But a spider does not belong to the order of insects properly so called; it is placed in that of the arachnida, and, consequently, was valueless in Cousin Benedict's eyes.

Thus he scorned it, and the most beautiful jewel of his collection was a remarkable staphylin from New Zealand.
It is needless to say that Cousin Benedict, by paying a heavy premium, had insured his cargo, which to him seemed much more precious than all the freight of oil and bones stowed away in the hold of the "Pilgrim." Just as the "Pilgrim" was getting under sail, when Mrs.Weldon and her companion for the voyage found themselves on the deck of the schooner, Captain Hull approached his passenger: "It is understood, Mrs.Weldon," he said to her, "that, if you take passage on board the 'Pilgrim,' it is on your own responsibility." "Why do you make that observation to me, Mr.Hull ?" asked Mrs.Weldon.
"Because I have not received an order from your husband in regard to it, and, all things considered, a schooner cannot offer you the guarantees of a good passage, like a packet-boat, specially intended to carry travelers." "If my husband were here," replied Mrs.Weldon, "do you think, Mr.
Hull, that he would hesitate to embark on the 'Pilgrim,' in company with his wife and child ?" "No, Mrs.Weldon, he would not hesitate," said Captain Hull; "no, indeed! no more than I should hesitate myself! The 'Pilgrim' is a good ship after all, even though she has made but a sad cruise, and I am sure of her, as much so as a seaman can be of the ship which he has commanded for several years.

The reason I speak, Mrs.Weldon, is to get rid of personal responsibility, and to repeat that you will not find on board the comfort to which you have been accustomed." "As it is only a question of comfort, Mr.Hull," replied Mrs.Weldon, "that should not stop me.

I am not one of those troublesome passengers who complain incessantly of the narrowness of the cabins, and the insufficiency of the table." Then, after looking for a few moments at her little Jack, whom she held by the hand, Mrs.Weldon said: "Let us go, Mr.Hull!" The orders were given to get under way at once, the sails were set, and the "Pilgrim," working to get out to sea in the shortest time possible, steered for the American coast.
But, three days after her departure, the schooner, thwarted by strong breezes from the east, was obliged to tack to larboard to make headway against the wind.

So, at the date of February 2d, Captain Hull still found himself in a higher latitude than he would have wished, and in the situation of a sailor who wanted to double Cape Horn rather than reach the New Continent by the shortest course..