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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Mr. Midshipman Easy, by Frederick
+Marryat
+
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+Title: Mr. Midshipman Easy
+
+Author: Frederick Marryat
+
+Release Date: October, 2004  [EBook #6629] [Yes, we are more than one
+year ahead of schedule] [This file was first posted on January 5,
+2003]
+
+Edition: 10
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, MR. MIDSHIPMAN EASY ***
+
+
+
+
+Scanned by John Edward Heaton in Guatemala.
+
+
+MR MIDSHIPMAN EASY By FREDERICK MARRYAT (1792-1848)
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+Which the reader will find very easy to read.
+
+Mr Nicodemus Easy was a gentleman who lived down in Hampshire; he was
+a married man, and in very easy circumstances. Most couples find it
+very easy to have a family, but not always quite so easy to maintain
+them.  Mr Easy was not at all uneasy on the latter score, as he had no
+children; but he was anxious to have them, as most people covet what
+they cannot obtain.  After ten years, Mr Easy gave it up as a bad job.
+Philosophy is said to console a man under disappointment, although
+Shakespeare asserts that it is no remedy for toothache; so Mr Easy
+turned philosopher, the very best profession a man can take up, when
+he is fit for nothing else; he must be a very incapable person indeed
+who cannot talk nonsense.  For some time, Mr Easy could not decide
+upon what description his nonsense should consist of; at last he fixed
+upon the rights of man, equality, and all that; how every person was
+born to inherit his share of the earth, a right at present only
+admitted to a certain length; that is, about six feet, for we all
+inherit our graves and are allowed to take possession without dispute.
+But no one would listen to Mr Easy's philosophy.  The women would not
+acknowledge the rights of men, whom they declared always to be in the
+wrong; and, as the gentlemen who visited Mr Easy were all men of
+property, they could not perceive the advantages of sharing with those
+who had none. However, they allowed him to discuss the question, while
+they discussed his port wine.  The wine was good, if the arguments
+were not, and we must take things as we find them in this world.
+
+While Mr Easy talked philosophy, Mrs Easy played patience, and they
+were a very happy couple, riding side by side on their hobbies, and
+never interfering with each other.  Mr Easy knew his wife could not
+understand him, and therefore did not expect her to listen very
+attentively; and Mrs Easy did not care how much her husband talked,
+provided she was not put out in her game.  Mutual forbearance will
+always ensure domestic felicity.
+
+There was another cause for their agreeing so well.  Upon any disputed
+question Mr Easy invariably gave it up to Mrs Easy, telling her that
+she should have her own way and this pleased his wife; but, as Mr Easy
+always took care, when it came to the point, to have his way, he was
+pleased as well.  It is true that Mrs Easy had long found out that she
+did not have her own way long; but she was of an easy disposition, and
+as, in nine cases out of ten, it was of very little consequence how
+things were done, she was quite satisfied with his submission during
+the heat of the argument.  Mr Easy had admitted that she was right,
+and if like all men he would do wrong, why, what could a poor woman
+do?  With a lady of such a. quiet disposition, it is easy to imagine
+that the domestic felicity of Mr Easy was not easily disturbed. But,
+as people have observed before, there is a mutability in human
+affairs.  It was at the finale of the eleventh year of their marriage
+that Mrs Easy at first complained that she could not enjoy her
+breakfast.  Mrs Easy had her own suspicions, everybody else considered
+it past doubt, all except Mr Easy; he little "thought, good easy man,
+that his greatness was ripening"; he had decided that to have an heir
+was no Easy task, and it never came into his calculations, that there
+could be a change in his wife's figure.  You might have added to it,
+subtracted from it, divided it, or multiplied it, but as it was a
+zero, the result would be always the same.  Mrs Easy also was not
+quite sure--she believed it might be the case, there was no saying; it
+might be a mistake, like that of Mrs Trunnion's in the novel, and,
+therefore, she said nothing to her husband about the matter.  At last
+Mr Easy opened his eyes, and when, upon interrogating his wife, he
+found out the astounding truth, he opened his eyes still wider, and
+then he snapped his fingers and danced, like a bear upon hot plates,
+with delight, thereby proving that different causes may produce
+similar effects in two instances at one and the same time.  The bear
+dances from pain, Mr Easy from pleasure; and again, when we are
+indifferent, or do not care for anything, we snap our fingers at it,
+and when we are overjoyed, and obtain what we most care for, we also
+snap our fingers.  Two months after Mr Easy snapped his fingers, Mrs
+Easy felt no inclination to snap hers, either from indifference or
+pleasure, The fact was, that Mrs Easy's time was come, to undergo what
+Shakespeare pronounces the pleasing punishment that women bears but
+Mrs Easy, like the rest of her sex, declared "that all men were
+liars," and most particularly poets.
+
+But while Mrs Easy was suffering, Mr Easy was in ecstasies.  He
+laughed at pain, as all philosophers do when it is suffered by other
+people, and not by themselves.
+
+In due course of time, Mrs Easy presented her husband with a fine boy,
+whom we present to the public as our hero.
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+In which Mrs Easy, as usual, has her own way.
+
+It was the fourth day after Mrs Easy's confinement that Mr Easy, who
+was sitting by her bedside in an easy chair, commenced as follows: "I
+have been thinking, my dear Mrs Easy, about the name I shall give this
+child."
+
+"Name, Mr Easy! why, what name should you give it but your own?"
+
+"Not so, my dear," replied Mr Easy; "they call all names proper names,
+but I think that mine is not.  It is the very worst name in the
+calendar."
+
+"Why, what's the matter with it, Mr Easy?"
+
+"The matter affects me as well as the boy.  Nicodemus is a long name
+to write at full length, and Nick is vulgar.  Besides, as there will
+be two Nicks, they will naturally call my boy young Nick, and of
+course I shall be styled old Nick, which will be diabolical."
+
+"Well, Mr Easy, at all events then let me choose the name."
+
+"That you shall, my dear, and it was with this view that I have
+mentioned the subject so early."
+
+"I think, Mr Easy, I will call the boy after my poor father--his name
+shall be Robert."
+
+"Very well, my dear, if you wish it, it shall be Robert.  You shall
+have your own way.  But I think, my dear, upon a little consideration,
+you will acknowledge that there is a decided objection."
+
+"An objection Mr Easy?"
+
+"Yes, my dear; Robert may be very well, but you must reflect upon the
+consequences; he is certain to be called Bob."
+
+"Well, my dear, and suppose they do call him Bob?"
+
+"I cannot bear even the supposition, my dear.  You forget the county
+in which we are residing, the downs covered with sheep."
+
+"Why, Mr Easy, what can sheep have to do with a Christian name?"
+
+"There it is; women never look to consequences.  My dear, they have a
+great deal to do with the name of Bob.  I will appeal to any farmer in
+the county, if ninety-nine shepherds' dogs out of one hundred are not
+called Bob.  Now observe, your child is out of doors somewhere in the
+fields or plantations; you want and you call him. Instead of your
+child, what do you find?  Why, a dozen curs at least, who come running
+up to you, all answering to the name of Bob, and wagging their stumps
+of tails.  You see, Mrs Easy, it is a dilemma not to be got over.  You
+level your only son to the brute creation by giving him a Christian
+name which, from its peculiar brevity, has been monopolised by all the
+dogs in the county.  Any other name you please, my dear, but in this
+one instance you must allow me to lay my positive veto."
+
+"Well, then, let me see--but I'll think of it, Mr Easy; my head aches
+very much just now."
+
+"I will think for you, my dear.  What do you say to John?"
+
+"O no, Mr Easy, such a common name."
+
+"A proof of its popularity, my dear.  It is scriptural--we have the
+Apostle and the Baptist--we have a dozen Popes who were all Johns. It
+is royal--we have plenty of kings who were Johns--and moreover, it is
+short, and sounds honest and manly."
+
+"Yes, very true, my dear; but they will call him Jack." "Well, we have
+had several celebrated characters who were Jacks. There was--let me
+see--Jack the Giant Killer, and Jack of the Bean Stock--and Jack--
+Jack--"
+
+"Jack Spratt," replied Mrs Easy. "And Jack Cade, Mrs Easy, the great
+rebel--and Three-fingered Jack, Mrs Easy, the celebrated negro--and,
+above all, Jack Falstaff, ma'am, Jack Falstaff--honest Jack Falstaff--
+witty Jack Falstaff--"
+
+"I thought, Mr Easy, that I was to be permitted to choose the name."
+
+"Well, so you shall, my dear; I give it up to you.  Do just as you
+please; but depend upon it that John is the right name.  Is it not
+now, my dear?"
+
+"It's the way you always treat me, Mr Easy; you say that you give it
+up, and that I shall have my own way, but I never do have it. I am
+sure that the child will be christened John."
+
+"Nay, my dear, it shall be just what you please.  Now I recollect it,
+there were several Greek emperors who were Johns; but decide for
+yourself, my dear."
+
+"No, no," replied Mrs Easy, who was ill, and unable to contend any
+longer, "I give it up, Mr Easy.  I know how it will be, as it always
+is: you give me my own way as people give pieces of gold to children,
+it's their own money, but they must not spend it.  Pray call him
+John."
+
+"There, my dear, did not I tell you you would be of my opinion upon
+reflection? I knew you would.  I have given you your own way, and you
+tell me to call him John; so now we're both of the same mind, and that
+point is settled."
+
+"I should like to go to sleep, Mr Easy; I feel far from well."
+
+"You shall always do just as you like, my dear," replied the husband,
+"and have your own way in everything.  It is the greatest pleasure I
+have when I yield to your wishes.  I will walk in the garden.
+Good-bye, my dear."
+
+Mrs Easy made no reply, and the philosopher quitted the room. As may
+easily be imagined, on the following day the boy was christened John.
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+In which our hero has to wait the issue of an argument.
+
+The reader may observe that, in general, all my first chapters are
+very short, and increase in length as the work advances.  I mention
+this as a proof of my modesty and diffidence.  At first, I am like a
+young bird just out of its mother's nest, pluming my little feathers
+and taking short flights.  By degrees I obtain more confidence, and
+wing my course over hill and dale.
+
+It is very difficult to throw any interest into a chapter on
+childhood.  There is the same uniformity in all children until they
+develop.  We cannot, therefore, say much relative to Jack Easy's
+earliest days; he sucked and threw up his milk while the nurse blessed
+it for a pretty dear, slept, and sucked again.  He crowed in the
+morning like a cock, screamed when he was washed, stared at the
+candle, and made wry faces with the wind.  Six months passed in these
+innocent amusements, and then he was put into shorts.  But I ought
+here to have remarked, that Mrs Easy did not find herself equal to
+nursing her own infant, and it was necessary to look out for a
+substitute.
+
+Now a common-place person would have been satisfied with the
+recommendation of the medical man, who looks but to the one thing
+needful, which is a sufficient and wholesome supply of nourishment for
+the child; but Mr Easy was a philosopher, and had latterly taken to
+craniology, and he descanted very learnedly with the Doctor upon the
+effect of his only son obtaining his nutriment from an unknown source.
+"Who knows," observed Mr Easy, "but that my son may not imbibe with
+his milk the very worst passions of human nature."
+
+"I have examined her," replied the Doctor, "and can safely recommend
+her."
+
+"That examination is only preliminary to one more important," replied
+Mr Easy.  "I must examine her."
+
+"Examine who, Mr Easy?" exclaimed his wife, who had lain down again on
+the bed.
+
+"The nurse, my dear."
+
+"Examine what, Mr Easy?" continued the lady.
+
+"Her head, my dear," replied the husband.  "I must ascertain what her
+propensities are."
+
+"I think you had better leave her alone, Mr Easy.  She comes this
+evening, and I shall question her pretty severely.  Doctor Middleton,
+what do you know of this young person?"
+
+"I know, madam, that she is very healthy and strong, or I should not
+have selected her."
+
+"But is her character good?"
+
+"Really, madam, I know little about her character; but you can make
+any inquiries you please.  But at the same time I ought to observe,
+that if you are too particular in that point, you will have some
+difficulty in providing yourself."
+
+"Well, I shall see," replied Mrs Easy. "And I shall feel," rejoined
+the husband.
+
+This parleying was interrupted by the arrival of the very person in
+question, who was announced by the housemaid, and was ushered in.  She
+was a handsome, florid, healthy-looking girl, awkward and naive in her
+manner, and apparently not over wise; there was more of the dove than
+of the serpent in her composition.
+
+Mr Easy, who was very anxious to make his own discoveries, was the
+first who spoke.  "Young woman, come this way, I wish to examine your
+head."
+
+"Oh! dear me, sir, it's quite clean, I assure you,". cried the girl,
+dropping a curtsey.
+
+Doctor Middleton, who sat between the bed and Mr Easy's chair, rubbed
+his hands and laughed.
+
+In the meantime, Mr Easy had untied the string and taken off the cap
+of the young woman, and was very busy putting his fingers through her
+hair, during which the face of the young woman expressed fear and
+astonishment.
+
+"I am glad to perceive that you have a large portion of benevolence."
+
+"Yes," replied the young woman, dropping a curtsey.
+
+"And veneration also."
+
+"Thanky, sir."
+
+"And the organ of modesty is strongly developed."
+
+"Yes, sir," replied the girl with a smile.
+
+"That's quite a new organ," thought Dr Middleton.
+
+"Philoprogenitiveness very powerful."
+
+"If you please, sir, I don't know what that is," answered Sarah, with
+a curtsey.
+
+"Nevertheless you have given us a practical, illustration.  Mrs Easy,
+I am satisfied.  Have you any questions to ask?  But it is quite
+unnecessary."
+
+"To be sure I have, Mr Easy.  Pray, young woman, what is your name?"
+
+"Sarah, if you please, ma'am."
+
+"How long have you been married?"
+
+"Married, ma'am?"
+
+"Yes, married."
+
+"If you please, ma'am, I had a misfortune, ma'am," replied the girl,
+casting down her eyes.
+
+"What, have you not been married?"
+
+"No, ma'am, not yet."
+
+"Good heavens!  Dr Middleton, what can you mean by bringing this
+person here?" exclaimed Mrs Easy.  "Not a married woman, and she has a
+child!"
+
+"If you please, ma'am," interrupted the young woman, dropping a
+curtsey, "it was a very little one."
+
+"A very little one!" exclaimed Mrs Easy.
+
+"Yes, ma'am, very small, indeed, and died soon after it was born."
+
+"Oh, Dr Middleton!--what could you mean, Dr Middleton?"
+
+"My dear madam," exclaimed the Doctor, rising from his chair, "this is
+the only person that I could find suited to the wants of your child,
+and if you do not take her I cannot answer for its life.  It is true,
+that a married woman might be procured; but married women, who have a
+proper feeling, will not desert their own children; and as Mr Easy
+asserts, and you appear to imagine, the temper and disposition of your
+child may be affected by the nourishment it receives, I think it more
+likely to be injured by the milk of a married woman who will desert
+her own child for the sake of gain.  The misfortune which has happened
+to this young woman is not always a proof of a bad heart, but of
+strong attachment, and the overweening confidence of simplicity."
+
+"You are correct, Doctor," replied Mr Easy, "and her head proves that
+she is a modest young woman, with strong religious feeling, kindness
+of disposition, and every other requisite."
+
+"The head may prove it all for what I know, Mr Easy, but her conduct
+tells another tale."
+
+"She is well fitted for the situation, ma'am," continued the Doctor.
+
+"And if you please, ma'am," rejoined Sarah, "it was such a little
+one."
+
+"Shall I try the baby, ma'am?" said the monthly nurse, who had
+listened in silence.  "It is fretting so, poor thing, and has its dear
+little fist right down its throat."
+
+Dr Middleton gave the signal of assent, and in a few seconds Master
+John Easy was fixed to Sarah as tight as a leech.
+
+"Lord love it, how hungry it is!--there, there, stop it a moment, it's
+choking, poor thing!"
+
+Mrs Easy, who was lying on her bed, rose up, and went to the child.
+Her first feeling was that of envy, that another should have such a
+pleasure which was denied to herself; the next, that of delight, at
+the satisfaction expressed by the infant.  In a few minutes the child
+fell back in a deep sleep.  Mrs Easy was satisfied; maternal feelings
+conquered all others, and Sarah was duly installed.
+
+To make short work of it, we have said that Jack Easy in six months
+was in shorts.  He soon afterwards began to crawl and show his legs;
+indeed, so indecorously, that it was evident that he had imbibed no
+modesty with Sarah's milk, neither did he appear to have gained
+veneration or benevolence, for he snatched at everything, squeezed the
+kitten to death, scratched his mother, and pulled his father by the
+hair; notwithstanding all which, both his father and mother and the
+whole household declared him to be the finest and sweetest child in
+the universe.  But if we were to narrate all the wonderful events of
+Jack's childhood from the time of his birth up to the age of seven
+years, as chronicled by Sarah, who continued his dry nurse after he
+had been weaned, it would take at least three volumes folio.  Jack was
+brought up in the way that every only child usually is--that is, he
+was allowed to have his own way.
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+In which the doctor prescribes going to school as a remedy for a cut
+finger.
+
+"Have you no idea of putting the boy to school, Mr Easy?" said Dr
+Middleton, who had been summoned by a groom with his horse in a foam
+to attend immediately at Forest Hill, the name of Mr Easy's mansion,
+and who, upon his arrival, had found that Master Easy had cut his
+thumb.  One would have thought that he had cut his head off by the
+agitation pervading the whole household--Mr Easy walking up and down
+very uneasy, Mrs Easy with great difficulty prevented from syncope,
+and all the maids bustling and passing round Mrs Easy's chair.
+Everybody appeared excited except Master Jack Easy himself, who, with
+a rag round his finger, and his pinafore spotted with blood, was
+playing at bob-cherry, and cared nothing about the matter.
+
+"Well, what's the matter, my little man?" said Dr Middleton, on
+entering, addressing himself to Jack, as the most sensible of the
+whole party.
+
+"Oh, Dr Middleton," interrupted Mrs Easy, "he has cut his hand; I'm
+sure that a nerve is divided, and then the lock-jaw--"
+
+The Doctor made no reply, but examined the finger: Jack Easy continued
+to play bob-cherry with his right hand.
+
+"Have you such a thing as a piece of sticking-plaster in the house,
+madam?" observed the Doctor, after examination.
+
+"O yes: run, Mary, run, Sarah!" In a few seconds the maids appeared,
+Sarah bringing the sticking-plaster, and Mary following with the
+scissors.
+
+"Make yourself quite easy, madam," said Dr Middleton, after he put on
+the plaster, "I will answer for no evil consequences."
+
+"Had I not better take him upstairs, and let him lie down a little?"
+replied Mrs Easy, slipping a guinea into the Doctor's hand.
+
+"It is not absolutely requisite, madam," said the Doctor; "but at all
+events he will be kept out of more mischief."
+
+"Come, my dear, you hear what Dr Middleton says."
+
+"Yes, I heard," replied Jack; "but I shan't go."
+
+"My dear Johnny--come, love--now do, my dear Johnny."
+
+Johnny played bob-cherry, and made no answer.
+
+"Come, Master Johnny," said Sarah.
+
+"Go away, Sarah," said Johnny, with a backhander.
+
+"Oh! fie, Master Johnny," said Mary.
+
+"Johnny, my love," said Mrs Easy in a coaxing tone, "come now--will
+you go?"
+
+"I'll go in the garden and get some more cherries," replied Master
+Johnny.
+
+"Come, then, love, we will go into the garden."
+
+Master Johnny jumped off his chair, and took his mamma by the hand.
+
+"What a dear, good, obedient child it is!" exclaimed Mrs Easy; "you
+may lead him with a thread."
+
+"Yes, to pick cherries," thought Dr Middleton. Mrs Easy, and Johnny,
+and Sarah, and Mary, went into the garden, leaving Dr Middleton alone
+with Mr Easy, who had been silent during this scene.  Now Dr Middleton
+was a clever, sensible man, who had no wish to impose upon anyone.  As
+for his taking a guinea for putting on a piece of sticking-plaster,
+his conscience was very easy on that score.  His time was equally
+valuable, whether he were employed for something or nothing; and,
+moreover, he attended the poor gratis. Constantly in the house, he had
+seen much of Mr John Easy, and perceived that he was a courageous,
+decided boy, of a naturally good disposition; but from the
+idiosyncrasy of the father, and the doting folly of the mother, in a
+sure way of being spoiled.
+
+As soon, therefore, as the lady was out of hearing, he took a chair,
+and made the query at the commencement of the chapter, which we shall
+now repeat. "Have you no idea of putting the boy to school, Mr Easy?"
+
+Mr Easy crossed his legs, and clasped his hands together over his
+knees, as he always did when he was about to commence an argument.
+"The great objection that I have to sending a boy to school, Dr
+Middleton, is, that I conceive that the discipline enforced is, not
+only contrary to the rights of man, but also in opposition to all
+sound sense and common judgment.  Not content with punishment, which
+is in itself erroneous, and an infringement of social justice, they
+even degrade the minds of the boys still more by applying punishment
+to the most degraded part, adding contumely to tyranny.  Of course, it
+is intended that a boy who is sent to school should gain by precept
+and example; but is he to learn benevolence by the angry look and the
+flourish of the vindictive birch,--or forbearance, by the cruelty of
+the ushers,--or patience, when the masters over him are out of all
+patience, or modesty, when his nether parts are exposed to general
+examination?  Is he not daily reading a lesson at variance with that
+equality which we all possess, but of which we are unjustly deprived?
+Why should there be a distinction between the flogger and the floggee?
