An uncomfortable feeling prevailed now in the house, and Elizabeth saw
with regret that she would have to leave. Garvloit, who in figure
resembled some thick, short-legged animal of the sea, a seal or walrus
come on land, had become perceptibly reduced in flesh, and went about
all day long in his shirtsleeves, fanning himself with a large silk
pocket-handkerchief. On one particular afternoon it was observed that he
indulged in this exercise with more than his usual vigour and
restlessness; and it was not without cause. He had had an inspiration.
If he could no longer follow his old trade, he would try a new one; he
would set up a house of entertainment for sailors. His house being so
close to the dock, could not be more favourably situated for the
purpose, and they had ample accommodation. On the ground floor they
could have a room for common sailors, and on the floor above they had
one where captains and mates could be served.

He said nothing about it, however, to any one until the scheme had been
fully matured; and then all of a sudden one day he came into the room
where his wife was, with a bundle of printed placards and a large board
in his hand.

"Good gracious, Garvloit, what is that?" she cried.

He turned the board round with an important air, and without saying a
word. Upon it there stood in large gilt letters, "The Star."

"This is our new means of earning our bread, wife," he said. "Next month
this sign hangs over our door, and these bills are to post on the walls,
and distribute among the ships down in the harbour. Garvloit is not on
his beam-ends yet," he concluded, with self-conscious satisfaction; and
proceeded then to explain how he intended to be landlord himself, and