After a brief space, they departed unnoticed and unsuspected, leaving the little skiff, with its burden of death and destruction, firmly attached beneath the frigate.
They soon reached the shore, and took the stations assigned them with their companions. The machinery was so adjusted, that it would strike in the space of half an hour, and communicate the fatal spark to the powder.
The Musical Snuff-box at Church.
A gentleman had a musical snuff-box which played two favorite airs, called “Drops of brandy,” and “The glasses sparkle on the board.” He went out of town, one Sunday, to dine with a friend, taking his box in his pocket.
He went with the family to the church, and the service was about half through, when, putting his hand in his pocket, he accidentally touched the spring of the box, when it immediately struck up, “Drops of brandy,” most merrily.
Every eye and every ear was directed to the spot, to the great dismay and confusion of the gentleman, who endeavored to stop the box. His endeavors, however, only made the difficulty worse, for the tune immediately changed, and, “The glasses sparkle on the board,” was heard distinctly in all parts of the church, the congregation with difficulty restraining their mirth.
Finding it impossible to stop the music, the unfortunate gentleman started up and hurried out of the church, the box persisting in playing all the time that he marched along the aisle. I believe the unlucky box was never taken to church again.