+Are they not both fashioned alike after God's image, endowed with the
+same reason, having an equal right to what the world offers, and which
+was intended by Providence to be equally distributed?  Is it not that
+the sacred inheritance of all, which has tyrannously and impiously
+been ravished from the many for the benefit of the few, and which
+ravishment, from long custom of iniquity and inculcation of false
+precepts, has too long been basely submitted to? Is it not the duty of
+a father to preserve his only son from imbibing these dangerous and
+debasing errors, which will render him only one of a vile herd who are
+content to suffer, provided that they live? And yet are not these very
+errors inculcated at school, and impressed upon their mind inversely
+by the birch?  Do not they there receive their first lesson in slavery
+with the first lesson in A B C; and are not their minds thereby
+prostrated, so as never to rise again, but ever to bow to despotism,
+to cringe to rank, to think and act by the precepts of others, and to
+tacitly disavow that sacred equality which is our birthright?  No,
+sir, without they can teach without resorting to such a fundamental
+error as flogging, my boy shall never go to school."
+
+And Mr Easy threw himself back in his chair, imagining like all
+philosophers, that he had said something very clever.
+
+Dr Middleton knew his man, and therefore patiently waited until he had
+exhausted his oratory.
+
+"I will grant," said the Doctor at last, "that all you say may have
+great truth in it; but, Mr Easy, do you not think that by not
+permitting a boy to be educated, you allow him to remain more open to
+that very error of which you speak?  It is only education which will
+conquer prejudice, and enable a man to break through the trammels of
+custom.  Now, allowing that the birch is used, yet it is at a period
+when the young mind is so elastic as to soon become indifferent; and
+after he has attained the usual rudiments of education, you will then
+find him prepared to receive those lessons which you can yourself
+instil."
+
+"I will teach him everything myself," replied Mr Easy, folding his
+arms consequentially and determinedly.
+
+"I do not doubt your capability, Mr Easy; but unfortunately you will
+always have a difficulty which you never can get over.  Excuse me, I
+know what you are capable of, and the boy would indeed be happy with
+such a preceptor, but--if I must speak plain--you must be aware as
+well as I am, that the maternal fondness of Mrs Easy will always be a
+bar to your intention.  He is already so spoiled by her, that he will
+not obey; and without obedience you cannot inculcate."
+
+"I grant, my dear sir, that there is a difficulty on that point; but
+maternal weakness must then be overcome by paternal severity."
+
+"May I ask how, Mr Easy? for it appears to me impossible."
+
+"Impossible!  By heavens, I'll make him obey, or I'll--"--Here Mr Easy
+stopped before the word flog was fairly out of his mouth,--"I'll know
+the reason why, Dr Middleton."
+
+Dr Middleton checked his inclination to laugh, and replied, "That you
+would hit upon some scheme, by which you would obtain the necessary
+power over him, I have no doubt; but what will be the consequence? The
+boy will consider his mother as a protector, and you as a tyrant. He
+will have an aversion to you, and with that aversion he will never pay
+respect and attention to your valuable precepts when he arrives at an
+age to understand them.  Now it appears to me that this difficulty
+which you have raised may be got over.  I know a very worthy clergyman
+who does not use the birch; but I will write, and put the direct
+question to him; and then if your boy is removed from the danger
+arising from Mrs Easy's overindulgence, in a short time he will be
+ready for your more important tuition."
+
+"I think," replied Mr Easy, after a pause, "that what you say merits
+consideration. I acknowledge that in consequence of Mrs Easy's
+nonsensical indulgence, the boy is unruly, and will not obey me at
+present; and if your friend does not apply the rod, I will think
+seriously of sending my son John to him to learn the elements."
+
+The Doctor had gained his point by flattering the philosopher.  In a
+day he returned with a letter from the pedagogue in answer to one
+supposed to be sent to him, in which the use of the birch was
+indignantly disclaimed, and Mr Easy announced to his wife, when they
+met that day at tea-time, his intentions with regard to his son John.
+
+"To school, Mr Easy? what, send Johnny to school! a mere infant to
+school!"
+
+"Surely, my dear, you must be aware that at nine years it is high time
+that he learnt to read."
+
+"Why he almost reads already, Mr Easy; surely I can teach him that.
+Does he not, Sarah?"
+
+"Lord bless him, yes, ma'am, he was saying his letters yesterday."
+
+"Oh, Mr Easy, what can have put this in your head?  Johnny, dear, come
+here--tell me now what's the letter A? You were singing it in the
+garden this morning."
+
+"I want some sugar," replied Johnny, stretching his arm over the table
+to the sugar-basin, which was out of his reach.
+
+"Well, my love, you shall have a great lump if you will tell me what's
+the letter A."
+
+"A was an archer, and shot at a frog," replied Johnny in a surly tone.
+
+"There now, Mr Easy; and he can go through the whole alphabet--can't
+he, Sarah?"
+
+"That he can, the dear--can't you, Johnny dear?"
+
+"No," replied Johnny.
+
+"Yes, you can, my love; you know what's the letter B. Now don't you?"
+
+"Yes," replied Johnny.
+
+"There, Mr Easy, you see what the boy knows, and how obedient he is
+too.  Come, Johnny dear, tell us what was B?"
+
+"No, I won't," replied Johnny, "I want some more sugar"; and Johnny,
+who had climbed on a chair, spread himself over the table to reach it.
+
+"Mercy!  Sarah, pull him off--he'll upset the urn," screamed Mrs Easy.
+Sarah caught hold of Johnny by the loins to pull him back, but Johnny,
+resisting the interference, turned round on his back as he lay on the
+table, and kicked Sarah in the face, just as she made another
+desperate grasp at him.  The rebound from the kick, given as he lay on
+a smooth mahogany table, brought Johnny's head in contact with the
+urn, which was upset in the opposite direction, and, notwithstanding a
+rapid movement on the part of Mr Easy, he received a sufficient
+portion of boiling liquid on his legs to scald him severely, and
+induce him to stamp and swear in a very unphilosophical way.  In the
+meantime Sarah and Mrs Easy had caught up Johnny, and were both
+holding him at the same time, exclaiming and lamenting.  The pain of
+the scald, and the indifference shown towards him, were too much for
+Mr Easy's temper to put up with.  He snatched Johnny out of their
+arms, and, quite forgetting his equality and rights of man, belaboured
+him without mercy.  Sarah flew into interfere, and received a blow
+which not only made her see a thousand stars, but sent her reeling on
+the floor.  Mrs Easy went off into hysterics, and Johnny howled so as
+to be heard at a quarter of a mile.
+
+How long Mr Easy would have continued it is impossible to say; but the
+door opened, and Mr Easy looked up while still administering the
+punishment, and perceived Dr Middleton in mute astonishment.  He had
+promised to come in to tea, and enforce Mr Easy's arguments, if it
+were necessary; but it certainly appeared to him, that in the argument
+which Mr Easy was then enforcing, he required no assistance.  However,
+at the entrance of Dr Middleton, Johnny was dropped, and lay roaring
+on the floor; Sarah, too, remained where she had been floored, Mrs
+Easy had rolled on the floor, the urn was also on the floor, and Mr
+Easy, although not floored, had not a leg to stand upon.
+
+Never did a medical man look in more opportunely.  Mr Easy at first
+was not certainly of that opinion, but his legs became so painful that
+he soon became a convert.
+
+Dr Middleton, as in duty bound, first picked up Mrs Easy, and laid her
+on the sofa.  Sarah rose, picked up Johnny, and carried him, kicking
+and roaring, out of the room; in return for which attention she
+received sundry bites.  The footman, who had announced the doctor,
+picked up the urn, that being all that was in his department. Mr Easy
+threw himself panting in agony on the other sofa, and Dr Middleton was
+excessively embarrassed how to act: he perceived that Mr Easy required
+his assistance, and that Mrs Easy could do without it; but how to
+leave a lady, who was half really and half pretendedly in hysterics,
+was difficult; for if he attempted to leave her, she kicked and
+flounced, and burst out the more.  At last Dr Middleton rang the bell,
+which brought the footman, who summoned all the maids, who carried Mrs
+Easy upstairs, and then the Doctor was able to attend to the only
+patient who really required his assistance.  Mr Easy explained the
+affair in few words, broken into ejaculations from pain, as the Doctor
+removed his stockings.  From the applications of Dr Middleton, Mr Easy
+soon obtained bodily relief; but what annoyed him still more than his
+scalded legs, was the Doctor having been a witness to his infringement
+of the equality and rights of man.  Dr Middleton perceived this, and
+he knew also how to pour balm into that wound.
+
+"My dear Mr Easy, I am very sorry that you have had this accident, for
+which you are indebted to Mrs Easy's foolish indulgence of the boy;
+but I am glad to perceive that you have taken up those parental duties
+which are inculcated by the Scriptures.  Solomon says, 'that he who
+spares the rod, spoils the child,' thereby implying that it is the
+duty of a father to correct his children, and in a father, the so
+doing does not interfere with the rights of man, or any natural
+equality, for the son being a part or portion of the father, he is
+only correcting his own self; and the proof of it is, that a father,
+in punishing his own son, feels as much pain in so doing as if he were
+himself punished.  It is, therefore, nothing but self-discipline,
+which is strictly enjoined us by the Scriptures."
+
+"That is exactly my opinion," replied Mr Easy, comforted at the Doctor
+having so logically got him out of the scrape.  "But--he shall go to
+school to-morrow, that I'm determined on."
+
+"He will have to thank Mrs Easy for that," replied the Doctor.
+
+"Exactly," replied Mr Easy. "Doctor, my legs are getting very hot
+again."
+
+"Continue to bathe them with the vinegar and water, Mr Easy, until I
+send you an embrocation, which will give you immediate relief. I will
+call to-morrow.  By-the-bye, I am to see a little patient at Mr
+Bonnycastle's: if it is any accommodation, I will take your son with
+me."
+
+"It will be a great accommodation, Doctor," replied Mr Easy.
+
+"Then, my dear sir, I will just go up and see how Mrs Easy is, and
+to-morrow I will call at ten. I can wait an hour.  Good-night."
+
+"Good-night, Doctor."
+
+The doctor had his game to play with Mrs Easy.  He magnified her
+husband's accident--he magnified his wrath, and advised her by no
+means to say one word, until he was well and more pacified.  The next
+day he repeated this dose, and, in spite of the ejaculations of Sarah,
+and the tears of Mrs Easy, who dared not venture to plead her cause,
+and the violent resistance of Master Johnny, who appeared to have a
+presentiment of what was to come, our hero was put into Dr Middleton's
+chariot, and with the exception of one plate of glass, which he kicked
+out of the window with his feet, and for which feat the Doctor, now
+that he had him all to himself, boxed his ears till he was nearly
+blind, he was, without any further eventful occurrence, carried by the
+Doctor's footman into the parlour of Mr Bonnycastle.
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+Jack Easy is sent to a school at which there is no flogging.
+
+Master Jack had been plumped down in a chair by the doctor's servant,
+who, as he quitted him, first looked at his own hands, from which the
+blood was drawn in several parts, and then at Master Jack, with his
+teeth closed, and lips compressed, as much as to say, "If I only
+dared, would not I, that's all!" and then walked out of the room,
+repaired to the carriage at the front door, when he showed his hands
+to the coachman, who looked down from his box in great commiseration,
+at the same time fully sharing his fellow-servant's indignation.  But
+we must repair to the parlour. Dr Middleton ran over a newspaper,
+while Johnny sat on the chair all of a heap, looking like a lump of
+sulks, with his feet on the upper front bar, and his knees almost up
+to his nose.  He was a promising pupil, Jack.
+
+Mr Bonnycastle made his appearance--a tall, well-built, handsome, fair
+man, with a fine powdered head, dressed in solemn black and knee
+buckles; his linen beautifully clean, and with a peculiar bland
+expression of countenance.  When he smiled he showed a row of teeth
+white as ivory, and his mild blue eye was the ne plus ultra of
+beneficence.  He was the beau-ideal of a preceptor, and it was
+impossible to see him and hear his mild pleasing voice, without
+wishing that all your sons were under his protection. He was a ripe
+scholar, and a good one, and at the time we speak of, had the care of
+upwards of one hundred boys.  He was celebrated for turning them out
+well, and many of his pupils were rising fast in the senate, as well
+as distinguishing themselves in the higher Professions.
+
+Dr Middleton, who was on intimate terms with Bonnycastle, rose as he
+entered the room, and they shook hands.  Middleton then turned to
+where Jack sat, and pointing to him, said, "Look there."
+
+Bonnycastle smiled.  "I cannot say that I have had worse, but I have
+almost as bad. I will apply the Promethean torch, and soon vivify that
+rude mass.  Come, sit down, Middleton."
+
+"But," said the Doctor, as he resumed his chair, "tell me,
+Bonnycastle, how you will possibly manage to lick such a cub into
+shape, when you do not resort to flogging?"
+
+"I have no opinion of flogging, and therefore I do not resort to it.
+The fact is, I was at Harrow myself, and was rather a pickle. I was
+called up as often as most boys in the school, and I perfectly
+recollect, that eventually I cared nothing for a flogging. I had
+become case-hardened.  It is the least effective part that you can
+touch a boy upon. It leaves nothing behind to refresh their memories."
+
+"I should have thought otherwise."
+
+"My dear Middleton, I can produce more effect by one caning than
+twenty floggings.  Observe, you flog upon a part the most quiescent;
+but you cane upon all parts, from the head to the heels. Now, when
+once the first sting of the birch is over, then a dull sensation comes
+over the part, and the pain after that is nothing; whereas a good
+sound caning leaves sores and bruises in every part, and on all the
+parts which are required for muscular action.  After a flogging, a boy
+may run out in the hours of recreation, and join his playmates as well
+as ever, but a good caning tells a very different tale; he cannot move
+one part of his body without being reminded for days by the pain of
+the punishment he has undergone, and he is very careful how he is
+called up again."
+
+"My dear sir, I really had an idea that you were excessively lenient,"
+replied Middleton, laughing; "I am glad that I am under a mistake."
+
+"Look at that cub, Doctor, sitting there more like a brute than a
+reasonable being; do you imagine that I could ever lick it into shape
+without strong measures?  At the same time, allow me to say, that I
+consider my system by far the best.  At the public schools, punishment
+is no check; it is so trifling that it is derided: with me punishment
+is punishment in the true sense of the word, and the consequence is,
+that it is much more seldom resorted to."
+
+"You are a terrorist, Bonnycastle."
+
+"The two strongest impulses in our nature are fear and love. In
+theory, acting upon the latter is very beautiful; but in practice, I
+never found it to answer--and for the best of reasons, our self-love
+is stronger than our love for others.  Now I never yet found fear to
+fail, for the very same reason that the other does, because with fear
+we act upon self-love, and nothing else."
+
+"And yet we have many now who would introduce a system of schooling
+without correction; and who maintain that the present system is
+degrading."
+
+"There are a great many fools in this world, Doctor."
+
+"That reminds me of this boy's father," replied Dr Middleton; who then
+detailed to the pedagogue the idiosyncrasy of Mr Easy, and all the
+circumstances attending Jack being sent to his school.
+
+"There is no time to be lost then, Doctor. I must conquer this young
+gentleman before his parents call to see him.  Depend upon it, in a
+week I will have him obedient and well broke in."
+
+Dr Middleton wished Jack good-bye, and told him to be a good boy. Jack
+did not vouchsafe to answer.  "Never mind, Doctor, he will be more
+polished next time you call here, depend upon it."  And the Doctor
+departed.
+
+Although Mr Bonnycastle was severe, he was very judicious. Mischief of
+all kinds was visited but by slender punishment, such as being kept in
+at play hours, etc; and he seldom interfered with the boys for
+fighting, although he checked decided oppression.  The great "sine qua
+non" with him was attention to their studies.  He soon discovered the
+capabilities of his pupils, and he forced them accordingly; but the
+idle boy, the bird who "could sing and wouldn't sing," received no
+mercy.  The consequence was, that he turned out the cleverest boys,
+and his conduct was so uniform and unvarying in its tenor, that if he
+was feared when they were under his control, he was invariably liked
+by those whom he had instructed, and they continued his friends in
+after-life.
+
+Mr Bonnycastle at once perceived that it was no use coaxing our hero,
+and that fear was the only attribute by which he could be controlled.
+So, as soon as Dr Middleton had quitted the room, he addressed him in
+a commanding tone, "Now, boy, what is your name?"
+
+Jack started; he looked up at his master, perceived his eye fixed upon
+him, and a countenance not to be played with.  Jack was no fool, and
+somehow or another, the discipline he had received from his father had
+given him some intimation of what was to come.  All this put together
+induced Jack to condescend to answer, with his forefinger between his
+teeth, "Johnny."
+
+"And what is your other name, sir?"
+
+Jack, who appeared to repent his condescension, did not at first
+answer, but he looked again in Mr Bonnycastle's face, and then round
+the room: there was no one to help him, and he could not help himself,
+so he replied "Easy."
+
+"Do you know why you are sent to school?"
+
+"Scalding father."
+
+"No; you are sent to learn to read and write."
+
+"But I won't read and write," replied Jack, sulkily.
+
+"Yes, you will; and you are going to read your letters now directly."
+
+Jack made no answer.  Mr Bonnycastle opened a sort of bookcase, and
+displayed to John's astonished view a series of canes, ranged up and
+down like billiard cues, and continued, "Do you know what those are
+for?"
+
+Jack eyed them wistfully; he had some faint idea that he was sure to
+be better acquainted with them, but he made no answer.
+
+"They are to teach little boys to read and write, and now I am going
+to teach you.  You'll soon learn.  Look now here," continued Mr
+Bonnycastle, opening a book with large type, and taking a capital at
+the head of a chapter, about half an inch long.  "Do you see that
+letter?"
+
+"Yes," replied Johnny, turning his eyes away, and picking his fingers.
+
+"Well, that is the letter B. Do you see it? look at it, so that you
+may know it again.  That's the letter B. Now tell me what letter that
+is?"
+
+Jack now determined to resist, so he made no answer.
+
+"So you cannot tell; well, then, we will try what one of these little
+fellows will do," said Mr Bonnycastle, taking down a cane. "Observe,
+Johnny, that's the letter B. Now, what letter is that? Answer me
+directly."
+
+"I won't learn to read and write."
+
+Whack came the cane on Johnny's shoulders, who burst out into a roar
+as he writhed with pain.
+
+Mr Bonnycastle waited a few seconds.  "That's the letter B. Now tell
+me, sir, directly, what that letter is?"
+
+"I'll tell my mar." Whack!  "O law! O law!"
+
+"What letter is that?"
+
+Johnny, with his mouth open, panting, and the tears on his cheeks,
+answered, indignantly, "Stop till I tell Sarah."
+
+Whack came the cane again, and a fresh burst from Johnny.
+
+"What letter's that?"
+
+"I won't tell," roared Johnny; "I won't tell--that I won't."
+
+Whack, whack, whack, and a pause.  "I told you before, that's the
+letter B. What letter is that?  Tell me directly."
+
+Johnny, by way of reply, made a snatch at the cane.  Whack, he caught
+it, certainly, but not exactly as he would have wished.  Johnny then
+snatched up the book, and dashed it to the corner of the room.  Whack,
+whack.  Johnny attempted to seize Mr Bonnycastle with his teeth.
+Whack, whack, whack, whack; and Johnny fell on the carpet, and roared
+with pain. Mr Bonnycastle then left him for a little while, to
+recover himself, and sat down.
+
+At last Johnny's exclamations settled down in deep sobs, and then Mr
+Bonnycastle said to him, "Now, Johnny, you perceive that you must do
+as you are bid, or else you will have more beating. Get up
+immediately. Do you hear, sir?"
+
+Somehow or another, Johnny, without intending it, stood upon his feet.
+
+"That's a good boy; now you see, by getting up as you were bid, You
+have not been beaten.  Now, Johnny, you must go and bring the book
+from where you threw it down.  Do you hear, sir? bring it directly!"
+
+Johnny looked at Mr Bonnycastle and the cane.  With every intention to
+refuse, Johnny picked up the book and laid it on the table.
+
+"That's a good boy; now we will find the letter B. Here it is: now,
+Johnny, tell me what that letter is?"
+
+Johnny made no answer.
+
+"Tell me directly, sir," said Mr Bonnycastle, raising his cane up in
+the air.  The appeal was too powerful. Johnny eyed the cane; it moved,
+it was coming.  Breathlessly he shrieked out, "B!"
+
+"Very well indeed, Johnny--very well.  Now your first lesson is over,
+and you shall go to bed.  You have learned more than you think for.
+To-morrow we will begin again.  Now we'll put the cane by."
+
+Mr Bonnycastle rang the bell, and desired Master Johnny to be put to
+bed, in a room by himself, and not to give him any supper, as hunger
+would, the next morning, much facilitate his studies.  Pain and hunger
+alone will tame brutes, and the same remedy must be applied to conquer
+those passions in man which assimilate him with brutes.  Johnny was
+conducted to bed, although it was but six o'clock. He was not only in
+pain, but his ideas were confused; and no wonder, after all his life
+having been humoured and indulged never punished until the day before.
+After all the caresses of his mother and Sarah, which he never knew
+the value of--after stuffing himself all day long, and being tempted
+to eat till he turned away in satiety, to find himself without his
+mother, without Sarah, without supper covered with wheals, and, what
+was worse than all, without his own way.  No wonder Johnny was
+confused; at the same time that he was subdued; and, as Mr Bonnycastle
+had truly told him, he had learnt more than he had any idea of.  And
+what would Mrs Easy have said, had she known all this--and Sarah, too?
+And Mr Easy, with his rights of man?  At the very time that Johnny was
+having the devil driven out of him, they were consoling themselves
+with the idea, that, at all events, there was no birch used at Mr
+Bonnycastle's, quite losing sight of the fact, that as there are more
+ways of killing a dog besides hanging him, so are there more ways of
+teaching than a posteriors. Happy in their ignorance, they all went
+fast asleep, little dreaming that Johnny was already so far advanced
+in knowledge, as to have a tolerable comprehension of the mystery of
+cane.  As for Johnny, he had cried himself to sleep, at least six
+hours before them.
