Jack.--Captain Corbet discourses of the Dangers of the Deep, and
puts in Practice a new and original Mode of Navigation.





This interruption put an end to their attempts at fishing, and was
succeeded by another interruption of a more pleasing character, in
the shape of dinner, which was now loudly announced by Solomon.
For some time a savory steam had been issuing from the lower
regions, and had been wafted to their nostrils in successive puffs,
until at last their impatient appetite had been roused to the
keenest point, and the enticing fragrance had suggested all sorts
of dishes. When at length the summons came, and they went below,
they found the dinner in every way worthy of the occasion.
Solomon's skill never was manifested more conspicuously than on
this occasion; and whether the repast was judged of by the quantity
or the quality of the dishes, it equally deserved to be considered
as one of the masterpieces of the distinguished artist who had
prepared it.

"Dar, chil'en," he exclaimed, as they took their places, "dar,
cap'en, jes tas dem ar trout, to begin on, an see if you ever saw
anythin to beat 'em in all your born days. Den try de stew, den de
meat pie, den de calf's head; but dat ar pie down dar mustn't be
touched, nor eben so much as looked at, till de las ob all."

And with these words Solomon stepped back, leaning both hands on
his hips, and surveyed the banquet and the company with a smile of