"Don't take on so, my dear Sir Walter," said Socrates, cheerfully. "What's
the use of going into hysterics? You are not a woman, and should eschew
that luxury. Xanthippe is with them, and I'll warrant you that when that
cherished spouse of mine has recovered from the effects of the sea, say
the third day out, Kidd and his crew will be walking the plank, and
voluntarily at that."

"But the House-boat itself," murmured Noah, sadly. "That was my delight.
It reminded me in some respects of the Ark."

"The law of compensation enters in there, my dear Commodore," retorted
Socrates. "For me, with Xanthippe abroad I do not need a club to go to; I
can stay at home and take my hemlock in peace and straight. Xanthippe
always compelled me to dilute it at the rate of one quart of water to the
finger."

"Well, we didn't all marry Xanthippe," put in Cæsar, firmly, "therefore we
are not all satisfied with the situation. I, for one, quite agree with Sir
Walter that something must be done, and quickly. Are we to sit here and do
nothing, allowing that fiend to kidnap our wives with impunity?"

"Not at all," interposed Bonaparte. "The time for action has arrived. All
things considered he is welcome to Marie Louise, but the idea of Josephine
going off on a cruise of that kind breaks my heart."

"No question about it," observed Dr. Johnson. "We've got to do something
if it is only for the sake of appearances. The question really is, what
shall be done first?"

"I am in favor of taking a drink as the first step, and considering the