The Steam-Packet: A Tale of the River and the Ocean — page 48: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE STEAM PACKET, | ol “* Well, Mrs. Gibbins,” said the captain, ‘‘I shall give your son a fair trial. What will he require in the shape of linen?” ‘“‘ Vy, sir, he’s not wery vell purwided vith ie an deod: I may say, I don’t believe he has one at this present speaking; and as to shirts, he has but two, which isn’t no wery great shakes neither, If I might be so formiliar as to speak my mind, I should say that a pound vould set him up handsome in linen—that it vould.” ‘* Well, we will have all that done,” said the captain, whose plans appeared to be already well digested in his mind. ‘* Now, Mrs. Gibbins, drink this glass of rum “‘T raly, sir, vould ” interrupted the widow, simpering. *¢ Nonsense ! off with it!” ejaculated the captain; ‘‘ there, now—it can’t do you any harm. Now, down to your washing again; and you, Tom, get me pen, ink, and paper.” As soon as the captain was supplied with writing materials, he penned the following letter :— ‘My pear Pirpar, ‘*¢Pray excuse this scrawl. I am in a most awkward dilemma. Noodleton (who entertains the highest opinion of you and your amiable family, although he has not as yet had the pleasure of forming your acquaintance,) has just run into my crib to borrow eighty pounds, to save him the trouble of cutting back to the West End, as he has a payment to make in the City. Now, as the deuce will have it, I my- self have overdrawn my banker; and so I am keeping Noodleton here, while I just send this scrawl to you, to beg you to send me the money without a moment’s delay. Bis dat, qui cito dat—which I need not translate for so good ascholar as you are known to be. You must send the money, and not attempt to come yourself, as Noodleton would not know what I am doing for him for all the world. He is so confounded delicate; and he would not lessen himself in the eyes of the Perpetual Chairman and President of the Honourable and Independent Club of Luminaries, for the half of his princely fortune. Notaword about all this to the ladies. 3 ‘Yours sincerely, my dear Pifpaf, ‘¢ Aueustus PENTONVILLE.” This letter was folded and addressed to Mr. Pifpaf. “Now, Tom,” said the Captain, “listen to my instructions. You will take this letter to Mr. Pifpaf’s house; and if he’s at home, well and good—then wait for an answer. If not, go on straight to the Musical Bee, and there you will be certain to find him. Of course I have not put my address upon the letter—he will think it an oversight ; Gomicbooks (E(0)