old gentleman, who being a schoolmaster, is able to give you latitude and
longitude for its truth."

"I am Alderman Van Beverout," muttered the object of this new attack,
between his teeth, though apparently but half-disposed to notice one who
set so little bounds to his discourse.

"I beg a thousand pardons!" returned the strange seaman, with a grave
inclination of his body. "The stolidity of your worship's countenance
deceived me. It may be, indeed, unreasonable to expect any Alderman to
know the position of the Atlantic Ocean! And yet, gentlemen, on the honor
of a man who has seen much salt water in his time, I do assure you the
sea, I speak of, is actually there. If there be any thing on it, or in it,
that should not in reason be so, this worthy commander of the periagua
will let us know the rest."

"A wood-boat from the inlet says, the 'Skimmer of the Seas' was lately
seen standing along the coast," returned the ferry-man, in the tone of one
who is certain of delivering matter of general interest.

"Your true sea-dog, who runs in and out of inlets, is a man for marvels!"
coolly observed the stranger. 'They know the color of the sea at night,
and are for ever steering in the wind's eye in search of adventures. I
wonder, more of them are not kept at making almanacs! There was a mistake,
concerning a thunder-storm, in the last I bought, and all for the want of
proper science. And pray, friend, who is this 'Skimmer of the Seas,' that
is said to be running after his needle, like a tailor who has found a hole
in his neighbor's coat?"

"The witches may tell! I only know that such a rover there is, and that he