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Updated: May 10, 2025
The corporal then stated that he had taken the precaution to take the dog on shore, as he was afraid to leave it on board when he went to the washerwoman's, and that he was not long there, but while he was, the dog disappeared. He had looked everywhere, but could not find it. "You took Smallbones with you?" said Vanslyperken. "Yes, mynheer, to carry de linen."
"Yes, and ayond it, afore the tide turned, and then I were swept back again, and came into harbour again, just half an hour afore you come aboard." Mr Vanslyperken looked aghast; the lad must have had a charmed life. Nine miles, at least; out to sea, and nine miles back again.
"Yes, yes," replied Vanslyperken, falling back on his pillow. It had been intended by the conspirators, that Smallbones should make his appearance in the cabin, as the bell struck one o'clock; but the effect had already been so serious that it was thought advisable to defer any further attempts.
He then pointed out that it was necessary that Vanslyperken should not only be blinded as to the state of matters between them, but that, to entrap him still more, the widow should, if possible, make friends with him.
Vanslyperken left, and as he shut the other door the corporal did the same with the one he held ajar, and took a seat at the other end of the room, that the Jesuit might not suspect his having overheard all that had passed.
Vanslyperken retreated and gained the deck by the ladder; he had hardly been up when he observed a face at the hatchway, who was evidently looking to ascertain if he was on deck. These few words overheard, satisfied Vanslyperken that Smallbones was alive and on board the cutter; and he perceived how he had been played with. His rage was excessive, but he did not know how to act.
"Now tell me, fellow, what were you going to do with this?" inquired the man in a severe tone. "I sha'n't tell you," replied Vanslyperken. "Why that's the chap that I sees go in and out of the room where that old hell-fire witch lives, who curses all day long." "I thought as much," observed the man, who still held up the cur's tail.
Thereupon the corporal filled without being asked, and, as he perceived that his superior remained in the same position, and did not observe him, he helped himself to a second glass, and then waited till Vanslyperken should speak again; but the liquor had overpowered him, and he spoke no more.
This Vanslyperken well knew, and he therefore always pressed his suit in the afternoon, and as soon as it was dark returned on board. Smallbones, who watched at the back door the movements of his master, perceived that he was refixing his sword-belt over his shoulder, and he knew this to be the signal for departure.
"Yes, your honour's honour, I've come to expose a snivelling traitor to his majesty's crown. Yes, yes, Mr Vanslyperken, we shall see now," continued the widow, talking to herself, and fanning away. "We are all attentive, madam."
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