman, of high 
 family, and well connected. He had been an officer in the 
 army of King James, to whom he was strongly attached. 
 Moreover, he was a very bigoted Catholic. Whether he 
 ever received a commission from King James, authorising 
 him to assassinate King William, has never been proved ; 
 but, as King James is well known to have been admitted 
 into the order of the Jesuits, it is not at all unlikely. Cer- 
 tain it is, that the baronet went over to St Germains, 
 landed again in England, and would have made the attempt, 
 had not the plot been discovered through some of the in- 
 ferior accomplices ; and it is equally sure that he escaped, 
 although many others were hung — and few people knew 
 what had become of him. The fact was, that when Barclay 
 had fled to the sea-side, he was assisted over the water by 
 a band of smugglers, who first concealed him in the cave 
 we have described, which was their retreat. This led to 
 a communication and arrangement with them. Sir George 
 Barclay, who, although foiled in his attempt at assassina- 
 tion, never abandoned the cause, immediately perceived 
 what advantages might be derived in keeping up a com- 
 munication by means of these outlaws. For some time 
 the smugglers were employed in carrying secret despatches 
 to the friends of James in England and Scotland ; and, as 
 the importance of the correspondence increased, and it 
 became necessary to have personal interviews instead of 
 written communications. Sir George frequently passed over 
 to the cave as a rendezvous, at which he might meet the 
 adherents of the exiled king. In the course of time he 
 saw the prudence of having the entire control of the 
 band, and found little difficulty in being appointed 
 their leader. From the means he obtained from St 
 
122 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Germains, the smuggling was now carried on to a great 
 and very profitable extent ; and by the regulations which 
 he enacted, the chance of discovery was diminished. Only 
 one point more was requisite for safety and secrecy, which 
 was, a person to whom he could confide the charge of the 
 cave. Lady Barclay, who was equally warm in the cause, 
 offered her services, and they were accepted ; and at the 
 latter end of the year 1 696, about one year after the plot 
 had failed. Lady Barclay, with her only child, took up her 
 abode in this isolated domicile ; Sir George then first 
 making the arrangement that the men should always remain 
 on the other side of the water, which would be an addi- 
 tional cause of security. For upwards of four years. Lady 
 Barclay had remained an inmate, attending to the instruction 
 of her little Lilly, and carrying on all the correspondence, 
 and making all the necessary arrangements with vigour and 
 address, satisfied with serving the good cause, and proving 
 her devoted allegiance to her sovereign. Unfortunate and 
 unwise as were the Stuart family, there must have been 
 some charm about them, for they had instances of attach- 
 ment and fidelity shown to them, of which no other line 
 of kings could boast. 
 
 Shortly after the tragical event recorded in the last 
 chapter, the Jesuit came out of the cave and went up to 
 Sir George, who coolly observed, " We have just been 
 sending a traitor to his account, good father." 
 
 " So may they all perish," replied the priest. " We 
 start this evening ? " 
 
 " Certainly. What news have you for St Germains ? " 
 
 " Much that is important. Discontent prevails through- 
 out the country. The affair of Bishop Watson hath 
 brought much odium on the usurper. He himself writhes 
 under the tyrannical commands of the Commons, and is at 
 issue with them." 
 
 " And in Scotland, father ?" 
 
 " All is there ripe and ready — and an army once landed, 
 would be joined by thousands. The injustice of the usurpei 
 in wishing to sacrifice the Scotch Settlement, has worked 
 
The Dog Fiend 123 
 
 deep upon the minds of those who advanced their money 
 upon that speculation — in the total, a larger sum than ever 
 yet was raised in Scotland. Our emissaries have fanned 
 the flame up to the highest pitch." 
 
 " To my thoughts, good father, there needed not further 
 discontent. Have we not our king dethroned, and our 
 holy religion persecuted ? " 
 
 *' True, my son — true ; but still we must lose no means 
 by which we may increase the number of our adherents. 
 Some are swayed by one feeling, and some by another. 
 We have contrived to throw no small odium upon the 
 usurper and betrayer of his wife's father, by exposing and 
 magnifying, indeed, the sums of money which he has 
 lavished upon his courtesan. Mistress Villiers, now, by his 
 heretic and unsanctified breath, raised into the peerage by 
 the title of Countess of Orkney. All these items added 
 together, form a vast sum of discontent; and could we 
 persuade his Catholic majesty to rouse himself to assert 
 once more his rights by force of arms, I should not fear for 
 the result." 
 
 "Had I not been betrayed," observed Sir George, 
 musing, " before this the king would have had his own 
 again." 
 
 " And thrice blessed would have been the arm that had 
 laid the usurper low," rejoined the Jesuit ; " but more of 
 this hereafter. Your lady hath had much converse with 
 me. She thinks that the character of the man who com- 
 mands that cutter, is such as to warrant his services for 
 gold — and wishes to essay him." 
 
 "The woman Corbett is of that opinion, and she is 
 subtle. At all events, it can be tried ; for he would be of 
 much utility, and there would be no suspicion. The whole 
 had better be left to her arrangement. "We may employ, 
 and pay, yet not trust him." 
 
 "That is exactly what Lady Alice had proposed," 
 replied the Jesuit. Here Lilly came out to tell her father 
 that the morning meal was ready, and they all returned to 
 the cave. 
 
124 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 That evening the boat was launched, and the Jesuit 
 went over with Sir George, and landed at Cherbourg, from 
 whence they both proceeded with all expedition to the 
 court of King James. 
 
 We have entered into this short detail, that the reader 
 may just know the why and the wherefore these parties in 
 the cave were introduced, and now we shall continue our 
 most faithful and veracious history. 
 
 Chapter XIX 
 
 In which Smallbones is sent to look after a pot of black paint. 
 
 We must now return to the cutter, which still remains at 
 anchor off the Point in Portsmouth harbour. It is a dark, 
 murky, blowing day, with gusts of rain and thick fog. 
 Mr Vanslyperken is more than usually displeased, for, as 
 he had to wait for the new boat which he had demanded, 
 he thought this a good opportunity of enlivening the bends 
 of the Tungfrau with a little black paint — not before it was 
 required, most certainly, for she was as rusty in appearance 
 as if she had been built of old iron. But paint fetched 
 money, and as Mr Vanslyperken always sold his, it was 
 like parting with so much of his own property, when he 
 ordered up the paint-pots and brushes. Now the operation 
 of beautifying the Tungfrau had been commenced the day 
 before, and the unexpected change in the weather during 
 the night, had washed off the greater portion of the paint, 
 and there was not only all the trouble, but all the expense, 
 to be incurred again. No wonder that Mr Vanslyperken 
 was in a bad humour — not only in a bad humour, but in 
 the very worst of humours. He had made up his mind to 
 go on shore to see his mother, and was pacing the quarter- 
 deck in his great-coat, with his umbrella under his arm, all 
 ready to be unfurled as soon as he was on shore. He was 
 just about to order his boat to be manned : Mr Vansly- 
 
The Dog Fiend 125 
 
 perken looked up at the weather — the fog was still thick, 
 and the rain fell. You could not even make out the 
 houses on the point. The wind had gone down con- 
 siderably. Mr Vanslyperken looked over the gunnel — the 
 damage was even greater than he thought. He looked 
 over the stern, there was the stage still hanging where 
 the painters had been standing or sitting, and, what was 
 too bad, there was a pot of paint, with the brush in it, half 
 full of rain water, which some negligent person had left 
 there. Mr Vanslyperken turned forward to call somebody 
 to take the paint below, but the decks were empty, and it 
 was growing dark. A sudden thought, instigated no 
 doubt by the devil, filled the brain of Mr Vanslyperken. 
 It was a glorious, golden opportunity, not to be lost. He 
 walked forward, and went down into his cabin again, 
 where he found Smallbones helping himself to biscuit, for 
 the lad was hungry, as well he might be ; but on this 
 occasion Mr Vanslyperken took no notice. 
 
 " Smallbones," said he, ** one of the men has left his 
 paint-pot on the stage, under the stern, go and bring it in 
 immediately." 
 
 " Yes, sir," replied Smallbones, surprised at the un- 
 usually quiet style of his master's address to him. 
 
 Smallbones ran up the ladder, went aft, and slid down 
 by the rope which held the plank used as a stage by the 
 painters. Mr Vanslyperken seized his carving-knife, and 
 following softly on deck, went aft. He took a hurried 
 look forward — there was no one on deck. For a moment, 
 he hesitated at the crime ; he observed the starboard rope 
 shake, for Smallbones was just about to shin up again. 
 The devil prevailed. Mr Vanslyperken sawed through 
 the rope, heard the splash of the lad in the water, and, 
 frightened at his own guilt, ran down below, and gained 
 his cabin. There he seated himself, trembling like an 
 aspen leaf. It was the first time that he had been a 
 murderer. He was pale as ashes. He felt sick, and he 
 staggered to his cupboard, poured out a tumbler of 
 scheedam, and drank it off at a draught. This recovered 
 
126 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 him, and he again felt brave. He returned on deck, and 
 ordered his boat to be manned, which was presently done. 
 Mr Vanslyperken would have given the world to have 
 gone aft, and to have looked over the stern, but he dared 
 not •, so, pushing the men into the boat, he slipped in, and 
 was pulled on shore. Without giving any directions to 
 the men he stepped out, and felt a relief when he found 
 himself on terra iirma. He walked away as fast as he 
 could — he felt that he could not walk fast enough — he 
 was anxious to arrive at his mother's. The rain fell fast, 
 but he thought not of his umbrella, it remained under his 
 arm, and Mr Vanslyperken, as if he were chased by a 
 fiend, pushed on through the fog and rain ; he wanted to 
 meet a congenial soul, one who would encourage, console 
 him, ridicule his fears, and applaud the deed which he 
 would just then have given the world to have recalled. 
 
 Where could he seek one more fitted to the purpose 
 than his mother ? The door of the house where she 
 lodged was common to many, and therefore opened with 
 a latch. He went in, and up-stairs, tried the door of his 
 mother's room, and found it fastened within. He knocked, 
 heard the grumbling of the old woman at her being 
 obliged to rise from her chair : she opened the door, and 
 Vanslyperken, as soon as he was in, slammed it to, and 
 exhausted with his emotions, fell back in a chair. 
 
 "Hey day! and what's the matter now?" cried the 
 old woman, in Dutch ; " one would think that you had 
 been waylaid, robbed, and almost murdered." 
 
 " Murdered ! " stammered Vanslyperken ; " yes — it 
 was murder." 
 
 " What was murder, my child?" replied the old woman, 
 reseating herself. 
 
 ** Did I say murder, mother ? " said Vanslyperken, 
 wiping the blended rain and perspiration from his brow 
 with a cotton handkerchief. 
 
 "Yes, you did, Cornelius Vanslyperken; not that I 
 believe a craven like you would ever attempt such a 
 thing." 
 
The Dog Fiend 127 
 
 ** But I have, mother. I have done the deed," replied 
 Vanslyperken. 
 
 ** You have ! " cried his mother ; " then at last you have 
 done something, and I shall respect you. Come, come, 
 child, cheer up, and tell me all about it. There is a slight 
 twinge the first time — but the second is nothing. Did 
 you get gold ? Hey, my son, plenty of gold ? " 
 
 " Gold ! no, no — I got nothing — indeed I lost by it — 
 lost a pot full of black paint — but never mind that. He's 
 gone," replied Vanslyperken, recovering himself fast. 
 
 '* Who is gone ? " 
 
 "The lad, Smallbones." 
 
 "Pish," repHed the old woman, rocking her chair. 
 -" Ay, well, never mind — it was for revenge, then — that's 
 sweet — very sweet. Now, Cornelius, tell me all about it." 
 
 Vanslyperken, encouraged by the sympathy, if we may 
 use the term, shown by his mother, narrated what he had 
 done. 
 
 "Well, well, child, 'tis a beginning," replied the old 
 woman, " and I'll not call you craven again." 
 
 " I must go back," said Vanslyperken, starting up from 
 his chair. 
 
 " Go, child, it is late — and dream it over. Vengeance 
 is sweet, even in sleep. I have had mine — and for years 
 have I dwelt on it — and shall for years to come. I shall 
 not die yet — no, no." 
 
 Vanslyperken quitted the house ; the weather had 
 cleared up, the breeze was fresh and piercing, and the 
 stars twinkled every now and then, as the wild scud 
 which flew across the heavens admitted them to view. 
 Vanslyperken walked fast — he started at the least sound — 
 he hurried by everyone whom he met, as if fearful to be 
 recognised — he felt relieved when he had gained the 
 streets of Portsmouth, and he at last arrived at the Point ; 
 but there was no cutter's boat, for he had given no orders. 
 He was therefore obliged to hire one to go on board. 
 The old man whom he engaged shoved into the stream ; 
 the tide was running in rapidly. 
 
128 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " A cold night, sir," observed the man. 
 
 ** Yes," replied Vanslyperken, mechanically. 
 
 ** And a strong tide, with the wind to back it. He'd 
 have but a poor chance, who fell overboard such a night 
 as this. The strongest swimmer, without help, would 
 be soon in eternity." 
 
 Vanslyperken shuddered. "Where was Smallbones at 
 this moment ? and then, the mention of eternity ! 
 
 *' Silence, man, silence," said Vanslyperken. 
 
 ** Hope no offence, Mr Lieutenant," replied the man, 
 who knew who his fare was. 
 
 The boat pulled alongside of the Tungfrau, and Van- 
 slyperken paid his unusual fare, and stepped on the deck. 
 He went down below, and had the precaution to summon 
 Smallbones to bring lights aft. The word was passed 
 along the lower deck, and Vanslyperken sat down in 
 the dark, awaiting the report that Smallbones couHi^^ not 
 be found. 
 
 Snarleyyow went up to his master, and rubbed his cold 
 nose against his hand, and then, for the first time, it 
 occurred to Vanslyperken, that in his hurry to leave the 
 vessel, he had left the dog to the mercy of his enemies. 
 During the time that Vanslyperken waited for the report 
 of the lights, he passed over in his mind the untoward 
 events which had taken place — the loss of the widow's 
 good-will, the loss of Corporal Van Spitter, who was 
 adrift in the Zuyder Zee, the loss of five thousand pounds 
 through the dog, and, strange to say, what vexed him 
 more, the loss of the dog's eye ; and when he thought 
 of all these things his heart was elated, and he rejoiced 
 in the death of Smallbones, and no longer felt any com- 
 punction. But a light is coming aft, and Vanslyperken 
 is waiting the anticipated report. It is a solitary purser's 
 dip, as they are termed at sea, emitting but feeble rays, 
 and Vanslyperken's eyes are directed to the door of the 
 cabin to see who carries it. To his horror, his dismay, 
 it is brought in by the drowned Smallbones, who, with a 
 cadaverous, and as he supposes, unearthly face and vacant 
 
The Dog Fiend 129 
 
 look, drawls out, ** It's a-blowed out twice, sir, with the 
 wind." 
 
 Vanslyperken started up, with his eyes glaring and 
 fixed. There could be no mistake. It was the apparition 
 of the murdered lad, and he fell back in a state of un- 
 consciousness. 
 
 " You've a-got it this time," said Smallbones, chuckling 
 as he bent over the body of the lieutenant with his purser's 
 dip, and perceived that he was in a state of insensibility. 
 
 Had Mr Vanslyperken had the courage to look over 
 the stern of the cutter when he re-ascended on the deck, 
 he would have discovered Smallbones hanging on by the 
 rudder chains; for had the fog not been so thick, Mr 
 Vanslyperken would have perceived that at the time that 
 he cut Smallbones adrift it was slack water, and the cutter 
 was lying across the harbour. Smallbones was not, there- 
 fore, carried away by the tide, but being a very fair 
 swimmer, had gained the rudder chains without difficulty •, 
 but at the time that Smallbones was climbing up again by 
 the rope, he had perceived the blade of the carving-knife 
 working at the rope, and was assured that Vanslyperken 
 was attempting his life. When he gained the rudder 
 chains, he held on. At first he thought of calling for 
 assistance ; but hearing Vanslyperken order his boat to 
 be manned, the lad then resolved to wait a little longer, 
 and allow his master to think that he was drowned. The 
 result was as Smallbones intended. As soon as the lad 
 saw the boat was out of hearing he called out most lustily, 
 and was heard by those on board, and rescued from his 
 cold immersion. He answered no questions which were 
 put to him till he had changed his clothing and recovered 
 himself, and then with great prudence summoned a council, 
 composed of Short, Coble, and Jemmy Ducks, to whom 
 he narrated what had taken place. A long consultation 
 succeeded, and at last it was agreed that Smallbones 
 should make his appearance as he did, and future arrange- 
 ments to be taken according to circumstances. 
 
 As soon as Smallbones had ascertained the situation of 
 
130 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 his master, he went forward and reported it to Dick Short, 
 who with Coble came aft in the cabin. Short looked at 
 Vanslyperken. 
 
 ** Conscience," said Short. 
 
 " And a d d bad un, too," replied Coble, hitching 
 
 up his trousers. " What's to be done, Short ? " 
 
 " Nothing," replied Short. 
 
 " Just my idea," replied Coble -, ** let him come to if he 
 pleases, or die and be d d. "Who cares ? " 
 
 *' Nobody," replied Short. 
 
 ** My eyes, but he must have been frightened," said 
 Smallbones ; " for he has left the key in the cupboard. 
 I'll see what's in it for once and away." 
 
 Snarleyyow, when Smallbones opened the cupboard, 
 appeared to have an intuitive idea that he was trespassing, 
 so he walked out growling from under the table ; Short 
 saluted him with a kick in the ribs, which tossed him 
 under the feet of Coble, who gave him a second with 
 his fisherman's boots, and the dog howled, and ran out 
 of the cabin. O Mr Vanslyperken ! see what your favourite 
 was brought to, because you did not come to. 
 
 At this time Smallbones had his nose in the stone jar of 
 scheedam — the olfactory examination was favourable, so he 
 put his mouth to it — the labial essay still more so, so he 
 took down a wine glass, and, without any ceremony, filled 
 a bumper, and handed it to Coble. 
 
 " We'll drink to his recovery," said Obadiah, tossing off 
 the contents. 
 
 " Yes," replied Short, who waited till the glass was re- 
 filled, and did the same. 
 
 " Here's bad luck to him in his own good stuff," said 
 Smallbones, tossing off a third glass, and, filling it again, 
 he handed it to Coble. 
 
 " Here's reformation to him," said Coble, draining the 
 glass again. 
 
 ** Yes," replied Short, taking the replenished vessel. 
 
 ** Here's d n to him and his dog for ever and ever. 
 
 Amen," cried Smallbones, tippling off his second allowance. 
 
The Dog Fiend ' 131 
 
 " Who's there ? " said Vanslyperken in a faint voice, 
 opening his eyes with a vacant look. 
 
 Smallbones replaced the bottle in the cupboard, and 
 replied, ** It's only Smallbones, sir, and the mates, come to 
 help you." 
 
 ** Smallbones ! " said Vanslyperken, still wandering. 
 ** Smallbones is drowned — and the whole pot of black 
 paint." 
 
 *' Conscience," said Short. 
 
 " Carving-knife," rejoined Coble. 
 
 ** Carving-knife ! " said Vanslyperken, raising himself 
 up ; **I never said a word about a carving-knife, did I? 
 Who is it that I see ? Short — and Coble — help me up. 
 I've had a sad fall. Where's Smallbones ? Is he alive — 
 really alive ? " 
 
 *' I believe as how I bees," replied Smallbones. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken had now recovered his perfect senses. 
 He had been raised on a chair, and was anxious to be rid of 
 intruders, so he told Short and Coble that he would now 
 do very well, and they might go •, upon which, without 
 saying a word, they both quitted the cabin. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken collected himself— he wished to know 
 how Smallbones had been saved, but still dared not broach 
 the subject, as it would be admitting his own guilt. 
 
 " What has happened, Smallbones ? " said Vanslyperken. 
 " I still feel very faint." 
 
 *' Take a glass of this," replied Smallbones, opening the 
 cupboard, and bringing out the scheedam. He poured out 
 a glass, which Vanslyperken drank, and then observed, 
 "How did you know what was in that cupboard, 
 sirrah ? " 
 
 *' Because you called for it when you were in your fits," 
 replied Smallbones. 
 
 *• Called for scheedam ? " 
 
 ** Yes, sir, and said you had lost the carving-knife." 
 
 ** Did I ? " replied Vanslyperken, afraid that he had 
 committed himself. " I have been ill, very ill," continued 
 he, putting his hand up to his forehead. " By-the-bye, 
 
132 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Smallbones, did you bring in that pot of paint ? " said Van- 
 slyperken, adroitly. 
 
 " No, sir, I didn't, because I tumbled overboard, pot and 
 all," replied Smallbones. 
 
 " Tumbled overboard ! why, I did not leave the ship 
 till afterwards, and I heard nothing about it." 
 
 " No, sir, how could you ? " replied Smallbones, who was 
 all prepared for this explanation, ** when the tide swept me 
 past the saluting battery in a moment." 
 
 ** Past the saluting battery ? " exclaimed Vanslyperken, 
 " why, how were you saved ? " 
 
 ** Because, thanks to somebody, I be too light to sink. 
 I went out to the Nab buoy, and a mile ayond it." 
 
 ** The Nab buoy ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken. 
 
 " Yes, and ayond it, afore the tide turned, and then I 
 were swept back again, and came into harbour again, just 
 half-an-hour afore you come aboard." 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken looked aghast -, the lad must have had 
 a charmed life. Nine miles at least out to sea, and nine 
 miles back again. 
 
 ** It's as true as I stand here, sir," continued Smallbones \ 
 " I never were so cold in all my life, a-floating about like a 
 bit of duck-weed with the tide, this way and that way." 
 
 ** As true as you stand here ! " repeated Vanslyperken ^ 
 " but do you stand here ? " and he made a desperate grasp 
 at the lad's arm to ascertain whether he held substance or 
 shadow. 
 
 ** Can I do anything more, sir ? " continued Smallbones ; 
 " for I should like to turn in — I'm as cold as ice, even 
 now." 
 
 ** You may go," replied Vanslyperken, whose mind was 
 again becoming confused at what had passed. For some 
 time, the lieutenant sat in his chair, trying to recollect and 
 reason ; but it was in vain — the shocks of the day had been 
 too great. He threw himself, dressed as he was, upon his 
 bed — never perceived the absence of his favourite — the 
 candle was allowed to burn itself to the socket, and Van- 
 slyperken fell off into a trance-like sleep. 
 
The Dog Fiend 133 
 
 Chapter XX 
 
 In which Mr Vanslyperken proves false to the Widow Vandersloosh, and 
 many strange things take place. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken was awakened, the next morning, by 
 the yelping of his dog, who, having been shut out of the 
 cabin, had ventured up the ladder in the morning when the 
 men were washing the deck, and had a bucket shied at him 
 by Jemmy Ducks, with such excellent precision, that it 
 knocked him over, and nearly broke his hind leg, which he 
 now carried high up in the air as he howled upon the other 
 three at the cabin door. Mr Vanslyperken rose, and tried 
 to recollect what had passed; but it was more than a 
 minute before he could recall the circumstances of the day 
 before. He then tried to call to mind how he had gone to 
 bed, and by what means Snarleyyow was left outside, but 
 he could make nothing of it. He opened the cabin door, 
 and let in the dog, whose lame leg instantly excited his 
 indignation, and he then rang his bell for Smallbones, who 
 soon made his appearance. 
 
 " How came the dog out of the cabin, sir ? '* 
 
 ** I'm sure I don't know, sir ; I never put him out." 
 
 ** Who is it that has hurt him ? " 
 
 " I'm sure I don't know, sir ; I never touched him.*' 
 
 Vanslyperken was about to vent his anger, when Small- 
 bones said, " If you please, I don't know what's a-going 
 on. Why here, sir, the men washing the decks have 
 found your carving-knife abaft, by the trafFrail. Somebody 
 must have taken it there, that's sartain." 
 
 Vanslyperken turned pale. 
 
 " Who could have taken it ? " 
 
 *' That's what I said, sir. Who dare come in the cabin 
 to take the knife ? and what could they have taken it for, 
 but unless it was to cut summut ? " And Smallbones 
 looked his master full in the face. And the lieutenant 
 
134 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 quailed before his boy. He could not meet his gaze, but 
 turned away. 
 
 " Very odd," continued Smallbones, perceiving the 
 advantage he had gained. 
 
 " Leave the cabin, sir," cried Vanslyperken. 
 
 " Sha'n't I make no inquiries how this ere knife came 
 there, sir ? " replied Smallbones. 
 
 " No, sir, mind your own business. I've a great mind 
 to flog you for its being found there — all your careless- 
 ness." 
 
 " That would be a pretty go," murmured Smallbones, as 
 he shut the cabin door. 
 
 The feeling of vengeance against Smallbones, was now 
 redoubled in the breast of his master ; and the only regret 
 he felt at the transactions of the day before was, that the 
 boy had not been drowned. 
 
 " I'll have him yet," muttered the lieutenant ; but he 
 forgot that he was shaving himself, and the involuntary 
 movements of his lips caused him to cut a large gash on 
 his right cheek, from which the blood trickled fast. 
 
 " Curses on the" — (razor he was going to say, but he 
 changed it to) " — scoundrel ! " 
 
 A slice with a razor is certainly a very annoying thing. 
 After a certain time, Mr Vanslyperken finished his toilet, 
 called for his breakfast, went on deck, and as the day was 
 fine, ordered the paint to be renewed, and then went on 
 shore to ascertain if there were any commands for him at 
 the admiral's office. 
 
 As he walked up the street in a brown study, he at last 
 observed that a very pretty woman dogged him, sometimes 
 walking a-head and looking back, at others dropping astern, 
 and then again ranging up alongside. He looked her in 
 the face, and she smiled sweetly, and then turned her head 
 coquettishly, and then looked again with eyes full of mean- 
 ing. Now, although Mr Vanslyperken had always avoided 
 amours on account of the expense entailed upon them, yet 
 he was, like a dry chip, very inflammable, and the extreme 
 beauty of the party made him feel unusual emotions. Her 
 
The Dog Fiend 135 
 
 perseverance too — and her whole appearance so very 
 respectable — so superior to the class of people who 
 generally accosted him. He thought of the widow and her 
 money-bags, and thought, also, how infinitely more desir- 
 able the widow would be, if she possessed but the beauty 
 of the present party. 
 
 '* I do believe I've lost my way," exclaimed the young 
 person. **Pray, sir, can you tell me the way to Castle 
 Street, for I'm almost a stranger ? And " (added she, 
 laughing) *'I really don't know my way back to my own 
 house." 
 
 Castle Street was, at that time, one of the best streets 
 in Portsmouth, as Mr Vanslyperken well knew. This 
 assured him of her respectability. He very gallantly 
 offered his arm which, after a little demur, was accepted, 
 and Mr Vanslyperken conveyed her to her house. Of 
 course she could do no less than ask him to walk up, 
 and Mr Vanslyperken, who had never been in anything 
 approaching to good society, was in astonishment at the 
 furniture. All appeared to denote wealth. He was soon 
 in an interesting conversation, and by degrees found out 
 that the lady was a young widow of the name of Malcolm, 
 whose husband had been factor to the new company, 
 called the East India Company ; that she had come down 
 to Portsmouth expecting him home, and that she had 
 learnt that he had died on shore a few days before his 
 intended embarkation for England. Since which, as she 
 liked the place and the society, she had thoughts of 
 remaining here. 
 
 " They say that gold in India is to be had for nothing." 
 
 " It must be very plentiful," replied the widow, " if I 
 am to judge by the quantity my poor husband sent me 
 home, and he was not out more than three years. He left 
 me a week after our marriage." 
 
 Here the lovely widow put her handkerchief up to her 
 eyes, and Mr Vanslyperken attempted to console her. 
 
 "It's so very unpleasant to be left without any one to 
 advise you, and exposed to be cheated so dreadfully. 
 
136 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 What can a poor lone woman do ? Did you ever see me 
 before, sir ? " 
 
 " I never did," replied our lieutenant. ** May I ask the 
 same question, for I thought you appeared to know me ? " 
 
 '* O yes ! Fve seen you very often, and wished to know 
 who you were, but I was ashamed to ask. One cannot be 
 too particular in my situation." 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken was much pleased, but he had re- 
 mained some time, and he thought it right to depart, so 
 he rose and made his adieus. 
 
 **I hope I shall see you again," cried the widow, 
 earnestly. ** You will call again, sir, won't you ? " 
 
 " Most certainly, and with the greatest pleasure," re- 
 plied Vanslyperken. 
 
 The lady extended her gloved hand, and as it was closed 
 in that of Vanslyperken, he thought he felt a slight, a very 
 slight pressure, which made his heart leap. And then, as he 
 shut the door, she gave him such a look — O those eyes ! 
 — they pierced right through the heart of Vanslyperken. 
 
 The reader may not, perhaps, be aware who this gay 
 widow might be. It was Nancy Corbett, who had, by the 
 advice of Lady Alice, taken this step to entrap Mr Vansly- 
 perken. Nancy had obtained from Moggy all the particu- 
 lars of the lieutenant's wooing of the widow Vandersloosh, 
 and his character as a miser and a coward. Had he been a 
 miser only, she would have attacked by gold alone, but 
 being a coward, it was decided that he should have some 
 further stimulus to betray his country, and enlist himself 
 among the partisans of King James. 
 
 Beauty, joined with wealth, the chance of possessing 
 both, with the attractive arts of Nancy, were considered 
 necessary to sway him. Indeed they were so far right, 
 that had any one made the bold proposal to Vanslyperken 
 of joining the other party, and offered him at the same 
 time ample remuneration, he would have been too 
 suspicious or too timorous to run the risk. It was 
 necessary to win him over by means which appeared 
 accidental rather than otherwise. The difficulty of 
 
The Dog Fiend 137 
 
 correspondence was very great ; and as the cutter con- 
 stantly was despatched to the Hague, and the French 
 had agents there, not only letters, but even messengers, 
 might be sent over without risk and without suspicion; 
 for open boats being then the only means of communica- 
 tion, during the wintry part of the year, the correspond- 
 ence was very precarious, and at long intervals. 
 
 Thus was Nancy Corbett changed into a buxom widow, 
 all for the good cause, and well did she perform her part ; 
 for there was no lack of money when such services were 
 required. Vanslyperken left the house quite enchanted. 
 ** This will do," thought he, " and if I succeed, Frau 
 Vandersloosh may go to the devil." He returned on 
 board, unlocked his cabin, where Snarleyyow had been 
 secured from the machinations of Smallbones and other 
 malcontents, and sat down to enjoy the castle-building 
 which he had commenced after he left the house. He 
 patted his dog, and apostrophised it. " Yes, my poor 
 brute," said Vanslyperken, ** your master will get a 
 rich widow, without it being necessary that you should 
 be laid dead at her porch. D — n Frau Vander- 
 sloosh." 
 
 The widow was more enchanting when Vanslyperken 
 called on the ensuing day, than she was on the first. 
 Her advances to the lieutenant were no longer doubtful 
 to him. She entered freely into the state of her affairs, 
 asked his advice upon money matters, and fully proved 
 to his satisfaction that, independent of her beauty, she 
 would be a much greater catch than Frau Vandersloosh. 
 She spoke about her family, said that she expected her 
 brother over, but that he must come incog. ^ as he was 
 attached to the court of the exiled king, lamented the 
 difficulty of receiving letters from him, and openly ex- 
 pressed her adherence to the Stuart family. Vanslyperken 
 appeared to make very little objection to her political 
 creed; in fact, he was so fascinated that he fell blindly 
 into the snare ; he accepted an invitation to dine with her 
 on that very day, and went on board to dress himself as 
 
138 Snarl eyyow; or, 
 
 fine for her as he had for the widow Vandersloosh. The 
 lovely widow admired his uniform, and gave him many 
 gentle hints upon which he might speak : but this did 
 not take place until a tete-h-tete after dinner, when he 
 was sitting on a sofa with her (not on such a fubsy 
 sofa as that of Frau Vandersloosh, but one worked in 
 tapestry) ; much in the same position as we once intro- 
 duced him in to the reader, to wit, with the lady's hand 
 in his. Vanslyperken was flushed with wine, for Nancy 
 had pushed the bottle, and, at last, he spoke out clearly 
 what his aspirations were. The widow blushed, laughed, 
 wiped her eyes as if to brush away a falling tear, and 
 eventually, with a slight pressure of the hand, stammered 
 that she did not know what to say, the acquaintance was 
 so short — it was so unexpected — she must reflect a little : 
 at the same time, she could not but acknowledge, that 
 she had been taken with him when she first saw him ; 
 and then she laughed and said, that she did really begin 
 to believe that there was such a thing as love at first 
 sight, and then — he had better go now, she wished to 
 b alone — she really had a headache. Oh ! Nancy 
 Corbett ! you were, indeed, an adept in the art of 
 seduction — no wonder that your name has been handed 
 down to posterity. Mr Vanslyperken perceived his 
 advantage, and pressed still more, until the blushing 
 widow declared that she would really think seriously 
 about the matter, if on further acquaintance she found 
 that her good opinion of him was not overrated. 
 
 Vanslyperken returned on board intoxicated with his 
 success. On his arrival, he was informed that a 
 messenger had been sent for him, but no one knew 
 where to find him, and that he must be at the admiral's 
 early the next morning, and have all ready for immediate 
 sailing. This was rather annoying, but there was no 
 help for it. The next day Vanslyperken went to the 
 admiral's, and received orders to sail immediately to the 
 Hague with despatches of consequence, being no less 
 than an answer from King William to the States General, 
 
The Dog Fiend 139 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken proceeded from the admiral's to the 
 charming widow, to whom he imparted this unwelcome 
 intelligence. She, of course, was grave, and listened to 
 his protestations with her little finger in her mouth, and 
 a pensive, down-cast eye. 
 
 " How long will you be away ? " inquired she. 
 
 "But a week or ten days at the farthest. I shall fly 
 back to see you again." 
 
 ** But, tell me the truth, have you no acquaintances 
 there ? — now, tell me the truth. I don't mean men." 
 
 '*Upon my honour, fair widow, I don't know a single 
 woman there," replied Vanslyperken, pleased with this 
 little appearance of jealousy ; " but I'm afraid that I 
 must leave you, for the admiral is very severe." 
 
 " Will you do me one favour, Mr Vanslyperken ?" 
 
 " Anything : — ask what you will." 
 
 ** I want this letter forwarded to my brother — I am 
 very anxious about it. The French agent there will 
 send it on ; — it is enclosed to him. "Will you do me that 
 favour, my dear sir ? — I'm sure you will if " 
 
 *' If what?" 
 
 "If you love me," replied the widow, laying her hand 
 upon Vanslyperken. 
 
 " I will, most certainly," said Vanslyperken, taking the 
 letter and putting it in his pocket. 
 
 " Then I shall ask you another," said the widow. 
 " You will think me very foolish, but there may be an 
 opportunity — will you write to me — just a few lines — only 
 to tell me that you have given the letter, that's all — and to 
 say how you are — don't you think me very foolish ? " 
 
 "I will write, dearest, since you wish it — and now, 
 good-bye." 
 
 Vanslyperken took the widow round the waist, and 
 after a little murmuring and reluctance, was permitted to 
 snatch a kiss. Her eyes followed him mournfully till he 
 shut the door and disappeared, and then Nancy Corbett 
 gave way to unbounded mirth. 
 
 " So the fool has bit already," thought she ; " now if 
 
140 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 he only writes to me, and I get his acknowledgment of 
 having delivered the letter, the beast is in my power, and 
 I can hang him any day I please. Upon his honour, he 
 did not know a single woman there : — Lord have mercy ! 
 — what liars men are — but we can sometimes beat them 
 with their own weapons." And Nancy's thoughts reverted 
 to her former life, which she now dwelt upon with pain 
 and sorrow. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken returned on board ; the anchor was 
 weighed immediately that the boats had been hoisted up, 
 and the Tungfrau ran out with a fair wind, which lasted 
 until the evening, when it fell almost calm, and the cutter 
 made but little way through the water. Many of the men 
 were conversing on the forecastle as usual, and the subject 
 of their discourse was the surmising what had become of 
 Corporal Van Spitter. In one point they all appeared to 
 agree, which was, that they hoped he would never return 
 to the cutter. 
 
 "If he does I owe him one," observed Jemmy Ducks. 
 " It's all through him that my wife was turned out of the 
 vessel." 
 
 " And a little bit from her tongue, Jemmy," observed 
 Coble. 
 
 " Why, perhaps so," replied Jemmy ; *' but what was it 
 set her tongue loose but the threat of him to flog me, and 
 what made him threaten that but the 'peaching of that fat 
 marine ? " 
 
 ** Very good arguments. Jemmy. Well, I will say that 
 for your wife. Jemmy, she does love you, and there's no 
 sham about it." 
 
 ** Never mind Jemmy's wife, let's have Jemmy's song," 
 said Spurey ; ** he hasn't piped since he was pulled up by 
 the corporal." 
 
 " No : he put my pipe out, the hippopotamus. Well, 
 I'll give it you — it shall be about what we are talking of, 
 Obadiah." Jemmy perched himself on the fore-end of the 
 booms, and sang as follows : 
 
The Dog Fiend 141 
 
 " I suppose that you think 'cause my trousers are tarry, 
 And because that I ties my long hair in a tail, 
 While landsmen are figged out as fine as Lord Harry, 
 
 With breast-pins and cravats as white as old sail ; 
 
 That I'm a strange creature, a know-nothing ninny, 
 
 But fit for the planks for to walk in foul weather ; 
 
 That I ha'n't e'er a notion of the worth of a guinea, 
 
 And that you, Poll, can twist me about as a feather,— 
 
 Lord love you ! ! 
 
 " I know that this life is but short at the best on't, 
 
 That Time it flies fast, and that work must be done ; 
 That when danger comes 'tis as well for to jest on't, 
 
 'Twill be but the lighter felt when it do come : 
 If you think, then, from this that I an't got a notion 
 
 Of a heaven above, with its mercy in store, 
 And the devil below, for us lads of the ocean, , 
 
 Just the same as it be for the landsmen on shore, - 
 Lord love you ! ! 
 
 " If because I don't splice with some true-hearted woman, 
 
 Who'd doat on my presence, and sob when I sail, 
 
 But put up with you, Poll, though faithful to no man, 
 
 With a fist that can strike, and a tongue that can rail ; 
 'Tis because I'm not selfish, and know 'tis my duty 
 If I marry to moor by my wife, and not leave her, 
 To dandle the young ones, — watch over her beauty. 
 
 D'ye think that I'd promise and vow, then deceive her ?— 
 Lord love you ! I 
 
 « I suppose that you think 'cause I'm free with my money, 
 Which others would hoard and lock up in their chest, 
 All your billing and cooing, and words sweet as honey. 
 
 Are as gospel to me while you hang on my breast ; 
 But no, Polly, no ; — you may take every guinea, 
 
 They'd burn in my pocket, if I took them to sea ; 
 But as for your love, Poll, I indeed were a ninny, — 
 D'ye think I don't know you cheat others than me ? 
 Lord love you ! ! " 
 
 "Well, that's a good song, Jemmy, and he can't pull 
 you up for that, anyhow." 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken appeared to think otherwise, for he 
 sent a marine forward to say, that no singing would 
 be permitted in future, and that they were immedi- 
 ately to desist. 
 
 " I suppose we shall have a song considered as mutiny 
 
142 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 soon," observed Coble. ** Ah, well, it's a long lane that 
 has no turning." 
 
 " Yes," replied Jemmy, in an under tone, " and for 
 every rogue there's a rope laid up. Never mind, let 
 us go below." 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken's dreaming thoughts of the fair widow 
 were nevertheless occasionally interrupted by others not 
 quite so agreeable. Strange to say, he fully believed what 
 Smallbones had asserted about his being carried out by the 
 tide to the Nab buoy and he canvassed the question in his 
 mind, whether there was not something supernatural in 
 the affair, a sort of interposition of Providence in behalf of 
 the lad, which was to be considered as a warning to him- 
 self not to attempt anything further. He was frightened, 
 although his feeling for revenge was still in all its force. 
 As for any one suspecting him of having attempted the 
 boy's life, he had recovered from that feeling ; even if they 
 did, who dare say a word ? There was another point 
 which also engrossed the moody Vanslyperken, which was 
 how he should behave relative to the widow Vandersloosh. 
 Should he call or should he not ? he cared nothing for her, 
 and provided he could succeed with the Portsmouth lady, 
 he would pitch her to the devil ; but still he remembered 
 the old proverb, ** You should never throw away dirty 
 water before you are sure of clean." After some cogitation 
 he determined upon still pressing his suit, and hoped at the 
 same time that the widow would not admit him into her 
 presence. Such were the different resolves and decisions 
 which occupied the mind of Mr Vanslyperken until he 
 dropped his anchor at Amsterdam, when he ordered his 
 boat to go on shore, and gave positive directions to Dick 
 Short that no one was to leave the cutter on any pretence, 
 for he was determined that as the widow would not have 
 his company, she should not have the profits arising from 
 his men spending their money at her house. 
 
 ** So," cried Coble, after the boat shoved off, " liberty's 
 stopped as well as singing. What next, I wonder? I 
 sha'n't stand this long." 
 
The Dog Fiend 143 
 
 " No," replied Short. 
 
 " Stop till he makes friends with the widow," observed 
 Bill Spurey ; " she'll get us all leave." 
 
 " Mein Gott, he nebber say any ting before," observed 
 Jansen. 
 
 "No; we might almost go and come as we wished. 
 We must not stand this." 
 
 "We won't," replied Jemmy Ducks. 
 
 " No," replied Short. 
 
 While the crew of the cutter were in this incipient 
 state of mutiny, Vanslyperken bent his steps to deliver 
 up to the authorities the despatches with which he 
 was charged; and having so done, he then took out the 
 letter intrusted to him by Nancy Corbett and read the 
 address. It was the same street in which lived the 
 Frau Vandersloosh. This was awkward, as Vanslyperken 
 did not want to be seen by her; but there was no 
 help for it. He trusted to her not seeing him, and 
 he proceeded thither: he ran down the numbers on 
 the doors until he came to the right one, which was 
 exactly opposite to the widow's house: — this was more 
 unfortunate. He rang the bell ; it was some time before 
 the door was opened, and while he was standing there he 
 could not help looking round to see if any one saw him. 
 To his annoyance, there stood the widow filling up her 
 door with her broad frame, and Babette peeping over her 
 shoulder. Mr Vanslyperken, as there was only the canal 
 and two narrow roads between them, could do no less 
 than salute her, but she took no notice of him farther than 
 by continuing her stare. At last, upon a second pulling 
 of the bell, the door opened, and on Mr Vanslyperken 
 saying that he had a letter for such an address, he was 
 admitted, and the door immediately closed. He was 
 ushered into a room, the window-panes of which were 
 painted green, so that no one outside could look in, and 
 found himself in the presence of a tall man, in a clerical 
 dress, who motioned to him to sit down. 
 
 Vanslyperken delivered the letter, and then took a seat. 
 
144 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 The gentleman made a graceful bow, as if to ask per- 
 mission to break the seal, and then opened the letter. 
 
 " Sir, I am obliged to you for charging yourself with 
 these packets — infinitely obliged to you. You are in 
 command of a sloop here, I believe.'* 
 
 " A king's cutter, sir," replied Vanslyperken, with 
 importance ; " I am Lieutenant Vanslyperken." 
 
 " I thank you, sir. I will take down your name. You 
 expect, I presume, to be rewarded for this small service," 
 continued the gentleman, with a bland smile. 
 
 "Why, she must have told him," thought Vanslyperken; 
 who replied with another smile, " that he certainly trusted 
 that he should be." 
 
 Upon which reply, the other went to an escritoire, and 
 taking out a bag, opened it and poured out a mass of gold, 
 which made Vanslyperken's mouth water, but why he did 
 so Vanslyperken did not give a thought, until having 
 counted out fifty pieces, the gentleman very gracefully 
 put them into his hand, observing, 
 
 ** A lieutenant's pay is not great, and we can afford to 
 be generous. Will you oblige me by calling here before 
 you sail for England, and I will beg you to take charge of 
 a letter." 
 
 Vanslyperken was all amazement : he began to suspect 
 what was the fact, but he had the gold in his hand, and 
 for the life of him, he could not have laid it down again 
 on the table. It was too great a sacrifice, for it was his 
 idol — his god. He therefore dropped it into his pocket, 
 and promising to call before he sailed, bowed and took 
 his leave. As he went out, there were the Frau Vander- 
 sloosh and Babette still watching him at the door, but 
 Vanslyperken was in a state of agitation, and he hurried 
 off as fast as he could. Had he known why they watched 
 so earnestly, and what had occurred, his agitation would 
 have been greater still. As soon as Mr Vanslyperken had 
 arrived on board, he hastened down into his cabin, and 
 throwing the money down on the table, feasted his eyes with 
 it, and remained for nearly half-an-hour in a state of deep 
 
The Dog Fiend 145 
 
 cogitation, during which he often asked himself the 
 question, whether he had not been a traitor to the king 
 and country in whose pay he was employed. The answer 
 that he gave to himself was anything but satisfactory : but 
 the prospect of possessing the fair Portsmouth widow, 
 and the gold displayed upon the table, were very satis- 
 factory, and the balance was on the latter side : so 
 Vanslyperken gradually recovered himself, and had risen 
 from his chair to collect the gold and deposit it in a place 
 of safety, when he was interrupted by a tap at the door. 
 Hastily sweeping off the gold pieces, he cried, *^ Come 
 in;" when who, to his surprise, should appear, in excellent 
 condition and fresh as a peony, but the lost and almost 
 forgotten Corporal Van Spitter, who, raising his hand to 
 his forehead as usual, reported himself man-of-war fashion, 
 **Vas come on board. Mynheer Vanslyperken." But 
 as the corporal did not tell all the facts connected with 
 his cruise in the jolly-boat to Mr Vanslyperken, for 
 reasons which will hereafter appear, we shall reserve 
 the narrative of what really did take place for another 
 chapter. 
 
 Chapter XXI 
 
 In which are narrated the adventures which took place in the corporal's 
 cruise in the jolly-boat. 
 
 Corporal Van Spitter, so soon as he had expended all 
 his breath in shouting for help, sat down with such a flop 
 of despair on the thwart of the boat, as very nearly to 
 swamp it. As it was, the water poured in over the star- 
 board-gunnel, until the boat was filled up to his ankles. 
 This alarmed him still more, and he remained mute as a 
 stockfish for a quarter of an hour, during which he was 
 swept away by the tide until he was unable to discover the 
 lights on shore. The wind freshened, and the water 
 became more rough *, the night was dark as pitch, and the 
 s K 
 
146 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 corporal skimmed along before the wind and tide. ** A 
 tousand tyfels ! " at last muttered the corporal, as the 
 searching blast crept round his fat sides, and made him 
 shiver. Gust succeeded gust, and, at last, the corporal's 
 teeth chattered with the cold : he raised his feet out of the 
 water at the bottom of the boat, for his feet were like ice, 
 but in so doing, the weight of his body being above the 
 centre of gravity, the boat careened over, and with a 
 " Mein Gott ! " he hastily replaced them in the cold water. 
 And now a shower of rain and sleet came down upon the 
 unprotected body of the corporal, which added to his 
 misery, to his fear, and to his despair. 
 
 "Where am I?" muttered he; "what will become of 
 me ? Ah, mein Gott ! twenty tousand tyfels — what had I 
 to do in a boat — I, Corporal Van Spitter ? " and then he 
 was again silent for nearly half an hour. The wind 
 shifted to the northward, and the rain cleared up, but it 
 was only to make the corporal suffer more, for the freezing 
 blast poured upon his wet clothes, and he felt chilled to 
 the very centre of his vitals. His whole body trembled 
 convulsively, he was frozen to the thwart, yet there was 
 no appearance of daylight coming, and the corporal now 
 abandoned himself to utter hopelessness and desperation, 
 and commenced praying. He attempted the Lord's Prayer 
 in Dutch, but could get no further than " art in heaven," 
 for the rest, from disuse, had quite escaped the corporal's 
 memory. He tried to recollect something else, but was 
 equally unsuccessful ; at last, he made up a sad mixture 
 of swearing and praying. 
 
 "Mein Gott — a hundred tousand tyfels — gut Gott — 
 twenty hundred tousand tyfels ! Ah, Gott of mercy — 
 million of tyfels ! holy Gott Jesus ! twenty millions 
 of tyfels — Gott for dam, I die of cold ! " Such were the 
 ejaculations of the corporal, allowing about ten minutes to 
 intervene between each, during which the wind blew more 
 freshly, the waves rose, and the boat was whirled away. 
 
 But the corporal's miseries were to be prolonged j the 
 flood-time of water was now spent, and the ebb commenced 
 
The Dog Fiend 147 
 
 flowing against the wind and sea. This created what is 
 called boiling water, that is, a contest between the wind 
 forcing the waves one way, and the tide checking them 
 the other, which makes the waves to lose their run, and 
 they rise, and dance, and bubble into points. The conse- 
 quence was, that the boat, as she was borne down by the tide 
 against them, shipped a sea every moment, which the wind 
 threw against the carcass of the corporal, who was now 
 quite exhausted with more than four hours' exposure to a 
 wintry night, the temperature being nearly down to zero. 
 All the corporal's stoicism was gone; he talked wildly, 
 crouched and gibbered in his fear, when he was suddenly 
 roused by a heavy shock. He raised his head, which had 
 sunk upon his chest, and beheld something close to him, 
 and to the gunnel of the boat. It was a thin, tall figure, 
 holding out his two arms at right angles, and apparently 
 stooping over him. It was just in the position that Small- 
 bones lay on the forecastle of the cutter on that day 
 morning, when he was about to keel-haul him, and the 
 corporal, in his state of mental and bodily depression, was 
 certain that it was the ghost of the poor lad whom he had 
 so often tortured. Terror raised his hair erect — his mouth 
 was wide open — he could not speak — he tried to analyse 
 it, but a wave dashed in his face — his eyes and mouth 
 were filled with salt water, and the corporal threw himself 
 down on the thwarts of the boat, quite regardless whether 
 it went to the bottom or not •, there he lay, half groaning, 
 half praying, with his hands to his eyes, and his huge 
 nether proportion raised in the air, every limb trembling 
 with blended cold and fright. One hour more, and there 
 would have been nothing but corporal parts of Corporal 
 Spitter. 
 
 The reason why the last movement of the corporal did 
 not swamp the boat, was simply that it was aground on 
 one of the flats ; and the figure which had alarmed the 
 conscience-stricken corporal, was nothing more than the 
 outside beacon of a weir for catching fish, being a thin 
 post with a cross bar to it, certainly not unlike Smallbones 
 
148 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 in figure, supposing him to have put his arms in that 
 position. 
 
 For upwards of an hour did the corporal lie reversed, 
 when the day dawned, and the boat had been left high and 
 dry upon the flat. The fishermen came down to examine 
 their weir, and see what was their success, when they dis- 
 covered the boat with its contents. At first they could 
 not imagine what it was, for they could perceive nothing 
 but the capacious round of the corporal, which rose up in 
 the air, but, by degrees, they made out that there was a 
 head and feet attached to it, and they contrived, with the 
 united efforts of four men, to raise him up, and discovered 
 that life was not yet extinct. They poured a little 
 schnappes into his mouth, and he recovered so far as to 
 open his eyes, and they having brought down with them 
 two little carts drawn by dogs, they put the corporal into 
 one, covered him up, and yoking all the dogs to the one 
 cart, for the usual train could not move so heavy a weight, 
 two of them escorted him up to their huts, while the 
 others threw the fish caught into the cart which remained, 
 and took possession of the boat. The fishermen's wives, 
 perceiving the cart so heavily laden, imagined, as it ap- 
 proached the huts, that there had been unusual success, 
 and were not a little disappointed when they found that 
 instead of several bushels of fine fish, they had only 
 caught a corporal of marines ; but they were kind-hearted, 
 for they had known misery, and Van Spitter was put into 
 a bed, and covered up with all the blankets they could 
 collect, and very soon was able to drink some warm soup 
 offered to him. It was not, however, till long past noon, 
 that the corporal was able to narrate what had taken place. 
 
 ** Will your lieutenant pay us for saving you and bring- 
 ing him his boat ? " demanded the men. 
 
 Now, it must be observed, that a great revolution had 
 taken place in the corporal's feelings since the horror and 
 sufferings of the night. He felt hatred towards Vansly- 
 perken, and good-will towards those whom he had treated 
 unkindly. The supernatural appearance of Smallbones, in 
 
The Dog Fiend 149 
 
 which he still believed, and which appeared to him as a 
 warning — what he had suffered from cold and exhaustion, 
 which by him was considered as a punishment for his 
 treatment of the poor lad but the morning before, had 
 changed the heart of Corporal Van Spitter, so he replied 
 in Dutch, 
 
 " He will give you nothing, good people, not even a 
 glass of schnappes, I tell you candidly — so keep the boat 
 if you wish — I will not say a word about it, except that it 
 is lost. He is not likely to see it again. Besides, you can 
 alter it, and paint it." 
 
 This very generous present of his Majesty's property by 
 the corporal, was very agreeable to the fishermen, as it 
 amply repaid them for all their trouble. The corporal 
 put on his clothes, and ate a hearty meal, was freely 
 supplied with spirits, and went to bed quite recovered. 
 The next morning, the fishermen took him down to 
 Amsterdam in their own boat, when Van Spitter dis- 
 covered that the Tungfrau had sailed ; this was very 
 puzzling, and Corporal Van Spitter did not know what 
 to do. After some cogitation, it occurred to him that, for 
 Vanslyperken's sake, he might be well received at the 
 Lust Haus by widow Vandersloosh, little imagining how 
 much at a discount was his lieutenant in that quarter. 
 
 To the Frau Vandersloosh accordingly he repaired, and 
 the first person he met was Babette, who finding that the 
 corporal was a Dutchman, and belonging to the Tungfrau, 
 and who presumed that he had always felt the same ill-will 
 towards Vanslyperken and Snarleyyow, as did the rest of 
 the ship's company, immediately entered into a narrative of 
 the conduct of Snarleyyow on the preceding night, the 
 anger of her mistress, and every other circumstance with 
 which the reader is already acquainted. Corporal Van 
 Spitter thus fortunately found out how matters stood 
 previous to his introduction to the widow. He expatiated 
 upon his sufferings, upon the indifference of his lieutenant 
 in sailing as to what had become of him, and fully per- 
 suaded Babette not only that he was inimical, which now 
 
1.50 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 certainly he was, but that he always had been so, to Mr 
 Vanslyperken. Babette, who was always ready to retail 
 news, went up to the widow, and amused her, as she 
 dressed her, with the corporal's adventures, and the widow 
 felt an interest in, before she had seen. Corporal Van 
 Spitter, from the account of his ** moving accidents by 
 flood and field." 
 
 But if prepossessed in his favour before she saw him, 
 what did she feel when she first beheld the substantial 
 proportions of Corporal Van Spitter ! There she beheld 
 the beau ideal of her imagination — the very object of her 
 widow's dreams — the antipodes of Vanslyperken, and as 
 superior as " Hyperion to a Satyr." He had all the personal 
 advantages, with none of the defects of her late husband ; 
 he was quite as fleshy, but had at least six inches more in 
 height, and, in the eyes of the widow, the Corporal Van 
 Spitter was the finest man she ever had beheld, and she 
 mentally exclaimed, "There is the man for my money;" 
 and, at the same time, resolved that she would win him. 
 Alas ' how short-sighted are mortals ; little did the corporal 
 imagine that the most untoward event in his life would be 
 the cause of his being possessed of ease and competence. 
 The widow received him most graciously, spoke in no 
 measured terms against Vanslyperken, at which the corporal 
 raised his huge shoulders, as much as to say, " He is even 
 worse than you think him," was very violent against 
 Snarleyyow, whom the corporal, aware that it was no 
 mutiny, made no ceremony in " damning in heaps," as the 
 saying is. 
 
 The widow begged that he would feel no uneasiness, as 
 he should remain with her till the cutter returned ; and an 
 hour after the first introduction, Corporal Van Spitter had 
 breakfasted with, and was actually sitting, by her request, 
 on the little fubsy sofa, in the very place of Vanslyperken, 
 with Frau Vandersloosh by his side. 
 
 We must pass over the few days during which the 
 cutter was away. Widows have not that maiden modesty 
 to thwart their wishes, which so often prevents a true love 
 
The Dog Fiend 151 
 
 tale from being told. And all that the widow could not 
 tell, Babette, duly instructed, told for her, and it was 
 understood, before the cutter's arrival, that Corporal Van 
 Spitter was the accepted lover of the Frau Vandersloosh. 
 But still it was necessary that there should be secrecy, not 
 only on account of the corporal's being under the command 
 of the lieutenant, who, of course, would not allow himself 
 to be crossed in his love without resenting it, but also, 
 because it was not advisable that the crew of the Tung frau 
 should not be permitted to spend their money at the Lust 
 Haus. It was therefore agreed that the lieutenant should 
 be blinded, as to the real nature of the intimacy, and that 
 nothing should take place until the cutter was paid off, and 
 Corporal Van Spitter should be a gentleman at large. 
 
 Independent of the wisdom of the above proceedings, 
 there was a secret pleasure to all parties in deceiving 
 the deceiver Vanslyperken. But something else occurred 
 which we must now refer to. The corporal's residence 
 at the widow's house had not been unobserved by the 
 Jesuit, who was the French agent in the house opposite, 
 and it appeared to him, after the inquiries he had made, 
 that Corporal Van Spitter might be made serviceable. He 
 had been sent for and sounded, and it was canvassed with 
 the widow whether he should accept the offers or not, 
 and finally it was agreed that he should, as there would 
 be little or no risk. Now, it so happened, that the 
 corporal had gone over to the Jesuit's house to agree to 
 the proposals, and was actually in the house conversing 
 with him, when Vanslyperken arrived and knocked at 
 the door. The corporal ascertaining who it was by a 
 small clear spot left in the painted window for scrutiny, 
 begged that he might be concealed, and was immediately 
 shown into the next room by a door, which was hid 
 behind a screen. The Jesuit did not exactly shut the 
 door, as he supposed he did, and the corporal, who 
 wondered what could have brought Vanslyperken there, 
 kept it ajar during the whole of the interview and the 
 counting out of the money. Vanslyperken left, and as 
 
152 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 he shut the other door the corporal did the same with 
 the one he held ajar, and took a seat at the other end 
 of the room, that the Jesuit might not suspect his having 
 overheard all that had passed. 
 
 Now the Jesuit had made up his mind that it was 
 better to treat with the principal than with a second, 
 and therefore did not further require the services of 
 Corporal Van Spitter. He told him'1:hat the lieutenant 
 having received private information that one of the people 
 of the cutter had been seen at his house, and knowing 
 that he was the French agent, had come to inform him 
 that if he attempted to employ any of his men in carrying 
 letters, that he would inform against him to the authorities. 
 That he was very sorry, but that after such a notice he 
 was afraid that the arrangements could not proceed. The 
 corporal appeared to be satisfied, and took his final leave. 
 No wonder, therefore, that the widow and Babette were 
 on the watch, when they saw Vanslyperken enter the 
 house, at the very time the corporal was there also. 
 
 The corporal went over to the widow's, and narrated 
 ail that he had heard and seen. 
 
 " "Why, the traitor ! " exclaimed the widow. 
 
 " Yes, mein Gott ! " repeated the corporal. 
 
 " The villain to sell his country for gold." 
 
 ** Yes, mein Gott ! " repeated the corporal. 
 
 " Fifty guineas, did you say. Mynheer Van Spitter ?" 
 
 " Yes, mein Gott ! " repeated the corporal. 
 
 ** Oh, the wretch! — well," continued the widow, "at 
 all events he is in your power." 
 
 " Yes, mein Gott ! " 
 
 " You can hang him any day in the week." 
 
 " Yes, mein Gott ! " 
 
 " Ho, ho ! Mr Vanslyperken : — well, well, Mr Vansly- 
 perken, we will see," continued the widow, indignant at 
 the lieutenant receiving so large a sum, which would 
 otherwise have been, in all probability, made over to 
 Corporal Van Spitter, with whom she now felt that their 
 interests were in common. 
 
The Dog Fiend 153 
 
 " Tousand tyfels ! " roared the corporal, dashing his 
 foot upon one of the flaps of the little table before them 
 with so much force, that it was broken short off and 
 fell down on the floor. 
 
 "Hundred tousand tyfels!" continued the corporal, 
 when he witnessed the effects of his violence. 
 
 Although the widow lamented her table, she forgave 
 the corporal with a smile ; she liked such proofs of 
 strength in her intended, and she, moreover, knew that 
 the accident was occasioned by indignation at Vansly- 
 perken. 
 
 " Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, you'll pay me for that," 
 exclaimed she ; "I prophesy that before long you and 
 your nasty cur will both swing together." 
 
 The corporal now walked across the little parlour and 
 back again, then turned to the widow Vandersloosh, and 
 with a most expressive look slowly muttered, 
 
 " Yes, mein Gott ! " 
 
 After which he sat down again by the side of the 
 widow, and they had a short consultation ; before it 
 was over, Corporal Van Spitter declared himself the 
 deadly enemy of Lieutenant Vanslyperken ; swore that 
 he would be his ruin, and ratified the oath upon the 
 widow's lips. Alas ! what changes there are in this 
 world ! 
 
 After which solemn compact the corporal rose, took 
 his leave, went on board, and reported himself, as we 
 have stated in the preceding chapter. 
 
 Chapter XXII 
 
 In which Snarleyyow proves to be the devil, and no mistake. 
 
 That the corporal mystified his lieutenant, may easily be 
 supposed ; but the corporal had other work to do, and he 
 did it immediately. He went up to Jemmy Ducks, who 
 
154 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 looked daggers at him, and said to him quietly, ** That he 
 had something to say to him as soon as it was dusk, and 
 they would not be seen together." Vanslyperken ordered 
 the corporal to resume his office, and serve out the pro- 
 visions that afternoon : and to the astonishment of the men, 
 he gave them not only full, but overweight ; and instead 
 of abusing them, and being cross, he was good-humoured, 
 and joked with them ; and all the crew stared at each 
 other, and wondered what could be the matter with 
 Corporal Van Spitter. But what was their amazement, 
 upon Snarleyyow's coming up to him as he was serving 
 out provisions, instead of receiving something from the 
 hand of the corporal as usual, he, on the contrary, received 
 a sound kick on the ribs from his foot which sent him 
 yelping back into the cabin. Their astonishment could 
 only be equalled by that of Snarleyyow himself. But that 
 was not all ; it appeared as if wonders would never cease, 
 for when Smallbones came up to receive his master's pro- 
 visions, after the others had been served and gone away, 
 the corporal not only kindly received him, but actually 
 presented him with a stiff glass of grog mixed with the 
 corporal's own hand. When he offered it, the lad could 
 not believe his eyes, and even when he had poured it 
 down his throat, he would not believe his own mouth ; 
 and he ran away, leaving his provisions, chuckling along 
 the lower deck till he could gain the forecastle, and add 
 this astonishing piece of intelligence to the other facts, 
 which were already the theme of admiration. 
 
 " There be odd chops and changes in this here world, 
 for sartin," observed Coble. (Exactly the same remark as 
 we made at the end of the previous chapter.) 
 
 ** Mayn't it all be gammon ? " said Bill Spurey. 
 
 " Gammon, for why ? " replied Jemmy Ducks. 
 
 ** That's the question," rejoined Spurey. 
 
 "It appears to me that he must have had a touch of 
 conscience," said Coble. 
 
 ** Or else he must have seen a ghost," replied Small- 
 bones. 
 
The Dog Fiend 155 
 
 " I've heard of ghosts ashore, and sometimes on board 
 of a ship, but I never heard of a ghost in a jolly-boat," 
 said Coble, spitting under the gun. 
 
 "'Specially when there were hardly room for the 
 corporal," added Spurey. 
 
 ** Yes," observed Short. 
 
 ** Well, we shall know something about it to-night, for 
 the corporal and I am to have a palaver." 
 
 "Mind he don't circumwent you, Jimmy," said Spurey. 
 
 "It's my opinion," said Smallbones, "that he must be 
 in real arnest, otherwise he would not ha' come for to go 
 for to give me a glass of grog — there's no gammon in 
 that; — and such a real stiff 'un too," continued Smallbones, 
 who licked his lips at the bare remembrance of the unusual 
 luxury. 
 
 " True," said Short. 
 
 " It beats my comprehension altogether out of nothing," 
 observed Spurey. " There's something very queer in the 
 wind. I wonder where the corporal has been all this 
 while." 
 
 "Wait till this evening," observed Jemmy Ducks ; and, 
 as this was very excellent advice, it was taken, and the 
 parties separated. 
 
 In the despatches it had been requested, as important 
 negotiations were going on, that the cutter might return 
 immediately, as there were other communications to make 
 to the States General on the part of the King of England ; 
 and a messenger now informed Vanslyperken that he 
 might sail as soon as he pleased, as there was no reply to 
 the despatches he had conveyed. This was very agreeable 
 to Vanslyperken, who was anxious to return to the fair 
 widow at Portsmouth, and also to avoid the Frau Vander- 
 sioosh. At dusk, he manned his boat and went on shore 
 to the French agent, who had also found out that the 
 cutter was ordered to return, and had his despatches nearly 
 ready. Vanslyperken waited about an hour; when all 
 was complete he received them, and then returned on 
 board. 
 
156 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 As soon as he had quitted the vessel, Corporal Van 
 Spitter went to Jemmy Ducks, and without letting him 
 know how matters stood on shore, told him that he was 
 convinced that Vanslyperken had sent him into the boat on 
 purpose to lose him, and that the reason was, that he, Van 
 Spitter, knew secrets which would at any time hang the 
 lieutenant. That in consequence he had determined upon 
 revenge, and in future would be heart and hand with the 
 ship's company, but that to secure their mutual object, 
 it would be better that he should appear devoted to 
 Vanslyperken as before, and at variance with the ship's 
 company. 
 
 Now Jemmy, who was with all his wits at work, knew 
 that it was Smallbones who cut the corporal adrift -, but 
 that did not alter the case, as the corporal did not know it. 
 It was therefore advisable to leave him in that error. But 
 he required proofs of the corporal's sincerity, and he told 
 him so. 
 
 " Mein Gott ! what proof will you have ? De proof of 
 de pudding is in de eating." 
 
 " Well, then," replied Jemmy, " will you shy the dog 
 overboard ? " 
 
 " Te tog ? — in one minute — and de master after him." 
 
 Whereupon Corporal Van Spitter went down into the 
 cabin, which Vanslyperken, trusting to his surveillance, 
 had left unlocked, and seizing the cur by the neck, carried 
 him on deck, and hurled him several yards over the cutter's 
 quarter. 
 
 " Mein Gott ! but dat is well done," observed Jansen. 
 
 " And he'll not come back wid de tide. I know de 
 tide, Mein Gott ! " observed the corporal, panting with 
 the exertion. 
 
 But here the corporal was mistaken. Snarleyyow did 
 not make for the vessel, but for the shore, and they 
 could not in the dark ascertain what became of him, 
 neither was the tide strong, for the flood was nearly 
 over; the consequence was, that the dog gained the 
 shore, and landed at the same stairs where the boats 
 
The Dog Fiend 157 
 
 land. The men were not in the boat, but waiting at 
 a beer-shop a little above, which Vanslyperken must pass 
 when he came down again. Recognising the boat, the 
 cur leapt into it, and after a good shaking under the 
 thwarts, crept forward to where the men had thrown 
 their pea-jackets under the bow-sheets, curled himself 
 up, and went to sleep. 
 
 Shortly afterwards the lieutenant came down with the 
 men, and rowed on board ; but the dog, which, exhausted 
 with his exertion, was very comfortable where he was, 
 did not come out, but remained in his snug berth. 
 
 The lieutenant and men left the boat when they arrived 
 on board, without discovering that the dog was a passenger. 
 About ten minutes after the lieutenant had come on board, 
 Snarleyyow jumped on deck, but, as all the men were 
 forward in close consultation, and in anticipation of Mr 
 Vanslyperken's discovery of his loss, the dog gained the 
 cabin, unperceived not only by the ship's company, but 
 by Vanslyperken, who was busy locking up the letters 
 entrusted to him by the French agent. Snarleyyow took 
 his station under the table, and lay down to finish his nap, 
 where we must leave him for the present in a sound sleep, 
 and his snoring very soon reminded Vanslyperken of what 
 he had, for a short time unheeded, that his favourite was 
 present. 
 
 " Well, it's very odd," observed Spurey, " that he has 
 been on board nearly half-an-hour, and not discovered 
 that his dog is absent without leave." 
 
 " Yes," said Short. 
 
 " I know for why, mein Gott ! " exclaimed the corporal, 
 who shook his head very knowingly. 
 
 ** The corporal knows why," observed Jemmy Ducks. 
 
 "Then why don't he say why ?" retorted Bill Spurey, 
 who was still a little suspicious of the corporal's fidelity. 
 
 ** Because Mynheer Vanslyperken count his money — 
 de guineas," replied the corporal, writhing at the idea of 
 what he had lost by his superior's interference. 
 
 *'Ho, ho! his money; well, that's a good reason, for 
 
158 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 he would skin a flint if he could," observed Coble ; " but 
 that can't last for ever." 
 
 " That depends how often he may count it over," 
 observed Jemmy Ducks — ** but there's his bell ; " and 
 soon after Corporal Van Spitter's name was passed along 
 the decks, to summon him into the presence of his com- 
 manding officer. 
 
 "Now for a breeze," said Coble, hitching up his 
 trousers. 
 
 " Yes," replied Short. 
 
 " For a regular shindy^'' observed Spurey. 
 
 " Hell to pay and no pitch hot," added Jemmy, laughing •, 
 and they all remained in anxious expectation of the corporal's 
 return. 
 
