(_PUNCH is alarmed by hearing a strange, supernatural, whirring noise, something like the rapid motion of fifty spinning wheels, and again retreats to the corner, fearfully waiting the event._) [Illustration] _Re-enter the DEMON, with a stick. He makes up to PUNCH, who retreats round the back of the stage, and they stand eyeing one another, and fencing at opposite sides. At last the DEMON makes a blow at PUNCH, which tells on the back of his head._ PUNCH. Oh, my head! What is that for? Pray, Mr. Demon, let us be friends. (_the DEMON hits him again, and PUNCH begins to take it in dudgeon, and to grow angry_) Why, you must be one very stupid demon not to know your best friend when you see him. (_the DEMON hits him again_) Be quiet, I say, you hurt me! Well, if you won't, we must try which is the best man--Punch or the Demon. (_Here commences a terrific combat between the DEMON and PUNCH; in the beginning, the latter has much the worst of it, being hit by his black adversary when and where he pleases. At last the DEMON seems to grow weary, and PUNCH succeeds in planting several heavy blows. The balance being restored, the fight is kept up for some time, and, towards the conclusion, PUNCH has the decided advantage, and drives his enemy before him. The DEMON is stunned by repeated blows on the head and horns, and falls forward on the platform, where PUNCH completes his victory, and knocks the breath out of his body. PUNCH then puts his staff up the DEMON'S black clothes, and whirls him round in the air, exclaiming: "_Huzza! huzza! the Demon's dead!_"_) [Illustration] ACT VI. THE SINKING SHIP. SCENE.--_The Sea, with waves in motion._ _Enter NEGRO._ NEGRO. Ship ahoy! Ship ahoy! DUTCHMAN. What was that you were saying? NEGRO (_points across the sea_). Don't you see that 'ere? DUTCHMAN. Yaw! I see the sea. NEGRO. Yah; but I mean that 'ere--right o'er there. DUTCHMAN. Yaw! so now I do; but, lor, I've no telescope. What do you think it is? NEGRO. Big ship! big ship! Maybe a man-o'-war. DUTCHMAN. Do you think she's a-coming this way? NEGRO. I do. _Enter IRISHMAN._ IRISHMAN. Arrah, my boys, glad you're here. Have you seen a steamship come along? DUTCHMAN. Vell, yes; von in the distance--right over there. IRISHMAN. Arrah, that is good! My old lady will be pleased now. DUTCHMAN. Vy, Paddy, vot great event is on now? IRISHMAN. Nothing, only my wife made me send over to old Ireland for her mother to come on, and she hurried me off this morning to look out for the good ship. DUTCHMAN. I congratulate you, my boy. Going to have a mother-in-law to take care of thee. IRISHMAN. Arrah, my friend, you try to strike me hard; but, you bet, I'll make it warm if the old lady don't provide me with a latch-key. DUTCHMAN. Never mind for this von leetle bit o' chaff, Come with me, and take a little refreshment. IRISHMAN. But I have to wait for the ship.