charity?'

'Charity begins at home,' said the seaman, 'and seldom casts anchor in
any other port. If you'll take my advice, you will stow your cargo and
make sail, and hark ye--' He whispered a word in the man's ear; the
other clasped his hands together, and with a tear in his eye, left the
apartment.

'Woe! woe! doomed!' cried the mysterious voice.

Lambert shook like a leaf--the seaman seemed to enjoy his terror.

'How much does Mr. Johnson owe?' said he,

'£5 rent, and £14 costs and taxes.'

'Write a receipt.'

The mariner paid the sum, and asked how he came so low.

'The usual story, captain.'

'Williams is my name.'

'The usual story, Captain Williams--sick wife, large family, broke a
leg, wife died, behind-hand in his rent, steady man, but not punctual in
paying his bills.'

'Why how the thunder could he? Couldn't his lordship wait till the poor
fellow was a little recovered?'