We are now in the teeth of a strong south-easter, and the writing-room is beginning to dance, I therefore hasten to catch the post.
Yours, very much at sea,
X. Y. Z.
ASSURING!
Passenger (faintly). "C'lect fares—'fore we get across! I thought we——"
Mate. "'Beg y'r pardon, sir, but our orders is, in bad weather, to be partic'lar careful to collect fares; 'cause in a gale like this 'ere, there's no knowing how soon we may all go to the bottom!"