Page:Paul Clifford Vol 2.djvu/113

Rh "Gentlemen, I do not wish to boast, but on these nights of periodical meetings, when every quarter brings us to go halves—when we meet in private to discuss the affairs of the public—show our earnings, as it were, in privy-council, and divide them amicably, as it were, in the cabinet,—('Hear! hear! from Mr. Tomlinson,')—it is customary for your Captain for the time being, to remind you of his services, engage your pardon for his deficiencies, and your good wishes for his future exertions.—Gentlemen! has it ever been said of Paul Lovett that he heard of a prize and forgot to tell you of his news?—('Never! never!' loud cheering.)—Has it ever been said of him that he sent others to seize the booty and stayed at home to think how it should be spent?—('No! no!' repeated cheers.)—Has it ever been said of him that he took less share than his due of your danger and more of your guineas?—(Cries in the negative, accompanied with vehement applause.)—Gentlemen, I thank you for these flattering and audible testimonials in my favour; but the