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+In which Jack makes essay of his father's sublime philosophy, and
+arrives very near to truth at last.
+
+The next morning Master Jack Easy was not only very sore, but very
+hungry, and as Mr Bonnycastle informed him that he would not only have
+plenty of cane, but also no breakfast, if he did not learn his
+letters, Johnny had wisdom enough to say the whole alphabet, for which
+he received a great deal of praise, the which, if he did not duly
+appreciate, he at all events infinitely preferred to beating.  Mr
+Bonnycastle perceived that he had conquered the boy by one hour's
+well-timed severity.  He therefore handed him over to the ushers in
+the school, and as they were equally empowered to administer the
+needful impulse, Johnny very soon became a very tractable boy.
+
+It may be imagined that the absence of Johnny was severely felt at
+home, but such was not the case.  In the first place, Dr Middleton had
+pointed out to Mrs Easy that there was no flogging at the school, and
+that the punishment received by Johnny from his father would very
+likely be repeated--and in the next, although Mrs Easy thought that
+she never could have survived the parting with her own son, she soon
+found out that she was much happier without him.  A spoilt child is
+always a source of anxiety and worry, and after Johnny's departure Mrs
+Easy found a quiet and repose much more suited to her disposition.
+Gradually she weaned herself from him, and, satisfied with seeing him
+occasionally, and hearing the reports of Dr Middleton, she, at last,
+was quite reconciled to his being at school, and not coming back
+except during the holidays.  John Easy made great progress; he had
+good natural abilities, and Mr Easy rubbed his hands when he saw the
+Doctor, saying, "Yes, let them have him for a year or two longer, and
+then I'll finish him myself." Each vacation he had attempted to instil
+into Johnny's mind the equal rights of man.  Johnny appeared to pay
+but little attention to his father's discourses, but evidently showed
+that they were not altogether thrown away, as he helped himself to
+everything he wanted, without asking leave.  And thus was our hero
+educated until he arrived at the age of sixteen, when he was a stout,
+good-looking boy, with plenty to say for himself,--indeed, when it
+suited his purpose, he could out-talk his father.
+
+Nothing pleased Mr Easy so much as Jack's loquacity.  "That's right;
+argue the point, Jack--argue the point, boy," would he say, as Jack
+disputed with his mother.  And then he would turn to the Doctor,
+rubbing his hands, and observe, "Depend upon it, Jack will be a great,
+a very great man." And then he would call Jack and give him a guinea
+for his cleverness; and at last Jack thought it a very clever thing to
+argue.  He never would attempt to argue with Mr Bonnycastle, because
+he was aware that Mr Bonnycastle's arguments were too strong for him,
+but he argued with all the boys until it ended in a fight, which
+decided the point; and he sometimes argued with the ushers.  In short,
+at the time we now speak of, which was at the breaking up of the
+Midsummer holidays, Jack was as full of argument as he was fond of it.
+He would argue the point to the point of a needle, and he would divide
+that point into as many as there were days of the year, and argue upon
+each.  In short, there was no end to Jack's arguing the point,
+although there seldom was point to his argument.
+
+Jack had been fishing in the river, without any success, for a whole
+morning, and observed a large pond which had the appearance of being
+well stocked--he cleared the park palings, and threw in his line. He
+had pulled up several fine fish, when he was accosted by the
+proprietor, accompanied by a couple of keepers.
+
+"May I request the pleasure of your name, young gentleman?" said the
+proprietor to Jack.
+
+Now Jack was always urbane and polite.
+
+"Certainly, sir; my name is Easy, very much at your service."
+
+"And you appear to me to be taking it very easy," replied the
+gentleman.  "Pray, sir, may I enquire whether you are aware that you
+are trespassing?"
+
+"The word trespass, my dear sir," replied Jack, "will admit of much
+argument, and I will divide it into three heads.  It implies,
+according to the conventional meaning, coming without permission upon
+the land or property of another.  Now, sir, the question may all be
+resolved in the following.  Was not the world made for all? and has
+any one, or any portion of its inhabitants, an exclusive right to
+claim any part of it, as his property?  If you please, I have laid
+down the proposition, and we will now argue the point."
+
+The gentleman who accosted Jack had heard of Mr Easy and his
+arguments; he was a humorist, and more inclined to laugh than to be
+angry; at the same time that he considered it necessary to show Jack
+that under existing circumstances they were not tenable.
+
+"But, Mr Easy, allowing the trespass on the property to be venial,
+surely you do not mean to say that you are justified in taking my
+fish; I bought the fish, and stocked the pond, and have fed them ever
+since.  You cannot deny but that they are private property, and that
+to take them is a theft?"
+
+"That will again admit of much ratiocination, my dear sir," replied
+Jack; "but,--I beg your pardon, I have a fish." Jack pulled up a large
+carp, much to the indignation of the keepers, and to the amusement of
+their master, unhooked it, placed it in his basket, renewed his bait
+with the greatest sang, and then throwing in his line, resumed his
+discourse.  "As I was observing, my dear sir,"  continued Jack, "that
+will admit of much ratiocination.  All the creatures of the earth were
+given to man for his use--man means mankind--they were never intended
+to be made a monopoly of; water is also the gift of heaven, and meant
+for the use of all.  We now come to the question how far the fish are
+your property.  If the fish only bred on purpose to please you, and
+make you a present of their stock, it might then require a different
+line of argument; but as in breeding they only acted in obedience to
+an instinct with which they are endowed on purpose that they may
+supply man, I submit to you that you cannot prove these fish to be
+yours more than mine.  As for feeding with the idea that they were
+your own, that is not an unusual case in this world, even when a man
+is giving bread and butter to his children.  Further--but I have
+another bite--I beg your pardon, my dear sir--ah! he's off again"
+
+"Then, Mr Easy, you mean to say that the world and its contents are
+made for all."
+
+"Exactly, sir; that is my father's opinion, who is a very great
+philosopher."
+
+"How then does your father account for some possessing property and
+others being without it?"
+
+"Because those who are the strongest have deprived those who are
+weaker."
+
+"But would not that be always the case even if we were in that state
+of general inheritance which you have supposed?  For instance,
+allowing two men to chase the same animal, and both to come up to it
+at the same time, would not the strongest bear it off?"
+
+"I grant that, sir."
+
+"Well, then, where is your equality?"
+
+"That does not disprove that men were not intended to be equal; it
+only proves that they are not so.  Neither does it disprove that
+everything was not made for the benefit of all; it only proves that
+the strong will take advantage of the weak, which is very natural."
+
+"Oh! you grant that to be very natural.  Well, Mr Easy, I am glad to
+perceive that we are of one mind, and I trust we shall continue so.
+You'll observe that I and my keepers being three, we are the strong
+party in this instance, and admitting your argument, that the fish are
+as much yours as mine, still I take advantage of my strength to
+repossess myself of them, which is, as you say, very natural--James,
+take those fish."
+
+"If you please," interrupted Jack, "we will argue that point--"
+
+"Not at all; I will act according to your own arguments--I have the
+fish, but I now mean to have more--that fishing-rod is as much mine as
+yours, and being the stronger party I will take possession of it.
+James, William, take that fishing-rod,--it is ours."
+
+"I presume you will first allow me to observe," replied Jack, "that
+although I have expressed my opinion that the earth and the animals on
+it were made for us all, that I never yet have asserted, that what a
+man creates by himself, or has created for him for a consideration, is
+not his own property."
+
+"I beg your pardon; the trees that that rod was made from were made
+for us all, and if you, or any one for you, have thought proper to
+make it into a rod, it is no more my fault than it is that I have been
+feeding the fish, with the supposition that they were my own.
+Everything being common, and it being but natural that the strong
+should take advantage of the weak, I must take that rod as my
+property, until I am dispossessed by one more powerful.  Moreover,
+being the stronger party, and having possession of this land, which
+you say does not belong to me more than to you--I also shall direct my
+keepers to see you off this property.  James, take the rod--see Mr
+Easy over the park palings.  Mr Easy, I wish you a good morning."
+
+"Sir, I beg your pardon, you have not yet heard all my arguments,"
+replied Jack, who did not approve of the conclusions drawn.
+
+"I have no time to hear more, Mr Easy; I wish you a good morning." And
+the proprietor departed, leaving Jack in company with the keepers.
+
+"I'll trouble you for that rod, master," said William. James was very
+busy stringing the fish through the gills upon a piece of osier.
+
+"At all events you will hear reason," said Jack: "I have arguments--"
+"I never heard no good arguments in favour of poaching," interrupted
+the keeper.
+
+"You're an insolent fellow," replied Jack.  "It is by paying such
+vagabonds as you that people are able to be guilty of injustice."
+
+"It's by paying us that the land an't poached--and if there be some
+excuse for a poor devil who is out of work, there be none for you, who
+call yourself a gentleman."
+
+"According to his account, as we be all equal, he be no more a
+gentleman than we be."
+
+"Silence, you blackguard, I shall not condescend to argue with such as
+you: if I did, I could prove that you are a set of base slaves, who
+have just as much right to this property as your master or I have."
+
+"As you have, I dare say, master."
+
+"As I have, you scoundrel; this pond is as much my property, and so
+are the fish in it, as they are of your master, who has usurped the
+right."
+
+"I say, James, what do you say, shall we put the young gentleman in
+possession of his property?" said William, winking to the other.
+
+James took the hint, they seized Jack by the arms and legs, and soused
+him into the pond.  Jack arose after a deep submersion, and floundered
+on shore blowing and spluttering.  But in the meantime the keepers had
+walked away, carrying with them the rod and line, fish, and tin can of
+bait, laughing loudly at the practical joke which they had played our
+hero.
+
+"Well," thought Jack, "either there must be some mistake in my
+father's philosophy, or else this is a very wicked world. I shall
+submit this case to my father."
+
+And Jack received this reply--"I have told you before, Jack, that
+these important truths will not at present be admitted--but it does
+not the less follow that they are true.  This is the age of iron, in
+which might has become right--but the time will come when these truths
+will be admitted, and your father's name will be more celebrated than
+that of any philosopher of ancient days.  Recollect, Jack, that
+although in preaching against wrong and advocating the rights of man,
+you will be treated as a martyr, it is still your duty to persevere;
+and if you are dragged through all the horse--ponds in the kingdom,
+never give up your argument."
+
+"That I never will, sir," replied Jack; "but the next time I argue it
+shall be, if possible, with power on my side, and, at all events, not
+quite so near a pond."
+
+"I think," said Mrs Easy, who had been a silent listener, "that Jack
+had better fish in the river, and then, if he catches no fish, at all
+events he will not be soused in the water, and spoil his clothes."
+
+But Mrs Easy was no philosopher.
+
+A few days afterwards, Jack discovered, one fine morning, on the other
+side of a hedge, a summer apple-tree bearing tempting fruit, and he
+immediately broke through the hedge, and climbing the tree, as our
+first mother did before him, he culled the fairest and did eat.
+
+"I say, you sir, what are you doing there?" cried a rough voice.
+
+Jack looked down, and perceived a stout, thickset personage in grey
+coat and red waistcoat, standing underneath him.
+
+"Don't you see what I'm about," replied Jack, "I'm eating apples--
+shall I throw you down a few?"
+
+"Thank you kindly--the fewer that are pulled the better; perhaps, as
+you are so free to give them to others as well as to help yourself,
+you may think that they are your own property!"
+
+"Not a bit more my property than they are yours, my good man."
+
+"I guess that's something like the truth; but you are, not quite at
+the truth yet, my lad; those apples are mine, and I'll trouble you to
+come down as fast as you please; when you're down we can then settle
+our accounts; and," continued the man, shaking his cudgel, "depend
+upon it you shall have your receipt in full."
+
+Jack did not much like the appearance of things.
+
+"My good man," said he, "it is quite a prejudice on your part to
+imagine that apples were not given, as well as all other fruit, for
+the benefit of us all--they are common property, believe me."
+
+"That's a matter of opinion, my lad, and I may be allowed to have own."
+
+"You'll find it in the Bible," says Jack.
+
+"I never did yet, and I've read it through and through all, bating the
+Pocryfar."
+
+"Then," said Jack, "go home and fetch the Bible, and I'll prove it to
+you."
+
+"I suspect you'll not wait till I come back again.  No, no; I have
+lost plenty of apples, and have long wanted to find the robbers out;
+now I've caught one I'll take care that he don't 'scape without apple
+sauce, at all events--so come down, you young thief, come down
+directly--or it will be all the worse for you."
+
+"Thank you," said Jack, "but I am very well here. I will, if you
+please, argue the point from where I am."
+
+"I've no time to argue the point, my lad; I've plenty to do, but do
+not think I'll let you off.  If you don't choose to come down, why
+then you may stay there, and I'll answer for it, as soon as work is
+done I shall find you safe enough."
+
+"What can be done," thought Jack, "with a man who will not listen to
+argument?  What a world is this!--however, he'll not find me here when
+he comes back, I've a notion."
+
+But in this Jack was mistaken.  The farmer walked to the hedge, and
+called to a boy, who took his orders and ran to the farm-house. In a
+minute or two a large bull-dog was seen bounding along the orchard to
+his master.  "Mark him, Caesar," said the farmer to the dog, "mark
+him." The dog crouched down on the grass with his head up, and eyes
+glaring at Jack, showing a range of teeth that drove all our hero's
+philosophy out of his head.
+
+"I can't wait here, but Caesar can, and I will tell you, as a friend,
+that if he gets hold of you, he'll not leave a limb of you together,--
+when work's done I'll come back"; so saying, the farmer walked off,
+leaving Jack and the dog to argue the point, if so inclined.  What a
+sad jade must philosophy be, to put her votaries in such predicaments!
+
+After a while the dog laid his head down and closed his eyes, as if
+asleep, but Jack observed that at the least movement on his part one
+eye was seen partially to unclose; so Jack, like a prudent man,
+resolved to remain where he was.  He picked a few more apples, for it
+was his dinner-time, and as he chewed he ruminated.
+
+Jack had been but a few minutes ruminating before he was interrupted
+by another ruminating animal, no less a personage than a bull, who had
+been turned out with full possession of the orchard, and who now
+advanced, bellowing occasionally, and tossing his head at the sight of
+Caesar, whom he considered as much a trespasser as his master had our
+hero.  Caesar started on his legs and faced the bull, who advanced
+pawing, with his tail up in the air.  When within a few yards the bull
+made a rush at the dog, who evaded him and attacked him in return, and
+thus did the warfare continue until the opponents were already at some
+distance from the apple-tree.  Jack prepared for immediate flight, but
+unfortunately the combat was carried on by the side of the hedge at
+which Jack had gained admission.  Never mind, thought Jack, there are
+two sides to every field and although the other hedge joined on to the
+garden near to the farmhouse, there was no option.  "At all events,"
+said Jack, "I'll try it."
+
+Jack was slipping down the trunk, when he heard a tremendous roar; the
+bull-dog had been tossed by the bull; he was then high in the air, and
+Jack saw him fall on the other side of the hedge; and the bull was
+thus celebrating his victory with a flourish of trumpets.  Upon which
+Jack, perceiving that he was relieved from his sentry, slipped down
+the rest of the tree and took to his heels.  Unfortunately for Jack,
+the bull saw him, and, flushed with victory, he immediately set up
+another roar, and bounded after Jack. Jack perceived his danger, and
+fear gave him wings; he not only flew over the orchard, but he flew
+over the hedge, which was about five feet high, just as the bull drove
+his head into it.
+
+Look before you leap, is an old proverb.  Had Jack done so, he would
+have done better; but as there were cogent reasons to be offered in
+extenuation of our philosopher, we shall say no more, but merely state
+that Jack, when he got to the other side of the hedge, found that he
+had pitched into a small apiary, and had upset two hives of bees who
+resented the intrusion; and Jack had hardly time to get upon his legs
+before he found them very busy stinging him in all quarters.  All that
+Jack could do was to run for it, but the bees flew faster than he
+could run, and Jack was mad with pain, when he stumbled, half-blinded,
+over the brickwork of a well.  Jack could not stop his pitching into
+the well, but he seized the iron chain as it struck him across the
+face. Down went Jack, and round went the windlass, and after a rapid
+descent of forty feet our hero found himself under water, and no
+longer troubled with the bees, who, whether they had lost scent of
+their prey from his rapid descent, or being notoriously clever
+insects, acknowledged the truth of the adage, "leave well alone," had
+certainly left Jack with no other companion than Truth.
+Jack rose from his immersion, and seized the rope to which the chain
+of the bucket was made fast--it had all of it been unwound from the
+windlass, and therefore it enabled Jack to keep his head above water.
+After a few seconds Jack felt something against his legs, it was the
+bucket, about two feet under the water; Jack put his feet into it and
+found himself pretty comfortable, for the water, after the sting of
+the bees and the heat he had been put into by the race with the bull,
+was quite cool and refreshing.
+
+"At all events," thought Jack, "if it had not been for the bull, I
+should have been watched by the dog, and then thrashed by the farmer;
+but then again, if it had not been for the bull, I should not have
+tumbled among the bees; and if it had not been for the bees, I should
+not have tumbled into the well; and if it had not been for the chain,
+I should have been drowned.  Such has been the chain of events, all
+because I wanted to eat an apple.
+
+"However, I have got rid of the farmer, and the dog, and the bull, and
+the bees--all's well that ends well; but how the devil am I to get out
+of the well?--all creation appears to have conspired against the
+rights of man.  As my father said, this is an iron age, and here I am
+swinging to an iron chain."
+
+We have given the whole of Jack's soliloquy, as it will prove that
+Jack was no fool, although he was a bit of a philosopher; and a man
+who could reason so well upon cause ant effect, at the bottom of a
+well, up to his neck in water, showed a good deal of presence of mind.
+But if Jack's mind had been a little twisted by his father's
+philosophy, it had  still sufficient strength and elasticity to
+recover itself in due time.  Had Jack been a common personage, we
+should never, have selected him for our hero.
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+In which Jack makes some very sage reflections, and comes to a very
+unwise decision.
+
+After all, it must be acknowledged that although there are cases of
+distress in which a well may become a place of refuge, a well is not
+at all calculated for a prolonged residence--so thought Jack.  After
+he had been there some fifteen minutes, his teeth chattered, and his
+limbs trembled; he felt a numbness all over, and he thought it high
+time to call for assistance, which at first he would not, as he was
+afraid he should be pulled up to encounter the indignation of the
+farmer and his family.  Jack was arranging his jaws for a halloo, when
+he felt the chain pulled up, and he slowly emerged from the water.  At
+first he heard complaints of the weight of the bucket, at which Jack
+was not surprised; then he heard a tittering and laughing between two
+parties; and soon afterwards he mounted up gaily.  At last his head
+appeared above the low wall, and he was about to extend his arms so as
+to secure a position on it, when those who were working at the
+windlass beheld him.  It was a heavy farming man and a maid-servant.
+
+"Thank you," said Jack.
+
+One never should be too quick in returning thanks; the girl screamed
+and let go the winch, the man, frightened, did not hold it fast; it
+slipped from his grasp, whirled round, struck him under the chin, and
+threw him over it headlong, and before the "Thank you" was fairly out
+of Jack's lips, down he went again like lightning to the bottom.
+Fortunately for Jack, he had not yet let go the chain, or he might
+have struck the sides and have been killed; as it was, he was merely
+soused a second time, and in a minute or two regained his former
+position.
+
+"This is mighty pleasant," thought Jack, as he clapped his wet hat
+once more on his head; "at all events, they can't now plead ignorance,
+they must know that I'm here."
+
+In the meantime the girl ran into the kitchen, threw herself down on a
+stool, from which she reeled off in a fit upon sundry heaps of dough
+waiting to be baked in the oven, which were laid to rise on the floor
+before the fire.
+
+"Mercy on me, what is the matter with Susan?" exclaimed the farmer's
+wife.  "Here--where's Mary--where's John--Deary me, if the bread won't
+all be turned to pancakes."
+
+John soon followed, holding his under-jaw in his hand, looking very
+dismal and very frightened, for two reasons; one, because he thought
+that his jaw was broken, and the other, because he thought he had seen
+the devil.
+
+"Mercy on us, what is the matter?" exclaimed the farmer's wife again.
+"Mary, Mary, Mary!" screamed she, beginning to be frightened herself,
+for with all her efforts she could not remove Susan from the bed of
+dough, where she lay senseless and heavy as lead. Mary answered to her
+mistress's loud appeal, and with her assistance they raised up Susan;
+but as for the bread, there was no hopes of it ever rising again. "Why
+don't you come here and help Susan, John?" cried Mary.
+
+"Aw-yaw-aw!" was all the reply of John, who had had enough quite of
+helping Susan, and who continued to hold his head, as it were, in his
+hand.
+
+"What's the matter here, missus?" exclaimed the farmer, coming in.
+"Highty-tighty, what ails Susan? and what ails you?" continued the
+farmer, turning to John.  "Dang it, but everything seems to go wrong,
+this blessed day.  First, there be all the apples stolen--then there
+be all the hives turned topsy-turvy in the garden--then there be
+Caesar with his flank opened by the bull--then there be the bull
+broken through the hedge and tumbled into the saw-pit--and now I come
+to get more help to drag him out, I find one woman dead like, and John
+looks as if he had seen the devil."
+
+"Aw-yaw-aw!" replied John, nodding his head very significantly.
+
+"One would think that the devil had broke loose to-day.  What is it,
+John?  Have you seen him, and has Susan seen him?"
+
+"Aw-yaw."
+
+"He's stopped your jaw, then, at all events, and I thought the devil
+himself wouldn't have done that-we shall get nothing of you. Is that
+wench coming to her senses?"
+
+"Yes, yes, she's better now,--Susan, what's the matter?"
+
+"Oh, oh, ma'am! the well, the well--"
+
+"The well!  Something wrong there, I suppose: well, I will go and
+see."
