Well, it's a pity but it can't be
helped. I am fond of a drop myself, and when we get to - shall be
happy to offer your honour a glass of whiskey. I hope your honour
and I shall splice the mainbrace together before we part."
"I suppose," said I, "by your talking of splicing the mainbrace
that you are a sailor."
"I am, your honour, and hail from the Cove of Cork in the kingdom
of Munster."
"I know it well," said I, "it is the best sea-basin in the world.
Well, how came you into these parts?"
"I'll tell your honour; my ship is at Swansea, and having a
relation working at the foundry behind us I came to see him."
"Are you in the royal service?"
"I am not, your honour; I was once in the royal service, but having
a dispute with the boatswain at Spithead, I gave him a wipe, jumped
overboard and swam ashore. After that I sailed for Cuba, got into
the merchants' service there, and made several voyages to the Black
Coast.
