IN WHICH JEMMY DUCKS PROVES THE TRUTH OF MOGGY'S ASSERTION, THAT THERE
WAS NO ONE LIKE HIM BEFORE OR SINCE--NANCY AND JEMMY SERENADE THE STARS.
As soon as Moggy landed at the Point with her dear darling duck of a
husband, as she called him, she put his chest and hammock on a barrow,
and had them wheeled up to her own lodgings, and then they went out to
call upon Nancy Corbett to make their future arrangements; Moggy
proceeding in rapid strides, and Jemmy trotting with his diminutive legs
behind her, something like a stout pony by the side of a large horse.
It was in pedestrianism that Jemmy most felt his inferiority, and the
protecting, fond way in which Moggy would turn round every minute and
say, "Come along, my duck," would have been irritating to any other but
one of Jemmy's excellent temper. Many looked at Jemmy, as he waddled
along, smiled and passed on; one unfortunate nymph, however, ventured to
stop, and putting her arms a-kimbo, looked down upon him, and exclaimed,
"Yell! you are a nice little man," and then commenced singing the old
refrain--
"I had a little husband no bigger than my thumb,
I put him in a pint pot, and there I bid him drum."
when Moggy, who had turned back, saluted her with such a box on the ear
that she made the drum of it ring again. The young lady was not one of
those who would offer the other cheek to be smitten, and she immediately
flew at Moggy and returned the blow; but Jemmy, who liked quiet, caught
her round the legs, and, as if she had been a feather, threw her over
his head, so that she fell down in the gutter behind him with a violence
which was anything but agreeable. She gained her legs again, looked at
her soiled garments, scraped the mud off her cheek--we are sorry to add,
made use of some very improper language--and, finding herself in the
minority, walked off, turning round and shaking her fist at every twenty
paces.
Moggy and her husband continued their course as if nothing had happened,
and arrived at the house of Nancy Corbett, who had, as may be supposed,
changed her lodgings and kept out of sight of Vanslyperken. Nancy was
no stranger to Jemmy Ducks; so far as his person went, he was too
remarkable a character not to be known by her who knew almost everybody;
and, moreover, she had made sufficient inquiries about his character.
The trio at once proceeded to business: Jemmy had promised his wife to
join the smugglers; and it was now arranged, that both he and his wife
should be regularly enlisted in the gang--she to remain at the cave with
the women, unless her services were required elsewhere, he to belong to
the boat. There was, however, one necessary preliminary still to be
taken, that of Jemmy and his wife both taking the oath of fidelity at
the house of the Jew Lazarus; but it was not advisable to go there
before dusk, so they remained with Nancy till that time, during which
she was fully satisfied that, in both parties, the band would have an
acquisition, for Nancy was very keen and penetrating, and had a great
insight into human nature.
At dusk, to the house of Lazarus they accordingly repaired, and were
admitted by the cautious Jew. Nancy stated why they had come, and there
being, at the time, several of the confederates, as usual, in the house,
they were summoned by the Jew to be witnesses to the oath being
administered. Half-a-dozen dark-looking, bold men soon made their
appearance, and recognised Nancy by nods of their heads.
"Who have we here, old Father Abraham?" exclaimed a stout man, who was
dressed in a buff jerkin, and a pair of boots which rose above his
knees.
"A good man and true," replied Nancy, taking up the answer.
"Why, you don't call that thing a man!" exclaimed the fierce-looking
confederate, with contempt.
"As good a man as ever stood in your boots," replied Moggy, in wrath.
"Indeed! well, perhaps so, if he could only see his way when once into
them," replied the man with a loud laugh, in which he was joined by his
companions.
"What can you do, my little man?" said another, of a slighter build than
the first, coming forward and putting his hand upon Jemmy's head.
Now Jemmy was the best-tempered fellow in the world, but, at the same
time, the very best-tempered people have limits to their forbearance,
and do not like to be taken liberties with by strangers: so felt Jemmy,
who, seizing the young man firmly by the waistband of his trousers just
below the hips, lifted him from the ground, and with a strength which
astonished all present, threw him clean over the table, his body
sweeping away both the candles, so they were all left in darkness.
"I can douse a glim, anyhow," cried Jemmy.
"That's my darling duck," cried Moggy, delighted with this proof of her
husband's vigour.
Some confusion was created by this manoeuvre on the part of Jemmy, but
candles were reproduced, and the first man who spoke, feeling as if this
victory on the part of Jemmy was a rebuke to himself, again commenced
his interrogations.
"Well, my little man, you are strong in the arms, but what will you do
without legs?"
"Not run away, as you have done a hundred times," replied Jemmy,
scornfully.