 Corporal Van Spitter had entered the cabin with the 
 air of the profoundest devotion and respect — had raised 
 his hand up as usual, but before the hand had arrived to 
 its destination, he beheld Vanslyperken seated on the 
 locker, patting the head of Snarleyyow, as if nothing had 
 happened. At this unexpected resuscitation, the corporal 
 uttered a tremendous ** Mein Gott ! " and burst like a 
 mad bull out of the cabin, sweeping down all who 
 obstructed his passage on the lower deck, till he arrived 
 to the fore-ladder, which he climbed up with tottering 
 knees, and then sank down on the forecastle at the feet 
 of Jemmy Ducks. 
 
 " Mein Gott, mein Gott, mein Gott ! " exclaimed the 
 corporal, putting his hands to his eyes as if to shut out 
 the horrid vision. 
 
 " What the devil is the matter ? " exclaimed Coble. 
 
 " Ah ! mein Gott, mein Gott ! " 
 
 As it was evident that something uncommon had 
 happened, they all now crowded round the corporal, 
 who, by degrees, recovered himself. 
 
 " What is it, corporal ? " inquired Jemmy Ducks. 
 
 Before the corporal could reply, Smallbones, who had 
 been summoned to the cabin on account of the corporal's 
 unaccountable exit, sprang up the ladder with one bound. 
 
The Dog Fiend 159 
 
 his hair flying in every direction, his eyes gogghng, and 
 his mouth wide open: lifting his hands over his head, 
 and pausing as if for breath, the lad exclaimed with a 
 solemn sepulchral voice, "By all the devils in hell he's 
 come again ! " 
 
 " Who ? " exclaimed several voices at once. 
 
 ** Snarleyyow," replied Smallbones, mournfully. 
 
 " Yes — mein Gott ! " exclaimed Corporal Van Spitter, 
 attempting to rise on his legs. 
 
 ** Whew ! " whistled Jemmy Ducks — but nobody else 
 uttered a sound; they all looked at one another, some 
 with compressed lips, others with mouths open. At last 
 one shook his head — then another. The corporal rose 
 on his feet and shook himself like an elephant. 
 
 "Dat tog is de tyfel's imp, and dat's de end on it," 
 said he, with alarm still painted on his countenance. 
 
 " And is he really on board again ? " inquired Coble, 
 doubtingly. 
 
 " As sartin as I stands on this here forecastle — a-kissing 
 and slobbering the lieutenant for all the world like a 
 Christian," replied Smallbones, despondingly. 
 
 " Then he flare fire on me wid his one eye," said the 
 corporal. 
 
 " Warn*t even wet," continued Smallbones. 
 
 Here there was another summons for Corporal Van 
 Spitter. 
 
 ** Mein Gott, I will not go," exclaimed the corporal. 
 
 " Yes, yes, go, corporal," replied Smallbones ; " it's the 
 best way to face the devil." 
 
 " Damn the devil ! — and that's not swearing," exclaimed 
 Short — such a long sentence out of his mouth was added 
 to the marvels of the night — some even shrugged up their 
 shoulders at that, as if it also were supernatural. 
 
 " I always say so," said Jansen, " I always say so — no 
 tog, no tog, after all." 
 
 " No, no," replied Coble, shaking his head. 
 
 Corporal Van Spitter was again summoned, but the 
 corporal was restive as a rhinoceros. 
 
i6o Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " Corporal," said Smallbones, who, since the glass of 
 grog, was his sincere ally, and had quite forgotten and 
 forgiven his treatment, "go down and see if you can't 
 worm the truth out of him." 
 
 " Ay, do, do ! " exclaimed the rest. 
 
 "Smallbones — Smallbones — wanted aft," was the next 
 summons. 
 
 " And here I go," exclaimed Smallbones. " I defy the 
 devil and all his works — as we said on Sunday at the 
 workhouse." 
 
 "That lad's a prime bit of stuff," observed Spurey, "I 
 will say that." 
 
 " Yes," replied Short. 
 
 In a few seconds Smallbones came hastily up the 
 ladder. 
 
 " Corporal, you must go to the cabin directly. He is 
 in a devil of a rage — asked me why you wouldn't come — 
 told him that you had seen something dreadful — didn't 
 know what. Tell him you saw the devil at his elbow — 
 see if it frightens him." 
 
 " Yes, do," exclaimed the others. 
 
 Corporal Van Spitter made up his mind ; he pulled down 
 the skirts of his jacket, descended the ladder, and walked 
 aft into the cabin. At the sight of Snarleyyow the 
 corporal turned pale — at the sight of the corporal, Mr 
 Vanslyperken turned red. 
 
 " What's the meaning of all this ? " exclaimed Vansly- 
 perken, in a rage. "What is all this about, corporal? 
 Explain your conduct, sir. What made you rush out of 
 the cabin in that strange manner ? " 
 
 " Mein Gott, Mynheer Vanslyperken, I came for orders ; 
 but I no come keep company wid de tyfel." 
 
 " With the devil ! — what do you mean .? " exclaimed 
 Vanslyperken, alarmed. The corporal, perceiving that the 
 lieutenant was frightened, then entered into a detail, that 
 when he had entered the cabin he had seen the devil sitting 
 behind Mr Vanslyperken, looking over his shoulder, and 
 grinning with his great eyes, while he patted him over 
 
The Dog Fiend i6i 
 
 the back with his left hand and fondled the dog with his 
 right. 
 
 This invention of the corporal's, whom Mr Vanslyperken 
 considered as a stanch friend and incapable of treachery, 
 had a great effect upon Mr Vanslyperken. It immediately 
 rushed into his mind that he had attempted murder but a 
 few days before, ^d that, that very day he had been a 
 traitor to his country — quite sufficient for the devil to claim 
 him as his own. 
 
 " Corporal Van Spitter," exclaimed Vanslyperken with 
 a look of horror, " are you really in earnest, or are you 
 not in your senses — you really saw him ? " 
 
 " As true as I stand here," replied the corporal, who 
 perceived his advantage. 
 
 ** Then the Lord be merciful to me a sinner ! " exclaimed 
 Vanslyperken, falling on his knees, at the moment forget- 
 ting the presence of the corporal, and then recollecting 
 himself, he jumped up — " It is false, Corporal Van Spitter; 
 false as you are yourself — confess," continued the lieu- 
 tenant, seizing the corporal by the collar, " confess, that 
 it is all a lie." 
 
 " A lie," exclaimed the corporal, who now lost his 
 courage, " a lie, Mynheer Vanslyperken ! If it was not 
 the tyfel himself it was one of his imps, I take my Bible 
 oath." 
 
 ** One of his imps," exclaimed Vanslyperken; *'it's a 
 lie — an infamous lie . confess," continued he, shaking the 
 corporal by the collar — " confess the truth." 
 
 At this moment Snarleyyow considered that he had a 
 right to be a party in the fray, so he bounded forward at 
 the corporal, who, terrified at the supernatural beast, broke 
 from Vanslyperken's grasp, and rushed out of the cabin, 
 followed, however, the whole length of the lower deck by 
 the dog, who snapped and bayed at him till he had gained 
 the fore ladder. 
 
 Once more did the corporal make his appearance on the 
 forecastle, frightened and out of breath. 
 
 " Mein Gott ! de man is mad," exclaimed he, ** and de 
 s L 
 
1 62 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 tog is de tyfel himself." The corporal then narrated in 
 broken English what had passed. For some time there 
 was a confused whispering among the men; they con- 
 sidered the dog's reappearance on this occasion even more 
 wonderful than on the former, for the men declared posi- 
 tively that he never came off in the boat, which, had he 
 done, would have unravelled the whole mystery ; and that 
 a dog thrown overboard, and swept away by the tide 
 should be discovered shortly after perfectly dry and com- 
 fortable, not only on board of the cutter, which he could 
 not have got on board of, but also in his master's cabin, 
 which he could not get into without being seen, proved at 
 once that the animal was supernatural. No one was now 
 hardy enough to deny it, and no one appeared to have the 
 least idea of how to proceed except Smallbones, who, as 
 we have shown, was as full of energy as he was deficient 
 in fat. On all occasions of this kind the bravest becomes 
 the best man and takes the lead, and Smallbones, who 
 appeared more collected and less alarmed than the others, 
 was now listened to with attention, and the crowd collected 
 round him. 
 
 " I don't care for him or for his dog either," exclaimed 
 Smallbones, with a drawling intrepid tone -, " that dog 
 I'll settle the hash of some way or the other, if it be the 
 devil's own cousin. I'll not come for to go to leave off 
 now, that's sartain, as I am Peter Smallbones — I'se got 
 a plan." 
 
 ** Let's hear Smallbones, — let's hear Smallbones!" 
 exclaimed some of the men. Whereupon they all 
 collected round the lad, who addressed the crew as 
 follows. His audience, at first, crowded up close to 
 him, but Smallbones, who could not talk without his 
 arms, which were about as long and thin as a Pongo's 
 are in proportion to his body, flapped and flapped as he 
 discoursed, until he had cleared a little ring, and when 
 in the height of his energy he threw them about like the 
 arms of a windmill, every one kept at a respectable 
 distance. 
 
The Dog Fiend 163 
 
 ** Well, now, I considers this, if so be as how the dog 
 be a devil, and not a dog, I sees no reason for to come 
 for to go for to be afraid ; for ar'n't we all true Christians, 
 and don't we all fear God and honour the king ? I 
 sartainly myself does consider that that ere dog could not 
 a have cummed into this here vessel by any manner of 
 means natural not by no means, 'cause it's very clear, 
 that a dog if he be as he be a dog, can't do no more 
 than other dogs can ; and if he can do more than heither 
 dog or man can, then he must be the devil, and not a dog 
 — and so he is — that's sartain. But if so be as he is the 
 devil, I say again, I don't care, 'cause I sees exactly how 
 it is, — he be a devil, but he be only a sea-devil and not 
 a shore-devil, and I'll tell you for why. Didn't he come 
 on board some how no how in a gale of wind when he 
 was called for ? Didn't I sew him up in a bread-bag, 
 and didn't he come back just as nothing had happened ; 
 and didn't the corporal launch him into a surge over the 
 tafFrail, and he comes back just as if nothing had happened ? 
 Well, then, one thing is clear ; that his power be on the 
 water, and no water will drown that ere imp, so it's no 
 use trying no more in that way, for he be a sea-devil. 
 But I thinks this : he goes on shore and he comes back 
 with one of his impish eyes knocked out clean by some- 
 body or another somehow or another, and, therefore, I 
 argues that he have no power on shore not by no means ; 
 for if you can knock his eye out, you can knock his soul 
 out of his body, by only knocking a little more to the 
 purpose. Who ever heard of any one knocking out the 
 devil's eye, or injuring him in any way ? — No ; because 
 he have power by sea and by land : but this here be only 
 a water-devil, and he may be killed on dry land. Now, 
 that's just my opinion, and as soon as I gets him on 
 shore, I means to try what I can do. I don't fear him, 
 nor his master, nor anything else, 'cause I'm a Christian, 
 and was baptised Peter •, and I tells you all, that be he 
 a dog, or be he a devil, I'll have a shy at him as soon as 
 I can, and if I don't, I hope I may be d — d, that's all." 
 
164 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Such was the oration of Smallbones, which was remark- 
 ably well received. Everyone agreed with the soundness 
 of his arguments, and admired his resolution, and as he 
 had comprised in his speech all that could be said upon 
 the subject, they broke up the conference, and everyone 
 went down to his hammock. 
 
 Chapter XXIII 
 
 In which Mr Vanslyperken finds great cause of vexation and satisfaction. 
 
 In the meanwhile Mr Vanslyperken was anything but 
 comfortable in his mind. That Corporal Van Spitter 
 should assert that he saw the devil at his shoulder, was 
 a matter of no small annoyance any way ; for either the 
 devil was at his shoulder or he was not. If he was, why 
 then it was evident that in consequence of his having 
 attempted murder, and having betrayed his country for 
 money, the devil considered him as his own, and this Mr 
 Vanslyperken did not approve of; for, like many others 
 in this world, he wished to commit every crime, and go 
 to heaven after all. Mr Vanslyperken was superstitious 
 and cowardly, and he did believe that such a thing was 
 possible ; and when he canvassed it in his mind, he 
 trembled, and looked over his shoulder. 
 
 But Corporal Van Spitter might have asserted it only 
 to frighten him. It was possible — but here again was 
 a difficulty ; the corporal had been his faithful confidant 
 for so long a while, and to suppose this, would be to 
 suppose that the corporal was a traitor to him, and that, 
 upon no grounds which Vanslyperken could conjecture, 
 he had turned false : this was impossible — Mr Vanslyperken 
 would not credit it ; so there he stuck, like a man between 
 the horns of a dilemma, not knowing what to do ; for 
 Mr Vanslyperken resolved, had the devil really been 
 there, to have repented immediately, and have led a new 
 
The Dog Fiend 165 
 
 life ; but if the devil had not been there, Mr Vanslyperken 
 did not perceive any cause for such an immediate hurry. 
 
 At last, an idea presented itself to Mr Vanslyperken's 
 mind, which afforded him great comfort, which was, 
 that the corporal had suffered so much from his boat 
 adventures — for the corporal had made the most of his 
 sufferings — that he was a little affected in his mind, and 
 had thought that he had seen something. ** It must have 
 been so," said Mr Vanslyperken, who fortified the idea 
 with a glass of scheedam, and then went to bed. 
 
 Now, it so happened, that at the very time that Mr 
 Vanslyperken was arguing all this in his brain, Corporal 
 Van Spitter was also cogitating how he should get out of 
 his scrape ; for the Corporal, although not very bright, had 
 much of the cunning of little minds, and he felt the 
 necessity of lulling the suspicions of the lieutenant. To 
 conceal his astonishment and fear at the appearance of the 
 dog, he had libelled Mr Vanslyperken, who would not 
 easily forgive, and it was the corporal's interest to continue 
 on the best terms with, and enjoy the confidence of his 
 superior. How was this to be got over ? It took the 
 whole of the first watch, and two-thirds of the middle, 
 before the corporal, who lay in his hammock, could hit 
 upon any plan. At last he thought he had succeeded. At 
 daybreak, Corporal Van Spitter entered the cabin of Mr 
 Vanslyperken, who very coolly desired him to tell Short to 
 get all ready for weighing at six o'clock. 
 
 "If you please. Mynheer Vanslyperken, you think me 
 mad last night 'cause I see de tyfel at your shoulder. 
 Mynheer Vanslyperken, I see him twice again this night on 
 lower deck. Mein Gott ! Mynheer Vanslyperken, I say 
 twice." 
 
 " Saw him again twice ! " replied the lieutenant. 
 
 ** Yes, Mynheer Vanslyperken, I see twice again — I see 
 him very often since I drift in de boat. First, I see him 
 when in de boat — since that I see him one time, two times, 
 in de night." 
 
 " It's just as I thought," said Mr Vanslyperken, " he 
 
1 66 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 has never got over his alarm of that night. — Very well. 
 Corporal Van Spitter, it's of no consequence. I was very 
 angry with you last night, because I thought you were 
 taking great liberties ; but I see now how it is, you must 
 keep yourself quiet, and as soon as we arrive at Portsmouth, 
 you had better lose a little blood." 
 
 " How much. Mynheer Vanslyperken, do you wish I 
 should lose ? " replied the corporal, with his military salute. 
 
 *' About eight ounces, corporal." 
 
 " Yes, sir," replied the corporal, turning on his pivot, 
 and marching out of the cabin. 
 
 This was a peculiarly satisfactory interview to both 
 parties. Mr Vanslyperken was overjoyed at the corporal's 
 explanation, and the corporal was equally delighted at 
 having so easily gulled his superior. 
 
 The cutter weighed that morning, and sailed for Ports- 
 mouth. We shall pass over the passage without any 
 further remarks than that the corporal was reinstated into 
 Mr Vanslyperken's good graces — that he appeared as usual 
 to be harsh with the ship's company, and to oppress Small- 
 bones more than ever; but this was at the particular 
 request of the lad, who played his own part to admiration 
 — that Mr Vanslyperken again brought up the question of 
 flogging Jemmy Ducks, but was prevented by the corporal's 
 expressing his fears of a mutiny— and had also some secret 
 conference with the corporal as to his desire of vengeance 
 upon Smallbones, to which Van Spitter gave a ready ear, 
 and appeared to be equally willing with the lieutenant to 
 bring it about. Things were in this state when the 
 cutter arrived at Portsmouth, and, as usual, ran into 
 the harbour. It may be supposed that Mr Vansly- 
 perken was in all haste to go on shore to pay his visit to his 
 charming widow, but still there was one thing to be done 
 first, which was to report himself to the admiral. 
 
 On his arrival at the admiral's, much to his dissatisfaction, 
 he was informed that he must hold himself ready for sailing 
 immediately, as despatches for the Hague were expected 
 down on the next morning. This would give but a short 
 
The Dog Fiend 167 
 
 time to pay his addresses, and he therefore made all haste 
 to the widow's presence, and was most graciously received- 
 She almost flew into his arms, upbraided him for being so 
 long away, for not having written to her, and showed such 
 marks of strong attachment, that Vanslyperken was in 
 ecstasies. When he told her that he expected to sail again 
 immediately, she put her handkerchief up to her eyes, and 
 appeared, to Vanslyperken at least, to shed a few bitter 
 tears. As soon as she was a little more composed, Vansly- 
 perken produced the packet with which he was entrusted, 
 which she opened, and took out two letters, one for herself, 
 and the other addressed to a certain person in a house in 
 another street. 
 
 " This," said the widow, " you must deliver yourself — it 
 is of consequence. I would deliver it, but if I do, I shall 
 not be able to look after my little arrangements for dinner, 
 for you dine with me of course. Besides, you must be 
 acquainted with this person one time or another, as it will 
 be for OUR advantage." 
 
 ** Our advantage ! " how delightful to Mr Vanslyperken 
 was that word ! He jumped up immediately, and took his 
 hat to execute the commission, the injunction of the widow 
 to be soon back hastening his departure. Vanslyperken 
 soon arrived at the door, knocked, and was admitted. 
 
 "Vat vash you vant, sare?" said a venerable looking 
 old Jew, who opened the door to him. 
 
 " Is your name Lazarus ? " inquired the lieutenant. 
 
 *' Dat vash my name." 
 
 ** I have a letter for you." 
 
 " A letter for me ! — and from vare ? " 
 
 " Amsterdam." 
 
 ** Shee ! silence," said the Jew, leading the way into a 
 small room, and shutting the door. 
 
 Vanslyperken delivered the letter, which the Jew did 
 not open, but laid on the table. ** It vas from my worthy 
 friend in Billen Shaaten. He ist veil ? " 
 
 ** Quite well," replied Vanslyperken. 
 
 ** Ven do you sail again, mynheer ?" 
 
1 68 Snarleyyow ; or, 
 
 " To-morrow morning." 
 
 " Dat is good. I have the letters all ready ; dey come 
 down yesterday — vil you vait and take them now ? " 
 
 " Yes," replied Vanslyperken, who anticipated another 
 rouleau of gold on his arrival at Amsterdam. 
 
 " An den I will give you your monish at de same time." 
 
 More money, thought Vanslyperken, who replied then, 
 ** With all my heart," and took a chair. 
 
 The Jew left the room, and soon returned with a small 
 yellow bag, which he put into Vanslyperken's hand, and 
 a large packet carefully sealed. " Dis vas of de hutmost 
 importance," said the old man, giving him the packet. 
 " You will find you monish all right, and now vas please 
 just put your name here, for I vas responsible for all de 
 account ; " and the Jew laid down a receipt for Vansly- 
 perken to sign. Vanslyperken read it over. It was an 
 acknowledgment for the sum of fifty guineas, but not 
 specifying for what service. He did not much like to sign 
 it, but how could he refuse ? Besides, as the Jew said, it 
 was only to prove that the money was paid ; nevertheless 
 he objected. 
 
 ** Vy vill you not sign ? I must not lose my monish, 
 and I shall lose it if you do not sign. Vat you fear — you 
 not fear that we peach ; ven peoples pay so high, they not 
 pay for noting. "We all sail hang togeder if de affair be 
 found." 
 
 Hang together ! thought Vanslyperken, whose fears 
 were roused, and he turned pale. 
 
 ** You are veil paid for your shervices — you vas veil 
 paid at doder side of de vater, and you are now von of us. 
 You cannot go back, or your life vill be forfeit, I can 
 assure you — you vill sign if you please — and you vill not 
 leave dis house, until you do sign," continued the Jew. 
 " You vill not take our monish and den give de informa- 
 tion, and hang us all. You vill sign, if you please, sare." 
 
 There was a steadiness of countenance and a firmness 
 in the tone of the old man, which told Vanslyperken that 
 he was not to be trifled with, and assured him that he 
 
The Dog Fiend 169 
 
 must have help at hand if requisite. If left to himself, the 
 Jew would have been easily mastered by the lieutenant, but 
 that such was not the case, was soon proved, by the old 
 man ringing a small silver bell on the table, and shortly 
 afterwards there was a rustling and noise, as if of several 
 persons, heard in the passage. Vanslyperken now 
 perceived that he was entrapped, and he also felt that it 
 was too late to retreat. Actuated by his fear of violence 
 on the one hand, and his love of gold on the other, he 
 consented to sign the voucher required. As soon as this 
 was done, the old Jew was all civility. He took the 
 paper, and locked it up in a large cabinet, and then 
 observed, 
 
 "It is for your own shafety, sare lieutenant, dat we are 
 obliged to do dis. You have noting to fear — we are too 
 much in want of good friends like you, to lose them, but 
 we must be safe and shure -, now you are von of us — you 
 cannot tell but we can tell too — we profit togeder, and I 
 vill hope dat we do run no risk to be hang togeder. 
 Fader Abraham I we must not think of that, but of de 
 good cause, and of de monish. I am a Jew, and I care 
 not whether de Papist or de Protestant have de best of it 
 — but I call it all de good cause, because every cause is 
 good which brings de monish." 
 
 So thought Vanslyperken, who was in heart a Jew. 
 
 ** And now, sare, you vill please to take great care of 
 de packet, and deliver it to our friend at Amsterdam, 
 and you vill of course come to me ven you return here." 
 
 Vanslyperken took his leave, with the packet in his 
 pocket, not very well pleased ; but as he put the packet 
 in, he felt the yellow bag, and that to a certain degree 
 consoled him. The old Jew escorted him to the door, 
 with his little keen gray eyes fixed upon him, and Vansly- 
 perken quailed before it, and was glad when he was once 
 more in the street. He hastened back to the widow's 
 house, full of thought — he certainly had never intended 
 to have so committed himself as he had done, or to have 
 positively enrolled himself among the partisans of the 
 
170 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 exiled king ; but the money had entrapped him — he had 
 twice taken their wages, and he had now been obliged to 
 give them security for his fidelity, by enabling them to 
 prove his guilt whenever they pleased. All this made Mr 
 Vanslyperken rather melancholy — but his meditations 
 were put an end to by his arrival in the presence of the 
 charming widow. She asked him what had passed, and 
 he narrated it, but with a little variation, for he would 
 not tell that he had signed through a fear of violence, but, 
 at the same time, he observed, that he did not much like 
 signing a receipt. 
 
 " But that is necessary," replied she ; " and besides, 
 why not ? I know you are on our side, and you will 
 prove most valuable to us. Indeed, I believe it was your 
 readiness to meet my wishes that made me so fond of you, 
 for I am devotedly attached to the rightful king, and I 
 never would marry any man who would not risk life and 
 soul for him, as you have done now." 
 
 The expression "life and soul," made Vanslyperken 
 shudder, and his flesh crept all over his body. 
 
 " Besides," continued the widow, "it will be no small 
 help to us, for the remuneration is very great." 
 
 " To us ! " thought Vanslyperken, who now thought it 
 right to press his suit. He was listened to attentively, 
 and at last he proposed an early day for the union. The 
 widow blushed, and turned her head away, and at last 
 replied, with a sweet smile, " Well, Mr Vanslyperken, I will 
 neither tease you nor myself — when you come back from 
 your next trip, I consent to be yours." 
 
 What was Vanslyperken's delight and exultation ! He 
 threw himself on his knees, promised, and vowed, and 
 thanked, kissed hands, and was in such ecstasies ! He 
 could hardly imagine that his good fortune was real. A 
 beautiful widow with a handsome fortune — how could 
 he ever have thought of throwing himself away upon such 
 a bunch of deformity as the Frau Vandersloosh ? Poor 
 Mr Vanslyperken ! Dinner put an end to his protestations. 
 He fared sumptuously, and drank freely to please the 
 
The Dog Fiend 171 
 
 widow. He drank death to the usurper, and restoration 
 to the King James. What a delightful evening ! The 
 widow was so amiable, so gentle, so yielding, so, so, so — 
 what with wine and love, and fifty guineas in his pocket, 
 Mr Vanslyperken was so overcome with his feelings, that 
 at last he felt but so so. After a hundred times returning 
 to kiss her dear, dear hand, and at last sealing the contract 
 on her lips, Mr Vanslyperken departed, full of wine and 
 hope — two very good things to lay in a stock of. 
 
 But there was something doing on board during Mr 
 Vanslyperken's absence. Notwithstanding Mr Vansly- 
 perken having ordered Moggy out of the cutter, she had 
 taken the opportunity of his being away to go on board to 
 her dear, darling Jemmy. Dick Short did not prevent her 
 coming on board, and he was commanding officer, so 
 Moggy once more had her husband in her arms ; but the 
 fond pair soon retired to a quiet corner, where they had a 
 long and serious conversation ; so long, and so important, 
 it would appear, that they did not break off until Mr 
 Vanslyperken came on board, just before dark. His quick 
 eye soon perceived that there was a petticoat at the taffrail, 
 where they retired that they might not be overheard, and 
 he angrily inquired who it was, his wrath was not appeased 
 when he heard that it was SaHsbury's wife, and he ordered 
 her immediately to be put on shore, and sent for Corporal 
 Van Spitter in his cabin, to know why she was on board. 
 The corporal replied, ** That Mr Short had let her in ; 
 that he had wished to speak on the subject, but that Mr 
 Short would not speak," and then entertained his superior 
 with a long account of mutinous expressions on the lower 
 deck, and threats of doing him (Mr Vanslyperken) a 
 mischief. This conversation was interrupted by a mes- 
 senger coming on board with the despatches, and an order 
 to sail at daylight, and return immediately without waiting 
 for any answers. 
 
 The reader may wish to know the subject of the long 
 conversation between Jemmy Ducks and his wife. It in- 
 volved the following question. Moggy had become very 
 
172 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 useful to Nancy Corbett, and Nancy, whose services were 
 required at the cave, and could not well be dispensed with, 
 had long been anxious to find some one, who, with the same 
 general knowledge of parties, and the same discrimination, 
 could be employed in her stead. In Moggy she had found 
 the person required, but Moggy would not consent without 
 her husband was of the same party, and here lay the diffi- 
 culty. Nancy had had a reply, which was satisfactory, 
 from Sir Robert Barclay, so far as this. He required one 
 or two more men, and they must be trustworthy, and able 
 to perform the duty in the boats. Jemmy was not very 
 great at pulling, for his arms were too short as well as his 
 legs, but he was a capital steersman. All this had been 
 explained to Nancy, who at last consented to Jemmy being 
 added to the crew of the smuggler, and Moggy had gone 
 off to the cutter to persuade Jemmy to desert, and to join 
 the smugglers. 
 
 Now, as to joining the smugglers. Jemmy had not the 
 least objection : he was tired of the cutter, and being 
 separated from his wife had been to him a source of great 
 discontent ; but, as Jemmy very truly observed, " If 
 I desert from the vessel, and am ever seen again, I am 
 certain to be known, and taken up ; therefore I will not 
 desert, I will wait till I am paid off, unless you can 
 procure my discharge by means of your friends." Such 
 had been the result of the colloquy, when interrupted by 
 the arrival of Vanslyperken, and the case thus stood, 
 when, on the next morning, at daylight, the cutter 
 weighed, and steered her course for the Texel. 
 
 Chapter XXIV 
 
 In which Mr Vanslyperken has nothing but trouble from the beginning 
 to the end. 
 
 So soon as the cutter had sailed. Moggy hastened to the 
 pretended widow to report the answer of her husband. 
 
The Dog Fiend 173 
 
 Nancy considered that there was much sound judgment 
 in what Jemmy had said, and immediately repaired to the 
 house of the Jew, Lazarus, to whom she communicated 
 her wishes. At that time, there were many people high 
 in office who secretly favoured King James, and the links 
 of communication between such humble individuals as we 
 are treating of, with those in power, although distant, 
 were perfect. 
 
 In a few days, an order came down for the discharge of 
 James Salisbury from the cutter Tungfrau, and the letter 
 the same day was put into the hands of the delighted 
 Moggy. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken made his short passage to the Zuyder 
 Zee, and anchored as usual ; and when he had anchored, 
 he proceeded to go on shore. Previously, however, to 
 his stepping into the boat, the ship's company came aft, 
 with Jemmy at their head, to know whether they might 
 have leave on shore, as they were not very well pleased at 
 their liberty having been stopped at Portsmouth. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken very politely told them that he would 
 see them all at the devil first, and then stepped into his 
 boat J he at once proceeded to the house of the Jesuit, and 
 this time, much to his satisfaction, without having been 
 perceived, as he thought, by the widow Vandersloosh and 
 Babette, who did not appear at the door. Having 
 delivered his despatches, and received his customary fee, 
 Mr Vanslyperken mentioned the difficulty of his coming 
 to the house, as he was watched by some people opposite, 
 and inquired if he could have the letters sent under cover 
 to himself by some trusty hand, mentioning the ill-will of 
 the parties in question. To this the Jesuit consented, and 
 Vanslyperken took his leave ; but on leaving the house he 
 was again annoyed by the broad form of the widow, with 
 Babette, as usual, at her shoulder, with their eyes fixed 
 upon him. Without attempting a recognition, for Vansly- 
 perken cared little for the opinion of the Frau Vandersloosh, 
 now that he was accepted by the fair widow of Portsmouth, 
 Mr Vanslyperken walked quietly away. 
 
174 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " Ah, very well, Mr Vanslyperken — very well," 
 exclaimed the Frau Vandersloosh, as he pursued his way 
 at a rapid rate ; " very well, Mr Vanslyperken — we shall 
 see — three times have you entered those doors, and with 
 a fifty guineas in your pocket, I'll be bound, every time 
 that you have walked out of them. Treason is paid high, 
 but the traitor sometimes hangs higher still. Yes, yes, 
 Mr Vanslyperken, we shall see — we are evidence, Mr 
 Vanslyperken — and I'll not be married before I see you 
 well hanged, Mr Vanslyperken. Deary me, Babette," 
 exclaimed the widow, altering her tone, " I wonder how 
 the corporal is : poor dear man, to be ruled by such a 
 traitorous atomy as he." 
 
 " Perhaps he will come ashore, madam," replied 
 Babette. 
 
 "No, no, he will never let him; but, as you say, 
 perhaps he may. Put half a dozen bottles of the best beer 
 to the stove — not too near, Babette — he is fond of my 
 beer, and it does one's heart good to see him drink it, 
 Babette. And, Babette, I'll just go up and put on some- 
 thing a little tidier. I think he will come — I know he will 
 if he can." 
 
 We must leave the widow to decorate her person, and 
 follow Vanslyperken down to the boat, and on board. On 
 his arrival, he went down into the cabin to lock up his 
 money. When Corporal Van Spitter went to the cabin- 
 door, the corporal heard the clanking of the pieces as 
 Vanslyperken counted them, and his bile was raised at the 
 idea of Vanslyperken possessing that which should have 
 been his own. The corporal waited a little, and then 
 knocked. Vanslyperken put away the rest of his money, 
 shut the drawer, and told him to come in. 
 
 The corporal saluted, and made a request to be allowed 
 to go on shore for an hour or two. 
 
 " Go on shore ! you go on shore, corporal ? why you 
 never asked to go on shore before," replied the suspicious 
 Vanslyperken. 
 
 " If you please, sir," replied the corporal, " I wish to 
 
The Dog Fiend 175 
 
 pay de people who gave me de board and de lodging ven I 
 vas last on shore." 
 
 *' Ah, very true, I forgot that, corporal. Well, then, 
 you may go on shore ; but do not stop long, for the people 
 are much inclined to mutiny, and I cannot do without 
 you." 
 
 The corporal quitted the cabin and was put on shore by 
 two of the men in the small boat. He hastened up to the 
 widow's house, and was received with open arms. Seated 
 on the squab sofa, with a bottle of beer on the table, and 
 five others all ready at the stove, the widow's smiles 
 beaming on him, who could be more happy than the 
 Corporal Van Spitter ? The blinds were up at the 
 windows, the front door fast to prevent intrusion, and 
 then the widow and he entered into a long colloquy, 
 interrupted occasionally by little amorous dallyings, which 
 reminded you of the wooings of a male and female 
 elephant. 
 
 We shall give the substance of the conversation. The 
 widow expressed her indignation against Vanslyperken, 
 and her resolution not to be married until he was hanged.. 
 The corporal immediately became an interested party, 
 and vowed that he would assist all in his power. He 
 narrated all that had passed since he had left the widow's, 
 and the supernatural appearance of the dog after he had 
 thrown it overboard. He then pointed out that it was 
 necessary that Vanslyperken should not only be blinded as 
 to the state of matters between them, but that, to entrap 
 him still more, the widow should, if possible, make friends 
 with him. To this the widow unwillingly consented ; but 
 as the corporal pointed out that that was the only chance 
 of her occasionally seeing him, and that by his pretending 
 to be in love with Babette, Vanslyperken might be de- 
 ceived completely, she did consent *, the more so, that the 
 greater would be his disappointment at the end, the more 
 complete would be her vengeance. Their plans being 
 arranged, it was then debated whether it would not be 
 better to send some message on board to Vanslyperken^ 
 
iy6 ' Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 and it was agreed that it should be taken by the corporaL 
 At last all was arranged, the six bottles of beer were 
 finished, and the corporal having been permitted to im- 
 print as many hearty smacks upon the widow's thick and 
 juicy lips, he returned on board. 
 
 "Come on board. Mynheer Vanslyperken," said the 
 corporal, entering the cabin. 
 
 " Very well, corporal ; did you do all you wanted ? for 
 we sail again at daylight." 
 
 " Yes, mynheer, and I see somebody I never see 
 before." 
 
 " Who was that, corporal ? " replied Vanslyperken, for 
 he had been feasting upon the recollections of the fair 
 Portsmouth widow, and was in a very good humour. 
 
 " One fine Frau, Mynheer Vanslyperken — very fine 
 Frau. Babette came up to me in the street." 
 
 "Oh, Babette — well, what did she say?" 
 
 Hereupon the corporal, as agreed with the widow, 
 entered into a long explanation, stating his Babette had 
 told him that her mistress was very much surprised that 
 Mr Vanslyperken had passed close to the door, and had 
 never come in to call upon her ; that her mistress had 
 been quite satisfied with Mr Vanslyperken's letter, and 
 would wish to see him again ; and that he, the corporal, 
 had told Babette the dog had been destroyed by him, 
 Mr Vanslyperken, and he hoped he had done right in 
 saying so. 
 
 " No," replied Vanslyperken, " you have done wrong ; 
 and if you go on shore again, you may just give this 
 answer, that Mr Vanslyperken don't care a d — n for the 
 old woman \ that she may carry her carcass to some other 
 market, for Mr Vanslyperken would not touch her with 
 a pair of tongs. Will you recollect that, corporal ? " 
 
 " Yes," replied the corporal, grinding his teeth at this 
 insult to his betrothed, " yes, mynheer, I will recollect 
 that. Mein Gott ! I shall not forget it." 
 
 "Kill my dog, heh !" continued Vanslyperken, talking 
 to himself aloud. " Yes, yes, Frau Vandersloosh, you 
 
The Dog Fiend 177 
 
 shall fret to some purpose. Til worry down your fat for 
 you. Yes, yes, Madam Vandersloosh, you shall bite 
 your nails to the quick yet. Nothing would please you 
 but Snarleyyow dead at your porch. My dog, indeed ! — 
 you may go now, corporal." 
 
 ** Mein Gott ! but ve vill see as well as you. Mynheer 
 Vanslyperken," muttered the corporal, as he walked 
 forward. 
 
 After dark, a man came alongside in a small boat, and 
 desired to see Mr Vanslyperken. As soon as he was in 
 the cabin and the door shut, he laid some letters on the 
 table, and without saying a word went on deck and on 
 shore again. At daybreak the cutter weighed, and ran 
 with a fair wind to Portsmouth. 
 
 With what a bounding heart did Mr Vanslyperken step 
 into the boat attired in his best ! He hardly could prevail 
 upon himself to report his arrival to the admiral, so 
 impatient was he to throw himself at the fair widow's feet, 
 and claim her promise upon his return. He did so, how- 
 ever, and then proceeded to the house in Castle Street. 
 
 His heart beat rapidly as he knocked at the door, and he 
 awaited the opening with impatience. At last it was 
 opened, but not by the widow's servant. "Is Mrs 
 Malcolm at home ? " inquired Vanslyperken. 
 
 ** Malcolm, sir ! " replied the woman ; " do you mean 
 the lady who was living here, and left yesterday ? " 
 
 ** Left yesterday ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken, hardly able 
 to stand on his feet. 
 
 " Yes, only yesterday afternoon. Went away with a 
 gentleman." 
 
 " A gentleman ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken, all amaze- 
 ment. 
 
 **Yes, sir; pray, sir, be you the officer of the king's 
 cutter ? " 
 
 ** I am ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken, leaning against the 
 door-jamb for support. 
 
 " Then, sir, here be a letter for you." So saying, the 
 woman pulled up her dirty apron, then her gown, and at 
 s M 
 
178 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 last arrived at a queer fustian pocket, out of which she 
 produced the missive, which had been jumbled in company 
 with a bit of wax, a ball of blue worsted, some halfpence, 
 a copper thimble, and a lump of Turkey rhubarb, from all 
 of which companions it had received a variety of hues and 
 colours. Vanslyperken seized the letter as soon as it was 
 produced, and passing by the woman, went into the dining- 
 parlour, where, with feelings of anxiety, he sat down, 
 brushed the perspiration from his forehead, and read as 
 follows : 
 
 ** My dear J dear, ever dear Mr Vanslyperken, 
 " Pity me, pity me, O pity me ! Alas ! how soon is the 
 cup of bliss dashed from the lips of us poor mortals. I 
 can hardly write, hardly hold my pen, or hold my head up. 
 I cannot bear that, from my hand, you should be informed 
 of the utter blight of all our hopes which blossomed so 
 fully. Alas ! alas ! but it must be. O my head, my poor, 
 poor head — how it swims ! I was sitting at the fireside, 
 thinking when you would return, and trying to find out if 
 the wind was fair, when I heard a knock at the door. It 
 was so like yours, that my heart beat, and I ran to the 
 window, but I could not see who it was, so I sat down 
 again. Imagine my surprise, my horror, my vexation, my 
 distress, my agony, when who should come in but my 
 supposed dead husband ! I thought I should have died 
 when I saw him. I dropped as it was, down into a swoon, 
 and when I came to my senses, there he was hanging over 
 me ; thinking, poor fool, that I had swooned for joy, and 
 kissing me — pah ! yes, kissing me. O dear ! O dear ! 
 My dear Mr Vanslyperken, I thought of you, and what 
 your feelings would be, when you know all this; but 
 there he was alive, and in good health, and now I have 
 nothing more to do but to lie down and die. 
 
 " It appears that in my ravings I called upon you over 
 and over again, and discovered the real state of my poor 
 bleeding heart, and he was very angry: he packed up 
 everything, and he insisted upon my leaving Portsmouth. 
 
The Dog Fiend 179 
 
 Alas ! I shall be buried in the north, and never see you 
 again. But why should I, my dear Mr Vanslyperken ? 
 what good will come of it ? I am a virtuous woman, and 
 will be so : but, O dear ! I can write no more. 
 
 " Farewell, then, farewell ! Farewell for ever ! Dear 
 Mr Vanslyperken, think no more of your disconsolate, 
 unhappy, heart-broken, miserable 
 
 ** Ann Malcolm. 
 
 "P.5. — For my sake you will adhere to the good 
 cause ; I know you will, my dearest." 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken perused this heart-rending epistle, 
 and fell back on his chair almost suffocated. The woman, 
 who had stood in the passage while he read the letter, 
 came to his assistance, and pouring some water into his 
 mouth, and throwing a portion of it over his face, partially 
 revived him. Vanslyperken's head fell on the table upon 
 his hands, and for some minutes remained in that position. 
 He then rose, folded the letter, put it in his pocket, and 
 staggered out of the house without saying a word. 
 
 O Nancy Corbett ! Nancy Corbett ! this was all your 
 doing. 
 
 You had gained your point in winning over the poor 
 man to commit treason — you had waited till he was so 
 entangled that he could not escape, or in future refuse 
 to obey the orders of the Jacobite party — you had seduced 
 him, Nancy Corbett — you had intoxicated him — in short, 
 Nancy, you had ruined him, and then you threw him 
 over by this insidious and perfidious letter. 
 
 Vanslyperken walked away, he hardly knew whither 
 — his mind was a chaos. It did so happen, that he took 
 the direction of his mother's house, and, as he gradually 
 recovered himself, he hastened there to give vent to his 
 feelings. The old woman seldom or ever went out ; if 
 she did, it was in the dusk, to purchase in one half-hour 
 enough to support existence for a fortnight. 
 
 She was at home with her door locked, as usual, when 
 he demanded admittance. 
 
j8o Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 ** Come in, child, come in," said the old beldame, as 
 with palsied hands she undid the fastenings. " I dreamt 
 of you, last night, Cornelius, and when I dream of others 
 it bodes them no good." 
 
 Vanslyperken sat down on a chest, without giving any 
 answer. He put his hand up to his forehead, and groaned 
 in the bitterness of his spirit. 
 
 " Ah ! ah ! " said his mother ** I have put my hand 
 up in that way in my time. Yes, yes — when my brain 
 burned — when I had done the deed. What have you 
 done, my child ? Pour out your feelings into your 
 mother's bosom. Tell me all — tell me why — and tell 
 me, did you get any money ? " 
 
 " I have lost everything," replied Vanslyperken, in a 
 melancholy tone. 
 
 " Lost everything ! then you must begin over again, 
 and take from others till you have recovered all. That's 
 the way — I'll have more yet, before I die. I shall not 
 die yet — no, no." 
 
 Vanslyperken remained silent for some time. He then,, 
 as usual, imparted to his mother all that had occurred. 
 
 "Well, well, my child; but there is the other one. 
 Gold is gold, one wife is as good — to neglect — as another. 
 My child, never marry a woman for love — she will make a 
 fool of you. You have had a lucky escape — I see you 
 have, Cornelius. But where is the gold you said you took 
 for turning traitor — where is it ? " 
 
 " I shall bring it on shore to-morrow, mother." 
 
 "Do, child, do. They may find you out — they may 
 hang you — but they shall never wrest the gold from me. 
 It will be safe — quite safe, with me, as long as I live. I 
 shall not die yet — no, no." 
 
 Vanslyperken rose to depart; he was anxious to be 
 aboard. 
 
 " Go, child, go. I have hopes of you — you have 
 murdered, have you not ? " 
 
 " No, no," replied Vanslyperken, " he lives yet." 
 
 ** Then try again. At all events, you have wished to 
 
The Dog Fiend i8i 
 
 murder, and you have sold your country for gold. 
 Cornelius Vanslyperken, by the hatred I bear the whole 
 world, I feel that I almost love you now ; — I see you are 
 my own child. Now go, and mind to-morrow you bring 
 the gold." 
 
 Vanslyperken quitted the house, and walked down to 
 go on board again ; the loss of the fair widow, all his 
 hopes dashed at once to the ground, his having neglected 
 the widow Vandersloosh and sent her an insulting message, 
 had only the effect of raising his bile. He vowed venge- 
 ance against everybody and everything, especially against 
 Smallbones, whom he was determined he would sacrifice ; 
 murder now was no longer horrible to his ideas ; on the 
 contrary, there was a pleasure in meditating upon it, and 
 the loss of the expected fortune of the fair Mrs Malcolm 
 only made him more eager to obtain gold, and he con- 
 templated treason as the means of so doing without any 
 feelings of compunction. 
 
 On his arrival on board, he found an order from the 
 Admiralty to discharge James Salisbury. This added to 
 his choler and his meditations of revenge. Jemmy Ducks 
 had not been forgotten ; and he determined not to make 
 known the order until he had punished him for his 
 mutinous expressions ; but Moggy had come on board 
 during his absence, and delivered to her husband the letter 
 from the Admiralty notifying his discharge. Vansly- 
 perken sent for Corporal Van Spitter to consult, but the 
 corporal informed him that Jemmy Ducks knew of his 
 discharge. Vanslyperken's anger was now without bounds. 
 He hastened on deck, and ordered the hands to be turned 
 up for punishment, but Corporal Van Spitter hastened to 
 give warning to Jemmy, who did not pipe the hands when 
 ordered. 
 
 " Where is that scoundrel, James Salisbury ? " cried 
 Vanslyperken. 
 
 ** Here is James Salisbury," replied Jemmy, coming 
 aft. 
 
 " Turn the hands up for punishment, sir." 
 
1 82 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " I don't belong to the vessel," replied Jemmy, going 
 forward. 
 
 ** Corporal Van Spitter — where is Corporal Van 
 Spitter ? " 
 
 " Here, sir," said the corporal, coming up the hatchway 
 in a pretended bustle. 
 
 "Bring that man, Salisbury, aft." 
 
 " Yes, sir," replied the corporal, going forward with 
 assumed eagerness. 
 
 But all the ship's company had resolved that this act of 
 injustice should not be done. Salisbury was no longer in 
 the service, and although they knew the corporal to be on 
 their side, they surrounded Jemmy on the forecastle, and 
 the corporal came aft, declaring that he could not get near 
 the prisoner. As he made this report a loud female voice 
 was heard alongside. 
 
 " So, you'd flog my Jemmy, would you, you varmint ? 
 But you won't though ; he's not in the service, and you 
 sha'n't touch him; but I'll tell you what, keep yourself 
 on board, Mr Leeftenant, for if I cotches you on shore, 
 I'll make you sing in a way you don't think on. Yes, 
 flog my Jemmy, my dear darling duck of a Jemmy — stop 
 a minute — I'm coming aboard." 
 
 Suiting the action to the word, for the sailors had 
 beckoned to Moggy to come on board, she boldly pulled 
 alongside, and skipping over, she went up direct to Mr 
 Vanslyperken. " I'll just trouble you for my husband, 
 and no mistake," cried Moggy. 
 
 " Corporal Van Spitter, turn that woman out of the 
 ship." 
 
 " Turn me, a lawful married woman, who comes arter 
 my own husband with the orders of your masters, Mr 
 Leeftenant ! — I'd like to see the man. I axes you for my 
 Jemmy, and I'll trouble you just to hand him here — if 
 not, look out for squalls, that's all. I demand my husband 
 in the king's name, so just hand him over," continued 
 Moggy, putting her nose so close to that of Mr Vansly- 
 perken that they nearly touched, and then after a few 
 
The Dog Fiend 183 
 
 seconds' pause, for Vanslyperken could not speak for rage, 
 she added, "Well, you're a nice leeftenant, I don't think." 
 
 " Send for your marines, Corporal Van Spitter." 
 
 " I have. Mynheer Vanslyperken," replied the corporal, 
 standing erect and saluting; "and if you please, sir, 
 they have joined the ship's company. You and I, mynheer, 
 are left to ourselves." 
 
 ** I'll just trouble you for my little duck of a husband," 
 repeated Moggy. Vanslyperken was at a nonplus. The 
 crew were in a state of mutiny, the marines had joined 
 them — what could he do.? To appeal to the higher 
 authorities would be committing himself, for he knew 
 that he could not flog a man who no longer belonged to 
 the vessel. 
 
 **I wants my husband," repeated Moggy, putting her 
 arms a-kimbo. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken made no reply. The corporal waited 
 for orders, and Moggy waited for her husband. 
 
 Just at this moment, Snarleyyow, who had followed his 
 master on deck, had climbed up the small ladder, and 
 was looking over the gunnel on the side where the boat 
 lay in which Moggy came on board. Perceiving this, 
 with the quickness of thought she ran at the dog and 
 pushed him over the side into the boat, in which he fell 
 with a heavy bound ; she then descended the side, ordered 
 the man to shove off, and kept at a short distance from 
 the cutter with the dog in her possession. 
 
 "Now, now," cried Moggy, slapping her elbow, 
 "hav'n't I got the dog, and won't I cut him up into 
 sassingers and eat him in the bargain, if you won't give 
 me my dear darling Jemmy and all his papers in the 
 bargain ? " 
 
 " Man the boat," cried Vanslyperken. But no one 
 would obey the order. 
 
 " Look here," cried Moggy, flourishing a knife which 
 she had borrowed from the man in the boat. " This is 
 for the cur; and unless you let my Jemmy go, ay and 
 directly too " 
 
184 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 '* Mercy, woman ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken, "Do not 
 harm the poor dog, and your husband shall go on shore." 
 
 " With his papers all ready to receive his pay ? " 
 inquired Moggy. 
 
 " Yes, with his papers and everything, if you'll not 
 harm the poor beast." 
 
 "Be quick about them, for my fingers are itching, I 
 can tell you," replied Moggy. " Recollect, I will have 
 my Jemmy, and cut the dog's throat in the bargain if you 
 don't look sharp." 
 
 " Directly, good woman, directly," cried Vanslyperken, 
 "be patient." 
 
 " Good woman ! no more a good woman than yourself," 
 replied Moggy. 
 
 Vanslyperken desired the corporal to see Jemmy Ducks 
 in the boat, and went down into the cabin to sign his 
 pay order. He then returned, for he was dreadfully 
 alarmed lest Moggy should put her threats in execution. 
 
 Jemmy's chest and hammocks were in the boat. He 
 shook hands with his shipmates, and receiving the papers 
 and his discharge from Corporal Van Spitter, and ex- 
 changing an intelligent glance with him, he went down 
 the side. The boat pulled round the stern to take in 
 Moggy, who then ordered the waterman to put the dog 
 on board again. 
 
 " My word's as good as my bond," observed Moggy, 
 as she stepped into the other boat, " and so there's your 
 cur again, Mr Leeftenant ; but mark my words : I owe 
 you one, and I'll pay you with interest before I have 
 done with you." 
 
 Jemmy then raised his pipe to his lips, and sounded 
 its loudest note : the men gave him three cheers, and 
 Mr Vanslyperken in a paroxysm of fury, ran down into 
 his cabin. 
 
The Dog Fiend 185 
 
 Chapter XXV 
 
 In which Mr Vanslyperken proves that he has a great aversion to cold 
 
 steel. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken had been so much upset by the events 
 of the day, that he had quite forgotten to deliver the 
 letters entrusted to him to the care of the Jew Lazarus ; 
 weighty indeed must have been the events which could 
 have prevented him from going to receive money. 
 
 He threw himself on his bed with combined feelings 
 of rage and mortification, and slept a feverish sleep in his 
 clothes. 
 
 His dreams were terrifying, and he awoke in the 
 morning unrefreshed. The mutiny and defection of the 
 ship's company, he ascribed entirely to the machinations 
 of Smallbones, whom he now hated with a feeling so 
 intense, that he felt he could have murdered him in the 
 open day. Such were the first impulses that his mind 
 resorted to upon his awaking, and after some little 
 demur, he sent for Corporal Van Spitter, to consult with 
 him. The corporal made his appearance, all humility 
 and respect, and was again sounded as to what could be 
 done with Smallbones, Vanslyperken hinting very clearly 
 what his wishes tended to. 
 
 Corporal Van Spitter, who had made up his mind how 
 to act after their previous conference, hummed and ha'ed, 
 and appeared unwilling to enter upon the subject, until 
 he was pushed by his commandant, when the corporal 
 observed there was something very strange about the lad, 
 and hinted at his being sent in the cutter on purpose to 
 annoy his superior. 
 
 " That on that night upon which he had stated that he 
 had seen the devil three times, once it was sitting on the 
 head-clue of Smallbones' hammock, and at another time 
 that he was evidently in converse with the lad, and that 
 there were strange stories among the ship's company, who 
 
1 86 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 considered that both Smallbones and the dog were super- 
 natural agents." 
 
 " My dog — Snarleyyow — a — what do you mean, 
 corporal ? " 
 
 The corporal then told Mr Vanslyperken that he had 
 discovered that several attempts had been made to drown 
 the dog, but without success ; and that among the rest, 
 he had been thrown by Smallbones into the canal, tied up 
 in a bread-bag, and had miraculously made his appearance 
 again. 
 
 " The villain ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken. " That then 
 was the paving-stone. Now Fve found it out, I'll cut his 
 very soul out of his body." 
 
 But the corporal protested against open measures, as, 
 although it was known by his own confession to be the 
 case, it could not be proved, as none of the men would 
 tell. 
 
 "Besides, he did not think that any further attempts 
 would be made, as Smallbones had been heard to laugh 
 and say, * that water would never hurt him or the dog,' 
 which observation of the lad's had first made the ship's 
 company suspect." 
 
 ** Very true," exclaimed Vanslyperken ; ** he floated out 
 
 to the Nab buoy and back again, when I " Here Mr 
 
 Vanslyperken stopped short, and he felt a dread of super- 
 natural powers in the lad, when he thought of what had 
 passed and what he now heard. 
 
 " So they think my dog " 
 
 ** De tyfel," replied the corporal. 
 
 Vanslyperken was not very sorry for this, as it would 
 be the dog's protection; but at the same time he was 
 not at all easy about Smallbones ; for Mr Vanslyperken, 
 as we have observed before, was both superstitious and 
 cowardly. 
 
 " Water won't hurt him, did you say, corporal ? " 
 
 " Yes, mynheer." 
 
 ** Then I'll try what a pistol will do, by heavens ! " 
 replied Vanslyperken. " He threw my dog into the 
 
The Dog Fiend 187 
 
 canal, and Til be revenged, if revenge is to be had. 
 That will do, corporal, you may go now," continued 
 Vanslyperken, who actually foamed with rage. 
 
 The corporal left the cabin, and it having occurred 
 to Vanslyperken that he had not delivered the letters, 
 he dressed himself to go on shore. 
 
 After having once more read through the letter of the 
 fair widow, which, at the same time that it crushed all 
 his hopes, from its kind tenour, poured some balm into 
 his wounded heart, he sighed, folded it up, put it away, 
 and went on deck. 
 
 " Pipe the gig away," said Mr Vanslyperken. 
 
 " No pipe," replied Short. 
 
 This reminded Mr Vanslyperken that Jemmy Ducks 
 had left the ship, and vexed him again. He ordered the 
 word to be passed to the boat's crew, and when it was 
 manned he went on shore. As soon as he arrived at the 
 house of Lazarus, he knocked, but it was some time 
 before he was admitted, and the chain was still kept on 
 the door, which was opened two inches to allow a scrutiny 
 previous to entrance. 
 
 " Ah ! it vash you, vash it, good sar ? you may come 
 in," said the Jew. 
 
 Vanslyperken walked into the parlour, where he found 
 seated a young man of very handsome exterior, dressed 
 according to the fashion of the cavaliers of the time. 
 His hat, with a plume of black feathers, lay upon the 
 table. This personage continued in his careless and 
 easy position without rising when Vanslyperken entered, 
 neither did he ask him to sit down. 
 
 " You are the officer of the cutter ? " inquired the 
 young man, with an air of authority not very pleasing 
 to the lieutenant. 
 
 ** Yes," replied Vanslyperken, looking hard and indig- 
 nantly in return. 
 
 *' And you arrived yesterday morning ? Pray, sir, why 
 were not those letters delivered at once ? " 
 
 " Because I had no time," replied Vanslyperken, sulkily. 
 
1 88 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " No time, sir ♦, what do you mean by that ? Your 
 time is ours, sir. You are paid for it j for one shilling 
 that you receive from the rascally government you con- 
 descend to serve and to betray, you receive from us 
 pounds. Let not this happen again, my sir, or you may 
 repent it." 
 
 Vanslyperken was not in the best of humours, and he 
 angrily replied, "Then you may get others to do your 
 work, for this is the last I'll do j pay me for them, and let 
 me go." 
 
 ** The last you'll do ; you'll do as much as we please, 
 and as long as we please. You are doubly in our power, 
 scoundrel ! You betray the government you serve, but 
 you shall not betray us. If you had a thousand lives, you 
 are a dead man the very moment you flinch from or neglect 
 our work. Do your work faithfully, and you will be 
 rewarded ; but either you must do our work or die. You 
 have but to choose." 
 
 ** Indeed ! " replied Vanslyperken. 
 
 ** Yes, indeed ! And to prove that I am in earnest, I 
 shall punish you for your neglect, by not paying you this 
 time. You may Jeave the letters and go. But mind that 
 you give us timely notice when you are ordered back to 
 the Hague, for we shall want you." 
 
 Vanslyperken, indignant at this language, obeyed his 
 flrst impulse, which was to snatch up the letters and 
 attempt to leave the room. 
 
 ** No pay, no letters ! " exclaimed he, opening the door. 
 
 " Fool ! " cried the young man with a bitter sneer, not 
 stirring from his seat. 
 
 Vanslyperken opened the door, and to his amazement 
 there were three swords pointed to his heart. He started 
 back. 
 
 **Will you leave the letters now .?'^ observed the young 
 man. 
 
 Vanslyperken threw them down on the table with every 
 sign of perturbation, and remained silent and pale. 
 
 " And now perfectly understand me, sir," said the young 
 
The Dog Fiend 189 
 
 cavalier. "We make a great distinction between those 
 who have joined the good cause, or rather, who have 
 continued steadfast to their king from feelings of honour 
 and loyalty, and those who are to be bought and sold. 
 We honour the first, we despise the latter. Their services 
 we require, and therefore we employ them. A traitor to 
 the sovereign from whom he receives his pay, is not likely 
 to be trusted by us. I know your character, that is suffi- 
 cient. Now, although the government make no difference 
 between one party or the other, with the exception that 
 some may be honoured with the axe instead of the gibbet, 
 you will observe what we do : and as our lives are already 
 forfeited by attainder, we make no scruple of putting out 
 of the way any one whom we may even suspect of betray- 
 ing us. Nay, more ; we can furnish the government with 
 sufficient proofs against you without any risk to ourselves, 
 for we have many partisans who are still in office. Weigh 
 now well all you have heard, and be assured, that although 
 we despise you, and use you only as our tool, we will have 
 faithful and diligent service ; if not, your life is forfeited." 
 
 Vanslyperken heard all this with amazement and con- 
 fusion : he immediately perceived that he was in a snare, 
 from which escape was impossible. His coward heart sank 
 within him, and he promised implicit obedience. 
 
 "Nevertheless, before you go you will sign your ad- 
 herence to King James and his successors," observed the 
 young cavalier. "Lazarus, bring in writing materials." 
 The Jew, who was at the door, complied with the order. 
 
 The cavalier took the pen and wrote down a certain 
 form, in which Vanslyperken dedicated his life and means, 
 as he valued his salvation, to the service of the exiled 
 monarch. " Read that, and sign it, sir," said the cavalier, 
 passing it over to Vanslyperken. 
 
 The lieutenant hesitated. " Your life depends upon it," 
 continued the young man coolly ; " do as you please." 
 
 Vanslyperken turned round ; the swords were still 
 pointed, and the eyes of those which held them were fixed 
 upon the cavalier awaiting his orders. Vanslyperken per- 
 
190 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 ceived that there was no escape. With a trembling hand 
 he affixed his signature. 
 
 **'Tis well: — now, observe, that at the first suspicion, 
 or want of zeal, even, on your part, this will be forwarded 
 through the proper channel, and even if you should escape 
 the government, you will not escape us : — our name is 
 Legion. You may go, sir ; — do your work well, and you 
 shall be well rewarded." 
 
 Vanslyperken hastened away, passing the swords, the 
 points of which were now lowered for his passage. Per- 
 haps he never till then felt how contemptible was a traitor. 
 Indignant, mortified, and confused, still trembling with 
 fear, and, at the same time, burning with rage, he hastened 
 to his mother's house, for he had brought on shore with 
 him the money which he had received at Amsterdam. 
 
 "What, more vexation, child?" said the old woman, 
 looking Vanslyperken in the face as he entered. 
 
 ** Yes," retorted Vanslyperken, folding his arms as he 
 sat down. 
 
 It was some time before he would communicate to his 
 mother all that happened. At last the truth, which even 
 he felt ashamed of, was drawn out of him. 
 
 " Now may all the curses that ever befell a man fall on 
 his head ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken as he finished. " I 
 would give soul and body to be revenged on him." 
 
 " That's my own child — that is what I have done, 
 Cornelius, but I shall not die yet awhile. I like to hear 
 you say that ; but it must not be yet. Let them plot and 
 plot, and when they think that all is ripe, and all is ready, 
 and all will succeed — then — then is the time to revenge 
 yourself — not yet — but for that revenge, death on the 
 gallows would be sweet." 
 
 Vanslyperken shuddered : — he did not feel how death 
 could in any way be sweet j — for some time he was wrapped 
 up in his own thoughts. 
 
 " Have you brought the gold at last ? " inquired the old 
 woman. 
 
 " I have," replied Vanslyperken, who raised himself 
 
The Dog Fiend 191 
 
 and produced it. "I ought to have had more, — but I'll 
 be revenged." 
 
 " Yes, yes, but get more gold first. Never kill the 
 goose that lays the golden egg^ my child," replied the old 
 woman, as she turned the key. 
 
 So many sudden and mortifying occurrences had taken 
 place in forty-eight hours that Vanslyperken's brain was in 
 a whirl. He felt goaded to do something, but he did not 
 know what. Perhaps it would have been suicide had he 
 not been a coward. He left his mother without speaking 
 another word, and walked down to the boat, revolving 
 first one and then another incident in his mind. At last, 
 his ideas appeared to concentrate themselves into one point, 
 which was a firm and raging animosity against Smallbones ; 
 and with the darkest intentions he hastened on board and 
 went down into his cabin. 
 
 What was the result of these feelings will be seen in the 
 ensuing chapter. 
 
 Chapter XXVI 
 
 In which Mr Vanslyperken sees a ghost. 
 
 Before we acquaint the reader with the movements of 
 Mr Vanslyperken, we must again revert to the history of 
 the period in which we are writing. The Jacobite faction 
 had assumed a formidable consistency, and every exertion 
 was being made by them for an invasion of England. 
 They knew that their friends were numerous, and that 
 many who held office under the ruling government were 
 attached to their cause, and only required such a demon- 
 stration to fly to arms with their numerous partisans. 
 
 Up to the present, all the machinations of the Jacobites 
 had been carried on with secrecy and dexterity, but now 
 was the time for action and decision. To aid the cause, 
 it was considered expedient that some one of known 
 fidelity should be sent to Amsterdam, where the pro- 
 
192 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 jects of William might be discovered more easily than 
 in England: for, as he communicated with the States 
 General, and the States General were composed of many, 
 secrets would come out, for that which is known to many 
 soon becomes no longer a secret. 
 
 To effect this, letters of recommendation to one or two 
 of those high in office in Holland, and who were supposed 
 to be able to give information, and inclined to be confiding 
 and garrulous, had been procured from the firm allies of 
 King William, by those who pretended to be so only, for 
 the agent who was about to be sent over, and this agent 
 was the young cavalier who had treated Vanslyperken in 
 so uncourteous a manner. He has already been mentioned 
 to the reader by the name of Ramsay, and second in 
 authority among the smugglers. He was a young man of 
 high family, and a brother to Lady Alice, of course trusted 
 by Sir Robert and his second in command. He had been 
 attainted for non-appearance, and condemned for high 
 treason at the same time as had been his brother-in-law, 
 Sir Robert Barclay, and had ever since been with him 
 doing his duty in the boat and in command of the men, 
 when Sir Robert's services or attendance were required at 
 St Germains. 
 
 No one could be better adapted for the service he was 
 to be employed upon. He was brave, cool, intelligent, 
 and prepossessing. Of course, by his letters of intro- 
 duction, he was represented as a firm ally of King William, 
 and strongly recommended as such. The letters which 
 Vanslyperken had neglected to deliver were of the utmost 
 importance, and the character of the lieutenant being well 
 known to Ramsay, through the medium of Nancy Corbett 
 and others, he had treated him in the way which he con- 
 sidered as most likely to enforce a rigid compliance with 
 their wishes. 
 
 Ramsay was right ; for Vanslyperken was too much 
 of a coward to venture upon resistance, although he might 
 threaten it. It was the intention of Ramsay, moreover, 
 to take a passage over with him in the Tungfrauy as his 
 
The Dog Fiend 193 
 
 arrival in a king's vessel would add still more to the 
 success of the enterprise which he had in contemplation. 
 
 We will now return to Mr Vanslyperken, whom we 
 left boiling with indignation. He is not in a better 
 humour at this moment. He requires a victim to expend 
 his wrath upon, and that victim he is resolved shall be 
 Smallbones, upon whom his hate is concentrated. 
 
 He has sent for the corporal, and next ordered him to 
 bring him a pistol and cartridge, which the corporal has 
 complied with. Vanslyperken has not made the corporal 
 a further confidant, but he has his suspicions, and he is on 
 the watch. Vanslyperken is alone, his hand trembling as 
 he loads the pistol which he has taken down from the 
 bulkhead where it hung, but he is nevertheless determined 
 upon the act. He has laid it down on the table, and goes 
 on deck, waiting till it is dusk for the completion of his 
 project. He has now arranged his plan and descends ; 
 the pistol is still on '.the table, and he puts it under the 
 blanket on his bed, and rings for Smallbones. 
 
 " Did you want me, sir ? " said Smallbones. 
 
 ** Yes, I am going on shore to sleep a little way in 
 the country, and I want you to carry my clothes ; let 
 everything be put up in the blue bag, and hold yourself 
 ready to come with me." 
 
 " Yes, sir," replied Smallbones j "am I to come on 
 board again to-night ? " 
 
 " To be sure you are." 
 
 Smallbones put up as desired by his master, whose 
 eyes followed the lad's motions as he moved from one 
 part of the cabin to the other, his thoughts wandering 
 from the recollection of Smallbones having attempted to 
 drown his dog, to the more pleasing one of revenge. 
 
 At dusk, Mr Vanslyperken ordered his boat to be 
 manned, and so soon as Smallbones had gone into it 
 "vtith the bag, he took the pistol from where he had hid 
 it, and concealing it under his great-coat, followed the 
 laci into the boat. 
 
 They landed, and Vanslyperken walked fastj it was 
 s N 
 
194 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 now dark, and he was followed by Smallbones, who 
 found difficulty in keeping pace with his master, so rapid 
 were his strides. 
 
 They passed the half-way houses, and went clear of 
 the fortifications, until they had gained five or six miles 
 on the road to London. 
 
 Smallbones was tired out with the rapidity of the 
 walk, and now lagged behind. The master desired him 
 to come on. "I does come on as fast as I can, sir, but 
 this here walking don't suit at all, with carrying a bag 
 full of clothes," replied Smallbones. 
 
 ** Make haste, and keep up with me," cried Vansly- 
 perken, setting off again at a more rapid pace. 
 
 They were now past all the buildings, and but oc- 
 casionally fell in with some solitary farmhouse, or cottage, 
 on the road side ; the night was cloudy, and the scud 
 flew fast ; Vanslyperken walked on faster, for in his state 
 of mind he could feel no bodily fatigue, and the lad 
 dropped astern. 
 
 At last the lieutenant found a spot which afforded him 
 an opportunity of executing his fell purpose. A square 
 wall, round a homestead for cattle, was built on the side 
 of the footpath. Vanslyperken turned round, and looked 
 for Smallbones, who was too far behind to be seen in 
 the obscurity. Satisfied by this that the lad could not 
 see his motions, Vanslyperken secreted himself behind 
 the angle of the wall so as to allow Smallbones to pass. 
 He cocked his pistol, and crouched down, waiting for 
 the arrival of his victim. 
 
 In a minute or two he heard the panting of the lad, 
 who was quite weary with his load. Vanslyperken com- 
 pressed his lips, and held his breath. The lad passed 
 him ; Vanslyperken now rose from behind, levelled the 
 pistol at the lad's head, and fired. Smallbones uttered 
 a yell, fell down on his face, and then rolled on his ba:k 
 without life or motion. 
 
 Vanslyperken looked at him for one second, then turaed 
 back, and fled with the wings of the wind. Conscience 
 
The Dog Fiend 195 
 
 now appeared to pursue him, and he ran on until he was 
 so exhausted, that he fell ; the pistol was still in his 
 hand, and as he put out his arm mechanically to save 
 himself, the lock of the pistol came in violent contact 
 with his temple. 
 
 After a time he rose again, faint and bleeding, and con- 
 tinued his course at a more moderate pace, but as the 
 wind blew, and whistled among the boughs of the trees, 
 he thought every moment that he beheld the form of 
 the murdered lad. He quickened his pace, arrived at 
 last within the fortifications, and putting the pistol in 
 his coat-pocket, he somewhat recovered himself. He 
 bound his silk handkerchief round his head, and pro- 
 ceeded to the boat, which he had ordered to wait till 
 Smallbones' return. He had then a part to act, and 
 told the men that he had been assailed by robbers, and 
 ordered them to pull on board immediately. As soon as 
 he came on board he desired the men to assist him down 
 into his cabin, and then he sent for Corporal Van Spitter 
 to dress his wounds. He communicated to the corporal, 
 that as he was going out in the country as he had pro- 
 posed, he had been attacked by robbers, that he had been 
 severely wounded, and had, he thought, killed one of 
 them, as the others ran away ; what had become of 
 Smallbones he knew not, but he had heard him crying 
 out in the hands of the robbers. 
 
