"Is punning allowable?" said Toney.
"That depends entirely on circumstances," said the Professor. "If on dry land a man makes a pun in your presence, knock him down if you are able."
"And at sea?" said Toney.
"Pun away as much as you please. In Neptune's dominions the area of liberty is ample, and freedom of speech is seldom interfered with."
"Do you recognize that solemn personage standing at the bow and gazing so intently over the broad waters?" said Toney.
"It is Moses," said the Professor. "He hopes soon to get a glimpse of the land of promise."
"I heard him tell Hercules just now that he only wanted four bushels of gold-dust,—two for himself and two for his father. He said that he expected to fill his two sacks in about a week after he reached the mines, and should then immediately start for home."
"His absence will be of short duration," said the Professor. "But who is Hercules?"
"The big fellow to whom Botts has just administered a potation from the black bottle which he now holds in his hand," said Toney.
"The giant smacks his lips in approval at the quality of the contents," said the Professor.