A meeting of the passengers resulted in a determination to have a grand ball in honor of the birthday of the immortal Washington, and the Professor was unanimously chosen to make the arrangements. He immediately entered upon the performance of his arduous and important duties. After a negotiation, which was conducted on his part with the skill of a consummate diplomatist, he succeeded in concluding an advantageous treaty with the captain's lady, and obtained an abundant supply of female apparel. A number of the most youthful of the passengers were then subjected to a tonsorial operation, obliterating every indication of a nascent beard from their features; after which they were arrayed in the garments obtained from the old lady's wardrobe.
"Don't they look beautiful?" said Tom Seddon.
"Just like a bevy of blushing and modest maidens," said Toney.
"The susceptible Long Green Boy has fallen in love with one of them already," said Tom.
"I fear that he will again be the victim of a hopeless attachment," said Toney.
"I regret the absence of Love and Dove," said the Professor.
"What nice little ladies they would have made!" said Tom.
"Their dancing days are over," said Toney.
"Matrimony imposes important duties," said the Professor; "and the little Loves and Doves will soon claim their undivided attention."