 The corporal, who had felt certain that the pistol had 
 been intended for Smallbones, hardly knew what to make 
 of the matter; the wound of Mr Vanslyperken was severe, 
 and it was hardly to be supposed that it had been self- 
 inflicted. The corporal therefore held his tongue, heard 
 all that Mr Vanslyperken had to say, and was very 
 considerably puzzled. 
 
 **It was a fortunate thing that I thought of taking 
 a pistol with me, corporal, I might have been murdered 
 outright." 
 
 ** Yes, mynheer," replied the corporal, and binding the 
 handkerchief round Vanslyperken's head, he then assisted 
 
196 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 him into bed. " Mein Gott ! I make no head or tail of 
 de business," said the corporal, as he walked forward, 
 ** but I must know de truth soon ; I not go to bed for two 
 or three hours, and den I hear others." 
 
 It is needless to say that Mr Vanslyperken passed a 
 restless night, not only from the pain of his wound, but 
 from the torments of conscience ; for it is but by degrees 
 that the greatest villain can drive away its stings, and then 
 it is but for a short time, and when it does force itself 
 back upon him, it is with redoubled power. His occasional 
 slumbers were broken by fitful starts, in which he again 
 and again heard the yell of the poor lad, and saw the 
 corpse rolling at his feet. It was about an hour before 
 daylight that Mr Vanslyperken again woke, and found 
 that the light had burnt out. He could not remain in the 
 dark, it was too dreadful ; he raised himself, and pulled 
 the bell over his head. Some one entered. "Bring a 
 light immediately," cried Vanslyperken. 
 
 In a minute or two the gleams of a light were seen 
 burning at a distance by the lieutenant. He watched its 
 progress aft, and its entrance, and he felt relieved; but 
 he had now a devouring thirst upon him, and his lips 
 were glued together, and he turned over on his bed to 
 ask the corporal, whom he supposed it was, for water. 
 He fixed his eyes upon the party with the candle, and by 
 the feeble light of the dip, he beheld the pale, haggard 
 face of Smallbones, who stared at him, but uttered not 
 a word. 
 
 ** Mercy, O God ! mercy ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken, 
 falling back, and covering his face with the bedclothes, 
 
 Smallbones did not reply ; he blew out the candle, and 
 quitted the cabin. 
 
The Dog Fiend 197 
 
 Chapter XXVII 
 
 In which Mr Vanslyperken is taught a secret 
 
 We are anxious to proceed with our narrative, but we 
 must first explain the unexpected appearance of Small- 
 bones. When Corporal Van Spitter was requested by 
 Vanslyperken to bring a pistol and cartridge, the corporal, 
 who had not forgotten the hints thrown out by Vansly- 
 perken during their last consultation, immediately imagined 
 that it was for Smallbones' benefit. And he was 
 strengthened in his opinion, when he learnt that Small- 
 bones was to go on shore with his master after it was 
 dusk. Now Corporal Van Spitter had no notion of the 
 poor lad's brains being blown out, and when Mr Vansly- 
 perken went on deck and left the pistol, he went into the 
 cabin, searched for it, and drew the bullet, which 
 Vanslyperken, of course, was not aware of. It then 
 occurred to the corporal, that if the pistol were aimed at 
 Smallbones, and he was uninjured, it would greatly add to 
 the idea, already half entertained by the superstitious 
 lieutenant, of there being something supernatural about 
 Smallbones, if he were left to suppose that he had been 
 killed, and had reappeared. He, therefore, communicated 
 his suspicions to the lad, told him what he had done, and 
 advised him, if the pistol were fired, to pretend to be 
 killed, and when left by his master, to come on board 
 quietly in the night. Smallbones, who perceived the drift 
 of all this, promised to act accordingly, and in the last 
 chapter it will be observed how he contrived to deceive 
 his master. As soon as the lieutenant was out of hearing, 
 Smallbones rose, and leaving the bag where it lay, hastened 
 back to Portsmouth, and came on board about two hours 
 before Vanslyperken rang his bell. He narrated what had 
 passed, but, of course, could not exactly swear that it was 
 Vanslyperken who fired the pistol, as it was fired from 
 
198 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 behind, but even if he could have so sworn, at that time 
 he would have obtained but little redress. 
 
 It was considered much more advisable that Smallbones 
 should pretend to believe that he had been attacked by 
 robbers, and that the ball had missed him, after he had 
 frightened his master by his unexpected appearance, for 
 Vanslyperken would still be of the opinion that the lad 
 possessed a charmed life. 
 
 The state of Mr Vanslyperken during the remainder of 
 that night was pitiable, but we must leave the reader to 
 suppose, rather than attempt to describe it. 
 
 In the morning the corporal came in, and after asking 
 after his superior's health, informed him that Smallbones 
 had come on board, that the lad said that the robbers had 
 fired a pistol at him, and then knocked him down with the 
 butt end of it, and that he had escaped but with the loss 
 of the bag. 
 
 This was a great relief to the mind of Mr Vanslyperken, 
 who had imagined that he had been visited by the ghost of 
 Smallbones during the night : he expressed himself glad at 
 his return, and a wish to be left alone, upon which the 
 corporal retired. As soon as Vanslyperken found out that 
 Smallbones was still alive, his desire to kill him returned ; 
 although, when he supposed him dead, he would, to escape 
 from his own feelings, have resuscitated him. One chief 
 idea now whirled in his brain, which was, that the lad 
 must have a charmed life ; he had floated out to the Nab 
 buoy and back again, and now he had had a pistol-bullet 
 passed through his skull without injury. He felt too 
 much fear to attempt anything against him for the future, 
 but his desire to do so was stronger than ever. 
 
 Excitement and vexation brought on a slow fever, and 
 Mr Vanslyperken lay for three or four days in bed ; at the 
 end of which period he received a message from the 
 admiral, directing him to come or send on shore (for his 
 state had been made known) for his despatches, and to sail 
 as soon as possible. 
 
 Upon receiving the message, Mr Vanslyperken recol- 
 
The Dog Fiend 199 
 
 lected his engagement at the house of the Jew Lazarus, 
 and weak as he was, felt too much afraid of the results, 
 should he fail, not to get out of bed and go on shore. It 
 was with difficulty he could walk so far. When he arrived 
 he found Ramsay ready to receive him. 
 
 " To sail as soon as possible : — 'tis well, sir. Have you 
 your despatches ? " 
 
 **I sent to the admiral's for them," replied Vansly- 
 perken. 
 
 " Well, then, be all ready to start at midnight. I shall 
 come on board about a quarter of an hour before ; you 
 may go, sir." 
 
 Vanslyperken quailed under the keen eye and stern look 
 of Ramsay, and obeyed the uncourteous order in silence ; 
 still he thought of revenge as he walked back to the boat 
 and re-embarked in the cutter. 
 
 "What's this, Short?" observed Coble: "here is a 
 new freak ; we start at midnight, I hear." 
 
 " Yes," replied Short. 
 
 " Something quite new, anyhow : — don't understand it : 
 do you ? " 
 
 " No," replied Dick. 
 
 "Well, now Jemmy's gone, I don't care how soon I 
 follow, Dick." 
 
 "Nor I," replied Short. 
 
 " I've a notion there's some mystery in all this. For," 
 continued Coble, " the admiral would never have ordered 
 us out till to-morrow morning, if he did not make us sail 
 this evening. It's not a man-of-war fashion, is it, Dick ? " 
 
 " No," replied Short. 
 
 " Well, we shall see," replied Coble. " I shall turn in 
 now. You've heard all about Smallbones, heh ! Dick ? " 
 
 Short nodded his head. 
 
 " Well, we shall see : but I'll back the boy 'gainst 
 master and dog too, in the long run. D — n his Dutch 
 carcass, he seems to make but small count of English 
 subjects, heh ! " 
 
 Short leant over the gunwale and whistled. 
 
200 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Coble, finding it impossible to extract one monosyllable 
 more from him, walked forward, and went down below. 
 
 A little before twelve o'clock a boat came alongside, and 
 Ramsay stepped out of it into the cutter. Vanslyperken 
 had been walking the deck to receive him, and immediately 
 showed him down into the cabin, where he left him to go 
 on deck, and get the cutter under way. There was 
 a small stove in the cabin, for the weather was still cold ; 
 they were advanced into the month of March. Ramsay 
 threw off his coat, laid two pair of loaded pistols on the 
 table, locked the door of the cabin, and then proceeded to 
 warm himself, while Vanslyperken was employed on deck. 
 
 In an hour the cutter was outside and clear of all; 
 danger, and Vanslyperken had to knock to gain admittance 
 into his own cabin. Ramsay opened the door, and 
 Vanslyperken, who thought he must say something, 
 observed gloomily, 
 
 "We are all clear, sir." 
 
 "Very good," replied Ramsay; "and now, sir, I 
 believe that you have despatches on board ? " 
 
 " Yes," replied Vanslyperken. 
 
 " You will oblige me by letting me look at them." 
 
 " My despatches ! " said Vanslyperken with surprise. 
 
 ** Yes, sir, your despatches ; immediately, if you please 
 — no trifling." 
 
 " You forget, sir," replied Vanslyperken angrily, " that 
 I am not any longer in your power, but on board of my 
 own vessel." 
 
 " You appear not to know, sir, that you are in my 
 power even on board of your own vessel," replied Ramsay, 
 starting up, and laying his hand over the pistols, which he 
 drew towards him, and replaced in his belt. "If you 
 trust to your ship's company you are mistaken, as you will 
 soon discover. I demand the despatches." 
 
 " But, sir, you will ruin me and ruin yourself," replied 
 Vanslyperken, alarmed. 
 
 " Fear not," replied Ramsay ; "for my own sake, and 
 that of the good cause, I shall not hurt you. No one will 
 
The Dog Fiend 201 
 
 know that the despatches have been ever examined, 
 and " 
 
 ** And what ?" replied Vanslyperken, gloomily. 
 
 " For the passage, and this service, you will receive 
 one hundred guineas." 
 
 Vanslyperken no longer hesitated; he opened the 
 drawer in which he had deposited the letters, and 
 produced them. 
 
 ** Now lock the door," said Ramsay, taking his seat. 
 
 He then examined the seals, pulled some out of his 
 pocket, and compared them; sorted the letters according 
 to the seals, and laid one corresponding at the heading of 
 each file, for there were three different government seals 
 upon the despatches. He then took a long Dutch earthen 
 pipe which was hanging above, broke off the bowl, and 
 put one end of the stem into the fire. When it was of a 
 red heat he took it out, and applying his lips to the cool 
 end, and the hot one close to the sealing-wax, he blew 
 through it, and the heated blast soon dissolved the wax, 
 and the despatches were opened one after another without 
 the slightest difficulty or injury to the paper. He then 
 commenced reading, taking memorandums on his tablets 
 as he proceeded. 
 
 When he had finished, he again heated the pipe, 
 melted the wax, which had become cold and hard 
 again, and resealed all the letters with his counterfeit 
 seals. 
 
 During this occupation, which lasted upwards of an 
 hour, Vanslyperken looked on with surprise, leaning 
 against the bulk-head of the cabin. 
 
 " There, sir, are your despatches," said Ramsay, rising 
 from his chair; "you may now put them away; and, as 
 you may observe, you are not compromised." 
 
 "No, indeed," replied Vanslyperken, who was struck 
 with the ingenuity of the method ; " but you have given 
 me an idea." 
 
 ** I will tell you what that is," replied Ramsay. ** You 
 are thinking, if I left you these false seals, you could give 
 
202 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 me the contents of the despatches, provided you were well 
 p^d. Is it not so ? " 
 
 " It was," replied Vanslyperken, who had immediately 
 been struck with such a new source of wealth j for he 
 cared little what he did — all he cared for was discovery. 
 
 ** Had you not proposed it yourself, I intended that you 
 should have done it, sir," replied Ramsay ; " and that you 
 should also be paid for it. I will arrange all that before I 
 leave the vessel. But now I shall retire to my bed. 
 Have you one ready ? " 
 
 " I have none but what you see," replied Vanslyperken. 
 " It is my own, but at your service." 
 
 " I shall accept it," replied Ramsay, putting his pistols 
 under his pillow, after having thrown himself on the 
 outside of the bedclothes, pulling his roquelaure over him. 
 " And now you will oblige me by turning that cur out of 
 the cabin, for his smell is anything but pleasant." 
 
 Vanslyperken had no idea of his passenger so coolly 
 taking possession of his bed, but to turn out Snarleyyow 
 as well as himself, appeared an unwarrantable liberty. 
 But he felt that he had but to submit, for Ramsay was 
 despotic, and he was afraid of him. 
 
 After much resistance, Snarleyyow was kicked out by 
 his master, who then went on deck not in the very best of 
 humours, at finding he had so completely sold himself to 
 those who might betray and hang him the very next day. 
 ** At all events," thought Vanslyperken, " I'm well paid 
 for it." 
 
 It was now daylight, and the cutter was running with 
 a favourable breeze j the hands were turned up, and 
 Corporal Van Spitter came on deck. Vanslyperken, who 
 had been running over in his mind all the events which 
 had latterly taken place, had considered that, as he had 
 lost the Portsmouth widow, he might as well pursue his 
 suit with the widow Vandersloosh, especially as she had sent 
 such a conciliating message by the corporal ; and perceiv- 
 ing the corporal on deck, he beckoned to him to approach. 
 Vanslyperken then observed, that he was angry the other 
 
The Dog Fiend 203 
 
 day, and that the corporal need not give that message to 
 the Frau Vandersloosh, as he intended to call upon her 
 himself upon his arrival. Van Spitter, who did not know 
 anything about the Portsmouth widow, and could not 
 imagine why the angry message had been given, of course 
 assented, although he was fully determined that the 
 widow should be informed of the insult. The question 
 was now, how to be able to go on shore himself; and to 
 compass that without suspicion, he remarked that the maid 
 Babette was a very fine maid, and he should like to see 
 her again. 
 
 This little piece of confidence was not thrown away. 
 Vanslyperken was too anxious to secure the corporal, 
 and he replied, that the corporal should go ashore and see 
 her, if he pleased ; upon which Corporal Van Spitter made 
 his best military salute, turned round on his heel, and 
 walked away, laughing in his sleeve at having so easily 
 gulled his superior. 
 
 On the third morning the cutter had arrived at her 
 destined port. During the passage Ramsay had taken 
 possession of the cabin, ordering everything as he pleased, 
 much to the surprise of the crew. Mr Vanslyperken 
 spoke of him as a king's messenger, but still Smallbones, 
 who took care to hear what was going on, reported the 
 abject submission shown to Ramsay by the lieutenant, and 
 this was the occasion of great marvel; moreover, they 
 doubted his being a king's messenger, for, as Smallbones 
 very shrewdly observed, "Why, if he was a king's 
 messenger, did he not come with the despatches ? " How- 
 ever, they could only surmise, and no more. But the dog 
 being turned out of the cabin in compliance with Ramsay's 
 wish, was the most important point of all. They could 
 have got over all the rest, but that was quite incompre- 
 hensible; and they all agreed with Coble, when he 
 observed, hitching up his trousers, ** Depend upon it, 
 there's a screw loose somewhere." 
 
 As soon as the cutter was at anchor, Ramsay ordered 
 his portmanteau into the boat, and Vanslyperken having 
 
204 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 accompanied him on shore, they separated, Ramsay in- 
 forming Vanslyperken that he would wish to see him the 
 next day, and giving him his address. 
 
 Vanslyperken delivered his despatches, and then 
 hastened to the widow Vandersloosh, who received him 
 with a well-assumed appearance of mingled pleasure and 
 reserve. 
 
 Vanslyperken led her to the sofa, poured forth a multi- 
 tudinous compound composed of regret, devotion, and 
 apologies, which at last appeared to have melted the heart 
 of the widow, who once more gave him her hand to salute. 
 
 Vanslyperken was all rapture at so unexpected a recon- 
 ciliation; the name of the cur was not mentioned, and 
 Vanslyperken thought to himself, " This will do, — let me 
 only once get you, my Frau, and I'll teach you to wish my 
 dog dead at your porch." 
 
 On the other hand the widow thought, ** And so this 
 atomy really believes that I would look upon him ! "Well, 
 well, Mr Vanslyperken, we shall see how it ends. Your 
 
 cur under my bed, indeed, so sure do you never . 
 
 Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken." 
 
 There is a great deal of humbug in this world, that is 
 certain. 
 
 Chapter XXVIII 
 
 In which we have at last introduced a decent sort of heroine, who, however, 
 only plays a second in our history, Snarleyyow being first fiddle. 
 
 But we must leave Mr Vanslyperken, and the widow, and 
 the Tungfrau, and all connected with her, for the present, 
 and follow the steps of Ramsay, in doing which we shall 
 have to introduce new personages in our little drama. 
 
 As soon as Ramsay had taken leave of Vanslyperken, 
 being a stranger at Amsterdam, he inquired his way to the 
 Golden Street, in which resided Mynheer Van Krause, 
 syndic of the town, and to whom he had obtained his 
 principal letters of introduction. The syndic's house was 
 
The Dog Fiend 205 
 
 too well known not to be immediately pointed out to him, 
 and in ten minutes he found himself, with the sailors at his 
 heels who had been ordered to carry up his baggage, at a 
 handsomely carved door painted in bright green, and with 
 knockers of massive brass which glittered in the sun. 
 
 Ramsay, as he waited a few seconds, looked up at the 
 house, which was large and with a noble front to the wide 
 street in face of it, not, as usual with most of the others, 
 divided in the centre by a canal running the whole length 
 of it. The door was opened, and led into a large paved 
 yard, the sides of which were lined with evergreens in 
 large tubs, painted of the same bright green colour ; ad- 
 joining to the yard was a small garden enclosed with high 
 walls, which was laid out with great precision, and in 
 small beds full of tulips, ranunculuses, and other bulbs 
 now just appearing above the ground. The sailors waited 
 outside while the old gray-headed servitor who had opened 
 the gate, ushered Ramsay through the court to a second 
 door which led into the house. The hall into which he 
 entered was paved with marble, and the staircase bold and 
 handsome which led to the first floor, but on each side of 
 the hall there were wooden partitions and half-glass doors, 
 through which Ramsay could see that the rest of the 
 basement was appropriated to warehouses, and that in the 
 warehouse at the back of the building there were people 
 busily employed hoisting out merchandise from the vessels 
 in the canal, the water of which adjoined the very walls. 
 Ramsay followed the man upstairs, who showed him into 
 a very splendidly-furnished apartment, and then went to 
 summon his master, who, he said, was below in the ware- 
 house. Ramsay had but a minute or two to examine the 
 various objects which decorated the room, particularly 
 some very fine pictures, when Mynheer Van Krause made 
 his appearance, with some open tablets in his hand and his 
 pen across his mouth. He was a very short man, with a 
 respectable paunch, a very small head, quite bald, a keen 
 blue eye, reddish but straight nose, and a very florid 
 complexion. There was nothing vulgar about his appear- 
 
2o6 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 ance, although his figure was against him. His countenance 
 was one of extreme frankness, mixed with considerable 
 intelligence, and his whole manner gave you the idea of 
 precision and calculation. 
 
 ** You would — tyfel — I forgot my pen," said the syndic, 
 catching it as it fell out of his mouth. " You would speak 
 with me, mynheer ? To whom have I the pleasure of 
 addressing myself?" 
 
 " These letters, sir," replied Ramsay, *' will inform you." 
 
 Mynheer Van Krause laid his tablets on the table, put- 
 ting his pen across to mark the leaf where he had them 
 open, and taking the letters begged Ramsay to be seated. 
 He then took a chair, pulled a pair of hand-glasses out of 
 his pocket, laid them on his knees, broke the seals, and 
 falling back so as to recline, commenced reading. As soon 
 as he had finished the first letter, he put his glasses down 
 from his eyes, and made a bow to Ramsay, folded the open 
 letter the length of the sheet, took out his pencil, and on 
 the outside wrote the date of the letter, the day of the 
 month, name, and the name of the writer. Having done 
 this, he laid the first letter down on the table, took up the 
 second, raised up his glasses, and performed the same duty 
 towards it, and thus he continued until he had read the 
 whole six ; always, as he concluded each letter, making the 
 same low bow to Ramsay which he had after the perusal 
 of the first. Ramsay, who was not a little tired of all this 
 precision, at last fixed his eyes upon a Wouvermann which 
 hung near him, and only took them off when he guessed 
 the time of bowing to be at hand. 
 
 The last having been duly marked and numbered, 
 Mynheer Van Krause turned to Ramsay, and said, ** I am 
 most happy, mynheer, to find under my roof a young 
 gentleman so much recommended by many valuable 
 friends ; moreover, as these letters give me to understand, 
 so warm a friend to our joint sovereign, and so inimical to 
 the Jacobite party. I am informed by these letters that 
 you intend to remain at Amsterdam. If so, I trust that you 
 will take up your quarters in this house." 
 
The Dog Fiend 207 
 
 To this proposal Ramsay, who fully expected it, gave a 
 willing consent, saying, at the same time, that he had pro- 
 posed going to an hotel ; but Mynheer Van Krause insisted 
 on sending for Ramsay's luggage. He had not far to send, 
 as it was at the door. 
 
 ** How did you come over ?'* inquired the host. 
 
 "In a king's cutter," replied Ramsay, "which waited 
 for me at Portsmouth." 
 
 This intimation produced another very low bow from 
 Mynheer Van Krause, as it warranted the importance of his 
 guest ; but he then rose, and apologising for his presence 
 being necessary below, as they were unloading a cargo of 
 considerable value, he ordered his old porter to show Mr 
 Ramsay into his rooms, and to take up his luggage, inform- 
 ing his guest that, it being now twelve o'clock, dinner 
 would be on the table at half-past one, during which 
 interval he begged Ramsay to amuse himself, by examining 
 the pictures, books, &c., with which the room was well 
 furnished. Then, resuming his tablets and pen, and taking 
 the letters with him, Mynheer Van Krause made a very 
 low bow, and left Ramsay to himself, little imagining that 
 he had admitted an attainted traitor under his roof. 
 
 Ramsay could speak Dutch fluently, for he had been 
 quartered two years at Middleburg, when he was serving 
 in the army. As soon as the sailors had taken up his 
 portmanteau, and he had dismissed them with a gratuity, 
 the extent of which made the old porter open his eyes with 
 astonishment, and gave him a favourable opinion of his 
 master's new guest, he entered into conversation with the 
 old man, who, like Eve upon another occasion, was 
 tempted, nothing loth, for the old man loved to talk ; and 
 in a house so busy as the syndic's there were few who had 
 time to chatter, and those who had, preferred other con- 
 versation to what, it must be confessed, was rather prosy. 
 
 "Mein Gott, mynheer, you must not expect to have 
 company here all day. My master- has the town business 
 and his own business to attend to : he can't well get through 
 it all : besides, now is a busy time, the schuyts are bringing 
 
2o8 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 up the cargo of a vessel from a far voyage, and Mynheer 
 Krause always goes to the warehouse from breakfast till 
 dinner, and then again from three or four o'clock till six. 
 After that he will stay above, and then sees company, 
 and hears our young lady sing." 
 
 ** Young lady ! has he a daughter then ? " 
 
 "He has a daughter, mynheer — only one — only one 
 child — no son, it is a pity ; and so much money too, they 
 say. I don't know how many stivers and guilders she 
 will have by-and-bye." 
 
 " Is not Madame Krause still alive ? " 
 
 "No, mynheer, she died when this maiden was born. 
 She was a good lady, cured me once of the yellow 
 jaundice." 
 
 Ramsay, like all young men, wondered what sort of a 
 person this lady might be ; but he was too discreet to put 
 the question. He was, however, pleased to hear that 
 there was a young female in the house, as it would make 
 the time pass away more agreeably , not that he expected 
 much. Judging from the father, he made up his mind, 
 as he took his clothes out of his vaRse, that she was very 
 short, very prim, and had a hooked nose. 
 
 The old man now left the room to allow Ramsay to 
 dress, and telling him that if he wanted anything, he had 
 only to call for Koops, which was his name, but going 
 out, he returned to say, that Ramsay must call rather 
 loud, as he was a little hard of hearing. 
 
 "Well," thought Ramsay, as he was busy with his 
 toilet, " here I am safe lodged at last, and everything 
 appears as if it would prosper. There is something in 
 my position which my mind revolts at, but stratagem is 
 necessary in war. I am in the enemy's camp to save my 
 own life, and to serve the just cause. It is no more than 
 what they attempt to do with us. It is my duty to my 
 
 lawful sovereign, but still 1 do not like it. Then 
 
 the more merit in performing a duty so foreign to my 
 inclinations." 
 
 Such were the thoughts of Ramsay, who like other 
 
The Dog Fiend 209 
 
 manly and daring dispositions, was dissatisfied with playing 
 the part of a deceiver, although he had been selected for 
 the service, and his selection had been approved of at the 
 Court of St Germains. 
 
 Open warfare would have suited him better; but he 
 would not repine at what he considered he was bound in 
 fealty to perform, if required, although he instinctively 
 shrank from it. His toilet was complete, and Ramsay 
 descended into the reception-room : he had been longer 
 than usual, but probably that was because he wished to 
 commune with himself; or it might be, because he had 
 been informed that there was a young lady in the house. 
 
 The room was empty when Ramsay entered it, and he 
 took the advice of his host, and amused himself by ex- 
 amining the pictures, and other articles of virtUy with 
 which the room was filled. 
 
 At last, having looked at everything, Ramsay examined 
 a splendid clock on the mantelpiece, before a fine glass, 
 which mounted to the very top of the lofty room, when, 
 accidentally casting his eyes to the looking-glass, he 
 perceived in it that the door of the room, to which his 
 back was turned, was open, and that a female was 
 standing there, apparently surprised to find a stranger, 
 and not exactly knowing whether to advance or retreat. 
 Ramsay remained in the same position, as if he did not 
 perceive her, that he might look at her without her being 
 aware of it. It was, as he presumed, the syndic's daughter ; 
 but how different from the person he had conjured up in 
 his mind's eye, when at his toilet ! Apparently about 
 seventeen or eighteen years of age, she was rather above 
 the height of woman, delicately formed, although not by 
 any means thin in her person : her figure possessing all 
 that feminine luxuriance, which can only be obtained when 
 the bones are small, but well covered. Her face was 
 oval, and brilliantly fair. Her hair of a dark chestnut, 
 and her eyes of a deep blue. Her dress was simple in 
 the extreme. She wore nothing but the white woollen 
 petticoats of the time, so short, as to show above her 
 
2IO Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 ankles, and a sort of little jacket of fine green cloth, with 
 lappets, which descended from the waist, and opened in 
 front. Altogether, Ramsay thought that he had never 
 in his life seen a young female so peculiarly attractive at 
 first sight : there was a freshness in her air and appearance 
 so uncommon, so unlike the general crowd. As she stood 
 in a state of uncertainty, her mouth opened, and displayed 
 small and beautifully white teeth. 
 
 Gradually she receded, supposing that she had not 
 been discovered, and closed the door quietly after her 
 leaving Ramsay for a few seconds at the glass, with hL 
 eyes fixed upon the point at which she had disappeared. 
 
 Ramsay of course fell into a reverie, as most men do 
 in a case of this kind ; but he had not proceeded very far 
 into it before he was interrupted by the appearance of 
 the syndic, who entered by another door. 
 
 " I am sorry to have been obliged to leave you to your 
 own company, Mynheer Ramsay, so soon after your arrival ; 
 but my arrangement of time is regular, and I cannot make 
 any alteration. Before you have been with us long, I 
 trust that you will find means of amusement. I shall 
 have great pleasure in introducing you to many friends 
 whose time is not so occupied as mine. Once again let 
 me say how happy I am to receive so distinguished a 
 young gentleman under my roof. Did the cutter bring 
 despatches for the States General, may I enquire ? " 
 
 " Yes," replied Ramsay, " she did ; and they are of 
 some importance." 
 
 " Indeed ? " rejoined Mynheer inquisitively. 
 
 ** My dear sir," said Ramsay, blushing at his own 
 falsehood, ** we are, I believe, both earnest in one point, 
 which is to strengthen the good cause. Under such an 
 impression, and having accepted your hospitality, I have no 
 right to withhold what I know, but with which others are 
 not acquainted." 
 
 " My dear sir," interrupted Krause, who was now fully 
 convinced of the importance of his guest, " you do me 
 justice ; I am firm and steadfast in the good cause. I am 
 
The Dog Fiend 211 
 
 known to be so, and I am also, I trust, discreet ; confiding 
 to my tried friends, indeed, but it will be generally acknow- 
 ledged that Mynheer Krause has possessed, and safely 
 guarded, the secrets of the state." 
 
 Now, in the latter part of this speech. Mynheer Krause 
 committed a small mistake. He was known to be a 
 babbler, one to whom a secret could not be imparted, 
 without every risk of its being known ; and it was from 
 the knowledge of this failing in Mynheer Krause that 
 Ramsay had received such very particular recommendations 
 to him. As syndic of the town, it was impossible to 
 prevent his knowledge of government secrets, and v/hen 
 these occasionally escaped, they were always traced to his 
 not being able to hold his tongue. 
 
 Nothing pleased Mynheer Krause so much as a secret, 
 because nothing gave him so much pleasure as whispering 
 it confidentially into the ear of a dozen confidential friends. 
 The consequence v/as, the government was particularly 
 careful that he should not know what was going on, and 
 did all they could to prevent it ; but there were many 
 others who, although they could keep a secret, had no 
 objection to part with it for a consideration, and in the 
 enormous commercial transactions of Mynheer Krause, it 
 was not unfrequent for a good bargain to be struck with 
 him by one or more of the public functionaries, the differ- 
 ence between the sum proposed and accepted being settled 
 against the interests of Mynheer Krause, by the party 
 putting him in possession of some government movement 
 which had hitherto been kept in petto. Every man has his 
 hobby, and usually pays dear for it, so did Mynheer Krause. 
 
 Now when it is remembered that Ramsay had opened 
 and read the whole of the despatches, it may at once be 
 supposed what a valuable acquaintance he would appear to 
 Mynheer Krause ; but we must not anticipate. Ramsay's 
 reply was, " I feel it my bounden duty to impart all I am 
 possessed of to my very worthy host, but allow me to 
 observe, mynheer, that prudence is necessary — we may be 
 overheard." 
 
212 Snarl eyyow; or, 
 
 " I am pleased to find one of your age so circumspect," 
 replied Krause ; " perhaps it would be better to defer our 
 conversation till after supper, but in the meantime, could 
 you not just give me a little inkling of what is going on ? " 
 
 Ramsay had difficulty in stifling a smile at this specimen 
 of Mynheer Krause's eagerness for intelligence. He very 
 gravely walked up to him, looked all round the room as if 
 he was afraid that the walls would hear him, and then 
 whispered for a few seconds into the ear of his host. 
 
 " Indeed ! " exclaimed Krause, looking up into Ramsay's 
 face. 
 
 Ramsay nodded his head authoritatively. 
 
 " Gott in himmel ! " exclaimed the syndic ; but here the 
 bell for dinner rang a loud peal. " Dinner is on the table, 
 mynheer," continued the syndic, " allow me to show you 
 the way. "We will talk this over to-night. Gott in 
 himmel ! Is it possible ? " 
 
 Mynheer Krause led the way to another saloon, where 
 Ramsay found not only the table prepared, but, as he had 
 anticipated, the daughter of his host, to whom he was 
 introduced. " Wilhelmina," said Mynheer Krause, "our 
 young friend will stay with us, I trust, some time, and you 
 must do all you can to make him comfortable. You know, 
 my dear, that business must be attended to. With me, 
 time is money ; so much so, that I can scarcely do justice 
 to the affairs of the state devolving upon me in virtue of 
 my office. You must, therefore, join with me, and do 
 your best to amuse our guest." 
 
 To this speech, Wilhelmina made no reply, but by a 
 gracious inclination of her head towards Ramsay, which 
 was returned with all humility. The dinner was excellent, 
 and Ramsay amused himself very well indeed until it was 
 over. Mynheer Krause then led the way to the saloon, 
 called for coffee, and, so soon as he had finished it, made 
 an apology to his guest, and left him alone with his 
 beautiful daughter. 
 
 Wilhelmina Krause was a young person of a strong 
 mind irregularly cultivated ; she had never known the 
 
The Dog Fiend 213 
 
 advantage of a mother's care, and was indeed self- 
 educated. She had a strong tinge of romance in her 
 character, and, left so much alone, she loved to indulge 
 in it. 
 
 In other points she was clever, well read, and accom- 
 plished ; graceful in her manners, open in her disposition, 
 to a fault ; for, like her father, she could not keep a 
 secret, not even the secrets of her own heart ; for what- 
 ever she thought she gave utterance to, which is not 
 exactly the custom in this world, and often attended with 
 unpleasant consequences. 
 
 The seclusion in which she had been kept added to 
 the natural timidity of her disposition — but when once 
 intimate, it also added to her confiding character. It was 
 impossible to see without admiring her, to know her 
 without loving her ; for she was nature herself, and, at 
 the same time, in her person one of Nature's master- 
 pieces. 
 
 As we observed, when they retired to the saloon. 
 Mynheer Krause very shortly quitted them, to attend to 
 his affairs below, desiring his daughter to exert herself for 
 the amusement of his guest ; the contrary, however, was 
 the case, for Ramsay exerted himself to amuse her, and 
 very soon was successful, for he could talk of courts 
 and kings, of courtiers and of people, and of a thousand 
 things, all interesting to a young girl who had lived 
 secluded •, and as his full-toned voice, in measured and 
 low pitch, fell upon Wilhelmina's ear, she never perhaps 
 was so much interested. She seldom ventured a remark, 
 except it was to request him to proceed, and the eloquent 
 language with which Ramsay clothed his ideas, added a 
 charm to the novelty of his conversation. In the course 
 of two hours Ramsay had already acquired a moral influ- 
 ence over Wilhelmina, who looked up to him with respect, 
 and another feeling which we can only deilne by saying 
 that it was certainly anything but ill-will. 
 
 The time passed so rapidly, that the two young people 
 could hardly believe it possible that it was past six 
 
2 14 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 o'clock, when they were interrupted by the appearance 
 of Mynheer Krause, who came from his counting-house, 
 the labours of the day being over. In the summer-time it 
 was his custom to take his daughter out in the carriage at 
 this hour, but the weather was too cold, and, moreover, it 
 was nearly dark. A conversation ensued on general topics, 
 which lasted till supper-time ; after this repast was over 
 Wilhelmina retired, leaving Ramsay and the syndic alone. 
 
 It was then that Ramsay made known to his host the 
 contents of the despatches, much to Mynheer Krause's 
 surprise and delight, who felt assured that his guest must 
 be strong in the confidence of the English government, to 
 be able to communicate such intelligence. Ramsay, who 
 was aware that the syndic would sooner or later know 
 what had been written, of course was faithful in his detail ; 
 not so, however, when they canvassed the attempts of the 
 Jacobite party ; then Mr Krause was completely mystified. 
 
 It was not till a late hour that they retired to bed. The 
 next morning, the syndic, big with his intelligence, called 
 upon his friends in person, and much to their surprise told 
 them the contents of the despatches which had been 
 received — and, much to his delight, discovered that he had 
 been correctly informed. He also communicated what 
 Ramsay had told him relative to the movements of the 
 Court of St Germains, and thus, unintentionally, false 
 intelligence was forwarded to England as from good author- 
 ity. It hardly need be observed, that, in a very short time, 
 Ramsay had gained the entire confidence of his host, and 
 we may add also, of his host's daughter ; but we must 
 leave him for the present to follow up his plans, whatever 
 they may be, and return to the personages more 
 immediately connected with this narrative. 
 
The Dog Fiend 215 
 
 Chapter XXIX 
 
 In which Jemmy Ducks proves the truth of Moggy's assertion, that there 
 was no one like him before or since — Nancy and Jemmy serenade the 
 stars. 
 
 As soon as Moggy landed at the Point with her dear darling 
 duck of a husband, as she called him, she put his chest and 
 hammock on a barrow and had them wheeled up to her 
 own lodgings, and then they went out to call upon Nancy 
 Corbett to make their future arrangements ; Moggy 
 proceeding in rapid strides, and Jemmy trotting with his 
 diminutive legs behind her, something like a stout pony by 
 the side of a large horse. It was in pedestrianism that 
 Jemmy most felt his inferiority, and the protecting, fond 
 way in which Moggy would turn round every minute and 
 say, " Come along, my duck," would have been irritating 
 to any other but one of Jemmy's excellent temper. Many 
 looked at Jemmy, as he waddled along, smiled and passed 
 on ; one unfortunate nymph,^however, ventured to stop, and 
 putting her arms a-kimbo, looked down upon him and 
 exclaimed, "Veil! you are a nice little man," and then 
 commenced singing the old refrain — 
 
 " I had a little husband no bigger than my thumb, 
 I put him in a pint pot, and there I bid him drum : " 
 
 when Moggy, who had turned back, saluted her with such 
 a box on the ear, that she made the drum of it ring again. 
 The young lady was not one of those who would offer the 
 other cheek to be smitten, and she immediately flew at 
 Moggy and returned the blow ; but Jemmy, who liked 
 quiet, caught her round the legs, and, as if she had been a 
 feather, threw her over his head, so that she fell down in the 
 gutter behind him with a violence which was anything but 
 agreeable. She gained her legs again, looked at her soiled 
 garments, scraped the mud off her cheek — we are sorry to 
 add, made use of some very improper language, and finding 
 
2i6 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 herself in the minority, walked off, turning round and 
 shaking her fist at every twenty paces. 
 
 Moggy and her husband continued their course as if 
 nothing had happened, and arrived at the house of Nancy 
 Corbett, who had, as may be supposed, changed her 
 lodgings and kept out of sight of Vanslyperken. Nancy 
 was no stranger to Jemmy Ducks ; so far as his person 
 went he was too remarkable a character not to be known 
 by her who knew almost everybody ; and, moreover, she 
 had made sufficient inquiries about his character. The 
 trio at once proceeded to business : Jemmy had promised 
 his wife to join the smugglers, and it was now arranged, 
 that both he and his wife should be regularly enlisted in 
 the gang, she to remain at the cave with the women, 
 unless her services were required elsewhere, he to belong 
 to the boat. There was, however, one necessary pre- 
 liminary still to be taken, that of Jemmy and his wife both 
 taking the oath of fidelity at the house of the Jew Lazarus ; 
 but it was not advisable to go there before dusk, so they 
 remained with Nancy till that time, during which she was 
 fully satisfied that, in both parties, the band would have 
 an acquisition, for Nancy was very keen and penetrating, 
 and had a great insight into human nature. 
 
 At dusk, to the house of Lazarus they accordingly 
 repaired, and were admitted by the cautious Jew. Nancy 
 stated why they had come, and there being, at the time, 
 several of the confederates, as usual, in the house, they 
 were summoned by the Jew to be witnesses to the oath 
 being administered. Half-a-dozen dark-looking, bold 
 men soon made their appearance, and recognised Nancy 
 by nods of their heads. 
 
 "Who have we here, old Father Abraham?" exclaimed 
 a stout man, who was dressed in a buff jerkin and a pair 
 of boots which rose above his knees. 
 
 " A good man and true," replied Nancy, taking up the 
 answer. 
 
 " Why, you don't call that thing a man ! " exclaimed 
 the fierce-looking confederate with contempt. 
 
The Dog Fiend 217 
 
 " As good a man as ever stood in your boots," replied 
 Moggy in wrath. 
 
 " Indeed : well, perhaps so, if he could only see his 
 way when once into them," replied the man with a loud 
 laugh, in which he was joined by his companions. 
 
 " What can you do, my little man ? " said another of 
 a slighter build than the first, coming forward and putting 
 his hand upon Jemmy's head. 
 
 Now Jemmy was the best-tempered fellow in the world, 
 but, at the same time, the very best-tempered people have 
 limits to their forbearance, and do not like to be taken 
 liberties with by strangers : so felt Jemmy, who, seizing 
 the young man firmly by the waistband of his trousers 
 just below the hips, lifted him from the ground, and with 
 a strength which astonished all present, threw him clean 
 over the table, his body sweeping away both the candles, 
 so they were all left in darkness. 
 
 ** I can douse a glim anyhow," cried Jemmy. 
 
 "That's my darling duck," cried Moggy, delighted with 
 this proof of her husband's vigour. 
 
 Some confusion was created by this manoeuvre on the 
 part of Jemmy, but candles were reproduced, and the 
 first man who spoke, feeling as if this victory on the part 
 of Jemmy was a rebuke to himself, again commenced his 
 interrogations. 
 
 " Well, my little man, you are strong in the arms, but 
 what will you do without legs ? " 
 
 " Not run away, as you have done a hundred times," 
 replied Jemmy, scornfully. 
 
 " Now by the God of War you shall answer for this," 
 replied the man, catching hold of Jemmy by the collar ; 
 but in a moment he was tripped up by Jemmy, and fell 
 down with great violence on his back. 
 
 ** Bravo, bravo ! " exclaimed the rest, who took part 
 with Jemmy. 
 
 ** That's my own little duck," cried Moggy j " you've 
 shown him what you can do, anyhow." 
 
 The man rose, and was apparently feeling for some 
 
21 8 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 arms secreted about his person, when Nancy Corbett 
 stepped forward. 
 
 "Do you dare?" cried she; "take what you have 
 
 received, and be thankful, or '* and Nancy held up 
 
 her little forefinger. 
 
 The man slunk back among the others in silence. The 
 old Jew, who had not interfered, being in presence of 
 Nancy, who had superior commands, now read the oath, 
 which was of a nature not to be communicated to the 
 reader without creating disgust. It was, however, such 
 an oath as was taken in those times, and has since been 
 frequently taken in Ireland. It was subscribed to by 
 Jemmy and his wife without hesitation, and they were 
 immediately enrolled among the members of the association. 
 As soon as this ceremony had been gone through, Nancy 
 and her proteges quitted the house and returned to her 
 lodgings, when it was agreed that the next night they 
 should go over to the island, as Jemmy's services were 
 required in the boat in lieu of Ramsay, whose place as 
 steersman he was admirably qualified to occupy, much 
 better, indeed, than that of a rower, as his legs were 
 too short to reach the stretcher, where it was usually 
 fixed. 
 
 The next evening the weather was calm and clear, and 
 when they embarked in the boat of the old fisherman, 
 with but a small portion of their effects, the surface of 
 the water was unruffled, and the stars twinkled brightly 
 in the heavens ; one article which Jemmy never parted 
 with, was in his hand, his fiddle. They all took their 
 seats, and the old fisherman shoved off his boat, and 
 they were soon swept out of the harbour by the strong 
 ebb tide. 
 
 " An't this better than being on board with Vansly- 
 perken, and your leave stopped ? " observed Moggy. 
 
 ** Yes," replied the husband. 
 
 '* And I not permitted to go on board to see my duck of 
 a husband — confound his snivelling carcass ? " continued 
 Moggy. 
 
The Dog Fiend 219 
 
 " Yes," replied Jemmy, thoughtfully. 
 
 " And in company with that supernatual cur of his ? " 
 
 Jemmy nodded his head, and then in his abstraction 
 touched the strings of his violin. 
 
 " They say that you are clever with your instrument, 
 Mr Salisbury," observed Nancy Corbett. 
 
 " That he is," replied Moggy ; " and he sings like a 
 darling duck. Don't you, Jemmy, my dear ? " 
 
 " Quack, quack," replied Jemmy. 
 
 " Well, Mr Salisbury, there's no boat that I can see 
 near us, or even in sight ; and if there was it were little 
 matter. I suppose you will let me hear you, for I shall 
 have little opportunity after this ? " 
 
 " With all my heart," replied Jemmy ; who, taking up 
 his fiddle, and playing upon the strings like a guitar, after 
 a little reflection, sang as follows : 
 
 Bless my eyes, how young Bill threw his shiners away, 
 
 As he drank and he danced, when he first came on shore! 
 It was clear that he fancied that with his year's pay, 
 
 Like the Bank of Old England, he'd never be poor. 
 So when the next day, with a southerly wind in 
 
 His pockets, he came up, my rhino to borrow ; 
 " You're welcome," says I, " Bill, as I forked out the tin, 
 
 But when larking to-day — don't forget therms to-morroiv " 
 
 When our frigate came to from a cruise in the west, 
 
 And her yards were all squared, her sails neatly furled. 
 Young Tom clasped his Nancy, so loved, to his breast, 
 
 As if but themselves there was none in the world. 
 Between two of the guns they were fondly at play. 
 
 All billing and kissing, forgetting all sorrow ; 
 '* Love, like cash," says I, " Nan, may all go in a day, 
 
 While you hug him so close — dorCt forget there s to-morrotvy 
 
 When a hurricane swept us smack smooth fore and aft, 
 
 When we dashed on the rock, and we floundered on shore. 
 As we sighed for the loss of our beautiful craft. 
 
 Convinced that the like we should never see more, 
 Says I, " My good fellows," as huddled together, 
 
 They shivered and shook, each phiz black with sorrow, 
 " Remember, it's not to be always foul weather, 
 
 So with ill-luck to-day — dor^t forget there's to-morroiv t " 
 
 *' And not a bad hint, neither, Mr Salisbury," said 
 
220 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Nancy, when Jemmy ceased. ** You sailors never think 
 of to-morrow, more's the pity. You're no better than 
 overgrown babies." 
 
 ** I'm not much better, at all events," replied Jemmy, 
 laughing : " however, I'm as God made me, and so all's 
 right." 
 
 ** That's my own darling Jemmy," said Moggy ; " and 
 if you're content, and I'm content, who is to say a word, I 
 should like to know ? You may be a rum one to look at, 
 but I think them fellows found you but a rum customer 
 the other night." 
 
 " Don't put so much rum in your discourse. Moggy, you 
 make me long for a glass of grog." 
 
 " Then your mouth will find the water," rejoined Nancy; 
 " but, however, singing is dry work, and I am provided. 
 Pass my basket aft, old gentleman, and we will find Mr 
 Salisbury something with which to whet his whistle." 
 The boatman handed the basket to Nancy, who pulled out 
 a bottle and glass, which she filled, and handed to Jemmy. 
 
 "Now, Mr Salisbury, I expect some more songs," said 
 Nancy. 
 
 " And you shall have them, mistress ; but I've heard 
 say that you've a good pipe of your own; suppose that 
 you give me one in return, that will be but fair play." 
 
 " Not exactly, for you'll have the grog in the bargain," 
 replied Nancy. 
 
 "Put my fiddle against the grog, and then all's 
 square." 
 
 "I have not sung for many a day," replied Nancy, 
 musing, and looking up at the bright twinkling stars. " I 
 once sang, when I was young — and happy — I then sang 
 all the day long ; that was really singing, for it came from 
 the merriness of my heart ; " and Nancy paused. " Yes, I 
 have sung since, and often, for they made me sing ; but 
 'twas when my heart was heavy — or when its load had 
 been, for a time, forgotten and drowned in wine. That 
 was not singing, at least not the singing of bygone days." 
 
 "But those times are bygone too, Mistress Nancy," 
 
The Dog Fiend 221 
 
 said Moggy ; " you have now your marriage lines, and are 
 made an honest woman." 
 
 " Yes, and God keep me so, amen," replied Nancy 
 mournfully. 
 
 Had not the night concealed it, a tear might have been 
 seen by the others in the boat to trickle down the cheek of 
 Nancy Corbett, as she was reminded of her former life ; 
 and as she again fixed her eyes upon the brilliant heavens, 
 each particular star appeared to twinkle brighter, as if they 
 rejoiced to witness tears like those. 
 
 **You must be light o' heart now, Mistress Nancy," 
 observed Jemmy, soothingly. 
 
 "I am not unhappy," replied she, resting her cheek 
 upon her hand. 
 
 ** Mistress Nancy," said Moggy, " I should think a little 
 of that stuff would do neither of us any harm ; the night 
 is rather bleak." 
 
 Moggy poured out a glass and handed it to Nancy ; she 
 drank it, and it saved her from a flood of tears, which 
 otherwise she would have been unable to repress. In a 
 minute or two, during which Moggy helped herself and 
 the old boatman, Nancy's spirits returned. 
 
 "Do you know this air ?" said Nancy to Jemmy, hum- 
 ming it. 
 
 *' Yes, yes, I know it well. Mistress Nancy. Will you 
 sing to it ? " 
 
 Nancy Corbett who had been celebrated once for her 
 sweet singing, as well as her beauty, immediately com- 
 menced in a soft and melodious tone, while Jemmy touched 
 his fiddle. 
 
 Lost, stolen, or strayed, 
 The heart of a young maid ; 
 Whoever the same shall find, 
 And prove so very kind, 
 To yield it on desire, 
 They shall rewarded be, 
 And that most handsomely, 
 "With kisses one, two, three. 
 
 Cupid is the crier, 
 
 Ring-a-ding, a-ding, 
 
 Cupid is the crier. 
 
222 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 O yes ! O yes ! O yes ! 
 
 Here is a pretty mess ! 
 A maiden's heart is gone, 
 And she is left forlorn, 
 And panting with desire ; 
 Whoever shall bring it me, 
 They shall rewarded be, 
 With kisses one, two, three, 
 
 Cupid is the crier, 
 
 Ring-a-ding, a-ding, 
 
 Cupid is the crier. 
 
 'Twas lost on Sunday eve, 
 Or taken without leave, 
 A virgin's heart so pure, 
 She can't the loss endure, 
 And surely will expire ; 
 Pity her misery. 
 Rewarded you shall be, 
 With kisses one, two, three. 
 
 Cupid is the crier, 
 
 Ring-a-ding, a-ding, 
 
 Cupid is the crier. 
 
 The maiden sought around. 
 It was not to be found, 
 She searched each nook and dell, 
 The haunts she loved so well. 
 All anxious with desire; 
 The wind blew ope his vest. 
 When, lo ! the toy in quest. 
 She found within the breast 
 
 Of Cupid, the false crier, 
 
 Ring-a-ding, a-ding-a-ding, 
 
 Cupid the false crier. 
 
 " Many thanks, Mistress Corbett, for a good song, sung 
 in good tune, with a sweet voice," said Jemmy. *' I owe 
 you one for that, and am ready to pay you on demand. 
 You've a pipe like a missel thrush." 
 
 " Well, I do believe that I shall begin to sing again," 
 replied Nancy. " I'm sure if Corbett was only once 
 settled on shore in a nice little cottage, with a garden, 
 and a blackbird in a wicker cage, I should try who could 
 sing most, the bird or me." 
 
 " He will be by-and-bye, when his work is done." 
 
The Dog Fiend 223 
 
 ** Yes, when it is ; but open boats, stormy seas, and 
 the halter, are heavy odds, Mr Salisbury." 
 
 " Don't mention the halter. Mistress Nancy, you'll 
 make me melancholy," replied Jemmy, " and I sha'n't be 
 able to sing any more. Well, if they want to hang me, 
 they need not rig the yard-arm, three handspikes as 
 sheers, and I shouldn't find soundings, heh ! Moggy ? " 
 
 Nancy laughed at the ludicrous idea; but Moggy ex- 
 claimed with vehemence, " Hang my Jemmy ! my darling 
 duck ! I should like to see them." 
 
 " At all events, we'll have another song from him. 
 Moggy, before they spoil his windpipe, which, I must 
 say, would be a great pity ; but Moggy, there have been 
 better men hung than your husband." 
 
 ** Better men than my Jemmy, Mrs Corbett ! There 
 never was one like him afore or since ; " replied Moggy, 
 with indignation. 
 
 " I only meant of longer pedigree. Moggy," replied 
 Nancy soothingly. 
 
 "I don't know what that is," replied Moggy, still 
 angry. 
 
 ** Longer legs, to be sure," replied Jemmy. " Never 
 mind that. Moggy. Here goes, a song in two parts. 
 It's a pity, Mistress Nancy, that you couldn't take one." 
 
 " When will you give up this life of wild roving ? 
 When shall we be quiet and happy on shore ? 
 When will you to church lead your Susan, so loving, 
 And sail on the treacherous billows no more ? '* 
 
 " My ship is my wife, Sue, no other I covet, 
 
 Till I draw the firm splice that's betwixt her and me; 
 ril roam on the ocean, for much do I love it — 
 To wed with another were rank bigamy." 
 
 " O William, what nonsense you talk, you are raving ; 
 Pray how can a ship and a man become one ? 
 You say so because you no longer are craving, 
 As once you were truly — and I am undone." 
 
 " You wrong me, my dearest, as sure as I stand here, 
 As sure as I'll sail again on the wide sea ; 
 Some day I will settle, and marry with you, dear. 
 But now 'twould be nothing but rank bigamy." 
 
224 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " Then tell me the time, dear William, whenever 
 Your Sue may expect this divorce to be made; 
 When you'll surely be mine, when no object shall sever, 
 But locked in your arms I'm no longer afraid." 
 
 " The time it will be when my pockets are lined, 
 
 I'll then draw the splice 'tween my vessel and me, 
 And lead you to church, if you're still so inclined — 
 But before, my dear Sue, 'twere rank bigamy." 
 
 " Thank you, Mr Salisbury. I like the moral of that 
 song; a sailor never should marry till he can settle on 
 shore." 
 
 ** What*s the meaning of big-a-me ? " said Moggy. 
 
 " Marrying two husbands or two wives, Mrs Salisbury. 
 Perhaps you might get off on the plea that you had only 
 one and a half," continued Nancy, laughing. 
 
 " Well, perhaps she might," replied Jemmy, " if he 
 were a judge of understanding." 
 
 " I should think. Mistress Nancy, you might as well 
 leave my husband's legs alone," observed Moggy, affronted. 
 
 ** Lord bless you. Moggy, if he's not angry, you surely 
 should not be ; I give a joke, and I can take one. You 
 surely are not jealous ? " 
 
 " Indeed I am though, and always shall be of anyone 
 who plays with my Jemmy." 
 
 " Or if he plays with anything else ? " 
 
 " Yes, indeed." 
 
 " Yes, indeed ! then you must be downright jealous of 
 his fiddle, Moggy," replied Nancy ; " but never mind, you 
 sha'n't be jealous now about nothing. I'll sing you a song, 
 and then you'll forget all this." Nancy Corbett then sang 
 as follows : 
 
 Fond Mary sat on Henry's knee, 
 " I must be home exact," said he. 
 
 And see, the hour is come." 
 *' No, Henry, you shall never go 
 Until me how to count you show ; 
 
 That task must first be done." 
 
 Then Harry said, "As time is short. 
 Addition you must first be taught ;— 
 Sum up these kisses sweet ; 
 
The Dog Fiend 225 
 
 Now prove your sum by kissing me : — 
 Yes, that is right, 'twas three times three ; — 
 Arithmetic's a treat. 
 
 " And now there is another term, 
 Subtraction you have yet to learn ; 
 
 Take four away from these." 
 " Yes, that is right, you've made it out,*' 
 Says Mary, with a pretty pout, 
 
 " Subtraction don't me please." 
 
 Division's next upon the list ; 
 
 Young Henry taught while Mary kissed, 
 
 And much admired the rule ; 
 " Now, Henry, don't you think me quick ? " 
 " Why, yes, indeed, you've learned the trick j 
 
 At kissing you're no fool." 
 
 To multiply was next the game, 
 Which Henry by the method same, 
 
 To Mary fain would show ; 
 But here his patience was worn out, 
 She multiplied too fast I doubt, 
 
 He could no farther go. 
 
 " And now we must leave off, my dear ; 
 The other rules are not so clear, 
 
 We'll try at them to-night ; " 
 " I'll come at eve, my Henry sweet ; 
 Behind the hawthorn hedge we'll meet. 
 
 For learning's my delight." 
 
 ** That's a very pretty song, Mistress Corbett, and 
 you've a nice collection, I've no doubt. If you've no 
 objection, I'll exchange another with you." 
 
 ** I should be most willing, Mr Salisbury ; but we are 
 now getting well over, and we may as well be quiet, as I 
 do not wish people to ask where we are going." 
 
 " You're right, ma'am," observed the old fisherman, 
 who pulled the boat. " Put up your fiddle, master ; there 
 be plenty on the look out, without our giving them 
 notice." 
 
 " Very true," replied Jemmy, "so we break up our 
 concert." 
 
 The whole party were now silent. In a quarter of an 
 hour the boat was run into a cut, which concealed it from 
 s p 
 
226 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 view ; and, as soon as the fisherman had looked round to 
 see the coast clear, they landed and made haste to pass by 
 the cottages; after that Nancy slackened her pace, and 
 they walked during the night over to the other side of the 
 island, and arrived at the cottages above the cave* 
 
 Here they left a portion of their burdens and then pro- 
 ceeded to the path down the cliff which led to the cave. 
 On Nancy giving the signal, the ladder was lowered, and 
 they were admitted. As soon as they were upon the flat. 
 Moggy embraced her husband, crying, " Here I have you, 
 my own dear Jemmy, all to myself, and safe for ever." 
 
 Chapter XXX 
 
 In which Mr Vanslyperken treats the ladies. 
 
 On the second day after his arrival, Vanslyperken, as 
 agreed, went up to the syndic's house to call upon Ramsay. 
 The latter paid him down one hundred pounds for his 
 passage and services, and Vanslyperken was so pleased, 
 that he thought seriously, as soon as he had amassed 
 sufficient money, to withdraw himself from the service, 
 and retire with his ill-gotten gains ; but when would a 
 miser like Vanslyperken have amassed sufficient money ? 
 Alas ! never, even if the halter were half round his neck. 
 Ramsay then gave his instructions to Vanslyperken, 
 advising him to call for letters previously to his sailing, 
 and telling him that he must open the government de- 
 spatches in the way to which he had been witness, take full 
 memorandums of the contents, and bring them to him, for 
 which service he would each time receive fifty pounds as 
 a remuneration. Vanslyperken bowed to his haughty new 
 acquaintance, and quitted the house. 
 
 ** Yes," thought Ramsay, " that fellow is a low, con- 
 temptible traitor, and how infamous does treason appear 
 in that wretch ! but — I — I am no traitor — I have forfeited 
 
The Dog Fiend 227 
 
 my property and risked my life in fidelity to my king, and 
 in attempting to rid the world of a usurper and a tyrant. 
 Here, indeed, I am playing a traitor's part to my host, but 
 still I am doing my duty. An army without spies would 
 be incomplete, and one may descend to that office for the 
 good of one's country without tarnish or disgrace. Am 
 I not a traitor to her already ? Have not I formed visions 
 in my imagination already of obtaining her hand, and her 
 heart, and her fortune ? Is not this treachery ? Shall I 
 not attempt to win her affections under disguise as her 
 father's friend and partisan ? But what have women to do 
 with politics ? Or if they have, do not they set so light a 
 value upon them, that they will exchange them for a 
 feather ? Yes, surely 5 when they love, their politics are 
 the politics of those they cling to. At present, she is on 
 her father's side j but if she leave her father and cleave to 
 me, her politics will be transferred with her affections. 
 But then her religion. She thinks me a Protestant. Well, 
 love is all in all with women ; not only politics but religion 
 must yield to it j ** thy people shall be my people, and thy 
 God shall be my God," as Ruth says in the scriptures. She 
 is wrong in politics, I will put her right. She is wrong in 
 religion, I will restore her to the bosom of the church. 
 Her wealth would be sacrificed to some heretic ; it were 
 far better that it belonged to one who supports the true 
 religion and the good cause. In what way, therefore, 
 shall I injure her ? On the contrary." And Ramsay 
 walked down stairs to find Wilhelmina. Such were the 
 arguments used by the young cavalier, and with which he 
 fully satisfied himself that he was doing rightly ; had he 
 argued the other side of the question, he would have been 
 equally convinced, as most people are, when they argue 
 without any opponent ; but we must leave him to follow 
 Vanslyperken. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken walked away from the syndic's house 
 with the comfortable idea that one side of him was heavier 
 than the other by one hundred guineas. He also ruminated ; 
 he had already obtained three hundred pounds, no small suin, 
 
228 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 in those days, for a lieutenant. It is true that he had lost 
 the chance of thousands by the barking of Snarleyyow, and 
 he had lost the fair Portsmouth widow ; but then he was 
 again on good terms with the Frau Vandersloosh, and was 
 in a fair way of making his fortune, and, as he considered, 
 with small risk. His mother, too, attracted a share of his 
 reminiscences ; the old woman would soon die, and then he 
 would have all that she had saved. Smallbones occasionally 
 intruded himself, but that was but for a moment. And 
 Mr Vanslyperken walked away very well satisfied, upon 
 the whole, with his esse and posse. He wound up by 
 flattering himself that he should wind up with the savings 
 of his mother, his half-pay, the widow's guilders, and his 
 own property, — altogether it would be pretty comfortable. 
 But we leave him and return to Corporal Van Spitter. 
 
 Corporal Van Spitter had had wisdom enough to dupe 
 Vanslyperken, and persuade him that he was very much in 
 love with Babette ; and Vanslyperken, who was not at all 
 averse to this amour, permitted the corporal to go on shore 
 and make love. As Vanslyperken did not like the cutter 
 and Snarleyyow to be left without the corporal or himself, 
 he always remained on board when the corporal went, so 
 that the widow had enough on hand — pretending love all 
 the morning with the lieutenant, and indemnifying herself 
 by real love with the corporal after dusk. Her fat hand 
 was kissed and slobbered from morning to night, but it 
 was half for love and half for revenge. 
 
 But we must leave the corporal, and return to Jemmy 
 Ducks. Jemmy was two days in the cave before the 
 arrival of the boat, during which he made himself a 
 great favourite, particularly with Lilly, who sat down and 
 listened to his fiddle and his singing. It was a novelty 
 in the cave, anything like amusement. On the third night, 
 however. Sir R. Barclay came back from Cherbourg, and 
 as he only remained one hour, Jemmy was hastened on 
 board, taking leave of his wife, but not parting with his 
 fiddle. He took his berth as steersman, in lieu of Ramsay, 
 and gave perfect satisfaction. The intelligence brought 
 
The Dog Fiend 229 
 
 over by Sir Robert rendered an immediate messenger to 
 Portsmouth necessary ; and, as it would create less sus- 
 picion, Moggy was the party now entrusted in lieu of 
 Nancy, who had been lately seen too often, and, it was 
 supposed, had been watched. Moggy was not sorry to 
 receive her instructions, which were, to remain at Ports- 
 mouth until Lazarus the Jew should give her further 
 orders ; for there was one point which Moggy was most 
 anxious to accomplish, now that she could do it without 
 risking a retaliation upon her husband, which was, to use 
 her own expression, to pay off that snivelling old rascal, 
 Vanslyperken. 
 
 But we must leave Moggy and the movements of 
 individuals, and return to our general history. The Tung- 
 frau was detained a fortnight at Amsterdam, and then 
 received the despatches of the States General and those 
 of Ramsay, with which Vanslyperken returned to Ports- 
 mouth. On his arrival, he went through his usual routine 
 at the admiral's and the Jew's, received his douceur, and 
 hastened to his mother's house, when he found the old 
 woman, as she constantly prophesied, not dead yet. 
 
 ** Well, child, what have you brought — more gold ? " 
 
 " Yes," replied Vanslyperken, laying down the one 
 hundred and fifty guineas which he had received. 
 
 " Bless thee, my son — bless thee ! " said the old woman, 
 laying her palsied hand upon Vanslyperken's head. "It is 
 not often I bless — I never did bless as I can recollect — 
 I like cursing better. My blessing must be worth some- 
 thing, if it's only for its scarcity ; and do you know why I 
 bless thee, my Cornelius ? Because — ha, ha, ha ! because 
 you are a murderer and a traitor, and you love gold." 
 
 Even Vanslyperken shuddered at the hag's address. 
 
 " What do you ever gain by doing good in this world ? 
 nothing but laughter and contempt. I began the world 
 like a fool, but I shall go out of it like a wise woman, 
 hating, despising everything but gold. And I have had 
 my revenge in my time — yes — yes — the world, my son, is 
 divided into only two parts, those who cheat, and those 
 
230 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 who are cheated — those who master, and those who are 
 mastered — those who are shackled by superstitions and 
 priests, and those who, like me, fear neither God nor 
 devil. We must all die ; yes, but I shan't die yet, no, no." 
 
 And Vanslyperken almost wished that he could gain the 
 unbelief of the decrepit woman whom he called mother, 
 and who, on the verge of eternity, held fast to such a 
 creed. 
 
 **Well, mother, perhaps it may be you are right — I 
 never gained anything by a good action yet." 
 
 Query. Had he ever done a good action ? 
 
 " You're my own child, I see, after all ; you have my 
 blessing, Cornelius, my son — go and prosper. Get gold 
 — get gold," replied the old hag, taking up the money, 
 and locking it up in the oak chest. 
 
 Vanslyperken then narrated to his mother the unex- 
 pected interview with Smallbones, and his surmise that 
 the lad was supernaturally gifted. " Ah, well," replied 
 she, " those who are born to be hung will die by no other 
 death ; but still it does not follow that they will not die. 
 You shall have your revenge, my child. The lad shall 
 die. Try again ; water, you say, rejects him ? Fire will 
 not harm him. There is that which is of the earth and of 
 the air left. Try again, my son ; revenge is sweet, next 
 to gold." 
 
 After two hours' conversation, it grew dark, and Van- 
 slyperken departed, revolving in his mind, as he walked 
 away, the sublime principles of religion and piety, in the 
 excellent advice given by his aged mother. " I wish I 
 could only think as she does," muttered Vanslyperken at 
 last ; and as he concluded this devout wish, his arm was 
 touched by a neatly-dressed little girl, who curtsied, and 
 asked if he was not Lieutenant Vanslyperken, belonging 
 to the cutter. Vanslyperken replied in the affirmative, and 
 the little girl then said that a lady, her mistress, wished to 
 speak to him. 
 
 " Your mistress, my little girl ? " said Vanslyperken, 
 suspiciously ; ** and pray who is your mistress ? " 
 
The Dog Fiend 231 
 
 ** She is a lady, sir," replied the latter ; " she was 
 married to Major Williams, but he is dead." 
 
 "* Hah ! a widow ; well, what does she want ? I don't 
 know her." 
 
 " No, sir, and she don't know you ; but she told me 
 if you did not come at once, to give you this paper to 
 read." 
 
 Vanslyperken took the paper, and walking to the 
 window of a shop in which there was a light, contrived 
 to decipher as follows : — 
 
 " Sir, 
 " The lady who lived in Castle Street has sent me a 
 letter, and a parcel, to deliver up into your own hands, as 
 the parcel is of value. The bearer of this will bring you 
 to my house. 
 
 " Your very obedient, 
 
 "Jane Williams." 
 
 *^ T-wo o'clock:' 
 
 " Where does your mistress live, little girl ? " enquired 
 Vanslyperken, who immediately anticipated the portrait 
 of the fair widow set in diamonds. 
 
 ** She lives in one of the publics on the hard, sir, on 
 the first floor, while she is furnishing her lodgings." 
 
 ** One of the publics on the hard ; well, my little girl, 
 I will go with you." 
 
 " I have been looking for you everywhere, sir," said 
 the little girl, walking, or rather trotting by the side of 
 Vanslyperken, who strided along. 
 
 ** Did your mistress know the lady who lived in Castle 
 Street?" 
 
 " O yes, sir, my mistress then lived next door to her 
 in Castle Street, but her lease was out, and now she has 
 a much larger house in William Street, but she is painting 
 and furnishing all so handsome, sir, and so now she has 
 taken the first floor of the *Wheatsheaf' till she can get 
 in again." 
 
232 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 And Mr Vanslyperken thought it would be worth his 
 while to reconnoitre this widow before he closed with 
 the Frau Vandersloosh. How selfish men are ! 
 
 In a quarter of an hour Mr Vanslyperken and the little 
 girl had arrived at the public-house in question. Mr 
 Vanslyperken did not much admire the exterior of the 
 building, but it was too dark to enable him to take an 
 accurate survey. It was, however, evident, that it was 
 a pot-house, and nothing more ; and Mr Vanslyperken 
 thought that lodgings must be very scarce in Portsmouth. 
 He entered the first and inner door, and the little girl 
 said she would go upstairs and let her mistress know 
 that he was come. She ran up, leaving Mr Vanslyperken 
 alone in the dark passage. He waited for some time, 
 when his naturally suspicious temper made him think he 
 had been deceived, and he determined to wait outside of 
 the house, which appeared very disreputable. He there- 
 fore retreated to the inner door to open it, but found it 
 fast. He tried it again and again, but in vain, and he 
 became alarmed and indignant. Perceiving a light through 
 another keyhole, he tried the door, and it was open ; a 
 screen was close to the door as he entered, and he could 
 not see its occupants. Mr Vanslyperken walked round, 
 and as he did so, he heard the door closed and locked. 
 He looked on the other side of the screen, and, to his 
 horror, found himself in company with Moggy Salisbury, 
 and about twenty other females. Vanslyperken made a 
 precipitate retreat to the door, but he was met by three 
 or four women, who held him fast by the arms. Van- 
 slyperken would have disgraced himself by drawing his 
 cutlass ; but they were prepared for this, and while two 
 of them pinioned his arms, one of them drew his cutlass 
 from its sheath, and walked away with it. Two of the 
 women contrived to hold his arms, while another pushed 
 him in the rear, until he was brought from behind the 
 screen into the middle of the room, facing his incarnate 
 enemy. Moggy Salisbury. 
 
 ** Good evening to you, Mr Vanslyperken," cried 
 
The Dog Fiend 233 
 
 Moggy, not rising from her chair. ** It's very kind of 
 you to come and see me in this friendly way — come, take 
 a chair, and give us all the news." 
 
 ** Mistress Salisbury, you had better mind what you 
 are about with a king's officer," cried Vanslyperken, 
 turning more pale at this mockery, than if he had met 
 with abuse. ** There are constables, and stocks, and 
 gaols, and whipping-posts on shore, as well as the cat 
 on board." 
 
