"Now, as we have nothin' above particular to do, 'I'll
cram him' for you; I will show you how hungry he'll bite
at a tale of horror, let it be never so onlikely; how
readily he will believe it, because it is agin us; and
then, when his book comes out, you shall see that all
England will credit it, though I swear I invented it as
a cram, and you swear you heard it told as a joke. They've
drank in so much that is strong, in this way, have the
English, they require somethin' sharp enough to tickle
their palates now. Wine hante no taste for a man that
drinks grog, that's a fact. It's as weak as Taunton water.
Come and walk up and down deck along with me once or
twice, and then we will sit down by him, promiscuously
like; and as soon as I get his appetite sharp, see how
I will cram him."

"This steam-boat is very onsteady to-day. Sir," said Mr.
Slick; "it's not overly convenient walking, is it?"

The ice was broken. Mr. Slick led him on by degrees to
his travels, commencing with New England, which the
traveller eulogised very much. He then complimented him
on the accuracy of his remarks and the depth of his
reflections, and concluded by expressing a hope that he
would publish his observations soon, as few tourists were
so well qualified for the task as himself.

Finding these preliminary remarks taken in good part, he
commenced the process of "cramming."