But in a minute or two, a woman came in from the street, with her long black hair hanging about her shoulders, and her cap in her hand.

"Well," cried she, "they've nabbed my husband; but I'll be dished if I hav'n't boxed up the midshipmite in that parlour, and he shall take his place." I thought I should have died when I looked at the woman, and perceived her coming up to the door, followed by some others, to unlock it.

As the door opened, I drew my dirk, resolving to die like an officer, and as they advanced I retreated to a corner, brandishing my dirk, without saying a word.
"Vell," cried the woman who had made me a prisoner, "I do declare I likes to see a puddle in a storm--only look at the little biscuit-nibbler showing fight! Come, my lovey, you belongs to me." "Never!" exclaimed I with indignation.

"Keep off, I shall do you mischief" (and I raised my dirk in advance); "I am an officer and a gentleman." "Sall," cried the odious woman, "fetch a mop and a pail of dirty water, and I'll trundle that dirk out of his fist." "No, no," replied another rather good-looking young woman, "leave him to me--don't hurt him--he really is a very nice little man.

What's your name, my dear ?" "Peter Simple is my name," replied I; "and I am a king's officer, so be careful what you are about." "Don't be afraid, Peter, nobody shall hurt you; but you must not draw your dirk before ladies, that's not like an officer and a gentleman--so put up your dirk, that's a good boy." "I will not," replied I, "unless you promise me that I shall go away unmolested." "I do promise you that you shall, upon my word, Peter--upon my honour-- will that content you ?" "Yes," replied I, "if every one else will promise the same." "Upon our honours," they all cried together; upon which I was satisfied, and putting my dirk into its sheath, was about to quit the room.
"Stop, Peter," said the young woman who had taken my part; "I must have a kiss before you go." "And so must I; and so must we all," cried the other women.
I was very much shocked, and attempted to draw my dirk again, but they had closed in with me, and prevented me.