 " I know all that, Mr Vanslyperken," replied Moggy, 
 calmly ; " but that has nothing to do with the present 
 affair : you have come of your own accord to this house 
 to see somebody, that is plain, and you have found me. 
 So now do as you're bid, like a polite man ; sit down, and 
 treat the ladies. Ladies, Mr Vanslyperken stands treat, 
 and please the pigs, we'll make a night of it. What shall 
 it be ? I mean to take my share of a bottle of Oporto. 
 What will you have, Mrs Slamkoe ? " 
 
 " I'll take a bowl of burnt brandy, with your leave, 
 Mrs Salisbury, not being very well in my inside." 
 
 " And you, my dear ? " 
 
 '* O, punch for me — punch to the mast," cried another. 
 *' I'll drink enough to float a jolly-boat. It's very kind 
 of Mr Vanslyperken." 
 
 All the ladies expressed their several wishes, and 
 Vanslyperken knew not what to do; he thought he 
 might as well make an effort, for the demand on his 
 purse he perceived would be excessive, and he loved his 
 money. 
 
 " You may all call for what you please," said Vansly- 
 perken, " but you'll pay for what you call for. If you 
 think that I am to be swindled in this way out of my 
 money, you're mistaken. Every soul of you shall be 
 whipped at the cart's tail to-morrow." 
 
 *' Do you mean to insinuate that I am not a respectable 
 person, sir?" said a fierce-looking virago, rubbing her 
 fist against Vanslyperken's nose. " Smell that ! " 
 
 It was not a nosegay at all to the fancy of Mr Vansly- 
 
2 34 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 perken; he threw himself back, and his chair fell with 
 him. The ladies laughed, and Mr Vanslyperken rose in 
 great wrath. 
 
 " By all the devils in hell," he exclaimed, whirling the 
 chair round his head, " but I'll do you a mischief I " 
 
 But he was soon pinioned from behind. 
 
 "This is very unpolite conduct," said one; "you call 
 yourself a gentleman ? " 
 
 " What shall we do, ladies ? " 
 
 ** Do," replied another ; " let's strip him, and pawn his 
 clothes, and then turn him adrift." 
 
 ** Well, that's not a bad notion," replied the others, and 
 they forthwith proceeded to take off Mr Vanslyperken's 
 coat and waistcoat. How much further they would have 
 gone it is impossible to say, for Mr Vanslyperken had 
 made up his mind to buy himself off as cheap as he could. 
 
 Be it observed, that Moggy never interfered, nor took 
 any part in this violence; on the contrary, she continued 
 sitting in her chair, and said, "Indeed, ladies, I request 
 you will not be so violent, Mr Vanslyperken is my friend. 
 I am sorry that he will not treat you ; but if he will not, I 
 beg you will allow him to go away." 
 
 "There, you hear," cried Mr Vanslyperken; "Mrs 
 Salisbury, am I at liberty to depart ? " 
 
 " Most certainly, Mr Vanslyperken ; you have my full 
 permission. Ladies, I beg that you will let him go." 
 
 " No, by the living jingo ! not till he treats us," cried 
 one of the women ; " why did he come into this shop, 
 but for nothing else ? I'll have my punch afore he starts.'* 
 
 " And I my burnt brandy." So cried they all, and Mr 
 Vanslyperken, whose coat and waistcoat were already off, 
 and finding many fingers very busy about the rest of his 
 person, perceived that Moggy's neutrality was all a sham, 
 so he begged to be heard. 
 
 "Ladies, I'll do anything in reason. As far as Eve 
 shillings " 
 
 " Five shillings ! " exclaimed the woman ; "no, no — 
 why, a foremast man would come down with more than 
 
The Dog Fiend 235 
 
 that. And you a lieutenant ? Five guineas, now, would 
 be saying something." 
 
 " Five guineas ! why I have not so much money. Upon 
 my soul I hav'n't." 
 
 ** Let us see," said one of the party, diving like an adept 
 into Vanslyperken*s trousers-pocket, and pulling out his 
 purse. The money was poured out on the table, and 
 twelve guineas counted out. 
 
 " Then whose money is this ? " cried the woman ; " not 
 yours on your soul; have you been taking a purse to- 
 night ? I vote we sends for a constable." 
 
 "I quite forgot that I had put more money in my 
 purse," muttered Vanslyperken, who never expected to 
 see it again. ** Til treat you, ladies — treat you all to 
 whatever you please." 
 
 " Bravo ! that's spoken like a man," cried the virago, 
 giving Vanslyperken a slap on the back which knocked 
 the breath out of his body. 
 
 " Bravo ! " exclaimed another, ** that's what I call hand- 
 some ; let's all kiss him, ladies." 
 
 Vanslyperken was forced to go through this ordeal, and 
 then the door was unlocked, but carefully guarded, while 
 the several orders were given. 
 
 **Who is to pay for all this ? " exclaimed the landlady. 
 
 ** This gentleman treats us all," replied the woman. 
 
 " Oh ! very well — is it all right, sir ? " 
 
 Vanslyperken dared not say no ; he was in their power, 
 and every eye watched him as he gave his answer ; so he 
 stammered out " Yes," and, in a fit of despair at the loss 
 of his money, he threw himself into his chair, and medi- 
 tated revenge. 
 
 " Give Mr Vanslyperken his purse, Susan," said the 
 prudent Moggy to the young woman who had taken it out 
 of his pocket. 
 
 The purse was returned, and, in a few minutes, the 
 various liquors and mixtures demanded made their appear- 
 ance, and the jollification commenced. Every one was 
 soon quite happy, with the exception of Mr Vanslyperken, 
 
2^6 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 who, like Pistol, ate his leek, swearing in his own mind he 
 would be horribly revenged. 
 
 "Mr Vanslyperken, you must drink my health in some 
 of this punch." Vanslyperken compressed his lips, and 
 shook his head. ** I say yes, Mr Vanslyperken," cried the 
 virago, looking daggers ; "if you don't, we quarrel — 
 that's all." 
 
 But Vanslyperken argued in his mind that his grounds 
 of complaint would be weakened, if he partook of the 
 refreshment which he had been forced to pay for, so he 
 resolutely denied. 
 
 "Von't you listen to my harguments, Mr Vansly- 
 perken?" continued the woman. "Veil, then, I must 
 resort to the last, which I never knew fail yet." The 
 woman went to the fire and pulled out the poker, which 
 was red hot, from between the bars. "Now then, my 
 beauty, you must kiss this, or drink some punch 5 " and 
 she advanced it towards his nose, while three or four 
 others held him fast on his chair behind ; the poker, 
 throwing out a glow of heat, was within an inch of the 
 poor lieutenant's nose : he could stand it no more, his face 
 and eyes were scorched. 
 
 " Yes, yes," cried he at last, " if I must drink, then, I 
 will. We will settle this matter by-and-bye," cried Vansly- 
 perken, pouring down with indignation the proffered glass. 
 
 " Now, Susan, don't ill-treat Mr Vanslyperken : I 
 purtest against all ill-treatment." 
 
 " Ill-treat, Mrs Salisbury ! I am only giving him a lesson 
 in purliteness." 
 
 " Now, Mr What-the-devil's-your-name, you must drink 
 off a glass of my burnt brandy, or I shall be jealous," cried 
 another ; " and when I am jealous I always takes to red- 
 hot pokers." Resistance was in vain, the poker was again 
 taken from between the bars, and the burnt brandy went 
 down. 
 
 Again and again was Mr Vanslyperken forced to pour 
 down his throat all that was offered to him, or take the 
 chance of having his nose burnt off. 
 
The Dog Fiend 237 
 
 "Is it not wrong to mix your liquors in this way, Mr 
 Vanslyperken ? " said Moggy, in bitter mockery. 
 
 The first allowance brought in was now despatched, 
 and the bell rung, and double as much more ordered, to 
 Vanslyperken's great annoyance ; but he was in the hands 
 of the Philistines. What made the matter worse, was, 
 that the company grew every moment more uproarious, 
 and there was no saying when they would stop. 
 
 "A song — a song — a song from Mr Vanslyperken,** 
 cried one of the party. 
 
 " Hurrah ! yes, a song from the jolly lieutenant." 
 
 " I can't sing," replied Vanslyperken. 
 
 ** You shall sing, by the piper who played before 
 Moses," said the virago ; " if not, you shall sing out to some 
 purpose ; " and the red-hot poker was again brandished in 
 her masculine fist, and she advanced to him, saying, 
 " suppose we hargue that point ? " 
 
 ** Would you murder me, woman ? " 
 
 ** No ; singing is no murder, but we ax a song, and a 
 song we must have." 
 
 "I don't know one — upon my honour I don't," cried 
 Vanslyperken. 
 
 *' Then, we'll larn you. And now you repeat after me." 
 
 " * Poll put her arms a-kimbo.' Sing — come, out with 
 it." And the poker was again advanced. 
 
 * ' O God ! " cried Vanslyperken. 
 
 "Sing, or by Heavens I'll shorten your nose I Sing, I 
 say," repeated the woman, advancing the poker so as 
 actually to singe the skin. 
 
 "Take it away, and I will," cried Vanslyperken, 
 breathless. 
 
 " Well then, ' Poll put her arms a-kimbo.' " 
 
 " * Poll put her arms a-kimbo,' " repeated Vanslyperken. 
 
 " That's saying, not singing," cried the woman. " Now 
 again. * At the admiral's house looked she.' " 
 
 " *At the admiral's house looked she,'" replied Vansly- 
 perken, in a whining tone. 
 
 Thus, with the poker staring him in the face, was 
 
238 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Vanslyperken made to repeat the very song for singing 
 which he would have flogged Jemmy Ducks. There was, 
 however, a desperate attempt to avoid the last stanza. 
 
 " ril give you a bit of my mind, old boy, 
 Port Admiral, you be 
 
 Nothing but the tip of his nose actually burnt would 
 have produced these last words ; but fear overcame him, 
 and at last they were repeated. Upon which all the 
 women shouted and shrieked with laughter, except Moggy, 
 who continued sipping her port wine. 
 3~ ** Your good health, Mr Vanslyperken," said Moggy, 
 drinking to him. 
 
 Vanslyperken wiped the perspiration off his forehead, 
 and made no reply. 
 
 "You call yourself a gentleman, and not drink the 
 health of the lady of the house ! " cried virago Mrs 
 Slamkoe. " Fll hargue this point with you again." 
 
 The same never-failing argument was used, and Mr 
 Vanslyperken drank Mrs Salisbury's health in a glass of 
 the port wine which he was to have the pleasure of 
 paying for. 
 
 " I must say, Mr Vanslyperken," said Moggy, " it was 
 very hard for to wish to flog my poor Jemmy for singing 
 a song which you have just now been singing yourself." 
 
 " Did he want to flog your Jemmy for that ? " 
 
 " Yes, he did indeed, ladies." 
 
 " Then as sure as I stand here, and may this punch be 
 my poison, if he sha'n't beg your pardon on his knees. 
 Sha'n't he, girls ? " cried Mrs Slamkoe. 
 
 ** Yes, yes, that he shall, or we'll poke him with 
 the poker." 
 
 This was a dreadful threat, but the indignity was so 
 great, that Vanslyperken attempted to resist. It was, 
 however, in vain ; he was forced to go on his knees, and 
 ask Mrs Salisbury's pardon. 
 
 " Indeed, ladies, I do not wish it," said Moggy j ** no. 
 
The Dog Fiend 239 
 
 pray don't. Well, Mr Vanslyperken, pardon granted -, so 
 now kiss and make friends." 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken, surrounded now by furies rather 
 than Bacchanalians, kissed Mrs Salisbury. 
 
 "What in the world would you have me do, you 
 she-devils ? " cried he at last, driven to desperation. 
 
 ** This is language for a gentleman," said Mrs Slamkoe. 
 
 ** They shall make you do nothing more," replied 
 Moggy. "I must retire, ladies, your freak's up. You 
 know I never keep late hours. Ladies, I wish you all a 
 very good-night." 
 
 " Perhaps, Mr Vanslyperken, you would wish to go. 
 I'll send for the woman of the house that you may settle 
 the bill ; I think you offered to treat the company ? " 
 
 Vanslyperken grinned ghastly. The bell was rung, and 
 while Mr Vanslyperken was pulling out the sum demanded 
 by the landlady, the ladies all disappeared. 
 
 Vanslyperken put up his diminished purse. ** There is 
 your sword, Mr Vanslyperken," said Moggy; who, 
 during the whole of the scene, had kept up a retenue very 
 different from her usual manners. 
 
 Vanslyperken took his sword, and appeared to feel his 
 courage return — why not ? he was armed, and in company 
 with only one woman, and he sought revenge. 
 
 He rang the bell, and the landlady appeared. 
 
 " Landlady," cried Vanslyperken, " you'll send for a 
 constable directly. Obey me, or I'll put you down as a 
 party to the robbery which has been committed. I say, a 
 constable immediately. Refuse on your peril, woman; 
 a king's officer has been robbed and ill-treated." 
 
 " Lauk-a-mercy ! a constable, sir ? I'm sure you've had 
 ^ very pleasant jollification." 
 
 " Silence, woman ; send for a constable immediately." 
 
 ** Do you hear, Mrs Wilcox ? " said Moggy, very 
 quietly, ** Mr Vanslyperken wants a constable. Send for 
 one by all means." 
 
 " Oh ! certainly, ma'am, if you wish it," said the 
 landlady, quitting the room. 
 
240 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " Yes, you infamous woman, I'll teach you to rob and 
 ill-treat people in this way." 
 
 " Mercy on me ! Mr Vanslyperken, why I never 
 interfered." 
 
 ** Ay, ay, that's all very well 5 but you'll tell another 
 story when you're all before the authorities." 
 
 " Perhaps I shall," replied Moggy, carelessly. ** But 
 I shall now wish you a good-evening, Mr Vanslyperken." 
 
 Thereupon Mr Vanslyperken very valorously drew 
 his sword, and flourished it over his head. 
 
 ** You don't pass here, Mrs Salisbury. No — no — it's 
 my turn now." 
 
 " Your turn now, you beast ! " retorted Moggy. 
 " Why, if I wished to pass, this poker would soon clear 
 the way ; but I can pass without that, and I will give 
 you the countersign. Hark ! a word in your ear, you 
 Vv'retch. You are in my power. You have sent for a 
 constable, and I swear by my own Jemmy's little finger, 
 which is worth your old shrivelled carcass, that I shall 
 give you in charge of the constable." 
 
 " Me ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken. 
 
 ** Yes, you — you wretch — you scum. Now I am going, 
 stop me if you dare. Walls have ears, so I'll whisper. 
 If you wish to send a constable after me, you'll find me 
 at the house of the Jew Lazarus. Do you understand ? " 
 
 Vanslyperken started back as if an adder had come 
 before him, his sword dropped out of his hand, he stood 
 transfixed. 
 
 " May I go now, Mr Vanslyperken, or am I to wait 
 for the constable ? Silence gives consent," continued 
 Moggy, making a mock courtesy, and walking out of 
 the room. 
 
 For a minute, Vanslyperken remained in the same 
 position. At last, bursting with his feelings, he snatched 
 up his sword, put it into the sheath, and was about to 
 quit the room, when in came the landlady with the- 
 constable. 
 
 " You vants me, sir ? " said the man. 
 
The Dog Fiend 241 
 
 **I did," stammered Vanslyperken, "but she is gone." 
 " I must be paid for my trouble, sir, if you please." 
 Vanslyperken had again to pull out his purse ; but 
 this time he hardly felt the annoyance, for in his mind's 
 eye his neck was already in the halter. He put the 
 money into the man's hand without speaking, and then 
 left the room, the landlady courtesying very low, and 
 hoping that she soon should again have the pleasure of 
 his company at the Wheatsheaf. 
 
 Chapter XXXI 
 
 In which Snarleyyow again triumphs over his enemies. 
 
 But we must return to the cabin, and state what took 
 place during this long absence of the commander, who 
 had gone on shore about three o'clock, and had given 
 directions for his boat to be at the Point at sunset. There 
 had been a council of war held on the forecastle, in which 
 Corporal Van Spitter and Smallbones were the most 
 prominent ; and the meeting was held to debate, whether 
 they should or should not make one more attempt to 
 destroy the dog •, singular that the arguments and observa- 
 tions very nearly coincided with those made use of by 
 Vanslyperken and his mother, when they debated how 
 to get rid of Smallbones. 
 
 " Water won't touch him, I sees that," observed 
 Smallbones. 
 
 " No. Mein Gott, dat was to trow time and de trouble 
 away," replied the corporal. 
 
 " Hanging's just as natural a death for a cur/' observed 
 Spurey. 
 
 ** Yes," observed Short. 
 
 ** I'm afeard that the rope's not laid that's to hang 
 that animal," observed Coble, shaking his head. ** If 
 water won't do, I'm persuaded nothing will, for did not 
 s Q 
 
242 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 they use, in former days, to lay all spirits in the Red 
 Sea?" 
 
 *' Yes," quoth Short. 
 
 " But he ban't a spirit yet," replied Smallbones ; "he 
 be flesh and blood o' some sort. If I gets fairly rid of his 
 
 body, d n his soul, I say, he may keep that and 
 
 welcome." 
 
 " But then, you know, he'll haunt us just as much as 
 ever — we shall see him here just the same." 
 
 " A spirit is only a spirit," observed Smallbones ; "he 
 may live in the cabin all day and night afore I care ; but, 
 d'ye see, there's a great difference between the ghost of 
 a dog, and the dog himself." 
 
 "Why, if the beast ar'n't natural, I can't see much 
 odds," observed Spurey. 
 
 " But I can feel 'em," replied Smallbones. " This here 
 dog has a-bitten me all to bits, but a ghost of a dog can't 
 bite anyhow." 
 
 " No," replied Short. 
 
 " And now, d'ye see, as Obadiah Coble has said as 
 how spirits must be laid, I think if we were to come for 
 to go for to lay this here hanimal in the cold hearth, he 
 may perhaps not be able to get up again." 
 
 " That's only a perhaps," observed Coble. 
 
 "Well, a perhaps is better than nothing at all," said 
 the lad. 
 
 " Yes," observed Short. 
 
 " That depends upon sarcumstances," observed Spurey. 
 "What sort of a breakfast would you make upon a 
 perhaps ? " 
 
 " A good one, perhaps," replied Smallbones, grinning 
 at the jingling of the words. 
 
 "Twenty dozen tyfels, Smallbones is in de right," 
 observed Jansen, who had taken no part in the previous 
 conversation. " Suppose you bury de dog, de dog body 
 not get up again. Suppose he will come, his soul come, 
 leave him body behind him." 
 
 " That's exactly my notion of the thing," observed 
 Smallbones 
 
The Dog Fiend 243 
 
 "Do you mean for to bury him alive?" inquired Spurey. 
 
 " Alive ! Gott in himmel — no. I knock de brains out 
 first, perry afterwards." 
 
 "There's some sense in that, corporal." 
 
 " And the dog can't have much left anyhow, dog or 
 devil, when his brains are all out." 
 
 " No," quoth Short. 
 
 " But who is to do it ? " 
 
 " Corporal and I," replied Smallbones 5 " we be agreed, 
 ban't we, corporal .? " 
 
 " Mein Gott, yes ! " 
 
 ** And now I votes that we tries it ofF-hand ; what's the 
 use of shilly-shally ? I made a mortal vow that that 'ere 
 dog and I won't live together — there ban't room enough 
 for us two." 
 
 ** It's a wide world, nevertheless," observed Coble, 
 hitching up his trousers 5 " howsomever, I have nothing 
 to say, but I wish you luck ; but if you kill that dog, I'm 
 a bishop — that's all." 
 
 " And if I don't try for to do so, I am an harchbishop, 
 that's all," replied the gallant Smallbones. " Come along, 
 corporal." 
 
 And here was to be beheld a novel scene. Smallbones 
 followed in obedience by his former persecutor and his 
 superior officer ; a bag of bones — a reed — a lath — a scare- 
 crow J like a pilot cutter ahead of an Indiaman, followed 
 in his wake by Corporal Van Spitter, weighing twenty 
 stone. How could this be ? It was human nature. 
 Smallbones took the lead, because he was the more 
 courageous of the two, and the corporal following, proved 
 he tacitly admitted it. 
 
 " He be a real bit of stuff, that 'ere Peter Smallbones," 
 said one of the men. 
 
 " I thinks he be a supernatural himself, for my part," 
 rejoined Spurey. 
 
 " At all events, he ar'n't afeard of him," said another. 
 
 " We shall see," replied Coble, squirting out his 
 tobacco-juice under the gun. 
 
244 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " Come, men, we must go to work now. Shall we, Mr 
 Short ? " 
 
 " Yes," replied the commanding officer, and the con- 
 ference broke up. 
 
 In the meantime the consultation was continued between 
 Smallbones and the corporal. The latter had received 
 instruction to take on shore Mr Vanslyperken's dirty linen 
 to the washerwoman, and of course, as a corporal, he was 
 not obliged to carry it, and would take Smallbones for 
 that purpose. Then he could easily excuse taking the 
 dog on shore, upon the plea of taking care of it. It was 
 therefore so arranged ; the dog would follow the corporal 
 in the absence of his master, but no one else. In a few 
 minutes the corporal, Smallbones, Snarleyyow, and a very 
 small bundle of linen, were in the boat, and shoved off 
 with as many good wishes and as much anxiety for their 
 success, as probably Jason and his followers received 
 when they departed in search of the Golden Fleece. 
 
 The three parties kept in company, and passed through 
 the town of Portsmouth. The washerwoman lived out- 
 side the Lines, and there they proceeded, Snarleyyow very 
 much in spirits at being able to eat the grass, which his 
 health very much required. They walked on until they 
 arrived at a large elm-tree, on the side of the road, which 
 lay between two hedges and ditches. 
 
 "This will do," observed the corporal solemnly. "Mein 
 Gott ! I wish it was over," continued he, wiping the per- 
 spiration from his bull-forehead. 
 
 " How shall we kill him, corporal ? " inquired Smallbones. 
 
 " Mein Gott ! knock him head against de tree, I 
 suppose." 
 
 '* Yes, and bury him in the ditch. Here, dog — Snarley- 
 yow — here, dog," said Smallbones ; " come, a poor doggy 
 — come here." 
 
 But Snarleyyow was not to be coaxed by Smallbones ; 
 he suspected treachery. 
 
 " He won't a-come to me, corporal, or I'd soon settle 
 his hash," observed Smallbones. 
 
The Dog Fiend 245 
 
 The corporal had now got over a little panic which had 
 seized him. He called Snarleyyow, who came immediately. 
 Oh ! had he imagined what the corporal was about to do, 
 he might have died like Caesar, exclaiming, *^Et tu Brute," 
 which, in plain English means, " and you — you brute." 
 
 The corporal, with a sort of desperation, laid hold of 
 the dog by the tail, drawing him back till he could swing 
 him round. In a second or two Snarleyyow was whirling 
 round the corporal, who turned with him, gradually 
 approaching the trunk of the elm-tree, till at last his head 
 came in contact with it with a resounding blow, and the 
 dog fell senseless. "Try it again, corporal, let's finish 
 him." The corporal again swung round the inanimate 
 body of the dog; again, and again, and again, did the 
 head come in contact with the hard wood ; and then the 
 corporal, quite out of breath with the exertion, dropped 
 the body on the grass. Neither of them spoke a word for 
 some time, but watched the body, as it lay motionless, 
 doubled up, with the fore and hind feet meeting each 
 other, and the one eye closed. 
 
 " Well, Fve a notion that he is done for, anyhow," said 
 Smallbones, ** at last." 
 
 " Mein Gott, yes ! " replied the corporal. " He never 
 get on his legs again, be he tog or be he tyfel." 
 
 "Now for to come for to go for to bury him," said 
 Smallbones, swinging the dog by the tail, and dragging him 
 towards the ditch. "I wonder if we could get a spade any- 
 where, corporal." 
 
 ** Mein Gott ! if we ask for a spade they will ask what 
 for, and Vanslyperken may find it all out." 
 
 " Then FU bury him and cover him up, anyhow ; he'll 
 not come to life again, if he does may I be knocked on the 
 head like him, that's all." Smallbones dragged the body 
 into the ditch, and collecting out of the other parts of the 
 ditch a great quantity of wet leaves, covered the body a 
 foot deep. " There, they won't find him now, because 
 they won't know where to look for him. I say, corporal, 
 I've a notion we had better not be seen here too long." 
 
24-6 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 '' No," said the corporal, wiping his forehead, putting 
 his handkerchief in his cap, and his cap on his head ; " we 
 must go now." 
 
 They went to the washerwoman's, delivered the bundle, 
 and then returned on board, when the whole crew were 
 informed of the success of the expedition, and appeared 
 quite satisfied that there was an end of the detested cur ^ 
 all but Coble, who shook his head. 
 
 " We shall see," says he ; " but I'm blessed if I don't 
 expect the cur back to-morrow morning." 
 
 We must now return to Vanslyperken, who left the 
 public-house in a state of consternation. " How could she 
 possibly know anything about it ? " exclaimed he. " My 
 life in the power of that she-devil ! " And Vanslyperken 
 walked on, turning over the affair in his mind. " I have 
 gone too far to retreat now. I must either go on, or fly 
 the country. Fly, where ? What a fool have I been ! " 
 but then Vanslyperken thought of the money. " No, no, 
 not a fool, but I am very unfortunate." Vanslyperken 
 continued his route, until it at last occurred to him that he 
 would go to the Jew Lazarus, and speak with him ; for, 
 thought Vanslyperken, if all is discovered, they may think 
 that I have informed, and then my life will be sought by 
 both parties. Vanslyperken arrived at the Jew's abode, 
 knocked softly, but received no answer : he knocked again, 
 louder ; a bustle and confusion was heard inside, and at 
 last the door, with the chain fixed, was opened a couple of 
 inches, and the Jew stammered out, " Wot vash there at 
 this late hour of the night ? " 
 
 " It is me, the lieutenant of the cutter," replied Vansly- 
 perken. " I must speak with you directly." 
 
 The door was opened, several figures, and the clatter of 
 arms, were heard in the dark passage, and as soon as 
 Vanslyperken had entered it was relocked, and he was left 
 in the dark. 
 
 In a minute the Jew, in a woollen wrapper, made 
 his appearance with a light, and led Vanslyperken 
 into the room where he had been shown before. 
 
The Dog Fiend 247 
 
 " Now then, Mishter Leef tenant, vat vash de 
 matter ? " 
 
 '* We are discovered, I'm afraid ! " exclaimed Vansly- 
 perken. 
 
 " Holy father Abraham ! " exclaimed the Jew, starting 
 back. " But tell me vy you shay sho." 
 
 " A woman told me this night that she knew why I came 
 to your house — that I was in her power." 
 
 " Vat woman ? " 
 
 *' A hell-cat, who hates me as she does the devil." 
 
 ** A hell-cat vould not hate de divil," slowly observed 
 the Jew. 
 
 ** Well, perhaps not ; but she will ruin me if she can." 
 
 " Vat vash her name ? " said Lazarus. 
 
 " Moggy Salisbury." 
 
 " Paah ! is dat all ? vy, my good friend, she is one of 
 us. Dere, you may go vay — you may go to bed, Mr 
 Vanslyperken." 
 
 " What do you mean ? " 
 
 ** I mean dat she laughed at you, and frighten you — dat 
 she is one of us, and so is her husband, who vas in your 
 chip. Ven you hang, she and I vill all hang together ; now 
 you comprehend ? " 
 
 ** Yes," replied Vanslyperken, ** I do now : but how 
 could you trust such people ? " 
 
 ** Trust such people, Mr Vanslyperken ? If you prove 
 as true as those peoples, vy all de bitter ; now go avay — 
 go to bed — you have vaked up all the peoples here. Good 
 night, Mr Leeftenant ; " and the Jew led the way to the 
 door, and let Vanslyperken out. 
 
 " So then," thought Vanslyperken, as he pursued his 
 way down to the Point, " that woman and her husband are 
 — damnation, but I've a great mind to discover all, if it's 
 only to hang them." But on second thoughts, Vanslyperken 
 thought that it was not worth while to be hanged himself, 
 just for the pleasure of hanging others. It was a great 
 relief to his mind to know that there was no fear of dis- 
 covery. The tip of his nose itched, and he rubbed it 
 
^48 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 mechanically ; the rubbing brought away all the skin. He 
 remembered the hot poker — the money he had been forced 
 to pay — his being made to sing and to beg pardon on his 
 knees ; and he cursed Moggy in his heart, the more so, as 
 he felt that he dare not take any steps against her. 
 
 When he came to the Point, he stood on the shingle, 
 looking for his boat, but the men had waited till twelve 
 o'clock, and then presuming that their commander did not 
 intend to come at all that night, had pulled on board again. 
 He was looking round for a waterman to pull him off, when 
 something cold touched his hand. Vanslyperken started, 
 and almost screamed with fear. He looked, and it was the 
 cold nose of Snarleyyow, who now leaped upon his master. 
 
 " Snarleyyow, my poor dog ! how came you on shore ?" 
 
 But the dog not being able to speak, made no answer. 
 
 While Vanslyperken was wondering how the dog could 
 possibly have come on shore, and what Corporal Van 
 Spitter could be about to have allowed it, the small 
 casement of a garret window near him was opened, and 
 a head was thrust out. 
 
 "Do you want to go on board, sir.?" said a tremulous 
 voice. 
 
 ** Yes," replied Vanslyperken. 
 
 ** I will be down directly, sir," replied the old boatman, 
 who in a minute or two appeared with his sculls on his 
 shoulder. 
 
 " Not easy to find a boat at this time of the morning, 
 sir," said the man ; " but I heard you speaking, for IVe 
 had such a toothache these two nights that I can't shut 
 my eyes." 
 
 The old man unlocked the chain which fastened his 
 wherry, and in a few minutes Vanslyperken was on the 
 deck of the cutter, but he found there was no one to 
 receive him, — no watch kept. 
 
 "Very well," thought he, "we'll talk about this to- 
 morrow morning. Short or Coble, I wonder which of the 
 two— pretty neglect of duty, indeed — report to the admiral, 
 by heavens ! " 
 
The Dog Fiend 249 
 
 So saying, Mr Vanslyperken, with Snarleyyow at his 
 heels, went down into the cabin — undressed in the dark, 
 for he would not let anyone know that he was on board. 
 It being about three o'clock in the morning, and Mr 
 Vanslyperken being well tired with the events of the day, 
 he was soon in a sound sleep. There will be no difficulty 
 in accounting for the return of the dog, which had a skull 
 much thicker than even the corporal's. He had been 
 stunned with the heavy blows, but not killed. After a 
 certain time he came to himself in his bed of leaves, first 
 scratched with one paw, and then with another, till his 
 senses returned : he rose, worked his way out, and lay 
 down to sleep. After he had taken a long nap, he rose 
 recovered, shook himself, and trotted down to the beach, 
 but the boat had shoved off, and the cur had remained 
 there waiting for an opportunity to get on board, when his 
 master came down with the same object in view. 
 
 But as every soul is fast asleep, we shall now finish the 
 chapter. 
 
 Chapter XXXII 
 
 Listeners never hear any good of themselves. 
 
 Vanslyperken was awakened three hours after he had 
 fallen asleep by the noise of the buckets washing the decks. 
 He heard the men talking on deck, and aware that no one 
 knew that he was on board, he rose from his bed, and 
 opened one of the sliding sashes of the skylight, that he 
 might overhear the conversation. The first words he 
 heard were from Bill Spurey. 
 
 " I say. Coble,'! wonder what the skipper will say when 
 he comes on board, and finds that the dog is gone ? " 
 
 " Hoh ! hoh ! " thought Vanslyperken. 
 
 " I arn't convinced that he is gone yet," replied Coble. 
 
 **Smallbones swears that he's settled, this time," replied 
 Spurey. 
 
 " So he did before," replied Coble. 
 
250 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " Smallbones again," thought Vanslyperken. " Fll 
 
 Smallbones him, if I hang for it." 
 
 ** Why, he says he buried him two feet deep." 
 
 " Ay, ay ; but what's the use of burying an animal 
 who's not a human creature ? For my part, I say this, 
 that the imp belongs to his master, and is bound to serve 
 him as long as his master lives. When he dies the dog 
 may be killed, and then— — " 
 
 ** Then what ? " 
 
 *'Why, with the blessing of God, they'll both go to 
 hell together, and I don't care how soon." 
 
 " Kill me, you old villain ! " muttered Vanslyperken, 
 grinding his teeth. 
 
 "Well, anyhow, if the dog be not made away with, 
 no more be Smallbones. He ar'n't afeard of the devil 
 himself." 
 
 "No, not he; I'm of opinion Smallbones wa'n't sent 
 here for nothing.", 
 
 ** He's escaped him twice, at all events." 
 
 "Then they know it," thought Vanslyperken, turning 
 pale. 
 
 " Ay, and I will take you any bet you please, that the 
 skipper never takes that boy's life. He's charmed, or I am 
 a gudgeon." 
 
 Vanslyperken felt that it was his own suspicion, and he 
 trembled at the idea of the lad being supernatural. 
 
 " Out of the way. Coble, or I'll fill your shoes," cried 
 out one of the men, slashing a bucket of water. 
 
 " That's not quite so easy, 'cause I've got boots on," 
 replied Coble. " How^ever, I'll take up another berth." 
 
 The men walked away, and Vanslyperken could hear no 
 more ; but he had heard quite enough. The life of the 
 dog had been attempted by Smallbones, it was evident. 
 Mr Vanslyperken, after a little agitation, rang the 
 bell. 
 
 " By all that's blue, the skipper's on board ! " exclaimed 
 the men on deck. 
 
 " When the devil did he come ? " 
 
The Dog Fiend 251 
 
 "Not in my watch, at all events," replied Coble. "Did 
 he come in yours, Short ? " 
 
 " No," replied Short. 
 
 " Then it must have been in the corporal's." 
 
 " The corporal never called me, nor was he on deck," 
 replied Coble. " I've a notion he never kept his watch." 
 
 The ring at the bell particularly concerned two people, 
 the two culprits, Smallbones and Corporal Van Spitter. 
 
 The latter made his appearance ; but previous to his 
 answering the bell, Mr Vanslyperken had time to reflect. 
 "So they think my dog is supernatural," said he; "so 
 much the better. I'll make them believe it still more." 
 Mr Vanslyperken called the dog, and pointed to his bed. 
 The dog, who was fond of a warm berth, and but seldom 
 allowed to get on the bed, immediately jumped up into 
 it when invited, and Mr Vanslyperken patted him, and 
 covered him up with the bedclothes. He then drew the 
 curtains of the bed, and waited to see who would answer 
 the bell. Corporal Van Spitter made his appearance. 
 
 " Corporal, I came on board very late, where have you 
 put the dog ? Bring him into the cabin." 
 
 Here the corporal, who was prepared, shook his head, 
 smoothed down the hair of his forehead, and made a very 
 melancholy face. 
 
 " It was all my fault. Mynheer Vanslyperken ; yet I do 
 for the best, but de tog be lost." 
 
 " How is that, corporal ? " 
 
 The corporal then stated that he had taken the pre- 
 caution to take the dog on shore, as he was afraid to leave 
 it on board when he went to the washerwoman's, and 
 that he was not long there, but while he was, the dog 
 disappeared. He had looked everywhere, but could not 
 find it. 
 
 " You took Smallbones with you ? " said Vanslyperken. 
 
 " Yes, mynheer, to carry de linen." 
 
 " And where was he when you were at the washer- 
 woman's." 
 
 " He was here and dere.** 
 
252 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " I know that it was he who killed and buried the dog, 
 corporal." 
 
 Corporal Van Spitter started ; he thought he was dis- 
 covered. 
 
 " Kilt and perryed, mein Gott ! " said the corporal, 
 obliged to say something. 
 
 " Yes, I overheard the men say so on deck, corporal. 
 He must have taken the opportunity when you were in 
 the house counting the linen." 
 
 Now the corporal had time to recover himself, and he 
 argued that anything was better than that he should be 
 suspected. Smallbones was already known to have 
 attempted the life of the dog, so he would leave the 
 lieutenant in his error. 
 
 *'Mein Gott ! he is von d d kill-dog feller," observed 
 
 the corporal. " I look everywhere, I no find te tog. Dea 
 de dog is dead ? " 
 
 "Yes," replied Vanslyperken, "but Fll punish the 
 scoundrel, depend upon it. That will do, corporal 5 you 
 may go." 
 
 As Snarleyyow remained perfectly quiet during this 
 conversation, we must give Vanslyperken great credit 
 for his manoeuvre. The corporal went to Smallbones, 
 and repeated what had passed. Smallbones snapped his 
 fingers. 
 
 " He may keel-haul, or hang me, for all I care. The 
 dog is dead. Never fear, corporal, I won't peach upon 
 you. I'm game, and I'll die so — if so be I must." 
 
 Vanslyperken sent for Smallbones. Smallbones, who 
 was worked up to the highest state of excitement, came 
 in boldly. 
 
 ** So, you villain, you've killed my dog, and buried it." 
 
 "No, I ar'n't," replied Smallbones. " I knows nothing 
 about your dog, sir." 
 
 " Why, the men on deck said so, you scoundrel, I heard 
 them." 
 
 " I don't care what the men say ; I never killed your 
 dog, sir." 
 
The Dog Fiend 2^^ 
 
 " You rascal, Til have your life ! " exclaimed Vansly- 
 perken. 
 
 Smallbones grinned diabolically, and Vanslyperken, who 
 remembered all that the men had said in confirmation of 
 his own opinion relative to Smallbones, turned pale. 
 Smallbones, on his part, aware from Corporal Van Spitter, 
 that the lieutenant had such an idea, immediately took 
 advantage of the signs in the lieutenant's countenance, and 
 drawled out, — " That's — not — so — easy ! " 
 
 Vanslyperken turned away. " You may go now, sir, 
 but depend upon it you shall feel my vengeance ! " and 
 Smallbones quitted the cabin. 
 
 Vanslyperken finished his toilet, and then turned the 
 dog out of the bed. 
 
 He went on deck, and after he had walked a little while, 
 sent for Corporal Van Spitter to consult as to the best 
 method of ascertaining what had become of Snarleyyow. 
 Having entered apparently very earnestly into the corporal's 
 arrangements, who was to go on shore immediately, he 
 desired the corporal to see his breakfast got ready in the 
 cabin. 
 
 It so happened, that the corporal went into the cabin, 
 followed by Smallbones ; the first object that met his 
 view, was Snarleyyow, sitting upon the chest, scratching 
 his ragged ear as if nothing had happened. 
 
 " Gott in himmel ! " roared the corporal, turning back, 
 and running out of the cabin, upsetting Smallbones, whom 
 he met in the passage, and trotting, like an elephant, right 
 over him. Nor was Smallbones the only one who suffered ; 
 two marines and three seamen were successively floored by 
 the corporal, who, blinded with fear, never stopped till he 
 ran his head butt against the lining in the forepeak of the 
 cutter, which, with the timbers of the vessel, brought him 
 up, not all standing, in one sense of the word, for in his 
 mad career his head was dashed so violently against them, 
 that the poor corporal fell down, stunned to insensibility. 
 
 In the meantime Smallbones had gained his feet, and 
 was rubbing his ribs, to ascertain if they were all whole. 
 
254 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " Well, rm sure," said he, " if I ar'n't flattened for all the 
 world like a pancake, with that 'ere corporal's weight. 
 One may as well have a broad-wheel waggon at once go 
 over one's body ; but what could make him come for to go 
 to run away bellowing in that ere manner ? He must 
 have seen the devil; or, perhaps," thought Smallbones, 
 " that imp of ^ the devil, Snarleyyow. I'll go and see what 
 it was, anyhow." 
 
 Smallbones, rubbing his abdomen, where the corporal 
 had trod hardest, walked into the cabin, where he beheld 
 the dog. He stood with his mouth wide open. 
 
 " I defy the devil and aU his works," exclaimed he, at 
 last, " and you be one of his, that's sartain. I fear God, 
 and I honour the king, and the parish taught me to read 
 the bible. There you be resurrectioned up again. Well, 
 it's no use, I suppose. Satan, I defy you, anyhow, but it's 
 very hard that a good Christian should have to get the 
 breakfast ready, of which you'll eat one half ; I don't see 
 why I'm to wait upon the devil or his imps." 
 
 Then Smallbones stopped, and thought a little. "I 
 wonder whether he bee'd dead, as I thought. Master 
 came on board last night without no one knowing nothing 
 about it, and he might have brought the dog with him, if 
 so be he came to again. I won't believe that he's hal- 
 together not to be made away with, for how come his eye 
 out ? Well, I don't care, I'm a good Christian, and may I be 
 swamped if I don't try what he's made of yet ! First time 
 we cuts up beef, I'll try and chop your tail, anyhow, that 
 I will, if I am hung for it." 
 
 Smallbones regained his determination. He set about 
 laying the things for breakfast, and when they were 
 ready he went up to the quarter-deck, reporting the 
 same to Mr Vanslyperken, who had expected to see him 
 frightened out of his wits, and concluding his speech 
 by saying, " If you please, sir, the dog be in the cabin, 
 all right ; I said as how I never kilt your dog, nor buried 
 him neither." 
 
 " The dog in the cabin ! " exclaimed Mr Vanslyperken, 
 
The Dog Fiend 255 
 
 with apparent astonishment. " Why, how the devil could 
 he have come there ? " 
 
 " He cummed off, I suppose, sir, same way as you did, 
 without nobody knowing nothing about it," drawled out 
 Smallbones, who then walked away. 
 
 In the meantime the corporal had been picked up, and 
 the men were attempting to recover him. Smallbones 
 went forward to see what had become of him, and learnt 
 how it was that he was insensible. 
 
 "Well, then," thought Smallbones, "it may have been 
 all the same with the dog, and I believe there's humbug 
 in it, for if the dog had made his appearance, as master 
 pretends he did, aJl of a sudden, he'd a been more 
 frightened than me." 
 
 So reasoned Smallbones, and he reasoned well. In the 
 meantime the corporal opened his eyes, and gradually 
 returned to his senses, and then for the first time, the 
 ship's company, who were all down at their breakfast, 
 demanded of Smallbones the reason of the corporal's 
 conduct. 
 
 " Why," replied Smallbones, "because that 'ere beast, 
 Snarleyyow, be come back again, all alive, a'ter being 
 dead and buried — he's in the cabin now — that's all." 
 
 " That's all ! " exclaimed one. " All ! " cried another. 
 " The devil ! " said a third. 
 
 " I said as how it would be," said Obadiah Coble — 
 ^' that dog is no dog, as sure as I sit here." 
 
 The return of the dog certainly had a strong effect upon 
 the whole of the ship's company. The corporal swore 
 that he was not in the cabin, and that Mr Vanslyperken 
 had arranged for his going on shore to look for him, when 
 all of a sudden the dog made his appearance, no one knew 
 how. Smallbones found himself so much in the minority, 
 that he said nothing. It was perfect heresy not to believe 
 that the dog was sent from the lower regions ; and as for 
 any further attempts to destroy it, it was considered as 
 perfect insanity 
 
 But this renewed attempt on the part of Smallbones, 
 
256 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 for Vanslyperken was convinced that an attempt had been 
 made, although it had not been successful, again excited 
 the feelings of Mr Vanslyperken against the lad, and he 
 resolved somehow or another to retaliate. His anger 
 overcame his awe, and he was reckless in his desire of 
 vengeance. There was not the least suspicion of treachery 
 on the part of Corporal Van Spitter in the heart of Mr 
 Vanslyperken, and the corporal played his double part 
 so well, that if possible he was now higher in favour than 
 ever. 
 
 After a day or two, during which Mr Vanslyperken 
 remained on board, he sent for the corporal, determining 
 to sound him as to whether he would make any attempts 
 upon Smallbones ; for to such a height had Vanslyperken's 
 enmity arrived, that he now resolved to part with some 
 of his darling money, to tempt the corporal, rather than 
 not get rid of the lad. After many hints thrown out, 
 but not taken by the wily corporal, who was resolved 
 that Vanslyperken should speak plainly, the deed and 
 the reward of ten guineas were openly proclaimed, and 
 Vanslyperken waited for the corporal's reply. 
 
 " Mein Gott, Mynheer Vanslyperken ! suppose it vas 
 possible, I not take your money, I do it wid pleasure ^ 
 but, sir, it not possible." 
 
 " Not possible ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken. 
 
 " No, mynheer," replied the corporal, " I not tell you 
 all, tousand tyfel, I not tell you all ; " and here the corporal 
 put his hand to his forehead and was silent, much to 
 Vanslyperken's amazement. But the fact was, that Cor- 
 poral Van Spitter was thinking what he possibly could 
 say. At last, a brilliant thought struck him — he narrated 
 to the lieutenant how he had seen the ghost of Smallbones, 
 as he thought, when he was floating about, adrift on the 
 Zuyder Zee- — described with great force his horror at 
 the time of the appearance of the supernatural object, 
 and tailed on to what he believed to be true, that which 
 he knew to be false, to wit, that the apparition had cried 
 out to him, that ^^ he was not to be hurt by mortal man.^* 
 
The Doar Fiend 
 
 o 
 
 257 
 
 *'Gott in Himmel," finished the corporal, "I never was 
 so frightened in my life. I see him now, as plain as I 
 see you, mynheer. Twenty tousand tyfels, but the voice 
 was like de tunder — and his eye like de lightning — I fell 
 back in one swoon. Ah, mein Gott, mein Gott ! " 
 
 So well did the corporal play his part, that Vanslyperken 
 became quite terrified ; the candle appeared to burn dim, 
 and he dared not move to snuiF it. He could not but 
 credit the corporal, for there was an earnestness of de- 
 scription, and a vividness of colouring, which could not 
 have been invented ; besides, was not the corporal his 
 earnest and only friend? "Corporal," said Vanslyperken, 
 "perhaps you'll like a glass of scheedam; there's some in 
 the cupboard." 
 
 This was very kind of Mr Vanslyperken, but he wanted 
 one himself, much more than the corporal. The corporal 
 produced the bottle and the glass, poured it out, made 
 his military salute, and tossed it off. 
 
 " Give me another glass, corporal," said Vanslyperken, 
 in a tremulous tone. The lieutenant took one, two, three 
 glasses, one after another, to recover himself. 
 
 The corporal had really frightened him. He was con- 
 vinced that Smallbones had a charmed life. Did he not 
 float to the Nab buoy and back again ? — did not a pistol 
 ball pass through him without injury ? Vanslyperken 
 shuddered ; he took a fresh glass, and then handed the 
 bottle to the corporal, who helped himself, saluted, and 
 the liquor again disappeared in a moment. 
 
 Dutch courage is proverbial, although a libel upon one 
 of the bravest of nations. Vanslyperken now felt it, and 
 again he commenced with the corporal. " What were 
 the words ? " inquired he. 
 
 " Dat he was not to be hurt by mortal man, mynheer. 
 I can take mine piple oath of it," replied the corporal. 
 
 " Damnation ! " cried Vanslyperken ; "but stop — 
 mortal man — perhaps he may be hurt by woman." 
 
 " Dat is quite anoder ting, mynheer." 
 
 "He shan't escape if I can help it," retorted Vansly- 
 s R 
 
258 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 perken. " I must think about it." Vanslyperken poured 
 out another glass of scheedam, and pushed the stone bottle 
 to the corporal, who helped himself without ceremony. 
 Mr Vanslyperken was now about two-thirds drunk, for 
 he was not used to such a quantity of spirits. 
 
 " Now, if I had only been friends with that — that — 
 hell-fire Moggy Salisbury," thought Vanslyperken, speak- 
 ing aloud to himself. 
 
 " Mein Gott, yes, mynheer," replied the corporal. 
 
 Vanslyperken took another glass — spilling a great deal 
 on the table as he poured it out ; he then covered his 
 eyes with his hand, as if in thought. Thereupon the 
 corporal filled without being asked ; and, as he perceived 
 that his superior remained in the same position, and did 
 not observe him, he helped himself to a second glass, 
 and then waited till Vanslyperken should speak again ; 
 but the liquor had overpowered him, and he spoke no 
 more. 
 
 The corporal, after a few minutes, went up to his 
 superior ; he touched him on the shoulder, saying, 
 " Mynheer," but he obtained no reply. On the contrary, 
 the slight touch made Mr Vanslyperken fall forward on 
 the table. He was quite insensible. 
 
 So the corporal took him up in his arms, laid him in 
 his bed, then taking possession of the lieutenant's chair, 
 for he was tired of standing so long, he set to work to 
 empty the bottle, which, being large and full at the time 
 that it was produced from the cupboard, took some time, 
 and before it was accomplished, the Corporal Van Spitter 
 had fallen fast asleep in the chair. Shortly afterwards 
 the candle burnt out, and the cabin was in darkness. 
 
 It was about three o'clock in the morning when Mr 
 Vanslyperken began to recover his senses, and as his re- 
 collection returned, so were his ears met with a stupendous 
 roaring and unusual noise. It was, to his imagination, 
 unearthly, for he had been troubled with wild dreams 
 about Smallbones, and his appearance to the corporal. It 
 sounded like thunder, and Mr Vanslyperken thought that 
 
The Dog Fiend 259 
 
 lie could plainly make out, *^ Mortal man! mortal man T'' 
 and, at times, the other words of the supernatural intima- 
 tion to the corporal. The mortal man was drawn out 
 in lengthened cadence, and in a manner truly horrible. 
 Vanslyperken called out, " Mor — tal — man," was the 
 reply. 
 
 Again Vanslyperken almost shrieked in a perspiration 
 of fear. The sound now ceased ; but it was followed 
 up by a noise like the rattling of glasses, tumbling about 
 of the chairs and table, and Vanslyperken buried his 
 face under the clothes. Then the door, which had been 
 shut, was heard by him to slam like thunder ; and then 
 Snarleyyow barked loud and deep. " Oh ! God forgive 
 me ! " cried the terrified lieutenant. " Our Father — 
 which art in heaven — save me — save me ! " 
 
 Shortly afterwards the corporal made his appearance 
 with a light, and inquired if Mr Vanslyperken had called. 
 He found him reeking with perspiration, and half dead with 
 fear. In broken words he stated how he had been visited, 
 and how the same intimation that no mortal man could hurt 
 Smailbones had been rung into his ears. 
 
 ** It was only one dream. Mynheer Vanslyperken," 
 observed the corporal. 
 
 " No — it was no dream," replied Vanslyperken. ** Stay 
 in the cabin, good corporal." 
 
 " Yes, mynheer," replied the corporal, drawing the 
 curtains of the bed, and then quietly picking up the 
 various articles on the floor, the table and chairs which 
 had been overturned. 
 
 Alas ! Fear is the mate of guilt. All this horrid visita- 
 tion was simply that Mr Vanslyperken had heard the 
 corporal's tremendous snoring, as he slept in the chair, and 
 which his imagination had turned into the words, " Mortal 
 man." The first exclamation of Mr Vanslyperken had 
 awoke the corporal, who, aware of the impropriety of his 
 situation, had attempted to retreat j in so doing he had 
 overturned the table and chairs, with the bottles and 
 glasses upon them. 
 
26o Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Fearful of discovery upon this unexpected noise, he had 
 hastened out of the cabin, slammed the door, and waked 
 up Snarleyyow; but he knew, from the exclamations of 
 Vanslyperken, that the lieutenant was frightened out of his 
 wits ; so he very boldly returned with a candle to ascertain 
 the result of the disturbance, and was delighted to find 
 that the lieutenant was still under the delusion. 
 
 So soon as he had replaced everything, the corporal took 
 a chair, and finding that he had fortunately put the cork 
 into the stone bottle before he fell asleep, and that there 
 was still one or two glasses in it, he drank them off, and 
 waited patiently for daylight. By this time Vanslyperken 
 was again asleep and snoring ; so the corporal took away 
 all the broken fragments, put the things in order, and left 
 the cabin. 
 
 When Vanslyperken awoke and rang his bell, Smallbones 
 entered. Vanslyperken got up, and finding the cabin as it 
 was left the night before, was more than ever persuaded 
 that he had been supernaturally visited. Fear made him 
 quite civil to the lad, whose life he now considered, as the 
 ship's company did that of the dog's, it was quite useless 
 for him, at least, to attempt, and thus ends this chapter of 
 horrors. 
 
 Chapter XXXIII 
 
 In which there is nothing very particular or very interesting. 
 
 We must now change the scene for a short time, and 
 introduce to our readers a company assembled in the best 
 inn which, at that time, was to be found in the town of 
 Cherbourg. The room in which they were assembled was 
 large in dimensions, but with a low ceiling — the windows 
 were diminutive, and gave but a subdued light, on account 
 of the vicinity of the houses opposite. The window-frames 
 were small, and cut diamond-wise ; and, in the centre of 
 each of the panes, was a round of coarsely-painted glass. 
 
The Dog Fiend 261 
 
 A narrow table ran nearly the length of the room, and, at 
 each end of it, there was a large chimney, in both of which 
 logs of wood were burning cheerfully. What are now 
 termed chaises longues^ were drawn to the sides of the table, 
 or leaning against the walls of the room, which were with- 
 out ornament, and neatly coloured with yellow ochre. 
 
 The company assembled might have been about thirty 
 in number, of which half a dozen, perhaps, were in the 
 ecclesiastical dress of the time ; while the others wore the- 
 habiliments then appropriated to cavaliers or gentlemen, 
 with very little diiFerence from those as worn in the times 
 of the Charleses in England, except that the cloak had 
 been discarded, and the more substantial roquelaure sub- 
 stituted in its place. Most of the party were men who had 
 not yet arrived to middle age, if we except the clericals, 
 who were much more advanced in life ; and any one, who 
 had ever fallen in with the smuggling lugger and its crew, 
 would have had no difficulty in recognising many of them, 
 in the well-attired and evidently high-born and well- 
 educated young men, who were seated or standing in 
 the room. Among them Sir Robert Barclay was eminently 
 conspicuous ; he was standing by the fire conversing with 
 two of the ecclesiastics. 
 
 " Gentlemen," said he at last, ** our worthy Father Lovell 
 has just arrived from St Germains ; and, as the most rapid 
 communication is now necessary, he is empowered to open 
 here and before us, every despatch which we bring over, 
 before it is transmitted to head-quarters, with permission 
 to act as may seem best to the friends of his Majesty here 
 assembled." 
 
 The fact was, that King James had lately completely 
 given himself up to religious exercises and mortification, 
 and any communication to him was attended with so much 
 delay, that it had been considered advisable to act without 
 consulting him 5 and to avoid the delay consequent on the 
 transmission of communications to Paris, the most active 
 parties had determined that they would, for the present, 
 take up their residence at Cherbourg, and merely transmit 
 
162 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 to their friends at St Germains, an account of their pro-- 
 ceedings, gaining, at least, a week by this arrangement. 
 The party assembled had many names of some note. 
 Among the ecclesiastics were Lovell, Collier, Snatt, and 
 Cooke ; among the cavaliers were those of Musgrave, 
 Friend, and Perkins, whose relatives had suffered in the 
 cause ; Smith, Clancey, Herbert, Cunningham, Leslie, and 
 many others. 
 
 When Sir Robert Barclay approached the table, the 
 others took their seats in silence. 
 
 " Gentlemen," said Sir Robert, laying down the de- 
 spatches, which had been opened, " you must be aware 
 that our affairs now wear a very prosperous appearance. 
 Supported as we are by many in the government of 
 England, and by more in the House of Commons, with sa 
 many adherents here to our cause, we have every rational 
 prospect of success. During the first three months of this 
 year, much has been done ; and, at the same time, it must 
 be confessed that the usurper and the heretics have taken 
 every step in their power to assail and to crush us. By 
 this despatch, now in my hand, it appears that a Bill has 
 passed the Commons, by which it is enacted, * that no 
 person born after the 25th March next, being a Papist, 
 shall be capable of inheriting any title of honour or estate, 
 within the kingdom of England, dominion of Wales, or 
 town of Berwick-on-the-Tweed.' '* 
 
 Here, some of the ecclesiastics lifted up their eyes, 
 others struck their clenched hands on the table, and the 
 cavaliers, as if simultaneously, made the room ring, by 
 seizing hold of the handles of their swords. 
 
 " And further, gentlemen, * that no Papist shall be 
 capable of purchasing any lands, tenements, or heredita- 
 ments, either in his own name, or in the name of any other 
 person in trust for him.' " 
 
 The reader must be reminded, that in those days, 
 there was no Times or Morning Herald laid upon the 
 breakfast table with the debates of the House — that 
 communication was anything but rapid, there being na 
 
The Dog Fiend 263 
 
 regular post — so that what had taken place two months 
 back, was very often news. 
 
 " It appears then, gentlemen, that our only chance is to 
 win our properties with our own good swords." 
 
 "We will!" was the unanimous reply of the laity 
 present. 
 
 " In Scotland, our adherents increase daily ; the interests 
 of so many have been betrayed by the usurper, that 
 thousands of swords will start from their scabbards so soon 
 as we can support the cause with the promised assistance of 
 the court of Versailles : and we have here intelligence that 
 the parliament are in a state of actual hostility to the usurper, 
 and that the national ferment is so great as to be almost on 
 the verge of rebellion. I have also gained from a private 
 communication from our friend Ramsay, who is now at 
 Amsterdam, and in a position to be most useful to us, that 
 the usurper has intimated to his own countrymen, although 
 it is not yet known in England, that he will return to the 
 Hague in July. Such, gentlemen, is the intelligence I have 
 to impart as respects our own prospects in our own country 
 — to which I have to add, that the secret partition treaty, 
 which is inimical to the interests of the French king, has 
 been signed both in London and the Hague, as well as by 
 the French envoy there. A more favourable occurrence 
 for us, perhaps, never occurred, as it will only increase the 
 already well-known ill-will of his Catholic Majesty against 
 the usurper of his own father-in-law's crown. I have now, 
 gentlemen, laid before you our present position and future 
 prospects j and, as we are met to consult upon the 
 propriety of further measures, I shall be most happy to 
 hear the suggestions of others." 
 
 Sir Robert Barclay then sat down. 
 
 Lovell, the Jesuit, first rose. ** I have," said he, *' no 
 opinion to offer relative to warlike arrangements, those not 
 being suitable to my profession. I leave them to men like 
 Sir Robert, whose swords are always ready, and whose 
 talents are so well able to direct their swords ; still, it is 
 well known, that the sources of war must be obtained, if 
 
264 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 war is to be carried on; and I have great pleasure in 
 announcing to those assembled, that from our friends in 
 England, I have received advice of the two several sums 
 of ninety-three thousand pounds and twenty-nine thousand 
 pounds, sterling money, having been actually collected, 
 and now held in trust for the support of the good cause •, 
 and, further, that the collections are still going on with 
 rapidity and success. From his most Catholic Majesty we 
 have received an order upon the minister for the sum of 
 four thousand louis, which has been duly honoured, and 
 from our blessed father, the Pope, an order for iive 
 hundred thousand paolis, amounting to about thirteen 
 thousand pounds in sterling money, together with entire 
 absolution for all sins already committed, and about to be 
 committed, and a secure promise of paradise to those 
 who fall in the maintenance of the true faith and the 
 legitimate king. I have, further, great expectations from 
 Ireland, and many promises from other quarters, in support 
 of the cause which, with the blessing of God, I trust will 
 yet triumph." 
 
 As soon as Lovell sat down. Collier, the ecclesiastic, 
 rose. 
 
 ** That we shall find plenty of willing swords, and a 
 sufficient supply of money for our purposes, there can be 
 no doubt; but I wish to propose one question to the 
 company here assembled. It is an undoubted article of the 
 true faith, that we are bound to uphold it by any and by 
 every means. All human attempts are justifiable in the 
 service of God. Many have already been made to get rid 
 of the usurper, but they have not been crowned with 
 success, as we too well know ; and the blood of our 
 friends, many of whom were not accessories to the act, has 
 been lavishly spilt by the insatiate heretic. 
 
 ** But they have, before this, received immortal crowns, 
 in suffering as martyrs in the cause of religion and 
 justice. I still hold that our attempts to cut off the 
 usurper should be continued ; some hand more fortunate 
 may succeed. But not only is his life to be taken, 
 
The Dog Fiend 26^ 
 
 if possible, but the succession must be cut off root and 
 branch. You all know that, of the many children born to 
 the heretic William, all but one have been taken away 
 from him in judgment for his manifold crimes. One only 
 remains, the present Duke of Gloucester, and I do consider 
 that this branch of heresy should be removed, even in 
 preference to his parent, whose conduct is such as to 
 assist our cause, and whose death may weaken the 
 animosity of his Catholic Majesty, whose hostility is well 
 known to be personal. I have neither men nor money to 
 offer to you, but I have means, I trust, soon to accomplish 
 this point, and I dedicate my useless life to the attempt." 
 
 It would occupy too much of our pages, if we were to 
 narrate all that was said and done at this conference, 
 which we have been obliged to report, as intimately 
 connected with our history. Many others addressed the 
 meeting, proposals were made, rejected, and acceded to. 
 Lists of adherents were produced, and of those who 
 might be gained over. Resolutions were entered into and 
 recorded, and questions debated. Before the breaking 
 up, the accounts of the sums expended, and the monies 
 still on hand, were brought forward; and in the former 
 items, the name of Vanslyperken appeared rather 
 prominent. As soon as the accounts were audited, the 
 conference broke up. 
 
 We have said that, among those who were at the 
 conference, might be observed some persons who might 
 be recognised as part of the crew of the lugger. Such 
 was the case ; Sir Robert Barclay and many others were 
 men of good family, and stout Jacobites. These young 
 men served in the boat with the other men, who were no 
 more than common seamen ; but this was considered 
 necessary in those times of treachery. The lugger pulled 
 eighteen oars, was clinker built, and very swift, even with 
 a full cargo. The after-oars were pulled by the 
 adherents of Sir Robert, and the arm-chest was stowed in 
 the stern-sheets : so that these young men being always 
 armed, no attempt to betray them, or to rise against them, 
 
266 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 on the part of the smugglers, had they been so inclined, 
 could have succeeded. Ramsay's trust as steersman had 
 been appropriated to Jemmy Salisbury, but no other 
 alteration had taken place. We have entered into this 
 detail to prove the activity of the Jacobite party. About 
 an hour after the conference. Sir Robert and his cavaliers 
 had resumed their seamen's attire, for they were to go 
 over that night ; and two hours before dusk, those who 
 had been at a conference, in which the fate of kingdoms 
 and crowned heads was at stake, were to be seen labouring 
 at the oar, in company with common seamen, and urging 
 the fast boat through the yielding waters, towards her 
 haven at the cove. 
 
 Chapter XXXIV 
 
 Besides other Matter, containing an Argument. 
 
 We left Ramsay domiciliated in the house of the syndic 
 Van Krause, on excellent terms with his host, who looked 
 upon him as the mirror of information, and not a little in 
 the good graces of the syndic's daughter, Wilhelmina. 
 There could not be a more favourable opportunity, 
 perhaps, for a handsome and well-informed young man to 
 prosecute his addresses and to gain the affections of the 
 latter, were he so inclined. Wilhelmina had been brought 
 up in every luxury, but isolated from the world. She 
 was now just at the age at which it was her father's 
 intention to introduce her ; but romantic in her disposition, 
 she cared little for the formal introduction which it was 
 intended should take place. Neither had she seen, in any 
 of the young Dutch aristocracy, most of whom were well 
 known to her by sight, as pointed out to her by her father 
 when riding with him, that form and personal appearance 
 which her mind's eye had embodied in her visions of her 
 future lover. Her mind was naturally refined, and she 
 looked for that elegance and grace of deportment which 
 
The Dog Fiend 267 
 
 she sought for in vain among her countrymen, but which 
 had suddenly been presented to her in the person of 
 Edward Ramsay. 
 
 In the few meetings of her father's friends at their 
 house, the conversation was uninteresting, if not dis- 
 gusting ; for it was about goods and merchandise, money 
 and speculation, occasionally interrupted by politics, which 
 were to her of as little interest. How different was the 
 demeanour, the address, and the conversation of the young 
 Englishman, who had been bred in courts, and, at the 
 same time, had travelled much ! There was an interest in 
 all he said, so much information blended with novelty and 
 amusement, so much wit and pleasantry crowning all, that 
 Wilhelmina was fascinated without her being aware of it ; 
 and, before the terms of intimacy had warranted her 
 receiving his hand on meeting, she had already uncon- 
 sciously given her heart. The opportunities arising from 
 her father's close attention to his commercial affairs, and 
 the mutual attraction which brought them together during 
 the major part of the day, she, anxious to be amused, and 
 he attracted by her youth and beauty, were taken advantage 
 of by them both, and the consequence was that, before ten 
 days, they were inseparable. 
 
 The syndic either did not perceive the danger to which 
 his child was exposed, provided that there was any 
 objection to the intimacy, or else, equally pleased with 
 Ramsay, he had no objection to matters taking their 
 course. 
 
 As for Ramsay, that he had at first cultivated the 
 intimacy with Wilhelmina more perhaps from distraction 
 than with any definite purpose, is certain ; but he soon 
 found that her attractions were too great to permit him to 
 continue it, if he had not serious intentions. "When he 
 had entered his own room, before he had been a week in 
 the house, he had taxed himself severely as to the nature 
 of his feelings, and he was then convinced that he must 
 avoid her company, which was impossible if he remained 
 in the house, or, as a man of honour, make a timely 
 
268 Snarleyyow ; or 
 
 retreat ', for Ramsay was too honourable to trifle with the 
 feelings of an innocent girl. Having well weighed this 
 point, he then calculated the probability of his being 
 discovered, and the propriety of his continuing his atten- 
 tions to the daughter of one whom he was deceiving, and 
 whose political opinions were at such variance with his 
 own — but this was a point on which he could come to no 
 decision. His duty to the cause he supported would not 
 allow him to quit the house — to remain in the house 
 without falling in love was impossible. 
 
 Why should his political opinions ever be known ? and 
 why should not Wilhelmina be of the same opinion as he 
 
 was ? — and why Ramsay fell asleep, putting these 
 
 questions to himself, and the next morning he resolved 
 that things should take their chance. 
 
 It was about a fortnight since the cutter had left for 
 England. Ramsay was rather impatient for intelligence, 
 but the cutter had not yet returned. Breakfast had been 
 over some time. Mynheer Van Krause had descended to 
 his warehouses, and Ramsay and Wilhelmina were sitting 
 together upon one of the sofas in the saloon, both reclining 
 and free from that restraint of which nothing but extreme 
 intimacy will divest you. 
 
 ** And so, my Wilhelmina," said Ramsay, taking up her 
 hand, which lay listless at her side, and playing with her 
 taper fingers, " you really think William of Nassau is a 
 good man." 
 
 ** And do not you, Ramsay ? " replied Wilhelmina, 
 surprised. 
 
 " However I may rejoice at his being on the throne of 
 England, I doubt whether I can justify his conduct to the 
 unfortunate King James ; in leaguing against his own 
 father-in-law and dispossessing him of his kingdom. 
 Suppose now, Wilhelmina, that any fortunate man should 
 become one day your husband: what a cruel — what a 
 diabolical conduct it would be on his part — at least, so it 
 appears to me — if, in return for your father putting him in 
 possession of perhaps his greatest treasure on earth, he 
 
The Dog Fiend 269 
 
 were to seize upon all your father's property, and leave 
 him a beggar, because other people were to invite him so 
 to do." 
 
 " I never heard it placed in that light before, Ramsay ; 
 that the alliance between King William and his father-in- 
 law should have made him very scrupulous, I grant, but 
 when the happiness of a nation depended upon it, ought 
 not a person in William's situation to waive all minor con- 
 siderations ? " 
 
 " The happiness of a nation, Wilhelmina ? In what 
 way would you prove that so much was at stake ? " 
 
 " Was not the Protestant religion at stake ? Is not 
 King James a bigoted Catholic ? " 
 
 " I grant that, and therefore ought not to reign over a 
 Protestant nation ; but if you imagine that the happiness 
 of any nation depends upon his religion, I am afraid you 
 are deceived. Religion has been made the excuse for 
 interfering with the happiness of a nation whenever no 
 better excuse could be brought forward ; but depend 
 upon it, the mass of the people will never quarrel about 
 religion if they are left alone, and their interests not 
 interfered with. Had King James not committed himself 
 in other points, he might have worshipped his Creator in 
 any form he thought proper. That a Protestant king was 
 all that was necessary to quiet the nation, is fully dis- 
 proved by the present state of the country, now that the 
 sceptre has been, for some years, swayed by King William, 
 it being, at this moment, in a state very nearly approaching 
 to rebellion." 
 
 " But is not that occasioned by the machinations of the 
 Jacobite party, who are promoting dissension in every 
 quarter ? " replied Wilhelmina. 
 
 "I grant that they are not idle," replied Ramsay ; "but 
 observe the state of bitter variance between William and 
 the House of Commons, which represents the people of 
 England. What can religion have to do with that ? No, 
 Wilhelmina ; although, in this country there are few who 
 do not rejoice at their king being called to the throne of 
 
270 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 England, there are many, and those the most wise, in that 
 country, who lament it quite as much.* 
 
 " But why so ? " 
 
 ** Because mankind are governed by interest, and 
 patriotism is little more than a cloak. The benefits to this 
 country, by the alliance with England, are very great, 
 especially in a commercial point of view, and therefore you 
 will find no want of patriots ; but to England the case is 
 different ; it is not her interest to be involved and mixed 
 up in continental wars and dissensions, which must now 
 inevitably be the case. Depend upon it, that posterity 
 will find that England will have paid very dear for a 
 Protestant king; religion is what everyone is willing to 
 admit the propriety and necessity of, until they are taxed 
 to pay for it, and then it is astonishing how very indifferent, 
 if not disgusted, they become to it." 
 
 "Why, Ramsay, one would never imagine you to be 
 such a warm partisan of the present government, as I 
 believe you really are, to hear you talk this morning," 
 replied Wilhelmina. 
 