+
+The farmer trotted off to the well; he perceived the bucket was at the
+bottom and all the rope out; he looked about him, and then he looked
+into the well.  Jack, who had become very impatient, had been looking
+up some time for the assistance which he expected would have come
+sooner; the round face of the farmer occasioned a partial eclipse of
+the round disk which bounded his view, just as one of the satellites
+of Jupiter sometimes obscures the face of the planet round which he
+revolves.
+
+"Here I am," cried Jack; "get me up quick, or I shall be dead"; and
+What Jack said was true, for he was quite done up by having been so
+long down, although his courage had not failed him.
+
+"Dang it, but there be somebody fallen into the well," cried the
+farmer; "no end to mishaps this day.  Well, we must get a Christian
+out of a well afore we get a bull out of a saw-pit, so I'll go and
+call the men."
+
+In a very short time the men who were assembled round the sawpit were
+brought to the well.
+
+"Down below there, hold on now."
+
+"Never fear," cried Jack.
+
+Away went the winch, and once more Jack had an extended horizon to
+survey.  As soon as he was at the top, the men hauled him over the
+bricks and laid him down upon the ground, for Jack's strength had
+failed him.
+
+"Dang it, if it bean't that chap who was on my apple-tree," cried the
+farmer--"howsoever, he must not die for stealing a few apples; lift
+him up, lads, and take him in--he is dead with cold--no wonder."
+
+The farmer led the way, and the men carried Jack into the house, when
+the farmer gave him a glass of brandy; this restored Jack's
+circulation, and in a short time he was all right again.
+
+After some previous conversation, in which Jack narrated all that had
+happened, "What may be your name?" inquired the farmer.
+
+"My name is Easy," replied Jack.
+
+"What! be you the son of Mr Easy, of Forest Hill?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Dang it, he be my landlord, and a right good landlord too--why didn't
+you say so when you were up in the apple-tree?  You might have picked
+the whole orchard and welcome."
+
+"My dear sir," replied Jack, who had taken a second glass of brandy,
+and was quite talkative again, "let this be a warning to you, and when
+a man proposes to argue the point, always, in future, listen. Had you
+waited, I would have proved to you most incontestably that you had no
+more right to the apples than I had; but you would not listen to
+argument, and without discussion we can never arrive at truth.  You
+send for your dog, who is ripped up by the bull--the bull breaks his
+leg in a saw-pit--the bee-hives are overturned, and you lose all your
+honey--your man John breaks his jaw--your maid Susan spoils all the
+bread--and why? because you would not allow me to argue the point."
+
+"Well, Mr Easy, it be all true that all these mishaps have happened
+because I would not allow you to argue the point, perhaps, although,
+as I rent the orchard from your father, I cannot imagine how you could
+prove to me that the apples were not mine; but now, let's take your
+side of the question, and I don't see how you be much better off: you
+get up in a tree for a few apples, with plenty of money to buy them if
+you like--you are kept there by a dog--you are nearly gored by a
+bull--you are stung by the bees, and you tumble souse into a well,
+and are nearly killed a dozen times, and all for a few apples not
+worth twopence."
+
+"All very true, my good man," replied Jack; "but you forget that I, as
+a philosopher, was defending the rights of man."
+
+"Well, I never knew before that a lad who stole apples was called a
+philosopher--we calls it petty larceny in the indictments: and as for
+your rights of man, I cannot see how they can be defended by doing
+what's wrong."
+
+"You do not comprehend the matter, farmer."
+
+"No, I don't--and I be too old to learn, Master Easy.  All I have to
+say is this, you are welcome to all the apples in the orchard if you
+please, and if you prefers, as it seems you do, to steal them, instead
+of asking for them, which I only can account for by the reason that
+they say, that 'stolen fruit be sweetest,' I've only to say that I
+shall give orders that you be not interfered with.  My chaise be at
+the door, Master Easy, and the man will drive you to your father's--
+make my compliments to him, and say, that I'm very sorry that you
+tumbled into our well."
+
+As Jack was much more inclined for bed than argument, he wished the
+farmer good-night, and allowed himself to be driven home. The pain
+from the sting of the bees, now that his circulation had fully
+returned, was so great, that he was not sorry to find Dr Middleton
+taking his tea with his father and mother.  Jack merely said that he
+had been so unfortunate as to upset a hive, and had been severely
+stung.  He deferred the whole story till another opportunity. Dr
+Middleton prescribed for Jack, but on taking his hand found that he
+was in a high fever, which, after the events of the day, was not to be
+wondered at.  Jack was bled, and kept his bed for a week, by which
+time he was restored; but, during that time, Jack had been thinking
+very seriously, and had made up his mind.
+
+But we must explain a circumstance which had occurred, which was
+probably the cause of Jack's decision.  When Jack returned on the
+evening in question, he found seated with his father and Dr Middleton
+a Captain Wilson, a sort of cousin to the family, who but occasionally
+paid them a visit, for he lived at some distance; and having a wife
+and large family, with nothing but his half-pay for their support, he
+could not afford to expend even shoe-leather in compliments.  The
+object of this visit on the part of Captain Wilson was to request the
+aid of Mr Easy He had succeeded in obtaining his appointment to a
+sloop of war (for he was in the king's service), but was without the
+means of fitting himself out, without leaving his wife and family
+penniless.  He therefore came to request Mr Easy to lend him a few
+hundred pounds, until he should be able, by his prize-money, to repay
+them.  Mr Easy was not a man to refuse such a request, and always
+having plenty of spare cash at his banker's, he drew a cheque for a
+thousand pounds, which he gave to Captain Wilson, requesting that he
+would only repay it at his convenience. Captain Wilson wrote an
+acknowledgment of the debt, promising to pay upon his first
+prize-money, which receipt, however binding it may be to a man of
+honour, was, in point of law, about as valuable as if he had agreed to
+pay as soon "as the cows came home." The affair had been just
+concluded, and Captain Wilson had returned into the parlour with Mr
+Easy, when Jack returned from his expedition.
+
+Jack greeted Captain Wilson, whom he had long known; but, as we before
+observed, he suffered so much pain, that he soon retired with Dr
+Middleton, and went to bed.
+
+During a week there is room for much reflection, even in a lad of
+fourteen, although at that age we are not much inclined to think. But
+Jack was in bed; his eyes were so swollen with the stings of the bees
+that he could neither read nor otherwise amuse himself; and he
+preferred his own thoughts to the gabble of Sarah, who attended him;
+so Jack thought, and the result of his cogitations we shall soon bring
+forward.
+
+It was on the eighth day that Jack left his bed and came down into the
+drawing-room.  He then detailed to his father the adventures which had
+taken place, which had obliged him to take to his bed.
+
+"You see, Jack," replied his father, "it's just what I told you: the
+world is so utterly demoralised by what is called social compact, and
+the phalanx supporting it, by contributing a portion of their unjust
+possessions for the security of the remainder, is so powerful, that
+any one who opposes it must expect to pass the life of a martyr; but
+martyrs are always required previous to any truth, however sublime,
+being received, and, like Abraham, whom I have always considered as a
+great philosopher, I am willing to sacrifice my only son in so noble a
+cause."
+
+"That's all very good on your part, father, but we must argue the
+point a little.  If you are as great a philosopher as Abraham, I am
+not quite so dutiful a son as Isaac, whose blind obedience, in my
+opinion, is very contrary to your rights of man: but the fact, in few
+words, is simply this.  In promulgating your philosophy, in the short
+space of two days, I have been robbed of the fish I caught, and my rod
+and line--I have been soused into a fish-pond--I have been frightened
+out of my wits by a bull-dog--been nearly killed by a bull--been stung
+to death by bees, and twice tumbled into a well.  Now, if all that
+happens in two days, what must I expect to suffer in a whole year?  It
+appears to be very unwise to attempt making further converts, for
+people on shore seem determined not to listen to reason or argument.
+But it has occurred to me, that although the whole earth has been so
+nefariously divided among the few, that the waters at least are the
+property of all.  No man claims his share of the sea--every one may
+there plough as he pleases, without being taken up for a trespasser.
+Even war makes no difference; every one may go on as he pleases, and
+if they meet, it is nothing but a neutral ground on which the parties
+contend.  It is, then, only upon the ocean that I am likely to find
+that equality and rights of man, which we are so anxious to establish
+on shore; and therefore I have resolved not to go to school again,
+which I detest, but to go to sea, and propagate our opinions as much
+as I can."
+
+"I cannot listen to that, Jack. in the first place, you must return to
+school; in the next place, you shall not go to sea."
+
+"Then, father, all I have to say is, that I swear by the rights of man
+I will not go back to school, and that I will go to sea.  Who and what
+is to prevent me?  Was not I born my own master?--has any one a right
+to dictate to me as if I were not his equal?  Have I not as much right
+to my share of the sea as any other mortal?  I stand upon perfect
+equality," continued Jack, stamping his right foot on the floor.
+
+What had Mr Easy to offer in reply?  He must either, as a philosopher,
+have sacrificed his hypothesis, or, as a father, have sacrificed his
+son.  Like all philosophers, he preferred what he considered as the
+less important of the two, he sacrificed his son; but--we will do him
+justice--he did it with a sigh.
+
+"Jack, you shall, if you wish it, go to sea."
+
+"That, of course," replied Jack, with the air of a conqueror; "but the
+question is, with whom?  Now it has occurred to me, that Captain
+Wilson has just been appointed to a ship, and I should like to sail
+with him."
+
+"I will write to him," said Mr Easy, mournfully, "but I should have
+liked to have felt his head first"; and thus was the matter arranged.
+
+The answer from Captain Wilson was, of course, in the affirmative, and
+he promised that he would treat Jack as his own son.
+
+Our hero mounted his father's horse, and rode off to Mr Bonnycastle.
+
+"I am going to sea, Mr Bonnycastle."
+
+"The very best thing for you," replied Mr Bonnycastle.
+
+Our hero met Dr Middleton. "I am going to sea, Dr Middleton."
+
+"The very best thing for you," replied the Doctor. "I am going to sea,
+mother," said John. "To sea, John, to sea? no, no, dear John, you are
+not going to sea," replied Mrs Easy, with horror.
+
+"Yes, I am; father has agreed, and says he will obtain your consent."
+
+"My consent!  Oh, my dear, dear boy!"--and Mrs Easy wept bitterly, as
+Rachel mourning for her children.
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+In which Mr Easy has his first lesson as to zeal in his Majesty's
+Service.
+
+As there was no time to lose, our hero very soon bade adieu to his
+paternal roof, as the phrase is, and found his way down to Portsmouth.
+As Jack had plenty of money, and was very much pleased at finding
+himself his own master, he was in no hurry to join his ship, and five
+or six companions, not very creditable, whom either Jack had picked
+up, or had picked up Jack, and who lived upon him, strongly advised
+him to put it off until the very last moment.  As this advice happened
+to coincide with Jack's opinion, our hero was three weeks at
+Portsmouth before any one knew of his arrival, but at last Captain
+Wilson received a letter from Mr Easy, by which he found that Jack had
+left home at the period we have mentioned, and he desired the first
+lieutenant to make inquiries, as he was afraid that some accident
+might have happened to him.  As Mr Sawbridge, the first lieutenant,
+happened to be going on shore on the same evening for the last time
+previous to the ship's sailing, he looked into the Blue Posts, George,
+and Fountain Inns, to inquire if there was such a person arrived as Mr
+Easy.  "O yes," replied the waiter at the Fountain,--"Mr Easy has been
+here these three weeks."
+
+"The devil he has," roared Mr Sawbridge, with all the indignation of a
+first lieutenant defrauded three weeks of a midshipman; "where is he;
+in the coffee-room?"
+
+"Oh dear no, sir," replied the waiter, "Mr Easy has the front
+apartments on the first floor."
+
+"Well, then, show me up to the first floor."
+
+"May I request the pleasure of your name, sir?" said the waiter.
+
+"First lieutenants don't send up their names to midshipmen," replied
+Mr Sawbridge; "he shall soon know who I am."
+
+At this reply, the waiter walked upstairs, followed by Mr Sawbridge,
+and threw open the door.
+
+"A gentleman wishes to see you, sir," said the waiter.
+
+"Desire him to walk in," said Jack: "and, waiter, mind that the punch
+is a little better than it was yesterday; I have asked two more
+gentlemen to dine here."
+
+In the meantime, Mr Sawbridge, who was not in his uniform, had
+entered, and perceived Jack alone, with the dinner table laid out in
+the best style for eight, a considerable show of plate for even the
+Fountain Inn, and everything, as well as the apartment itself,
+according to Mr Sawbridge's opinion, much more fit for a,
+commander-in-chief than a midshipman of a sloop of war.
+
+Now Mr Sawbridge was a good officer, one who had really worked his way
+up to the present rank, that is to say, that he had served
+seven-and-twenty years, and had nothing but his pay.  He was a little
+soured in the service, and certainly had an aversion to the young men
+of family who were now fast crowding into it--and with some grounds,
+as he perceived his own chance of promotion decrease in the same ratio
+as the numbers increased. He considered that in proportion as
+midshipmen assumed a cleaner and more gentlemanly appearance, so did
+they become more useless, and it may therefore be easily imagined that
+his bile was raised by this parade and display in a lad, who was very
+shortly to be, and ought three weeks before to have been, shrinking
+from his frown.  Nevertheless, Sawbridge was a good-hearted man,
+although a little envious of luxury, which he could not pretend to
+indulge in himself.
+
+"May I beg to ask," said Jack, who was always remarkably polite and
+gentlemanly in his address, "in what manner I may be of service to
+you?"
+
+"Yes, sir, you may--by joining your ship immediately.  And may I beg
+to ask in return, sir, what is the reason you have stayed on shore
+three weeks without joining her?"
+
+Hereupon Jack, who did not much admire the peremptory tone of Mr
+Sawbridge, and who during the answer had taken a seat, crossed his
+legs, and played with the gold chain to which his watch was secured,
+after a pause very coolly replied--
+
+"And pray, who are you?"
+
+"Who am I, sir?" replied Sawbridge, jumping out of his chair, "my name
+is Sawbridge, sir, and I am the first lieutenant of the Harpy. Now,
+sir, you have your answer."
+
+Mr Sawbridge, who imagined that the name of the first lieutenant would
+strike terror to a culprit midshipman, threw himself back in the
+chair, and assumed an air of importance.
+
+"Really, sir," replied Jack, "what may be your exact situation on
+board, my ignorance of the service will not allow me to guess, but if
+I may judge from your behaviour, you have no small opinion of
+yourself."
+
+"Look ye, young man, you may not know what a first lieutenant is, and
+I take it for granted that you do not, by your behaviour; but depend
+upon it, I'll let you know very soon.  In the meantime, sir, I insist
+upon it, that you go immediately on board."
+
+"I'm sorry that I cannot comply with your very moderate request,"
+replied Jack, coolly.  "I shall go on board when it suits my
+convenience, and I beg that you will give yourself no further trouble
+on my account."
+
+Jack then rang the bell; the waiter, who had been listening outside,
+immediately entered, and before Mr Sawbridge, who was dumb with
+astonishment at Jack's impertinence, could have time to reply--
+
+"Waiter," said Jack, "show this gentleman downstairs."
+
+"By the god of war!" exclaimed the first lieutenant, "but I'll soon
+show you down to the boat, my young bantam; and when once I get you
+safe on board, I'll make you know the difference between a midshipman
+and a first lieutenant."
+
+"I can only admit of equality, sir," replied Jack; "we are all born
+equal--I trust you'll allow that."
+
+"Equality--damn it, I suppose you'll take the command of the ship.
+However, sir, your ignorance will be a little enlightened by-and-bye.
+I shall now go and report your conduct to Captain Wilson; and I tell
+you plainly, that if you are not on board this evening, to-morrow
+morning, at daylight, I shall send a sergeant and a file of marines to
+fetch you."
+
+"You may depend upon it, sir," replied Jack, "that I also shall not
+fail to mention to Captain Wilson, that I consider you a very
+quarrelsome, impertinent fellow, and recommend him not to allow you to
+remain on board.  It will be quite uncomfortable to be in the same
+ship with such an ungentlemanly bear."
+
+"He must be mad--quite mad," exclaimed Sawbridge, whose astonishment
+even mastered his indignation.  "Mad as a march hare--by God."
+
+"No, sir," replied Jack, "I am not mad, but I am a philosopher."
+
+"A what?" exclaimed Sawbridge, "damme, what next?--well, my joker, all
+the better for you, I shall put your philosophy to the proof."
+
+"It is for that very reason, sir," replied Jack, "that I have decided
+upon going to sea; and if you do remain on board, I hope to argue the
+point with you, and make you a convert to the truth of equality and
+the rights of man."
+
+"By the Lord that made us both, I'll soon make you a convert to the
+thirty-six articles of war--that is, if you remain on board; but I
+shall now go to the captain, and report your conduct, sir, and leave
+you to your dinner with what appetite you may."
+
+"Sir, I am infinitely obliged to you; but you need not be afraid of my
+appetite; I am only sorry, as you happen to belong to the same ship,
+that I cannot, in justice to the gentlemanly young men whom I expect,
+ask you to join them. I wish you a very good morning, sir."
+
+"Twenty years have I been in the service," roared Sawbridge, "and
+damme--but he's mad--downright, stark, staring mad," and the first
+lieutenant bounced out of the room.
+
+Jack was a little astonished himself.  Had Mr Sawbridge made his
+appearance in uniform it might have been different; but that a
+plain-looking man, with black whiskers, shaggy hair, and old blue
+frock coat and yellow cassimere waistcoat, should venture to address
+him in such a manner, was quite incomprehensible;--he calls me mad,
+thought Jack, I shall tell Captain Wilson what is my opinion about his
+lieutenant. Shortly afterwards the company arrived, and Jack soon
+forgot all about it.
+
+In the meantime Sawbridge called at the captain's lodgings, and found
+him at home.  He made a very faithful report of all that had happened,
+and concluded his report by demanding, in great wrath, either an
+instant dismissal or a court-martial on our hero, Jack.
+
+"Stop, Sawbridge," replied Captain Wilson, "take a chair: as Mr Easy
+says, we must argue the point, and then I will leave it to your better
+feelings.  As for the court-martial, it will not hold good, for Mr
+Easy, in the first place, has not yet joined the ship, and in the next
+place, could not be supposed to know that you were the first
+lieutenant, or even an officer, for you went to him out of uniform."
+
+"Very true, sir," replied Sawbridge, "I had forgotten that."
+
+"Then, as for his dismissal, or rather, not allowing him to join, Mr
+Easy has been brought up in the country, and has never seen anything
+aquatic larger than a fish-pond, perhaps, in his life; and as for the
+service, or the nature of it, I believe he is as ignorant of it as a
+child not a year old--I doubt whether he knows the rank of a
+lieutenant, certainly, he can have no idea of the power of a first
+lieutenant, by his treatment of you."
+
+"I should think not," replied Sawbridge, dryly.
+
+"I do not think, therefore, that conduct which must have proceeded
+from sheer ignorance should be so severely punished--I appeal to you,
+Sawbridge."
+
+"Well, sir, perhaps you are right--but still he told me he was a
+philosopher, and talked about equality and rights of man.  Told me
+that he could only admit of equality between us, and begged to argue
+the point.  Now, sir, if a midshipman is to argue the point every time
+that an order is given, the service will come to a pretty pass."
+
+"That is all very true, Sawbridge; and now you remind me of what never
+occurred to me at the time that I promised to take Mr Easy in the
+ship. I now recollect that his father, who is a distant relation of
+mine, has some very wild notions in his head, just like what have been
+repeated by his son on your interview with him.  I have occasionally
+dined there, and Mr Easy has always been upholding the principles of
+natural equality and of the rights of man, much to the amusement of
+his guests, and I confess, at the time, of mine also. I recollect
+telling him that I trusted he would never be able to disseminate his
+opinions in the service to which I belonged, as we should have an end
+of all discipline.  I little thought, at the time, that his only son,
+who has no more occasion to go to sea than the Archbishop of
+Canterbury, for his father has a very handsome property I believe
+seven or eight thousand a year--would ever have sailed with me, and
+have brought these opinions with him into any ship that I commanded.
+It is a pity, a great pity."
+
+"He never could have brought his pigs to a worse market," observed
+Sawbridge.
+
+"I agree with you, and, as a father myself, I cannot but help feeling
+how careful we should be, how we inculcate anything like abstract and
+philosophical ideas to youth.  Allowing them to be in themselves
+correct, still they are dangerous as sharp instruments are in the
+hands of a child;--allowing them to be erroneous, they are seized upon
+with an avidity by young and ardent minds, and are not to be
+eradicated without the greatest difficulty, and very often not until
+they have accomplished their ruin."
+
+"Then you think, sir, that these ideas have taken deep root in this
+young man, and we shall not easily rid him of them?"
+
+"I do not say so; but still, recollect they have been instilled,
+perhaps, from the earliest period, by one from whom they must have
+been received with all confidence--from a father to a son; and that
+son has never yet been sufficiently in the world to have proved their
+fallacy."
+
+"Well, sir," replied Sawbridge, "if I may venture to offer an opinion
+on the subject--and in so doing I assure you that I only shall from a
+feeling for the service--if, as you say, these opinions will not
+easily be Eradicated, as the young man is independent, would it not be
+both better for himself, as well as for the service, that he is sent
+home again?  As an officer he will never do any good for himself, and
+he may do much harm to others. I submit this to you, Captain Wilson,
+with all respect; but as your first lieutenant, I feel very jealous at
+any chance of the discipline of the ship being interfered with by the
+introduction of this young man, to whom it appears that a profession
+is no object."
