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that he never transgress so again. Ant please you, Sir, quoth Jack, I dare swear he never will; and if you will take care that he shall not be hanged this time, I am sure Tom’s a very honest fellow, and will be very thankful to you. Well, said his Majesty, you may assure yourself, that he shall not die for this crime; and you may let him know that I will save his life for the sake of your letter here. Ay, Sir, said the sailor, but how can a body be sure that you will not forget it? Why, replied the King you may take my word for it, I will not forget it. Cause, if you should, quoth Jack, perhaps they may hang him, and you never be the wiser. But if once we should get him a shipboard with us, by the blood! but you must then ask the captain first, or a thousand of you could not hang him. Why then, replied the King if you will take care, and get him a shipboard, as soon as he is set at liberty, I will take care he shall be discharged in a very few days. Sir, replied the sailor, I return your Kingship a great many thanks; and I am sure, poor Tom will be ready to hang himself for joy, that he is to go on board again: And by the mess! there is no good to be got staying for long on shore. Then he made the King a low bow, hitched up his trowsers, tacked himself about, and steered off in triumph, that his polite letter had saved his messmate's life.
And the story says, that the King and his attendants were no less delighted with the poor sailor’s embassy, than they were with the success of it.
FINIS.