 " My public conduct, as belonging to a party, does not 
 prevent my having my private opinions. To my party, I 
 am, and ever will be steadfast ; but knowing the world, 
 and the secret springs of most people's actions, as I do, 
 you must not be surprised at my being so candid with 
 you, Wilhelmina. Our conversation, I believe, commenced 
 upon the character of King William ; and I will confess 
 to you, that estimating the .two characters in moral worth, 
 I would infinitely prefer being the exiled and Catholic 
 James than the unnatural and crowned King William ? " 
 
 " You will say next, that you would just as soon be a 
 Catholic as a Protestant." 
 
 ** And if I had been brought up in the tenets of the 
 one instead of the other, what difference would it have 
 made, except that I should have adhered to the creed of 
 my forefathers, and have worshipped the Almighty after 
 their fashion, form, and ceremonies ? And are not all 
 religions good if they be sincere ? — do not they all tend 
 
The Dog Fiend 271 
 
 to the same object, and have the same goal in view — 
 that of gaining heaven ? Would you not prefer a good, 
 honest, conscientious man, were he a Catholic, to a mean, 
 intriguing, and unworthy person, who professed himself 
 a Protestant ? " 
 
 " Most certainly ; but I should prefer to the just 
 Catholic, a man who was a just Protestant." 
 
 " That is but natural j but recollect, Wilhelmina, you 
 have seen and heard, as yet, but one side of the question -, 
 and if I speak freely to you, it is only to give you the 
 advantage of my experience from having mixed with the 
 world. I am true to my party, and, as a man, I must 
 belong to a party, or I become a nonentity. But were I 
 in a condition so unshackled that I might take up or lay 
 down my opinions as I pleased, without loss of character 
 — as a woman may, for instance — so little do I care for 
 party — so well balanced do I know the right and the 
 wrong to be on both sides — that I would, to please one 
 I loved, at once yield up my opinions, to agree with 
 her, if she would not yield up hers to agree with mine," 
 
 **Then you think a woman might do so? that is no 
 compliment to the sex, Ramsay ; for it is as much as to 
 assert that we have not only no weight or influence in the 
 world, but also that we have no character or stability." 
 
 ** Far from it j I only mean to say that women do not 
 generally enter sufficiently into politics to care much for 
 them J they generally imbibe the politics of those they 
 Jive with, without further examination, and that it is no 
 disgrace to them if they change them. Besides, there is 
 one feeling in women so powerful as to conquer all 
 others, and when once that enters the breast, the 
 remainder are absorbed or become obedient to it." 
 
 " And that feeling is " 
 
 " Love, Wilhelmina ; and if a woman happens to have 
 been brought up in one way of thinking by her parents, 
 when she transfers her affections to her husband, should 
 his politics be adverse, she will soon come round to his 
 opinion, if she really loves him." 
 
272 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " I am not quite so sure of that, Ramsay." 
 
 " I am quite sure she ought. Politics and party are 
 ever a subject of dispute, and therefore should be avoided 
 by a wife ; besides, if a woman selects one as her husband, 
 her guide and counsellor through life, one whom she 
 swears to love, honour, cherish, and obey, she gives but 
 a poor proof of it, if she does not yield up her judgment 
 in all matters more peculiarly his province." 
 
 " You really put things in such a new light, Ramsay, 
 that I hardly know how to answer you, even when I am 
 not convinced." 
 
 " Because you have not had sufficient time for reflection, 
 Wilhelminaj but weigh well, and dwell upon what I 
 have said, and then you will either acknowledge that I 
 am right, or find arguments to prove that I am wrong. 
 But you promised me some singing. Let me lead you 
 into the music-room." 
 
 We have introduced this conversation between Wilhel- 
 mina and Ramsay, to show not only what influence he 
 had already gained over the artless, yet intelligent girl, 
 but also the way by which he considerately prepared her 
 for the acknowledgment which he resolved to make to her 
 on some future opportunity ; for, although Ramsay cared 
 little for deceiving the father, he would not have married 
 the daughter without her being fully aware of who he 
 was. These conversations were constantly renewed, as 
 if accidentally, by Ramsay ; and long before he had talked 
 in direct terms of love, he had fully prepared her for it, 
 so that he felt she would not receive a very severe shock 
 when he threw off the mask, even when she discovered 
 that he was a Catholic, and opposed to her father in 
 religion as well as in politics. The fact was, that Ramsay, 
 at first, was as much attracted by her wealth as by her 
 personal charms ; but, like many other men, as his love 
 increased, so did he gradually become indifferent to her 
 wealth, and he was determined to win her for his wife in 
 spite of all obstacles, and even if he were obliged, to secure 
 her hand, by carrying her off without the paternal consent. 
 
The Dog Fiend 273 
 
 Had it been requisite, it is not certain whether Ramsay- 
 might not have been persuaded to have abandoned his 
 party, so infatuated had he at last become with the really 
 fascinating Wilhelmina. 
 
 But Ramsay was interrupted in the middle of one of his 
 most favourite songs by old Koops, who informed him 
 that the lieutenant of the cutter was waiting for him in his 
 room. Apologising for the necessary absence, Ramsay 
 quitted the music-room, and hastened to meet Vansly- 
 perken. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken had received his orders to return to 
 the Hague a few days after the fright he had received from 
 the nasal organ of the corporal. In pursuance of his 
 instructions from Ramsay, he had not failed to open all the 
 government despatches, and extract their contents. He 
 had also brought over letters from Ramsay's adherents. 
 
 ** You are sure these extracts are quite correct ? " said 
 Ramsay, after he had read them over. 
 
 ** Quite so, sir," replied Vanslyperken. 
 
 " And you have been careful to seal the letters again, 
 so as to avoid suspicion ? " 
 
 ** Does not my life depend upon it, Mr Ramsay ? " 
 
 "Very true, and also upon your fidelity to us. Here's 
 your money. Let me know when you sail, and come for 
 orders." 
 
 Vanslyperken then took his bag of money, made his bow, 
 and departed, and Ramsay commenced reading over the 
 letters received from his friends. Mynheer Van Krause 
 observed Vanslyperken as he was leaving the house, and 
 immediately hastened to Ramsay's room to inquire the 
 news. A portion of the contents of the despatches were 
 made known to him, and the syndic was very soon after- 
 wards seen to walk out, leaving his people to mark and 
 tally the bales which were hoisting out from a vessel in 
 the canal. The fact was, that Mynheer Van Krause was 
 so anxious to get rid of his secret, that he could not 
 contain himself any longer, and had set off to communicate 
 to one of the authorities what he had obtained. 
 
2 74 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 "But from whence did you receive this intelligence. 
 Mynheer Krause," demanded the other. " The despatches 
 have not yet been opened ; we are waiting for Mynheer 
 Van Wejen. I suppose we shall learn something there. 
 You knew all before we did, when the cutter arrived last 
 time. You must have some important friends at the 
 English court, Mynheer Van Krause." 
 
 Here Mynheer Krause nodded his head, and looked 
 very knowing, and shortly afterwards took his leave. 
 
 But this particular friend of Mynheer Krause was also 
 his particular enemy. Krause had lately imparted secrets 
 which were supposed to be known and entrusted to none 
 but those in the entire confidence of the government. 
 How could he have obtained them unless by the treachery 
 of some one at home ; and why should Mynheer Krause, 
 who was not trusted by the government there, notwith- 
 standing his high civil office, because he was known to be 
 unsafe, be trusted by some one at home, unless it were for 
 treacherous purposes ? So argued Mr Krause's most 
 particular friend, who thought it proper to make known 
 his opinions on the subject, and to submit to the other 
 authorities whether this was not a fair subject for repre- 
 sentation in their next despatches to England *, and in 
 consequence of his suggestion, the representation was duly 
 made. Mynheer Krause was not the first person whose 
 tongue had got him into difficulties. 
 
 So soon as Vanslyperken had delivered his despatches 
 to Ramsay, he proceeded to the widow Vandersloosh, 
 when, as usual, he was received with every apparent mark 
 of cordial welcome, was again installed on the little sofa, 
 and again drank the beer of the widow's own brewing, and 
 was permitted to take her fat hand. Babette inquired 
 after the corporal, and, when rallied by the lieutenant, 
 appeared to blush, and turned her head away. The 
 widow also assisted in the play, and declared that it should 
 be a match, and that Babette and herself should be married 
 on the same day. As the evening drew nigh, Vanslyperken 
 took his leave, and went on board, giving permission to 
 
The Dog Fiend 2ys 
 
 the corporal to go on shore, and very soon the corporal 
 was installed in his place. 
 
 This is a sad world of treachery and deceit. 
 
 Chapter XXXV 
 
 In which the agency of a red-herring is again introduced into our wonderful 
 
 history. 
 
 "We are somewhat inclined to moralise. "We did not 
 intend to write this day. On the contrary, we had 
 arranged for a party of pleasure and relaxation, in which 
 the heels, and every other portion of the body upwards, 
 except the brain, were to be employed, and that was to 
 have a respite. The morning was fair, and we promised 
 ourselves amusement, but we were deceived, and we 
 returned to our task, as the rain poured down in torrents, 
 washing the dirty face of mother earth. Yes, deceived ; 
 and here we cannot help observing, that this history of 
 ours is a very true picture of human life — for what a 
 complication of treachery does it not involve ! 
 
 Smallbones is deceiving his master, Mr Vanslyperken 
 — the corporal is deceiving Mr Vanslyperken — the widow 
 is deceiving Mr Vanslyperken, so is Babette, and the 
 whole crew of the Tungfrau, Ramsay is deceiving his 
 host and his mistress. All the Jacobites, in a mass, are 
 plotting against and deceiving the government, and as for 
 Mr Vanslyperken ; as it will soon appear, he is deceiving 
 everybody, and will ultimately deceive himself. The 
 only honest party in the whole history is the one most 
 hated, as generally is the case in this world— I mean 
 Snarleyyow. There is no deceit about him, and there- 
 fore, par excellence, he is fairly entitled to be the hero of, 
 and to give his name to, the work. The next most honest 
 party in the book is "Wilhelminaj all the other women, 
 except little Lilly, are cheats and impostors — and Lilly is 
 too young ; our readers may, therefore, be pleased to 
 
'I'jd Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 consider Snarleyyow and Wilhelmina as the hero and 
 the heroine of the tale, and then it will leave one curious 
 feature in it, the principals will not only not be united, 
 but the tale will wind up without their ever seeing each 
 other. Allans en avant. 
 
 But of all the treachery practised by all the parties, 
 it certainly appears to us that the treachery of the widow 
 was the most odious and diabolical. She was like a bloated 
 spider, slowly entwining those threads for her victim 
 which were to entrap him to his destruction, for she had 
 vow^ed that she never would again be led to the hymeneal 
 altar until Mr Vanslyperken was hanged. Perhaps, the 
 widow Vandersloosh was in a hurry to be married, at 
 least, by her activity, it would so appear— but let us not 
 anticipate. 
 
 The little sofa was fortunately like its build, strong 
 as a cob, or it never could have borne the weight of two 
 such lovers as the widow Vandersloosh and the Corporal 
 Van Spitter; there they sat, she radiant with love and 
 beer, he with ditto ; their sides met, for the sofa exactly 
 took them both in, without an inch to spare ; their hands 
 met, their eyes met, and whenever one raised the glass, 
 the other was on the alert, and their glasses met and 
 jingled — a more practical specimen of hob and nob was 
 never witnessed. There was but one thing wanting to 
 complete their happiness, which, unlike other people's, 
 did not hang upon a thread, but something much stronger, 
 it hung upon a cord ; the cord which was to hang Mr 
 Vanslyperken. 
 
 And now the widow, like the three fates rolled into 
 one, is weaving the woof, and, in good Dutch, is pouring 
 into the attentive ear of the corporal her hopes and fears, 
 her surmises, her wishes, her anticipations, and her 
 desires — and he imbibes them all greedily, washing them 
 down with the beer of the widow's own brewing. 
 
 "He has not been to the house opposite these two 
 last arrivals," said the widow, " that is certain ; for 
 Babette and I have been on the watch. There was 
 
The Dog Fiend 277 
 
 hanging matter there. Now I won't believfe but that he 
 must go somewhere 5 he carries his letters, and takes his 
 gold as before, depend upon it. Yes, and I will find it 
 out. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, we will see who is 
 the 'cutest — you, or the widow Vandersloosh." 
 
 ** Mein Gott, yes ! " replied the corporal. 
 
 "Now he landed a passenger last time, which he 
 called a king's messenger, and I am as sure as I sit here 
 that he was no king's messenger, unless he was one of 
 King James's as was ; for look you, Corporal Van Spitter, 
 do you suppose that King William would employ an 
 Englishman, as you say he was, for a messenger, when 
 a Dutchman was to be had for love or money ? 
 
 ** No, no, we must find out where he goes to. I will 
 have some one on the look out when you come again, 
 and then set Babette on the watch ; she shall track him 
 up to the den of his treachery. Yes, yes, Mr Vansly- 
 perken, we will see who gains the day, you or the widow 
 Vandersloosh." 
 
 " Mein Gott ! yes," replied the corporal. 
 
 " And now, corporal, I've been thinking over all this 
 ever since your absence, and all you have told me about 
 his cowardly attempts upon that poor boy's life, and his 
 still greater cowardice in believing such stuff as you have 
 made him believe about the lad not being injured by 
 mortal man. Stuff and nonsense ! the lad is but a 
 lad." 
 
 " Mein Gott ! yes," said the corporal. 
 
 ** And now, corporal, I'll tell you something else, which 
 is, that you and the Tungfraus are just as great fools as 
 Mynheer Vanslyperken, in believing all that stuff and 
 nonsense about the dog. The dog is but a dog." 
 
 This was rather a trial to the corporal's politeness ; to 
 deny what the widow said, might displease, and, as he 
 firmly believed otherwise, he was put to a nonplus ; but 
 the widow looked him full in the face, expecting assent, 
 so at last the corporal drawled out, " Mein Gott ! yes — 
 a tog is but a tog." 
 
278 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 The widow was satisfied, and not perceiving the nice 
 distinction, continued. 
 
 " "Well, then, corporal, as a lad is but a lad, and a dog 
 is but a dog, I have been setting my wits to work about 
 getting the rascally traitor in my power. I mean to pre- 
 tend to take every interest in him, and to get all his 
 secrets, and then, when he tells me that Smallbones cannot 
 be hurt by mortal man, I shall say he can by woman, at 
 all events ; and then I shall make a proposition, which 
 he'll accept fast enough, and then I'll have more hanging 
 matter for him, besides getting rid of the cur. Yes, yes, 
 Mr Vanslyperken, match a woman if you can. We'll see 
 if your dog is to take possession of my bedroom again." 
 
 " Mein Gott ! yes," replied the corporal again. 
 
 " And now I'll tell you what I'll do, Mr Corporal ; 
 I will prepare it myself; and, then, Mr Vanslyperken 
 shall have it grilled for his breakfast, and then he shall 
 not eat it, but leave it for Smallbones, and then Smallbones 
 shall pretend to eat it, but put it in his pocket, and then 
 (for it won't do to do it on board, or he'll find out that 
 the lad has given it to the dog) he shall bring it on shore, 
 and give it to the dog here in the yard, so that he shall 
 kill the dog himself, by wishing to kill others. Do you 
 understand, corporal ? " 
 
 " Mein Gott ! yes, I understand what you say ; but 
 what is it that you are to prepare ? " 
 
 "What ? why, a red-herring to be sure." 
 
 " But how will a red-herring kill a body or a dog ?" 
 
 "Lord, corporal, how stupid you are; I'm to put 
 
 " Yes ; but you left that out till now." 
 
 " Did I ? well, that was an oversight ; but now, 
 corporal, you understand it all ? " 
 
 " Mein Gott ! yes ; but if the lad does not die, what 
 will he think ? " 
 
 " Think ! that he can take poison like pea-soup, without 
 injury, and that neither man nor woman can take his life ; 
 be afraid of the lad, and leave him alone." 
 
The Dog Fiend 279 
 
 ^' Mein Gott ! yes," replied the rather obtuse corporal, 
 who now understood the whole plot. 
 
 Such was the snare laid for Mr Vanslyperken by the 
 treacherous widow ; and before the cutter sailed, it was 
 put in execution. She received the lieutenant now as an 
 accepted lover, allowed him to talk of the day, wormed 
 out of him all his secrets except that of his treason, abused 
 Smallbones, and acknowledged that she had been too 
 hasty about the dog, which she would be very happy 
 to see on shore. Vanslyperken could hardly believe his 
 senses — the widow forgive Snarleyyow, and all for his 
 sake, he was delighted, enchanted, threw himself at her 
 feet, and vowed eternal gratitude with his lips — but 
 vengeance in his heart. 
 
 Oh ! Mr Vanslyperken, you deserved to be deceived. 
 
 The dislike expressed by the widow against Smallbones 
 was also very agreeable to the lieutenant, and he made 
 her his confidant, stating what the corporal had told him 
 relative to the appearance of Smallbones when he was 
 adrift. 
 
 " Well then, lieutenant," said the widow, " if mortal 
 man can't hurt him, mortal woman may ; and for my love 
 for you I will prepare what will rid you of him. But, 
 Vanslyperken, recollect there's nothing I would not do 
 for you J but if it were found out — O dear ! O dear ! " 
 
 The widow then informed him that she would prepare 
 a red-herring with arsenic, which he should take on board, 
 and order Smallbones to grill for his breakfast ; that he 
 was to pretend not to be well, and to allow it to be takea 
 away by the lad, who would, of course, eat it fast enough. 
 
 *' Excellent ! " replied Vanslyperken, who felt not only 
 that he should get rid of Smallbones, but have the widow 
 in his power. " Dearest widow, how can I be sufficiently 
 grateful ? Oh ! how kind, how amiable you are ! " con- 
 tinued Vanslyperken, mumbling her fat fingers, which 
 the widow abandoned to him without reserve. 
 
 Who would have believed that, between these two, 
 there existed a deadly hatred ? We might imagine such 
 
28o Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 a thing to take place in the refinement and artificial air 
 of a court, but not in a Dutch Lust Haus at Amsterdam. 
 That evening, before his departure, did the widow present 
 her swain with the fatal herring ; and the swain received 
 it with as many marks of gratitude and respect, as some 
 knight in ancient times would have shown when presented 
 with some magical gift by his favouring genius. 
 
 The red-herring itself was but a red-herring, but the 
 charm consisted in the two-pennyworth of arsenic. 
 
 The next morning Vanslyperken did not fail to order 
 the red-herring for his breakfast, but took good care not 
 to eat it. 
 
 Smallbones, who had been duly apprised of the whole 
 plan, asked his master, as he cleared away, whether he 
 should keep the red-herring for the next day; but Mr 
 Vanslyperken very graciously informed him that he might 
 eat it himself. About an hour afterwards Mr Vansly- 
 perken went on shore, taking with him, for the first time, 
 Snarleyyow, and desiring Smallbones to come with him, 
 with a bag of biscuit for the widow. This plan had been 
 proposed by the widow, as Smallbones might be supposed 
 to have eaten something on shore. Smallbones took as 
 good care as his master not to eat the herring, but put it in 
 his pocket as a honne houche for Snarleyyow. Mr Vansly- 
 perken, as they pulled on shore, thought that the lad smelt 
 very strong of herring, and this satisfied him that he had 
 eaten it ; but to make more sure, he exclaimed, " Confound 
 it, how you smell of red-herring ! " 
 
 ** That's all along of having eaten one, sir," replied 
 Smallbones, grinning. 
 
 ** You'll grin in another way before an hour is over," 
 thought his master. 
 
 The lieutenant, the dog, and the biscuit were all 
 graciously received. 
 
 " Has he eaten it ? " inquired the widow. 
 
 " Yes," replied Vanslyperken, with a nod. " Empty 
 the bag, and I will send him on board again." 
 
 " Not yet, not yet — give him half an hour to saunter, it 
 
The Dog Fiend 281 
 
 will be better. That poor dog of yours must want a little 
 grass," said the widow, ** always being on board. Let 
 him run a little in the yard, he will find plenty there." 
 
 The obedient lieutenant opened the back-door, and Snar- 
 leyyow, who had not forgotten either the widow or Babette, 
 went out of his own accord. Mr Vanslyperken looked to 
 ascertain if the yard-door, which led to the street, was 
 fast, and then returned, shutting the back-door after him. 
 
 Smallbones was waiting at the porch as usual. 
 
 " Babette," cried the widow, " mind you don't open the 
 yard-door and let Mr Vanslyperken's dog out. Do you 
 hear ? " 
 
 Smallbones, who understood this as the signal, imme- 
 diately slipped round, opened the yard-door, took the 
 herring out of his pocket, and threw it to Snarleyyow. 
 The dog came to it, smelt it, seized it, and walked off, 
 with his ears and tail up, to the sunny side of the yard, 
 intending to have a good meal ; and Smallbones, who was 
 afraid of Mr Vanslyperken catching him in the act, came 
 out of the yard, and hastened to his former post at the 
 porch. He caught Babette's eye, coming down stairs, and 
 winked and smiled. Babette walked into the room, caught 
 the eye of the mistress, and winked and smiled. Upon 
 which, the widow ordered Babette to empty the bread-bag 
 and give it to Smallbones, to take on board, — an order 
 repeated by Vanslyperken. Before he returned to the 
 boat, Smallbones again passed round to the yard-door. 
 Snarleyyow was there, but no signs of the red-herring. 
 " He's a eaten it all, by gum," said Smallbones, grinning, 
 and walking away to the boat, with the bread-bag over his 
 shoulder. As soon as he had arrived on board, the lad 
 <:ommunicated the fact to the crew of the Tutigfrauy whose 
 spirits were raised by the intelligence, with the exception 
 still of old Coble, who shook his head, and declared, "It 
 was twopence and a red-herring thrown away." 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken returned on board in the afternoon, 
 fully expecting to hear of Smallbones being very ill. He 
 was surprised that the man in the boat did not tell him, 
 
282 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 and he asked them carelessly if there was anything new on 
 board, but received a reply in the negative. When he 
 came on board, followed by Snarleyyow, the eyes of the 
 crew were directed towards the dog, to see how he 
 looked ; but he appeared just as lively and as cross- 
 grained as ever, and they all shook their heads. 
 
 Vanslyperken sent for Smallbones, and looked him hard 
 in the face. " Ar'n't you well ? " inquired he. 
 
 " Well, sir ! " replied Smallbones : "I'd a bit of a 
 twinge in my stummick this morning, but it's all gone 
 off now." 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken waited the whole day for Smallbones 
 to die, but he did not. The crew of the vessel waited the 
 whole day for the cur to die, but he did not. What 
 inference could be drawn. The crew made up their minds 
 that the dog was supernatural ; and old Coble told them 
 that he told them so. Mr Vanslyperken made up his mind 
 that Smallbones was supernatural, and the corporal shook 
 his head, and told him that he told him so. 
 
 The reason why Snarleyyow did not die was simply 
 this, that he did not eat the red-herring. He had just 
 laid it between his paws, and was about to commence, 
 when Smallbones, having left the yard-door open in his 
 hurry, the dog was perceived by a dog bigger than he, 
 who happened to pass that way, and who pounced upon 
 Snarleyyow, trampling him over and over, and walked off 
 with the red-herring, which he had better have left alone, 
 as he was found dead the next morning. 
 
 The widow heard, both from the corporal and Vansly- 
 perken, the failure of both their projects. That Small- 
 bones was not poisoned she was not surprised to hear, but 
 she took care to agree with Vanslyperken that all attempts 
 upon him were useless ; but that the dog still lived was 
 indeed a matter of surprise, and the widow became a 
 convert to the corporal's opinion that the dog was not to 
 be destroyed. 
 
 " A whole two-pennyworth of arsenic ! Babette, only 
 think what a cur it must be ! " And Babette, as well as 
 
The Dog Fiend 283 
 
 her mistress, lifted up her hands in amazement, exclaiming, 
 " What a cur indeed ! " 
 
 Chapter XXXVI 
 
 In which Mr Vanslyperken, although at fault, comes in for the brush. 
 
 Vanslyperken having obtained his despatches from the 
 States General, called at the house of Mynheer Krause, 
 and received the letters of Ramsay, then, once more, the 
 cutter's head was turned towards England. 
 
 It may be as well to remind the reader, that it was in 
 the month of January, sixteen hundred and ninety-nine, 
 that we first introduced Mr Vanslyperken and his contem- 
 poraries to his notice, and that all the important events, 
 which we have recorded, have taken place between that 
 date and the month of May, which is now arrived. We 
 think, indeed, that the peculiar merit of this work is its 
 remarkable unity of time and place ; for, be it observed, 
 we intend to finish it long before the year is out, and our 
 whole scene is, it may be said, laid in the channel, or 
 between the channel and the Texel, which, considering it 
 is an historical novel, is remarkable. Examine other pro- 
 ductions of this nature, founded upon historical facts, like 
 our own, and observe the difference. Read Scott, Bulwer, 
 James, or Grattan, read their historical novels, and observe 
 how they fly about from country to country, and from 
 clime to clime. As the Scythians said to Alexander, their 
 right arm extends to the east, and their left to the west, 
 and the world can hardly contain them. And over how 
 many years do they extend their pages ? while our bantling 
 is produced in the regular nine months, being the exact 
 period of time which is required for my three volumes. 
 It must, therefore, be allowed that in unity of time, and 
 place and design, and adherence to facts, our historical 
 novel is unique. 
 
284 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 We said that it was the month of May — not May coining 
 in as she does sometimes in her caprice, pouting, and out 
 of humour — but May all in smiles. The weather was 
 warm, and the sea was smooth, and the men of the cutter 
 had stowed away their pea-jackets, and had pulled off their 
 fishermen's boots, and had substituted shoes. Mr Vansly- 
 perken did not often appear on deck during the passage. 
 He was very busy down below, and spread a piece of 
 bunting across the skylight, so that no one could look 
 down and see what he was about, and the cabin-door was 
 almost always locked. What could Mr Vanslyperken be 
 about ? No one knew but Snarleyyow, and Snarleyyow 
 could not or would not tell. 
 
 The cutter anchored in her old berth, and Vanslyperken, 
 as usual, went on shore, with his double set of despatches, 
 which were duly delivered ; and then Mr Vanslyperken 
 went up the main street, and turned into a jeweller's shop. 
 What could Mr Vanslyperken do there ? Surely it was 
 to purchase something for the widow Vandersloosh — a 
 necklace or pair of ear-rings. No, it was not with that 
 intention; but nevertheless, Mr Vanslyperken remained 
 there for a long v/hile, and then was seen to depart. Seen 
 by whom ? By Moggy Salisbury, who had observed his 
 entering, and who could not imagine why ; she, however, 
 said nothing, but she marked the shop, and walked away. 
 
 The next day, Mr Vanslyperken went on shore, to put 
 into his mother's charge the money which he had received 
 from Ramsay, and narrated all that had passed — how 
 Smallbones had swallowed two-pennyworth of arsenic with 
 no more effect upon him than one twinge in his stomach, 
 and how he now fully believed that nothing would kill the 
 boy. 
 
 " Pshaw ! child — phut ! — nonsense ! — nothing kill him ? 
 — had he been in my hands, old as they are, and shaking 
 as they do, he would not have lived; no, no — nobody 
 escapes me when I am determined. We'll talk about that, 
 but not now, Cornelius ; the weather has turned warm at 
 last, and there is no need of fire. Go, child, the money 
 
The Dog Fiend 285 
 
 is locked up safe, and I have my mood upon me — I may 
 even do you a mischief." 
 
 Vanslyperken, who knew that it was useless to remain 
 after this hint, walked off and returned on board. As he 
 pulled off, he passed a boat, apparently coming from the 
 cutter, with Moggy Salisbury sitting in the stern-sheets. 
 She waved her hand at him, and laughed ironically. 
 
 " Impudent hussy ! " thought Vanslyperken, as she 
 passed, but he dared not say a word. He turned pale 
 with rage, and turned his head away ; but little did he 
 imagine, at the time, what great cause he had of indigna- 
 tion. Moggy had been three hours on board of the cutter 
 talking with the men, but more particularly with Smallbones 
 and the corporal, with which two she had been in earnest 
 conference for the first hour that she was on board. 
 
 Moggy's animosity to Vanslyperken is well known, and 
 she ridiculed the idea of Snarleyyow being anything more 
 than an uncommon lucky dog in escaping so often. Small- 
 bones was of her opinion, and again declared his intention 
 of doing the dog a mischief as soon as he could. Moggy, 
 after her conference with these two, mixed with the ship's 
 company, with whom she had always been a favourite, and 
 the corporal proceeded to superintend the cutting up and 
 the distribution of the fresh beef which had that morning 
 come on board. 
 
 The beef block was on the forecastle, where the major 
 part of the crew, with Moggy, were assembled ; Snarleyyow 
 had always attended the corporal on these occasions, and 
 was still the best of friends with him; for somehow or 
 another, the dog had not seemed to consider the corporal 
 a party to his brains being knocked out, but had put it all 
 down to his natural enemy, Smallbones. The dog was, as 
 usual, standing by the block close to the corporal, and 
 picking up the fragments of beef which dropped from the 
 chopper. 
 
 ** I vowed by gum, that Fd have that ere dog's tail 
 off," observed Smallbones ; ** and if no one will peach, 
 off it shall go now. And who cares ? If I can't a kill 
 
286 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 him dead, I'll get rid of him by bits. There's one eye 
 out already, and now I've a mind for his tail. Corporal, 
 lend me the cleaver." 
 
 " Bravo, Smallbones, we won't peach — not one of us." 
 
 " I'm not sure of that," replied Moggy •, " some won't, 
 I know ; but there are others who may, and then Small- 
 bones will be keel-hauled as sure as fate, and Vansly- 
 perken will have right on his side. No, no, Smallbones 
 — you must not do it. Give me the cleaver, corporal, 
 I'll do it ; and anyone may tell him who pleases, when 
 he comes on board. I don't care for him — and he knows 
 it, corporal. Hand me the cleaver." 
 
 " That's right, let Moggy do it," said the seamen. 
 
 The corporal turned the dog round, so as to leave his 
 tail on the block, and fed him with small pieces of meat, 
 to keep him in the same position. 
 
 " Are you all ready, Moggy ? " said Smallbones. 
 
 " Back him a little more on the block, corporal, for I 
 won't leave him an inch if I can help it," said Moggy ; 
 " and stand farther back, all of you." 
 
 Moggy raised the cleaver, took good aim — down it 
 came upon the dog's tail, which was separated within 
 an inch of its insertion, and was left bleeding on the 
 block, while the dog sprang away aft, howling most 
 terribly, and leaving a dotted line of blood to mark his 
 course upon the deck. 
 
 " There's a nice skewer-piece for anyone who fancies 
 it," observed Moggy, looking at the dog's tail, and throw- 
 ing down the cleaver. " I think Mr Vanslyperken has 
 had enough now for trying to flog my Jemmy — my own 
 duck of a husband." 
 
 " Well," observed Coble, " seeing's believing ; but, 
 otherwise, I never should have thought it possible to 
 have divided that ere dog's tail in that way." 
 
 " He can't be much of a devil now," observed Bill 
 Spurey ; "for what's a devil without a tail ? A devil 
 is like a sarpent, whose sting is in his tail." 
 
 *' Yes," replied Short, who had looked on in silence. 
 
The Dog Fiend 287 
 
 " But, I say. Moggy, perhaps it's as well for him not 
 to find you on board." 
 
 ** What do I care ? " replied Moggy. "He is more 
 afraid of me than I of him -, but, howsomever, it's just 
 as well not to be here, as it may get others in trouble. 
 Mind you say at once it was me — I defy him." 
 
 Moggy then wished them good-bye, and quitted the 
 cutter, when she was met, as we have already observed, 
 by Vanslyperken. 
 
 " Mein Gott ! vat must be done now ? " observed the 
 corporal to those about him, looking at the mangy tail 
 which still remained on the beef-block. 
 
 " Done, corporal," replied Smallbones, " why, you 
 must come for to go for to complain on it, as he comes 
 on board. You must take the tail, and tell the tale, 
 and purtend to be as angry and as sorry as himself, 
 and damn her up in heaps. That's what must be 
 done." 
 
 This was not bad advice on the part of Smallbones — 
 the ship's company agreed to it, and the corporal per- 
 ceived the propriety of it. 
 
 In the meantime, the dog had retreated to the cabin, 
 and his bowlings had gradually ceased ; but he had left 
 a track of blood along the deck, and down the ladder, 
 which Dick Short perceiving, pointed to it, and cried 
 out " Swabs." 
 
 The men brought swabs aft, and had cleaned the deck 
 and the ladder down to the cabin door, when Mr Vansly- 
 perken came on board. 
 
 "Has that woman been here?" inquired Mr Vansly- 
 perken, as he came on deck. 
 
 " Yes," replied Dick Short. 
 
 "Did not I give positive orders that she should not?" 
 cried Vanslyperken. 
 
 " No," replied Dick Short. 
 
 ** Then I do now," continued the lieutenant. 
 
 "Too late," observed Short, shrugging up his shoulders, 
 and walking forward. 
 
288 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 a 
 
 Too late ! what does he mean ? " said Vanslyperken^ 
 turning to Coble. 
 
 " I knows nothing about it, sir," replied Coble. ** She 
 came for some of her husband's things that were left on 
 board." 
 
 Vanslyperken turned round to look for the corporal 
 for explanation. 
 
 There stood Corporal Van Spitter, perfectly erect, with 
 a very melancholy face, one hand raised as usual to his 
 cap, and the other occupied with the tail of Snarleyyow. 
 
 " What is it ? what is the matter, corporal ? " 
 
 ** Mynheer Vanslyperken," replied the corporal, re- 
 taining his respectful attitude, " here is de tail." 
 
 ** Tail ! what tail ? " exclaimed Vanslyperken, casting 
 his eyes upon the contents of the corporal's left hand. 
 
 " Te tog's tail, mynheer," replied the corporal, gravely, 
 ** which de dam tog's wife — Moggy " 
 
 Vanslyperken stared j he could scarcely credit his eye- 
 sight, but there it was. For a time he could not speak 
 for agitation j at last, with a tremendous oath, he darted 
 into the cabin. 
 
 "What were his feelings when he beheld Snarleyyow 
 lying'in a corner tailless, with a puddle of blood behind him. 
 
 " My poor, poor dog ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken, cover- 
 ing up his face. 
 
 His sorrow soon changed to rage — he invoked all the 
 curses he could imagine upon Moggy's head — he vowed 
 revenge — he stamped with rage — and then he patted 
 Snarleyyow ; and as the beast looked wistfully in his face, 
 Vanslyperken shed tears. " My poor, poor dog ! first 
 your eye — and now your tail — what will your persecutors 
 require next ? Perdition seize them ! may perdition be my 
 portion if I am not revenged. Smallbones is at the bottom 
 of all this ; I can — I will be revenged on him." 
 
 Vanslyperken rang the bell, and the corporal made his 
 appearance with the dog's tail still in his hand. 
 
 '* Lay it down on the table, corporal," said Vanslyperken, 
 mournfully, ** and tell me how this happened." 
 
The Dog Fiend 289 
 
 The corporal then entered into a long detail of the way 
 in which the dog had been flf.?tailed— how he had been 
 cutting up beef — and how while his back was turned, and 
 Snarleyyow, as usual, was at the block, picking up the bits. 
 Moggy Salisbury, who had been allowed to come on board 
 by Mr Short, had caught up the cleaver and chopped off 
 the dog's tail. 
 
 " Was Smallbones at the block ? " inquired Vanslyperken. 
 
 ** He was, mynheer," replied the corporal. 
 
 "Who held the dog while his tail was chopped off?" 
 inquired Vanslyperken ; " some one must have held him." 
 
 This was a home question; but the corporal replied, 
 " Yes, mynheer, some one must have held the dog." 
 
 ** You did not hear who it was, or if it were Small- 
 bones ? " 
 
 " I did not, mynheer," replied the corporal ; " but," 
 added he with a significant look, ** I tink I could say." 
 
 ** Yes, yes, corporal, I know" who you mean. It was him 
 — I am sure — and as sure as I sit here I'll be revenged. 
 Bring a swab, corporal, and wipe up all this blood. Do 
 you think the poor animal will recover ? " 
 
 " Yes, mynheer 5 there be togs with tail and togs 
 without tail." 
 
 " But the loss of blood — what must be done to stop the 
 bleeding ? " 
 
 " Dat d — — n woman Moggy, when I say te tog die — 
 tog bleed to death, she say, tell Mynheer Vanslyperken dat 
 de best ting for cure de cur be de red hot poker." 
 
 Here Vanslyperken stamped his feet and swore horribly. 
 
 " She say, mynheer, it stop all de bleeding." 
 
 " I wish she had a hot poker down her body," exclaimed 
 Vanslyperken, bitterly. 
 
 " Go for the swab, corporal, and send Smallbones here." 
 
 Smallbones made his appearance. 
 
 " Did you come for — to want me, sir ? " 
 
 " Yes, sir. I understand from the corporal that you held 
 the dog while that woman cut off his tail." 
 
 "If so be as how as the corporal says that ere," cried 
 s T 
 
290 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Smallbones, striking the palm of his left hand with his right 
 fist, ** why I am jiggered if he don't tell a lie as big as 
 himself — that's all. That ere man is my mortal henemy ; 
 and if that ere dog gets into trouble I'm a sartain to be in 
 trouble too. What should I cut the dog's tail off for, I 
 should like for to know ? I arn't so hungry as all that, any 
 how." 
 
 The idea of eating his dog's tail increased the choler of 
 Mr Vanslyperken. With looks of malignant vengeance he 
 ordered Smallbones out of the cabin. 
 
 " Shall I shy this here overboard, sir ? " said Smallbones, 
 taking up the dog's tail, which lay on the table. 
 
 " Drop it, sir," roared Vanslyperken. 
 
 Smallbones walked away, grinning with delight, but his 
 face was turned from Mr Vanslyperken. 
 
 The corporal returned, swabbed up the blood, and 
 reported that the bleeding had stopped. Mr Vanslyperken 
 had no further orders for him — he wished to be left alone. 
 He leaned his head upon his hand, and remained for some 
 time in a melancholy reverie, with his eyes fixed upon the 
 tail, which lay before him — that tail, now a "bleeding 
 piece of earth," which never was to welcome him with 
 a wag again. What passed in Vanslyperken's mind during 
 this time, it would be too difficult and too long to repeat, 
 for the mind flies over time and space with the rapidity 
 of the lightning's flash. At last he rose, took up the dog's 
 tail, put it into his pocket, went on deck, ordered his boat, 
 and pulled on shore. 
 
 Chapter XXXVII 
 
 In which Mr Vanslyperken drives a very hard bargain. 
 
 We will be just and candid in our opinion relative to the 
 historical facts which we are now narrating. Party spirit, 
 and various other feelings, independent of misrepresenta- 
 
The Dog Fiend 291 
 
 tion, do, at the time, induce people to form their 
 judgment, to say the best, harshly, and but too often, 
 incorrectly. It is for posterity to calmly weigh the 
 evidence handed down, and to examine into the merits 
 of a case divested of party bias. Actuated by these 
 feelings, we do not hesitate to assert, that, in the point at 
 question, Mr Vanslyperken had great cause for being 
 displeased ; and that the conduct of Moggy Salisbury, in 
 cutting off the tail of Snarleyyow was, in our opinion, not 
 justifiable. 
 
 There is a respect for property, inculcated and protected 
 by the laws, which should never be departed from ; and, 
 whatever may have been the aggressions on the part of 
 Mr Vanslyperken, or of the dog, still a tail is a tail, and 
 whether mangy or not, is bond Jide a part of the living 
 body ; and this aggression must inevitably come under 
 the head of the cutting and maiming act, which act, 
 however, it must, with the same candour which will ever 
 guide our pen, be acknowledged, was not passed until a 
 much later period than that to the history of which our 
 narrative refers. 
 
 Having thus, with all deference, offered our humble 
 opinion, we shall revert to facts. Mr Vanslyperken went 
 on shore, with the dog's tail in his pocket. He walked 
 with rapid strides towards the half-way houses, in one of 
 which was the room tenanted by his aged mother ; for, to 
 whom else could he apply for consolation in this case of 
 severe distress ? That it was Moggy Salisbury who gave 
 the cruel blow, was a fact completely substantiated by 
 evidence ; but that it was Smallbones who held the dog, 
 and who thereby became an active participator, and 
 therefore equally culpable, was a surmise to which the 
 insinuations of the corporal had given all the authority of 
 direct evidence. And, as Mr Vanslyperken felt that 
 Moggy was not only out of his power, but even if in his 
 power, that he dare not retaliate upon her, for reasons 
 which we have already explained to our readers ; it was, 
 therefore, clear to him, that Smallbones was the party 
 
292 Snarl eyyow; or, 
 
 upon whom his indignation could be the most safely 
 vented: and, moreover, that in so doing, he was only 
 paying off a long accumulating debt of hatred and ill-will. 
 But, at the same time, Mr Vanslyperken had made up his 
 mind that a lad who could be floated out to the Nab buoy 
 and back again without sinking — who could have a bullet 
 through his head without a mark remaining — and who 
 could swallow a whole twopenny-worth of arsenic without 
 feeling more than a twinge in his stomach, was not so very 
 easy to be made away with. That the corporal's vision 
 was no fiction, was evident — the lad was not to be hurt 
 by mortal man 5 but although the widow's arsenic had 
 failed, Mr Vanslyperken, in his superstition, accounted 
 for it on the grounds that the woman was not the active 
 agent on the occasion, having only prepared the herring, 
 it not having been received from her hands by Smallbones. 
 The reader may recollect that, in the last interview 
 between Vanslyperken and his mother, the latter had 
 thrown out hints that if she took Smallbones in hand he 
 would not have such miraculous escapes as he had had, as, 
 in all she undertook, she did her business thoroughly. 
 Bearing this in mind, Mr Vanslyperken went to pour forth 
 his sorrows, and to obtain the assistance of his much-to- 
 be-respected and venerable mother. 
 
 *' Well, child, what is it — is it money you bring ? " cried 
 the old woman, when Vanslyperken entered the room. 
 
 " No, mother," replied Vanslyperken, throwing himself 
 on the only chair in the room, except the one with the legs 
 cut off half-way up, upon which his mother was accustomed 
 to rock herself before the grate. 
 
 " No, mother ; but I have brought something — and I 
 come to you for advice and assistance." 
 
 ** Brought no money — ^yet brought something ! — well, 
 child, what have you brought ? " 
 
 " This ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken, throwing the dog's 
 tail down upon the table. 
 
 " This ! " repeated the old beldame, lifting up the tail, 
 and examining it as well as she could, as the vibration of 
 
The Dog Fiend 293 
 
 her palsied members were communicated to the article — 
 " and pray, child, what is this ? " 
 
 ** Are you blind, old woman," replied Vanslyperken in 
 wrath, " not to perceive that it is my poor dog's tail ? " 
 
 " BHnd old woman ! and dog's tail, eh ! Blind old 
 woman, eh ! Mr Cornelius, you dare to call me a blind old 
 woman, and to bring here the mangy tail of a dog — and to 
 lay it on my table I Is this your duty, sirrah ? How dare 
 you take such liberties ? There, sir," cried the hag in a 
 rage, catching hold of the tail, and sending it flying out of 
 the casement, which was open — " there, sir — and now you 
 may follow your tail. D'ye hear ? — leave the room in- 
 stantly, or I'll cleave your craven skull. Blind old woman, 
 forsooth — undutiful child " 
 
 Vanslyperken, in spite of his mother's indignation, could 
 not prevent his eyes from following the tail of his dog, as 
 it sailed through the ambient air surrounding the half-way 
 houses, and was glad to observe it landed among some 
 cabbage-leaves thrown into the road, without attracting 
 notice. Satisfied that he should regain his treasure when 
 he quitted the house, he now turned round to deprecate 
 his mother's wrath, who had not yet completed the 
 sentence which we have quoted above. 
 
 ** I supplicate your pardon, my dear mother," said 
 Vanslyperken, who felt that in her present humour he 
 was not likely to gain the point with her that he had in 
 contemplation. ** I was so vexed — so irritated — that I 
 knew not what I was saying." 
 
 " Blind old woman, indeed," repeated the beldame. 
 
 " I again beg you to forgive me, dearest mother," con- 
 tinued Vanslyperken. 
 
 " All about a dog's tail cut off. Better off than on — so 
 much the less mange on the snarling cur." 
 
 This was touching up Vanslyperken on the raw; but 
 he had a great object in view, and he restrained his feelings. 
 
 " I was wrong, mother — very wrong — but I have done 
 all I can, I have begged your pardon. I came here for 
 your advice and assistance." 
 
294 Snarleyyow ; or, 
 
 " What advice or assistance can you expect from a blind 
 old woman ? " retorted the old hag. " And what advice 
 or assistance does so undutiful a child deserve ? " 
 
 It was some time before the ruiHed temper of the 
 beldame could be appeased : at last, Vanslyperken suc- 
 ceeded. He then entered into a detail of all that had 
 passed, and concluded by observing, " that as Smallbones 
 was not to be injured by mortal man, he had come to her 
 for assistance." 
 
 " That is to say — you have come to me to ask me to 
 knock the lad's brains out — to take away his life — to 
 murder him, in fact. Say, Cornelius, is it not so ? " 
 
 "It is exactly so, my dearest mother. I know your 
 courage — your " 
 
 *' Yes, yes, I understand all that ; but, now hear me, 
 child. There are deeds which are done, and which I have 
 done, but those deeds are only done upon strong impulses. 
 Murder is one ; but people murder for two reasons only — 
 for revenge and for gold. People don't do such acts as 
 are to torture their minds here, and perhaps be punished 
 hereafter — that is, if there be one, child. I say, people 
 don't do such deeds as these, merely because a graceless 
 son comes to them, and says, * if you please, mother.' Do 
 you understand that, child ? I've blood enough on my 
 hands already — good blood too — they are not defiled 
 with the scum of a parish boy, nor shall they be, with- 
 out " 
 
 " Without what, mother ? " 
 
 " Have I not told you, Cornelius, that there are but two 
 great excitements — revenge and gold ? I have no revenge 
 against the lad. If you have — if you consider that a dog's 
 tail demands a human victim — well and good — do the deed 
 yourself." 
 
 ** I would," cried Vanslyperken, " but I have tried in 
 vain. It must be done by woman." 
 
 " Then hear me, Cornelius ; if it must be done by 
 woman, you must find a woman to do it, and you must 
 pay her for the deed. Murder is at a high price. You 
 
The Dog Fiend 295 
 
 apply to me — I am content to do the deed ; but I must 
 have gold — and plenty too." 
 
 Vanslyperken paused before he replied. The old 
 woman had charge of all his money — she was on the verge 
 of the grave — for what could she require his gold ,? — could 
 she be so foolish ? — it was insanity. Vanslyperken was 
 right — it was insanity, for avarice is no better. 
 
 " Do you mean, mother," replied Vanslyperken, " that 
 you want gold from me ? " 
 
 ** From whom else ? " demanded the old woman sharply. 
 
 " Take it, then, mother— take as many pieces as you 
 please." 
 
 " I must have all that there is in that chest, Cornelius." 
 
 " All, mother ? " 
 
 " Yes, all ; and what is it, after all .? What price is too 
 high for blood which calls for retribution? Besides, 
 Cornelius, it must be all yours again when I die 5 but I 
 shall not die yet — no, no." 
 
 " Well, mother," replied Vanslyperken, ** if it must be 
 so, it shall all be yours — not that I can see what difference 
 it makes, whether it is called yours or mine." 
 
 ** Then why not give it freely ? Why do you hesitate 
 to give to your poor old mother what may be again yours 
 before the leaf again falls ? Ask yourself why, Cornelius, 
 and then you have my answer. The gold is here in my 
 charge, but it is not my gold — it is yours. You little 
 think how often I've laid in bed and longed that it was all 
 mine. Then I would count it — count it again and again — 
 watch over it, not as I do now as a mere deposit in my 
 charge, but as a mother would watch and smile upon her 
 first-born child. There is a talisman in that word minet 
 that not approaching death can wean from life. It is our 
 natures, child — say, then, is all that gold mine ? " 
 
 Vanslyperken paused ; he also felt the magic of the 
 word ; and although it was but a nominal and temporary 
 divestment of the property, even that gave him a severe 
 struggle ; but his avarice was overcome by his feelings of 
 revenge, and he answered solemnly, "As I hope for 
 
296 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 revenge, mother, all that gold is yours, provided that you 
 do the deed." 
 
 Here the old hag burst into a sort of shrieking laugh. 
 " Send him here, child ; " and the almost unearthly 
 cachinnation was continued — " send him here, child — I 
 can't go to seek him — and it is done — only bring him 
 here." 
 
 So soon as this compact had been completed, Vansly- 
 perken and his mother had a consultation; and it was 
 agreed, that it would be advisable not to attempt the deed 
 until the day before the cutter sailed, as it would remove 
 all suspicion, and be supposed that the boy had deserted. 
 This arrangement having been made, Vanslyperken made 
 rather a hasty retreat. The fact was, that he was anxious 
 to recover the fragment of Snarleyyow, which his mother 
 had so contemptuously thrown out of the casement. 
 
 Chapter XXXVIII 
 
 In which Mr Vanslyperken is taken for a witch. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken hastened into the street, and walked 
 towards the heap of cabbage-leaves, in which he observed 
 the object of his wishes to have fallen ; but there was some 
 one there before him, an old sow, very busy groping 
 among the refuse. Although Vanslyperken came on shore 
 without even a stick in his hand, he had no fear of a pig, 
 and walked up boldly to drive her away, fully convinced 
 that, although she might like cabbage, not being exactly 
 carnivorous, he should find the tail in statu quo. But it 
 appeared that the sow not only would not stand being 
 interfered with, but, moreover, was carnivorously inclined ; 
 for she was at that very moment routing the tail about 
 with her nose, and received Vanslyperken's advance with 
 a very irascible grunt, throwing her head up at him with 
 a savage augh; and then again busied herself with the 
 
The Dog Fiend 297 
 
 fragment of Snarleyyow. Vanslyperken, who had started 
 back, perceived that the sow was engaged with the very 
 article in question ; and finding it was a service of more 
 danger than he had expected, picked up one or two large 
 stones, and threw them at the animal to drive her away. 
 This mode of attack had the effect desired in one respect ; 
 the sow made a retreat, but at the same time she would 
 not retreat without the bonne houche, which she carried 
 away in her mouth. 
 
 Vanslyperken followed; but the sow proved that she 
 could fight as well as run, every minute turning round to 
 bay, and chumping and grumbling in a very formidable 
 manner. At last, after Vanslyperken had chased for a 
 quarter of a mile, he received unexpected assistance from 
 a large dog, who bounded from the side of the road, 
 where he lay in the sun, and seizing the sov/ by the ear, 
 made her drop the tail to save her own bacon. 
 
 Vanslyperken was delighted ; he hastened up as fast as 
 he could to regain his treasure, when, to his mortification, 
 the great dog, who had left the sow, arrived at the spot 
 before him, and after smelling at the not one bone, but 
 many bones of contention, he took it in his mouth, and 
 trotted off to his former berth in the sunshine, laid himself 
 down, and the tail before him. 
 
 ** Surely one dog won't eat another dog's tail," thought 
 Vanslyperken, as he walked up to the animal ; but an eye 
 like fire, a deep growl, and exposure of a range of teeth 
 equal to a hyena's, convinced Mr Vanslyperken that it 
 would be wise to retreat — which he did, to a respectable 
 distance, and attempted to coax the dog. " Poor doggy, 
 there's a dog," cried Vanslyperken, snapping his fingers, 
 and approaching gradually. To his horror, the dog did 
 the same thing exactly : he rose, and approached Mr 
 Vanslyperken gradually, and snapped his fingers : not 
 content with that, he flew at him, and tore the skirt of his 
 great-coat clean off, and also the hinder part of his trousers, 
 for Mr Vanslyperken immediately turned tail, and the dog 
 appeared resolved to have his tail as well as that of his 
 
298 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 darling cur. Satisfied with about half a yard of broad- 
 cloth as a trophy, the dog returned to his former situation, 
 and remained with the tail of the coat and the tail of the 
 cur before him, with his fierce eyes fixed upon Mr Vansly- 
 perken, who had now retreated to a greater distance. 
 
 But this transaction was not unobserved by several of 
 the people who inhabited the street of cottages. Many 
 eyes were directed to where Mr Vanslyperken and the sow 
 and dog had been at issue, and many were the conjectures 
 thereon. 
 
 When the dog retreated with the skirt of the great-coat, 
 many came out to ascertain what was the cause of the 
 dispute, and among others, the man to whom the dog 
 belonged, and who lived at the cottage opposite to where 
 the dog had lain down. He observed Vanslyperken, look- 
 ing very much like a vessel whose sails have been split in 
 a gale, and very rueful at the same time, standing at a 
 certain distance, quite undecided how to act, and he called 
 out to him, "What is it you may want with my dog, 
 man ? " 
 
 Man ! Vanslyperken thought this designation an affront ; 
 whereas, in our opinion, Vanslyperken was an affront to 
 the name of man. " Man ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken ; 
 " why your dog has taken my property ! " 
 
 " Then take your property," replied the other, tossing 
 to him the skirt of his coat, which he had taken from the 
 dog. 
 
 By this time there was a crowd collected from out of 
 the various surrounding tenements. 
 
 ** That's not all," exclaimed Vanslyperken ; ** he has 
 got my dog's tail there." 
 
 " Your dog's tail ! " exclaimed the man, " what do 
 you mean ? Is it this ragged mangy thing you would 
 have ? " and the man took the tail of Snarleyyow, and 
 held it up to the view of the assembled crowd. 
 
 " Yes," replied Vanslyperken, coming towards the 
 man with eagerness ; " that is what I want," and he 
 held out his hand to receive it. 
 
The Dog Fiend 299 
 
 tc 
 
 And pray, may I ask," replied the other, looking 
 very suspiciously at Vanslyperken, ** what can you want 
 with this piece of carrion ? " 
 
 " To make soup of," replied another, laughing ; "he 
 can't afford ox-tail." 
 
 Vanslyperken made an eager snatch at his treasure ; 
 but the man lifted it up on the other side, out of his 
 reach. 
 
 " Let us have a look at this chap," said the first, 
 examining Vanslyperken, whose peaked nose and chin, 
 small ferret eyes, and downcast look were certainly not 
 in his favour; neither were his old and now tattered 
 habiliments. Certainly no one would have taken Vansly- 
 perken for a king's officer — unfortunately they took him 
 for something else. 
 
 " Now tell me, fellow, what were you going to do with 
 this ? " inquired the man in a severe tone. 
 
 ** I sha'n't tell you," replied Vanslyperken. 
 
 " Why that's the chap that I sees go in and out of 
 the room where that old hell-fire witch lives, who curses 
 all day long." 
 
 " I thought as much," observed the man, who still held 
 up the cur's tail. " Now I appeal to you all, what can 
 a fellow want with such as this — ay, my good people, 
 and want it so much too, as to risk being torn to pieces 
 for it — if he arn't inclined to evil practices ? " 
 
 " That's sartain sure," replied another. 
 
 " A witch — a witch ! " cried the whole crowd. 
 
 " Let's duck him — tie his thumbs — away with him— 
 come along, my lads, away with him." 
 
 Although there were not, at the time we write about, 
 regular witch-finders, as in the time of James L, still the 
 feeling against witches, and the belief that they practised, 
 still existed. They were no longer handed over to 
 summary and capital punishment, but whenever suspected 
 they were sure to meet with very rough treatment. 
 Such was the fate of Mr Vanslyperken, who was now 
 seized by the crowd, buffeted, and spit upon, and dragged 
 
300 Snarleyyow ; or, 
 
 to the parish pump, there being, fortunately for him, no 
 horse-pond near. After having been well beaten, pelted 
 with mud, his clothes torn off his back, his hat taken 
 away and stamped upon, he was held under the pump 
 and drenched for nearly half-an-hour, until he lay beneath 
 the spout in a state of complete exhaustion. The crowd 
 were then satisfied, and he was left to get away how he 
 could, which he did, after a time, in a most deplorable 
 plight, bare-headed, in his shirt and torn trousers. He 
 contrived to walk as far as to the house where his mother 
 resided, was admitted to her room, when he fell exhausted 
 on the bed. The old woman was astonished ; and having 
 some gin in her cupboard, revived him by administering 
 a small quantity, and, in the course of half-an-hour, 
 Vanslyperken could tell his story ; but all the consolation 
 he received from the old beldame was, " Serve you right 
 too, for being such an ass. I suppose you'll be bringing 
 the stupid people about my ears soon — they've hooted 
 me before now. Ah, well — I'll not be pumped upon 
 for nothing — my knife is a sharp one." 
 
 Vanslyperken had clothes under his mother's charge, 
 and he dressed himself in another suit, and then hastened 
 away, much mortified and confounded with the latter 
 events of the day. The result of his arrangements with 
 his mother was, however, a balm to his wounded spirit, 
 and he looked upon Smallbones as already dead. He 
 hastened down into his cabin, as soon as he arrived on 
 board, to ascertain the condition of Snarleyyow, whom he 
 found as well as could be expected, and occasionally 
 making unavailing attempts to lick the stump of his 
 tail. 
 
 " My poor dog ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken, " what 
 have you suffered, and what have I suffered for you ? 
 Alas ! if I am to suffer as I have to-day for only your 
 tail, what shall I go through for your whole body ? " 
 And, as Vanslyperken recalled his misfortunes, so did 
 his love increase for the animal who was the cause of 
 them. Why so, we cannot tell, except that it has been 
 
The Dog Fiend 301 
 
 so from the beginning, is so now, and always will be the 
 case, for the best of all possible reasons — that it is huma7i 
 nature. 
 
 Chapter XXXIX 
 
 In which is recorded a most barbarous and bloody murder. 
 
 We observed, in a previous chapter, that Mr Vanslyperken 
 was observed by Moggy Salisbury to go into a jeweller's 
 shop, and remain there some time, and that Moggy was 
 very inquisitive to know what it was that could induce 
 Mr Vanslyperken to go into so unusual a resort for him. 
 
 The next day she went into the shop upon a pretence 
 of looking at some ear-rings, and attempted to enter into 
 conversation with the jeweller; but the jeweller, not 
 perhaps admiring Moggy's appearance; and not thinking 
 her likely to be a customer, dismissed her with very short 
 answers. Failing in her attempt. Moggy determined to 
 wait till Nancy Corbett should come over, for she^ knew 
 that Nancy could dress and assume the fine lady, and 
 be more likely to succeed than herself. But although 
 Moggy could not penetrate into the mystery, it is necessary 
 the reader should be informed of the proceedings of Mr 
 Vanslyperken. 
 
 When Ramsay had shown him how to open the govern- 
 ment despatches, and had provided him with the false 
 seals for the re-impressions, he forgot that he also was 
 pointing out to Vanslyperken the means of also opening 
 his own, and discovering his secrets, as well as those of 
 government ; but Vanslyperken, who hated Ramsay, on 
 account of his behaviour towards him, and would with 
 pleasure have seen the whole of his party, as well as 
 himself, on the gibbet, thought that it might be just as 
 well to have two strings to his bow ; and he argued, that 
 if he could open the letters of the conspirators, and obtain 
 
302 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 their secrets, they would prove valuable to him, and 
 perhaps save his neck, if he were betrayed to the govern- 
 ment. On his passage, therefore, to Amsterdam, he had 
 carefully examined the seal of Ramsay, and also that on 
 the letters forwarded to him ; and, having made a drawing, 
 and taken the impression in wax, as a further security, he 
 had applied to the jeweller in question to get him seals 
 cut out with these impressions, and of the exact form 
 and size. The jeweller, who cared little what he did, 
 provided that he was well paid, asked no questions, 
 but a very high price, and Vanslyperken, knowing that 
 they would be cheap to him at any price, closed with him 
 on his own terms, provided that they were immediately 
 forthcoming. In the week, according to the agreement, 
 the seals were prepared. Mr Vanslyperken paid his 
 money, and now was waiting for orders to sail. 
 
 The dog's stump was much better. 
 
 On the ninth day, a summons to the admiral's house 
 was sent, and Vanslyperken was ordered to hold himself 
 in readiness to sail the next morning at daylight. He 
 immediately repaired to the Jew's, to give intimation, and 
 from thence to his mother's to prepare her for the arrival 
 of Smallbones that evening a little before dusk. 
 
 Vanslyperken had arranged that, as soon as the murder 
 had been committed, he would go to the Jew's for letters, 
 and then hasten on board, sailing the next morning at 
 daylight ; so that if there was any discovery, the whole 
 onus might be on his mother, who, for all he cared, might 
 be hung. It is a true saying, that a good mother makes a 
 good son. 
 
 When Vanslyperken intimated to Smallbones that he 
 was going on shore in the evening, and should take him 
 with him, the lad did not forget the last walk that he had 
 in company with his master, and, apprehensive that some 
 mischief was intended, he said, "I hope it arn't for to 
 fetch another walk in the country, sir ? " 
 
 "No, no," replied Vanslyperken, "it's to take some 
 biscuit up to a poor old woman close by. I don't want to 
 be robbed, any more than you do, Smallbones." 
 
The Dog Fiend 303 
 
 But the very quick reply of his master only increased 
 the apprehension of Smallbones, who left the cabin, 
 and hastened to Corporal Van Spitter, to consult with 
 him. 
 
 Corporal Van Spitter was of the same opinion as Small- 
 bones, that mischief was intended him, and offered to 
 provide him with a pistol; but Smallbones, who knew 
 little about fire-arms, requested that he might have a 
 bayonet instead, which he could use better. He was 
 supplied with this, which he concealed within his shirt, 
 and when ordered, he went into the boat with Vansly- 
 perken. They landed, and it was dark before they arrived 
 at the half-way houses. Vanslyperken ascended the stairs, 
 and ordered Smallbones to follow him. As soon as they 
 were in the room, Mr Vanslyperken said, " Here is the 
 biscuit, good woman, and much good may it do you." 
 
 " It's very kind of you, sir, and many thanks. It's not 
 often that people are charitable now-a-days, and this has 
 been a hard winter for poor folk. Put the bag down 
 there, my good Httle fellow," continued the old hypocrite, 
 addressing Smallbones. 
 
 " And now, good woman, I shall leave my lad with 
 you, till I come back. I have to call at a friend's, and I 
 need not take him. Smallbones, stay here till I return ; 
 get the biscuit out of the bag, as we must take that on 
 board again." 
 
 Smallbones had no objection to remain with a withered, 
 palsied old woman. He could have no fear of her, and 
 he really began to think that his master had been guilty 
 of charity. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken departed, leaving Smallbones in 
 company with his mother. 
 
 ** Come now, my lad, come to the chair, and sit down 
 by the fire," for a fire had been lighted by the old woman 
 expressly, *' sit down, and I'll see if I can find you some- 
 thing in my cupboard ; I have, I know, a drop of cordial 
 left somewhere. Sit down, child ; you have had the 
 kindness to bring the bread up for me, and I am grateful." 
 
304 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 The tones of the old beldame's voice were very different 
 from those she usually indulged in ; there was almost a 
 sweetness about them, which proved what she might have 
 effected at the period when she was fair and young. 
 Smallbones felt not the least disquietude ; he sat down in 
 the chair by the fire, while the old woman looked in the 
 cupboard behind him for the cordial, of which she poured 
 him a good allowance in a tea-cup. 
 
 Smallbones sipped and sipped, he was not in a hurry 
 to get rid of it, as it was good; the old woman went 
 again to the cupboard, rattled the things about a little, 
 and then, on a sudden, taking out a large hammer, as 
 Smallbones unconsciously sipped, she raised it with both 
 her hands, and down came the blow on his devoted 
 head. 
 
 The poor lad dropped the cup, sprang up convulsively, 
 staggered, and then fell. Once he rolled over, his leg 
 quivered, and he then moved no more. 
 
 The beldame watched him with the hammer in her hand, 
 ready to repeat the blow if necessary, indeed she would 
 have repeated it had it not been that after he fell, in 
 turning over, Smallbones' head had rolled under the low 
 bedstead where she slept. 
 
 " My work is sure," muttered she, " and all the gold is 
 
 Again she watched, but there was no motion — a stream 
 of blood appeared from under the bed, and ran in a little 
 rivulet towards the fire-place. 
 
 " I wish I could pull him out," said the old woman, 
 lugging at the lad's legs ; " another blow or two would 
 make more sure." But the effort was above her strength, 
 and she abandoned it. **It's no matter," muttered she; 
 " he'll never tell tales again." 
 
 But there the old hag was mistaken ; Smallbones had 
 been stunned, but not killed ; the blow of the hammer had 
 fortunately started off, divided the flesh of the skull for 
 three inches, with a gash which descended to his ear. At 
 the very time that she uttered her last expressions. Small- 
 
The Dog Fiend 305 
 
 bones was recovering his senses, but he was still confused, 
 as if in a dream. 
 
 ** Yes, yes," said the old woman, after some minutes' 
 pause, " all the gold is mine." 
 
 The lad heard this sentence, and he now remembered 
 where he was, and what had taken place. He was about 
 to rise, when there was a knocking at the door, and he 
 lay still. It was Vanslyperken. The door was opened 
 by the old beldame. 
 
 ** Is it done ? " said he, in a loud whisper. 
 
 " Done ! " cried the hag ; " yes, and well done. Don't 
 tell me of charmed life. My blows are sure — see there." 
 
 ** Are you sure that he is dead ? " 
 
 ** Quite sure, child — and all the gold is mine." 
 
 Vanslyperken looked with horror at the stream of blood 
 still flowing, and absorbed by the ashes in the grate. 
 
 ** It was you did it, mother ; recollect it was not I," 
 cried he. 
 
 I did it — and you paid for it — and all the gold is 
 
 t( 
 
 *' But are you quite sure that he is dead ? " 
 
 ** Sure — yes, and in judgment now, if there is any." 
 
 Vanslyperken surveyed the body of Smallbones, who, 
 although he had heard every word, lay without motion, 
 for he knew his life depended on it. After a minute or 
 two the lieutenant was satisfied. 
 
 ** I must go on board now, mother ; but what will you 
 do with the body ? " 
 
 ** Leave that to me ; who ever comes in here ? Leave 
 that to me, craven, and, as you say, go on board." 
 
 Vanslyperken opened the door, and went out of the 
 room ; the old hag made the door fast, and then sat down 
 on the chair, which she replaced by the side of the fire, 
 with her back to Smallbones. 
 
 The lad felt very faint from loss of blood, and was sick 
 
 at the stomach, but his senses were in their full vigour. 
 
 He now was assured that Vanslyperken was gone, and 
 
 that he had only the old woman opposed to him. His 
 
 s u 
 
3o6 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 courage was unsubdued, and he resolved to act in self- 
 defence if required ; and he softly drew the bayonet out 
 of his breast, and then watched the murderous old hag, 
 who was rocking herself in the chair. 
 
 " Yes, yes, the gold is mine," muttered she — " I've 
 won it, and Fll count it. I won it dearly; — another 
 murder — well, 'tis but one more. Let me see, what 
 shall I do with the body ? I must burn it, by bits and 
 bits — and I'll count the gold — it's all mine, for he's 
 dead." 
 
 Here the old woman turned round to look at the body, 
 and her keen eyes immediately perceived that there w^as 
 a slight change of position. 
 
 **Heh!" cried she, "not quite dead yet; we must 
 have the hammer again," and she rose from her chair, 
 and walked with an unsteady pace to pick up the hammer, 
 which was at the other side of the fire-place. Smallbones, 
 who felt that now was his time, immediately rose, but 
 before he could recover his feet, she had turned round 
 to him : with a sort of low yell, she darted at him with 
 an agility not to be imagined in one of her years and 
 decrepit appearance, and struck at him. Smallbones raised 
 his left arm, and received the blow, and with his right 
 plunged the bayonet deep into the wrinkled throat of the 
 old woman. She grappled with him, and the struggle 
 was dreadful; she caught his throat in one of her bony 
 hands, and the nails pierced into it like the talons of a 
 bird of prey — the fingers of the other she inserted into 
 the jagged and gaping wound on his head, and forced 
 the flesh still more asunder, exerting all her strength to 
 force him on his back ; but the bayonet was still in her 
 throat, and with the point descending towards the body, 
 and Smallbones forced and forced it down, till it was 
 buried to the hilt. In a few seconds the old hag loosed 
 her hold, quivered, and fell back dead ; and the lad was 
 so exhausted with the struggle, and his previous loss of 
 blood, that he fell into a swoon at the side of the corpse. 
 
 When Smallbones recovered, the candle was flickering 
 
The Dog Fiend 307 
 
 in the socket. He rose up in a sitting posture, and tried 
 to recollect all that had passed. 
 
 The alternating light of the candle flashed upon the 
 body of the old woman, and he remembered all. After 
 a few minutes he was able to rise, and he sat down upon 
 the bed giddy and faint. It occurred to him that he 
 would soon be in the dark, and he would require the light 
 to follow up his intended movements, so he rose, and 
 went to the cupboard to find one. He found a candle, 
 and he also found the bottle of cordial, of which he drank 
 all that was left, and felt himself revived, and capable of 
 acting. Having put the other candle into the candlestick, 
 he looked for water, washed himself, and bound up his 
 head with his handkerchief. He then wiped up the blood 
 from the floor, threw some sand over the part, and burnt 
 the towel in the grate. His next task was one of more 
 difficulty, to lift up the body of the old woman, put it 
 into the bed, and cover it up with the clothes, previously 
 drawing out the bayonet. No blood issued from the 
 wound — the hemorrhage was all internal. He covered 
 up the face, took the key of the door, and tried it in the 
 lock, put the candle under the grate to burn out safely, 
 took possession of the hammer ; then having examined 
 the door, he went out, locked it from the outside, slid 
 the key in beneath the door, and hastened away as fast 
 as he could. He was not met by anybody, and was soon 
 safe in the street, with the bayonet, which he again con- 
 cealed in his vest. 
 