+
+"My dear Sawbridge," replied Captain Wilson, after taking one or two
+turns up and down the room, "we entered the service together, we were
+messmates for many years, and you must be aware that it is not only
+long friendship, but an intimate knowledge of your unrewarded merit,
+which has induced me to request you to come with me as my first
+lieutenant.  Now, I will put a case to you, and you shall then decide
+the question--and moreover, I will abide by your decision.
+
+"Suppose that you were a commander like myself, with a wife and seven
+children, and that, struggling for many years to support them, you
+found yourself, notwithstanding the utmost parsimony, gradually
+running into debt.  That, after many long applications, you had at
+last succeeded in obtaining employment by an appointment to a fine
+sloop, and there was every prospect, by prize-money and increased pay,
+of recovering yourself from your difficulties, if not realising a
+sufficient provision for your family.  Then suppose that all this
+prospect and all these hopes were likely to be dashed to the ground by
+the fact of having no means of fitting yourself out, no credit, no
+means of paying debts you have contracted, for which you would have
+been arrested, or anything sufficient to leave for the support of your
+family during your absence, your agent only consenting to advance
+one-half of what you require.  Now, suppose, in this awkward dilemma,
+without anyone in this world upon whom you have any legitimate claim,
+as a last resource you were to apply to one with whom you have but a
+distant connection, and but an occasional acquaintance--and that when
+you had made your request for the loan of two or three hundred pounds,
+fully anticipating a refusal (from the feeling that he who goes
+a-borrowing goes a-sorrowing),--I say, suppose, to your astonishment,
+that this generous person was to present you with a cheque on his
+banker for one thousand pounds, demanding no interest, no legal
+security, and requests you only to pay it at your convenience,--I ask
+you, Sawbridge, what would be your feelings towards such a man?"
+
+"I would die for him," replied Sawbridge, with emotion.
+
+"And suppose that, by the merest chance, or from a whim of the moment,
+the son of that man was to be placed under your protection?"
+
+"I would be a father to him," replied Sawbridge.
+
+"But we must proceed a little further: suppose that you were to find
+the lad was not all that you could wish--that he had imbibed erroneous
+doctrines, which would probably, if not eradicated, be attended with
+consequences fatal to his welfare and happiness, would you therefore,
+on that account, withdraw your protection, and leave him to the mercy
+of others, who had no claims of gratitude to sway them in his favour?"
+
+"Most certainly not, sir," replied Sawbridge; "on the contrary, I
+would never part with the son until, by precept or otherwise, I had
+set him right again, and thus had, as far as it was possible, paid the
+debt of gratitude due to the generous father."
+
+"I hardly need say to you, Sawbridge, after what has passed, that this
+lad you have just come from, is the son, and that Mr Easy of Forest
+Hill is the father."
+
+"Then, sir, I can only say, that not only to please you, but also from
+respect to a man who has shown such goodwill towards one of our cloth,
+I shall most cheerfully forgive all that has passed between the lad
+and me, and all that may probably take place before we make him what
+he ought to be."
+
+"Thank you, Sawbridge; I expected as much, and am not disappointed in
+my opinion of you."
+
+"And now, Captain Wilson, pray what is to be done?"
+
+"We must get him on board, but not with a file of marines,--that will
+do more harm than good. I will send a note, requesting him to
+breakfast with me to-morrow morning, and have a little conversation
+with him.  I do not wish to frighten him; he would not scruple to run
+back to Forest Hill--now I wish to keep him if I possibly can."
+
+"You are right, sir; his father appears his greatest enemy. What a
+pity that a man with so good a heart should be so weak in the head!
+Then, sir, I shall take no notice of this at present, but leave the
+whole affair in your hands."
+
+"Do, Sawbridge; you have obliged me very much by your kindness in this
+business."
+
+Mr Sawbridge then took his leave, and Captain Wilson despatched a note
+to our hero, requesting the pleasure of his company to breakfast at
+nine o'clock the ensuing morning.  The answer was in the affirmative,
+but verbal, for Jack had drunk too much champagne to trust his pen to
+paper.
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+In which Mr Easy finds himself on the other side of the Bay of Biscay.
+
+The next morning Jack Easy would have forgotten all about his
+engagement with the captain, had it not been for the waiter, who
+thought that, after the reception which our hero had given the first
+lieutenant, it would be just as well that he should not be
+disrespectful to the captain.  Now Jack had not, hitherto, put on his
+uniform, and he thought this a fitting occasion, particularly as the
+waiter suggested the propriety of his appearance in it.  Whether it
+was from a presentiment of what he was to suffer, Jack was not at all
+pleased, as most lads are, with the change in his dress.  It appeared
+to him that he was sacrificing his independence; however, he did not
+follow his first impulse, which was to take it off again, but took his
+hat, which the waiter had brushed and handed to him, and then set off
+for the captain's lodgings.  Captain Wilson received him as if he had
+not been aware of his delay in joining his ship, or his interview with
+his first lieutenant, but before breakfast was over, Jack himself
+narrated the affair in a few words.  Captain Wilson then entered into
+a detail of the duties and rank of every person on board of the ship,
+pointing out to Jack, that where discipline was required, it was
+impossible, when duty was carried on, that more than one could
+command; and that that one was the captain, who represented the king
+in person, who represented the country; and that, as the orders were
+transmitted from the captain through the lieutenant, and from the
+lieutenant to the midshipmen, who, in their turn, communicated them to
+the whole ship's company, in fact, it was the captain alone who gave
+the orders, and that everyone was equally obliged to obey. Indeed, as
+the captain himself had to obey the orders of his superiors, the
+Admiral and the Admiralty; all on board might be said to be equally
+obliged to obey.  Captain Wilson laid a strong emphasis on the word
+equally, as he cautiously administered his first dose; indeed, in the
+whole of his address, he made use of special pleading, which would
+have done credit to the bar; for at the same time that he was
+explaining to Jack that he was entering a service in which equality
+could never for a moment exist, if the service was to exist, he
+contrived to show that all the grades were levelled, by all being
+equally bound to do their duty to their country, and that, in fact,
+whether a seaman obeyed his orders, or he obeyed the orders of his
+superior officer, they were in reality only obeying the orders of the
+country, which were administered through their channels.
+
+Jack did not altogether dislike this view of the subject, and the
+captain took care not to dwell too long upon it.  He then entered upon
+other details, which he was aware would be more agreeable to Jack. He
+pointed out that the articles of war were the rules by which the
+service was to be guided, and that everybody, from the captain to the
+least boy in the ship, was equally bound to adhere to them that a
+certain allowance of provisions and wine were allowed to each person
+on board, and that this allowance was the same to all; the same to the
+captain as to the boy; the same in quantity as in quality; everyone
+equally entitled to his allowance;--that, although there were, of
+necessity, various grades necessary in the service, and the captain's
+orders were obliged to be passed and obeyed by all, yet still,
+whatever was the grade of the officer, they were equally considered as
+gentlemen.  In short, Captain Wilson, who told the truth, and nothing
+but the truth, Without telling the whole truth, actually made Jack
+fancy that he had at last found out that equality he had been seeking
+for in vain on shore, when, at last, he recollected the language used
+by Mr Sawbridge the evening before, and asked the captain why that
+personage had so conducted himself. Now, as the language of Mr
+Sawbridge was very much at variance with equality, Captain Wilson was
+not a little puzzled.  However, he first pointed out that the first
+lieutenant was, at the time being, the captain, as he was the senior
+officer on board, as would Jack himself be if he were the senior
+officer on board; and that, as he before observed, the captain or
+senior officer represented the country.  That in the articles of war,
+everybody who absented himself from the ship, committed an error, or
+breach of those articles; and if any error or breach of those articles
+was committed by anyone belonging to the ship, if the senior officer
+did not take notice of it, he then himself committed a breach of those
+articles, and was liable himself to be punished, if he could not prove
+that he had noticed it; it was therefore to save himself that he was
+obliged to point out the error; and if he did it in strong language,
+it only proved his zeal for his country.
+
+"Upon my honour, then," replied Jack, "there can be no doubt of his
+zeal; for if the whole country had been at stake, he could not have
+put himself in a greater passion."
+
+"Then he did his duty; but depend upon it it was not a pleasant one to
+him: and I'll answer for it, when you meet him on board, he will be as
+friendly with you as if nothing had happened."
+
+"He told me that he'd soon make me know what a first lieutenant was:
+what did he mean by that?" inquired Jack.
+
+"All zeal."
+
+"Yes, but he said, that as soon as he got on board, he'd show me the
+difference between a first lieutenant and a midshipman."
+
+"All zeal."
+
+"He said my ignorance should be a little enlightened by-and-bye."
+
+"All zeal."
+
+"And that he'd send a sergeant and marines to fetch me."
+
+"All zeal."
+
+"That he would put my philosophy to the proof."
+
+"All zeal, Mr Easy.  Zeal will break out in this way; but we should do
+nothing in the service without it.  Recollect that I hope and trust
+one day to see you also a zealous officer."
+
+Here Jack cogitated considerably, and gave no answer.
+
+"You will, I am sure," continued Captain Wilson, "find Mr Sawbridge
+one of your best friends."
+
+"Perhaps so," replied Jack, "but I did not much admire our first
+acquaintance."
+
+"It will perhaps be your unpleasant duty to find as much fault
+yourself; we are all equally bound to do our duty to our country. But,
+Mr Easy, I sent for you to say that we shall sail to-morrow; and, as I
+shall send my things off this afternoon by the launch, you had better
+send yours off also.  At eight o'clock I shall go on board, and we can
+both go in the same boat."
+
+To this Jack made no sort of objection, and having paid his bill at
+the Fountain, he sent his chest down to the boat by some of the crew
+who came up for it, and attended the summons of the captain to embark.
+By nine o'clock that evening, Mr Jack Easy was safe on board his
+Majesty's sloop Harpy.
+
+When Jack arrived on board, it was dark, and he did not know what to
+do with himself.  The captain was received by the officers on deck,
+who took off their hats to salute him.  The captain returned the
+salute, and so did Jack very politely, after which, the captain
+entered into conversation with the first lieutenant, and for a while
+Jack was left to himself.  It was too dark to distinguish faces, and
+to one who had never been on board of a ship, too dark to move, so
+Jack stood where he was, which was not far from the main bitts; but he
+did not stay long; the boat had been hooked on to the quarter davits,
+and the boatswain had called out--"Set taut, my lads!"
+
+And then with the shrill whistle, and "Away with her!" forward came
+galloping and bounding along, the men with the tackles; and in the
+dark Jack was upset, and half a dozen marines fell upon him; the men,
+who had no idea that an officer was floored among the others, were
+pleased at the joke, and continued to dance over those who were down,
+until they rolled themselves out of the way.  Jack, who did not
+understand this, fared badly, and it was not till the calls piped
+belay that he could recover his legs, after having been trampled upon
+by half the starboard watch, and the breath completely jammed out of
+his body, Jack reeled to a carronade slide, when the officers who had
+been laughing at the lark as well as the men, perceived his
+situation--among others, Mr Sawbridge, the first lieutenant.
+
+"Are you hurt, Mr Easy?" said he, kindly.
+
+"A little," replied Jack, catching his breath.
+
+"You've had but a rough welcome," replied the first lieutenant, "but
+at certain times, on board ship, it is every man for himself, and God
+for us all.  Harpur," continued the first lieutenant to the doctor,
+"take Mr Easy down in the gun-room with you, and I will be down myself
+as soon as I can.  Where is Mr Jolliffe?"
+
+"Here, sir," replied Mr Jolliffe, a master's mate, coming aft from the
+booms.
+
+"There is a youngster come on board with the captain.  Order one of
+the quarter-masters to get a hammock slung."
+
+In the meantime Jack went down into the gun-room, where a glass of
+wine somewhat recovered him.  He did not stay there long, nor did he
+venture to talk much.  As soon as his hammock was ready, Jack was glad
+to go to bed--and as he was much bruised he was not disturbed the next
+morning till past nine o'clock.  He then dressed himself, went on
+deck, found that the sloop was just clear of the Needles, that he felt
+very queer, then very sick, and was conducted by a marine down below,
+put into his hammock, where he remained during a gale of wind of three
+days, bewildered, confused, puzzled, and every minute knocking his
+head against the beams with the pitching and tossing of the sloop.
+
+"And this is going to sea," thought Jack; "no wonder that no one
+interferes with another here, or talks about a trespass; for I'm sure
+anyone is welcome to my share of the ocean; and if I once get on shore
+again, the devil may have my portion if he chooses."
+
+Captain Wilson and Mr Sawbridge had both allowed Jack more leisure
+than most midshipmen, during his illness.  By the time that the gale
+was over, the sloop was off Cape Finisterre. The next morning the sea
+was nearly down, and there was but a slight breeze on the waters. The
+comparative quiet of the night before had very much recovered our
+hero, and when the hammocks were piped up, he was accosted by Mr
+Jolliffe, the master's mate, who asked, "whether he intended to rouse
+and bit, or whether he intended to sail to Gibraltar between his
+blankets."
+
+Jack, who felt himself quite another person, turned out of his hammock
+and dressed himself.  A marine had, by the captain's orders, attended
+Jack during his illness, and this man came to his assistance, opened
+his chest, and brought him all he required, or Jack would have been in
+a sad dilemma.
+
+Jack then inquired where he was to go, for he had not been in the
+midshipmen's berth, although five days on board.  The marine pointed
+it out to him, and Jack, who felt excessively hungry, crawled over and
+between chests, until he found himself fairly in a hole infinitely
+inferior to the dog-kennels which received his father's pointers.
+
+"I'd not only give up the ocean," thought Jack, "and my share of it,
+but also my share of the Harpy, unto anyone who fancies it. Equality
+enough here! for everyone appears equally miserably off."
+
+As he thus gave vent to his thoughts, he perceived that there was
+another person in the berth--Mr Jolliffe, the master's mate, who had
+fixed his eye upon Jack, and to whom Jack returned the compliment. The
+first thing that Jack observed was, that Mr Jolliffe was very deeply
+pockmarked, and that he had but one eye, and that was a piercer; it
+appeared like a little ball of fire, and as if it reflected more light
+from the solitary candle than the candle gave.
+
+"I don't like your looks,"  thought Jack--"we shall never be friends."
+
+But here Jack fell into the common error of judging by appearances, as
+will be proved hereafter.
+
+"I'm glad to see you up again, youngster," said Jolliffe; "you've been
+on your beam ends longer than usual, but those who are strongest
+suffer most--you made your mind up but late to come to sea. However,
+they say, 'better late than never'."
+
+"I feel very much inclined to argue the truth of that saying," replied
+Jack; "but it's no use just now.  I'm terribly hungry--when shall I
+get some breakfast?"
+
+"To-morrow morning at half-past eight," replied Mr Jolliffe.
+"Breakfast for to-day has been over these two hours."
+
+"But must I then go without?"
+
+"No, I do not say that, as we must make allowances for your illness;
+but it will not be breakfast."
+
+"Call it what you please," replied Jack, "only pray desire the
+servants to give me something to eat.  Dry toast or muffins--anything
+will do, but I should prefer coffee."
+
+"You forget that you are off Finisterre, in a midshipman's berth:
+coffee we have none--muffins we never see, dry toast cannot be made,
+as we have no soft bread; but a cup of tea, and ship's biscuit and
+butter, I can desire the steward to get ready for you."
+
+"Well then," replied Jack, "I will thank you to procure me that."
+
+"Marine," cried Jolliffe, "call Mesty."
+
+"Pass the word for Mesty," cried the marine--and the two syllables
+were handed forward until lost in the forepart of the vessel.
+
+The person so named must be introduced to the reader.  He was a
+curious anomaly--a black man who had been brought to America as a
+slave, and there sold.
+
+He was a very tall, spare-built, yet muscular form, and had a face by
+no means common with his race.  His head was long and narrow, high
+cheek-bones, from whence his face descended down to almost a point at
+the chin; his nose was very small, but it was straight and almost
+Roman; his mouth also was unusually small; and his lips thin for an
+African; his teeth very white, and filed to sharp points.  He claimed
+the rank of prince in his own country, with what truth could not of
+course be substantiated.  His master had settled at New York, and
+there Mesty had learned English, if it could be so-called: the fact
+is, that all the emigrant labourers at New York being Irishmen, he had
+learned English with the strong brogue and peculiar phraseology of the
+sister kingdom dashed with a little Yankeeism.
+
+Having been told that there was no slavery in England, Mesty had
+concealed himself on board an English merchant vessel, and escaped. On
+his arrival in England he had entered on board of a man-of-war. Having
+no name, it was necessary to christen him on the ship's books, and the
+first lieutenant, who had entered him, struck with his remarkable
+expression of countenance, and being a German scholar, had named him
+Mephistopheles Faust, from whence his Christian name had been razed to
+Mesty.  Mesty in other points was an eccentric character; at one
+moment, when he remembered his lineage, he was proud to excess, at
+others he was grave and almost sullen--but when nothing either in
+daily occurrences or in his mind ran contrary, he exhibited the
+drollery so often found in his nation, with a spice of Irish humour,
+as if he had caught up the latter with his Irish brogue.
+
+Mesty was soon seen coming aft, but almost double as he couched under
+the beams, and taking large strides with his naked feet.
+
+"By the powers, Massa Yolliffe, but it is not seasonable at all to
+send for me just now, anyhow, seeing how the praters are in the
+copper, and so many blackguard 'palpeens all ready to change net for
+net, and better themselves by the same mistake, 'dam um."
+
+"Mesty, you know I never send for you myself, or allow others to do
+so, unless it is necessary," replied Jolliffe; "but this poor lad has
+eaten nothing since he has been on board, and is very hungry--you must
+get him a little tea."
+
+"Is it tay you mane, sir?--I guess, to make tay, in the first place I
+must ab water, and in the next must ab room in the galley to put the
+kettle on--and 'pose you wanted to burn the tip of your little finger
+just now, it's not in the galley that you find a berth for it--and den
+the water before seven bells.  I've a notion it's just impossible."
+
+"But he must have something, Mesty."
+
+"Never mind the tea, then," replied Jack, "I'll take some milk."
+
+"Is it milk massa manes, and the bumboat woman on the oder side of the
+bay?"
+
+"We have no milk, Mr Easy; you forget that we are on blue water,"
+replied Jolliffe, "and I really am afraid that you'll have to wait
+till dinner-time.  Mesty tells the truth."
+
+"I tell you what, Massa Yolliffe, it just seven bells, and if the
+young gentleman would, instead of tay, try a little out of the copper,
+it might keep him asy.  It but a little difference, tay soup and pay
+soup. Now a bowl of that, with some nuts and a flourish of pepper,
+will do him good, anyhow."
+
+"Perhaps the best thing he can take, Mesty; get it as fast as you
+can."
+
+In a few minutes the black brought down a bowl of soup and whole peas
+swimming in it, put before our hero a tin bread-basket full of small
+biscuit, called midshipmen's nuts, and the pepper-caster. Jack's
+visions of tea, coffee, muffins, dry toast, and milk, vanished as he
+perceived the mess; but he was very hungry, and he found it much
+better than he expected; and he moreover found himself much the better
+after he had swallowed it. It struck seven bells, and he accompanied
+Mr Jolliffe on deck.
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+Showing how Jack transgresses against his own philosophy.
+
+When Jack Easy had gained the deck, he found the sun shining gaily, a
+soft air blowing from the shore, and the whole of the rigging and
+every part of the ship loaded with the shirts, trousers, and jackets
+of the seamen, which had been wetted during the heavy gale, and were
+now hanging up to dry; all the wet sails were also spread on the booms
+or triced up in the rigging, and the ship was slowly forging through
+the blue water.  The captain and first lieutenant were standing on the
+gangway in converse, and the majority of the officers were with their
+quadrants and sextants ascertaining the latitude at noon.  The decks
+were white and clean, the sweepers had just laid by their brooms, and
+the men were busy coiling down the ropes.  It was a scene of
+cheerfulness, activity, and order, which tightened his heart after the
+four days of suffering, close air, and confinement, from which he had
+just emerged.
+
+The captain, who perceived him, beckoned to him, asked him kindly how
+he felt: the first lieutenant also smiled upon him, and many of the
+officers, as well as his messmates, congratulated him upon his
+recovery.
+
+The captain's steward came up to him, touched his hat, and requested
+the pleasure of his company to dinner in the cabin. Jack was the
+essence of politeness, took off his hat, and accepted the invitation.
+Jack was standing on a rope which a seaman was coiling down; the man
+touched his hat and requested he would be so kind as to take his foot
+off.  Jack took his hat off his head in return, and his foot off the
+rope.  The master touched his hat, and reported twelve o'clock to the
+first lieutenant--the first lieutenant touched his hat, and reported
+twelve o'clock to the captain--the captain touched his hat, and told
+the first lieutenant to make it so.  The officer of the watch touched
+his hat, and asked the captain whether they should pipe to dinner--
+the captain touched his hat, and said--"If you please."
+
+The midshipman received his orders, and touched his hat, which he gave
+to the head boatswain's mate, who touched his hat, and then the calls
+whistled cheerily.
+
+"Well," thought Jack, "politeness seems to be the order of the day,
+and everyone has an equal respect for the other." Jack stayed on deck;
+he peeped through the ports, which were open, and looked down into the
+deep blue wave; he cast his eyes aloft, and watched the tall spars
+sweeping and tracing with their points, as it were, a small portion of
+the clear sky, as they acted in obedience to the motion of the vessel;
+he looked forward at the range of carronades which lined the sides of
+the deck, and then he proceeded to climb one of the carronades, and
+lean over the hammocks to gaze on the distant land.
+
+"Young gentleman, get off those hammocks," cried the master, who was
+officer of the watch, in a surly tone.
+
+Jack looked round. "Do you hear me, sir?  I'm speaking to you," said
+the master again. Jack felt very indignant, and he thought that
+politeness was not quite so general as he supposed.
