The other man, answering to the name of Mr Shookers, bowed at this introduction, and showed his teeth and a large portion of the gums in the amplitude of his smile. He was a short stout man, with a very broad face, which was still further distended by a forest of red whiskers on each cheek. I took no notice of his salutation, but looked as indignantly as I could at the insufferable Jeeks. "You don't seem very friendly, which is highly against the rules or philosophy," he continued; "but p'r'aps you don't know much of your own genealogical tree. My friend Shookers has studied heraldry, and knows very well how nearly related we are." "Did you address any of your observations to me, sir?" "Didn't I? to be sure I did. There was a certain Arabella Rayleigh in _Temp. Geo. Prim._, that means in the time of George I. or II., I forget which--but it is ages ago--that married Martin Hicks, and had a daughter, who married in _Temp._ of another of the _Geos_ John Smith, and had a daughter; which married James Brown, and had a daughter; which married grandfather, Thomas Jeeks, in _Temp. Geo. Tert._--which makes us cousins; and that's the reason why father thinks it so hard your old governor won't part with the rest of the lands. Isn't it too bad, Mr Shookers?" "It seems very unfriendly in old Rayleigh to keep such a hold on the property, when Mr Jeeks is willing to buy him off." "Are you aware, sir, in whose presence you allow yourself such vulgar and insulting language? I am Mr Rayleigh's son." "Well, and I'm his cousin," interposed young Jeek; "and it's rather hard if a man can't stand a word or two about his relations. I don't care what Shookers may say about my cousin. I have too much philosophy to care." Mr Shookers, however, took the hint, and made no further observation on the subject. I looked out of the window, and endeavoured to abstract my thoughts from the conversation of my companions; but it was impossible. I kept my looks turned to the window; but I soon began to listen with all my ears. "You'll find it uncommon hot at Singapore," said Mr Jeeks. "It's always the dog-days there; but all the Juffleses can stand fire like reg'lar bricks, as they are." "I like it," replied Mr Shookers; "and I am very much obligated to your father." "He's a trump, is the old fellow--he's out of business himself--wound all up at Canton; but his interest will do great things for you at Singapore." "Oh! I consider my fortune made; and I am sure we shall both be grateful to him till the end of time." "Ah, you're a lucky chap to get such a girl persuaded to go with you so far! But I always said Betsy had all the pluck of the family." I half looked round--and Mr Jeeks favoured me with a wink, which implied that he would keep the secret of my acquaintance with the Juffles's family a secret from his friend. "She's full of spirit," replied Mr Shookers.