“You took Smallbones with you?” said Vanslyperken.

“Yes, mynheer, to carry de linen.”

“And where was he when you were at the washerwoman’s.”

“He was here and dere.”

“I know that it was he who killed and buried the dog, corporal.”

Corporal Van Spitter started, he thought he was discovered.

“Kilt and perryed, mein Gott!” said the corporal, obliged to say something.

“Yes, I overheard the men say so on deck, corporal.  He must have taken the opportunity when you were in the house counting the linen.”

Now the corporal had time to recover himself, and he argued that anything was better than that he should be suspected.  Smallbones was already known to have attempted the life of the dog, so he would leave the lieutenant in his error.

“Mein Gott’ he is von d——­d kill-dog feller,” observed the corporal.  “I look everywhere, I no find te tog.  Den de dog is dead?”

“Yes,” replied Vanslyperken, “but I’ll punish the scoundrel, depend upon it.  That will do, corporal; you may go.”

As Snarleyyow remained perfectly quiet during this conversation, we must give Vanslyperken great credit for his manoeuvre.  The corporal went to Smallbones, and repeated what had passed.  Smallbones snapped his fingers.

“He may keel-haul, or hang me, for all I care.  The dog is dead.  Never fear, corporal, I won’t peach upon you.  I’m game, and I’ll die so—­if so be I must.”

Vanslyperken sent for Smallbones.  Smallbones, who was worked up to the highest state of excitement, came in boldly.

“So, you villain, you’ve killed my dog, and buried it.”

“No, I ar’n’t,” replied Smallbones.  “I knows nothing about your dog, sir.”

“Why, the men on deck said so, you scoundrel, I heard them.”

“I don’t care what the men say; I never killed your dog, sir.”

“You rascal, I’ll have your life!” exclaimed Vanslyperken.

Smallbones grinned diabolically, and Vanslyperken, who remembered all that the men had said in confirmation of his own opinion relative to Smallbones, turned pale.  Smallbones, on his part, aware from Corporal Van Spitter, that the lieutenant had such an idea, immediately took advantage of the signs in the lieutenant’s countenance, and drawled out,—­“That’s—­not—­so—­easy!”

Vanslyperken turned away.  “You may go now, sir, but depend upon it you shall feel my vengeance!” and Smallbones quitted the cabin.

Vanslyperken finished his toilet, and then turned the dog out of the bed.

He went on deck, and after he had walked a little while, sent for Corporal Van Spitter to consult as to the best method of ascertaining what had become of Snarleyyow.  Having entered apparently very earnestly into the corporal’s arrangements, who was to go on shore immediately, he desired the corporal to see his breakfast got ready in the cabin.

It so happened, that the corporal went into the cabin, followed by Smallbones; the first object that met his view, was Snarleyyow, sitting upon the chest, scratching his ragged ear as if nothing had happened.