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256 Paulina, who carried in her arms the little Angelina. Following them at some distance came the amiable Zubby, bearing aloft on her shoulder—as being the place of greatest safety—Colonel Langley's youngest hope. Master Jim's back-bone had not at that time attained sufficient stiffness to warrant the position, but Zubby never thought of that; and Master Jim consequently complained in a series of yells and wry faces; but Zubby, being ignorant of the state of his feelings, did not mind that. Master Jim soon became purple in the visage, but Zubby, looking up at him, and supposing the effect to be the result of an unusual flow of spirits, rather enjoyed that than otherwise.

"Pr'aps I may be excused for the observation," said Flaggan, removing his pipe for a moment, and gazing over Paulina's shoulder, "but if that youngster ain't being strangulated he looks oncommon—"

A scream from Paulina, as she rushed back and bestowed on Zubby a box on the ear cut short the seaman's observation.

"Have I not told you again and again, girl, never to put the child on your shoulder?"

"Oh, mim, me forgit," exclaimed the penitent Zaharian.

"That will keep you in remembrance, then," said Paulina, giving her another slap.