+
+It happened that Captain Wilson was upon deck. "Come here, Mr Easy,"
+said the captain; "it is a rule in the service, that no one gets on
+the hammocks, unless in case of emergency--I never do--nor the first
+lieutenant--nor any of the officers or men,--therefore, upon the
+principle of equality, you must not do it either."
+
+"Certainly not, sir," replied Jack, "but still I do not see why that
+officer in the shining hat should be so angry, and not speak to me as
+if I were a gentleman, as well as himself."
+
+"I have already explained that to you, Mr Easy." "O yes, I recollect
+now, it's zeal: but this zeal appears to me to be the only unpleasant
+thing in the service.  It's a pity, as you said, that the service
+cannot do without it."
+
+Captain Wilson laughed, and walked away; and shortly afterwards, as he
+turned up and down the deck with the master, he hinted to him, that he
+should not speak so sharply to a lad who had committed such a trifling
+error through ignorance.  Now Mr Smallsole, the master, who was a
+surly sort of a personage, and did not like even a hint of
+disapprobation of his conduct, although very regardless of the feeling
+of others, determined to pay this off on Jack, the very first
+convenient opportunity.  Jack dined in the cabin, and was very much
+pleased to find that everyone drank wine with him, and that everybody
+at the captain's table appeared to be on an equality.  Before the
+dessert had been on the table five minutes, Jack became loquacious on
+his favourite topic; all the company stared with surprise at such an
+unheard-of doctrine being broached on board of a man-of-war; the
+captain argued the point, so as to controvert, without too much
+offending, Jack's notions, laughing the whole time that the
+conversation was carried on.
+
+It will be observed, that this day may be considered as the first in
+which Jack really made his appearance on board, and it also was on
+this first day that Jack made known, at the captain's table, his very
+peculiar notions.  If the company at the captain's table, which
+consisted of the second lieutenant, purser, Mr Jolliffe, and one of
+the midshipmen, were astonished at such heterodox opinions being
+stated in the presence of the captain, they were equally astonished at
+the cool, good-humoured ridicule with which they were received by
+Captain Wilson.
+
+The report of Jack's boldness, and every word and opinion that he had
+uttered (of course much magnified) was circulated that evening through
+the whole ship; it was canvassed in the gun-room by the officers; it
+was descanted upon by the midshipmen as they walked the deck; the
+captain's steward held a levee abreast of the ship's funnel, in which
+he narrated this new doctrine.  The sergeant of marines gave his
+opinion in his berth, that it was damnable.  The boatswain talked over
+the matter with the other warrant officers, till the grog was all
+gone, and then dismissed it as too dry a subject: and it was the
+general opinion of the ship's company, that as soon as they arrived at
+Gibraltar Bay, our hero would bid adieu to the service, either by
+being sentenced to death by a court-martial, or by being dismissed,
+and towed on shore on a grating. Others, who had more of the wisdom of
+the serpent, and who had been informed by Mr Sawbridge that our hero
+was a lad who would inherit a large property, argued differently, and
+considered that Captain Wilson had very good reason for being so
+lenient--and among them was the second lieutenant.  There were but
+four who were well inclined towards Jack,--to wit, the captain, the
+first lieutenant, Mr Jolliffe, the one-eyed master's mate, and
+Mephistopheles, the black, who, having heard that Jack had uttered
+such sentiments, loved him with all his heart and soul.
+
+We have referred to the second lieutenant, Mr Asper.  This young man
+had a very high respect for birth, and particularly for money, of
+which he had very little.  He was the son of an eminent merchant who,
+during the time that he was a midshipman, had allowed him a much
+larger sum for his expenses than was necessary or proper; and, during
+his career, he found that his full pocket procured him consequence,
+not only among his own messmates, but also with many of the officers
+of the ships that he sailed in.  A man who is able and willing to pay
+a large tavern bill will always find followers--that is, to the
+tavern; and lieutenants did not disdain to dine, walk arm-in-arm, and
+be "hail fellow well met" with a midshipman, at whose expense they
+lived during the time they were on shore.  Mr Asper had just received
+his commission and appointment, when his father became a bankrupt, and
+the fountain was dried up from which he had drawn such liberal
+supplies.  Since that, Mr Asper had felt that his consequence was
+gone: he could no longer talk about the service being a bore, or that
+he should give it up; he could no longer obtain that deference paid to
+his purse, and not to himself; and he had contracted very expensive
+habits, without having any longer the means of gratifying them.
+
+It was therefore no wonder that he imbibed a great respect for money;
+and, as he could no longer find the means himself, he was glad to pick
+up anybody else at whose cost he could indulge in that extravagance
+and expense to which he had been so long accustomed, and still sighed
+for.  Now, Mr Asper knew that our hero was well supplied with money,
+as he had obtained from the waiter the amount of the bill paid at the
+Fountain, and he had been waiting for Jack's appearance on deck to
+become his very dearest and most intimate friend.  The conversation in
+the cabin made him feel assured that Jack would require and be
+grateful for support, and he had taken the opportunity of a walk with
+Mr Sawbridge, to offer to take Jack in his watch.  Whether it was that
+Mr Sawbridge saw through the design of Mr Asper, or whether he
+imagined that our hero would be better pleased with him than with the
+master, considering his harshness of deportment; or with himself, who
+could not, as first lieutenant, overlook any remission of duty, the
+offer was accepted, and Jack Easy was ordered, as he now entered upon
+his duties, to keep watch under Lieutenant Asper.
+
+But not only was this the first day that Jack may be said to have
+appeared in the service, but it was the first day in which he had
+entered the midshipman's berth, and was made acquainted with his
+messmates.
+
+We have already mentioned Mr Jolliffe, the master's mate, but we must
+introduce him more particularly.  Nature is sometimes extremely
+arbitrary, and never did she show herself more so than in insisting
+that Mr Jolliffe should have the most sinister expression of
+countenance that ever had been looked upon.
+
+He had suffered martyrdom with the small-pox, which probably had
+contracted his lineaments: his face was not only deeply pitted, but
+scarred with this cruel disorder.  One eye had been lost, and all
+eyebrows had disappeared--and the contrast between the dull,
+sightless, opaque orb on one side of his face, and the brilliant,
+piercing little ball on the other, was almost terrifying.  His nose
+had been eaten away by the disease till it formed a sharp but
+irregular point; part of the muscles of the chin were contracted, and
+it was drawn in with unnatural seams and puckers.  He was tall, gaunt,
+and thin, seldom smiled, and when he did, the smile produced a still
+further distortion.
+
+Mr Jolliffe was the son of a warrant officer.  He did not contract
+this disease until he had been sent out to the West Indies, where it
+swept away hundreds.  He had now been long in the service, with little
+or no chance of promotion.  He had suffered from indigence, from
+reflections upon his humble birth, from sarcasms on his appearance.
+Every contumely had been heaped upon him at one time or another, in
+the ships in which he served; among a crowd he had found himself
+desolate--and now, although no one dared treat him to his face with
+disrespect, he was only respected in the service from a knowledge of
+his utility and exemplary performance of his duties--he had no friends
+or even companions.  For many years he had retired within himself, he
+had improved by reading and study, had felt all the philanthropy of a
+Christian, and extended it towards others.  Silent and reserved, he
+seldom spoke in the berth, unless his authority, as caterer, was
+called for; all respected Mr Jolliffe, but no one liked, as a
+companion, one at whose appearance the very dogs would bark.  At the
+same time every one acknowledged his correct behaviour in every point,
+his sense of justice, his forbearance, his kindness, and his good
+sense.  With him life was indeed a pilgrimage, and he wended his way
+in all Christian charity and all Christian zeal.
+
+In all societies, however small they may be, provided that they do but
+amount to half-a-dozen, you will invariably meet with a bully. And it
+is also generally the case that you will find one of that society who
+is more or less the butt.  You will discover this even in occasional
+meetings, such as a dinner-party, the major part of which have never
+met before.
+
+Previous to the removal of the cloth, the bully will have shown
+himself by his dictatorial manner, and will also have selected the one
+upon whom he imagines that he can best practise.  In a midshipman's
+berth, this fact has become almost proverbial, although now perhaps it
+is not attended with that disagreeable despotism which was permitted
+at the time that our hero entered the service.
+
+The bully of the midshipman's berth of H.M. sloop Harpy Was a young
+man about seventeen, with light, curly hair, and florid countenance,
+the son of the clerk in the dockyard at Plymouth, and his name was
+Vigors.
+
+The butt was a pudding-faced Tartar-physiognomied boy of fifteen,
+whose intellects, with fostering, if not great, might at least have
+been respectable, had he not lost all confidence in his own powers
+from the constant jeers and mockeries of those who had a greater
+fluency of speech without perhaps so much real power of mind. Although
+slow, what he learnt he invariably retained.  This lad's name was
+Gossett.  His father was a wealthy yeoman of Lynn, in Norfolk.  There
+were at the time but three other midshipmen in the ship, of whom it
+can only be said that they were like midshipmen in general, with
+little appetite for learning, but good appetites for dinner, hating
+everything like work, fond of everything like fun, fighting "a
+L'outrance" one minute, and sworn friends the next--with general
+principles of honour and justice, but which were occasionally warped
+according to circumstances; with all the virtues and vices so
+heterogeneously jumbled and heaped together, that it was almost
+impossible to ascribe any action to its true motive, and to ascertain
+to what point their vice was softened down into almost a virtue, and
+their virtues from mere excess degenerated into vice.  Their names
+were O'Connor, Mills, and Gascoigne.  The other shipmates of our hero
+it will be better to introduce as they appear on the stage.
+
+After Jack had dined in the cabin, he followed his messmates Jolliffe
+and Gascoigne down into the midshipmen's berth.
+
+"I say, Easy," observed Gascoigne, "you are a devilish free and easy
+sort of a fellow, to tell the captain that you considered yourself as
+great a man as he was."
+
+"I beg your pardon," replied Jack, "I did not argue individually, but
+generally, upon the principles of the rights of man."
+
+"Well," replied Gascoigne, "it's the first time I ever heard a middy
+do such a bold thing; take care your rights of man don't get you in
+the wrong box--there's no arguing on board of a man-of-war.  The
+captain took it amazingly easy, but you'd better not broach that
+subject too often."
+
+"Gascoigne gives you very good advice, Mr Easy," observed Jolliffe;
+"allowing that your ideas are correct, which it appears to me they are
+not, or at least impossible to be acted upon, there is such a thing as
+prudence, and however much this question may be canvassed on shore, in
+his Majesty's service it is not only dangerous in itself, but will be
+very prejudicial to you."
+
+"Man is a free agent," replied Easy.
+
+"I'll be shot if a midshipman is," replied Gascoigne, laughing, aloud
+"that you'll soon find."
+
+"And yet it was in the expectation of finding that equality that I was
+induced to come to sea."
+
+"On the first of April, I presume," replied Gascoigne.  "But are you
+really serious?"
+
+Hereupon Jack entered into a long argument, to which Jolliffe and
+Gascoigne listened without interruption, and Mesty with admiration; at
+the end of it, Gascoigne laughed heartily, and Jolliffe sighed.
+
+"From whence did you learn all this?" inquired Jolliffe.
+
+"From my father, who is a great philosopher, and has constantly upheld
+these opinions."
+
+"And did your father wish you to go to sea?"
+
+"No, he was opposed to it," replied Jack, "but of course he could not
+combat my right and free-will."
+
+"Mr Easy, as a friend," replied Jolliffe, "I request that you would as
+much as possible keep your opinions to yourself.  I shall have an
+opportunity of talking to you on the subject and will then explain to
+you my reasons."
+
+As soon as Mr Jolliffe had ceased, down came Mr Vigors and O'Connor,
+who had heard the news of Jack's heresy.
+
+"You do not know Mr Vigors and Mr O'Connor," said Jolliffe to Easy.
+
+Jack, who was the essence of politeness, rose and bowed, at which the
+others took their seats, without returning the salutation. Vigors had,
+from what he had heard and now seen of Easy, thought he had somebody
+else to play upon, and without ceremony he commenced.
+
+"So, my chap, you are come on board to raise a mutiny here with your
+equality--you came off scot free at the captain's table; but it won't
+do, I can tell you, even in the midshipman's berth: some must knock
+under, and you are one of them."
+
+"If, sir," replied Easy, "you mean by knock under, that I must submit,
+I can assure you that you are mistaken.  Upon the same principle that
+I would never play the tyrant to those weaker than myself, so will I
+resent oppression if attempted."
+
+"Damme, but he's a regular sea lawyer already: however, my boy, we'll
+soon put your mettle to the proof."
+
+"Am I then to infer that I am not on an equality with my messmates?"
+replied Jack, looking at Jolliffe.  The latter was about to answer
+him, but Vigors interrupted.
+
+"Yes, you are on an equality as far as this, that you have an equal
+right to the berth, if you are not knocked out of it for insolence to
+your masters; that you have an equal share to pay for the things
+purchased for the mess, and an equal right to have your share,
+provided you can get it; you have an equal right to talk, provided you
+are not told to hold your tongue.  The fact is, you have an equal
+right with everyone else to do as you can, get what you can, and say
+what you can, always provided that you can do it; for here the weakest
+goes to the wall, and that is midshipman's berth equality.  Now, do
+you understand all that; or will you wait for a practical
+illustration?"
+
+"I am then to infer that the equality here is as much destroyed as it
+even will be among savages, where the strong oppress the weak, and the
+only law is club law--in fact, much the same as it is at a public or
+large school, on shore?"
+
+"I suspect you are right for once.  You were at a public school: how
+did they treat you there?"
+
+"As you propose treating people here--the weakest went to the wall."
+
+"Well, then, a nod's as good as a wink to a blind horse, that's all,
+my hearty," said Vigors.
+
+But the hands being turned up, "Shorten sail" put an end to the
+altercation for the present.
+
+As our hero had not yet received orders to go to his duty, he remained
+below with Mesty.
+
+"By de powers, Massa Easy, but I lub you with my hole soul," said
+Mesty.  "By Jasus, you really tark fine, Massa Easy; dat Mr Vigor--
+nebber care for him, wouldn't you help him--and sure you would,"
+continued the black, feeling the muscle of Jack's arm.  "By the soul
+of my fader, I'd bet my week's allowance on you anyhow. Nebber be
+'fraid, Massa Easy."
+
+"I am not afraid," replied Jack; "I've thrashed bigger fellows than
+he"; and Jack's assertion was true.  Mr Bonnycastle never interfered
+in a fair fight, and took no notice of black eyes, provided the
+lessons there well said.  Jack had fought and fought again, until he
+was a very good bruiser, and although not so tall as Vigors, he was
+much better built for fighting.  A knowing Westminster boy would have
+bet his half-crown upon Jack had he seen him and his anticipated
+adversary.
+
+The constant battles which Jack was obliged to fight at school had
+been brought forward by Jack against his father's arguments in favour
+of equality, but they had been overruled by Mr Easy's pointing out
+that the combats of boys had nothing to do with the rights of man.
+
+As soon as the watch was called, Vigors, O'Connor, Gossett, and
+Gascoigne came down into the berth.  Vigors, who was the strongest in
+the berth, except Jolliffe, had successively had his superiority
+acknowledged, and, when on deck, he had talked of Easy's impertinence,
+and his intention of bringing him to his senses.  The others,
+therefore, came down to see the fun.
+
+"Well, Mr Easy," observed Vigors, as he came into the berth, "you take
+after your name, at all events; I suppose you intend to eat the king's
+provision, and do nothing."
+
+Jack's mettle was already up. "You will oblige me, sir, by minding
+your own business," replied Jack.
+
+"You impudent blackguard, if you say another word, I'll give you a
+good thrashing, and knock some of your equality out of you."
+
+"Indeed," replied Jack, who almost fancied himself back at Mr
+Bonnycastle's; "we'll try that."
+
+Whereupon Jack very coolly divested himself of his upper garments,
+neckerchief, and shirt, much to the surprise of Mr Vigors, who little
+contemplated such a proof of decision and confidence, and still more
+to the delight of the other midshipmen, who would have forfeited a
+week's allowance to see Vigors well thrashed.  Vigors, however, knew
+that he had gone too far to retreat; he therefore prepared for action;
+and, when ready, the whole party went out into the steerage to settle
+the business.
+
+Vigors had gained his assumed authority more by bullying than
+fighting; others had submitted to him without a sufficient trial;
+Jack, on the contrary, had won his way up in school by hard and
+scientific combat; the result, therefore, may easily be imagined.  In
+less than a quarter of an hour Vigors, beaten dead, with his eyes
+closed, and three teeth out, gave in: while Jack, after a basin of
+water, looked as fresh as ever, with the exception of a few trifling
+scratches.
+
+The news of this victory was soon through the ship; and before Jack
+had resumed his clothes it had been told confidentially by Sawbridge
+to the captain.
+
+"So soon!" said Captain Wilson, laughing; "I expected that a
+midshipman's berth would do wonders; but I did not expect this yet
+awhile.  This victory is the first severe blow to Mr Easy's equality,
+and will be more valuable than twenty defeats. Let him now go to his
+duty, he will soon find his level."
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+In which our hero proves that all on board should equally sacrifice
+decency to duty.
+
+The success of any young man in a profession very much depends upon
+the occurrences at the commencement of his career, as from those is
+his character judged, and he is treated accordingly.  Jack had chosen
+to enter the service at a much later period than most lads; he was
+tall and manly for his age, and his countenance, if not strictly
+handsome, wore that expression of honesty and boldness which is sure
+to please.  His spirit in not submitting to, and meeting, Vigors when
+he had hardly recovered from his severe prostration of sea-sickness,
+had gained him with the many respect, and with all, except his
+antagonist and Mr Smallsole, good-will.  Instead of being laughed at
+by his messmates, he was played with; for Jolliffe smiled at his
+absurdities, and attempted to reason him out of them, and the others
+liked Jack for himself and his generosity, and moreover, because they
+looked up to him as a protector against Vigors, who had persecuted
+them all; for Jack had declared, that as might was right in a
+midshipman's berth, he would so far restore equality, that if he could
+not put down those who were the strongest, at all events he would
+protect the weak, and, let who would come into the berth, they must be
+his master before they should tyrannise over those weaker than he.
+
+Thus did Jack Easy make the best use that he could of his strength,
+and become, as it were, the champion and security of those who,
+although much longer at sea and more experienced than he was, were
+glad to shelter themselves under his courage and skill, the latter of
+which had excited the admiration of the butcher of the ship, who had
+been a pugilist by profession.  Thus did Jack at once take the rank of
+an oldster, and soon became the leader of all the mischief.  We
+particularly observe this, because, had it so happened that our hero
+had succumbed to Vigors, the case would have been the very reverse. He
+then would have had to go through the ordeal to which most who enter
+the naval service are exposed, which cannot be better explained than
+by comparing it to the fagging carried to such an iniquitous extent in
+public schools.
+
+Mr Asper, for his own reasons, made him his companion: they walked the
+night watch together, and he listened to all Jack's nonsense about the
+rights of man.  And here Mr Asper did good without intending it, for,
+at the same time that he appeared to agree with Jack, to secure his
+favour, he cautioned him, and pointed out why this equality could not
+exist altogether on board of a man-of-war.
+
+As for himself, he said, he saw no difference between a lieutenant, or
+even a captain, and a midshipman, provided they were gentlemen: he
+should choose his friends where he liked, and despised that power of
+annoyance which the service permitted.  Of course, Jack and Mr Asper
+were good friends, especially as, when half the watch was over, to
+conciliate his good-will and to get rid of his eternal arguing, Mr
+Asper would send Jack down to bed.
+
+They were now entering the Straits, and expected to anchor the next
+day at Gibraltar, and Jack was forward on the forecastle, talking with
+Mesty, with whom he had contracted a great friendship, for there was
+nothing that Mesty would not have done for Jack, although he had not
+been three weeks in the ship; but a little reflection will show that
+it was natural.
+
+Mesty had been a great man in his own country; he had suffered all the
+horrors of a passage in a slave ship; he had been sold as a slave
+twice; he had escaped--but he found that the universal feeling was
+strong against his colour, and that on board of a man-of-war he was
+condemned, although free, to the humblest of offices.
+
+He had never heard anyone utter the sentiments, which now beat in his
+own heart, of liberty and equality--we say now, for when he was in his
+own country before his captivity, he had no ideas of equality; no one
+has who is in power: but he had been schooled; and although people
+talked of liberty and equality at New York, he found that what they
+preached for themselves, they did not practise towards others, and
+that, in the midst of liberty and equality, he and thousands more were
+enslaved and degraded beings.
+
+Escaping to England, he had regained his liberty, but not his
+equality; his colour had prevented the latter, and in that feeling all
+the world appeared to conspire together against him, until, to his
+astonishment, he heard those sentiments boldly expressed from the lips
+of Jack, and that in a service where it was almost tantamount to
+mutiny. Mesty, whose character is not yet developed, immediately took
+a fondness for our hero, and in a hundred ways showed his attachment.
+Jack also liked Mesty, and was fond of talking with him, and every
+evening, since the combat with Vigors, they had generally met in the
+forecastle to discuss the principles of equality and the rights of
+man.
+
+The boatswain, whose name was Biggs, was a slight, dapper, active
+little man, who, as captain of the foretop, had shown an uncommon
+degree of courage in a hurricane, so much so, as to recommend him to
+the Admiral for promotion.  It was given to him; and after the ship to
+which he had been appointed was paid off, he had been ordered to join
+H.M. sloop Harpy.  Jack's conversation with Mesty was interrupted by
+the voice of the boatswain, who was haranguing his boy. "It's now ten
+minutes, sir, by my repeater," said the boatswain, "that I have sent
+for you"; and Mr Biggs pulled out a huge silver watch, almost as big
+as a Norfolk turnip.  A Jew had sold him the watch; the boatswain had
+heard of repeaters, and wished to have one.  Moses had only shown him
+watches with the hour and minute hands; he now produced one with a
+second hand, telling him it was a repeater.
