“Chafing-mat,” replied I.
“It spells mat only, silly boy; the chafing will be on my part directly. Now, Jacob, what does d-o-g spell?”
“Dog-kennel.”
“Dog, Jacob, without the kennel. Thou art very contumelious, and deservest to be rolled in the kennel. Now, Jacob, this is the last time that thou triflest with me; what does h-a-t spell?”
“Fur cap,” replied I, after some hesitation.
“Jacob, I feel the wrath rising within me, yet would I fain spare thee; if h-a-t spell fur-cap, pray advise me, what doth c-a-p spell, then?”
“Capstern.”
“Indeed, Jacob, thy stern as well as thy head are in danger; and I suppose, then, w-i-n-d spells windlass, does it not?”
“Yes, sir,” replied I, pleased to find that he agreed with me.
“Upon the same principle, what does r-a-t spell?”