In the meantime the corporal had been picked up, and the men were attempting to recover him.  Smallbones went forward to see what had become of him, and learnt how it was that he was insensible.

“Well, then,” thought Smallbones, “it may have been all the same with the dog, and I believe there’s humbug in it, for if the dog had made his appearance, as master pretends he did, all of a sudden, he’d a been more frightened than me.”

So reasoned Smallbones, and he reasoned well.  In the meantime the corporal opened his eyes, and gradually returned to his senses, and then for the first time, the ship’s company, who were all down at their breakfast, demanded of Smallbones the reason of the corporal’s conduct.

“Why,” replied Smallbones, “because that ’ere beast, Snarleyyow, be come back again, all alive, a’ter being dead and buried—­he’s in the cabin now—­that’s all.”

“That’s all!” exclaimed one.  “All!” cried another.  “The devil!” said a third.

“I said as how it would be,” said Obadiah Coble—­“that dog is no dog, as sure as I sit here.”

The return of the dog certainly had a strong effect upon the whole of the ship’s company.  The corporal swore that he was not in the cabin, and that Mr Vanslyperken had arranged for his going on shore to look for him, when all of a sudden the dog made his appearance, no one knew how.  Smallbones found himself so much in the minority, that he said nothing.  It was perfect heresy not to believe that the dog was sent from the lower regions; and as for any further attempts to destroy it, it was considered as perfect insanity.

But this renewed attempt on the part of Smallbones, for Vanslyperken was convinced that an attempt had been made, although it had not been successful, again excited the feelings of Mr Vanslyperken against the lad, and he resolved somehow or another to retaliate.  His anger overcame his awe, and he was reckless in his desire of vengeance.  There was not the least suspicion of treachery on the part of Corporal Van Spitter in the heart of Mr Vanslyperken, and the corporal played his double part so well, that if possible he was now higher in favour than ever.

After a day or two, during which Mr Vanslyperken remained on board, he sent for the corporal, determining to sound him as to whether he would make any attempts upon Smallbones; for to such a height had Vanslyperken’s enmity arrived, that he now resolved to part with some of his darling money, to tempt the corporal, rather than not get rid of the lad.  After many hints thrown out, but not taken by the wily corporal, who was resolved that Vanslyperken should speak plainly, the deed and the reward of ten guineas were openly proclaimed, and Vanslyperken waited for the corporal’s reply.

“Mein Gott, Mynheer Vanslyperken! suppose it vas possible, I not take your money, I do it wid pleasure; but, sir, it not possible.”

“Not possible!” exclaimed Vanslyperken.