John seemed rather moody and dogged; however, we soon got within hailing-distance; and having provided myself with a speaking-trumpet—­John having forgot his—­I esteemed it good policy to, in a social way, have a small quantity of talk with Jacob, who, although a common sort of person, I felt assured must be well posted on matters and things concerning manifest destiny.  We were running bow on, and at the moment I seized the trumpet for a blow, Jacob sung out—­’Good morning!’ just like a free and easy citizen, who had sense enough to be approached at any time without walling himself up in the dignity of that thing called a duke.  His voice was like thunder, with reechoes for accents.  ‘Mind your helm!—­you steer rather wild, there!’ he spoke.

“‘Old feller! don’t get into a pucker; there’s not a mite of danger,’ I returned.  ‘Just hold up a little, and let us have a bit of a talk!’

“‘Well, don’t mind if I do,’ good-naturedly returned the old man.  So we hooked on to his establishment,—­laid her aback in the wind, and, as the sailor would say, ‘came to.’

“‘Who are you, anyhow?’ continued Jacob, getting up and shaking himself.

“’Well, I’m Young America (Jacob shook his head, doubtfully, at the name) and my friend here, is Cousin John, from across the water.  We are going to take a view of state affairs around this little globe of ours, that we may report to General Pierce in particular.’

“‘Then you’re from the States down yonder?’ rejoined the old man.

“‘Just so!’

“’Ah,—­go-ahead fellers down there, they are!  But they’ve got to mind their moves just about this time.’

“’Seeing it’s you, Jacob,—­and knowing that you must be worn down with toil, s’pose we strike a trade in a small sort of way?’ Jacob shook his head, and replied: 

“‘Like your folks for their masterly energies, but rather not trade.’

“’That won’t do, old fellow:  you must come out on the new principles of civilizations.  Who knows that we may make an arrangement to annex your little establishment to these United States!  Young America has, you see, yet to fulfil the functions of manifest destiny.’

“‘Don’t, pray don’t, bring your Young America about my dominions!’ he exclaimed, interrupting just as John Littlejohn was about to speak.

“John spoke, inquiring if his preferences were not for him?  He knew old Jacob would like to annex his dominions to Great Britain, seeing that he carried out his annexation in a quiet sort of way.  Jacob laughed right out—­laughed irresistibly; laughed as if he meant it for something.  ’To be honest with you, gentlemen, and I know you’ll excuse me for being out-spoken,—­I want nothing to do with either of you.  You’ll both steal territory; and as for you, Young America, take a word of honest advice—­be contented with what has honestly fallen to you, covet not that which is thy neighbor’s, but improve what thou hast of thine own.  At the same time, take particular care how thou sail in this very lofty atmosphere.  Your manifest destiny may fall into martyrdom.’