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were at quarters, observed one of the men de- voutly kneeling at the side of his gun. So very unusual an attitude in an English sailor exciting his surprise and curiosity, he went and asked the man if he was afraid. 'Afraid!' answered the honest tar, with a countenance expressive of the utmost disdain; 'no! I was only praying that the enemy's shot may be destributed in the same proportion as prize-money--the greatest part among the officers.'

24. An itinerant painter staid so long at a                country inn, that, though willing to depart, he                 had not money wherewithal to defray his lodging. To the landlord, not willing to subscribe to a                bad debt, settled it with him, that he should paint him a new sign; the subject a bear, and the price a guinea. But the painter said, if the bear had a chain drawn round about his neck (and which he would advise him to) it would cost half-a-guinea more. The host was not agreeable to this extra expense. Accordingly the sign was painted, and the painter went his ways, when the rain descended and washed away the bear. Sometime after, the innkeeper met the painter on the road, and said he had im- posed upon him, for that the bear was fled: Look ye here,' replied the painter, 'did not I                advise you to have the chain about his neck; Which, if it had taken place, he would have re- mained there still."

25. An under-sheriff in Wilts, being to at-