"It was my intention to have them one by one," said the American Minister.
"No, no;" interrupted Captain W——. "All together—three jolly chaps."
"Just as you like," answered the American Minister.
"Yes. We'll have two girls afterwards, instead," replied Captain W——.
"As you are so conspicuous, then," said the American Minister to Captain W——, "perhaps you had better do the toast with honours."
"To be sure," replied Captain W——, "nine times nine, and one over for a fair breeze. Gentlemen! are you charged?"
"Yes, yes, yes," came from all quarters.
"Well, then, gentlemen," continued Captain W——, "reserve your fire, till I give the word.—Now!" and, with all the hubbub of a toast, our united healths were drunk. R—— was called upon to return thanks, which he did; and another jingling of spoons, forks, and finger-basins, rose in reply. The gentleman-farmer from Holstein now commenced a speech, which none of us, but the Baron de B——, thoroughly understood; but it evidently alluded to our three selves, for he often turned, and, looking in our faces, delivered whole sentences without wincing. The Holsteiner was much applauded. Captain W—— having come down to our level, now offered to sing a song; and he dashed headlong into a pretty air, which had an eternal chorus of
"Trik-a-trik, trik,"
or some such monotonous burden at every sixth word. The gallant Captain had executed but a small portion of his ditty, when the Holstein farmer rose quickly from his chair, and addressed the songster at the moment when he had reiterated for the second time,