"That is true," said Monk, pensively.

"Without reckoning," added the fisherman, "that the
stadtholder -- you know, my lord, William II.?"

"Well?"

"He will assist him with all his power."

"Ah! did you hear that said?"

"No, but I think so."

"You are quite a politician, apparently," said Monk.

"Why, we sailors, my lord, who are accustomed to study the
water and the air -- that is to say, the two most changeable
things in the world -- are seldom deceived as to the rest."

"Now, then," said Monk, changing the conversation, "I am
told you are going to provision us."

"I shall do my best, my lord."

"How much do you ask for your fish in the first place?"

"Not such a fool as to name a price, my lord."

"Why not?"