 These precautions taken by Smallbones, proved that 
 the lad had conduct as well as courage. He argued that 
 it was not advisable that it should be known that this 
 fatal affray had taken place between the old woman and 
 himself. Satisfied with having preserved his life, he was 
 unwilling to be embroiled in a case of murder, as he wished 
 to prosecute his designs with his companions on board. 
 
 He knew that Vanslyperken was capable of swearing 
 anything against him, and that his best safety lay in the 
 affair not being found out, which it could not be until 
 
3o8 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 the cutter had sailed, and no one had seen him either 
 enter or go out. There was another reason which 
 induced Smallbones to act as he did — without appealing 
 to the authorities — which was, that if he returned on 
 board, it would create such a shock to Mr Vanslyperken, 
 who had, as he supposed, seen him lying dead upon the 
 floor. But there was one person to whom he determined 
 to apply for advice before he decided how to proceed, 
 and that was Moggy Salisbury, who had given her address 
 to him when she had gone on board the Tungfrau. To 
 her house he therefore repaired, and found her at home. 
 It was then about nine o'clock in the evening. 
 
 Moggy was much surprised to see Smallbones enter in 
 such a condition; but Smallbones' story was soon told, 
 and Moggy sent for a surgeon, the services of whom the 
 lad seriously required. While his wound was dressing, 
 which was asserted by them to have been received in 
 a fray. Moggy considered what would be the best method 
 to proceed. The surgeon stated his intention of seeing 
 Smallbones the next day, but he was requested to leave 
 him sufficient dressing, as it was necessary that he should 
 repair on board, as the vessel which he belonged to sailed 
 on the following morning. The surgeon received his 
 fee, recommended quiet and repose, and retired. 
 
 A consultation then took place. Smallbones expressed 
 his determination to go on board ; he did not fear Mr 
 Vanslyperken, as the crew of the cutter would support 
 him — and, moreover, it would frighten Mr Vanslyperken 
 out of his wits. To this Moggy agreed, but she proposed 
 that instead of making his appearance on the following 
 morning, he should not appear to Mr Vanslyperken until 
 the vessel was in the blue water ; if possible, not till she 
 was over on the other side. And Moggy determined to go 
 on board, see the corporal, and make the arrangements 
 with him and the crew, who were now unanimous, for the 
 six marines were at the beck of the corporal, so that Mr 
 Vanslyperken should be frightened out of his wits. Desir- 
 ing Smallbones to lie down on her bed, and take the rest 
 
The Dog Fiend 309 
 
 he so much needed, she put on her bonnet and cloak, and 
 taking a boat, pulled gently alongside the cutter. 
 
 Vanslyperken had been on board for two hours, and 
 was in his cabin ; the lights, however, were still burning. 
 The corporal was still up, anxiously waiting for the return 
 of Smallbones, and he was very much alarmed when he 
 heard Moggy come alongside. Moggy soon detailed to 
 the corporal, Dick Short, and Coble, all that had taken 
 place, and what it was proposed should be done. They 
 assented willingly to the proposal, declaring that if Van- 
 slyperken attempted to hurt the lad, they would rise, and 
 throw Mr Vanslyperken overboard ; and everything being 
 arranged. Moggy was about to depart, when Vanslyperken, 
 who was in a state of miserable anxiety and torture, and 
 who had been drowning his conscience in scheedam, came 
 on deck not a little the worse for what he had been 
 imbibing. 
 
 ** Who is that woman ? " cried Vanslyperken. 
 
 "That woman is Moggy Salisbury," cried Moggy, 
 walking up to Vanslyperken, while the corporal skulked 
 forward without being detected. 
 
 ** Have I not given positive orders that this woman does 
 not come on board ? " cried Vanslyperken, holding on by 
 the skylight. ** Who is that — Mr Short ? " 
 
 " Yes," replied Short. 
 
 ** Why did you allow her to come on board ? " 
 
 " I came without leave," said Moggy. " I brought a 
 message on board." 
 
 " A message ! what message — to whom ? " 
 
 " To you," replied Moggy. 
 
 " To me — from whom, you cockatrice ? " 
 
 '' ril tell you," replied Moggy, walking close up to him ; 
 ** from Lazarus the Jew. Will you hear it, or shall I leave 
 it with Dick Short ? " 
 
 ** Silence — silence — not a word ; come down into the 
 cabin, good Moggy. Come down — I'll hear it then." 
 
 " With all my heart, Mr Vanslyperken, but none of your 
 attacks on my vartue -, recollect I am an honest woman." 
 
310 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " Don't be afraid, my good Moggy — I never hurt a 
 child." 
 
 " I don't think you ever did," retorted Moggy, following 
 Vanslyperken, who could hardly keep his feet. 
 
 "Well, there's Abacadabra there, anyhow," observed 
 Coble to Short, as they went down. 
 
 "Why she turns him round her finger." 
 
 " Yes," quoth Short. 
 
 " I can't comprehend this not no how." 
 
 " No," quoth Short. 
 
 As soon as they were in the cabin. Moggy observed 
 the bottle of scheedam on the table. " Come, Mr Vansly- 
 perken, you'll treat me to-night, and drink my health 
 again, won't you ? " 
 
 "Yes, Moggy, yes — we're friends now, you know;" 
 for Vanslyperken, like all others suffering under the stings 
 of conscience, was glad to make friends with his bitterest 
 enemy. 
 
 " Come, then, help me, Mr Vanslyperken, and then I'll 
 give my message." 
 
 As soon as Moggy had taken her glass of scheedam, 
 she began to think what she should say, for she had no 
 message ready prepared -, at last a thought struck her. 
 
 " I am desired to tell you, that when a passenger, or a 
 person disguised as a sailor, either asks for a passage, or 
 volunteers for the vessel, you are to take him on board 
 immediately, even if you should know them in their 
 disguise not to be what they pretend to be — do you 
 understand ? " 
 
 " Yes," replied Vanslyperken, who was quite 
 muddled. 
 
 " Whether they apply from here, or from the other side 
 of the channel, no consequence, you must take them — if 
 not " 
 
 " If not, what ? " replied Vanslyperken. 
 
 ** You'll swing, that's all, my buck. Good-night to 
 you," replied Moggy, leaving the cabin. 
 
 swing," muttered Vanslyperken, rolling against 
 
The Dog Fiend 311 
 
 the bulkhead. "Well, if I do, others shall swing too. 
 Who cares ? damn the faggot ! " 
 
 Here Mr Vanslyperken poured out another glass of 
 scheedam, the contents of which overthrew the small 
 remnant of his reasoning faculties. He then tumbled 
 into his bed with his clothes on, saying, as he turned 
 on his side, ** Smallbones is dead and gone, at all 
 events." 
 
 Moggy took leave of her friends on deck, and pushed 
 on shore. She permitted Smallbones, whom she found 
 fast asleep, to remain undisturbed until nearly three o'clock 
 in the morning, during which time she watched by the 
 bedside. She then roused him, and they sallied forth, took 
 a boat, and dropped alongside of the cutter. Smallbones* 
 hammock had been prepared for him by the corporal. He 
 was put into it, and Moggy then left the vessel. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken was in a state of torpor during this 
 proceeding, and was, with great difficulty, awoke by the 
 corporal, according to orders given, when it was daylight, 
 and the cutter was to weigh anchor. 
 
 " Smallbones has not come off, sir, last night," reported 
 the corporal. 
 
 " I suppose the scoundrel has deserted," replied Vansly- 
 perken, " I fully expected that he would. However, he 
 is no loss, for he was a useless, idle, lying rascal." And 
 Mr Vanslyperken turned out ; having all his clothes on, 
 he had no occasion to dress. He went on deck, followed 
 by the tail-less Snarleyyow, and in half an hour the cutter 
 was standing out towards St Helen's. 
 
 Chapter XL 
 
 In which a most horrid spectre disturbs the equanimity of Mr 
 Vanslyperken. 
 
 Two days was the cutter striving with light winds for 
 the Texel, during which Mr Vanslyperken kept himself 
 
312 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 altogether in his cabin. He was occasionally haunted with 
 the memory of the scene in his mother's room. — Smallbones 
 dead, and the stream of blood running along the floor, and 
 his mother's diabolical countenance, with the hammer 
 raised in her palsied hands ; but he had an instigator 
 to his vengeance beside him, which appeared to relieve 
 his mind whenever it was oppressed ; it was the stump 
 of Snarleyyow, and when he looked at that he no 
 longer regretted, but congratulated himself on the deed 
 being done. His time was fully occupied during the 
 day, for with locked doors he was transcribing the letters 
 sent to Ramsay, and confided to him. 
 
 He was not content with taking extracts, as he did of 
 the government despatches for Ramsay ; he copied every 
 word, and he replaced the seals with great dexterity. At 
 night his mind was troubled, and he dare not lie himself 
 down to rest until he had fortified himself with several 
 glasses of scheedam -, even then his dreams frightened him ; 
 but he was to be more frightened yet. 
 
 Corporal Van Spitter came into the cabin on the third 
 morning with a very anxious face. — " Mein Gott ! 
 Mynheer Vanslyperken, de whole crew be in de mutinys." 
 
 " Mutiny ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken, " what's the 
 matter ? " 
 
 " They say, sir, dat dey see de ghost of Smallbones 
 last night on de bowsprit, with one great cut on his head, 
 and de blood all over de face." 
 
 ** Saw what ? who saw him ? " 
 
 ** Mein Gott, mynheer ! it all true, I really think I see 
 it myself at de taffrail, he sit there and have great wound 
 from here down to," said the corporal, pointing to his own 
 head, and describing the wound exactly. " The people 
 say that he must have been murdered, and dey kick up 
 de mutiny." 
 
 *' I did not do it, corporal, at all events," replied 
 Vanslyperken, pale and trembling. 
 
 "So Smallbones tell Dick Short, when he speak to him 
 on bowsprit." 
 
The Dog Fiend 31 
 
 J 
 
 ** Did it speak to Short ? " inquired Vanslyperken, 
 catching the corporal's arm. 
 
 "Yes, mynheer; Mynheer Short speak first, and den 
 the ghost say dat you not do it, but dat you give gold to 
 old woman to do it, and she knock him brain out vid de 
 hammer." 
 
 To portray Vanslyperken's dismay at this intelligence 
 would be impossible. He could not but be certain that 
 there had been a supernatural communication. His knees 
 knocked and trembled, and he turned sick and faint. 
 
 " O Lord, O Lord ! corporal, I am a great sinner," 
 cried he at last, quite unaware of what he was saying. 
 ** Some water, corporal." Corporal Van Spitter handed 
 some water, and Vanslyperken waved his hand to be left 
 alone ; and Mr Vanslyperken attempted to pray, but it 
 ended in blaspheming. 
 
 "It's a lie, all a lie," exclaimed he, at last, pouring 
 out a tumbler of scheedam. " They have frightened the 
 corporal. But — no — he must have seen him, or how 
 could they know how he was murdered. He must have 
 told them ; and him I saw dead and stiff, with these own 
 eyes. Well, I did not do the deed," continued Vansly- 
 perken, attempting to palliate his crime to himself-, but it 
 would not do, and Mr Vanslyperken paced the little cabin 
 racked by fear and guilt. 
 
 Remorse he felt none, for there was before his eyes the 
 unhealed stump of Snarleyyow. In the evening Mr 
 Vanslyperken went on deck ; the weather was now very 
 warm, for it was the beginning of July j and Mr Vansly- 
 perken, followed by Snarleyyow, was in a deep reverie, 
 and he turned and turned again. 
 
 The sun had set, and Mr Vanslyperken still continued 
 his walk, but his steps were agitated and uneven, and his 
 face was haggard. It was rather the rapid and angry pac- 
 ing of a tiger in his den, who has just been captured, than 
 that of a person in deep contemplation. Still Mr Vansly- 
 perken continued to tread the deck, and it was quite light 
 with a bright and pale moon. 
 
314 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 The men were standing here and there about the 
 forecastle and near the booms in silence and speaking in 
 low whispers, and Vanslyperken's eye was often directed 
 towards them, for he had not forgotten the report of the 
 corporal, that they were in a state of mutiny. 
 
 Of a sudden, Mr Vanslyperken was roused by a loud 
 cry from forward, and a rush of all the men aft. He 
 thought that the crew had risen, and that they were about 
 to seize him ; but, on the contrary, they passed him and 
 hastened to the taffrail with exclamations of horror. 
 
 " What ! what is it ? " exclaimed Vanslyperken, fully 
 prepared for the reply by his own fears. 
 
 " O Lord ! have mercy upon us," cried Bill Spurey. 
 
 ** Good God, deliver us ! " exclaimed another. 
 
 " Ah, Mein Gott ! " screamed Jansen, rushing against 
 Vanslyperken and knocking him down on the deck. 
 
 " Well, well, murder will out ! — that's sartain," said 
 Coble, who stood by Vanslyperken when he had recovered 
 his legs. 
 
 " What, what ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken, breathless. 
 
 ** There, sir,— look there," said Coble, breathless, point- 
 ing to the figure of Smallbones, who now appeared from 
 the shade in the broad moonshine. 
 
 His head was not bound up, and his face appeared pale 
 and streaked with blood. He was in the same clothes in 
 which he had gone on shore, and in his hand he held the 
 hammer which had done the deed. 
 
 The figure slowly advanced to the quarter-deck, Vansly- 
 perken attempted to retreat, but his legs failed him, he 
 dropped down on his knees, uttered a loud yell of despair, 
 and then threw himself flat on the deck face down- 
 wards. 
 
 Certainly, the pantomime was inimitably got up, but it 
 had all been arranged by Moggy, the corporal, and the 
 others. There was not one man of the crew who had not 
 been sworn to secrecy, and whose life would not have 
 been endangered if, by undeceiving Vanslyperken, they had 
 been deprived of such just and legitimate revenges. 
 
The Dog Fiend 315 
 
 Smallbones disappeared as soon as Vanslyperken had 
 fallen down. 
 
 He was allowed to remain there for some time to ascer- 
 tain if he would say anything, but as he still continued 
 silent, they raised him up and found that he was insensible. 
 He was consequently taken down into the cabin and put 
 into his bed. 
 
 The effect produced by this trial of Mr Vanslyperken's 
 nerves, was most serious. Already too much heated with 
 the use of ardent spirits, it brought on convulsions, in 
 v/hich he continued during the major part of the night. 
 Towards the morning, he sank into a perturbed slumber. 
 
 It was not till eleven o'clock in the forenoon that he 
 awoke and perceived his faithful corporal standing by the 
 side of the bed. 
 
 " Have I not been ill, corporal ? " said Mr Vanslyperken, 
 whose memory was impaired for the time. 
 
 " Mein Gott ! yes, mynheer." 
 
 ** There was something happened, was not there ?" 
 
 ** Mein Gott ! yes, mynheer." 
 
 " IVe had a fit ; have I not ? " 
 
 *^ Mein Gott ! yes, mynheer." 
 
 " My head swims now ; what was it, corporal ? " 
 
 " It was de ghost of de poy," replied the corporal. 
 
 " Yes, yes," replied Vanslyperken, falling back on his 
 pillow. 
 
 It had been intended by the conspirators, that Smallbones 
 should make his appearance in the cabin, as the bell struck 
 one o'clock ; but the effect had already been so serious that 
 it was thought advisable to defer any further attempts. 
 As for Smallbones being concealed in the vessel for any 
 length of time there was no difficulty in that ; for allowing 
 that Vanslyperken should go forward on the lower deck 
 of the vessel, which he never did, Smallbones had only to 
 retreat into the eyes of her, and it was there so dark that 
 he could not be seen. They therefore regulated their 
 conduct much in the same way as the members of the 
 inquisition used to do in former days ; they allowed their 
 
3i5 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 patient to recover, that he might be subjected to more 
 torture. 
 
 It was not until the fourth day, that the cutter arrived 
 at the port of Amsterdam, and Mr Vanslyperken had kept 
 his bed ever since he had been put into it ; but this he 
 could do no longer, he rose weak and emaciated, dressed 
 himself, and went on shore with the despatches which he 
 first delivered, and then bent his steps to the syndic's house, 
 where he delivered his letters to Ramsay. 
 
 The arrival of the cutter had been duly notified to the 
 widow Vandersloosh, before she had dropped her anchor, 
 and in pursuance with her resolution she immediately 
 despatched Babette to track Mr Vanslyperken, and watch 
 his motions. Babette took care not to be seen by Mr 
 Vanslyperken, but shrouding herself close in her cotton 
 print cloak, she followed him to the Stadt House, and from 
 the Stadt House to the mansion of Mynheer Van Krause, 
 at a short distance from the gates of which she remained 
 till he came out. "Wishing to ascertain whether he went 
 to any other place, she did not discover herself until she 
 perceived that he was proceeding to the widow's — she then 
 quickened her pace so as to come up with him. 
 
 " Oh ! Mynheer Vanslyperken, is this you ? 1 heard 
 you had come in and so did my mistress, and she has 
 been expecting you this last half-hour." 
 
 " I have made all the haste I can, Babette. But I was 
 obliged to deliver my despatches first," replied Vansly- 
 perken. 
 
 " But I thought you always took your despatches to 
 the Stadt House ? " 
 
 " Well, so I do, Babette j I have just come from 
 thence." 
 
 This was enough for Babette, it proved that his visit 
 to the syndic's was intended to be concealed ; she was 
 too prudent to let him know that she had traced him. 
 
 "Why, Mr Vanslyperken, you look very ill. What 
 has been the matter with you ? My mistress will be 
 quite frightened." 
 
The Dog Fiend 317 
 
 ** I have not been well, Babette," replied Vansly- 
 perken. 
 
 " I really must run home as fast as I can. I will tell 
 my mistress you have been unwell, for otherwise she 
 will be in such a quandary ; " and Babette hastened 
 ahead of Mr Vanslyperken, who was in too weak a 
 state to walk fast. 
 
 "The syndic's house — heh!" — said the widow, 
 ** Mynheer Van Krause. Why he is thorough king's 
 man, by all report," continued she. " I don't understand 
 it. But there is no trusting any man now-a-days. 
 
 *' Babette, you must go there by-and-bye and see if 
 you can find out whether that person he brought over, 
 and he called a king's messenger, is living at the syndic's 
 house. I think he must be, or why would Vanslyperken 
 go there ? and if he is, there's treason going on — that's 
 all ! and I'll find it out, or my name is not Vandersloosh." 
 
 Shortly after, Mr Vanslyperken arrived at the house 
 and was received with the usual treacherous cordiality ; 
 but he had not remained more than an hour when Coble 
 came to him (having been despatched by Short), to inform 
 Mr Vanslyperken that a frigate was coming In with the 
 royal standard at the main, indicating that King William 
 was on board of her. 
 
 This intelligence obliged Mr Vanslyperken to hasten 
 on board, as it was necessary to salute, and also to pay 
 his respects on board of the frigate. 
 
 The frigate was within a mile when Mr Vanslyperken 
 arrived on board of the cutter, and when the batteries 
 saluted, the cutter did the same. Shortly afterwards 
 the frigate dropped her anchor and returned the salute. 
 Mr Vanslyperken, attired In his full uniform, ordered his 
 boat to be manned and pulled on board. 
 
 On his arrival on the quarter-deck Vanslyperken was 
 received by the captain of the frigate, and then presented 
 to King William of Nassau, who was standing on the 
 other side of the deck, attended by the Duke of Portland, 
 Lord Albemarle, and several others of his courtiers, not 
 
J 
 
 1 8 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 ail of them quite as faithful as the two whom we have 
 named. 
 
 When Mr Vanslyperken was brought forward to the 
 presence of his Majesty, he trembled almost as much as 
 when he had beheld the supposed spirit of Smallbones, 
 and well he might, for his conscience told him as he 
 bowed his knee that he was a traitor. His agitation 
 was, however, ascribed to his being daunted by the un- 
 usual presence of royalty. And Albemarle, as Vansly- 
 perken retreated with a cold sweat on his forehead, 
 observed to the king with a smile, 
 
 ** That worthy lieutenant would show a little more 
 courage, I doubt not, your Majesty, if he were in the 
 presence of your enemies." 
 
 "It is to be hoped so," replied the king, with a smile. 
 " I agree with you, Keppel." 
 
 But his Majesty and Lord Albemarle did not know Mr 
 Vanslyperken, as the reader will acknowledge. 
 
 Chapter XLI 
 
 In which is shown how dangerous it is to tell a secret. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken received orders to attend with his boat 
 upon his Majesty's landing, which took place in about a 
 quarter of an hour afterwards, amidst another war of 
 cannon. 
 
 King William was received by the authorities at the 
 landing - stairs, and from thence he stepped into the 
 carriage, awaiting him, and drove off to his palace at the 
 Hague ; much to the relief of Mr Vanslyperken, who felt 
 ill at ease in the presence of his sovereign. When his 
 Majesty put his foot on shore, the foremost to receive him, 
 in virtue of his office, was the syndic Mynheer Van 
 Krause, who, in full costume of gown, chains, and 
 periwig, bowed low, as his Majesty advanced, expecting 
 as usual the gracious smile and friendly nod of his sove- 
 
The Doff Fiend 
 
 t) 
 
 319 
 
 reign ; but to his mortification, his reverence was returned 
 with a grave, if not stern air, and the king passed him 
 without further notice. All the courtiers also, who had 
 been accustomed to salute, and to exchange a few words 
 with him, to his astonishment turned their heads another 
 way. At first, Mynheer Van Krause could hardly believe 
 his senses, he who had always been so graciously received, 
 who had been considered most truly as such a staunch 
 supporter of his king, to be neglected, mortified in this 
 way, and without cause. Instead of following his Majesty 
 to his carriage, with the rest of the authorities, he stood 
 still and transfixed, the carriage drove off, and the syndic 
 hardly replying to some questions put to him, hurried 
 back to his own house in a state of confusion and vexation 
 almost indescribable. He hastened upstairs and entered the 
 room of Ramsay, who was very busy with the despatches 
 which he had received. "Well, Mynheer Van Krause, 
 how is his Majesty looking," inquired Ramsay, who knew 
 that the syndic had been down to receive him on his 
 landing. 
 
 Mynheer Krause threw himself down in a chair, threw 
 open his gown, and uttered a deep sigh. 
 
 " What is the matter, my dear sir, you appear ruffled," 
 continued Ramsay, who from the extracts made by Vansly- 
 perken from the despatches, was aware that suspicions had 
 been lodged against his host. 
 
 ** Such treatment — to one of his most devoted followers," 
 exclaimed Krause, at last, who then entered into a detail of 
 what had occurred. 
 
 " Such is the sweet aspect, the smile, we would aspire 
 to of kings, Mynheer Krause." 
 
 '* But there must be some occasion for all this," observed 
 the syndic. 
 
 "No doubt of it," replied Ramsay — " some reason — but 
 not a just one." 
 
 " That is certain," replied the syndic, " some one must 
 have maligned me to his Majesty." 
 
 " It may be," replied Ramsay, "but there may be other 
 
320 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 causes, kings are suspicious, and subjects may be too rich 
 and too powerful. There are many paupers among the 
 favourites of his Majesty, who would be very glad to see 
 your property confiscated, and you cast into prison." 
 
 " But, my dear sir, — " 
 
 " You forget also, that the Jacobites are plotting, and 
 have been plotting for years ; that conspiracy is formed 
 upon conspiracy, and that when so surrounded and op- 
 posed, kings will be suspicious." 
 
 " But his Majesty, King William, — " 
 
 " Firmly attached, and loyal as I am to my sovereign, 
 Mynheer Krause, I do not think that King William is 
 more to be relied upon than King James. Kings are but 
 kings, they will repay the most important services by 
 smiles, and the least doubtful act with the gibbet. I 
 agree with you that some one must have maligned you, 
 but allow me to make a remark that if once suspicion or 
 dislike enters into a royal breast, there is no effacing it, a 
 complete verdict of innocence will not do it ; it is like the 
 sapping of one of the dams of this country. Mynheer 
 Krause, the admission of water is but small at first, but it 
 increases and increases, till it ends in a general inun- 
 dation." 
 
 "But I must demand an audience of his Majesty and 
 explain." 
 
 " Explain — the very attempt will be considered as a 
 proof of your guilt ; no, no, as a sincere friend I should 
 advise you to be quiet, and to take such steps as the case 
 requires. That frown, that treatment of you in public, is 
 sufficient to tell me that you must prepare for the event. 
 Can you expect a king to publicly retract ? " 
 
 " Retract ! no — I do not require a public apology from 
 my sovereign." 
 
 " But if having frowned upon you publicly, he again 
 smiles upon you publicly, he does retract. He acknow- 
 ledges that he was in error, and it becomes a public 
 apology." 
 
 " God in heaven ! then I am lost," replied the syndic. 
 
The Dog Fiend 321 
 
 throwing himself back in his chair. ** Do you really think 
 so, Mynheer Ramsay ? " 
 
 " I do not say that you are lost. At present, you have 
 only lost the favour of the king ; but you can do without 
 that. Mynheer Krause." 
 
 " Do without that — but you do not know that without 
 that I am lost. Am I not Syndic of this town of 
 Amsterdam, and can I expect to hold such an important 
 situation if I am out of favour ? " 
 
 " Very true. Mynheer Krause ; but what can be done ? 
 you are assailed in the dark, you do not know the charges 
 brought against you, and therefore cannot refute or parry 
 with them." 
 
 ** But what charges can they bring against me ? " 
 
 ** There can be but one charge against a person in your 
 high situation, that of disaffection." 
 
 " Disaffection ! I who am and have always been so 
 devoted." 
 
 " The most disaffected generally appear the most 
 devoted. Mynheer Krause, that will not help you." 
 
 " My God ! then," exclaimed Krause, with animation, 
 " what will, if loyalty is to be construed into a sign of dis- 
 affection ? " 
 
 ** Nothing," replied Ramsay, coolly. ** Suspicion in the 
 heart of a king is never to be effaced, and disaffection may 
 soon be magnified into high treason." 
 
 " Bless me ! " exclaimed Van Krause, crossing his hands 
 on his heart in utter despair. ** My dear Mynheer Ramsay, 
 will you give me your opinion how I should act ? " 
 
 " There is no saying how far you may be right in your 
 conjectures, Mynheer Krause," replied Ramsay : " you may 
 have been mistaken." 
 
 ** No, no, he frowned — looked cross — I see his face 
 now." 
 
 ** Yes, but a little thing will sour the face of royalty, 
 his corn may have pinched him, at the time he might have 
 had a twinge in the bowels — his voyage may have affected 
 him." 
 
 s X 
 
322 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " He smiled upon others, upon my friend, Engelback, 
 very graciously." 
 
 This was the very party who had prepared the charges 
 against Krause — his own very particular friend. 
 
 " Did he ? " replied Ramsay. " Then depend upon it, 
 that's the very man who has belied you." 
 
 " What, Engelback ? my particular friend ? " 
 
 " Yes, I should imagine so. Tell me. Mynheer Krause, 
 I trust you have never entrusted to him the important 
 secrets which I have made you acquainted with, for if you 
 have, your knowledge of them would be quite sufficient." 
 
 " My knowledge of them. I really cannot understand 
 that. How can my knowledge of what is going on among 
 the king's friends and councillors be a cause of suspicion ? " 
 
 ** Why, Mynheer Krause, because the king is surrounded 
 by many who are retained from policy and fear of them. 
 If these secrets are made known contrary to oath, is it not 
 clear that the parties so revealing them must be no sincere 
 friends of his Majesty's, and will it not be naturally con- 
 cluded that those who have possession of them, are equally 
 his open or secret enemies." 
 
 " But then. Mynheer Ramsay, by that rule you must be 
 his Majesty's enemy." 
 
 " That does not follow. Mynheer Krause, I may obtain 
 the secrets from those who are not so partial to his 
 Majesty as they are to me, but that does not disprove my 
 loyalty. To expose them would of course render me 
 liable to suspicion — but I guard them carefully. I have 
 not told a word to a soul, but to you, my dear Mynheer 
 Krause, and I have felt assured that you were much too 
 loyal to make known to anyone, what it was your duty 
 to your king to keep secret ; surely. Mynheer Krause, you 
 have not trusted that man ? " 
 
 ** I may have given a hint or so — I'm afraid that I did ; 
 but he is my most particular friend." 
 
 " If that is the case," replied Ramsay, " I am not at all 
 surprised at the king's frowning on you : Engelback 
 having intelligence from you, supposed to be known only 
 
The Dog Fiend 323 
 
 to the highest authorities, has thought it his duty to 
 communicate it to government, and you are now 
 suspected." 
 
 " God in heaven ! I wish I never had your secrets. 
 Mynheer Ramsay. It appears then that I have committed 
 treason without knowing it." 
 
 ** At all events, you have incurred suspicion. It is a 
 pity that you mentioned what I confided to you, but 
 what's done cannot be helped, you must now be active." 
 
 *' What must I do, my dear friend ?" 
 
 *' Expect the worst and be prepared for it — you are 
 wealthy, Mr Van Krause, and that will not be in your 
 favour, it will only hasten the explosion, which sooner or 
 later will take place. Remit as much of your money as 
 you can to where it will be secure from the spoilers. 
 Convert all that you can into gold, that you may take 
 advantage of the first opportunity, if necessary, of flying 
 from their vengeance. Do all this very quietly. Go on, 
 as usual, as if nothing had occurred — talk with your friend 
 Engelback — perform your duties as syndic. It may blow 
 over, although I am afraid not. At all events you will 
 have, in all probability, some warning, as they will 
 displace you as syndic before they proceed further. I 
 have only one thing to add. I am your guest, and depend 
 upon it, shall share your fortune whatever it may be ; if 
 you are thrown into prison, I am certain to be sent there 
 also. You may therefore command me as you please. 
 I will not desert you, you may depend upon it." 
 
 ** My dear young man, you are indeed a friend, and 
 your advice is good. My poor Wilhelmina, what would 
 become of her." 
 
 ** Yes, indeed, used to luxury — her father in prison, 
 perhaps his head at the gates — his whole property 
 confiscated, and all because he had the earliest intelligence. 
 Such is the reward of loyalty." 
 
 ** Yes, indeed," repeated the syndic, " 'put not your trust 
 in princes,' says the psalmist. If such is to be the return 
 for my loyalty — but there is no time to lose. I must send 
 
324 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 this post, to Hamburgh and Frankfort. Many thanks, my 
 dear friend for your kind council, which I shall follow," 
 so saying. Mynheer Krause went to his room, threw off 
 his gown and chains in a passion, and hastened to his 
 counting-house to write his important letters. 
 
 We may now take this opportunity of informing the 
 reader of what had occurred in the house of the syndic. 
 Ramsay had, as may be supposed, gained the affections of 
 Wilhelmina ; had told his love, and received her acknow- 
 ledgment in return ; he had also gained such a power over 
 her, that she had agreed to conceal their attachment from 
 her father ; as Ramsay wished first, he asserted, to be 
 possessed of a certain property which he daily expected 
 would fall to him, and, until that, he did not think that he 
 had any right to aspire to the hand of Wilhelmina. 
 
 That Ramsay was most seriously in love there was no 
 doubt ; he would have wedded Wilhelmina, even if she 
 had not a sixpence ; but at the same time, he was too well 
 aware of the advantages of wealth not to fully appreciate 
 it, and he felt the necessity and the justice to Wilhelmina, 
 that she should not be deprived, by his means, of those 
 luxuries to which she had been brought up. But here 
 there was a difficulty, arising from his espousing the very 
 opposite cause to that espoused by Mynheer Krause, for 
 the difference of religion he very rightly considered as a 
 mere trifle compared with the difference in political 
 feelings. He had already weaned Wilhelmina from the 
 political bias, imbibed from her father and his connections, 
 without acquainting her with his belonging to the opposite 
 party, for the present. It had been his intention as soon 
 as his services were required elsewhere, to have demanded 
 Wilhelmina's hand from her father, still leaving him in 
 error as to his politics ; and by taking her with him, after 
 the marriage, to the court of St Germains, to have allowed 
 Mynheer Krause to think what he pleased, but not to 
 enter into any explanation ; but, as Ramsay truly observed. 
 Mynheer Krause had, by his not retaining the secrets 
 confided to him, rendered himself suspected, and once 
 
The Dog Fiend 325 
 
 suspected with King William, his disgrace, if not ruin, 
 was sure to follow. This fact, so important to Ramsay's 
 plans, had been communicated in the extracts made 
 by Vanslyperken from the last despatches, and Ramsay 
 had been calculating the consequences when Mynheer 
 Krause returned discomfited from the presence of the king. 
 
 That Ramsay played a very diplomatic game in the 
 conversation which we have repeated is true ; but still it 
 was the best game for Krause as well as for his own 
 interests, as the events will show. We must, however, 
 remind the reader that Ramsay had no idea whatever of 
 the double treachery on the part of Vanslyperken, in 
 copying all the letters sent by and to him, as well as 
 extracting from the government despatches. 
 
 " My dearest Edward, what has detained you so long 
 from me this morning," inquired Wilhelmina when he 
 entered the music-room, about an hour after his conver- 
 sation with the syndic. 
 
 Ramsay then entered into the detail of what had occurred, 
 and wove in such remarks of his own as were calculated 
 to disgust Wilhelmina with the conduct of King William, 
 and to make her consider her father as an injured man. 
 He informed her of the advice he had given him, and then 
 pointed out to her the propriety of her enforcmg his 
 following it with all the arguments of persuasion in her 
 power. 
 
 Wilhelmina's indignation was roused, and she did not 
 fail, when speaking with her father, to rail in no measured 
 tones against the king, and to press him to quit a country 
 where he had been so ill-used. Mynheer Krause felt the 
 same, his pride had been severely wounded ; and it may 
 be truly said, that one of the staunchest adherents of the 
 Protestant king was lost by a combination of circumstances 
 as peculiar as they were unexpected- 
 
 In the meantime, the corporal had gone on shore as 
 usual and made the widow acquainted with the last attempt 
 upon Smallbones, and the revenge of the ship's company. 
 Babette had also done her part. 
 
326 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 She had found out that Ramsay lived in the house of 
 the syndic, and that he was the passenger brought over by 
 Vanslyperken in the cutter. 
 
 The widow, who had now almost arranged her plans, 
 received Vanslyperken more amicably than ever ; anathema- 
 tised the — supposed defunct Smallbones ; shed tears over 
 the stump of Snarleyyow, and asked Vanslyperken when 
 he intended to give up the nasty cutter and live quietly on 
 shore. 
 
 Chapter XLII 
 
 In which is shown the imprudence of sleeping in the open air, even in a 
 summer's night. 
 
 The Tungfrau was not permitted to remain more than two 
 days at her anchorage. On the third morning Mr Vansly- 
 perken's signal was made to prepare to weigh. He 
 immediately answered it, and giving his orders to Short, 
 hastened, as fast as he could, up to the syndic's house to 
 inform Ramsay, stating, that he must immediately return 
 on board again, and that the letters must be sent to him : 
 Ramsay perceived the necessity of this, and consented. On 
 his return to the boat, Mr Vanslyperken found that his 
 signal to repair on board the frigate had been hoisted, and 
 he hastened on board to put on his uniform and obey this 
 order. He received his despatches from the captain of the 
 frigate, with orders to proceed to sea immediately. Mr 
 Vanslyperken, under the eye of his superior officer, 
 could not dally or delay : he hove short, hoisted his main- 
 sail, and fired a gun as a signal for sailing ; anxiously 
 looking out for Ramsay's boat with his letters, and afraid 
 to go without them ; but no boat made its appearance, 
 and Mr Vanslyperken was forced to heave up his anchor. 
 Still he did not like to make sail, and he remained a few 
 minutes more, when he at last perceived a small boat 
 coming off. At the same time he observed a boat coming 
 from the frigate, and they arrived alongside the cutter about 
 
The Dog Fiend 327 
 
 the same time, fortunately Ramsay's boat the first, and Mr 
 Vanslyperken had time to carry the letters down below. 
 
 " The commandant wishes to know why you do not 
 proceed to sea, sir, in obedience to your orders," said the 
 officer. 
 
 " I only waited for that boat to come on board, sir," 
 replied Vanslyperken to the lieutenant. 
 
 "And pray, sir, from whom does that boat come?" 
 inquired the officer. 
 
 ** From the syndic's, Mynheer Van Krause," replied 
 Vanslyperken, not knowing what else to say, and thinking 
 that the name of the syndic would be sufficient. 
 
 " And what did the boat bring off, to occasion the 
 delay, sir ? " 
 
 ** A letter or two for England," replied Vanslyperken. 
 
 " Very well, sir, I wish you a good morning," said the 
 lieutenant, who then went into his boat, and Vanslyperken 
 made sail. 
 
 The delay of the cutter to receive the syndic's letters 
 was fully reported the same evening to the commandant, 
 who, knowing that the syndic was suspected, reported the 
 same to the authorities, and this trifling circumstance only 
 increased the suspicions against the unfortunate Mynheer 
 Van Krause j but we must follow the cutter and those on 
 board of her. Smallbones had remained concealed on 
 board, his wounds had been nearly healed, and it was now 
 again proposed that he should, as soon as they were out at 
 sea, make his appearance to frighten Vanslyperken ; and 
 that, immediately they arrived at Portsmouth, he should 
 go on shore and desert from the cutter, as Mr Vansly- 
 perken would, of course, find out that his mother was 
 killed, and the consequences to Smallbones must be 
 dangerous, as he had no evidence, if Vanslyperken swore 
 that he had murdered his mother ; but this arrangement 
 was overthrown by events which we shall now narrate. 
 It was on the third morning after they sailed, that Van- 
 slyperken walked the deck : there was no one but the man 
 at the helm abaft. The weather was extremely sultry, 
 
328 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 for the cutter had run with a fair wind for the first eight- 
 and-forty hours, and had then been becalmed for the last 
 twenty-four, and had drifted to the back of the Isle of 
 Wight, when she was not three leagues from St Helen's. 
 The consequence was, that the ebb-tide had now drifted 
 her down very nearly opposite to that part of the island 
 where the cave was situated of which we have made 
 mention. Vanslyperken heard the people talking below, 
 and, as usual, anxious to overhear what was said, had 
 stopped to listen. He heard the name of Smallbones 
 repeated several times, but could not make out what was 
 said. 
 
 Anxious to know, he went down the ladder, and, 
 instead of going into his cabin, crept softly forward on the 
 lower deck, when he overheard Coble, Short, and Spurey 
 in consultation. 
 
 "We shall be in to-morrow," said Spurey, "if a breeze 
 springs up, and then it will be too late : Smallbones must 
 frighten him again to-night." 
 
 " Yes," replied Short. 
 
 " He shall go into his cabin at twelve o'clock, that will 
 be the best way." 
 
 "But the corporal." 
 
 " Hush ! — there is someone there," said Spurey, who, 
 attracted by a slight noise made by Vanslyperken's boots, 
 turned short round. 
 
 Vanslyperken retreated and gained the deck by the 
 ladder ; he had hardly been up when he observed a face at 
 the hatchway, who was evidently looking to ascertain if he 
 was on deck. 
 
 These few words overheard, satisfied Vanslyperken 
 that Smallbones was alive and on board the cutter ; and he 
 perceived how he had been played with. His rage was 
 excessive, but he did not know how to act. If Smallbones 
 was alive, and that he appeared to be, he must have 
 escaped from his mother, and, of course, the ship's 
 company must know that his life had been attempted. 
 That he did not care much about *, he had not done the 
 
The Dog Fiend 329 
 
 deed ; but how the lad could have come on board ! did he 
 not see him lying dead ? It was very strange, and the life 
 of the boy must be charmed. At all events, it was a 
 mystery which Mr Vanslyperken could not solve ; at first, 
 he thought that he would allow Smallbones to come into 
 the cabin, and get a loaded pistol ready for him. The 
 words, " But the corporal," which were cut short, proved 
 to him that the corporal was no party to the affair ; yet it 
 was strange that the ship's company could have concealed 
 the lad without the corporal's knowledge. Vanslyperken 
 walked and walked, and thought and thought ; at last he 
 resolved to go down into his cabin, pretend to go to bed, 
 lock his door, which was not his custom, and see if they 
 would attempt to come in. He did so, the corporal was 
 dismissed, and at twelve o'clock his door was tried and 
 tried again ; but being fast, the party retreated. Vansly- 
 perken waited till two bells to ascertain if any more 
 attempts would be made ; but none were, so he rose from 
 his bed, where he had thrown himself with his clothes on, 
 and, opening the door softly, crept upon deck. The night 
 was very warm, but there was a light and increasing 
 breeze, and the cutter was standing in and close to the 
 shore to make a long board upon next tack. Vansly- 
 perken passed the man at the helm, and walked aft to the 
 taffrail ; he stood up on the choak to ascertain what way 
 she was making through the water, and he was meditating 
 upon the best method of proceeding. Had he known 
 where Smallbones' hammock was hung, he would have 
 gone down with the view of ascertaining the fact; but 
 with a crew so evidently opposed to him, he could not see 
 how even the ascertaining that Smallbones was on board, 
 would be productive of any good consequences. The 
 more Vanslyperken thought, the more he was puzzled. 
 The fact is, that he was between the horns of a dilemma ; 
 but the devil, who always helps his favourites, came to the 
 aid of Mr Vanslyperken. The small boat was, as usual, 
 hoisted up astern, and Mr Vanslyperken's eyes were 
 accidentally cast upon it. He perceived a black mass lying 
 
330 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 on the thwarts, and he examined it more closely : he heard 
 snoring ; it was one of the ship's company sleeping there 
 against orders. He leant over the taffrail, and putting 
 aside the great-coat which covered the party, he looked 
 attentively on the face — there was no doubt it was Small- 
 bones himself. From a knowledge of the premises, 
 Vanslyperken knew at once that the lad was in his 
 power. 
 
 The boat, after being hauled up with tackles, was hung 
 by a single rope at each davit. It was very broad in pro- 
 portion to its length, and was secured from motion by a 
 single gripe, which confined it in its place, bowsing it 
 close to the stern of the cutter, and preventing it from 
 turning over bottom up, which, upon the least weight 
 upon one gunnel or the other, would be inevitably the 
 case. SmalJ bones was lying close to the gunnel next to 
 the stern of the cutter. By letting go the gripe, therefore, 
 the boat would immediately turn bottom up, and Small- 
 bones would be dropped into the sea. Vanslyperken care- 
 fully examined the fastenings of the gripe, found that they 
 were to be cast off by one movement, and that his success 
 was certain ; but still he was cautious. The man at the 
 helm must hear the boat go over j he might hear Small- 
 bones' cry for assistance. So Vanslyperken went forward 
 to the man at the helm, and desired him to go down and 
 to order Corporal Van Spitter to mix a glass of brandy- 
 and-water, and send it up by him, and that he would steer 
 the vessel till he came up again. The man went down to 
 execute the order, and Vanslyperken steered the cutter for 
 half a minute, during which he looked forward to ascertain 
 if any one was moving. All was safe, the watch was all 
 asleep forward, and Vanslyperken, leaving the cutter to 
 steer itself, hastened aft, cast off the gripe, the boat, as he 
 calculated, immediately turning over, and the sleeping 
 Smallbones fell into the sea. Vanslyperken hastened back 
 to the helm, and put the cutter's head right. He heard 
 the cry of Smallbones, but it was not loud, for the cutter 
 had already left him astern, and it was fainter and fainter. 
 
The Dog Fiend 331 
 
 and at last it was heard no more, and not one of the watch 
 had been disturbed. 
 
 ** If ever you haunt me again,'* muttered Vanslyperken, 
 ** may I be hanged." 
 
 We particularly call the reader's attention to these words 
 of Mr Vanslyperken. 
 
 The man returned with the brandy-and-water, with 
 which Vanslyperken drank bon voyage to poor Smallbones. 
 He then ordered the cutter to be put about, and as soon as 
 she was round, he went down into his cabin and turned in 
 with greater satisfaction than he had for a long time. 
 
 " We shall have got rid of him at last, my poor dog," 
 said he, patting Snarleyyow's head. ** Your enemy is gone 
 for ever." 
 
 And Mr Vanslyperken slept soundly, because, although 
 he had committed a murder, there was no chance of his 
 being found out. We soon get accustomed to crime : 
 before, he started at the idea of murder ; now, all that he 
 cared for was detection. 
 
 " Good-night to you, Mr Vanslyperken." 
 
 Chapter XLIII 
 
 In which Smallbones changes from a king's man into a smuggler, and also 
 changes his sex. 
 
 If we adhered to the usual plans of historical novel writers, 
 we should, in this instance, leave Smallbones to what must 
 appear to have been his inevitable fate, and then bring him 
 on the stage again with a coup de theatre^ when least ex- 
 pected by the reader. But that is not our intention ; we 
 consider that the interest of this our narration of by-gone 
 events is quite sufficient, without condescending to what is 
 called claptrap ; and there are so many people in our 
 narrative continually labouring under deception of one 
 kind or another, that we need not add to it by attempting 
 to mystify our readers ; who, on the contrary, we shall 
 
^;^2 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 take with us familiarly by the hand, and, like a faithful 
 historian, lead them through the events in the order in 
 which they occurred, and point out to them how they all 
 lead to one common end. With this intention in view, we 
 shall now follow the fortunes of Smallbones, whom we 
 left floundering in about seven fathoms water. 
 
 The weather was warm, even sultry, as we said before ; 
 but notwithstanding which, and notwithstanding he was a 
 very tolerable swimmer, considering that he was so thin, 
 Smallbones did not like it. To be awoke out of a pro- 
 found sleep, and all of a sudden to find yourself flounder- 
 ing out of your depth about half a mile from the nearest 
 land, is anything but agreeable ; the transition is too rapid. 
 Smallbones descended a few feet before he could divest 
 himself of the folds of the Flustering coat which he had 
 wrapped himself up in. It belonged to Coble, he had pur- 
 chased it at a sale-shop on the Point for seventeen shillings 
 and sixpence, and, moreover, it was as good as new. In 
 consequence of this delay below water-mark, Smallbones 
 had very little breath left in his body when he rose to the 
 surface, and he could not inflate his lungs so as to call 
 loud until the cutter had walked away from him at least 
 one hundred yards, for she was slipping fast through the 
 water, and another minute plainly proved to Smallbones 
 that he was left to his own resources. 
 
 At first, the lad had imagined that it was an accident, 
 and that the rope had given way with his weight j but 
 when he found that no attention was paid to his cries, 
 he then was convinced that it was the work of Mr 
 Vanslyperken. 
 
 *'By gum, he's a done for me at last. Well, I don't 
 care, I can die but once, that's sartin sure ; and he'll go to 
 the devil, that's sartin sure." 
 
 And Smallbones, with this comfortable assurance, con- 
 tinued to strike out for the land, which, indeed, he had 
 but little prospect of ever making. 
 
 " A shame for to come for to go to murder a poor lad 
 three or four times over," sputtered Smallbones, after a 
 
The Dog Fiend ^^^ 
 
 time, feeling his strength fail him. He then turned on 
 his back, to ease his arms. 
 
 "I can't do it no how, I sees that," said Smallbones, 
 " so I may just as well go down like a dipsey lead." 
 
 But, as he muttered this, and was making up his mind 
 to discontinue further exertions, — not a very easy thing 
 to do, when you are about to go into another world, still 
 floating on his back, with his eyes fixed on the starry 
 heavens, thinking, as Smallbones afterwards narrated 
 himself, that there wasn't much to live for in this here 
 world, and considering what there could be in that 'ere, 
 his head struck against something hard. Smallbones 
 immediately turned round in the water to see what it 
 was, and found that it was one of the large corks which 
 supported a heavy net laid out across the tide for the 
 taking of shoal-fish. The cork was barely sufficient 
 to support his weight, but it gave him a certain relief, 
 and time to look about him, as the saying is. The lad ran 
 under the net and cork with his hands until he arrived at 
 the nearest shoal, for it was three or four hundred yards 
 long. When he arrived there, he contrived to bring some 
 of the corks together, until he had quite sufficient for his 
 support, and then Smallbones voted himself pretty com- 
 fortable after all, for the water was very warm, and now 
 quite smooth. 
 
 Smallbones, as the reader may have observed during 
 the narration, was a lad of most indisputable courage and of 
 good principles. Had it been his fortune to have been 
 born among the higher classes, and to have had all the 
 advantages of education, he might have turned out a 
 hero ; as it was, he did his duty well in that state of life 
 to which he had been called, and as he said in his speech 
 to the men on the forecastle, he feared God, honoured 
 the king, and was the natural enemy to the devil. 
 
 The Chevalier Bayard was nothing more, only he had 
 a wider field for his exertions and his talents •, but the 
 armed and accoutred Bayard did not show more courage 
 and conduct when leading armies to victory, than did the 
 
334 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 unarmed Smallbones against Vanslyperken and his dog. 
 We consider that in his way, Smallbones was quite as 
 great a hero as the Chevalier, for no man can do more 
 than his best • indeed, it is unreasonable to expect it. 
 
 While Smallbones hung on to the corks, he was 
 calculating his chances of being saved. 
 
 " If so be as how they comes to take up the nets in the 
 morning, why then I think I may hold on ; but if so be 
 they waits, why they'll then find me dead as a fish," said 
 Smallbones, who seldom ventured above a monosyllable, 
 and whose language if not considered as pure English, 
 was certainly amazingly Saxon; and then Smallbones 
 began to reflect, whether it was not necessary that he 
 should forgive Mr Vanslyperken before he died, and his 
 pros and cons ended with his thinking he could, for it 
 was his duty ; however he would not be in a hurry about 
 it, he thought that was the last thing that he need do ; 
 but as for the dog, he wa'n't obliged to forgive him that 
 was certain — as certain as that his tail was off; and Small- 
 bones, up to his chin in the water, grinned so at the 
 remembrance, that he took in more salt water than was 
 pleasant. 
 
 He spit it out again, and then looked up to the stars, 
 which were twinkling above him. 
 
 I wonder what o'clock it is, thought Smallbones, when 
 he thought he heard a distant sound. Smallbones pricked 
 up his ears and listened ; — yes, it was in regular cadence, 
 and became louder and louder. It was a boat pulling. 
 
 " Well, I am sure," thought Smallbones, " they'll think 
 they have caught a queer fish anyhow:" and he waited 
 very patiently for the fisherman to come up. At last 
 he perceived the boat, which was very long and pulled 
 many oars. "They be the smuglars," thought Small- 
 bones. 
 
 " I wonder whether they'll pick up a poor lad ? Boat 
 ahoy ! " 
 
 The boat continued to pass towards the coast, impelled 
 at the speed of seven or eight miles an hour, and was 
 
The Dog Fiend ^^^ 
 
 now nearly abreast of Smallbones, and not fifty yards 
 from him. 
 
 **I say, boat ahoy!" screamed Smallbones, to the extent 
 of his voice. 
 
 He was heard this time, and there was a pause in the 
 pulling, the boat still driving through the water with the 
 impulse which had been given her, as if she required no 
 propelling power. 
 
 " I say you arn't a going for to come for to leave a 
 poor lad here to be drowned, are you ? " 
 
 "That's Smallbones, I'll swear," cried Jemmy Ducks, 
 who was steering the boat, and who immediately shifted 
 the helm. 
 
 But Sir Robert Barclay paused ; there was too much 
 at stake to run any risk, even to save the life of a fellow- 
 creature. 
 
 *' You takes time for to think on it anyhow," cried 
 Smallbones — " you are going for to leave a feilow-christian 
 stuck like a herring in a fishing net, are you ? you would 
 not like it yourself, anyhow." 
 
 "It is Smallbones, sir," repeated Jemmy Ducks, " and 
 I'll vouch for him as a lad that's good and true." 
 
 Sir Barclay no longer hesitated : " Give way, my lads, 
 and pick him up." 
 
 In a few minutes, Smallbones was hauled in over the 
 gunnel, and was seated on the stern-sheets opposite to 
 Sir Robert. 
 
 "It's a great deal colder out of the water than in, 
 that's sartain," observed Smallbones, shivering. 
 
 " Give way, my lads, we've no time to stay," cried 
 Sir Robert. 
 
 " Take this, Smallbones," said Jemmy. 
 
 " Why, so it is. Jemmy Ducks ! " replied Small- 
 bones, with astonishment — "why, how did you come 
 here?" 
 
 " Sarcumstances," replied Jemmy ; " how did you come 
 there?" 
 
 " Sarcumstances too. Jemmy," replied Smallbones. 
 
33^ Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " Keep silence," said Sir Robert, and nothing more 
 was said until the lugger dashed into the cave. 
 
 The cargo was landed, and Smallbones who was very 
 cold was not sorry to assist. He carried up his load with 
 the rest, and as usual the women came halfway down to 
 receive it. 
 
 " Why, who have we here ? " said one of the women 
 to whom Smallbones was delivering his load, " why, it's 
 Smallbones." 
 
 " Yes," replied Smallbones, it is me ; " but how came 
 you here, Nancy ? " 
 
 " That's tellings, but how came you, my lad ? " replied 
 Nancy. 
 
 " I came by water anyhow." 
 
 "Well, you are one of us now, you know there's no 
 going back." 
 
 "I'm sure I don't want to go back, Nancy; but what 
 is to be done ? nothing unchristianlike I hope." 
 
 "We're all good Christians here, Smallbones; we 
 don't bow down to idols and pay duty to them as other 
 people do." 
 
 " Do you fear God, and honour the king ? " 
 
 " We do ; the first as much as the other people, and 
 as for the king, we love him and serve him faithfully." 
 
 " Well, then I suppose that's all right," replied Small- 
 bones ; " but where do you live ? " 
 
 " Come with me, take your load up, and I will show 
 you, for the sooner you are there the better; the boat 
 will be off again in half-an-hour, if I mistake not." 
 
 " Off, where ? " 
 
 " To France, with a message to the king." 
 
 " Why, the king's in Holland ! we left him there when 
 we sailed." 
 
 " Pooh ! nonsense ! come along." 
 
 When Sir Robert arrived at the cave, he found an old 
 friend anxiously awaiting his arrival ; it was Graham, 
 who had been despatched by the Jacobites to the court 
 of St Germains, with intelligence of great importance,. 
 
The Dog Fiend 337 
 
 which was the death of the young Duke of Gloucester, 
 the only surviving son of King William. He had, it 
 was said, died of a malignant fever ; but if the reader 
 will call to mind the address of one of the Jesuits on the 
 meeting at Cherbourg, he may have some surmises as to 
 the cause of the duke's decease. As this event rendered 
 the succession uncertain, the hopes of the Jacobites were 
 raised to the highest pitch : the more so as the country 
 was in a state of anxiety and confusion, and King William 
 was absent at the Hague. Graham had, therefore, been 
 despatched to the exiled James, with the propositions 
 from his friends in England, and to press the necessity 
 of an invasion of the country. As Nancy had supposed. 
 Sir Robert decided upon immediately crossing over to 
 Cherbourg, the crew were allowed a short time to repose 
 and refresh themselves, and once more returned to their 
 laborious employment ; Jemmy Ducks satisfied Sir Robert 
 that Smallbones might be trusted and be useful, and 
 Nancy corroborated his assertions. He was, therefore, 
 allowed to remain in the cave with the women, and Sir 
 Robert and his crew, long before Smallbones' garments 
 were dry, were again crossing the English Channel. 
 
 Now, it must be observed, that Smallbones was never 
 well off for clothes, and, on this occasion, when he fell 
 overboard, he had nothing on but an old pair of thin 
 linen trousers and a shirt which, from dint of long wash- 
 ing, from check had turned to a light cerulean blue : 
 what with his struggles at the net and the force used to 
 pull him into the boat, the shirt had more than one-half 
 disappeared — that is to say, one sleeve and the back were 
 wholly gone, and the other sleeve was well prepared to 
 follow its fellow, on the first capful of wind. His 
 trousers also were in almost as bad a state. In hauling 
 him in, when his head was over the gunnel, one of the 
 men had seized him by the seat of his trousers to lift 
 him into the boat, and the consequence was, that the 
 seat of his trousers having been too long set upon, was 
 also left in his muscular gripe. All these items put 
 
^^S Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 together, the reader may infer, that, although Small- 
 bones might appear merely ragged in front, that in his 
 rear he could not be considered as decent, especially as 
 he was the only one of the masculine sex among a body 
 of females. No notice was taken of this by others, nor 
 did Smallbones observe it himself, during the confusion 
 and bustle previous to the departure of the smugglers -, 
 but now they were gone, Smallbones perceived his 
 deficiencies, and was very much at a loss what to do, as 
 he was aware that daylight would discover them to 
 others as well as to himself: so he fixed his back up 
 against one of the rocks, and remained idle while the 
 women were busily employed storing away the cargo in 
 the various compartments of the cave. 
 
 Nancy, who had not forgotten that he was with them, 
 came up to him. 
 
 " Why do you stay there, Smallbones ? you must be 
 hungry and cold, come in with me, and I will find you 
 something to eat." 
 
 "I can't. Mistress Nancy, I want your advice first. 
 Has any of the men left any of their duds in this here 
 cavern ? " 
 
 " Duds, men ! No, they keep them all on the other 
 side. We have nothing but petticoats here and 
 shimmeys." 
 
 " Then what must I do ? " exclaimed Smallbones. 
 
 ** Oh, I see, your shirt is torn off your back. Well, 
 never mind, I'll lend you a shimmey." 
 
 ** Yes, Mistress Nancy, but it be more worse than that, 
 I an't got no behind to my trousers, they pulled it out 
 when they pulled me into the boat. I sticks to this here 
 rock for decency's sake. What must I do ? " 
 
 Nancy burst into a laugh. " Do, why if you can't have 
 men's clothes, you must put on the women's, and then 
 you'll be in the regular uniform of the cave." 
 
 " I do suppose that I must, but I can't say that I like the 
 idea much, anyhow," replied Smallbones. 
 
 "Why, you don't mean to stick to that rock like a 
 
The Dog Fiend 339 
 
 limpit all your life, do you ? there's plenty of work for 
 you." 
 
 "If so be, I must, I must," replied Smallbones. 
 
 " You can't appear before Mistress Alice in that state," 
 replied Nancy. '* She's a lady bred and born, and very 
 particular too, and then there's Miss Lilly, you will turn 
 her as red as a rose, if she sees you." 
 
 " Well then, I suppose I must, Mistress Nancy, for I 
 shall catch my death of cold here, I'm all wet and shivery, 
 from being so long in the water, and my back against the 
 rock, feels just as ice." 
 
 " No wonder, I'll run and fetch you something," replied 
 Nancy, who was delighted at the idea of dressing up 
 Smallbones as a woman. 
 
 Nancy soon returned with a chemise, a short flannel 
 petticoat, and a shawl, which she gave to Smallbones, 
 desiring him to take off his wet clothes, and substitute 
 them. She would return to him as soon as he had put 
 them on, and see that they were put tidy and right. 
 
 Smallbones retired behind one of the rocks, and soon 
 shifted his clothes, he put everything on the hind part 
 before, and Nancy had to alter them when she came. She 
 adjusted the shawl, and then led him into the cave where 
 he found Mistress Alice, and some of the women who 
 were not busy with the cargo. 
 
 " Here's the poor lad who was thrown overboard, 
 madam," said Nancy, retaining her gravity. " All his 
 clothes were torn off his back, and I have been obliged to 
 give him these to put on." 
 
 Lady Barclay could hardly repress a smile. Smallbones' 
 appearance was that of a tall gaunt creature, pale enough, 
 and smooth enough to be a woman certainly, but cutting a 
 most ridiculous figure. His long thin arms were bare, his 
 neck was like a crane's, and the petticoats were so short as 
 to reach almost above his knees. Shoes and stockings he 
 had none. His long hair was platted and matted with the 
 salt water, and one side of his head was shaved, and 
 exhibited a monstrous half-healed scar. 
 
340 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Lady Barclay asked him a few questions, and then 
 desired Nancy to give him some refreshment, and find 
 him something to lie down upon in the division of the 
 cave which was used as a kitchen. 
 
 But we must now leave Smallbones to entertain the 
 inhabitants of the cave with the history of his adventures, 
 which he did at intervals, during his stay there. He 
 retained his women's clothes, for Nancy would not let 
 him wear any other, and was a source of great amuse- 
 ment not only to the smugglers' wives, but also to 
 little Lilly, who would listen to his conversation and 
 remarks which were almost as naive and unsophisticated 
 as her own. 
 
 Chapter XLIV 
 
 In which Mr Vanslyperken meets with a double defeat. 
 
 It was late in the evening of the day after Smallbones 
 had been so satisfactorily disposed of that the cutter 
 arrived at Portsmouth; but from daylight until the time 
 that the cutter anchored, there was no small confusion 
 and bustle on board of the Tungfrau, When Vansly- 
 perken's cabin door was found to be locked, it was 
 determined that Smallbones should not appear as a 
 supernatural visitant that night, but wait till the one 
 following ; consequently the parties retired to bed, and 
 Smallbones, who found the heat between decks very 
 oppressive, had crept up the ladder and taken a berth 
 in the small boat that he might sleep cool and comfortable, 
 intending to be down below again long before Mr Van- 
 slyperken was up ; but, as the reader knows, Mr Van- 
 slyperken was up before him, and the consequence was 
 that Smallbones went down into the sea instead of the 
 lower deck as he had intended. 
 
 The next morning it was soon ascertained that Small- 
 bones was not to be found, and the ship's company were 
 in a state of dismay. The boat, as soon as Smallbones 
 
The Dog Fiend 341 
 
 had been turned out, had resumed her upright position, 
 and one of the men when busy washing the decks, had 
 made fast the gripe again, which he supposed had been 
 cast off by accident when the ropes had been coiled up 
 for washing, Smallbones not being at that time missed. 
 When, therefore, the decks had been searched everywhere 
 and the lad was discovered not to be in the ship, the 
 suspicion was very great. No one had seen him go aft 
 to sleep in the boat. The man who was at the wheel 
 stated that Mr Vanslyperken had sent him down for a 
 glass of grog, and had taken the helm for the time •, but 
 this proved nothing. His disappearance was a mystery 
 not to be unravelled. An appeal to Mr Vanslyperken 
 was, of course, impossible, for he did not know that the 
 lad was on board. The whole day was spent in surmises 
 and suppositions ; but things all ended in the simple fact, 
 that somehow or another Smallbones had fallen overboard, 
 and there was an end of the poor fellow. 
 
 So soon as the cutter was at anchor, Mr Vanslyperken 
 hastened to perform his official duties, and anxious to 
 learn how Smallbones had contrived to escape the clutches 
 of his mother, bent his steps towards the half-way houses. 
 He arrived at the door of his mother's room, and knocked 
 as usual, but there was no reply. It was now the latter 
 end of July, and although it was past seven o'clock it was 
 full daylight. Vanslyperken knocked again and again. 
 His mother must be out, he thought ; and if so, she 
 always took the key with her. He had nothing to do 
 but to wait for her return. The passage and staircase 
 was dark, but there was a broad light in the room from 
 the casement, and this light streamed from under the 
 door of the room. A shade crossing the light attracted 
 Vanslyperken's attention, and to while away the tedious- 
 ness of waiting he was curious to see what it was •, he 
 knelt down, looked under the door, and perceived the 
 key which Smallbones had placed there ; he inserted his 
 finger and drew it forth, imagining that his mother had 
 slid it beneath till her return. 
 
342 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 He fitted it to the lock and opened the door, when his 
 olfactory nerves were offended with a dreadful stench, 
 which surprised him the more as the casement was open. 
 Vanslyperken surveyed the room, he perceived that the 
 blood had been washed from the floor and sand strewed 
 over it. Had he not known that Smallbones had been 
 on board of the cutter the day before, he would have 
 thought that it had been the smell of the dead body not 
 yet removed. This thought crossing his imagination, 
 immediately made the truth flash upon him, and, as if 
 instinctively, he went up to the bed and pulled down the 
 clothes, when he recoiled back with horror at uncovering 
 the face of his mother, now of a livid blue and in the 
 last stage of putrefaction. 
 
 Overcome with the horrid sight, and the dreadful 
 stench which accompanied it, he reeled to the casement 
 and gasped for breath. A sickness came over him, and 
 for some time he was incapable of acting and barely 
 capable of reflection. 
 
 " She is gone then," thought he at last, and he shuddered 
 when he asked himself where. " She must have fallen by 
 the hands of the lad," continued he, and immediately the 
 whole that had happened appeared to be revealed to him. 
 ** Yes, yes, he has recovered from the blow — killed her 
 and locked the door — all is clear now, but I have revenged 
 her death." 
 
 Vanslyperken, who had now recovered himself, went 
 softly to the door, took out the key and locked himself 
 in. He had been debating in his mind whether he should 
 call in the neighbours ; but, on reflection, as no one had 
 seen him enter, he determined that he would not. He 
 would take his gold and leave the door locked and the 
 key under it, as he found it before her death was dis- 
 covered : it would be supposed that she died a natural 
 death, for the state of the body would render it impossible 
 to prove the contrary. But there was one act necessary 
 to be performed at which Vanslyperken's heart recoiled. 
 The key of the oak chest was about his mother's person 
 
The Dog Fiend 343 
 
 and he must obtain it, he must search for it in corruption 
 and death, amongst creeping worms and noisome stench. 
 It was half an hour before he could make up his mind 
 to the task ! but what will avarice not accomplish ! 
 
 He covered up the face, and with a trembling hand 
 turned over the bedclothes. But we must not disgust 
 our readers, it will suffice to say, that the key was ob- 
 tained, and the chest opened. 
 
 Vanslyperken found all his own gold, and much more 
 than he had ever expected belonging to his mother. 
 There were other articles belonging to him, but he 
 thought it prudent not to touch them. He loaded him- 
 self with the treasure, and when he felt that it was all 
 secure, for he was obliged to divide it in different parcels 
 and stow it in various manners about his person, he re- 
 locked the chest, placed the key in the cupboard, and 
 quitting the room made fast the door, and like a dutiful 
 son, left the remains of his mother to be inhumed at the 
 expense of the parish. 
 
 As he left the house without being observed, and 
 gained the town of Portsmouth, never was Mr Vansly- 
 perken's body so heavily loaded, or his heart lighter. 
 He had got rid of Smallbones and of his mother, both 
 in a way perfectly satisfactory to himself. 
 
 He had recovered his own gold, and had also been 
 enriched beyond his hopes by his mother's savings. He 
 felt not the weight which he carried about his person, 
 he wished it had been heavier. All he felt was, very 
 anxious to be on board and have his property secured. 
 His boat waited for him, and one of the men informed 
 him his presence was required at the admiral's immediately ; 
 but Mr Vanslyperken first went on board, and having 
 safely locked up all his treasures, then complied with 
 the admiral's wishes. They were to sail immediately, 
 for the intelligence of the Duke of Gloucester's death 
 had just arrived with the despatches, announcing the 
 same to be taken to King William, who was still at the 
 Hague. Vanslyperken sent the boat on board with orders 
 
344 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 to Short, to heave short and loose sails, and then hastened 
 up to the house of Lazarus, the Jew, aware that the 
 cutter would, in all probability, be despatched immediately 
 to the Hague. The Jew had the letters for Ramsay all 
 prepared. Vanslyperken once more touched his liberal 
 fee, and, in an hour, he was again under way for the 
 Texel. 
 
 During the passage, which was very quick, Mr Vansly- 
 perken amused himself as usual, in copying the letters to 
 Ramsay, which contained the most important intelligence 
 of the projects of the Jacobites, and, from the various 
 communications between Ramsay and the conspirators, 
 Vanslyperken had also been made acquainted with the 
 circumstance hitherto unknown to him, of the existence 
 of the caves above the cove, where he had been taken 
 to by the informer, as mentioned in the early part of 
 this work, and also of the names of the parties who 
 visited it. 
 
 Of this intelligence Vanslyperken determined to avail 
 himself by-and-bye. It was evident that there were only 
 women in the cave, and Mr Vanslyperken counted his 
 gold, patted the head of Snarleyyow, and indulged in 
 anticipations of further wealth, and the hand of the 
 widow Vandersloosh. 
 
 All dreams ! Mr Vanslyperken. 
 
 The cutter arrived, and he landed with his despatches 
 for the government ; and his letters to Ramsay being all 
 delivered, Vanslyperken hastened to the widow's, who, 
 as usual, received him, all smiles. He now confided to 
 her the death of his mother, and astonished her by re- 
 presenting the amount of his wealth, which he had the 
 precaution to state, that the major part of it was left 
 him by his mother. 
 
 " Where have you put it all, Mr Vanslyperken ? " 
 inquired the widow. And Vanslyperken replied that he 
 had come to ask her advice on the subject, as it was at 
 present all on board of the cutter. The widow, who 
 was not indifferent to money, was more gracious than 
 
The Dog Fiend 345 
 
 ever. She had a scheme in her head of persuading him 
 to leave the money under her charge ; but Vanslyperken 
 was anxious to go on board again, for he discovered that 
 the key was not in his pocket, and he was fearful that 
 he might have left it on the cabin table ; so he quitted 
 rather abruptly, and the widow had not time to bring 
 the battery to bear. As soon as Mr Vanslyperken arrived 
 on board, Corporal Van Spitter, without asking leave, 
 for he felt it was not necessary, went on shore, and was 
 soon in the arms of his enamoured widow Vandersloosh. 
 In the meantime, Mr Vanslyperken discovered the key 
 in the pocket of the waistcoat he had thrown off, and 
 having locked his door, he again opened his drawer, and 
 delighted himself for an hour or two in re-arranging his 
 treasure ; after which, feeling himself in want of occupa- 
 tion, it occurred to him, that he might as well dedicate 
 a little more time to the widow, so he manned his boat 
 and went on shore again. 
 
 It is all very well to have a morning and afternoon 
 lover if ladies are so inclined, just as they have a morning 
 and afternoon dress, but they should be worn separately. 
 Now, as it never entered the head of Mr Vanslyperken 
 that the corporal was playing him false, so did it never 
 enter the idea of the widow, that Mr Vanslyperken would 
 make his appearance in the evening, and leave the cutter 
 and Snarleyyow, without the corporal being on board 
 to watch over them. 
 
