the rhino, that we must prove you a bit; so, Kate, my dear,"--to the pretty
girl who had let me in--"score a pint of rum against--why, what is your
name?"


"What's that to you?" rejoined I, "let's have the drink, and don't doubt
but the shiners shall be forthcoming."

"Hurrah!" shouted the party, most of them now very tipsy. So the rum was
produced forthwith, and as I lighted a pipe and filled a glass of swizzle,
I struck in, "Messmates, I hope you have all shipped?"

"No, we haven't," said some of them.

"Nor shall we be in any hurry, boy," said others.

"Do as you please, but I shall, as soon as I can, I know; and I recommend
all of you making yourselves scarce to--night, and keeping a bright
look--out."

"Why, boy, why?"

"Simply because I have just escaped a press--gang, by bracing sharp up at
the corner of the street, and shoving into this dark alley here."

This called forth another volley of oaths and unsavoury exclamations, and
all was bustle and confusion, and packing up of bundles, and settling of
reckonings.

"Where," said one of the seamen,--"where do you go to, my lad?"