During one short voyage which I made on board the Kertch, these disagreeable visitors became so importunate in the lower regions of the vessel that the ladies obtained permission to sleep in the deck-saloon.

After this arrangement had been made, we unfortunate male passengers received redoubled attention from our tormentors.

Awakened early one morning by the sensation of something running over me as I lay in my berth, I conceived a method of retaliation.

It seemed to me possible that, in the event of another visit, I might, by seizing the proper moment, kick the rat up to the ceiling with such force as to produce concussion of the brain and instant death.

Very soon I had an opportunity of putting my plan into execution.