"Now by the God of war you shall answer for this," replied the man,
catching hold of Jemmy by the collar; but in a moment he was tripped up
by Jemmy, and fell down with great violence on his back.
"Bravo, bravo!" exclaimed the rest, who took part with Jemmy.
"That's my own little duck," cried Moggy; "you've shown him what you can
do, anyhow."
The man rose, and was apparently feeling for some arms secreted about
his person, when Nancy Corbett stepped forward.
"Do you dare?" cried she; "take what you have received, and be thankful,
or--" and Nancy held up her little forefinger.
The man slunk back among the others in silence. The old Jew, who had
not interfered, being in presence of Nancy, who had superior commands,
now read the oath, which was of a nature not to be communicated to the
reader without creating disgust. It was, however, such an oath as was
taken in those times, and has since been frequently taken in Ireland.
It was subscribed to by Jemmy and his wife without hesitation, and they
were immediately enrolled among the members of the association. As soon
as this ceremony had been gone through, Nancy and her proteges quitted
the house and returned to her lodgings, when it was agreed that the next
night they should go over to the island, as Jemmy's services were
required in the boat in lieu of Ramsay, whose place as steersman he was
admirably qualified to occupy; much better, indeed, than that of a
rower, as his legs were too short to reach the stretcher where it was
usually fixed.
The next evening the weather was calm and clear, and when they embarked
in the boat of the old fisherman, with but a small portion of their
effects, the surface of the water was unruffled, and the stars twinkled
brightly in the heavens; one article which Jemmy never parted with was
in his hand--his fiddle. They all took their seats, and the old
fisherman shoved off his boat, and they were soon swept out of the
harbour by the strong ebb tide.
"An't this better than being on board with Vanslyperken, and your leave
stopped?" observed Moggy.
"Yes," replied the husband.
"And I not permitted to go on board to see my duck of a husband--
confound his snivelling carcase?" continued Moggy.
"Yes," replied Jemmy, thoughtfully.
"And in company with that supernatural cur of his?"
Jemmy nodded his head, and then in his abstraction touched the strings
of his violin.
"They say that you are clever with your instrument, Mr Salisbury,"
observed Nancy Corbett.
"That he is," replied Moggy; "and he sings like a darling duck. Don't
you, Jemmy, my dear?"
"Quack, quack," replied Jemmy.
"Well, Mr Salisbury, there's no boat that I can see near us, or even in
sight; and if there was it were little matter. I suppose you will let
me hear you, for I shall have little opportunity after this?"
"With all my heart," replied Jemmy; who, taking up his fiddle, and
playing upon the strings like a guitar, after a little reflection, sang
as follows:--
Bless my eyes, how young Bill threw his shiners away,
As he drank and he danced, when he first came on shore!
It was clear that he fancied that with his year's pay,
Like the Bank of Old England, he'd never he poor.
So when the next day, with a southerly wind in
His pockets, he came up, my rhino to borrow
"You're welcome," says I, "Bill," as I fork'd out the tin,
"But when larking to-day--don't _forget there's to-morrow_."
When our frigate came to from a cruise in the west,
And her yards were all squared, her sails neatly furl'd
Young Tom clasped his Nancy, so loved, to his breast,
As if but themselves there was none in the world.
Between two of the guns they were fondly at play,
All billing and kissing, forgetting all sorrow
"Love, like cash," says I, "Nan, may all go in a day,
While you hug him so close--don't _forget there's to-morrow_."
When a hurricane swept us smack smooth fore and aft,
When we dash'd on the rock, and we flounder'd on shore,
As we sighed for the loss of our beautiful craft,
Convinced that the like we should never see more,
Says I, "My good fellows," as huddled together,
They shiver'd and shook, each phiz black with sorrow,
"Remember, it's not to be always foul weather,
So with ill-luck to-day--don't forget _there's to-morrow_."
"And not a bad hint, neither, Mr Salisbury," said Nancy, when Jemmy
ceased. "You sailors never think of to-morrow, more's the pity. You're
no better than overgrown babies."
"I'm not much better, at all events," replied Jemmy, laughing: "however,
I'm as God made me, and so all's right."
"That's my own darling Jemmy," said Moggy; "and if you're content, and
I'm content, who is to say a word, I should like to know? You may be a
rum one to look at, but I think them fellows found you but a rum
customer the other night."
"Don't put so much rum in your discourse, Moggy, you make me long for a
glass of grog."
"Then your mouth will find the water," rejoined Nancy; "but, however,
singing is dry work, and I am provided. Pass my basket aft, old
gentleman, and we will find Mr Salisbury something with which to whet
his whistle." The boatman handed the basket to Nancy who pulled out a
bottle and glass, which she filled, and handed to Jemmy.
