"'He says you drew a knife upon him,' said the alderman.
"'Your honour knows I can't spin a long yarn like this here chap,' replied the old tar, 'but I never hurted man, woman, or child in my life, barring 'twas a frog-eater; but I was a lad then, and it was in the cause of old England; and d—e, I don't think I'd hurt him neither, after a glass of grog or two.'
"Alderman. 'How long have you been in England?'
"'Only two hours ashore, your honour,' replied Will. 'I'd just come from China, and got taking a glass with one messmate and a glass with another.'
"Alderman. 'The sure way to get drunk. You should have taken a glass with but one messmate.'
"'Your honour is an excellent preacher, and it's all very true; but if an old sailor, after a long voyage, when all hands are piped ashore, refused to drink with every mate who asked him, he'd be called a scaly fellow, and you know I should not like that.'
"Bunce. 'I did not mind the assault, but I thought it was better to put him in a place of safety for his own sake.'
"'D—e, you're an honest fellow, after all,' exclaimed the tar, seizing the officer's hand and squeezing it till the tears started into Bunce's eyes. 'Come, and we'll make it right over a glass of grog, old boy.'
"Alderman. 'I doubt whether you have any money left.'
"Will felt in his pockets, and could not find a copper. 'All gone! all gone!' exclaimed the tar, mournfully.