Springall, with due modesty, replied, "I could sing you sea songs, and land songs, but these I leave to Robin Hays, who beats me hollow. The clerk of our ship has translated one of Jeromio's lilts, so I'll tip you a bit of sentiment. "O'er the clear quiet waters My gondola glides, And gently it wakens The slumbering tides. All nature is smiling, Beneath and above; While earth and while heaven Are breathing of love! "In vain are they breathing Earth, heaven--to me, Though their beauty and calmness Are whispers of thee: For the bright sky must darken, The earth must be grey, Ere the deep gloom that saddens My soul, pass away. "But see, the last day-beam Grows pale, ere it die; And the dark clouds are passing All over the sky. I hear thy light footstep, Thy fair form I see; Ah! the twilight has told thee Who watches for thee." Towards the latter part of the ditty, which was but little relished by the company, it was evident that Solomon had followed Grimstone's advice, for his snoring formed a loud and most inharmonious bass to the sweet boy-like melody of Springall's ballad. Robin had rejoined the party, but his face and lips were of a livid paleness, and he seemed labouring under evident distress. "Art hurt, Robin?" inquired the stranger, who is known to us by the name of Walter, now speaking for the first time. Robin shook his matted head in reply. "Something ails thee, man; something must ail thee--speak, good Robin." "I'm neither sick, sad, nor sorry," he answered, affecting his usual easy manner; "so here's a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull altogether at the black jack, to the health--But pardon, I had forgotten the wickedness of such profane customs." Yet Robin evidently did not hold it profane to "swill the brown bowl" so eagerly, that but the lees remained at the bottom, as he laid it down, refreshed and strengthened. "So you won't give us a toast, Master Robin," said Springall; "well, I'll not only give ye a toast, but I'll stand the price of a fresh jack of double-dub for you all to drink it in; and I'll fight any man that says it nay, besides." "Hold your profaneness!" exclaimed Robin, with a solemnity so opposed to his actual character as to be absolutely ludicrous: "Springall, thou hast had too much already; let us depart in peace." "A curse on me if I do--peace me no peace." "I tell you what," interrupted Robin, with resolute spitefulness, "if you swear, I'll lodge information against you." "Ah! ah! ah!" shouted several of the party, "Robin Hays turned preacher! Old Noll has sent the breath of holiness before him to supply his place, and made a sudden convert of the Ranger!" "I entreat you most meekly to be silent; if not for my sake, for your own. My brethren, you know not----" "That here comes the black jack," interrupted Springall; "and here's to the health--But Cavaliers----"