+
+"What makes it a repeater?" inquired the boatswain.
+
+"Common watches," said the cunning Jew, "only tell the minutes and
+hours; but all repeaters tell the seconds."
+
+The boatswain was satisfied--bought the watch, and, although many had
+told him it was no repeater, he insisted that it was, and would call
+it so.
+
+"I swear," continued the boatswain, "it's ten minutes and twenty
+seconds by my repeater."
+
+"If you please, sir," said the boy, "I was changing my trousers when
+you sent for me, and then I had to stow away my bag again."
+
+"Silence, sir; I'd have you to know that when you are sent for by your
+officer, trousers or no trousers, it is your duty to come up
+directly."
+
+"Without trousers, sir?" replied the boy.
+
+"Yes, sir, without trousers; if the captain required me, I should come
+without my shirt.  Duty before decency." So saying, the boatswain lays
+hold of the boy.
+
+"Surely, Mr Biggs," said Jack, "you are not going to punish that boy
+for not coming up without his trousers?"
+
+"Yes, Mr Easy, I am--I must teach him a lesson.  We are bound, now
+that newfangled ideas are brought into the ship, to uphold the dignity
+of the service; and the orders of an officer are not to be delayed ten
+minutes and twenty seconds because a boy has no trousers on."
+Whereupon the boatswain administered several smart cuts with his
+rattan upon the boy, proving that it was quite as well that he had put
+on his trousers before he came on deck.  "There," said Mr Biggs, "is a
+lesson for you, you scamp--and, Mr Easy, it is a lesson for you also,"
+continued the boatswain, walking away with a most consequential air.
+
+"Murder Irish!" said Mesty--"how him cut caper. De oder day he haul
+out de weather ear-ring, and touch him hat to a midshipman. Sure
+enough, make um cat laugh."
+
+The next day the Harpy was at anchor in Gibraltar Bay; the captain
+went on shore, directing the gig to be sent for him before nine
+o'clock; after which hour the sally-port is only opened by special
+permission.  There happened to be a ball given by the officers of the
+garrison on that evening, and a polite invitation was sent to the
+officers of H.M. sloop Harpy.  As those who accepted the invitation
+would be detained late, it was not possible for them to come off that
+night.  And as their services were required for the next day, Captain
+Wilson allowed them to remain on shore until seven o'clock the next
+morning, at which hour, as there was a large party, there would be two
+boats sent for them.
+
+Mr Asper obtained leave, and asked permission to take our hero with
+him; to which Mr Sawbridge consented.  Many other officers obtained
+leave, and, among others, the boatswain, who, aware that his services
+would be in request as soon as the equipment commenced, asked
+permission for this evening.  And Mr Sawbridge, feeling that he could
+be better spared at this than at any other time, consented.  Asper and
+Jack went to an inn, dined, bespoke beds, and then dressed themselves
+for the ball, which was very brilliant, and, from the company of the
+officers, very pleasant.  Captain Wilson looked on at the
+commencement, and then returned on board.  Jack behaved with his usual
+politeness, danced till two o'clock, and then, as the ball thinned,
+Asper proposed that they should retires.  Having once more applied to
+the refreshment-room, they had procured their hats, and were about to
+depart, when one of the officers of the garrison asked Jack if he
+would like to see a baboon, which had just been brought down from the
+rock; and, taking some of the cakes, they repaired to the court where
+the animal was chained down to a small tank.  Jack fed the brute till
+all the cakes were gone, and then, because he had no more to give
+him, the baboon flew at Jack, who, in making his retreat fell back
+into the tank, which was about two feet deep.  This was a joke, and
+having laughed heartily, they wished the officer goodnight, and went
+to the inn.
+
+Now, what with the number of officers of the Harpy on shore, who had
+all put up at the same inn, and other occupants, the landlord was
+obliged to put his company into double and treble-bedded rooms; but
+this was of little consequence.  Jack was shown into a double-bedded
+room, and proceeded to undress; the other was evidently occupied, by
+the heavy breathing which saluted Jack's ear.
+
+As Jack undressed, he recollected that his trousers were wet through,
+and to dry them he opened the window, hung them out, and then jammed
+down the window again upon them, to hold them in their position, after
+which he turned in and fell fast asleep.  At six o'clock he was
+called, as he had requested, and proceeded to dress, but to his
+astonishment found the window thrown open and his trousers missing. It
+was evident, that his partner in the room had thrown the window open
+during the night, and that his trousers, having fallen down into the
+street, had been walked off with by somebody or another.  Jack looked
+out of the window once more, and perceived that whoever had thrown
+open the window had been unwell during the night.
+
+A nice drunken companion I have had, thought Jack; but what's to be
+done? And in saying this, he walked up to the other bed, and perceived
+that it was tenanted by the boatswain. Well, thought Jack, as Mr Biggs
+has thought proper to lose my trousers, I think I have a right to take
+his, or at least the wear of them to go on board.  It was but last
+night he declared that decency must give way to duty, and that the
+orders of a superior officer were to be obeyed, with or without
+garments. I know he is obliged to be on board, and now he shall try
+how he likes to obey orders in his shirt tails.  So cogitating, Jack
+took the trousers of the boatswain, who still snored, although he had
+been called, and putting them on, completed the rest of his dress, and
+quitted the room.  He went to that of Mr Asper, where he found him
+just ready, and, having paid the bill--for Asper had forgotten his
+purse--they proceeded down to the sally-port, where they found other
+officers waiting, sufficient to load the first boat, which shoved off,
+and they went on board.  As soon as he was down below, Jack hastened
+to change his trousers, and, unobserved by anyone, threw those
+belonging to Mr Biggs on a chair in his cabin, and, having made a
+confidant of Mesty, who was delighted, he went on deck, and waited the
+issue of the affair.
+
+Before Jack left the hotel, he had told the waiter that there was the
+boatswain still fast asleep, and that he must be roused up
+immediately; and this injunction was obeyed.  The boatswain, who had
+drunk too much the night before, and, as Jack had truly imagined, had
+opened the window because he was unwell, was wakened up, and hearing
+how late it was, hastened to dress himself.  Not finding his trousers,
+he rang the bell, supposing that they had been taken down to be
+brushed, and, in the meantime, put on everything else, that he might
+lose no time: the waiter who answered the bell, denied having taken
+the trousers out of the room, and poor Mr Biggs was in a sad quandary.
+What had become of them, he could not tell: he had no recollection of
+having gone to bed the night before; he inquired of the waiter, who
+said that he knew nothing about them--that he was very tipsy when he
+came home, and that when he called him, he had found the window open,
+and it appeared that he had been unwell--he supposed that he had
+thrown his trousers out of the window. Time flew, and the boatswain
+was in despair.  "Could they lend him a pair?"
+
+"He would call his master." The master of the inn knew very well the
+difference of rank between officers, and those whom he could trust and
+those whom he could not.  He sent up the bill by the waiter, and
+stated that, for a deposit, the gentleman might have a pair of
+trousers.  The boatswain felt in his pockets and remembered that all
+his money was in his trousers' pocket.  He could not only not leave a
+deposit, but could not pay his bill.  The landlord was inexorable.  It
+was bad enough to lose his money, but he could not lose more.
+
+"I shall be tried by a court-martial, by heavens!" exclaimed the
+boatswain--"it's not far from the sally-port: I'll make a run for it,
+and I can slip into one of the boats and get another pair of trousers
+before I report myself as having come on board."  So making up his
+mind, the boatswain took to his heels, and with his check shirt tails
+streaming in the wind, ran as hard as he could to where the boat was
+waiting to receive him.  He was encountered by many, but he only ran
+the faster the more they jeered, and, at last, arrived breathless at
+his goal, flew down the steps, jumped into the boat, and squatted on
+the stern sheets, much to the surprise of the officers and men, who
+thought him mad.  He stated in a few words that somebody had stolen
+his trousers during the night; and as it was already late, the boat
+shoved off the men as well as officers convulsed with laughter.
+
+"Have any of you a pea-jacket?" inquired the boatswain of the men--but
+the weather was so warm that none of them had brought a pea-jacket.
+The boatswain looked round; he perceived that the officers were
+sitting on a boat-cloak.
+
+"Whose boat-cloak is that?" inquired the boatswain.
+
+"Mine," replied Gascoigne.
+
+"I trust, Mr Gascoigne, you will have the kindness to lend it to me to
+go up the side with."
+
+"Indeed I will not," replied Gascoigne, who would sooner have thrown
+it overboard and have lost it, than not beheld the anticipated fun:
+"recollect I asked you for a fishing-line, when we were becalmed off
+Cape St Vincent, and you sent word that you'd see me dead first. Now
+I'll just see you the same before you have my boat-cloak."
+
+"Oh, Mr Gascoigne, I'll give you three lines, directly I get on
+board."
+
+"I dare say you will, but that won't do now.  'Tit for tat,' Mr
+Boatswain, and hang all favours," replied Gascoigne, who was steering
+the boat, having been sent on shore for the others.  "In borrowed of
+all." The boat was laid alongside--the relentless Gascoigne caught up
+his boat-cloak as the other officers rose to go on board, and rolling
+it up, in spite of the earnest entreaties of Mr Biggs, tossed it into
+the main chains, to the man who had thrown the stem fast; and to make
+the situation of Mr Biggs still more deplorable, the first lieutenant
+was standing looking into the boat, and Captain Wilson walking the
+quarter-deck.
+
+"Come, Mr Biggs, I expected you off in the first boat," cried Mr
+Sawbridge; "be as smart as you please, for the yards are not yet
+squared."
+
+"Shall I go ahead in this boat, and square them, sir?"
+
+"That boat! no; let her drop astern, jump up here and lower down the
+dinghy.  What the devil do you sit there for, Mr Biggs?--you'll oblige
+me by showing a little more activity, or, by Jove, you may save
+yourself the trouble of asking to go on shore again.  Are you sober,
+sir?"
+
+The last observation decided Mr Biggs.  He sprung up from the boat
+just as he was, and touched his hat as he passed the first lieutenant.
+"Perfectly sober, sir, but I've lost my trousers."
+
+"So it appears, sir," replied Mr Sawbridge, as Mr Biggs stood on the
+plane shear of the sloop where the hammock netting divides for an
+entrance, with his shirt tails fluttering in the sea breeze; but Mr
+Sawbridge could not contain himself any longer; he ran down the ship
+ladder which led on the quarter-deck, choked with laughter. Mr Biggs
+could not descend until after Mr Sawbridge, and the conversation had
+attracted the notice of all, and every eye in the ship was on him.
+
+"What's all this?" said Captain Wilson, coming to the gangway. "Duty
+before decency," replied Jack, who stood by enjoying the joke.
+
+Mr Biggs recollected the day before--he cast a furious look at Jack,
+as he touched his hat to the captain, and then dived down to the lower
+deck.
+
+If anything could add to the indignation of the boatswain, it was to
+find that his trousers had come on board before him.  He now felt that
+a trick had been played him, and also that our hero must have been the
+party, but he could prove nothing; he could not say who slept in the
+same room, for he was fast asleep when Jack went to bed, and fast
+asleep when Jack quitted the room.
+
+The truth of the story soon became known to all the ship, and "duty
+before decency" became a bye-word.  All that the boatswain could do he
+did, which was to revenge himself upon the poor boy--and Gascoigne and
+Jack never got any fishing-tackle.  The boatswain was as obnoxious to
+the men as Vigors, and in consequence of Jack's known opinions upon
+the rights of man, and his having floored their two greatest enemies,
+he became a great favourite with the seamen, and as all favourites are
+honoured by them with a soubriquet, our hero obtained that of Equality
+Jack.
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+In which our hero prefers going down to going up; a choice, it is to
+be hoped, he will reverse upon a more important occasion.
+
+The next day being Sunday, the hands were turned up to divisions, and
+the weather not being favourable, instead of the service the articles
+of war were read with all due respect shown to the same, the captain,
+officers, and crew, with their hats off in a mizzling rain. Jack, who
+had been told by the captain that these articles of war were the rules
+and regulations of the service, by which the captain, officers, and
+men, were equally bound, listened to them as they were read by the
+clerk with the greatest attention.  He little thought that there were
+about five hundred orders from the Admiralty tacked on to them, which,
+like the numerous codicils of some wills, contained the most important
+matter, and to a certain degree make the will nugatory.
+
+Jack listened very attentively, and, as each article was propounded,
+felt that he was not likely to commit himself in that point, and,
+although he was rather astonished to find such a positive injunction
+against swearing considered quite a dead letter in the ship, he
+thought that, altogether, he saw his way very clear.  But to make
+certain of it, as soon as the hands had been piped down he begged the
+clerk to let him have a copy of the articles.
+
+Now the clerk had three, being the allowance of the ship, or at least
+all that he had in his possession, and made some demur at parting with
+one; but at last he proposed--"some rascal," as he said, having stolen
+his tooth-brush--that if Jack would give him one he would give him one
+of the copies of the articles of war.  Jack replied that the one he
+had in use was very much worn, and that unfortunately he had but one
+new one, which he could not spare. Thereupon the clerk, who was a very
+clean personage, and could not bear that his teeth should be dirty,
+agreed to accept the one in use, as Jack could not part with the
+other.  The exchange was made, and Jack read the articles of war over
+and over again, till he thought he was fully master of them.
+
+"Now," says Jack, "I know what I am to do, and what I am to expect,
+and these articles of war I will carry in my pocket as long as I'm in
+the service; that is to say, if they last so long: and provided they
+do not, I am able to replace them with another old tooth-brush, which
+appears to be the value attached to them."
+
+The Harpy remained a fortnight in Gibraltar Bay, and Jack had
+occasionally a run on shore, and Mr Asper invariably went with him to
+keep him out of mischief; that is to say, he allowed him to throw his
+money away on no one more worthless than himself.
+
+One morning Jack went down in the berth, and found young Gossett
+blubbering.
+
+"What's the matter, my dear Mr Gossett?" inquired Jack, who was just
+as polite to the youngster as he was to anybody else.
+
+"Vigors has been thrashing me with a rope's end," replied Gossett,
+rubbing his arm and shoulders.
+
+"What for?" inquired Jack. "Because he says the service is going to
+hell--(I'm sure it's no fault of mine)--and that now all subordination
+is destroyed, and that upstarts join the ship who, because they have a
+five-pound note in their pocket, are allowed to do just as they
+please.  He said he was determined to uphold the service, and then he
+knocked me down--and when I got up again he told me that I could stand
+a little more--and then he took out his colt, and said he was
+determined to ride the high horse--and that there should be no
+Equality Jack in future."
+
+"Well," replied Jack. "And then he colted me for half an hour, and
+that's all."
+
+"By de soul of my fader, but it all for true, Massa Easy--he larrup
+um, sure enough--all for noting, bad luck to him--I tink," continued
+Mesty, "he hab debelish bad memory--and he want a little more of
+Equality Jack."
+
+"And he shall have it too," replied our hero; "why it's against the
+articles of war, 'all quarrelling, fighting, &c.' I say, Mr Gossett,
+have you got the spirit of a louse?"
+
+"Yes," replied Gossett.
+
+"Well, then, will you do what I tell you next time, and trust to me
+for protection?"
+
+"I don't care what I do," replied the boy, "if you will back me
+against the cowardly tyrant?"
+
+"Do you refer to me?" cried Vigors, who had stopped at the door of the
+berth.
+
+"Say yes," said Jack. "Yes, I do," cried Gossett.
+
+"You do, do you?--well, then, my chick, I must trouble you with a
+little more of this," said Vigors, drawing out his colt.
+
+"I think that you had better not, Mr Vigors," observed Jack. "Mind
+your own business, if you please," returned Vigors, not much liking
+the interference.  "I am not addressing my conversation to you, and I
+will thank you never to interfere with me.  I presume I have a right
+to choose my own acquaintance, and, depend upon it, it will not be
+that of a leveller."
+
+"All that is at your pleasure, Mr Vigors," replied Jack; "you have a
+right to choose your own acquaintance, and so have I a right to choose
+my own friends, and, further, to support them.  That lad is my friend,
+Mr Vigors."
+
+"Then," replied Vigors, who could not help bullying even at the risk
+of another combat which he probably intended to stand, "I shall take
+the liberty of giving your friend a thrashing"; and he suited the
+action to the word.
+
+"Then I shall take the liberty to defend my friend," replied Jack;
+"and as you call me a leveller, I'll try if I may not deserve the
+name" whereupon Jack placed a blow so well under the ear, that Mr
+Vigors dropped on the deck, and was not in a condition to come to the
+scratch, even if he had been inclined.  "And now, youngster," said
+Jack, wresting the colt out of Vigors' hand, "do as I bid you--give
+him a good colting if you don't I'll thrash you."
+
+Gossett required no second threat;--the pleasure of thrashing his
+enemy, if only for once, was quite enough--and he laid well on. Jack
+with his fists doubled ready to protect him if there was a show of
+resistance, but Vigors was half stupefied with the blow under the ear,
+and quite cowed; he took his thrashing in the most pensive manner.
+
+"That will do," said Jack; "and now do not be afraid, Gossett; the
+very first time he offers to strike you when I am not present, I will
+pay him off for it as soon as you tell me.  I won't be called Equality
+Jack for nothing."
+
+When Jolliffe, who heard of this, met our hero alone, he said to him,
+"Take my advice, boy, and do not in future fight the battles of
+others; you'll find very soon that you will have enough to do to fight
+your own."
+
+Whereupon Jack argued the point for half an hour, and then they
+separated.  But Mr Jolliffe was right.  Jack began to find himself
+constantly in hot water, and the captain and first lieutenant,
+although they did not really withdraw their protection, thought it
+high time that Jack should find out that, on board a man-of-war,
+everybody and everything must find its level.
+
+There was on board of his Majesty's sloop Harpy, a man of the name of
+Easthupp, who did the duty of purser's steward; this was the second
+ship that he had served in: in the former he had been sent with a
+draft of men from the Tender lying off the Tower.  How he had come
+into the service was not known in the present ship; but the fact was,
+that he had been one of the swell mob--and had been sent on board the
+Tender with a letter of recommendation from the magistrates to Captain
+Crouch.  He was a cockney by birth, for he had been left at the
+work-house of St Mary Axe, where he had been taught to read and write,
+and had afterwards made his escape.  He joined the juvenile thieves of
+the metropolis, had been sent to Bridewell, obtained his liberty, and
+by degrees had risen from petty thieving of goods exposed outside of
+the shops and market-stalls, to the higher class of gentleman
+pickpockets. His appearance was somewhat genteel, with a bullying sort
+of an impudent air, which is mistaken for fashion by those who know no
+better.  A remarkable neat dresser, for that was part of his
+profession; a very plausible manner and address; a great fluency of
+language, although he clipped the king's English; and, as he had
+suffered more than once by the law, it is not to be wondered at, that
+he was, as he called himself, a hout-and-hout radical. During the
+latter part of his service, in his last ship, he had been employed
+under the purser's steward, and having offered himself in this
+capacity to the purser of H.M. sloop Harpy, with one or two forged
+certificates, he had been accepted.
+
+Now, when Mr Easthupp heard of Jack's opinion, he wished to cultivate
+his acquaintance, and with a bow and a flourish, introduced himself
+before they arrived at Gibraltar; but our hero took an immediate
+dislike to this fellow from his excessive and impertinent familiarity.
+
+Jack knew a gentleman when he met one, and did not choose to be a
+companion to a man beneath him in every way, but who, upon the
+strength of Jack's liberal opinions, presumed to be his equal. Jack's
+equality did not go so far as that; in theory it was all very well,
+but in practice it was only when it suited his own purpose.
+
+But the purser's steward was not to be checked--a man who has belonged
+to the swell mob is not easily repulsed; and, although Jack would
+plainly show him that his company was not agreeable, Easthupp would
+constantly accost him familiarly on the forecastle and lower deck,
+with his arms folded, and with an air almost amounting to familiarity.
+At last, Jack told him to go about his business and not presume to
+talk to him; whereupon Easthupp rejoined, and after an exchange of
+hard words, it ended by Jack kicking Mr Easthupp, as he called
+himself, down the after--lower-deck hatchway. This was but a sorry
+specimen of Jack's equality--and Mr Easthupp, who considered that his
+honour had been compromised, went up to the captain on the
+quarter-deck and lodged his complaint--where-upon Captain Wilson
+desired that Mr Easy might be summoned.
+
+As soon as Jack made his appearance, Captain Wilson called to
+Easthupp.  "Now, purser's steward, what is this you have to say?"
+
+"If you please, Captain Vilson, I am wery sorry to be obliged to make
+hany complaint of hany hofficer, but this Mr Heasy thought proper to
+make use of language quite hunbecoming of a gentleman, and then to
+kick me as I vent down the atchvay."
+
+"Well, Mr Easy, is this true?" "Yes, sir," replied Jack; "I have
+several times told the fellow not to address himself to me, and he
+will. I did tell him he was a radical blackguard, and I did kick him
+down the hatchway."
+
+"You told him he was a radical blackguard, Mr Easy?" "Yes, sir, he
+comes bothering me about his republic, and asserting that we have no
+want of a king and aristocracy."
+
+Captain Wilson looked significantly at Mr Sawbridge. "I certainly did
+hoffer my political opinions, Captain Vilson; but you must be avare
+that ve hall ave an hequal stake in the country--and it's a
+Hinglishman's birthright."
+
+"I'm not aware what your stake in the country may be, Mr Easthupp,"
+observed Captain Wilson, "but I think that, if you used such
+expressions, Mr Easy was fully warranted in telling you his opinion."
+
+"I ham villing, Captain Vilson, to make hany hallowance for the eat of
+political discussion--but that is not hall that I ave to complain hof.
+Mr Heasy thought proper to say that I was a swindler and a liar."
