Almost untouched, Richard was allowed to escape forward, where he immediately equipped himself with a wet "swab," and prepared to follow the example of those around him.
"Edward Cummin! Bring Edward Cummin!"
And Cummin made his appearance, escorted as Goldie had been, with a face almost as white as the handkerchief that blinded his eyes, and shivering with anticipation. The attendant Tritons seated him on the edge of the jolly-boat at the gangway; and the barber, turning to Neptune, and holding up his three razors, said—
"Please your honour, which?"
"Let us hear first what he has to say for himself," said Neptune.
"Where do ye come from?"
"From Scot——oo! oo!" said the poor fellow, as the barber thrust a well-filled tar-brush into his mouth.
"How long is it since you left it?"
But Cummin had gained experience; he set his teeth, pressed his lips together, and sat, a ludicrous picture of fear, mixed with desperate resolution.
"A close Scot, I see," said Neptune; "give him some soap to soften his fizz, and teach him to open his mouth. Shave him clean."