having been put inside his telescope. Another declared he felt the bunt of the Line at the moment we crossed it. Waen I came out I beheld a great sail stretched across the deck, just in front of the main-mast, so that we could see nothing, except that on the other side of it there was an immense slop oozing out from something, and in front was written “ Neptune’s original easy shaving-shop.” At the appointed time the sale was hauled away, and we saw all the contrivances. At the starboard gang. way there was a sail hung across two masts, stretched from the bulwark to the long-boat,so as to make a great bag, filled about four or five feet deep with water: there was also a ladder by which to help the victims in ou one side, but nothing to help them out on the other. On the ether side of the ship were all Neptune’s party, hallooing and bawling with speaking-trumpe is, Neptune himself was not a had figure, Face and legs painted black and white, and dressed up @ é# Guy, with oil-cloth and hits of rope and yarn hanging on each side of his head, He sat in his car with his wife and daughter, who were merely dressed up in gowng and bonnets begged of the maids. The car was drawn by eight Tritons with painted legs, and black horns on their heads. Neptune was accompanied by his secretary, his doctor, and his dear, who was, by far, the best of the set, dressed in sheep-skins, and held by two Tritons.
We were all on the poop, to be out of the way of the mess; and all the gentlemen who had mot crossed the Line before had taken care to dress conformably, in jerseys and trowsers, and no stockings. Presently all the party came aft, and Neptune and the Captain had a conversation concerning the news of the ship and Neptune's own private history. ‘“ How are you off for fish, Mr. Neptune?” ‘ Very badiy, indeed, sir: I*ve had nothing these twe mouths bnuta bit of an old soldier who was thrown overboard; and he was so tough L could net eat hin.’ Bear began to growl. “ Can’t you keep that beast quiet?” said Neptone. ‘Tritons tuggedat bear. Bear sprawled and flounced, knocked down two men, all rolling in the slop together ; at last Tritons tugged bear into order. ‘Hhe Captain desired Neptune to proceed to business: so the bear goi into the sail, that being his domain, in order te duck the victims. ‘The barber brought out his razor and shaying-pot, whieh were an ald saw and
