Page:Australian Emigrant 1854.djvu/25

Rh nicative gentleman, "so am I: my name, Sir, is Slinger — Walter Slinger. I've abjured cards, so can't present you with one; but you will allow me to substitute this," and he held before Hugh's eyes the haft of a large pocket knife, on the silver mounting of which his name appeared. To complete the introduction (for Hugh was rather pleased than otherwise with the eccentric Mr. Slinger), he directed that gentleman's attention to the name on one of his chests. — "I am happy to make your acquaintance, Mr. Hugh Raymond," said Slinger, as he read the address on the box: "let me hope that our novel acquaintance may, during the long voyage we are about to undergo, ripen into friendship." Mr. Slinger became very confidential, and e'er the "Big Ann" was reached, had delivered himself of a brief history of his past life, his present condition, and future prospects; all which information was, in a great measure, lost on Hugh, whose mind wandered back to his recent parting with all those he loved so well. "Here we are," said the boatmen, as they ran under the stern of the "Big Ann." Several boats were alongside with steerage passengers, who were scrambling up, and making no slight discord in their clumsy attempts at getting aboard ship. The bulwark of the vessel was thronged with men, women, and children, all examining the new comers with an interest that already indicated the ennui of a long voyage. "Big Mick" towered above the mass, and had evidently not yet thought it prudent to relinquish his post of protector to his pretty little countrywoman, whom he took under his wing in the morning, not that Rose Blaney could be seen from the boat, but Mick's attentions, which were of no ordinary kind, were evidently addressed to somebody of low stature and in an unmistakeable manner: there was something about the twinkling of his eye, and the turn of his head, and the position of his arm still