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In spite of himself, Fred laughed outright at his friend's melancholy look, much to the disgust of Gus.

"On my honor, my dear fellow, you are smitten. I shouldn't wonder if you would be rash enough to take a wife next," said Fred.

"Rash! I think it's the most sensible thing a fellow could do. Don't you ever intend to marry, Fred?"

"Not I," said the other, carelessly, "as I said before, liberty or death for me. Why, Gus, the tyranny of King George is nothing to that of a wife. Don't you know what the French poet Mauvause says:

'I would advise a man to pause

Before he takes a wife,

Indeed, I own, I see no cause

He should not pause for life.'"

"He must have been a crusty old bachelor who wrote that," remarked Gus; "as for me, I intend to make fierce love to Nell the moment I land. 'Pon my honor, I'd give a diamond ring to see that flinty heart of yours lying at the feet of some graceful little Yankee—metaphorically speaking, of course. They say, Fred, the American ladies are all pretty!"