“Better take care, Sam,” growled Teakettle Tom in a low voice. “The Captain’s in there, a-having his breakfast.”

“Oh, is he?” replied Sam, “then I’ll give him a song:—

‘My fairther, he’s a preacher,

A wherry honest man;

My mother, she’s a washy-wom’;

And I’m a true Brit-tan,

With my whack fol lol,’” &c.

I send Francisco to call in Sergeant Pegden. Enter the Sergeant.

“Why, Pegden,” said I, “what’s all this about?”

“Very sorry, sir,” replied the Sergeant; “but I’m afraid Sandwich Sam is a little overtaken.”