Pluck bore it like a
philosopher, cool and quietly. 'No we hain't nether, stranger; hain't
hooked a fish for two days. Can't 'commodate us with a sup of fresh
water, can ye? Wanted to get a chance at the shore, but ain't had one
for more nor three weeks; true! by Christopher Columbus,' rejoined
Uncle Pluck, puttin' on the most innocent face ye ever did see.
"'We'll talk about that by-and-by,' says the Britisher. 'If you'd a
cum to, like a man, as you should, and not given us this long chase
after you, you might have had some claim to our generosity. We are
only carrying out Her Majesty's orders for the benefit of the Colonial
fisheries.'
"'Lord love yer soul, stranger! had I but known that, ye wouldn't a
seen this salt-water citizen about these diggings. Pluck had been hum,
helping Cousin Gethro to keep school--would!'
"'Never mind that. We don't want yer Yankee soft sauder! Bear a hand,
get your hatches off, and your papers up!'
"'Ye hain't seen Uncle Caleb's craft--her name's the Winking
Weazel--as ye come from down north, have ye?' inquires Pluck, giving
the mate a side wink.
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