tolerance, and they were burying the booty--two table spoons and a
thimble in the corner of the closet, when Wan Lee stolidly rose.

[Illustration]

"Melican boy pleenty foolee! Melican boy no Pilat!" said the little
Chinaman, substituting "l's" for "r's" after his usual fashion.

"Wotcher say?" said Hickory, reddening with sudden confusion.

"Melican boy's papa heap lickee him--spose him leal Pilat,"
continued Wan Lee, doggedly. "Melican boy Pilat _inside_ housee;
Chinee boy Pilat _outside_ housee. First chop Pilat."

Staggered by this humiliating statement, Hickory recovered himself
in character. "Ah! Ho!" he shrieked, dancing wildly on one leg,
"Mutiny and Splordinashun! Way with him to the yard arm."

"Yald alm--heap foolee! Allee same clothes hoss for washee washee."

It was here necessary for the Pirate Queen to assert her authority,
which, as I have before stated was somewhat confusingly maternal.
"Go to bed instantly without your supper," she said, seriously.
"Really, I never saw such bad pirates. Say your prayers, and see
that you're up early to church to-morrow." It should be explained
that in deference to Polly's proficiency as a preacher, and probably
as a relief to their uneasy consciences, Divine Service had always
been held on the Island. But Wan Lee continued:--

"Me no shabbee Pilat _inside_ housee; me shabbee Pilat _outside_