“If you are an American citizen, don’t call any man ‘your honor,’ unless it is the judge on the bench. You are getting things mixed up with them lords and dooks on this side of the ocean,” continued the Prince reproachfully. “I call myself an American Prince; and I don’t eat dirt before any man, and I don’t like to see other princes do it.” “It is the first duty of an American sailor to be respectful to his betters; and I use the lingo I learned, because I am in the habit of doing so when I see a man do a handsome thing, as your honor always does,” said Shakings with a laugh. “This is neither here nor there; only I don’t like to see any flunkying at any time. We are called upon to give some advice to the captain; though, in my opinion, he don’t need any.” “I believe we are giving it; and I suppose he understands what we all think about it by this time,” continued Shakings. “If I comprehend the views of Capt. Fairfield, he objects to rendering assistance in the present instance, as it would expose our ship’s company to these contagious diseases,” added the captain, turning to the instructor of the Ville d’Angers. “By no means!” protested Capt. Fairfield warmly. “I should feel guilty to the end of my life if we should leave these poor people to perish without giving them all the aid in our power.” Shakings thought the instructor had spoken like a “sodger” before; and his present speech was more like that of a sailor. “Then there appears to be no disagreement among you, gentlemen,” added Capt. O’Hara. “I agree with you that the people on the wreck ought to be relieved.” “Spoken like a true sailor!” ejaculated Shakings. “Or like a true soldier!” exclaimed the Prince. “Thank you, Mr. Frisbone; and I won’t stop to tell you what soldiers have done a thousand times for those in distress,” added Capt. Fairfield. “We are to assist the people on the wreck,” interposed the captain. “How, and to what extent, is the next question.--Mr. Raymond, keep the whistle going every five minutes.” “We are doing so, sir,” replied the officer of the deck, who was planking the forecastle. O’Hara stated that the sufferers on the wreck needed no provisions, only fresh vegetables and comforts for the sick. As the steamer was abundantly provided with the former, it was promptly decided to send all that could be spared of them. As to comforts for the sick, which they understood to include medicines, the Prince declared that he would consult his wife, who was one of the best nurses in the world, and had saved his life when the doctors gave him up, by her intelligent care. The benevolent gentleman was on the point of starting for the cabin, when the captain interposed. “We have not settled the worst and hardest question of the whole, Mr. Frisbone,” said O’Hara. “I have an opinion on the subject; but I wish for your advice.” “What on airth comes now?” demanded the Prince, closing the door he had opened.