Him the Captain settled by telling, that if he didn't change his mind in a month he'd see about it, and so packed him off to bed.

Secondly, as he was taking off his coat, wondering exceedingly at Jim's communication, Sam appeared, and humbly and respectfully informed him that he had that day proposed to his daughter and been accepted,--provisionally; hoping that the Captain would not disapprove of him as a sonin-law.

He was also rapidly packed off to bed, by the assurance that he (Brentwood) had never felt so happy in his life, and had been sincerely hoping that the young folks would fall in love with one another for a year past.
So, Sam dismissed, the Captain got into bed; but as soon as the light was blown out two native cats began grunting under the washing-stand, and he had to get out, and expel them in his shirt; and finally he lost his temper and began swearing.

"Is a man never to get to sleep ?" said he.

"The devil must be abroad tonight, if ever he was in his life." No sleep that night for Captain Brentwood.