
small matters?«
    »He is a na-tive of our country, and is nat'rally bright and spry, of
course,« said Mr. Pogram.
    »Now, observe what this comes to, Mr. Pogram,« pursued Martin. »The mass of
your countrymen begin by stubbornly neglecting little social observances, which
have nothing to do with gentility, custom, usage, government, or country, but
are acts of common, decent, natural, human politeness. You abet them in this, by
resenting all attacks upon their social offences as if they were a beautiful
national feature. From disregarding small obligations they come in regular
course to disregard great ones; and so refuse to pay their debts. What they may
do, or what they may refuse to do next, I don't know; but any man may see if he
will, that it will be something following in natural succession, and a part of
one great growth, which is rotten at the root.«
    The mind of Mr. Pogram was too philosophical to see this; so they went on
deck again, where, resuming his former post, he chewed until he was in a
lethargic state, amounting to insensibility.
    After a weary voyage of several days, they came again to that same wharf
where Mark had been so nearly left behind, on the night of starting for Eden.
Captain Kedgick, the landlord, was standing there, and was greatly surprised to
see them coming from the boat.
    »Why, what the 'tarnal!« cried the Captain. »Well! I do admire at this, I
do!«
    »We can stay at your house until to-morrow, Captain, I suppose?« said
Martin.
    »I reckon you can stay there for a twelvemonth if you like,« retorted
Kedgick coolly. »But our people won't best like your coming back.«
    »Won't like it, Captain Kedgick!« said Martin.
    »They did ex-pect you was a-going to settle,« Kedgick answered, as he shook
his head. »They've been took in, you can't deny!«
    »What do you mean?« cried Martin.
    »You didn't ought to have received 'em,« said the Captain. »No, you didn't!«
    »My good friend,« returned Martin, »did I want to receive them? Was it any
act of mine? Didn't you tell me they would rile up, and that I should be flayed
like
