Фредерик Марриет - Jacob Faithful стр 25.

Well, thats a good yarn, father, said Tom, as soon as it was finished. I was right in saying I would hear it. Wasnt I?

No, replied old Tom, putting out his large hand, and seizing his son by the collar; and now youve put me in mind of it, Ill pay you off for old scores.

Lord love you, father, you dont owe me anything, said Tom.

Yes, I do; and now Ill give you a receipt in full.

O Lord! theyll be drowned, screamed Tom, holding up both his hands with every symptom of terror.

Old Tom turned short round to look in the direction, letting go his hold. Tom made his escape, and burst out a-laughing. I laughed also, and so at last did his father.

I went on shore, and found that old Toms report was correctthe Dominie was at breakfast with Mr Drummond. The new usher had charge of the boys, and the governors had allowed him a fortnights holiday to visit an old friend at Greenwich. To save expense, as well as to indulge his curiosity, the old man had obtained a passage down in the lighter. Never yet, Jacob, have I put my feet into that which floateth on the watery element, observed he to me; nor would I now, but that it saveth money, which thou knowest well is with me not plentiful. Many dangers I expect, many perils shall I encounter; such have I read of in books; and well might Horace exclaimIlle robur et aes triplex, with reference to the first man who ventured afloat. Still doth Mr Drummond assure me that the lighter is of that strength as to be able to resist the force of the winds and waves; and, confiding in Providence, I intend to venture, Jacob, te duce.

Nay, sir, replied I, laughing at the idea which the Dominie appeared to have formed of the dangers of river navigation, old Tom is the Dux.

Old Tom; where have I seen that name? Now I do recall to mind that I have seen the name painted in large letters upon a cask at the tavern bar of the inn at Brentford; but what it did intend to signify I did not inquire. What connection is there?

None, replied I; but I rather think they are very good friends. The tide turns in half-an-hour, sir; are you ready to go on board?

Truly am I, and well prepared, having my habiliments in a bundle, my umbrella and my great-coat, as well as my spencer for general wear. But where I am to sleep hath not yet been made known to me. Peradventure one sleepeth nottanto in periculo.

Yes, sir, we do. You shall have my berth, and Ill turn in with young Tom.

Hast thou, then, a young Tom as well as an old Tom on board?

Yes, sir; and a dog, also, of the name of Tommy.

Well, then, we will embark, and thou shalt make me known to this triad of Thomases. Inde Tomos dictus locus est. (Cluck, cluck.) Ovid, I thank thee.

Chapter Eleven

The old Dominies bundle and other paraphernalia being sent on board, he took farewell of Mr Drummond and his family in so serious a manner, that I was convinced that he considered he was about to enter upon a dangerous adventure, and then I led him down to the wharf where the lighter lay alongside. It was with some trepidation that he crossed the plank, and got on board, when he recovered himself and looked round.

My sarvice to you, old gentleman, said a voice behind the Dominie. It was that of old Tom, who had just come from the cabin. The Dominie turned round, and perceived old Tom.

This is old Tom, sir, said I to the Dominie, who stared with astonishment.

Art thou, indeed? Jacob, thou didst not tell me that he had been curtailed of his fair proportions, and I was surprised. Art thou then Dux? continued the Dominie, addressing old Tom.

Yes, interrupted young Tom, who had come from forward, he is ducks, because he waddles on his short stumps; and I wont say who be goose. Eh, father?

Take care you dont buy goose, for your imperance, sir, cried old Tom.

A forward boy, exclaimed the Dominie.

Yes, replied Tom Im generally forward.

Art thou forward in thy learning? Canst thou tell me Latin for goose?

To be sure, replied Tom; Brandy.

Brandy! exclaimed the Dominie. Nay, child, it is anser.

Then I was right, replied Tom. You had your answer!

The boy is apt. Cluck cluck.

He is apt to be devilish saucy, old gentleman; but never mind that, theres no harm in him.

This, then, is young Tom, I presume, Jacob? said the Dominie, referring to me.

Yes, sir, replied I. You have seen old Tom, and young Tom, and you have only to see Tommy.

Want to see Tommy, sir? cried Tom. Here, Tommy, Tommy!

But Tommy, who was rather busy with a bone forward, did not immediately answer to his call, and the Dominie turned round to survey the river. The scene was busy, barges and boats passing in every direction, others lying on shore, with waggons taking out the coals and other cargoes, men at work, shouting or laughing with each other. Populus in fluviis, as Virgil hath it. Grand indeed is the vast river, Labitur et labetur in omne volubilis aevum, as the generations of men are swept into eternity, said the Dominie, musing aloud. But Tommy had now made his appearance, and Tom, in his mischief, had laid hold of the tail of the Dominies coat, and shown it to the dog. The dog, accustomed to seize a rope when it was shown to him, immediately seized the Dominies coat, making three desperate tugs at it. The Dominie, who was in one of his reveries, and probably thought it was I who wished to direct his attention elsewhere, each time waved his hand, without turning round, as much as to say, I am busy now.

Haul and hold, cried Tom to the dog, splitting his sides, and the tears running down his cheeks with laughing. Tommy made one more desperate tug, carrying away one tail of the Dominies coat; but the Dominie perceived it not, he was still nubibus, while the dog galloped forward with the fragment, and Tom chased him to recover it. The Dominie continued in his reverie, when old Tom burst out

The song gradually called the Dominie to his recollection; indeed, the strain was so beautiful that it would have vibrated in the ears of a dying man. The Dominie gradually turned round, and when old Tom had finished, exclaimed, Truly it did delight mine ear, and from suchand, continued the Dominie, looking down upon old Tomwithout legs too!

Why, old gentleman, I dont sing with my legs, answered old Tom.

Nay, good Dux, I am not so deficient as not to be aware that a man singeth from the mouth; yet is thy voice mellifluous, sweet as the honey of Hybla, strong