Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1879 edition. Excerpt: ... part iv. ceuise of the "mermaid." chapter I. Concerning two of a trade--The "Mermaid"--Setting out--Slow progress--A welcome change--The Sabbath question--A fluttering of kites--Oban. "You don't mean to say, Governor, that you have asked a German to go with us on our next cruise? You know very well I detest Germans." Thus Jim to the Governor as we sat on the beach discussing the details of our proposed trip. "But, my dear Jim," responded the latter, "Mynheer van Touwslager is not a German, he is a Hollander, a unit of that indefatigable nation which keeps its head above water by incessant draining and pumping from behind its dykes--the greatest bankers and embankers known to history." "Dutchman or German, it is much the same; in fact, the former will be the more inconvenient travelling-companion, because, although I can ask the time of day in German, I am thankful to say I never learned Dutch." "Keep your mind easy, Jim my boy, Van Touwslager speaks English perfectly well; indeed, he could not have had a much better accent if he had been brought up in Sanct Mungo's own city, where we know the pure vernacular is universally spoken." "I am sure he will be an unclean fellow," persisted Jim, "and want to smoke in bed most likely. I will be hanged before I will occupy a cabin with a fellow who smokes in bed!" Here Jim assumed the air of a man with a grievance. "On the contrary," answered the Governor, "although a Dutchman, my friend does not smoke at all. He chews not, neither does he snuff. I hope you won't be so ill-mannered as to blow your baccy in his face as you do in mine; and as for cleanliness--bless my soul! have you never heard of Brock? I have no doubt the Heer will be over the side every morning, for he is great at swimming;...