"But, Peter, how in the name of mumbo jumbo, came you here?"
"Why, massa, you do forget a leetle, dat I am a Creole negro, and not a
naked tatooed African, whose exploits, dat is de wonderful ting him
never do in him's own country, him get embroidered and pinked in
gunpowder on him breach; beside, I am a Christian gentleman like
youshef; so d--n mumbo jumbo, Massa Cringle."
I saw where I had erred. "So say I, Peter, d--n mumbo jumbo
particularly; but how came you here, man? tell me that."
"Why, massa, I was out in de pilot boat schooner, wid my wife here, and
five more hands, waiting for de outward bound, finking no harm, when dem
piratical rascal catch we, and carry us off. Yankee privateer bad
enough; but who ever hear of pilot being carry off? blasphemy dat--carry
off pilot! Who ever dream of such a ting? every shivilized peoples
respect pilot--carry off pilot!--oh Lord" and he groaned in spirit for
several seconds.
"And the dog?" enquired I.
"Oh, massa, I could not leave him at home; and since you was good enough
to board him wid us, he has messed wid us, ay and slept wid us; and when
we started last, although he showed some dislike at going on board, I
had only to say, Sneezer, we go look for you master and he make such a
bound, dat he capsize my old woman dere, heel, over head; oh dear, what
display, Nancy, you was exhibit!"
"Hold your tongue, Peter; you hab no decency, you old willain.
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