"Now, Mr Salisbury, I expect some more songs," said Nancy.
"And you shall have them, mistress; but I've heard say that you've a
good pipe of your own; suppose that you give me one in return, that will
be but fair play."
"Not exactly, for you'll have the grog in the bargain," replied Nancy.
"Put my fiddle against the grog, and then all's square."
"I have not sung for many a day," replied Nancy, musing, and looking up
at the bright twinkling stars. "I once sang, when I was I young--and
happy--I then sang all the day long; that was really singing, for it
came from the merriness of my heart;" and Nancy paused. "Yes, I have
sung since, and often, for they made me sing; but 'twas when my heart
was heavy--or when its load had been, for a time, forgotten and drowned
in wine. That was not singing, at least not the singing of bygone
days."
"But those times are bygone too, Mistress Nancy," said Moggy; "you have
now your marriage lines, and are made an honest woman."
"Yes, and God keep me so, amen," replied Nancy, mournfully.
Had not the night concealed it, a tear might have been seen by the
others in the boat to trickle down the check of Nancy Corbett, as she
was reminded of her former life; and as she again fixed her eyes upon
the brilliant heavens, each particular star appeared to twinkle brighter
as if they rejoiced to witness tears like those.
"You must be light o' heart now, Mistress Nancy," observed Jemmy,
soothingly.
"I am not unhappy," replied she, resting her cheek upon her hand.
"Mistress Nancy," said Moggy, "I should think a little of that stuff
would do neither of us any harm; the night is rather bleak."
Moggy poured out a glass and handed it to Nancy; she drank it, and it
saved her from a flood of tears, which otherwise she would have been
unable to repress. In a minute or two, during which Moggy helped
herself and the old boatman, Nancy's spirits returned.
"Do you know this air?" said Nancy to Jemmy, humming it.
"Yes, yes, I know it well, Mistress Nancy. Will you sing to it?"
Nancy Corbett, who had been celebrated once for her sweet singing, as
well as her beauty, immediately commenced in a soft and melodious tone,
while Jemmy touched his fiddle.
Lost, stolen, or stray'd,
The heart of a young maid;
Whoever the same shall find,
And prove so very kind,
To yield it on desire,
They shall rewarded be,
And that most handsomely,
With kisses one, two, three.
Cupid is the crier,
Ring-a-ding, a-ding,
Cupid is the crier.
O yes! O yes! O yes!
Here is a pretty mess!
A maiden's heart is gone,
And she is left forlorn,
And panting with desire;
Whoever shall bring it me,
They shall rewarded be,
With kisses one, two, three.
Cupid is the crier,
Ring-a-ding, a-ding,
Cupid is the crier.
'Twas lost on Sunday eve,
Or taken without leave,
A virgin's heart so pure,
She can't the loss endure,
And surely will expire;
Pity her misery.
Rewarded you shall be
With kisses one, two, three.
Cupid is the crier,
Ring-a-ding, a-ding,
Cupid is the crier.
The maiden sought around,
It was not to be found,
She search'd each nook and dell,
The haunts she loved so well,
All anxious with desire;
The wind blew ope his vest,
When, lo! the toy in quest,
She found within the breast
Of Cupid, the false crier,
Ring-a-ding, a-ding-a-ding,
Cupid the false crier.
"Many thanks, Mistress Corbett, for a good song, sung in good tune, with
a sweet voice," said Jemmy. "I owe you one for that, and am ready to
pay you on demand. You've a pipe like a missel thrush."
"Well, I do believe that I shall begin to sing again," replied Nancy.
"I'm sure if Corbett was only once settled on shore in a nice little
cottage, with a garden, and a blackbird in a wicker cage, I should try
who could sing most, the bird or me."
"He will be by-and-by, when his work is done."
"Yes, when it is; but open boats, stormy seas, and the halter, are heavy
odds, Mr Salisbury."
"Don't mention the halter, Mistress Nancy, you'll make me melancholy,"
replied Jemmy, "and I sha'n't be able to sing any more. Well, if they
want to hang me, they need not rig the yard-arm, three handspikes as
sheers, and I shouldn't find soundings, heh! Moggy?"
Nancy laughed at the ludicrous idea: but Moggy exclaimed with vehemence,
"Hang my Jemmy! my darling duck! I should like to see them."
"At all events, we'll have another song from him, Moggy, before they
spoil his windpipe, which, I must say, would be a great pity; but,
Moggy, there have been better men hung than your husband."
"Better men than my Jemmy, Mrs Corbett! There never was one like him
afore or since," replied Moggy with indignation.
