or water that can be drunk,
and it is the manner in which the French express fresh-water,« rejoined Jasper,
a little nettled at the distinctions made by Cap; although the latter was the
uncle of Mabel.
    »And how the devil do they make water out of Oh! the deuce, when it means
brandy in Eau-de-vie? This may be the French used, hereaway, but it is not that
they use in Burdux, and other French ports; besides, among seamen Eau always
means brandy, and Eau-de-vie, brandy of a high proof. I think nothing of your
ignorance, young man, for it is natural to your situation, and cannot be helped.
If you will return with me, and make a v'y'ge or two, on the Atlantic, it will
serve you a good turn the remainder of your days, and, Mabel there, and all the
other young women, near the coast, will think all the better of you, should you
live to be as old as one of the trees in this forest.«
    »Nay, nay,« interrupted the single hearted and generous guide, »Jasper wants
not for friends, in this region, I can assure you; and though seeing the world,
according to his habits, may do him good, as well as another, we shall think
none the worse of him, if he never quits us. Eau douce, or Eau-de-vie, he is a
brave, true-hearted youth, and I always sleep as sound, when he is on the watch
as if I was up and stirring myself; ay, and for that matter, sounder too. The
Sarjeant's daughter, here, does'n't believe it necessary for the lad to go to
sea, in order to make a man of him, or one, who is worthy to be respected and
esteemed.«
    Mabel made no reply to this appeal, and she even looked towards the eastern
shore, although the darkness rendered the natural movement unnecessary to
conceal her face. But, Jasper felt that there was a necessity for his saying
something, the pride of youth and manhood revolting at the idea of his being in
a condition not to command the respect of his fellows, or the smiles of his
equals of the other sex. Still he was unwilling to utter aught that might be
considered harsh, to the uncle of Mabel, and his self command was, perhaps, more
creditable than his modesty and spirit.
    »I pretend not to