"
"That suggestion is impossible," said Blackstone, rising. "Whether the
relief expedition amounts to anything or not, it's good to be set going.
The ladies would never forgive us if we sat here inactive, even if they
were capable of rescuing themselves. It is an accepted principle of law
that this climate hath no fury like a woman left to herself, and we've got
enough professional furies hereabouts without our aiding in augmenting the
ranks. We must have a boat."
"It'll cost you a thousand dollars a week," said Charon.
"I'll subscribe fifty," cried Hamlet.
"I'll consult my secretary," said Solomon, "and find out how many of my
wives have been abducted, and I'll pay ten dollars apiece for their
recovery."
"That's liberal," said Hawkshaw. "There are sixty-three of 'em on board,
together with eighty of his fiancees. What's the quotation on fiancees,
King Solomon?"
"Nothing," said Solomon. "They're not mine yet, and it's their fathers'
business to get 'em back. Not mine."
Other subscriptions came pouring in, and it was not long before everybody
save Shylock had put his name down for something. This some one of the
more quick-witted of the spirits soon observed, and, with reckless
disregard of the feelings of the Merchant of Venice, began to call:
"Shylock! Shylock! How much?"
The Merchant tried to leave the pier, but his path was blocked.
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