"I only meant of longer pedigree, Moggy," replied Nancy, soothingly.
"I don't know what that is," replied Moggy, still angry.
"Longer legs, to be sure," replied Jemmy. "Never mind that, Moggy.
Here goes, song in two parts. It's a pity, Mistress Nancy, that you
couldn't take one."
"When will you give up this life of wild roving?
When shall we be quiet and happy on shore!
When will you to church lead your Susan, so loving,
And sail on the treacherous billows no more?"
"My ship is my wife, Sue, no other I covet,
Till I draw the firm splice that's betwixt her and me;
I'll roam on the Ocean, for much do I love it,
To wed with another were rank bigamy."
"O William, what nonsense you talk, you are raving;
Pray how can a man and a ship become one?
You say so because you no longer are craving,
As once you were truly--and I am undone."
"You wrong me, my dearest, as sure as I stand here,
As sure as I'll sail again on the wide sea;
Some day I will settle, and marry with you, dear,
But now 'twould be nothing but rank bigamy."
"Then tell me the time, dear William, whenever
Your Sue may expect this divorce to be made;
When you'll surely be mine, when no object shall sever,
But lock'd in your arms I'm no longer afraid."
"The time it will be hen my pockets are lined
I'll then draw the splice 'tween my vessel and me,
And lead you to church if you're still so inclined--
But before, my dear Sue, 'twere rank bigamy."
"Thank you, Mr Salisbury. I like the moral of that song; a sailor
never should marry till he can settle on shore."
"What's the meaning of big-a-me?" said Moggy.
"Marrying two husbands or two wives, Mrs Salisbury. Perhaps you might
get off on the plea that you had only one and a half," continued Nancy,
laughing.
"Well, perhaps she might," replied Jemmy, "if he were a judge of
understanding."
"I should think, Mistress Nancy, you might as well leave husband's legs
alone," observed Moggy, affronted.
"Lord bless you, Mogg, if he's not angry, you surely need not be; I give
a joke, and I can take one. You surely are not jealous?"
"Indeed I am though, and always shall be of any one who plays with my
Jemmy."
"Or if he plays with anything else?"
"Yes, indeed."
"Yes, indeed! then you must be downright jealous of his fiddle, Moggy,"
replied Nancy; "but never mind, you sha'n't be jealous now about
nothing. I'll sing you a song, and then you'll forget all this." Nancy
Corbett then sang as follows:--
Fond Mary sat on Henry's knee;
"I must be home exact," said he,
And see, the hour is come.
"No, Henry, you shall never go
Until me how to count you show
That task must first be done."
Then Harry said, "As time is short,
Addition you must first be taught
Sum up these kisses sweet;
Now prove your sum by kissing me
Yes, that is right, 'twas three times three:--
Arithmetic's a treat.
"And now there is another term,
Subtraction you have yet to learn:
Take four away from these."
"Yes, that is right; you've made it out,"
Says Mary, with a pretty pout,
"Subtraction don't me please."
Division's next upon the list;
Young Henry taught while Mary kiss'd,
And much admired the rule;
"Now, Henry, don't you think me quick?"
"Why, yes, indeed, you've learn'd the trick
At kissing you're no fool."
To multiply was next the game,
Which Henry by the method same,
To Mary fain would show;
But here his patience was worn out,
She multiplied too fast, I doubt,
He could no further go.
"And now we must leave off, my dear;
The other rules are not so clear,
We'll try at them to-night;"
"I'll come at eve, my Henry sweet;
Behind the hawthorn hedge we'll meet,
For learning's my delight."
"That's a very pretty song, Mistress Corbett, and you've a nice
collection, I've no doubt. If you've no objection, I'll exchange
another with you."
"I should be most willing, Mr Salisbury; but we are now getting well
over, and we may as well be quiet, as I do not wish people to ask where
we are going."
"You're right, ma'am," observed the old fisherman who pulled the boat.
"Put up your fiddle, master; there be plenty on the look out, without
our giving them notice."
"Very true," replied Jemmy, "so we break up our concert."
The whole party were now silent. In a quarter of an hour the boat was
run into a cut, which concealed it from view; and, as soon as the
fisherman had looked round to see the coast clear, they landed and made
haste to pass by the cottages; after that Nancy slackened her pace, and
they walked during the night over to the other side of the island, and
arrived at the cottages above the cave.
Here they left a portion of their burdens, and then proceeded to the
path down the cliff which led to the cave. On Nancy giving the signal,
the ladder was lowered, and they were admitted. As soon as they were
upon the flat, Moggy embraced her husband, crying, "Here I have you, my
own dear Jemmy, all to myself, and safe for ever."