Besides, if the things were poisoned, they would not be worth stuffing." "It isn't the question of worth, skipper," the sailor said; "and I don't say, mind ye, that these here critturs was pisoned, only if you looks at it that this was the noisiest bird and the worst tempered thievingest cat in the neighborhood--though, Lord bless you, my missus wouldn't allow it for worlds--why, you know, when they were both found stiff and cold this morning people does have a sort of a suspicion as how they've been pisoned;" and he winked one eye in a portentous manner, and grinned hugely.

"The missus she's in a nice taking, screeching, and yelling as you might hear her two cables' length away, and she turns round on me and will have it as I'd a hand in the matter.

Well, just to show my innocence, I offers to get a glass case for 'em and have 'em stuffed, if it cost me a couple of pounds.

I wouldn't care if they fell all to pieces a week afterwards, so that it pacified the old woman just at present.

If I can't get 'em done I shall ship at once, for the place will be too hot to hold me.