The '_James and Elizabeth_,' says he, as large as life.

I take it the fellow couldn't 'a been fooling who brought the news to Falmouth.

Didn't know me from Adam, and was fairly put about when he saw how I took it, and, says he, ''twas the _James and Elizabeth_ the chap said, as sure as I stand here.' Boy, do you happen to know the name of the vessel that ran ashore here, night afore last ?" I had grown accustomed to being asked this dreadful question, and therefore answered as bravely as I could.

"The _James and Elizabeth_, sir." "Captain's name ?" "Captain Antonius Merrydew." "Ah, poor chap! He was lying sick below when she struck, wasn't he?
And he had a wife aboard, and a child born at sea, hadn't he?
Fell sick in the Bay o' Biscay, like any land-lubber, didn't he?
Why, 'tis like play-actin'; damme! 'tis better than that." With this the man burst into a shout of laughter and slapped his thigh until his face grew purple with merriment.
"What d'ye think of it, boy, for a rare farce?
Was ever the likes of it heard?
Captain Antonius Merrydew sick in the Bay o' Biscay! Ho, ho! Where's play-actin' beside it ?" "Wasn't it true, sir ?" "True?
God bless the boy! Look me in the face: look me in the face, and then ask me if it's true." "But why should it not be true, sir ?" "Because I am Captain Antonius Merrydew!" For the rest of the journey I sat stunned.

Thomas beside me was wide awake and staring, seeing his way to an adventure at last.