 But Mr Vanslyperken did leave the cutter and Snarley- 
 yow, did come on shore, did walk to the widow's house, 
 and did most unexpectedly enter it, and what was the 
 consequence ? — that he was not perceived when he entered 
 it, and the door of the parlour as well as the front door 
 being open to admit the air, for the widow and the corporal 
 found that making love in the dog days was rather warm 
 work for people of their calibre — to his mortification and 
 rage the lieutenant beheld the corporal seated in his berth, 
 on the little fubsy sofa, with one arm round the widow's 
 waist, his other hand joined in hers, and, proh pudorl 
 
34^ Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 sucking at her dewy lips like some huge carp under the 
 water-lilies on a midsummer's afternoon. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken was transfixed — the parties were too 
 busy with their amorous interchange to perceive his pre- 
 sence ; at last the corporal thought that his lips required 
 moistening with a littJe of the beer of the widow's own 
 brewing, for the honey of her lips had rather glued them 
 together — he turned towards the table to take up his 
 tumbler, and he beheld Mr Vanslyperken. 
 
 The corporal, for a moment, was equally transfixed, but 
 on these occasions people act mechanically because they 
 don't know what to do. The corporal had been well 
 drilled, he rose from the sofa, held himself perfectly 
 upright, and raised the back of his right hand to his fore- 
 head, there he stood like a statue saluting at the presence 
 of his superior officer. 
 
 The widow had also perceived the presence of Vansly- 
 perken almost as soon as the corporal, but a woman's wits 
 are more at their command on these occasions than a man's. 
 She felt that all concealment was now useless, and she 
 prepared for action. At the same time, although ready 
 to discharge a volley of abuse upon Vanslyperken, she 
 paused, to ascertain how she should proceed. Assuming 
 an indifferent air, she said — " Well, Mr Vanslyperken ? " 
 
 " Well ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken, but he could not 
 speak for passion. 
 
 ** Eaves-dropping, as usual, Mr Vanslyperken ? " 
 
 *' May the roof of this house drop on you, you 
 infernal ." 
 
 " No indelicate language, if you please, sir," interrupted 
 the widow, *' I won't put up with it in my house, I can tell 
 you — ho, ho, Mr Vanslyperken," continued the widow, 
 working herself into a rage, "that won't do here, Mr 
 Vanslyperken." 
 
 " Why, you audacious — you double-faced " 
 
 " Double-faced ! — it's a pity you wer'n't double-faced, 
 as you call it, with that snivelling nose and crooked chin 
 of yours. Double-faced, heh ! — oh ! oh ! Mr Vansly- 
 
The Dog Fiend 347 
 
 perken — we shall see — wait a little — we shall see who's 
 double-faced. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken — that for you, 
 Mr Vanslyperken — I can hang you when I please, Mr 
 Vanslyperken. Corporal, how many guineas did you see 
 counted out to him at the house opposite ? " 
 
 During all this the corporal remained fixed and im- 
 movable with his hand up to the salute ; but on being 
 questioned by his mistress, he replied, remaining in the 
 same respectful attitude. 
 
 " Fifty golden guineas. Mistress Vandersloosh." 
 
 ** A lie ! an infamous lie ! " cried Vanslyperken, draw- 
 ing his sword. " Traitor, that you are," continued he to 
 the corporal, *' take your reward." This was a very 
 critical moment. The corporal did not attempt the defen- 
 sive, but remained in the same attitude, and Vanslyperken's 
 rage at the falsehood of the widow, and the discovery of 
 his treason was so great, that he had lost all command of 
 himself. Had not a third party come in just as Vansly- 
 perken drew his sword, it might have gone hard with the 
 corporal ; but fortunately Babette came in from the yard, 
 and perceiving the sword fly out of the scabbard, she put 
 her hand behind the door, and snatched two long-handled 
 brooms, one of which she put into the hands of her 
 mistress, and retained the other herself. 
 
 " Take your reward ! " cried Vanslyperken, running 
 furiously to cut down the corporal. But his career was 
 stopped by the two brooms, one of which took him in the 
 face, and the other in the chest. The widow and Babette 
 now ranged side by side, holding their brooms as soldiers 
 do their arms in charge of bayonets. 
 
 How did the corporal act ? He retained his former 
 respectful position, leaving the defensive or offensive in the 
 hands of the widow and Babette. 
 
 This check on the part of Vanslyperken only added to 
 his rage. Again he flew with his sword at the corporal, 
 and again he was met with the besoms in his face. He 
 caught one with his hand, and he was knocked back with 
 the other. He attempted to cut them in two with his 
 sword, but in vain. 
 
348 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 ** Out of my house, you villain ! — you traitor — out of my 
 house," cried the widow, pushing at him with such force 
 as to drive him against the wall, and pinning him there 
 while Babette charged him in his face which was now 
 streaming with blood. The attack was now followed up 
 with such vigour, that Vanslyperken was first obliged to 
 retreat to the door, then out of the door into the street, 
 followed into the street he took to his heels, and the 
 widow and Babette returned victorious into the parlour to 
 the corporal. Mr Vanslyperken could not accuse him of 
 want of respect to his superior officer ; he had saluted him 
 on entering, and he was still saluting him when he made 
 his exit. 
 
 The widow threw herself on the sofa—- Corporal Van 
 Spitter then took his seat beside her. The widow over- 
 come by her rage and exertion, burst into tears and sobbed 
 in his arms. 
 
 The corporal poured out a glass of beer, and persuaded 
 her to drink it. 
 
 " Fll have him hanged to-morrow, at all events. Fll go 
 to the Hague myself," cried the widow. " Yes, yes, Mr 
 Vanslyperken, we shall see who will gain the day," 
 continued the widow, sobbing. 
 
 ** You can prove it, corporal ? " 
 
 " Mein Gott, yes," replied the corporal. 
 
 *' As soon as he's hung, corporal, we'll marry." 
 
 '' Mein Gott, yes." 
 
 "Traitorous villain! — sell his king and his country for 
 gold!" 
 
 " Mein Gott, yes." 
 
 " You're sure it was fifty guineas, corporal ? " 
 
 "Mein Gott, yes." 
 
 " Ah, well, Mr Vanslyperken, we shall see," said the 
 widow, drying her eyes. *' Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, 
 you shall be hanged, and your cur with you, or my name's 
 not Vandersloosh." 
 
 " Mein Gott, yes," replied the corporal. 
 
The Dog Fiend 349 
 
 Chapter XLV 
 
 In which Mr Vanslyperken proves his loyalty and his fidelity to King 
 
 William. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken hastened from his inglorious conflict, 
 maddened with rage and disappointment. He returned on 
 board, went down into his cabin, and threw himself on his 
 bed. His hopes and calculations had been so brilliant — rid 
 of his enemy Smallbones — with gold in possession, and 
 more in prospect, to be so cruelly deceived by the widow 
 — the cockatrice ! Then by one to whom he fully confided, 
 and who knew too many of his secrets already — Corporal 
 Van Spitter — he too ! — and to dare to aspire to the widow 
 — it was madness — and then their knowledge of his treason 
 — the corporal having witnessed his receiving the gold — 
 with such bitter enemies what could he expect but a halter 
 — he felt it even now round his neck, and Vanslyperken 
 groaned in the bitterness of his spirit. 
 
 In the meantime, there was a consultation between the 
 widow and the corporal as to the best method of proceed- 
 ing That the corporal could expect nothing but the most 
 determined hostility from Vanslyperken was certain ; but 
 for this the corporal cared little, as he had all the crew of 
 the cutter on his side, and he was in his own person too 
 high in rank to be at the mercy of Vanslyperken. 
 
 After many pros and cons, and at least a dozen bottles 
 of beer — for the excitement on the part of the corporal, 
 and the exertion of the widow, had made them both dry — 
 it was resolved that the Frau Vandersloosh should demand 
 an audience at the Hague the next morning, and should 
 communicate the treasonable practices of Mr Vanslyperken, 
 calling upon the corporal as a witness to the receipt of the 
 money from the Jesuit. 
 
 " Mein Gott ! exclaimed the corporal, striking his bull 
 forehead as if a new thought had required being forced 
 
350 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 out, " but they will ask me how I came there myself, and 
 what shall I say ? " 
 
 " Say that the Jesuit father had sent for you to try and 
 seduce you to do his treason, but that you would not 
 consent." 
 
 " Mein Gott, yes — that will do." 
 
 The corporal then returned on board, but did not think 
 it worth while to report himself to Mr Vanslyperken. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken had also been thinking over the 
 matter, and in what way he should be able to escape from 
 the toils prepared for him. That the widow would 
 immediately inform the authorities he was convinced. How 
 was he to get out of his scrape ? 
 
 Upon mature reflection, he decided that it was to be 
 done. He had copies of all Ramsay's letters, and those 
 addressed to Ramsay, and the last delivered were very 
 important. Now, his best plan would be to set off for the 
 Hague early the next morning — demand an interview with 
 one of the ministers, or even his Majesty himself — state that 
 he had been offered money from the Jacobite party to carry 
 their letters, and that, with a view to serve his Majesty by 
 finding out their secrets, he had consented to do it, and had 
 taken the money to satisfy them that he was sincere. That 
 he had opened the letters and copied them, and that now 
 as the contents were important, he had thought it right to 
 make them immediately known to the government, and at 
 the same time to bring the money received for the service, 
 to be placed at his Majesty's disposal. 
 
 " Whether she is before or after me," thought Vansly- 
 perken, "it will then be little matter, all I shall have to 
 fear will be from Ramsay and his party, but the govern- 
 ment will be bound to protect me." 
 
 There certainly was much wisdom in this plan of Van- 
 slyperken, it was the only one which could have been 
 attended with success, or with any chance of it. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken was up at daylight, and dressed in his 
 best uniform •, he put in his pocket all the copies of the 
 Jacobite correspondence, and went on shore — hired a 
 
The Dog Fiend 351 
 
 calash, for he did not know how to ride, and set off for 
 the Hague, where he arrived about ten o'clock. He sent 
 up his name, and requested an audience with the Duke of 
 Portland, as an officer commanding one of his Majesty's 
 vessels : he was immediately admitted, 
 
 " What is your pleasure, Mr Vanslyperken ? " said the 
 duke, who was standing at the table, in company with Lord 
 Albemarle. 
 
 Vanslyperken was a little confused — he muttered, and 
 stammered about anxiety, and loyalty, and fidelity, and 
 excess of zeal, &c. — 
 
 No wonder he stammered, for he was talking of what he 
 knew nothing about- — but these two noblemen recollecting 
 his confusion when presented to his sovereign on board of 
 the frigate, made allowances. 
 
 " I have at last," cried Vanslyperken, with more confid- 
 ence, " been able to discover the plots of the Jacobites, 
 your grace." 
 
 " Indeed ! Mr Vanslyperken," replied the duke, smiling 
 incredulously, ** and pray what may they be ? you must be 
 as expeditious as possible, for his Majesty is waiting for 
 us." 
 
 " These letters will take some time to read," replied 
 Vanslyperken ; ** but their contents are most important." 
 
 " Indeed, letters — how have you possession of their 
 letters ? " 
 
 " It will be rather a long story, sir — my lord ! I mean," 
 replied Vanslyperken ; " but they will amply repay an 
 hour of your time, if you can spare it." 
 
 At this moment, the door opened and his Majesty 
 entered the room. At the sight of the king, Vansly- 
 perken's confidence was again taking French leave. 
 
 " My lords, I am waiting for you," said the king, with 
 a little asperity of manner. 
 
 " May it please your Majesty, here is Lieutenant Van- 
 slyperken, commanding one of your Majesty's vessels, who 
 states that he has important intelligence, and that he has 
 possession of Jacobite papers." 
 
352 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " Indeed ! " replied King William, who was always 
 alive to Jacobite plotting, from which he had already run so 
 much risk. 
 
 ** What is it, Mr Vanslyperken ? speak boldly what you 
 have to communicate." 
 
 ** Your Majesty, I beg your gracious pardon, but here 
 are copies of the correspondence carried on by the traitors 
 in England and this country. If your Majesty will deign 
 to have it read, you will then perceive how important it is 
 — after your Majesty has read it, I will have the honour 
 to explain to you by what means it came into my posses- 
 sion." 
 
 King William was a man of business, and Vanslyperken 
 had done wisely in making this proposal. His Majesty at 
 once sat down, with the Duke of Portland on the one side 
 and Lord Albemarle on the other : the latter took the 
 letters which were arranged according to their dates, and 
 read them in a clear distinct voice. 
 
 As the reading went on, his Majesty made memorandums 
 and notes with his pencil on a sheet of paper, but did not 
 interrupt during the whole progress of the lecture. When 
 the last and most important was finished, the two noble- 
 men looked at his Majesty with countenances full of 
 meaning. For a few moments his Majesty drummed with 
 the second and third finger of his left hand upon the table, 
 and then said — 
 
 "Pray, Mr Vanslyperken, how did you obtain posses- 
 sion of these papers and letters, or make copies of these 
 letters ? " 
 
 Vanslyperken, who had been standing at the other side 
 of the table during the time of the reading, had anxiously 
 watched the countenance of his Majesty and the two 
 noblemen, and perceived that the intelligence which the 
 letters contained, had created a strong feeling, as he 
 expected. With a certain degree of confidence, he 
 commenced his explanation. 
 
 He stated that the crew of the cutter had been accus- 
 tomed to frequent the Lust Haus of a certain widow 
 
The Dog Fiend ^^^ 
 
 Vandersloosh, and that he had made her acquaintance, by 
 several times going there to look after his seamen. 
 
 That this widow had often hinted to him, and at last 
 proposed to him, that he should take letters for some 
 friends of hers — at last she had told him plainly that it 
 was for the Jacobite party, and he pretended to consent. 
 
 That he had been taken by her to the house of a Jesuit, 
 169, in the Bur street, nearly opposite to her Lust Haus, 
 and that the Jesuit had given him some letters and fifty 
 guineas for his trouble. 
 
 He then stated, that he had opened, copied, and resealed 
 them ; further, that he had brought over one of the 
 confederates, who was now residing in the house of the 
 syndic, Van Krause. That he should have made all this 
 known before, only that he waited till it was more 
 important. That the last letters appeared of such conse- 
 quence, that he deemed it his duty no longer to delay. 
 
 " You have done well, Mr Vanslyperken," replied his 
 Majesty. 
 
 ** And played a bold game," observed Lord Albemarle, 
 fixing his eyes upon Vanslyperken. " Suppose you had 
 been found out co-operating with traitors, before you 
 made this discovery ! " 
 
 " I might have forfeited my life in my zeal," replied Mr 
 Vanslyperken, with adroitness -, " but that is the duty of a 
 king's officer." 
 
 '' That is well said," observed the Duke of Portland. 
 
 "I have a few questions to put to you, Mr Vansly- 
 perken," observed his Majesty. 
 
 " What is the cave they mention so often ? " 
 
 " It is on the bank of the Isle of Wight, your Majesty. I 
 did not know of its existence, but from the letters — but I 
 once laid a whole night in the cove underneath it, to inter- 
 cept the smugglers, upon information that I had received, 
 but the alarm was given, and they escaped." 
 
 '* Who is their agent at Portsmouth ? " 
 
 " A Jew of the name of Lazarus, residing in little 
 Orange Street, at the back of the Point, your Majesty ! " 
 
354 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 "Do you know of any of the names of the conspira- 
 tors ? " 
 
 " I do not, your Majesty, except a woman, who is very 
 active, one Moggy Salisbury — her husband not a month 
 back, was the boatswain of the cutter, but by some interest 
 or another, he has obtained his discharge." 
 
 " My Lord of Portland, take a memorandum to inquire 
 who it was applied for the discharge of that man. Mr 
 Vanslyperken you may retire — we will call you in by-and- 
 bye — you will be secret as to what has passed." 
 
 "I have one more duty to perform," replied Vansly- 
 perken, taking some rouleaus of gold out of his pocket-, 
 " this is the money received from the traitors — it is not 
 for a king's officer to have it in his possession." 
 
 " You are right, Mr Vanslyperken, but the gold of 
 traitors is forfeited to the crown, and it is now mine, you 
 will accept it as a present from your king." 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken took the gold from the table, made 
 a bow, and retired from the royal presence. 
 
 The reader will acknowledge that it was impossible to 
 play his cards better than Mr Vanslyperken had done in 
 this interview, and that he deserved great credit for his 
 astute conduct. With such diplomatic talents, he would 
 have made a great prime minister. 
 
 " The council was ordered at twelve o'clock, my lords. 
 These letters must be produced. That they are genuine 
 appears to me beyond a doubt." 
 
 " That they are faithful copies, I doubt not," replied 
 Lord Albemarle, " but " 
 
 " But what, my Lord Albemarle ? " 
 
 " I very much suspect the fidelity of the copier — there 
 is something more that has not been told, depend upon it." 
 
 " Why do you think so, my lord ? " 
 
 " Because, your Majesty, allowing that a man would act 
 the part that Mr Vanslyperken says that he has done to 
 discover the conspiracy, still, would he not naturally, to 
 avoid any risk to himself, have furnished government with 
 the first correspondence, and obtained their sanction for 
 
The Dog Fiend ;^S5 
 
 prosecuting his plans ? This officer has been employed 
 for the last two years or more in carrying the despatches 
 to the Hague, and it must at once strike your Majesty, that 
 a person who can, with such dexterity, open the letters of 
 others can also open those of his own government." 
 
 ** That is true, my lord," replied his Majesty, musing. 
 
 " Your Majesty is well aware that suspicions were 
 entertained of the fidelity of the syndic, suspicions which 
 the evidence of this officer have verified. But why were 
 these suspicions raised ? Because he knew of the govern- 
 ment secrets, and it was supposed he obtained them from 
 some one who is in our trust, but inimical to us and un- 
 worthy of the confidence reposed in him. 
 
 " Your Majesty's acuteness will at once perceive that the 
 secrets may have been obtained by Mynheer Krause, by 
 the same means as have been resorted to, to obtain the 
 secrets of the conspirators. I may be in error, and if I do 
 this officer wrong by my suspicions, may God forgive me, 
 but there is something in his looks which tells me " 
 
 " What, my lord ? " 
 
 "That he is a traitor to both parties. May it please 
 your Majesty." 
 
 " By the Lord, Albermarle, I think you have hit upon 
 the truth," replied the Duke of Portland. 
 
 " Of that we shall soon have proof — at present, we have 
 to decide whether it be advisable to employ him to discover 
 more, or at once to seize upon the parties he has de- 
 nounced. But that had better be canvassed in the council- 
 chamber. Come, my lords, they be waiting for us." 
 
 The affair was of too great importance not to absorb all 
 other business, and it was decided that the house of 
 Mynheer Krause, and of the Jesuit, and the widow 
 Vandersloosh should be entered by the peace-officers, at 
 midnight, and that they and any of the conspirators who 
 might be found should be thrown into prison. That the 
 cutter should be despatched immediately to England, with 
 orders to seize all the other parties informed against by 
 Vanslyperken, and that a force should be sent to attack the 
 
35^ Snarl eyyow; or, 
 
 cave, and secure those who might be found there, with 
 directions to the admiral, that Mr Vanslyperken should be 
 employed both as a guide, and to give the assistance of 
 the cutter and his crew. 
 
 These arrangements having been made, the council 
 broke up, King William had a conference with his two 
 favourites, and Vanslyperken was sent for. 
 
 " Lieutenant Vanslyperken, we feel much indebted to 
 you for your important communications, and we shall not 
 forget, in due time, to reward your zeal and loyalty as it 
 deserves. At present, it is necessary that you sail for 
 England as soon as our despatches are ready, which will 
 be before midnight ; you will then receive your orders 
 from the admiral, at Portsmouth, and I have no doubt you 
 will take the opportunity of affording us fresh proofs of 
 your fidelity and attachment." 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken bowed humbly and retired, delighted 
 with the successful result of his manoeuvre, and, with a 
 gay heart he leaped into his calash, and drove off. 
 
 " Yes, yes," thought he, " Madam Vandersloosh, you 
 would betray me. We shall see. Yes, yes, we shall see. 
 Madam Vandersloosh." 
 
 And sure enough he did see Madam Vandersloosh, who 
 in another calash was driving to the palace, and who met 
 him face to face. 
 
 Vanslyperken turned up his nose at her as he passed by,, 
 and the widow astonished at his presumption, thought as 
 she went on her way, ** Well, well, Mr Vanslyperken, we 
 shall see, you may turn up your snivelling nose, but stop 
 till your head's in the halter — yes, Mr Vanslyperken, stop 
 till your head's in the halter." 
 
 We must leave Mr Vanslyperken to drive, and the 
 widow Vandersloosh to drive, while we drive on our- 
 selves. 
 
 The subsequent events of this eventful day we will 
 narrate in the following chapter. 
 
The Dog Fiend 357 
 
 Chapter XLVI 
 
 In which there is much bustle and confusion, plot and counter-plot. 
 
 About two hours after the council had broken up, the 
 following communication was delivered into the hands of 
 Ramsay by an old woman, who immediately took her 
 departure. 
 
 **The lieutenant of the cutter has taken copies of all 
 your correspondence and betrayed you. You must fly 
 immediately, as at midnight you and all of you will be 
 seized. In justice to Mynheer Krause, leave documents 
 to clear him. 
 
 " The cutter will sail this evening — with orders to 
 secure your friends at Portsmouth and the cave." 
 
 "Now, by the holy cross of our Saviour ! I will have 
 revenge upon that dastard ; there is no time to lose ; five 
 minutes for reflection, and then to act," thought Ramsay, 
 as he twisted up this timely notice, which, it must be 
 evident to the reader, must have been sent by one who had 
 been summoned to the council. Ramsay's plans were 
 soon formed, he despatched a trusty messenger to the 
 Jesuit's, desiring him to communicate immediately with 
 the others, and upon what plan to proceed. He then 
 wrote a note to Vanslyperken, requesting his immediate 
 presence, and hastened to the morning apartment of 
 Wilhelmina. In a few words, he told her that he had 
 received timely notice that it was the intention of the 
 government to seize her father and him as suspected 
 traitors, and throw them that very night in prison. 
 
 Wilhelmina made no reply. 
 
 ** For your father, my dearest girl, there is no fear : he 
 will be fully acquitted ; but I, Wilhelmina, must depart 
 immediately, or my life is forfeited." 
 
 ** Leave me, Edward ? " replied Wilhelmina. 
 
 " No, you must go with me, Wilhelmina, for more than 
 one reason ; the government have ordered the seizure of 
 
2S^ Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 the persons to be made in the night, to avoid a disturb- 
 ance •, but that they will not be able to prevent ; the mob 
 are but too happy to prove their loyalty, when they can 
 do so by rapine and plunder, and depend upon it that this 
 house will be sacked and levelled to the ground before 
 to-morrow evening. You cannot go to prison with your 
 father ; you cannot remain here, to be at the mercy of an 
 infuriated and lawless mob. You must go with me, 
 Wilhelmina ; trust to me, not only for my sake, but for 
 your father's." 
 
 " My father's, Edward, it is that only I am thinking of ; 
 how can I leave my father at such a time ? " 
 
 "You will save your father by so doing. Your 
 departure with me will substantiate his innocence j decide, 
 my dearest girl ; decide at once ; you must either fly with 
 me, or we must part for ever." 
 
 " Oh no, that must not be, Edward," cried Wilhelmina, 
 bursting into tears. 
 
 After some further persuasions on the part of Ramsay, 
 and fresh tears from the attached maiden, it was agreed 
 that she should act upon his suggestions, and with a 
 throbbing heart, she went to her chamber to make the 
 necessary preparations, while Ramsay requested that 
 Mynheer Krause would give him a few minutes of his 
 company in his room above. 
 
 The syndic soon made his appearance ; " Well, Mynheer 
 Ramsay, you have some news to tell me, I am sure ; " for 
 Mynheer Krause, notwithstanding his rebuff from the 
 king, could not divest himself of his failing of fetching and 
 carrying reports. Ramsay went to the door and turned 
 the key. 
 
 " I have, indeed, most important news, Mynheer 
 Krause, and, I am sorry to say, very unpleasant also." 
 
 ** Indeed," replied the syndic, with alarm. 
 
 " Yes ; I find from a notice given me by one of his 
 Majesty's council, assembled this morning at the Hague, 
 that you are suspected of treasonable practices." 
 
 " God in heaven ! " exclaimed the syndic. 
 
The Dog Fiend 359 
 
 " And that this very night you are to be seized and 
 thrown into prison." 
 
 " I, the syndic of the town ! I, who put everybody else 
 into prison ! " 
 
 " Even so ; such is the gratitude of King William for 
 your long and faithful services. Mynheer Krause ! I have 
 now sent for you, that we may consult as to what had 
 best be done. Will you fly ? I have the means for your 
 escape." 
 
 " Fly, Mynheer Ramsay ; the syndic of Amsterdam fly ? 
 Never! they may accuse me falsely, they may condemn 
 me and take off my head before the Stadt House, but I 
 will not fly." 
 
 " I expected this answer ; and you are right. Mynheer 
 Krause ; but there are other considerations worthy of your 
 attention. When the populace know you are in prison 
 for treason, they will level this house to the ground." 
 
 ** Well, and so they ought, if they suppose me guilty j 
 I care little for that." 
 
 " I am aware of that •, but still your property will be 
 lost ; but it will be but a matter of prudence to save all 
 you can : you have already a large sum of gold collected." 
 
 '* I have four thousand guilders, at least." 
 
 " You must think of your daughter. Mynheer Krause. 
 This gold must not find its way into the pockets of the 
 mob. Now, observe, the king's cutter sails to-night, and 
 I propose that your gold be embarked, and I will take it 
 over for you and keep it safe. Then, let what will 
 happen, your daughter will not be left to beggary." 
 
 **True, true, my dear sir, there is no saying how this 
 will end : it may end well ; but, as you say, if the house 
 is plundered, the gold is gone for ever. Your advice is 
 good, and I will give you, before you go, orders for all 
 the monies in the hands of my agents at Hamburgh and 
 Frankfort and other places. I have taken your advice my 
 young friend, and, though I have property to the amount 
 of some hundred thousand guilders, with the exception of 
 this house they will hold little of it which belongs to 
 
360 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Mynheer Krause. And my poor daughter. Mynheer 
 Ramsay ! '* 
 
 " Should any accident happen to you, you may trust to 
 me, I swear it to you, Mynheer Krause, on my hope of 
 salvation." 
 
 Here the old man sat down much affected, and covered 
 his face. 
 
 " Oh 1 my dear young friend, what a world is this, 
 where they cannot distinguish a true and a loyal subject 
 from a traitor. But why could you not stay here, — protect 
 my house from the mob, — demand the civic guard." 
 
 " I stay here, my dear sir, why I am included in the 
 warrant of treason." 
 
 "You?" 
 
 ** Yes ; and there would be no chance of my escaping 
 from my enemies, they detest me too much. But cheer 
 up, sir, I think that, by my means, you may be cleared of 
 all suspicions." 
 
 " By your means ? " 
 
 " Yes ; but I must not explain ; my departure is neces- 
 sary for your safety : I will take the whole upon myself, 
 and you shall be saved." 
 
 " I really cannot understand you, my dear friend ; but 
 it appears to me, as if you were going to make some great 
 sacrifice for my sake." 
 
 **I will not be questioned. Mynheer Krause; only this 
 I say, that I am resolved that you shall be proved innocent. 
 It is my duty. But we have no time to lose. Let your 
 gold be ready at sunset : I will have everything prepared." 
 
 " But my daughter must not remain here ; she will be 
 by herself, at the mercy of the mob." 
 
 ** Be satisfied. Mynheer Krause, that is also cared for, 
 your daughter must leave this house, and be in a safe 
 retreat before the officers come in to seize you : I have 
 arranged everything." 
 
 " Where do you propose sending her ? " 
 
 " Not to any of your friends' houses. Mynheer Krause, 
 no — no, but I'll see her in safety before I leave, do not be 
 
The Dog Fiend 361 
 
 afraid; it must depend upon circumstances, but of that 
 hereafter, you have no time to lose." 
 
 ** God in heaven!" exclaimed Mynheer Krause, un- 
 locking the door, "that I, the syndic, the most loyal 
 subject ! — well, well, you may truly say, * put not your 
 trust in princes.' " 
 
 "Trust in me, Mynheer Krause," replied Ramsay, 
 taking his hand. 
 
 " I do, I will, my good friend, and I will go to prison 
 proudly, and like an innocent and injured man." 
 
 And Mynheer Krause hastened down to his connting- 
 house, to make the proposed arrangements, Ramsay return- 
 ing to Wilhelmina, to whom he imparted what had taken 
 place between him and her father, and which had the 
 effect of conforming her resolution. 
 
 We must now return to the widow Vandersloosh, who 
 has arrived safely, but melting with the heat of her 
 journey, at the Palace of the Hague. She immediately 
 informed one of the domestics that she wished to speak 
 with his Majesty upon important business. 
 
 " I cannot take your name into his Majesty, but if you 
 will give it me, I will speak to Lord Albemarle." 
 
 The widow wrote her name down upon a slip of paper ; 
 with which the servant went away, and then the widow 
 sat down upon a bench in the hall, and cooled herself with 
 her fan. 
 
 " Frau Vandersloosh," said Lord Albemarle, on reading 
 the name. 
 
 " Let her come up, — why this," continued he, turning 
 to the Duke of Portland, who was sitting by him, " is the 
 woman who is ordered to be arrested this night, upon the 
 evidence of Lieutenant Vanslyperken ; we shall learn some- 
 thing now, depend upon it." 
 
 The Frau Vandersloosh made her appearance, sailing in 
 the room like a Dutch man-of-war of that period, under 
 full sail, high pooped and broad sterned. Never having 
 stood in the presence of great men, she was not a little 
 confused, so she fanned herself most furiously. 
 
362 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " You wish to speak with me," said Lord Albemarle. 
 
 *' Yes, your honour's honour, I've come to expose a 
 snivelling traitor to his Majesty's crown. Yes, yes, Mr 
 Vanslyperken, we shall see now," continued the widow, 
 talking to herself, and fanning away. 
 
 " We are all attentive, madam." 
 
 Mistress Vandersloosh then began, out of breath, and 
 continued out of breath till she had told the whole of her 
 story, which, as the reader must be aware, only corrobo- 
 rated all Vanslyperken had already stated, with the 
 exception that he had denounced the widow. Lord 
 Albemarle allowed her to proceed without interruption, he 
 had a great insight into character, and the story of the 
 widow confirmed him in his opinion of Vanslyperken. 
 
 ** But my good woman," said Lord Albemarle, " are you 
 aware that Mr Vanslyperken has already been here ? " 
 
 " Yes, your honour, I met him going back, and he 
 turned his nose up at me, and I then said, * Well, well, Mr 
 Vanslyperken, we shall see ; wait a little, Mr Vansly- 
 perken.' " 
 
 *'And," continued Lord Albemarle, "that he has 
 denounced you as being a party to all these treasonable 
 practices." 
 
 « Me — denounced me — he — O Lord, O Lord, only let 
 me meet him face to face — let him say it then if he dares, 
 the snivelling — cowardly — murdering wretch." 
 
 Thereupon Mrs Vandersloosh commenced the history 
 of Vanslyperken's wooing, of his cur Snarleyyow, of her 
 fancy for the corporal, of his finding her with the corporal 
 the day before, of her beating him off with the brooms, 
 and of her threats to expose his treason. " And so, now, 
 when he finds that he was to be exposed, he comes up 
 first himself ; that's now the truth of it, or my name's not 
 Vandersloosh, your honour," and the widow walked up 
 and down with the march of an elephant, fanning herself 
 violently, her bosom heaving with agitation, and her face 
 as red as a boiled lobster. 
 
 ** Mistress Vandersloosh," said Lord Albemarle, " let 
 
The Dog Fiend ^6^ 
 
 the affair rest as it is for the present, but I shall not forget 
 what you have told me. I think now that you had better 
 go home." 
 
 At this dismissal the widow turned round. 
 
 ** Thank your worship kindly," said she, "I'm ready to 
 come whenever I'm wanted. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken," 
 resumed the widow, as she walked to the door, quite 
 forgetting the respect due to the two noblemen, " we shall 
 see ; yes, yes, we shall see." 
 
 ** Well, my lord, what think you of this .? " said Lord 
 Albemarle to the duke, as the widow closed the door. 
 
 *' Upon my soul I think she is honest -, she is too fat for 
 a traitor." 
 
 "I am of your opinion. The episode of the corporal 
 was delightful, and has thrown much light upon the 
 lieutenant's conduct, who is a traitor in my opinion, if 
 ever there was one ; but he must be allowed to fulfil 
 his task, and then we will soon find out the traitor ; but 
 if I mistake not, that man was born to be hung." 
 
 We must now return to Mr Vanslyperken, who received 
 the note from Ramsay, just as he was going down to the 
 boat. As he did not know what steps were to be taken 
 by government, he determined to go up to Ramsay, and 
 inform him of his order for immediately sailing. 
 
 He might gain further information from his letters, and 
 also remove the suspicion of his having betrayed him. 
 Ramsay received Mr Vanslyperken with an air of con- 
 fidence. 
 
 " Sit down, Mr Vanslyperken, I wish to know whether 
 there is any chance of your sailing." 
 
 ** I was about to come up to you to state that I have 
 orders to sail this evening." 
 
 " That is fortunate, as I intended to take a passage with 
 you, and what is more, Mr Vanslyperken, I have a large 
 sum in specie, which we must contrive to get on board. 
 Cannot we contrive it, I cannot go without it." 
 
 " A large sum in specie ? " Vanslyperken reflected. 
 ** Yes, he would secure Ramsay as a prisoner, and possess 
 
364 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 himself of the specie if he could. His entrapping Ramsay 
 on board would be another proof of his fidelity and dex- 
 terity. But then Vanslyperken thought of the defection 
 of the corporal, but that was of no great consequence. 
 The crew of the cutter dare not disobey him, when they 
 were ordered to seize a traitor." 
 
 While Vanslyperken was meditating this, Ramsay fixed 
 his eyes upon him waiting for his reply. 
 
 " It will be difficult," observed Vanslyperken, " to get 
 the specie on board without being seen." 
 
 "I'm afraid so too, but I have a proposition to make. 
 Suppose you get under way, and — heave to a mile outside, 
 I will then come off in the syndic's barge. I can have the 
 use of it. Then nothing will be discovered." 
 
 Vanslyperken appeared to reflect again. 
 
 " I shall still run a great risk, Mr Ramsay." 
 
 ** You will run some little perhaps, but you will be well 
 paid for it, I promise you." 
 
 "Well, sir, I consent," replied Vanslyperken. "At 
 what hour do you propose to embark ? " 
 
 " About eleven or a little earlier. You will have a light 
 over the stern ; hail the boat when you see it coming, and 
 I shall answer, ' King's messenger, with despatches ; ' that 
 will be a blind to your crew — they supposed me a king's 
 messenger before." 
 
 " Yes, that will be prudent," replied Vanslyperken, who 
 then took his leave with great apparent cordiality. 
 
 " Villain," muttered Ramsay, as Vanslyperken shut the 
 door, "I know your thoughts." 
 
 We must pass over the remainder of this eventful day. 
 Wilhelmina had procured the dress of a boy, in which 
 disguise she proposed to elope with Ramsay, and all her 
 preparations were made long before the time. Mynheer 
 Krause was also occupied in getting his specie ready for 
 embarkation, and Ramsay in writing letters. The de- 
 spatches from the Hague came down about nine o'clock, 
 and Vanslyperken received them on board. About ten, he 
 weighed and made sail, and hove-to about a mile outside, 
 
The Dog Fiend 365 
 
 with a light shown as agreed. About the time arranged, 
 a large boat appeared pulling up to the cutter. " Boat, 
 ahoy ! " " King's messenger with despatches," was the 
 reply. " All's right," said Vanslyperken, " get a rope 
 there from forward." 
 
 The boat darted alongside of the cutter. She pulled 
 ten oars, but, as soon as she was alongside, a number of 
 armed men sprang from her on the decks, and beat the 
 crew below, while Ramsay, with pistols in his belt, and 
 his sword in his hand, went aft to Vanslyperken. 
 
 "What is all this ? " exclaimed the terrified lieutenant. 
 
 ** Nothing, sir, but common prudence on my part," 
 replied Ramsay. ** I have an account to settle with you." 
 
 Vanslyperken perceived that his treachery was dis- 
 covered, and he fell upon his knees. Ramsay turned 
 away to give orders, and Vanslyperken darted down the 
 hatchway, and gained the lower deck. 
 
 " Never mind," said Ramsay, " he'll not escape me ; 
 come, my lads, hand up the boxes as fast as you can." 
 
 Ramsay then went to the boat, and brought up 
 Wilhelmina, who had remained there, and conducted her 
 down into the cabin. The boxes were also handed down, 
 the boat made fast, and the conspirators remained in 
 possession of the deck. The helm was taken by one of 
 them ; sail again made on the cutter, and the boat with a 
 boat-keeper towed astern. 
 
 Chapter XLVII 
 
 Which is rather interesting. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken's retreat was not known to the crew, 
 they thought him still on deck, and he hastened forward 
 to secrete himself, even from his own crew, who were 
 not a little astonished at this unexpected attack which 
 they could not account for. The major part of the arms 
 on board were always kept in Mr Vanslyperken's cabin. 
 
366 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 and that was not only in possession of the assailants, but 
 there was a strong guard in the passage outside which led 
 to the lower deck. 
 
 "Well, this beats my comprehension entirely," said 
 Bill Spurey. 
 
 " Yes," replied Short. 
 
 "And mine too," added Obadiah Coble, "being as we 
 are, as you know, at peace with all nations, to be boarded 
 and carried in this way." 
 
 " Why, what, and who can they be ? " 
 
 "I've a notion that Vanslyperken's at the bottom of 
 it," replied Spurey. 
 
 " Yes," said Short. 
 
 "But it*s a bottom that I can't fathom," continued 
 Spurey. 
 
 "My dipsey line arn't long enough either," replied Coble. 
 
 " Gott for dam, what it can be ! " exclaimed Jansen. 
 " It must be the treason." 
 
 "Mein Gott! yes," replied Corporal Van Spitter. "It 
 is all treason, and the traitor be Vanslyperken." But 
 although the corporal had some confused ideas, yet he 
 could not yet arrange them. 
 
 " Well, Tve no notion of being boxed up here," observed 
 Coble, " they can't be so many as we are, even if they were 
 stowed away in the boat, like pilchards in a cask. Can't 
 we get at the arms, corporal, and make a rush for it." 
 
 " Mein Gott ! de arms are all in the cabin, all but three 
 pair pistols and the bayonets." 
 
 " Well, but we've handspikes," observed Spurey. 
 
 " Got for dam, gif me de handspike," cried Jansen. 
 
 " We had better wait till daylight, at all events," 
 observed Coble, " we shall see our work better." 
 
 " Yes," replied Short. 
 
 " And, in the meantime, get everything to hand that 
 we can." 
 
 " Yes," replied Short. 
 
 "Well, I can't understand the manoeuvre. It beats my 
 comprehension, what they have done with Vanslyperken." 
 
The Dog Fiend ^i^^j 
 
 " I don't know, but they've kicked the cur out of the 
 cabin." 
 
 " Then they've kicked him out too, depend upon it." 
 
 Thus did the crew continue to surmise during the 
 whole night, but, as Bill Spurey said, the manoeuvre beat 
 their comprehension. 
 
 One thing was agreed upon, that they should make an 
 attempt to recover the vessel as soon as they could. 
 
 In the meantime, Ramsay with Wilhelmina, and the 
 Jesuits, had taken possession of the cabin, and had opened 
 all the despatches which acquainted them with the 
 directions in detail, given for the taking of the conspirators 
 at Portsmouth, and in the cave. Had it not been to save 
 his friends, Ramsay would, at once, have taken the cutter 
 to Cherbourg, and have there landed Wilhelmina and the 
 treasure ; but his anxiety for his friends, determined him 
 to run at once for the cave, and send overland to Ports- 
 mouth. The wind was fair and the water smooth, and, 
 before morning, the cutter was on her way. 
 
 In the meantime, the crew of the cutter had not been 
 idle ; the ladders had been taken up and hatches closed. 
 The only chance of success was an attack upon the guard, 
 who was stationed outside of the cabin. 
 
 They had six pistols, about two hundred pounds of 
 ammunition, but with the exception of half-a-dozen 
 bayonets, no other weapons. But they were resolute 
 men, and as soon as they had made their arrangements, 
 which consisted of piling up their hammocks, so as to 
 make a barricade to fire over, they then commenced 
 operations, the first signal of which, was a pistol-shot 
 discharged at the men who were on guard in the passage, 
 and which wounded one of them. Ramsay darted out 
 of the cabin, at the report of the pistol, another and 
 another was discharged, and Ramsay then gave the order 
 to fire in return. This was done, but without injury to 
 the seamen of the cutter, who were protected by the 
 hammocks, and Ramsay having already three of his men 
 wounded, found that the post below was no longer 
 
368 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 tenable. A consultation took place, and it was determined 
 that the passage on the lower deck and the cabin should 
 be abandoned, as the upper deck it would be easy to 
 retain. 
 
 The cabin's skylight was taken off, and the boxes of 
 gold handed up, while the party outside the cabin door 
 maintained the conflict with the crew of the Tungfrau, 
 When all the boxes were up, Wilhelmina was lifted on 
 deck, the skylight was shipped on again, and, as soon as 
 the after hatches were ready to put on, Ramsay's men 
 retreated to the ladder, which they drew up after them, 
 and then put on the hatches. 
 
 Had not the barricade of hammocks prevented them, the 
 crew of the Tungfrau might have made a rush, and followed 
 the others on deck ; but, before they could beat down the 
 barricades, which they did as soon as they perceived their 
 opponents' retreat, the ladder was up, and the hatches 
 placed over the hatchways. 
 
 The Tungfraus had gained the whole of the lower deck, 
 but they could do no more ; and Ramsay perceived that if 
 he could maintain possession of the upper deck, it was as 
 much as he could expect with such determined assailants. 
 This warfare had been continued during the whole morn- 
 ing, and it was twelve o'clock before the cabin and lower 
 deck had been abandoned by Ramsay's associates. During 
 the whole day the skirmishes continued, the crew of the 
 Tungfrau climbing on the table of the cabin, and firing 
 through the skylight, but in so doing, they exposed them- 
 selves to the fire of the other party who sat like cats 
 watching for their appearance, and discharging their pieces 
 the moment that a head presented itself. In the meantime, 
 the cutter darted on before a strong favourable breeze, and 
 thus passed the first day. Many attempts were made 
 during the night by the seamen of the cutter to force their 
 way on deck, but they were all prevented by the vigilance 
 of Ramsay ; and the next morning the Isle of Wight was 
 in sight. Wilhelmina had passed the night on the fore- 
 castle, covered up with a sail ; none of his people had had 
 
The Dog Fiend 369 
 
 anything to eat during the time that they were on board, 
 and Ramsay was most anxious to arrive at his destination. 
 
 About noon, the cutter was abreast of the Black Gang 
 Chine : Ramsay had calculated upon retaining possession of 
 the cutter, and taking the whole of the occupants of the 
 cave over to Cherbourg, but this was now impossible. He 
 had five of his men wounded, and he could not row the 
 boat to the cave without leaving so few men on board, that 
 they would be overpowered, for his ammunition was 
 expended, with the exception of one or two charges, which 
 were retained for an emergency. All that he could do 
 now, was, therefore, to put his treasure in the boat, and 
 with Wilhelmina and his whole party make for the cave, 
 when he could send notice to Portsmouth for the others to 
 join them, and they must be content to await the meditated 
 attack upon the cave, and defend it till they could make 
 their escape to France. The wind being foul for the 
 cutter's return to Portsmouth, would enable him to give 
 notice at Portsmouth, over land, before she could arrive. 
 
 There was a great oversight committed when the lower 
 deck was abandoned, the despatches had been left on Mr 
 Vanslyperken's bed. Had they been taken away or 
 destroyed, there would have been ample time for the whole 
 of his party to have made their escape from England, 
 before duplicates could arrive. As it was, he could do no 
 more than what we have already mentioned. 
 
 The boat was hauled up, the boxes of specie put in, the 
 wounded men laid at the bottom of the boat, and having, 
 at the suggestion of one of the men, cut the lower 
 riggings, halyards, &c., of the cutter to retard its progress 
 to Portsmouth, Ramsay and his associates stepped into the 
 boat, and pulled for the cave. 
 
 Their departure was soon ascertained by the crew of the 
 Tungfrau who now forced the skylight, and gained the 
 deck, but not before the boat had entered the cave. 
 
 " What's to be done now ? " said Coble. ** Smash my 
 timbers, but they've played old Harry with the rigging. 
 We must knot and splice." 
 s 2 A 
 
370 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " Yes," replied Short. 
 
 " What the devil have they done with Vanslyperken ? " 
 cried Bill Spurey. 
 
 " Either shoved him overboard, or taken him with them, 
 I suppose," cried Coble. 
 
 " Well, it's a nice job altogether," observed Spurey. 
 
 ** Mein Gott ! yes," replied the corporal ; " we will 
 have a pretty story to tell de admiral." 
 
 " Well, they've rid us of him at all events ; I only hope 
 they'll hang him." 
 
 *'Mein Gott! yes." 
 
 " He'll have his desarts," replied Coble. 
 
 ** Got for tam ! I like to see him swing." 
 
 " Now he's gone, let's send his dog after him. Hurrah, 
 my lads ! get a rope up on the yard, and let us hang 
 Snarleyyow." 
 
 " Mein Gott ! I'll go fetch him," cried the corporal. 
 
 ** You will — will you ? " roared a voice. 
 
 The corporal turned round, so did the others, and there, 
 with his drawn sword, stood Mr Vanslyperken. 
 
 " You d d mutinous scoundrel," cried Vansly- 
 perken, ** touch my dog, if you dare." 
 
 The corporal put his hand up to the salute, and Vansly- 
 perken shook his head with a diabolical expression of 
 countenance. 
 
 " Now where the devil could he come from ^ " whispered 
 Spurey. 
 
 Coble shrugged up his shoulders, and Short gave a long 
 whistle expending more breath than usual. 
 
 However, there was no more to be said ; and as soon as 
 the rigging was knotted and spliced, sail was made in the 
 cutter ; but the wind being dead in their teeth, they did 
 not arrive until late the next evening, and the admiral did 
 not see despatches till the next morning, for the best of 
 all possible reasons, that Vanslyperken did not take them 
 on shore. He had a long story to tell, and he thought it 
 prudent not to disturb the admiral after dinner, as great 
 men are apt to be very choleric during the progress of 
 digestion. 
 
The Dog Fiend 371 
 
 The consequence was, that when, the next morning, 
 Mr Vanslyperken called upon the admiral, the intelligence 
 had been received from the cave, and all the parties had 
 absconded. Mr Vanslyperken told his own tale, how 
 he had been hailed by a boat purporting to have a 
 messenger on board, how they had boarded him and 
 beat down himself and his crew, how he and his crew 
 had fought under hatches and beat them on deck, and 
 how they had been forced to abandon the cutter. All 
 this was very plausible, and then Vanslyperken gave the 
 despatches opened by Ramsay. 
 
 The admiral read them in haste, gave immediate orders 
 for surrounding and breaking into the house of the Jew 
 Lazarus, in which the military found nobody but an old 
 tom-cat, and then desired Mr Vanslyperken to hold the 
 cutter in readiness to embark troops and sail that after- 
 noon; but troops do not move so fast as people think, 
 and before one hundred men had been told off by the 
 sergeant with their accoutrements, knapsacks, and sixty 
 pounds of ammunition, it was too late to embark them 
 that night, so they waited until the next morning. More- 
 over, Mr Vanslyperken had orders to draw from the 
 dock-yard three large boats for the debarkation of the 
 said troops ; but the boats were not quite ready, one 
 required a new gunnel, another three planks in the 
 bottom, and the third having her stern out, it required 
 all the carpenters in the yard to finish it by the next 
 morning. Mr Vanslyperken's orders were to proceed 
 to the cave, and land the troops, to march up to the cave, 
 and to cover the advance of the troops, rendering them 
 all the assistance in his power in co-operating with the 
 major commanding the detachment; but where the cave 
 was, no one knew, except that it was thereabouts. 
 
 The next morning, at eight o'clock, the detachment, 
 consisting of one hundred men, were embarked on board 
 of the cutter, but the major commandant finding that the 
 decks were excessively crowded, and that he could hardly 
 breathe, ordered section first, section second, and section 
 
372 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 third, of twenty-five men each, to go into the boats and 
 be towed. After which there was more room, and the 
 cutter stood out for St Helen's. 
 
 Chapter XLVIII 
 
 In which there is a great deal of correspondence, and the widow is called 
 up very early in the morning. 
 
 We must now return to Mynheer Krause, who, after he 
 had delivered over his gold, locked up his counting-house 
 and went up to the saloon, determining to meet his fate 
 with all the dignity of a Roman senator. He sent for 
 his daughter, who sent word back that she was packing 
 up her wardrobe, and this answer appeared but reasonable 
 to the syndic, who, therefore, continued in his chair, 
 reflecting upon his approaching incarceration, conning 
 speeches, and anticipating a glorious acquittal, until the 
 bell of the cathedral chimed the half-hour after ten. 
 He then sent another message to his daughter, and the 
 reply was that she was not in the room, upon which he 
 despatched old Koop to Ramsay, requesting his attend- 
 ance. The reply to this second message was a letter 
 presented to the syndic, who broke the seal and read 
 as follows : 
 
 " My dear and honoured Sir, 
 "I have sought a proper asylum for your daughter 
 during the impending troubles, and could not find one 
 which pleased, and in consequence I have taken the bold 
 step, aware that I might not have received your sanction 
 if applied for, of taking her on board the cutter with 
 me; she will there be safe, and as her character might 
 be, to a certain degree, impeached by being in company 
 with a man of my age, I intend, as soon as we arrive in 
 port, to unite myself to her, for which act, I trust, you 
 will grant me your pardon. As for yourself, be under 
 
The Dog Fiend ^HZ 
 
 no apprehension, I have saved you. Treat the accusation 
 with scorn, and if you are admitted into the presence of 
 his Majesty, accuse him of the ingratitude which he has 
 been guilty of; I trust that we shall soon meet again, 
 that I may return to you the securities and specie of which 
 I have charge, as well as your daughter, who is anxious 
 once more to receive your blessing. 
 
 " Yours ever, till death, 
 
 " Edward Ramsay." 
 
 Mynheer Krause read this letter over and over again, 
 it was very mystifying. Much depends in this world 
 upon the humour people are in at the time ; Mynheer 
 Krause was, at that time, full of Cato-like devotion and 
 Roman virtue, and he took the contents of the letter in 
 true Catonic style. 
 
 " Excellent young man — to preserve my honour he has 
 taken her away with him ! and, to preserve her reputation 
 he intends to marry her ! Now, I can go to prison with- 
 out a sigh. He tells me that he has saved me — saved 
 me ! — why, he has saved everything •, me, my daughter, 
 and my property ! Well, they shall see how I behave ! 
 They shall witness the calmness of a stoic ; I shall express 
 no emotion or surprise at the arrest, as they will naturally 
 expect, because I know it is to take place — no fear — no 
 agitation when in prison, because I know that I am to 
 be saved. I shall desire them to bear in mind that I am 
 the syndic of this town, and must receive that respect 
 which is due to my exalted situation," and Mynheer Van 
 Krause lifted his pipe and ordered Koop to bring him 
 a stone jug of beer, and thus doubly-armed like Cato, 
 he awaited the arrival of the officer with all the stoicism 
 of beer and tobacco. 
 
 About the same hour of night that the letter was put 
 into the hands of Mynheer Krause, a packet was brought 
 up to Lord Albemarle, who was playing a game of put 
 with his Grace the Duke of Portland ; at that time put 
 was a most fashionable game ; but games are like garments. 
 
374 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 as they become old they are cast off, and handed down to 
 the servants. The outside of the despatch was marked 
 ** To Lord Albemarle's own hands. Immediate and most 
 important." It appeared, however, as if the two noble 
 lords considered the game of put as more important and 
 immediate, for they finished it without looking at the 
 packet in question, and it was midnight before they threw 
 up the cards. After which, Lord Albemarle went to a 
 side table, apart from the rest of the company, and broke 
 the seals. It was a letter with enclosures, and ran as 
 follows : 
 
 " My Lord Albemarle, 
 
 " Although your political enemy, I do justice to 
 your merits, and to prove my opinion of you, address to 
 you this letter, the object of which is to save your govern- 
 ment from the disgrace of injuring a worthy man, and a 
 staunch supporter, to expose the villany of a coward and a 
 scoundrel. When I state that my name is Ramsay, you 
 may at once be satisfied that, before this comes to your 
 hands, I am out of your reach. I came here in the king's 
 cutter, commanded by Mr Vanslyperken, with letters of 
 recommendation to Mynheer Krause, which represented 
 me as a staunch adherent of William of Orange and a 
 Protestant, and, with that impression, I was well received, 
 and took up my abode in his house. My object you may 
 imagine, but fortune favoured me still more, in having in 
 my power Lieutenant Vanslyperken. I opened the govern- 
 ment despatches in his presence, and supplied him with 
 false seals to enable him to do the same, and give me the 
 extracts which were of importance, for which I hardly 
 need say he was most liberally rewarded; this has been 
 carried on for some time, but it appears, that in showing 
 him how to obtain your secrets, I also showed him how to 
 possess himself of ours, and the consequence has been that 
 he has turned double traitor, and I have now narrowly 
 escaped. 
 
 ** The information possessed by Mynheer Krause was 
 
The Dog Fiend ^y^ 
 
 given by me, to win his favour for one simple reason, that 
 I fell in love with his daughter, who has now quitted the 
 country with me. He never was undeceived as to my 
 real position, nor is he even now. Let me do an honest 
 man justice. I enclose you the extracts from your dupli- 
 cates made by Mr Vanslyperken, written in his own hand, 
 which I trust will satisfy you as to his perfidy, and induce 
 you to believe in the innocence of the worthy syndic from 
 the assurance of a man, who, although a Catholic, a 
 Jacobite, and if you please an attainted traitor, is incapable 
 of telling you a falsehood. I am, my lord, with every 
 respect for your noble character. 
 
 ** Yours most obediently, 
 
 "Edward Ramsay." 
 
 "This is corroborative of my suspicions," said Lord 
 Albemarle, putting down the papers before the Duke of 
 Portland. 
 
 The duke read the letter and examined the en- 
 closures. 
 
 " Shall we see the king to-night ? " 
 
 "No, he is retired, and it is of no use, they are in 
 prison by this time ; we will wait the report to-morrow 
 morning — ascertain how many have been secured — and 
 then lay these documents before his Majesty." 
 
 Leaving the two noble lords to go to bed, we shall now 
 return to Amsterdam at twelve o'clock at night precisely ; 
 as the bell tolled, a loud knock was heard at the syndic's 
 house. Koop, who had been ordered by his master to 
 remain up, immediately opened the door, and a posse 
 comitatus of civil power filled the yard. 
 
 " Where is Mynheer Krause ? " inquired the chief in 
 authority. 
 
 " Mynheer, the syndic, is upstairs in the saloon." 
 
 Without sending up his name, the officer went up, 
 followed by three or four others, and found Mynheer 
 Krause smoking his pipe. 
 
 " Ah, my very particular friend, Mynheer Engelback, 
 
'T^'jS Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 what brings you here at this late hour with all your people ? 
 Is there a fire in the town ? " 
 
 " No, Mynheer Syndic. It is an order I am very sorry 
 to say to arrest you, and conduct you to prison." 
 
 " Arrest and conduct me to prison — me the syndic of 
 the town — that is strange — will you allow me to see your 
 warrant — yes, it is all true and countersigned by his 
 Majesty ; I have no more to say, Mynheer Engelback. As 
 syndic of this town, and administrator of the laws, it is my 
 duty to set the example of obedience to them, at the same 
 time protesting my entire innocence. Koop, get me my 
 mantle. Mynheer Engelback, I claim to be treated with 
 the respect due to me, as syndic of this town." 
 
 The officers were not a little staggered at the coolness 
 and sang froid of Mynheer Krause, he had never appeared 
 to so much advantage ; they bowed respectfully as he 
 finished his speech. 
 
 "I believe. Mynheer Krause, that you have some friends 
 staying with you ? " 
 
 " I have no friend in the house except my very particular 
 friend. Mynheer Engelback," replied the syndic. 
 
 " You must excuse us, but we must search the house." 
 
 " You have his Majesty's warrant so to do, and no 
 excuse is necessary." 
 
 After a diligent search of half an hour, nobody was 
 found in the house, and the officers began to suspect that 
 the government had been imposed upon. Mynheer 
 Krause, with every mark of attention and respect, was 
 then walked off to the Hotel de Ville, where he remained 
 in custody, for it was not considered right by the 
 authorities, that the syndic should be thrown into the 
 common prison upon suspicion only. When he arrived 
 there. Mynheer Krause surprised them all by the 
 philosophy with which he smoked his pipe. 
 
 But, although there was nobody to be found, except 
 the syndic in the syndic's house, and not a soul at the 
 house inhabited by the Jesuit, there was one more person 
 included in the warrant, which was the widow Vander- 
 
The Dog Fiend 377 
 
 sloosh ; for Lord Albemarle, although convinced in his 
 own mind of her innocence, could not take upon himself 
 to interfere with the decisions of the council ; so, about 
 one o'clock, there was a loud knocking at the widow's 
 door, which was repeated again and again before it awoke 
 the widow, who was fatigued with her long and hot 
 journey to the Hague. As for Babette, she made a rule 
 never to wake at anything, but the magical No. 6, 
 sounded by the church clock, or by her mistress's voice. 
 
 *' Babette," cried the widow Vandersloosh, *' Babette." 
 
 '' Yes, ma'am." 
 
 "There's a knock at the door, Babette." 
 
 ** Only some drunken sailors, ma'am — they go away 
 when they find they cannot get in." 
 
 Here the peals were redoubled. 
 
 " Babette, get up, Babette — and threaten them with 
 the watch." 
 
 *' Yes, ma'am," replied Babette, with a terrible yawn. 
 
 Knocking and thumping with strokes louder than 
 before. 
 
 " Babette, Babette ! " 
 
 " I must put something on, ma'am," replied Babette, 
 rather crossly. 
 
 " Speak to them out of the window, Babette." 
 
 Here poor Babette came down to the first floor, and 
 opening the window r.t the landing-place on the stairs, 
 put her head out and cried, 
 
 " If you don't go away, you drunken fellows, my 
 mistress will send for the watch." 
 
 *' If you don't come down and open the door, we shall 
 break it open," replied the officer sent to the duty. 
 
 "Tell them it's no inn, Babette, we won't let people 
 in after hours," cried the widow, turning in her bed and 
 anxious to resume her sound sleep. 
 
 Babette gave the message and shut down the window. 
 
 " Break open the door," cried the officer to his 
 attendants. In a minute or two the door was burst 
 open, and the party ascended the staircase. 
 
^yS Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " Mercy on me ! Babette, if they arn't come in," cried 
 the widow, who jumped out of her bed, and nearly 
 shutting her door, which had been left open for ventila- 
 tion, she peeped out to see who were the bold intruders ; 
 she perceived a man in black with a white staff. 
 
 " What do you want ? " screamed the widow, terrified. 
 
 **We want Mistress Vandersloosh. Are you that 
 person ? " said the officer. 
 
 " To be be sure I am. But what do you want here ? " 
 
 " I must request you to dress and come along with 
 me directly to the Stadt House," replied the officer, very 
 civilly. 
 
 " Gott in himmel ! what's the matter ? " 
 
 " It's on a charge of treasonable practices, madam." 
 
 " Oh, ho ! I see : Mr Vanslyperken. Very well, good 
 sir ; I'll put on my clothes directly. I'll get up any hour 
 
 in the night, with pleasure, to bring that villain . 
 
 Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, we shall see. Babette, take 
 the gentleman down in the parlour, and give them some 
 bottled beer. You'll find it very good, sirs ; it's of my 
 own brewing. And Babette, you must come up and 
 help me." 
 
 The officer did not think it necessary to undeceive the 
 widow, who imagined that she was to give evidence 
 against Vanslyperken, not that she was a prisoner herself. 
 Still, the widow Vandersloosh did not like being called 
 up at such an unseasonable hour, and thus expressed 
 herself to Babette as she was dressing herself. 
 
 " "Well, we shall see the ending of this, Babette. — 
 My under petticoat is on the chair. — I told the lords 
 the whole truth, every word of it ; and I am convinced 
 that they believed me, too. — Don't pull tight all at once, 
 Babette •, how often do I tell you that. I do believe you 
 missed a hole. — The cunning villain goes there and says 
 that I — yes, Babette — that I was a traitor myself; and 
 I said to the lords, * Do I look like a traitor ? ' — My 
 petticoats, Babette ; how stupid you are, why, your eyes 
 are half shut now ; you know I always wear the blue 
 
The Dog Fiend 379 
 
 first, then the green, and the red last, and yet you will 
 give me the first which comes. — He's a handsome lord, 
 
 that Duke of Portland ; he was one of the hon 
 
 before King William went over and conquered England, 
 and he was made a lord for his valour. — My ruff, Babette. 
 The Dutch are a brave nation. — My bustle now. — How 
 much beer did you give the officers ? Mind you take 
 care of everything while I am gone. I shall be home by 
 nine, I dare say. I suppose they are going to try him 
 now, that he may be hanged at sunrise. I knew how 
 it would be. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, every dog 
 has his day ; and there's an end of you, and of your cur 
 also, I've a notion." 
 
 The widow being now duly equipped, walked down 
 stairs to them, and proceeded with the officers to the Stadt 
 House. She was brought into the presence of Mynheer 
 Engelback, who held the office of provost. 
 
 ** Here is the widow Vandersloosh, mynheer." 
 
 ** Very well," replied Engelback, who was in a very bad 
 humour at the unsuccessful search after the conspirators, 
 " away with her." 
 
 " Away ! where ? " exclaimed the widow. 
 
 Engelback did not condescend to make a reply. The 
 officers were mute ; but one stout man on either side 
 seized her arm and led her away, notwithstanding ex- 
 postulation, and some resistance on her part. 
 
 " Where am I going ? what is all this ? " exclaimed the 
 widow, terrified ; but there was no answer. 
 
 At last they came to a door, held open already by 
 another man with a bunch of keys. The terrified woman 
 perceived that it was a paved stone cell, with a brick arch 
 over it ; in short, a dungeon. The truth flashed upon 
 her, for the first time. It was she who had been arrested 
 for treason. But before she could shriek she was shoved 
 in, and the door closed and locked upon her ; and the 
 widow sank down into a sitting posture on the ground, 
 overcome with astonishment and indignation. "Was it 
 possible ? Had the villain prevailed ? " was the question. 
 
380 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 which she asked herself over and over again, changing 
 alternately from sorrow to indignation : at one time wring- 
 ing her hands, and at others exclaiming, " "Well, well, Mr 
 Vanslyperken, we shall see." 
 
 Chapter XLIX 
 
 In which is related much appertaining to the " pomp and glorious circum- 
 stance " of war. 
 
 The arrival of Ramsay and his party was so unexpected, 
 that, at first, Lady Barclay imagined they had been 
 betrayed, and that the boat was filled with armed men 
 from the king's cutter, who had come on shore with a view 
 of forcing an entrance into the cave. In a minute every 
 preparation was made for defence -, for it had long been 
 arranged, that, in case of an unexpected attack, the women 
 should make all the resistance in their power, and which 
 the nature of the place enabled them to do. 
 
 But, as many observed, the party, although coming from 
 the cutter, and not badly armed, did not appear to advance 
 in a hostile manner. After waiting some time near the 
 boat, they advanced, each with a box on his shoulder •, but 
 what those boxes might be was a puzzle -, they might be 
 hand-grenades for throwing into the cave. However, they 
 were soon down to the rock at which the ladder was let 
 down, and then Smallbones stood up with a musket in his 
 hands, with his straddling legs and short petticoat, and 
 bawled out, ** Who comes there ? " 
 
 Ramsay, who was assisting Wilhelmina, looked up 
 surprised at this singular addition to the occupants of the 
 cave. And Wilhelmina also looked at him, and said, " Can 
 that be a woman, Ramsay ? " 
 
 *' At all events, I've not the honour of her acquaintance. 
 But she is pointing her musket, — we are friends," cried 
 Ramsay. ** Tell Mistress Alice it is Ramsay." 
 
 Smallbones turned round and reported the answer ; and 
 
The Dog Fiend 381 
 
 then, in obedience to his orders from Mistress Alice, he 
 cried out, in imitation of the sentinels, " Pass, Ramsa)^, and 
 all's well ! " presented his arms, and made a flying leap off 
 the rock where he stood, down on the platform, that he 
 might lower the ladder as soon as Ramsay was up, who 
 desired everybody might be sent down to secure the 
 boxes of specie as fast as they could, lest the cutter's 
 people, releasing themselves, should attempt an attack. 
 Now, there was no more concealment necessary, and the 
 women as well as the men went down the precipitous path 
 and brought up the treasure, while Ramsay introduced 
 Wilhelmina to Lady Barclay, and, in a brief, but clear 
 narrative, told her all that had passed, and what they had 
 now to expect. There was not a moment for delay ; the 
 cutter's people might send the despatches over land if they 
 thought of it, and be there as soon, if not sooner than 
 themselves. Nancy Corbett was summoned immediately, 
 and her instructions given. The whole of the confederates 
 at Portsmouth were to come over to the cave with what 
 they could collect and carry about their persons ; and, in 
 case of the cutter sending over land, with the precaution of 
 being in disguise. Of arms and ammunition there was 
 sufficient in the cave, which Ramsay now felt was to be 
 defended to the last, until they could make a retreat over 
 to the other side of the channel. In half an hour, Nancy 
 was gone, and that very night had arrived at Portsmouth, 
 and given notice to the whole of the confederates. Upon 
 consultation, it was considered that the best disguise would 
 be that of females ; and, in consequence, they were all so 
 attired, and before morning had all passed over, two or 
 three in a boat, and landed at Ryde, where they were 
 collected by Moggy Salisbury, who alone, of the party, 
 knew the way to the retreat. They walked across the 
 island by two and three, one party just keeping sight of the 
 next ahead of them, and arrived without suspicion or 
 interruption, conducted by Moggy Salisbury, Lazarus the 
 Jew, and sixteen stout and desperate men, who had 
 remained secreted in the Jew's house, ready to obey any 
 
382 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 order, however desperate the risk might be, of their 
 employers. 
 
 When they were all assembled at the brow of the 
 precipice, with the exception of Lazarus, who looked like 
 a little old woman, a more gigantic race of females was 
 never seen ; for, determined upon a desperate resistance if 
 discovered, they had their buff jerkins under their female 
 garments. They were soon in the cave, and very busy, 
 under Ramsay's directions, preparing against the expected 
 attack. Sir Robert Barclay, with his boat, had been over 
 two days before, and it was not known when he would 
 return. That his presence was most anxiously looked for 
 may be readily conceived, as his boat's crew would double 
 their force if obliged to remain there ; and his boat would 
 enable them, with the one brought by Ramsay, to make 
 their escape without leaving one behind, before the 
 attack could be made. 
 
 Nancy Corbett, as the reader may have observed, did 
 not return to the cave with the conspirators. As she was 
 not suspected, she determined to remain at Portsmouth till 
 the last, and watch the motions of the authorities. 
 
 The cutter did not arrive till the evening of the second 
 day, and the despatches were not delivered to the admiral 
 till the third morning, when all was bustle and preparation. 
 Nancy Corbett was everywhere, she found out what 
 troops were ordered to embark on the expedition, and she 
 was acquainted with some of the officers, as well as the 
 sergeants and corporals ; an idea struck her which she 
 thought she could turn to advantage. She slipped into 
 the barrack-yard, and to where the men were being 
 selected, and was soon close to a sergeant whom she was 
 acquainted with. 
 
 " So, you've an expedition on hand. Sergeant Tanner." 
 
 ** Yes, Mistress Corbett, and I'm one of the party." 
 
 " I wish you joy," replied Nancy, sarcastically. 
 
 " Oh, it's nothing, Mistress Corbett, nothing at all, 
 only some smugglers in a cave; we'll soon rout them 
 
The Dog Fiend 383 
 
 " I've heard a diiFerent account from the admiral's clerk." 
 
 " Why, what have you heard ? " 
 
 " First, tell me how many men are ordered out." 
 
 " A hundred rank and file — eight non-commissioned 
 ofHcers — two lieutenants — one captain — and one major." 
 
 ** Bravo, sergeant, you'll carry all before you." 
 
 "Why, I hope so, Mistress Corbett, especially as we 
 are to have the assistance of the cutter's crew." 
 
 " Better and better still," replied Nancy, ironically. 
 ** I wish you joy of your laurels, sergeant, ha, ha, ha." 
 
 ** Why do you laugh. Mistress Corbett, and what is that 
 you have heard at the admiral's office ? " 
 
 " What you may hear yourself, and what I know to be 
 true ; there is not a single smuggler in the cave." 
 
 "No!" exclaimed the sergeant. "What, nobody 
 there ? " 
 
 "Yes, there is somebody there, the cave has been 
 chosen by the smugglers to land their goods in." 
 
 " But some of them must be there in charge of the 
 goods." 
 
 " Yes, so there are, but they are all women, the 
 smugglers' wives, who live there ; what an expedition ! 
 Let me see : — one gallant major, one gallant captain, two 
 gallant lieutenants, eight gallant non-commissioned officers, 
 and a hundred gallant soldiers of the Buffs, all going to 
 attack, and rout, and defeat a score of old women." 
 
 " But you're joking, Mistress Nancy." 
 
