The spare men stood a better chance.

This conversation was carried on until it was time to leave--Mrs To at last quite silent, and the captain gulping down his wine with a sigh.

When we rose from the table, Mrs To did not ask us, as usual, to stay and hear a little music; she was, like her piano, not a little out of tune.
"By the powers, doctor, you did that nately," said O'Brien, as we left the cabin.
"O'Brien," said the doctor, "oblige me, and you, Mr Simple, oblige me also, by not saying a word in the ship about what I have said; if it once gets wind, I shall have done no good, but if you both hold your tongues for a short time, I think I may promise you to get rid of Captain To, his wife, and his pigs." We perceived the justice of his observation, and promised secrecy.

The next morning the ship sailed for Plymouth, and Mrs To sent for the doctor, not being very well.

The doctor prescribed for her, and I believe, on my conscience, made her worse on purpose.