fit of deep abstraction. "I beg your pardon. I did not quite
catch--"

"What is the meaning of all this, sir?" The Admiral was scarlet with
passion.

"Oh, it's quite right, I believe--quite right. Caleb will tell you."
As he gave this astonishing answer in a far-away tone, Mr. Fogo's
spectacles rested on his visitor for a moment with a smile of deepest
benevolence. Then, with a sigh, he resumed his washing.

The Admiral positively danced with rage.

"There, what did I tell 'ee?" exclaimed Caleb triumphantly.
"That's your answer, and now you can go 'long home. Off with 'ee!"

The Admiral's reply would probably have contained some strong words.
It was arrested by a catastrophe.

During this altercation the tide had been rising, and carried the
boat gently up towards the little beach. As the Admiral opened his
mouth to retort, the boat's nose jarred upon a sunken heap of
pebbles. The shock was slight, but enough to upset his equilibrium.
Without any warning, the Admiral's heels shot upwards, and the great
man himself, with a wild clutch at vacancy, soused backwards--
cocked-hat and all--into the water.

The three Misses Buzza with one accord clasped their hands and
uttered dismal shrieks; the three mushroom hats shook with terror.
Mr. Fogo looked up from his washing.