 " Upon my life I'm not, sergeant, you'll find it true 5 
 the admiral's ashamed of the whole affair, and the cutter's 
 crew swear they won't fire a single shot." 
 
 " By the god of war ! " exclaimed the sergeant, " but 
 this is cursed bad news you bring. Mistress Corbett." 
 
 " Not at all ; your regiment will become quite the 
 fancy, you'll go by the name of the lady-killers, ha, ha, 
 ha. I wish you joy, sergeant, ha, ha, ha." 
 
 Nancy Corbett knew well the power of ridicule, she left 
 the sergeant, and was accosted by one of the lieutenants ; 
 she rallied him in the same way. 
 
384 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " But are you really in earnest, Nancy ? " said Lieutenant 
 Dillon, at last. 
 
 " Upon my soul I am ; but, at the same time I hear, 
 that they will fight hard, for they are well-armed and 
 desperate, like their husbands, and they swear that they'll 
 all die to a woman, before they yield ; so now we shall see 
 who fights best, the women or the men. Fll back my own 
 sex for a gold Jacobus, lieutenant : will you take the 
 bet ? " 
 
 " Good God, how very annoying ! I can't, I won't order 
 the men to fire at women ; I could not do so if they were 
 devils incarnate 5 a woman is a woman still." 
 
 " And never the worse for being brave. Lieutenant 
 Dillon ; as I said to Sergeant Tanner, your regiment, after 
 this, will always go by the name of the lady-killers." 
 
 " D — n ! " exclaimed the lieutenant ; " but now I re- 
 collect there must be more there ; those who had possession 
 of the cutter and who landed in her boat." 
 
 " Yes, with forty boxes of gold they say j but do you think 
 they would be such fools as to remain there and allow you 
 to take their money — that boat started for France yester- 
 day night with all the treasure, and are now safe at 
 Cherbourg. I know it for a fact, for one of the men's 
 wives who lives here, showed me a letter to that effect ^ 
 from her husband, in which he requests her to follow him. 
 But I must go now, good-bye, Mr Lady-killer." 
 
 The lieutenant repeated what Nancy had told him to 
 the officers, and the major was so much annoyed, that he 
 went up to the admiral and stated what the report was, 
 and that there were only women to contend with. 
 
 ** It is mentioned in the despatches, I believe," observed 
 the admiral, "that there are only women supposed to be 
 in the cavej but the smugglers who were on board the 
 cutter " 
 
 "Have left with their specie yesternight, admiral; so 
 that we shall gain neither honour nor profit." 
 
 " At all events, you will have the merit of obeying your 
 orders. Major Lincoln." 
 
The Dog Fiend 385 
 
 The major made no reply, but went away very much 
 dissatisfied. In the meantime, the sergeant had communi- 
 cated with his non-commissioned officers and the privates 
 ordered on the duty, and the discontent was universal. 
 Most of the men swore that they would not pull a trigger 
 against women, if they were shot for it, and the disaffection 
 almost amounted to mutiny. Nancy, in the meantime, had 
 not been idle, she had found means to speak with the 
 boats' crews of the Tungfrau, stated the departure of the 
 smugglers with their gold, and the fact that they were to 
 fight with nothing but women, that the soldiers had vowed 
 that they would not fire a shot, and that Moggy Salisbury, 
 who was with them, swore that she would hoist up her 
 smock as a flag, and fight to the last. This was soon 
 known on board of the Tungfrau, and gave great disgust 
 to every one of the crew, who declared to a man, that they 
 would not act against petticoats, much less fire a shot at 
 Moggy Salisbury. 
 
 What a mountain of mischief can be heaped up by the 
 insidious tongue of one woman ! 
 
 After this explanation, it may be supposed that the zeal 
 of the party despatched was not very great. The fact is, 
 they were all sulky, from the major downwards, among 
 the military, and from Vanslyperken downwards, among 
 the naval portion of the detachment. Nancy Corbett, 
 satisfied with having effected her object, had crossed over 
 the night before, and joined her companions in the cave, 
 and what was extremely fortunate, on the same night Sir 
 Robert Barclay came over in the lugger, and finding how 
 matters stood, immediately hoisted both the boats up on 
 the rocks, and taking up all the men, prepared with his 
 followers for a vigorous resistance, naturally to be 
 expected from those whose lives depended upon the issue 
 of the conflict. 
 
 Next morning the cutter was seen coming down with 
 the boats in tow, hardly stemming the flood, from the 
 lightness of the breeze, when Nancy Corbett requested to 
 speak with Sir Robert Barclay. She stated to him what 
 
 S 2 B 
 
386 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 she had done, and the dissatisfaction among the troops and 
 seamen in consequence, and submitted to him the propriety 
 of all the smugglers being dressed as women, as it would 
 operate more in their favour than if they had fifty more 
 men to defend the cave. Sir Robert perceived the good 
 sense of this suggestion, and consulted with Ramsay, who 
 strongly urged the suggestion being acted upon. The 
 men were summoned, and the affair explained to them, 
 and the consequence was, that there was a scene of mirth 
 and laughter, which ended with every man being fitted 
 with woman's attire. The only one who remained in the 
 dress of a man was a woman, Wilhelmina Krause, but she 
 was to remain in the cave with the other women, and take 
 no part in the coming fray. 
 
 Chapter L 
 
 In which the officers, non-commissioned officers, and rank and file, are all 
 sent to the right about. 
 
 About noon the Tungfrau hove-to off the cave, and the 
 troops were told off into the boats. 
 
 About half-past twelve the troops were in the boats all 
 ready. 
 
 About one Mr Vanslyperken had hoisted out his own 
 boats, and they were manned. Mr Vanslyperken, with 
 his pistols in his belt, and his sword drawn, told Major 
 Lincoln that he was all ready. Major Lincoln, with his 
 spy-glass in his hand, stepped into the boat with Mr 
 Vanslyperken, and the whole detachment pulled for the 
 shore, and landed in the small cove, where they found the 
 smugglers' boats hoisted up on the rocks, at which the 
 men appeared to be rejoiced, as they took it for granted 
 that they would find some men to fight with instead of 
 women. The major headed his men, and they commenced 
 a scramble up the rocks and arrived at the foot of the 
 high rock which formed the platform above at the mouth 
 
The Dog Fiend ^Sy 
 
 of the cave, when the major cried " Halt ! " — a very- 
 judicious order, considering that it was impossible to go 
 any further. The soldiers looked about everywhere, but 
 could find no cave, and after an hour's strict search. Major 
 Lincoln and his officers, glad to be rid of the affair, held a 
 consultation, and it was agreed that the troops should be 
 re-embarked. The men were marched down again very 
 hot from their exertions, and thus the expedition would 
 have ended without bloodshed, had it not been for the 
 incautious behaviour of a woman. That woman was 
 Moggy Salisbury, who, having observed that the troops 
 were re-embarking, took the opportunity, while Sir Robert 
 and all the men were keeping close, to hoist up a certain 
 under-garment to a pole, as if in derision, thus betraying 
 the locaHty of the cave, and running the risk of sacrificing 
 the whole party in it. This, as it was going up, caught 
 the eye of one of the seamen in the boat, who cried out, 
 ** There goes the ensign up to the peak at last." 
 
 ** Where?" exclaimed the major, pulling out his tele- 
 scope, " Yes, by heavens ! there it is — and there then 
 must be the cave." 
 
 Neither Sir Robert nor any of the conspirators were 
 aware of this manoeuvre of Moggy's ; for Smallbones, 
 perceiving what she had done, hauled it down again in a 
 minute afterwards. But it had been hoisted, and the major 
 considered it his duty to return, so once more the troop 
 ascended the precipitous path. 
 
 Moggy then went into the cave. "They have found 
 us out, sir," said she, " they point to us, and are coming 
 up again. I will stand as sentry. The men won't fire at 
 me, and if they do I don't care." 
 
 Sir Robert and Ramsay were in close consultation. It 
 appeared to them that by a bold manoeuvre they would be 
 able to get out of their scrape. The wind had gone down 
 altogether, the sea was as smooth as glass, and there was 
 every appearance of a continued calm. 
 
 " If we could manage it — and I think we may — then the 
 sooner the affair is brought to an issue the better." 
 
388 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Moggy had now taken a musket on her shoulder, and 
 was pacing up and down the edge of the flat in imitation of 
 a sentry. She was soon pointed out, and a titter ran 
 through the whole line : at last, as the major approached,, 
 she called out, 
 
 " I say, soger, what are you doing here ? keep off, or 
 I'll put a bullet in your jacket." 
 
 " My good woman," replied the major, while his men 
 laughed, "we do not want to hurt you, but you must 
 surrender." 
 
 " Surrender ! " cried Moggy, " who talks of surrender ? 
 — hoist the colours there." 
 
 Up went the chemise to the end of the pole, and Small- 
 bones grinned as he hoisted it. 
 
 " My good woman, we must obey our orders." 
 
 "And I must obey mine," retorted Moggy. "Turn 
 out the guard there." 
 
 All the women now made their appearance, as had been 
 arranged, with muskets on their shoulders, headed by 
 little Lilly, with her drawn sword. 
 
 The sight of the child commanding the detachment 
 was hailed with loud cheers and laughter. 
 
 " That will do, that will do," cried Sir Robert, fearful 
 for Lilly, " let them come in again." 
 
 "They'll not fire first at all events," cried Moggy, 
 "never fear, sir. Guard, turn in," continued she; 
 upon which, Lilly and her squadron then dis- 
 appeared. 
 
 " Upon my honour this is too ridiculous," said Lieu- 
 tenant Dillon. 
 
 " Upon my soul I don't know what is to be done," 
 rejoined the major. 
 
 " Moggy, we must commence hostilities somehow or 
 another," cried Sir Robert from within. Smallbones here 
 came out with his musket to release Moggy, and Moggy 
 retired into the cave. 
 
 The major, who imagined that there must be a path 
 to the cave on the other side, now advanced with the 
 
The Dog Fiend 389 
 
 determination of finding it out, and somehow or another 
 putting an end to this unusual warfare. 
 
 '* If you please you'll keep back, or I'll fire," cried 
 Smallbones, levelling his musket. 
 
 The major went on, heedless of the threat. Smallbones 
 discharged his piece, and the major fell. 
 
 " Confound that she-devil ! — Are you hurt, major ? " 
 cried Lieutenant Dillon. 
 
 " Yes, I am — I can't move." 
 
 Another shot was now fired, and the sergeant fell. 
 
 ** Hell and flames ! what must we do ? " 
 
 But now the whole party of smugglers poured out of 
 the cave as women with bonnets on, and commenced a 
 murderous fire upon the troops who fell in all direc- 
 tions. The captain who had assumed the command, now 
 attempted to find his way to the other side of the cave, 
 where he had no doubt he should find the entrance, but 
 in so doing the soldiers were exposed to a most galling 
 fire, without being able to return it. 
 
 At first, the troops refused to fire again, for that they 
 had to deal with the smugglers' wives, they made certain 
 of ; even in the thickest of the smoke there was nothing 
 masculine to be seen ; and those troops who were at a 
 greater distance, and who could return the fire, did not. 
 They were rather amused at the character of the women, 
 and not being aware that their comrades were falling so 
 fast, remained inactive. But there is a limit to even 
 gallantry, and as the wounded men were carried past 
 them, their indignation was roused, and, at last, the fire 
 was as warmly returned, but before that took place, one 
 half of the detachment were hors de combat. 
 
 All the assistance which they might have received from 
 the covering party of sailors on the beach, was neutralised ; 
 they did not know how much the soldiers had suffered, 
 and although they fired in pursuance of orders, they 
 would not take any aim. 
 
 For some time the soldiers were forced on to the 
 eastern side of the rock, which, as the reader may re- 
 
390 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 collect, was much more precipitous than the western side, 
 where it was descended from by the ladder. Here they 
 were at the mercy of the conspirators, who, concealed 
 below the masses of the rock on the platform, took un- 
 erring aim. The captain had fallen. Lieutenant Dillon 
 was badly wounded and led back to the boats, and the 
 command had devolved upon a young man who had but 
 just joined the regiment, and who was ignorant of any- 
 thing like military tactics, even if they could have been 
 brought into play upon the service. 
 
 *' Do you call this fighting with women. Sergeant 
 Tanner ? " said one of the men. " Fve seen service, but 
 such a murderous fire I was never in. Why, we've lost 
 two-thirds of our men." 
 
 " And shall lose them all before we find out the mouth 
 of this cursed cave. The regiment has lost its character 
 for ever, and I don't care how soon a bullet settles my 
 business." 
 
 Ramsay now detached a party of the men to fire at the 
 covering party of seamen who were standing by the boats 
 in the cove and who were unprotected, while his men 
 were concealed behind the masses of rocks. Many fell, 
 wounded or killed ; and Vanslyperken, after shifting about 
 from one position to another, ordered the wounded men 
 to be put into his boat, and with two hands he pulled off 
 as he said to procure more ammunition, leaving the 
 remainder of his detachment on shore, to do as well as 
 they could. 
 
 "I thought as how this work would be too warm for 
 him," observed Bill Spurey. 
 
 " Yes," replied Short, who, at the moment received 
 a bullet in his thigh, and fell down among the rocks. 
 
 The fire upon the seamen continued to be effective. 
 Move from their post they did not, but one after another 
 they sank wounded on the ground. The soldiers who 
 were now without any one to command them, for those 
 who had forced their way to the western side of the rock, 
 finding that advance or retreat was aHke impossible. 
 
The Dog Fiend 391 
 
 crawled under the sides of the precipice to retreat from 
 a murderous fire which they could not return. The others 
 were scattered here and there, protecting themselves as 
 well as they could below the masses of stone, and returning 
 the fire of the conspirators surely and desperately. But 
 of the hundred men sent on the expedition, there were 
 not twenty who were not killed or wounded, and nearly 
 the whole detachment of seamen had fallen where they 
 stood. 
 
 It was then four o'clock, the few men who remained 
 unhurt were suffering from the extreme heat and exertion, 
 and devoured with thirst. The wounded cried for water. 
 The sea was still, calm, and smooth as a mirror; not a 
 breath of wind blew to cool the fevered brows of the 
 wounded men, and the cutter, with her sails hanging 
 listless, floated about on the glassy water, about a quarter 
 of a mile from the beach. 
 
 ** Now is our time, Sir Robert." 
 
 " Yes, Ramsay — now for one bold dash — off with this 
 woman's gear, my men — buckle on your swords and put 
 pistols in your belts." 
 
 In a very short time this order was complied with, and, 
 notwithstanding some of the men were wounded in this 
 day's affair, as well as in the struggle for the deck of the 
 cutter, the three bands from Amsterdam, Portsmouth, and 
 Cherbourg mustered forty resolute and powerful men. 
 
 The ladder was lowered down, and they descended. 
 Sir Robert ordered Jemmy Ducks and Smallbones to 
 remain and haul up the ladder again, and the whole body 
 hastened down to the cove, headed by Sir Robert and 
 Ramsay, seized the boats, and shoved off for the cutter. 
 
39^ Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Chapter LI 
 
 In which the Jacobite cause is triumphant by sea as well as by land. 
 
 The great difficulty which Sir Robert Barclay had to 
 surmount, was to find the means of transport over the 
 channel for their numerous friends, male and female, then 
 collected in the cave : now that their retreat was known, 
 it was certain that some effective measures would be taken 
 by government, by which, if not otherwise reduced, they 
 would be surrounded and starved into submission. 
 
 The two boats which they had were not sufficient for 
 the transport of so numerous a body, consisting now of 
 nearly one hundred and fifty individuals, and their means 
 of subsistence were limited to a few days. 
 
 The arrival of the cutter with the detachments was no 
 source of regret to Sir Robert, who hoped, by the defeat 
 of the troops, to obtain their boats, and thus make his 
 escape ; but this would have been difficult, if not im- 
 possible, if the cutter had been under command, as she 
 carried four guns, and could have prevented their escape, 
 even if she did not destroy the boats ; but when Sir 
 Robert observed that it had fallen calm, it at once struck 
 him, that if, after defeating the troops, they could board 
 and carry the cutter, that all their difficulties were over : 
 then they could embark the whole of their people, and run 
 her over to Cherbourg. 
 
 This was the plan proposed by Sir Robert, and agreed 
 to by Ramsay, and to accomplish this, now that the troops 
 were put to the rout, they had made a rush for, and 
 obtained the boats. As for the women left in the cave, 
 they were perfectly secure for the time, as, without 
 scaling-ladders, there was no possibility of the remaining 
 troops, even if they were rallied, being able to effect 
 anything. 
 
 That part of the crew of the Tungfrau who had per- 
 ceived them rush down to the beach, reported it to Mr 
 
The Dog Fiend 393 
 
 Vanslyperken, who had gone down to his cabin, not 
 choosing to take any further part in the affray, or to risk 
 his valuable life. Vanslyperken came on deck, where he 
 witnessed the manning of the boats, and their pushing out 
 of the cove. 
 
 " They are coming to attack us, sir," said Coble, who 
 had been left in charge of the cutter when Mr Vansly- 
 perken went on shore. 
 
 Mr Vanslyperken turned pale as a sheet ; his eyes were 
 fixed upon the form of Ramsay, standing up on the stern- 
 sheets of the first boat, with his sabre raised in the air — 
 he immediately recognised him, panted for breath, and 
 could make no reply. 
 
 The crew of the cutter, weakened as they were by the 
 loss of most of their best men, flew to their arms ; Coble, 
 Cornelius, and Jansen, and Corporal Van Spitter were to 
 be seen in the advance, encouraging them. 
 
 '* Gott for dam — let us have one slap for it," cried 
 Jansen. 
 
 " Mein Gott, yes," shouted the corporal. 
 
 Vanslyperken started up. " It's no use, my men — it's 
 madness — useless sacrifice of life ; they are two to one — 
 we must surrender. Go down below, all of you — do you 
 hear, obey my orders ? " 
 
 " Yes, and report them, too, to the admiral," replied 
 Coble ; "I never heard such an order given in my born 
 days, and fifty odd years I have served in the king's 
 fleet." 
 
 " Corporal Van Spitter, I order you below — all of you 
 below," cried Vanslyperken ; " I command here — will you 
 obey, sir ? " 
 
 " Mein Gott, yes," replied the corporal, walking away, 
 and coolly descending the ladder. 
 
 The boats were now within ten yards of the cutter, and 
 the men stood irresolute ; the corporal obeying orders had 
 disheartened them : some of them followed the corporal. 
 
 " It's no use," said Coble, " I sees now it's of no use ; 
 it's only being cut to pieces for nothing, my men 5 but 
 
394 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 I won't leave the deck." Coble threw away his cutlass, 
 and walked aft ; the other men did the same, all but 
 Jansen, who still hesitated. Coble caught the cutlass out 
 of his hand, and threw it overboard, just as the boats 
 dashed alongside. 
 
 " Gott for dam," muttered Jansen, folding his arms and 
 facing the men who jumped on the cutter's decks. 
 Ramsay, who was first on board when he perceived that 
 the men were standing on the decks without making any 
 opposition, turned and threw up the points of the swords 
 of some of his men who were rushing blindly on, and, in 
 a minute all was quiet on the decks of the Tungfrau. Mr 
 Vanslyperken was not to be seen. At the near approach 
 of the boats he had hastened into his cabin and locked 
 himself in ; his only feeling being, that Ramsay's wrath 
 must cool, and his life be spared. 
 
 " My lads," said Sir Robert to the crew of the cutter, 
 " I am very glad that you made no resistance to a force 
 which you could not resist, as I should have been sorry if 
 one of you had lost his life ; but you must now go down 
 below and leave the cutter's deck in our possession. Per- 
 haps it would be better if some of you took one of your 
 boats and went on shore to pick up your messmates who 
 are wounded." 
 
 " If you please, sir, we will," said Coble, coming for- 
 ward, " and the cutter is yours, as far as we are concerned. 
 We will make no attempts to retake her, at all events, for 
 your kindness in thinking of our poor fellows lying there 
 on the beach. I think you will promise that, my lads," 
 continued Coble, turning to the men. 
 
 ** Yes, we promise that," said the men. 
 
 Coble then took the crew with him and pulled on shore 
 to the cove, on the margin of which they found all their 
 men lying either killed or wounded. Dick Short, Spurey, 
 and nine others were taken on board : those that were 
 quite dead were left upon the sand. Leaving only ten 
 men on board the cutter, which, however, was sufficient 
 to cope with the few of the Tungfrau remaining on board, 
 
The Dog Fiend 395 
 
 had they been inclined to forfeit their word, Sir Robert 
 and Ramsay then returned with the rest of the party to 
 the boats, and pulled on shore, for the rest of their 
 assailants were not subdued ; about twenty of the soldiers 
 still remained unhurt and were sitting down on the 
 rocks. 
 
 Ramsay, as soon as he landed, showed a white handker- 
 chief on a bayonet fixed to the muzzle of a musket. 
 
 ** Sergeant Tanner," said one of the men, "there's a 
 flag of truce." 
 
 " Is there ? I'm not sorry for it, — they are two to one 
 even now. I'll go forward to meet it.'* 
 
 The sergeant advanced to meet Ramsay. 
 
 ** "We might, if we pleased, oblige you to surrender or 
 cut you to pieces — that you must own ; but we have no 
 wish to hurt you — there are too many good men dead 
 already." 
 
 " That's true," replied the sergeant, " but it's one 
 comfort you have turned out at last to be men and not 
 women." 
 
 ''We have ; but to the terms. You were sent to take 
 possession of the cave, — you shall have possession as soon 
 as we are gone, if you will draw off your party higher up 
 this cliff and allow us to embark without molestation. If you 
 do not immediately accept these terms, we shall certainly 
 attack you, or you may do better if you please — pile your 
 muskets, collect your wounded men, bring them down to 
 the beach all ready to put into the boats, which, as soon as 
 we are safe, we will give you possession of — now is it a 
 truce or not ? — you must be immediate." 
 
 " Yes, then, it is a truce, for I see no chance of better 
 terms. I am commanding officer, and you have the faith 
 of Sergeant Tanner." 
 
 The sergeant then returned, and when half way, called 
 to his men : 
 
 " Party fall in — pile arms." The soldiers, worn out by 
 the long conflict, and aware that they had no chance 
 against such superior numbers, gladly obeyed, and were 
 
39^ Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 now divided in sections of three and four, collecting the 
 wounded and carrying them down to the cove. 
 
 Sir Robert and his men hastened to the rock — the ladder 
 was lowered, and all was on the alert for embarkation — 
 Lady Barclay and Lilly flew into his arms, while Wilhelmina 
 hung on Ramsay ; but they allowed but a short time for 
 endearment — time was too precious. The luggage had 
 all been prepared and the chests of specie were lowered, 
 the bundles thrown down, and, in a quarter of an hour, 
 the cave was cleared of all that they could take away with 
 them. 
 
 The women then descended, and all hands were 
 employed carrying away the specie and luggage down to 
 the boats. As soon as one boat was loaded with the 
 boxes of money. Lady Ramsay, Lilly, and Wilhelmina 
 were put in it, and one half of the men went with them on 
 board of the cutter where Coble had already arrived with 
 the wounded seamen. Ramsay remained with the other 
 boat to embark the women and luggage ; when all was in, 
 he called the sergeant, pointed out to him the ladder, and 
 told him that he might find something worth his trouble in 
 the cave. 
 
 "Is there a drop of anything to drink, sir ? for we who 
 are whole are dying with thirst, and it's cruel to hear the 
 poor wounded fellows beg for water." 
 
 " You will find both water and spirits in plenty there, 
 sergeant, and you may tell your own story when you 
 arrive at Portsmouth, we shall never contradict you." 
 
 " The list of killed, wounded, and missing, will tell the 
 story fast enough," replied the sergeant ; " but run up 
 there, my lads, and get some water for these poor fellows. 
 Good-bye, sir, and many thanks." 
 
 ** Good-bye to you, Sergeant Tanner," said one of the 
 women in the boat. 
 
 " Nancy Corbett, by all that's wonderful ! " cried the 
 sergeant. 
 
 "I told you so, sergeant — you'll never lose the name of 
 lady-killer." 
 
The Dog Fiend 397 
 
 "Pretty lady killing," muttered the sergeant, turning 
 away in a rage. Ramsay took the boats on board, and, 
 as soon as they were cleared, they were towed on shore to 
 the cove by some of the OTungfrau's men. 
 
 During this time the ladies, as well as the women, had 
 remained aft on deck, Vanslyperken having locked himself 
 up in his cabin ; but Sir Robert now ordered his men to 
 force the cabin door, and take Mr Vanslyperken forward 
 on the lower deck. When the door was opened, Vansly- 
 perken was found in his bed more dead than alive : he was 
 pulled out and dragged forward. The ladies were then 
 handed below, and, as soon as the specie had been put 
 down, and the luggage cleared from the upper deck, the 
 women were ordered to go down on the lower deck, and 
 Mr Vanslyperken ordered to be brought up. 
 
 Chapter LII 
 
 In which a great deal of loyalty is shown to counterbalance the treason of 
 Vanslyperken, 
 
 We must not, however, forget the syndic and the widow 
 Vandersloosh, whom we left in confinement at Amsterdam. 
 We left Mynheer Krause smoking his pipe, and showing 
 to those about him how great a great man always proves 
 himself when under adversity. The widow also, had she 
 performed in public, would have been acknowledged to 
 have been a great woman. She could not but lament 
 the present, for she was on the floor of a dungeon, so 
 she occasionally wrung her hands j but she looked forward 
 to the future, and to better times, not abandoning herself 
 to despair, but comforting herself with hope, as might 
 have been clearly proved by her constant repetition of 
 these words : " Well, well, Mr Vanslyperken, we shall 
 see." 
 
 That the night appeared long to both parties is not to 
 be denied, but the longest night will have its end, so 
 
39 S Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 long as the world continues to turn round; the con- 
 sequence was, that the morning came as usual to the 
 syndic, although the widow from the peculiarity of her 
 situation, had not the same advantage. 
 
 After morning, comes breakfast, in the natural order 
 of mundane affairs, and kings, being but men, and subject 
 to the same wants as other mortals, his Majesty, King 
 William, sat down, and despatched a very hasty meal, 
 in company with his Grace the Duke of Portland, and 
 the Right Honourable the Lord Albemarle. History 
 does not record, as it sometimes does in works of this 
 description, by what viands his Majesty's appetite was 
 stimulated; we must therefore pass it over, and as his 
 Majesty did on that occasion, as soon as breakfast was 
 over, proceed to business. 
 
 " Have you received information, my Lord Albemarle, 
 how many of the conspirators have been seized ? " 
 
 "May it please your Majesty, I am sorry to inform 
 you, that all who were innocent have been imprisoned, 
 and all who were guilty, have escaped." 
 
 Upon this intelligence his Majesty looked very grave. 
 
 " How do you mean, my lord ? " said he, after a pause. 
 
 "The conspirators have all received some friendly 
 notice, and the only two who are in custody are the 
 syndic. Mynheer Krause, and the woman who keeps the 
 Lust Haus." 
 
 " And you put the syndic down as an innocent person, 
 my lord?" 
 
 ** If your Majesty will be pleased to read this communi- 
 cation," replied Lord Albemarle, presenting Ramsay's 
 letter and enclosures, " you will then be of my opinion." 
 
 King William took the letter and read it. "What 
 Ramsay — he who was attainted with Sir Robert Barclay ? " 
 
 " The same, your Majesty." 
 
 "So near us, and escaped — but what credence would 
 you place in him ? " 
 
 " Every credence, may it please your Majesty. I believe 
 him to be incapable of a lie." 
 
The Dog Fiend 399 
 
 '* A traitor, like him ! " 
 
 ** A traitor to your Majesty, but most true to his 
 Cathohc Majesty, King James that was. But if I venture 
 to point out to your Majesty, the enclosures prove that 
 Lieutenant Vanslyperken's word is not of much value. 
 He, at least, is a double traitor." 
 
 " Yes, a little hanging will do him no harm — you are 
 sure this is his writing ? " 
 
 "There can be no doubt of it, your Majesty, I have 
 compared it." 
 
 '* You will see to this, my lord : and now to the 
 syndic." 
 
 " He has, as your Majesty will perceive, been grossly 
 deceived, and suspected without reason." 
 
 " And the woman ? " 
 
 "Was here yesterday, and fully convinced me that 
 Vanslyperken was a traitor, and that she was innocent. 
 His Grace of Portland was present." 
 
 " Well, my lord, you may give orders for their release 5 
 of course a little surveillance will be advisable. You will 
 justify the proceedings to the council, this afternoon." 
 
 "But may I presume to submit to your Majesty, that 
 the public aifiront offered to the syndic should be re- 
 paired." 
 
 ** Certainly — send for him," replied his Majesty, care- 
 lessly. "I will receive him to-morrow morning," and 
 his Majesty left the room. 
 
 Lord Albemarle immediately despatched a courier with 
 an order for the release of the syndic and the Frau 
 Vandersloosh, with a note to the former, stating that 
 his Majesty would receive him on the following day 
 at noon. But while this act of justice had been pre- 
 paring at the palace of the Hague, there were other 
 acts, not quite so justifiable performing at the town of 
 Amsterdam. 
 
 The sun made its appearance more than an hour, before 
 the troops of the royal Guard. Mobs were collected in 
 knots in the street, and in front of the Hotel de Ville, or 
 
400 Snarleyyow ; or, 
 
 Stadt House, and the object of their meeting, was to 
 canvas the treason and imprisonment of the syndic, 
 Mynheer Van Krause. " Shame — shame," — ** Death to 
 the traitor," — "Tear him to pieces," — and "Long life 
 to King William," were the first solitary remarks made — 
 the noise and hubbub increased. The small knots of 
 people gradually joined together, until they formed a 
 large mob, all burning with loyalty, and each individual 
 wishing to give a practical evidence of it — again were 
 the cries of " Long live the King ! " and " Death to 
 traitors ! " to be heard, with loud huzzas. A confused 
 din followed, and the mob appeared, as if simultaneously, 
 to be all impelled in one direction. At last the word 
 was given, which they all waited for. " To his house — 
 to his house — down with it — death to the traitor ! " and 
 the loyal mob hastened on, each individual eager to be 
 first to prove his loyalty, by helping himself to Mynheer 
 Krause's goods and chattels. 
 
 In the low countries, this species of loyalty always has 
 been, and is now very much the fashion. In ten minutes, 
 the gates were forced open — old Koop knocked down, 
 and trod under foot till he was dead — every article of 
 value that was portable, was secured ; chairs, tables, 
 glasses, not portable, were thrown out of the window ; 
 Wilhelmina's harp and pianoforte battered to fragments ; 
 beds, bedding, everything flew about in the air, and then 
 the fragments of the furniture were set fire to, and in 
 less than an hour Mynheer Krause's splendid house was 
 burning furiously, while the mob cheered and cried, 
 " Long live Kling William ! " 
 
 Before the courier could arrive from the Hague, all that 
 was left of Mr Krause's property was the bare walls. 
 Merchandises, everything was consumed, and part of the 
 building had fallen into the canal and choked it up, while 
 fifteen schuyts waiting to be discharged of their cargoes 
 had been obliged to retreat from the fury of the flames, 
 the phlegmatic skippers looking on with their pipes in their 
 mouths, and their hands in their wide breeches-pockets. 
 
The Dog Fiend 401 
 
 The loyal mob having effected their object, gradually 
 retired. It is singular, that popular feeling is always 
 expressed in the same way. Had the mob collected for 
 disloyal purposes, they would have shown their disloyalty 
 just in the Hke manner, only it would have been the Stadt 
 House instead of that of Mynheer Krause. 
 
 But now there was a fresh impetus given to the feelings 
 of the mob. The news had been spread like wildfire, 
 that Mynheer the syndic had been proved innocent, and 
 ordered to be immediately liberated, and was sent for by 
 his Majesty; upon which, the mob were undecided, 
 whether they should prove their indignation, at this unjust 
 imprisonment of their worthy magistrate, by setting fire 
 to some public building, or by carrying him in triumph 
 to his own house, which they forgot they had burnt down. 
 Fortunately they decided upon the latter, they surrounded 
 the Stadt House with cries of ** Long life to our worthy 
 syndic — prosperity to Mynheer Krause," and rushing up 
 stairs, they caught him in their arms, and carried him 
 triumphantly through the streets bringing him at last to 
 the smoking ruins of his own house, and there they left 
 him ; they had done all they could, they had carried him 
 there in triumph, but, as for building the house up again, 
 that was impossible j so, as Mynheer Krause looked with 
 dismay at the wreck of all his property, the loyal mob 
 dispersed, each feeling that he had been a little too hasty 
 in possessing himself of a small share of it. What a fine 
 thing is loyalty ! Mynheer Krause found himself alone ; 
 he looked with scorn and indignation upon the scene of 
 violence, and then walked away to an hotel, particularly 
 disgusted with the loyal cry of "Long live King 
 WilHam." 
 
 In the meantime, the door of the dungeon where the 
 widow Vandersloosh was incarcerated was thrown open, 
 and she was informed that she was no longer a prisoner. 
 The widow indignant that she should have been confined 
 for her loyalty, raved and walked majestically out of the 
 Stadt House, not deigning to answer to the compliments 
 s 2 c 
 
402 Snarl eyyow; or, 
 
 oiFered to her by some of the inferior officers. Her 
 bosom swelled with indignation, and she was determined 
 to tell his Majesty a bit of her mind, if she should obtain 
 access to him ; and the next day she took the trouble to 
 go all the way to the Hague, again to see his Majesty, but 
 his Majesty wasn't at home, and Lord Albemarle to whom 
 she sent in, was indisposed, and his Grace the Duke of 
 Portland was particularly engaged ; so the widow had the 
 journey for nothing, and she declared to Babette, that 
 she never would put her foot under the palace roof again 
 as long as she lived. 
 
 But, although Madam Vandersloosh was not received 
 at court that day, the syndic Mynheer Krause was ; when 
 he sent in his name. Lord Albemarle led the syndic by the 
 hand to his Majesty. 
 
 " We have been too hasty, Mynheer Krause," said his 
 Majesty, with a gracious smile. 
 
 Mynheer bowed low. 
 
 "I regret to hear that the populace in their loyalty 
 have burnt down your house, Mr Krause — they were too 
 hasty." 
 
 Mynheer Krause made another low bow. 
 
 " You will continue your office of syndic of the town of 
 Amsterdam." 
 
 " Pardon me, your Majesty," replied Mynheer Krause 
 respectfully, but firmly, " I have obeyed your* summons to 
 appear in your presence, but will request that your 
 Majesty will release me from the burden. I have come 
 to lay my chain and staff of office at your Majesty's feet, 
 it being my intention to quit the town." 
 
 " You are too hasty. Mynheer Krause," replied his 
 Majesty with displeasure. 
 
 ** May it please your Majesty," replied Krause. " He 
 who has been confined as a prisoner in the Stadt House, 
 is not fit to exercise his duties there as a judge ; I have 
 served your Majesty many years with the utmost zeal and 
 fidelity. In return, I have been imprisoned and my 
 property destroyed, I must now return to a station more 
 
The Dog Fiend 403 
 
 suitable to my present condition, and once more with 
 every assurance of loyalty, I beg to be permitted to lay 
 my insignia of office at your Majesty's feet." 
 
 Mynheer Krause suited the action to the word. The 
 king frowned and turned away to the window, and 
 Mynheer Krause perceiving that his Majesty's back was 
 turned upon him, walked out of the door. 
 
 ** Too hasty," thought Mynheer Krause, " I am loyal 
 and thrown into prison, and am expected to be satisfied 
 with the plea of being too hasty. My house is burnt 
 down, and the plundering mob have been too hasty. 
 "Well — well — it is fortunate I took Ramsay's advice, my 
 house and what was in it was a trifle ; but if all my gold 
 at Hamburgh and Frankfort, and in the charge of Ramsay 
 had been there, and I had been made a beggar, all the 
 satisfaction I should have received would have been a 
 smile, and the excuse of being too hasty. I wonder where 
 my daughter and Ramsay are ? I long to join them." 
 
 From which mental soliloquy, it will be evident to the 
 reader, that Mynheer Krause's loyalty had been consider- 
 ably diminished, perhaps thinking that he had paid too 
 dear for the commodity. 
 
 Upon his return, Mynheer Krause publicly announced 
 that he had resigned the office of syndic, much to the 
 astonishment of those who heard of it, and much to the 
 delight of his very particular friend Engelback, who, the 
 next morning set off for the Hague, and had an interview 
 with his Grace the Duke of Portland, the result of which 
 was, that upon grounds best known to the parties ; for 
 history will not reveal everything. Mynheer Engelback 
 was recommended to fill the office of syndic of the town 
 of Amsterdam, vacant by the resignation of Mynheer 
 Krause ; and that in consequence of this, all those who 
 took off their hats to Mynheer Krause but two days 
 before, and kept them on when they met Mynheer 
 Engelback, now kept them on when they met Mynheer 
 Krause, and pulled them off very politely to Mynheer 
 Krause's very particular friend. Mynheer Engelback. 
 
404 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 Chapter LIII 
 
 Trial and execution of two of the principal personages in our history. 
 
 We left Sir Robert Barclay on the deck of the cutter^ 
 the ladies and women sent down below, and Mr Vansly- 
 perken on the point of being dragged aft by two of Sir 
 Robert's men. The crew of the Tungfrau, at the time, 
 were on the lower deck, some assisting the wounded 
 men, others talking with Jemmy Salisbury and his wife,, 
 whom they were astonished to find among the assailants. 
 
 " Why, Jemmy, how did you get a berth among those 
 chaps?" 
 
 "I'll tell you," said Moggy, interrupting: "when he 
 was last at Portsmouth, they heard him playing his fiddle 
 and singing, and they took such a fancy to him, that they 
 were determined to have him to amuse them in the cave. 
 So one evening, they kidnapped him, took him away by 
 main force, and kept him a prisoner ever since." 
 
 " That's carrying the joke rather too far," observed one 
 of the men. 
 
 " Mein Gott ! yes," replied the corporal. 
 
 " But I am at liberty again now at all events," replied 
 Jemmy, taking the cue from his wife ; " and if that chap, 
 Vanslyperken, don't command the cutter any more, which 
 I've a notion he will not, I shall enter as boatswain — heh, 
 Dick." 
 
 " Yes," replied Short, who was swinging in his 
 hammock. 
 
 " Well — when I found that Jemmy couldn't be found, 
 that my dear darling duck of a husband — my jewel, a box 
 of diamonds (arn't you my Jemmy), didn't I tear my hair, 
 and run about the streets, like a mad woman," continued 
 Moggy. "At last I met with Nancy Corbett, whose 
 husband is one of the gang, and she told me where he 
 was, fiddle and all, and I persuaded her to let me go to 
 him, and that's why we both are here." 
 
The Dog Fiend 405 
 
 This was a good invention of Moggy's, and as there 
 "was nobody who took the trouble to disprove it, it was 
 received as not the least apocryphal. But now Mr Vansly- 
 perken was dragged past them by two of the conspirators, 
 and all the men of the Tungfrau followed on deck, to see 
 ivhat was to take place. 
 
 When Mr Vanslyperken had been brought aft, his 
 legs tottered, and he could hardly stand. His face was 
 livid, and his lips white with fear, and he knew too well 
 that he had little mercy to expect. 
 
 "Now, sir," said Sir Robert, with a stern air, *'hear 
 the accusation against you, for although we may be law- 
 less, we will still be just. You voluntarily entered into 
 our service, and received our pay. You were one of 
 us, with only this difference, that we have taken up the 
 cause from principle and loyalty, and you joined us from 
 mercenary motives. Still we kept our faith with you ; 
 for every service performed, you were well and honour- 
 ably paid. But you received our money and turned 
 against us ; revealed our secrets, and gave information 
 to your government, by which that gentleman " (pointing 
 to Ramsay) " and many others, had not they fortunately 
 received timely notice, would have perished by the gibbet. 
 Now, sir, I wish to know, what you can bring forward 
 in your defence, what have you to urge that you should 
 not die the death which you so traitorously prepared for 
 others." 
 
 " Die ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken, " no — no — mercy, sir 
 — mercy. I am not fit to die." 
 
 ** Few are — but this is certain — that a villain like you is 
 not fit to live." 
 
 " On my knees, I ask mercy," cried the frightened 
 wretch, dropping down. " Mr Ramsay, speak for 
 me. 
 
 " I will speak," replied Ramsay, ** but not for you, I will 
 show you, that even if you were to escape us, you would 
 still be hung ; for all your extracts of the despatches, I 
 have, with full explanation, put into the hands of the 
 
4o6 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 English government. Do you expect mercy from them— 
 they have not showed much as yet." 
 
 ** O God — O God ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken, throwing 
 himself down on the deck in despair. 
 
 **Now, my lads, you have heard the charges against 
 this man, and also that he has no defence to offer, what is 
 your sentence ? " 
 
 " Death ! " exclaimed the conspirators. 
 
 " You men, belonging to the cutter, you have heard 
 that this man has betrayed the present government of 
 England, in whose pay and service he was at the time — 
 what is your opinion ? " 
 
 Hereupon, Obadiah Coble hitched up his trousers, and 
 said, " Why, as a matter of opinion, I agrees with you, sir^ 
 whomsoever you may be." 
 
 ** Mein Gott ! yes, sir," exclaimed the corporal. 
 
 And all the crew cried out together, " Death — death ! " 
 which, by-the-bye, was very mutinous. 
 
 " You perceive that you are doubly condemned as a 
 double traitor," said Sir Robert. " So prepare to die ; the 
 religion you profess I know not, but the time you will be 
 allowed to make your peace with your God is fifteen 
 minutes." 
 
 ** Oh ! " groaned Vanslyperken, with his face to the deck. 
 
 " Up there, my lads, and get a whip on the yard-arm," 
 said Ramsay. 
 
 Some of his party went to obey the order, and they were 
 assisted by the seamen of the Tungfrau. But while they 
 were getting the whip ready on the starboard. Jemmy 
 Ducks was very quietly employed getting another on the 
 larboard yard-arm, which nobody took notice of. 
 
 As soon as the whip, and the cord with the hangman's 
 noose made fast to it, were all ready, it was reported to Sir 
 Robert by Corporal Van Spitter, who stepped up to him 
 with his usual military salute. Sir Robert took off his hat 
 in return. His watch had been held in his hand, from the 
 time that he had passed sentence upon Vanslyperken, who 
 still remained prostrate on the deck. 
 
The Dog Fiend 407 
 
 " It is my duty to inform you, sir, that but five minutes 
 are left of the time awarded to you," said Sir Robert to 
 Vanslyperken. 
 
 ** Five minutes ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken, jumping up 
 from the deck, " but five minutes — to die in five minutes," 
 continued he, looking up with horror at the rope at the 
 yard-arm, and the fatal noose at the end of it, held in the 
 hand of Corporal Van Spitter. " Stop, I have gold — 
 plenty of gold — I can purchase my life." 
 
 " Kingdoms would not purchase it," said Sir Robert, 
 scornfully. 
 
 " Oh ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken, wringing his hands, 
 " must I leave all my gold ? " 
 
 " You have but two minutes, sir," observed Sir Robert. 
 ** Let the rope be put round his neck." 
 
 This office was performed by Corporal Van Spitter. 
 The corporal was quite an amateur. 
 
 " Mercy, mercy," cried Vanslyperken, again falling on 
 his knees, and holding up his hands. 
 
 " Call upon Heaven for mercy, you have but one minute 
 left." 
 
 But here an interruption took place. 
 
 A female made her appearance on the other side of the 
 deck, dragging, by a cord, the hero of our novel, Snarley- 
 yow, who held back with all his power, jerking his head 
 to the right and to the left, but it was of no use, he was 
 dragged opposite to where Vanslyperken knelt. As the 
 reader may guess, this person was Smallbones, who had 
 tied on a bonnet, and muffled up his face, so as not to be 
 observed when he first went on board. Jemmy Ducks 
 now assisted, and the whip on the larboard yard-arm was 
 made fast to a cord with a running noose, for the hanging 
 of the cur. 
 
 The sight roused Vanslyperken. **My dog ! " exclaimed 
 he, " woman, leave that dog alone — who are you that dare 
 touch my dog ? " 
 
 The female turned round, threw off her bonnet and 
 handkerchief and exhibited to the terrified lieutenant, the 
 face of the supposed departed Smallbones. 
 
40 8 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 " Smallbones ! " exclaimed the crew of the Tung f ran in 
 a breath. 
 
 ** God of mercy — help me, God of mercy ! " cried 
 Vanslyperken, aghast. 
 
 **I suppose that you do come for to go to know me 
 now, anyhow," said Smallbones. 
 
 "Hath the sea given up its dead?" replied Vansly- 
 perken, in a hollow voice. 
 
 **No, it arn't, 'cause why? I never was a drowned," 
 replied Smallbones ; " no thanks to you, though ; but if 
 so be as I supposes, you be a going to be hung — as I'm a 
 good Christian, I'll forgive you — that is, if you be hung, 
 you know." 
 
 Vanslyperken, who now perceived that Smallbones had 
 been by some miracle preserved, recovered himself. 
 
 " If you forgive me," replied Vanslyperken, " then pray 
 do not ill-treat my dog." 
 
 " I'se not forgiven him, anyhow — I owes him enough, 
 and now I'll have his account settled, by gum. When you 
 goes up there, he goes up here, as sure as I'm Peter 
 Smallbones." 
 
 " Be merciful ! " exclaimed Vanslyperken, who, strange 
 to say, forgot his own miseries in pleading for his darling 
 cur. 
 
 ** He be a convicted traitor, and he shall die, by gum ! " 
 cried Smallbones, smacking his fist into the palm of his 
 hand. 
 
 During the conversation, the time allotted to Vansly- 
 perken had long expired, but the interest occasioned by it 
 had inclined Sir Robert to wait till it was over. 
 
 ** Enough," cried Sir Robert, ** your time is too long 
 expired. Commend your soul to God — let the rope be 
 manned." 
 
 " Now Jemmy, stand by to toddle forward," cried 
 Smallbones. 
 
 " One moment — I ask but one moment," cried Vansly- 
 perken, much agitated, "only one moment, sir." 
 
 " For what ? " 
 
The Dog Fiend 409 
 
 ** To kiss my poor dog," replied Vanslyperken, bursting 
 into tears ; strange and almost ridiculous as was the 
 appeal, there was a seriousness and a pathos in Vansly- 
 perken's words and manner, which affected those who 
 were present like a gleam of sunshine, this one feeling 
 which was unalloyed with baser metal shone upon the close 
 of a worthless and wicked life. Sir Robert nodded his head, 
 and Vanslyperken walked with his rope round his neck 
 over to where the dog was held by Smallbones, bent over 
 the cur and kissed it again and again. 
 
 " Enough," cried Sir Robert, " bring him back." 
 
 Corporal Van Spitter took hold of Vanslyperken by the 
 arm, and dragged him to the other side of the deck. The 
 unfortunate wretch was wholly absorbed in the fate of 
 his cur, who had endeavoured to follow his master. His 
 eyes were fixed upon Snarleyyow, and Snarleyyow's were 
 fixed upon his master, thus they were permitted to remain 
 for a few seconds, when Sir Robert gave the signal. 
 Away went the line of men who had manned the starboard 
 whip, and away went Jemmy Ducks on the larboard side, 
 and, at the yard-arms of the cutter were suspended the 
 bodies of Vanslyperken and Snarleyyow. 
 
 Thus perished one of the greatest scoundrels, and one 
 of the vilest curs, which ever existed. They were damn- 
 able in their lives, and in their deaths they were not 
 divided. 
 
 By the manuscript records, found in the Jacobite papers, 
 it appears that the double execution took place on the 3rd 
 of August in the year of our Lord, 1 700. 
 
 Chapter LIV 
 
 In which affairs begin to wind up. 
 
 There are few people whose vindictive feelings are not 
 satisfied with the death of the party against whom those 
 feelings have been excited. The eyes of all on deck (that 
 
41 o Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 is all except one) were at first directed to the struggling 
 Vanslyperken, and then, as if sickened at the sight of his 
 sufferings, were turned away with a feeling very near akin 
 to compassion. 
 
 One only looked or never thought of Vanslyperken, and 
 that one was Smallbones, who watched the kicking and 
 plunging of his natural enemy, Snarleyyow. Gradually, 
 the dog relaxed his exertions, and Smallbones watched, 
 somewhat doubtful, whether a dog who had defied every 
 other kind of death, would condescend to be hanged. At 
 last, Snarleyyow was quite still. He appeared nearly to 
 have gone to — " Where the wicked cease from troubling, 
 and the weary are at rest." 
 
 "He won't a cum to life any more this time," said 
 Smallbones ; " but Til not let you out of my hands yet. 
 They say a cat have nine lives, but, by gum, some dogs 
 have ninety." 
 
 There was a dead silence on the deck of the cutter for 
 a quarter of an hour, during which the bodies remained 
 suspended. A breeze then came sweeping along and 
 ruffled the surface of the water. This was of too great 
 importance to allow of further delay. Sir Robert desired 
 the seamen of the Tungfrau to come aft, told them he 
 should take their cutter to Cherbourg, to land the women 
 and his own people, and that then they would be 
 free to return to Portsmouth ; all that he requested of 
 them was to be quiet and submissive during the short time 
 that he and his party were on board. Coble replied for the 
 ship's company — " As for the matter of that 'ere — there 
 was no fear of their being quiet enough when there were 
 more than two to one against them ; but that, in fact, they 
 had no animosity : for even if they did feel a little sore at 
 what had happened, and their messmates being wounded, 
 what was swinging at the yard-arm made them all friends 
 again. The gentleman might take the cutter where he 
 pleased, and might use her as long as he liked, and when 
 he had done with her it was quite time enough to take her 
 back to Portsmouth." 
 
The Dog Fiend 411 
 
 "Well, then, as we understand one another, we had 
 now better make sail," said Sir Robert. " Cut away that 
 rope," continued he, pointing to the whip by which Van- 
 slyperken's body was suspended. 
 
 Jansen stepped forward with his snickasee, the rope was 
 divided at once, and the body of the departed Vanslyperken 
 plunged into the wave and disappeared. 
 
 ** They mayn't cut this tho' ! " cried Smallbones. " I'll 
 not trust him — Jemmy, my boy, get up a pig of ballast. 
 I'll sink him fifty fathoms deep, and then if so be he cum 
 up again, why then I give it up for a bad job." 
 
 Jemmy brought up the pig of ballast, the body of 
 Snarleyyow was lowered on board, and, after having been 
 secured with divers turns of the rope to the piece of iron, 
 was plunged by Smallbones into the wave. 
 
 "There," said Smallbones, "I don't a think that he will 
 ever bite me any more, anyhow ; there's no knowing 
 though. Now I'll just go down and see if my bag be to 
 be found, and then I'll dress myself like a Christian." 
 
 The cutter flew before the breeze which was on her 
 quarter, and now that the hanging was over the females 
 came on deck. One of the Jesuit priests was a good 
 surgeon, and attended to the wounded men, who all 
 promised to do well, and as Bill Spurey said, 
 
 " They'd all dance yet at the corporal's wedding." 
 
 ** I say corporal, if we only could go to Amsterdam 
 instead of going to Portsmouth." 
 
 "Mein Gott, yes;" replied the corporal, and acting 
 upon this idea, he went aft and entered into conversation 
 with Ramsay, giving him a detail of the affair with the 
 widow and of her having gone to the Hague to accuse 
 Vanslyperken, ending with expressing his wish of himself 
 and the crew that they might go to the Hague instead of 
 going to Portsmouth. Nothing could please Ramsay 
 better. He was most anxious to send a letter to Mynheer 
 Krause to inform him of the safety of his daughter, 
 and he immediately answered that they might go if they 
 pleased. 
 
412 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 "Mein Gott — but how, mynheer — we no have the 
 excuse." 
 
 "But I'll give you one," replied Ramsay — "you shall 
 go to the Hague." 
 
 The corporal touched his hat with the greatest respect, 
 and walked forward to communicate this good news. The 
 crew of the Tungfrau and the conspirators or smugglers 
 were soon on the best of terms, and as there was no one 
 to check the wasteful expenditure of stores and no one 
 accountable, the liquor was hoisted up on the forecastle, 
 and the night passed in carousing. 
 
 "Well, he did love his dog after all," said Jemmy 
 Ducks. 
 
 " And he's got his love with him," replied one of the 
 smugglers. 
 
 " Now, Jemmy, let's have a song." 
 
 " It must be without the fiddle then," replied Jemmy, 
 "for that's jammed up with the baggage — so here goes," 
 
 I've often heard the chaplain say, when Davey Jones is nigh, 
 That we must call for help in need, to Providence on high, 
 But then he said, most plainly too, that we must do our best, 
 Our own exertions failing, leave to Providence the rest. 
 
 I never thought of this much till one day there came on board, 
 A chap who ventur'd to join as seaman by the Lord ! 
 His hair hung down like reef points, and his phiz was very queer, 
 For his mouth was like a shark's, and turn'd down from ear to ear. 
 
 He hadn't stow'd his hammock, not much longer than a week, 
 When he swore he had a call, and the Lord he was to seek. 
 Now where he went to seek the Lord, I can't at all suppose, 
 Twas not on deck for there I'm sure, he never show'd his nose. 
 
 He would not read the Bible, it warn't good enough for him, 
 The course we steered by that he said, would lead us all to sin ; 
 That we were damn'd and hell would gape, he often would us tell, 
 I know that when I heard his jaw, it made me gape like helL 
 
 A storm came on, we sprung a leak, and sorely were we tired, 
 We plied the pumps, 'twas spell and spell, with lots of work beside; 
 And what d'ye think this beggar did, the trick I do declare, 
 He called us all to leave the pumps and join with him in prayer 
 
The Dog Fiend 413 
 
 At last our boatswain Billy, who was a thund'ring Turk, 
 Goes up to him and says, " My man, why don't you do your work ? " 
 " Avaunt you worst of sinners, I must save my soul," he cried, 
 "Confound your soul," says Billy, " then you shall not save your hide." 
 
 Acquaintance then he made soon with the end of the fore-brace. 
 It would have made you laugh to see his methodisty face ; 
 He grinn'd like a roast monkey, and he howl'd like a baboon, 
 He had a dose from Billy, that he didn't forget soon. 
 
 "Take that," said Billy, when he'd done, "and now you'll please to work, 
 
 I read the Bible often — but I don't my duty shirk, 
 
 The pumps they are not choked yet, nor do we yet despair, 
 
 When all is up or we are saved, we'll join with you in prayer." 
 
 " And now we'll have one from the other side of the 
 house," said Moggy, as soon as the plaudits were over. 
 
 " Come then, Anthony, you shall speak for us, and 
 prove that we can sing a stave as well as honester men." 
 
 " With all my heart, William ; — here's my very best." 
 
 The smuggler then sang as follows : 
 
 Fill, lads, fiU; 
 
 Fill, lads, fill. 
 Here we have a cure 
 
 For every ill. 
 If fortune's unkind 
 As the north-east wind, 
 Still we must endure, 
 Trusting to our cure. 
 
 In better luck still. 
 
 Drink, boys, drink ; 
 
 Drink, boys, drink. 
 The bowl let us drain 
 
 With right good will. 
 If women deceive 
 Why should we grieve ? 
 Forgetting our pain, 
 Love make again. 
 
 With better luck still. 
 
 Sing, lads, sing ; 
 
 Sing, lads, sing. 
 Our voices we'll raise ; 
 
 Be merry still ; 
 If dead to-morrow, 
 We brave all sorrow. 
 Life's a weary maze — 
 When we end our days, 
 
 'TIS better luck still. 
 
414 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 As the wounded men occupied the major part of the 
 lower deck, and there was no accommodation for the 
 numerous party of men and women on board, the carous- 
 ing was kept up until the next morning, when, at day- 
 light, the cutter was run into Cherbourg. The officers 
 who came on board, went on shore with the report that 
 the cutter belonged to the English government, and had 
 been occupied by Sir Robert and his men, who were well 
 known. The consequence was, an order for the cutter 
 to leave the port immediately, as receiving her would 
 be tantamount to an aggression on the part of France. 
 But this order, although given, was not intended to be 
 rigidly enforced, and there was plenty of time allowed 
 for Sir Robert and his people to land with their specie 
 and baggage. 
 
 Ramsay did not forget his promise to the corporal. 
 He went to the French authorities, stated the great 
 importance of his forwarding a letter to Amsterdam 
 immediately, and that the way it might be effected would 
 be very satisfactory. That, aware that King William 
 was at the Hague, they should write a letter informing 
 him of the arrival of the cutter; and that his Majesty 
 might not imagine that the French government could 
 sanction such outrages, "^ they had sent her immediately 
 on to him, under the charge of one of their officers, to 
 wait upon his Majesty, and express their sentiments of 
 regret that such a circumstance should have occurred. 
 The authorities were aware that, to obey Sir Robert 
 would not be displeasing to the court of Versailles, and 
 that the excuse for so doing could only be taken as a 
 compliment to the English court, therefore acted upon 
 this suggestion. A French officer was sent on board of 
 the cutter with the despatch, and Ramsay's letter to 
 Mynheer Krause was committed to the charge of the 
 corporal. 
 
 Before the sun had set, the Tungfrau was again at sea, 
 and, on the third morning, anchored in her usual berth 
 off the town of Amsterdam. 
 
The Dog Fiend 415 
 
 Chapter LV 
 
 In which we trust that everything will be arranged to the satisfaction of 
 our readers. 
 
 The French officer who was sent to explain what had 
 occasioned the arrival of the cutter in the port of Cher- 
 bourg, immediately set off for the Hague, and was received 
 by Lord Albemarle. 
 
 As soon as his credentials had been examined, he was 
 introduced to his Majesty, ELing William. 
 
 "It appears," said his Majesty to Lord Albemarle, after 
 the introduction, " that these Jacobite conspirators have 
 saved us one trouble by hanging this traitor, Van- 
 slyperken." 
 
 " Yes, your Majesty, he has met with his deserved 
 punishment," replied Lord Albemarle. 
 
 Then addressing himself to the officer, "We will return 
 our acknowledgments for this proof of good will on the 
 part of the French government," said his Majesty, bowing. 
 " My Lord Albemarle, you will see that this gentleman is 
 suitably entertained." 
 
 The officer bowed low and retired. 
 
 " This is an over politeness which I do not admire," 
 observed his Majesty to Lord Albemarle. "Let that 
 person be well watched, depend upon it the letter is all a 
 pretext, there is more plotting going on." 
 
 "I am of your Majesty's opinion, and shall be careful 
 that your Majesty's commands are put in force," replied 
 his lordship, as King William retired into his private 
 apartments. 
 
 The cutter had not been half-an-hour at anchor, before 
 Obadiah Coble went on shore with the corporal. Their 
 £rst object was to apply to the authorities, that the 
 wounded men might be sent to the hospital, which they 
 were before the night ; the next was to deliver the letter 
 to Mynheer Krause. They thought it advisable to go 
 
41 6 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 first to the widow Vandersloosh, who was surprised at 
 the sight of her dear corporal, and much more enraptured 
 when she heard that Mr Vanslyperken and his cur had 
 been hanged. 
 
 "I'll keep my word, corporal," cried the widow, "I 
 told you I would not marry until he was hung, I don't 
 care if I marry you to-morrow." 
 
 ** Mein Gott, yes, to-day." 
 
 " No, no, not to-day, corporal, or to-morrow either, we 
 must wait till the poor fellows are out of the hospital, for 
 I must have them all to the wedding." 
 
 " Mein Gott, yes," replied the corporal. 
 
 The widow then proceeded to state how she had been 
 thrown into a dungeon, and how she and Mynheer Krause, 
 the syndic, had been released the next day, how Mynheer 
 Krause's house had been burnt to the ground, and all the 
 other particulars with which the reader is already ac- 
 quainted. 
 
 This reminded the corporal of the letters to the Mynheer 
 Krause, which he had for a time forgotten, and he inquired 
 where he was to be found j but the widow was too 
 prudent to allow the corporal to go himself — she sent 
 Babette, who executed her commission without exciting^ 
 any suspicion, and made Mynheer Krause very happy. 
 He soon made his arrangements, and joined his daughter 
 and Ramsay, who had not, however, awaited his arrival^, 
 but had been married the day after they landed at Cher- 
 bourg. Mynheer Krause was not a little surprised to find 
 that his son-in-law was a Jacobite, but his incarceration 
 and loss of his property had very much cooled his loyalty. 
 He settled at Hamburgh, and became perfectly indifferent 
 whether England was ruled by King "William or King 
 James. 
 
 Ramsay's marriage made him also less warm in the 
 good cause ; he had gained a pretty wife and a good 
 fortune, and to be very loyal a person should be very 
 poor. The death of King James in the year following, 
 released him from his engagements, and, as he resided at 
 
The Dog Fiend 417 
 
 Hamburgh, he was soon forgotten, and was never called 
 upon to embark in the subsequent fruitless attempts on 
 the part of the Jacobites. 
 
 As it was necessary to write to the Admiralty in 
 England, acquainting them with the fate of Mr Vansly- 
 perken, and demanding that another officer should be sent 
 out to take the command of the Tungfrau, a delay of three 
 or four weeks took place, during which the cutter remained 
 at Amsterdam ; for Dick Short and Coble were no 
 navigators, if they had wished to send her back ; and, 
 moreover, she had so many of her crew at the hospital, 
 that she was weak-handed. 
 
 It was about a month after her arrival at Amsterdam, that 
 every soul belonging to the cutter had gone on shore, and 
 she was left to swing to the tide and foul her hawse, or 
 go adrift if she pleased, for she had to take care of herself. 
 This unusual disregard to naval instructions arose from 
 the simple fact, that on that day was to be celebrated the 
 marriage of widow Vandersloosh and Corporal Van 
 Spitter. 
 
 Great, indeed, had been the preparations ; all the in- 
 genuity and talent of Jemmy Ducks, and Moggy, and Bill 
 Spurey, for he and all the others were now discharged 
 from the hospital, had been summoned to the assistance of 
 the widow and Babette, in preparing and decorating the 
 Lust Haus for the important ceremony, which the widow 
 declared King William himself should hear of, cost what 
 it might. Festoons of flowers, wreaths of laurel garlands 
 from the ceiling, extra chandeliers, extra musicians, all 
 were dressed out and collected in honour of this auspicious 
 day. 
 
 The whole of the crew of the cutter were invited, not, 
 however, to feast at the widow's expense -, neither she nor 
 the corporal would stand treat ; — but to spend their money 
 in honour of the occasion. And it must be observed, that 
 since their arrival in port, the Tungfrau had spent a great 
 deal of money at the widow's ; which was considered 
 strange, as they had not, for some time, received any pay. 
 s 2D 
 
41 8 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 And it was further observed, that none appeared so wealthy 
 as Smallbones and Corporal Van Spitter. Some had as- 
 serted that it was the gold of Mr Vanslyperken, which had 
 been appropriated by the crew to their own wants, con- 
 sidering themselves as his legitimate heirs. Whether this 
 be true or not, it is impossible to say ; certain it is, that 
 there was no gold found in Mr Vanslyperken's cabin when 
 his successor took possession of it. And equally certain it 
 was, that all the Tungfraus had their pockets full of gold, 
 and that the major part of this gold did ultimately fall into 
 the possession of the widow Vandersloosh, who was heard 
 to say, that Mr Vanslyperken had paid the expenses of her 
 wedding. From these facts collected, we must leave the 
 reader to draw what inference he may please. 
 
 The widow beautifully dressed ; — a white kersey petti- 
 coat, deep blue stockings, silver buckles in her shoes, a 
 scarlet velvet jacket, with long flaps before and behind, a 
 golden cross six inches long, suspended to a velvet ribbon, 
 to which was attached, half-way between the cross and her 
 neck, a large gold heart, gold ear-rings, and on her head an 
 ornament, which, in Holland and Germany, is called a zitter- 
 nabel, shook and trembled as she walked along to church, 
 hanging on the arm of her dear corporal. Some of the bridges 
 were too narrow to admit the happy pair to pass abreast. 
 The knot was tied. The name Vandersloosh was aban- 
 doned without regret, for the sharper one of Van Spitter ; 
 and flushed with joy, and the thermometer at ninety-six, 
 the cavalcade returned home, and refreshed themselves with 
 some beer of the Frau Van Spitter's own brewing. 
 
 Let it not, however, be supposed, that they dined tete-a- 
 tete ; no, no — the corporal and his wife were not so 
 churlish as that. The dinner party consisted of a chosen 
 set, the most particular friends of the corporal. Mr Shorty 
 first officer and boatswain, Mr William Spurey, Mr and 
 Mrs Salisbury \ and last, although not the least important 
 person in this history, Peter Smallbones, Esquire, who 
 having obtained money somehow, was now remarkable for 
 the neatness of his apparel. The fair widow, assisted by 
 
The Dog Fiend 419 
 
 Moggy and Babette, cooked the dinner, and when it was 
 ready came in from the kitchen as red as a fury and 
 announced it : and then it was served up, and they all sat 
 down to table in the little parlour. It was very close, 
 the gentlemen took off their jackets, and the widow and 
 Moggy fanned themselves, and the enormous demand by 
 evaporation was supplied with foaming beer. None could 
 have done the honours of the table better than the 
 corporal and his lady who sat melting and stuck together 
 on the little fubsy sofa, which had been the witness of so 
 much pretended and so much real love. 
 
 But the Lust Haus is now lighted up, the company are 
 assembling fast ; Babette is waddling and trotting like an 
 armadillo from corner to corner : Babette here, and Babette 
 there, it is Babette everywhere. The room is full, and the 
 musicians have commenced tuning their instruments ; the 
 party run from the table to join the rest. A general cheer 
 greets the widow as she is led into the room by the 
 corporal — for she had asked many of her friends as well 
 as the crew of the Tungfrau, and many others came who 
 were not invited ; so that the wedding day, instead of 
 disbursement, produced one of large receipt to the happy 
 pair. 
 
 " Now then, corporal, you must open the ball with your 
 lady," cried Bill Spurey. 
 
 " Mein Gott, yes." 
 
 " What shall it be. Madam Van Spitter .? " 
 
 *' A waltz, if you please." 
 
 The musicians struck up a waltz, and Corporal Van 
 Spitter, who had no notion of waltzing, further than 
 having seen the dance performed by others, seized his 
 wife by the waist, who, with an amorous glance, dropped 
 ^4ier fat arm upon the corporal's shoulder. This was the 
 signal for the rest — the corporal had made but one turn 
 before a hundred couple more were turning also — the 
 whole room seemed turning. The corporal could not 
 waltz, but he could turn — he held on fast by the widow, 
 and with such a firm piece of resistance he kept a centri- 
 
420 Snarleyyow; or, 
 
 fugal balance, and without regard to time or space, he 
 increased his velocity at a prodigious rate. Round they 
 went, with the dangerous force of the two iron balls 
 suspended to the fly-wheel which regulate the power of 
 some stupendous steam-engine. 
 
 The corporal would not, and his better half could not, 
 stop. The first couple they came in contact with were 
 hurled to the other side of the room ; a second and a third 
 fell, and still the corporal wheeled on ; two chairs and a 
 table were swept away in a moment. Three young 
 women, with baskets of cakes and nuts, were thrown 
 down together, and the contents of all their baskets 
 scattered on the floor ; and " Bravo, corporal ! " resounded 
 from the crew of the Tungfrau — Babette and two bottles 
 of ginger beer were next demolished ; Jemmy Ducks 
 received a hoist, and Smallbones was flatted to a pancake. 
 Every one fled from the orbit of these revolving spheres, 
 and they were left to wheel by themselves. At last, Mrs 
 Van Spitter finding that nothing else would stop her 
 husband, who, like all heavy bodies, once put in motion, 
 returned it in proportion to his weight, dropped down, 
 and left him to support her whole weight. This was 
 more than the corporal could stand, and it brought him up 
 all standing — he stopped, dropped his wife, and reeled to 
 a chair, for he was so giddy that he could not keep his 
 legs, and so out of breath that he had lost his wind. 
 
 " Bravo, corporal ! " was shouted throughout the room, 
 while his spouse hardly knew whether she should laugh, 
 or scold him well \ but, it being the wedding night, she 
 deferred the scolding for that night only, and she gained a 
 chair, and fanned and wiped, and fanned and wiped again. 
 The corpora], shortly afterwards, would have danced again, 
 but Mrs Van Spitter having had quite enough for that 
 evening, she thanked him for the offer, was satisfied with 
 his prowess, but declined on the score of the extreme 
 sultriness of the weather ; to which observation, the 
 corporal replied, as usual, 
 
 ** Mein Gott, yes." 
 
The Dog Fiend 421 
 
 The major part of the evening was passed in dancing 
 and drinking. The corporal and his wife, with Babette, 
 now attending to the wants of their customers, who, what 
 with the exercise, the heat of the weather, and the fumes 
 of tobacco, were more than usually thirsty, and as they 
 became satisfied with dancing, so did they call for re- 
 freshments. 
 
 But we cannot find space to dwell upon the quantity of 
 beer, the variety of liquors which were consumed at this 
 eventful wedding, with which we wind up our eventful 
 history ; nor even to pity the breathless, flushed, and 
 overheated Babette, who was so ill the next day, as to be 
 unable to quit her bed ; nor can we detail the jokes, the 
 merriment, and the songs which went round, the peals of 
 laughter, the loud choruses, the antic feats performed by 
 the company ; still more impossible would it be to give an 
 idea of the three tremendous cheers, which shook the Lust 
 Haus to its foundations, when Corporal and Mistress Van 
 Spitter, upon their retiring, bade farewell to the company 
 assembled. 
 
 The observation of Jemmy Salisbury, as he waddled out, 
 was as correct as it was emphatic : 
 
 " Well, Dick, this has been a spree ! " 
 
 ^' Yes," replied Dick Short. 
 
 THE END. 
 
PRINTED BY 
 
 TURNBULL AND SPEARS 
 
 EDINBURGH 
 
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