"What nice little ladies they would have made!" said Tom.
"Their dancing days are over," said Toney.
"Matrimony imposes important duties," said the Professor; "and the little Loves and Doves will soon claim their undivided attention."
The ball-room was a long apartment, under the forecastle, called the forward cabin. It was illuminated by a number of lamps, which "shone o'er fair women and brave men" assembled to enjoy that "scene of revelry by night."
"The young man seems to be greatly terrified," said the Professor.
"He is like one under an optical illusion," said Toney.
"Moses believes he is now in the presence of more than a dozen beautiful women," said Tom.
"And has shrunk timidly in a corner to avoid the observation of the enemy," said Toney.
"He has attracted the attention of a young maiden who has fixed her bright glances on him, as if meditating mischief," said the Professor.
"Strangely forgetful of the obvious rules of propriety!" said the Professor.
"But in vain; for she has grappled him around the waist," said Tom.
"And is carrying him by main force into the middle of the floor," said Toney.
"Was ever such vigor witnessed among virgins!" said Tom.
"Never since the extinction of the Amazonian race!" said the Professor.
"Moses and his partner lead off," said Toney.
"Clear the way!" said Tom, as each gayly attired gallant selected a partner; and soon "the fun grew fast and furious."
"Mr. Pate seems to be perfectly at home in the dance," said the Professor.
"And so does the Long Green Boy," said Toney.
"Old Grizzly is performing his part admirably," said Tom.
"He is peeping from behind a masked battery of black beard upon the charms of his agreeable partner," said Toney.
"The young lady should beware of his hug," said Tom.
"The pair forcibly remind one of the old story of Beauty and the Beast," said the Professor.
"Hercules and the damsel with whom he is dancing require an immense amount of sea-room," said Toney.
"Heads up!" exclaimed Tom. And, as he uttered this exclamation, the ship, which had been running on an even keel, gave a sudden lurch to the larboard, upsetting all the fun in an instant, and spoiling the poetry of motion.
"Ah, then and there was hurrying to and fro,"
and Hercules pitched headforemost with his partner into a bunk. The indignant damsel arose and gave utterance to a wish the literal fulfillment of which would have found Hercules, poor fellow! sadly in need of the aid of an experienced oculist.