+
+"Did you make use of those expressions, Mr Easy?"
+
+"Yes, sir, he did," continued the steward; "and, moreover, told me not
+to cheat   the men, and not to cheat my master, the purser. Now,
+Captain Vilson, is it not true that I am in a wery hostensible
+sitevation? but I flatter myself that I ave been vell edecated, and
+vos wonce moving in a wery different society--misfortains vill appin
+to us hall, and I feel my character has been severely injured by such
+importations"; whereupon Mr Easthupp took out his handkerchief,
+flourished, and blew his nose. "I told Mr Heasy, that I considered
+myself quite as much of a gentleman as himself, and at hall hewents
+did not keep company with a black feller (Mr Heasy will hunderstand
+the insinevation); vereupon Mr Heasy, as I before said, your vorship,
+I mean you, Captain Vilson, thought proper to kick me down the
+atchvay."
+
+"Very well, steward, I have heard your complaint, and now you may go."
+Mr Easthupp took his hat off with an air, made his bow, and went down
+the main ladder.
+
+"Mr Easy," said Captain Wilson, "you must be aware that by the
+regulations of the service by which we are all equally bound, it is
+not permitted that any officer shall take the law into his own hands.
+Now, although I do not consider it necessary to make any remark as to
+your calling the man a radical blackguard, for I consider his
+impertinent intrusion of his opinions deserved it, still you have no
+right to attack any man's character without grounds--and as that man
+is in an office of trust, you were not at all warranted in asserting
+that he was a cheat.  Will you explain to me why you made use of such
+language?"
+
+Now our hero had no proofs against the man; he had nothing to offer in
+extenuation, until he recollected, all at once, the reason assigned by
+the captain for the language used by Mr Sawbridge.  Jack had the wit
+to perceive that it would hit home, so he replied, very quietly and
+respectfully:
+
+"If you please, Captain Wilson, that was all zeal."
+
+"Zeal, Mr Easy? I think it but a bad excuse.  But pray, then, why did
+you kick the man down the hatchway?--you must have known that that was
+contrary to the rules of the service."
+
+"Yes, sir," replied Jack, demurely; "but that was all zeal, too."
+
+"Then allow me to say," replied Captain Wilson, biting his lips, "that
+I think that your zeal has in this instance been very much misplaced,
+and I trust you will not show so much again."
+
+"And yet, sir," replied Jack, aware that he was giving the captain a
+hard hit, and therefore looked proportionally humble, "we should do
+nothing in the service without it--and I trust one day, as you told
+me, to become a very zealous officer."
+
+"I trust so, too, Mr Easy," replied the captain.  "There, you may go
+now, and let me hear no more of kicking people down the hatchway. That
+sort of zeal is misplaced."
+
+"More than my foot was, at all events," muttered Jack, as he walked
+off.
+
+Captain Wilson, as soon as our hero disappeared, laughed heartily, and
+told Mr Sawbridge, "he had ascribed his language to our hero as all
+zeal.  He has very cleverly given me it all back again; and really,
+Sawbridge, as it proves how weak was my defence of you, you may gain
+from this lesson."
+
+Sawbridge thought so, too--but both agreed that Jack's rights of man
+were in considerable danger.
+
+The day before the ship sailed, the captain and Mr Asper dined with
+the Governor; and as there was little more to do, Mr Sawbridge, who
+had not quitted the ship since she had been in port, and had some few
+purchases to make, left her in the afternoon in the charge of Mr
+Smallsole, the master.  Now, as we have observed, he was Jack's
+inveterate enemy--indeed Jack had already made three, Mr Smallsole, Mr
+Biggs, the boatswain, and Easthupp, the purser's steward. Mr Smallsole
+was glad to be left in command, as he hoped to have an opportunity of
+punishing our hero, who certainly laid himself not a little open to
+it.
+
+Like all those who are seldom in command, the master was
+proportionally tyrannical and abusive--he swore at the men, made them
+do the duty twice and thrice over, on the pretence that it was not
+smartly done, and found fault with every officer remaining on board.
+
+"Mr Biggs--by God, sir, you seem to be all asleep forward. I suppose
+you think that you are to do nothing now the first lieutenant is out
+of the ship?  How long will it be, sir, before you are ready to sway
+away?"
+
+"By de holy poker, I tink he sway away finely, Massy Easy," observed
+Mesty, who was in converse with our hero on the forecastle.
+
+Mr Smallsole's violence made Mr Biggs violent, which made the
+boatswain's mate violent--and the captain of the forecastle violent
+also; all which is practically exemplified by philosophy in the laws
+of motion, communicated from one body to another; and as Mr Smallsole
+swore, so did the boatswain swear.  Also the boatswain's mate, the
+captain of the forecastle, and all the men--showing the force of
+example.
+
+Mr Smallsole came forward.
+
+"Damnation, Mr Biggs, what the devil are you about?  Can't you move
+here?"
+
+"As much as we can, sir," replied the boatswain, "lumbered as the
+forecastle is with idlers."  And here Mr Biggs looked at our hero and
+Mesty, who were standing against the bulwark.
+
+"What are you doing here, sir?" cried Mr Smallsole to our hero.
+
+"Nothing at all, sir?" replied Jack.
+
+"Then I'll give you something to do, sir.  Go up to the mast-head, and
+wait there till I call you down.  Come, sir, I'll show you the way,"
+continued the master, walking aft.  Jack followed till they were on
+the quarter-deck.
+
+"Now, sir, up to the main-top gallant mast-head; perch yourself upon
+the cross-trees--up with you."
+
+"What am I to go up there for, sir?" inquired Jack.
+
+"For punishment, sir," replied the master.
+
+"What have I done, sir?"
+
+"No reply, sir--up with you."
+
+"If you please, sir," replied Jack, "I should wish to argue this point
+a little."
+
+"Argue the point!" roared Mr Smallsole--"By Jove, I'll teach you to
+argue the point--away with you, sir."
+
+"If you please, sir," continued Jack, "the captain told me that the
+articles of war were the rules and regulations by which everyone in
+the service was to be guided.  Now, sir," said Jack, "I have read them
+over till I know them by heart, and there is not one word of
+mastheading in the whole of them." Here Jack took the articles out of
+his pocket, and unfolded them.
+
+"Will you go to the mast-head, sir, or will you not?" said Mr
+Smallsole. "Will you show me the mast-head in the articles of war,
+sir?" replied Jack; "here they are."
+
+"I tell you, sir, to go to the mast-head: if not, I'll be d---d if I
+don't hoist you up in a bread-bag."
+
+"There's nothing about bread-bags in the articles of war, sir,"
+replied Jack; "but I'll tell you what there is, sir"; and Jack
+commenced reading,--
+
+"All flag-officers, and all persons in or belonging to his Majesty's
+ships or vessels of war, being guilty of profane oaths, execrations,
+drunkenness, uncleanness, or other scandalous actions, in derogation
+of God's honour and corruption of good manners, shall incur such
+punishment as--"
+
+"Damnation," cried the master, who was mad with rage, hearing that the
+whole ship's company were laughing.
+
+"No, sir, not damnation," replied Jack, "that's when he's tried above;
+but according to the nature and degree of the offence."
+
+"Will you go to the mast-head, sir, or will you not?"
+
+"If you please," replied Jack, "I'd rather not."
+
+"Then, sir, consider yourself under an arrest--I'll try you by a
+court-martial, by God.  Go down below, sir."
+
+"With the greatest pleasure, sir," replied Jack, "that's all right and
+according to the articles of war, which are to guide us all." Jack
+folded up his articles of war, put them into his pocket, and went down
+into the berth.
+
+Soon after Jack had gone down, Jolliffe, who had heard the whole of
+the altercation, followed him: "My lad," said Jolliffe, "I'm sorry for
+all this; you should have gone to the mast-head."
+
+"I should like to argue that point a little," replied Jack. "Yes, so
+would everybody; but if that were permitted, the service would be at a
+stand-still--that would not do;--you must obey an order first, and
+then complain afterwards, if the order is unjust."
+
+"It is not so in the articles of war."
+
+"But it is so in the service."
+
+"The captain told me that the articles of war were the guides of the
+service, and we were all equally bound to obey them."
+
+"Well, but allowing that, I do not think your articles of war will
+bear you out.  You observe, they say any officer, mariner, etc, guilty
+of disobedience to any lawful command.  Now are you not guilty under
+that article?"
+
+"That remains to be argued still," replied Jack.  "A lawful command
+means an order established by law; now where is that law?--besides,
+the captain told me when I kicked that blackguard down the hatchway,
+that there was only the captain who could punish, and that officers
+could not take the law into their own hands; why then has the master?"
+
+"His doing wrong as superior officer is no reason why you as an
+inferior should disobey him.  If that were permitted,--if every order
+were to be cavilled at, and argued upon, as just or unjust, there
+would be an end of all discipline.  Besides, recollect that in the
+service there is custom, which is the same as law."
+
+"That admits of a little argument," replied Jack.
+
+"The service will admit of none, my dear boy: recollect that, even on
+shore, we have two laws, that which is written, and the 'lex non
+scripta,' which is custom; of course we have it in the service, for
+the articles of war cannot provide for everything."
+
+"They provide a court-martial for everything though," replied Jack.
+
+"Yes, with death or dismissal from the service--neither of which would
+be very agreeable.  You have got yourself into a scrape, and although
+the captain is evidently your friend, he cannot overlook it:
+fortunately, it is with the master, which is of less consequence than
+with the other officers; but still you will have to submit, for the
+captain cannot overlook it."
+
+"I'll tell you what, Jolliffe," replied Jack, "my eyes now begin to be
+opened to a great many things.  The captain tells me, when I am
+astonished at bad language, that it is all zeal, and then I found out
+that what is all zeal in a superior to an inferior, is insolence when
+reversed.  He tells me, that the articles of war are made to equally
+guide us all--the master breaks what is positively mentioned in the
+second article twenty times over, and goes scot free, while I am to be
+punished because I do not comply with what the articles do not
+mention.  How was I to know that I ought to go to the mast-head for
+punishment? particularly when the captain tells me that he alone is to
+punish in the ship. If I obey an order in opposition to the captain's
+order, is not that as bad as disobeying the captain?  I think that I
+have made out a very strong case, and my arguments are not to be
+confuted."
+
+"I am afraid that the master will make out a very strong case, and
+that your arguments will never be heard."
+
+"That will be contrary to all the rules of justice." "But according to
+all the rules of service."
+
+"I do believe that I am a great fool," observed Jack, after a pause.
+"What do you imagine made me come to sea, Jolliffe?"
+
+"Because you did not know when you were well off," replied the mate,
+drily.
+
+"That's true enough; but my reason was, because I thought I should
+find that equality here that I could not find on shore." Jolliffe
+stared. "My dear boy, I heard you say that you obtained those opinions
+from your father; I mean no disrespect to him, but he must be either
+mad or foolish, if at his age he has not discovered, that there is no
+such thing in existence."
+
+"I begin to think so," replied Jack; "but that does not prove that
+there ought not to be."
+
+"I beg your pardon; the very non-existence proves that it ought not to
+be--'whatever is, is right', you might as well expect to find perfect
+happiness or perfection in the individual.  Your father must be a
+visionary."
+
+"The best thing that I can do is to go home again."
+
+"No, my dear Easy, the best thing that you can do is, to stay in the
+service, for it will soon put an end to all such nonsensical ideas;
+and it will make you a clever, sensible fellow.  The service is a
+rough, but a good school, where everybody finds his level,--not the
+level of equality, but the level which his natural talent and
+acquirements will rise or sink him to, in proportion as they are plus
+or minus.  It is a noble service, but has its imperfections, as
+everything in this world must have. I have little reason to speak in
+its favour, as far as I am concerned, for it has been hard bread to
+me; but there must be exceptions in every rule.  Do not think of
+quitting the service until you have given it a fair trial.  I am aware
+that you are an only son, and your father is a man of property, and,
+therefore, in the common parlance of the world, you are independent;
+but, believe me, no man, however rich, is independent, unless he has a
+profession, and you will find no better than this, notwithstanding--"
+
+"What?"
+
+"That you will be, most certainly, sent to the mast-head tomorrow."
+
+"We'll argue that point," replied Jack; "at all events, I will go and
+turn in to-night."
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+In which our hero begins to act and think for himself.
+
+Whatever may have been Jack's thoughts, at all events they did not
+spoil his rest.  He possessed in himself all the materials of a true
+philosopher, but there was a great deal of weeding still required.
+Joliffe's arguments, sensible as they were, had very little effect
+upon him; for, strange to say, it is much more easy to shake a man's
+opinions when he is wrong, than when he is right; proving that we are
+all of a very perverse nature.  "Well," thought Jack, "if I am to go
+to the mast-head, I am, that's all; but it does not prove that my
+arguments are not good, only that they will not be listened to"; and
+then Jack shut his eyes, and in a few minutes was fast asleep.
+
+The master had reported to the first lieutenant, and the first
+lieutenant to the captain, when he came on board the next morning, the
+conduct of Mr Easy, who was sent for in the cabin, to hear if he had
+anything to offer in extenuation of his offence.  Jack made an
+oration, which lasted more than half an hour, in which all the
+arguments he had brought forward to Jolliffe in the preceding chapter
+were entered fully into.  Mr Jolliffe was then examined, and also Mr
+Smallsole was interrogated: after which the captain and the first
+lieutenant were left alone.
+
+"Sawbridge," said Captain Wilson, "How true it is that any deviation
+from what is right invariably leads us into a scrape. I have done
+wrong: wishing to get this boy out of his father's hands, and fearful
+that he would not join the ship, and imagining him to be by no means
+the shrewd fellow that he is in reality, I represented the service in
+a much more favourable light than I should have done; all that he says
+I told him I did tell him, and it is I who really led the boy into
+error. Mr Smallsole has behaved tyrannically and unjustly; he punished
+the lad for no crime; so that between the master and me, I am now on
+the horns of a dilemma.  If I punish the boy, I feel that I am
+punishing him more for my own fault and the fault of others, than his
+own.  If I do not punish him, I allow a flagrant and open violation of
+discipline to pass uncensured, which will be injurious to the service."
+
+"He must be punished, sir," replied Sawbridge.
+
+"Send for him," said the captain.
+
+Jack made his appearance, with a very polite bow.
+
+"Mr Easy, as you suppose that the articles of war contained all the
+rules and regulations of the service, I take it for granted that you
+have erred through ignorance.  But recollect, that although you have
+erred through ignorance, such a violation of discipline, if passed
+unnoticed, will have a very injurious effect with the men, whose
+obedience is enforced by the example shown to them by the officers. I
+feel so convinced of your zeal, which you showed the other day in the
+case of Easthupp, that I am sure you will see the propriety of my
+proving to the men, by punishing you, that discipline must be
+enforced, and I shall therefore send for you on the quarter-deck, and
+order you to go to the mast-head in presence of the ship's company, as
+it was in presence of the ship's company that you refused."
+
+"With the greatest pleasure, Captain Wilson," replied Jack. "And in
+future, Mr Easy, although I shall ever set my face against it,
+recollect that if any officer punishes you, and you imagine that you
+are unfairly treated, you will submit to the punishment, and then
+apply to me for redress."
+
+"Certainly, sir," replied Jack, "now that I am aware of your wishes."
+
+"You will oblige me, Mr Easy, by going on the quarter-deck, and wait
+there till I come up." Jack made his best bow, and exit.
+
+"Old Jolliffe told me that I should have to go," said Jack to himself,
+"and he was right, so far; but hang me if I hadn't the best of the
+argument, and that's all I care about."
+
+Captain Wilson sent for the master, and reprimanded him for his
+oppression, as it was evident that there was no ground for punishment,
+and he forbade him ever to mast-head another midshipman, but to report
+his conduct to the first lieutenant or himself.  He then proceeded to
+the quarter-deck, and, calling for Mr Easy, gave him what appeared to
+be a very severe reprimand, which Jack looked upon very quietly,
+because it was all zeal on the captain's part to give it, and all zeal
+on his own to take it.  Our hero was then ordered up to the mast-head.
+
+Jack took off his hat, and took three or four steps, in obedience to
+the order--and then returned and made his best bow--inquired of
+Captain Wilson whether he wished him to go to the fore or to the
+main-mast head.
+
+"To the main, Mr Easy," replied the captain, biting his lips. Jack
+ascended three spokes of the Jacob's ladder, when he again stopped,
+and took off his hat.
+
+"I beg your pardon, Captain Wilson-you have not informed me whether it
+was your wish that I should go to the topmast, or the top-gallant
+cross-trees."
+
+"To the top-gallant cross-trees, Mr Easy," replied the captain.
+
+Jack ascended, taking it very easy; he stopped at the main-top for
+breath; at the main-topmast head, to look about him; and, at last,
+gained the spot agreed upon, where he seated himself, and, taking out
+the articles of war, commenced them again to ascertain whether he
+could not have strengthened his arguments.  He had not, however, read
+through the seventh article before the hands were turned up--"Up
+anchor!" and Mr Sawbridge called, "All hands down from aloft!" Jack
+took the hint, folded up his documents, and came down as leisurely as
+he went up.  Jack was a much better philosopher than his father.
+
+The Harpy was soon under way, and made all sail, steering for Cape de
+Catte, where Captain Wilson hoped to pick up a Spanish vessel or two,
+on his way to Toulon to receive orders of the Admiral.
+
+A succession of light breezes and calms rendered the passage very
+tedious; but the boats were constantly out, chasing the vessels along
+shore, and Jack usually asked to be employed on this service; indeed,
+although so short a time afloat, he was, from his age and strength,
+one of the most effective midshipmen, and to be trusted, provided a
+whim did not come into his head; but hitherto Jack had always been
+under orders, and had always acquitted himself very well.
+
+When the Harpy was at Tarragona, it so happened that there were
+several cases of dysentery in the ship, and Mr Asper and Mr Jolliffe
+were two of those who were suffering.  This reduced the number of
+officers; and, at the same time, they had received information from
+the men of a fishing-boat, who, to obtain their own release, had given
+the intelligence, that a small convoy was coming down from Rosas as
+soon as the wind was fair, under the protection of two gun-boats.
+
+Captain Wilson kept well off-shore until the wind changed, and then,
+allowing for the time that the vessels would take to run down the
+distance between Tarragona and Rosas, steered in the night to
+intercept them; but it again fell calm, and the boats were therefore
+hoisted out, with directions to proceed along the shore, as it was
+supposed that the vessels could not now be far distant.  Mr Sawbridge
+had the command of the expedition in the pinnace; the first cutter was
+in charge of the gunner, Mr Linus; and, as the other officers were
+sick, Mr Sawbridge, who liked Jack more and more every day, at his
+particular request gave him the command of the second cutter. As soon
+as he heard of it, Mesty declared to our hero that he would go with
+him; but without permission that was not possible.  Jack obtained
+leave for Mesty to go in lieu of a marine; there were many men sick of
+the dysentery, and Mr Sawbridge was not sorry to take an idler out of
+the ship instead of a working man, especially as Mesty was known to be
+a good hand.
+
+It was ten o'clock at night when the boats quitted the ship; and, as
+it was possible that they might not return till late the next day, one
+day's biscuit and rum were put on board each, that the crews might not
+suffer from exhaustion.  The boats pulled in-shore, and then coasted
+for three hours without seeing anything: the night was fine overhead,
+but there was no moon.  It still continued calm, and the men began to
+feel fatigued, when, just as they were within a mile of a low point,
+they perceived the convoy over the land, coming down with their sails
+squared, before a light breeze.
+
+Mr Sawbridge immediately ordered the boats to lie upon their oars,
+awaiting their coming, and arranging for the attack.
+
+The white lateen sails of the gun-boat in advance were now plainly
+distinguishable from the rest, which were all huddled together in her
+wake.  Down she came like a beautiful swan in the water, her sails
+just filled with the wind, and running about three knots an hour.  Mr
+Sawbridge kept her three masts in one, that they might not be
+perceived, and winded the boats with their heads the same way, so that
+they might dash on board of her with a few strokes of the oars.  So
+favourable was the course of the gun-boat, that she stood right
+between the launch on one bow, and the two cutters on the other; and
+they were not perceived until they were actually alongside; the
+resistance was trifling, but some muskets and pistols had been fired,
+and the alarm was given.  Mr Sawbridge took possession, with the crew
+of the launch, and brought the vessel to the wind, as he perceived
+that at the alarm all the convoy had done the same, directing the
+cutters to board the largest vessels, and secure as many as they
+could, while he would do the same with the launch, as he brought them
+to: but the other gun-boat, which had not yet been seen, and had been
+forgotten, now made her appearance, and came down in a gallant manner
+to the support of her comrade.
+
+Mr Sawbridge threw half his men into the launch, as she carried a
+heavy carronade, and sent her to assist the cutters, which had made
+right for the gun-boat.  A smart firing of round and grape was opened
+upon the boats, which continued to advance upon her; but the officer
+commanding that gun-boat, finding that he had no support from his
+consort, and concluding that she had been captured, hauled his wind
+again, and stood out in the offing.  Our hero pulled after her,
+although he could not see the other boats; but the breeze had
+freshened, and all pursuit was useless: he therefore directed his
+course to the convoy, and after a hard pull, contrived to get on board
+of a one-masted xebeque, of about fifty tons.  Mesty, who had eyes as
+sharp as a needle, had observed that, when the alarm was given,
+several of the convoy had not rounded the point, and he therefore
+proposed, as this vessel was very light, that they should make short
+tacks with her, to weather the point, as if they were escaping, and by
+that means be able, particularly if it fell calm again, to capture
+some others. Jack thought this advice good.  The convoy who had
+rounded the point had all stood out to seaward with the gun-boat, and
+had now a fresh breeze.  To chase them was therefore useless; and the
+only chance was to do as Mesty had proposed.  He therefore stood out
+into the breeze, and, after half an hour, tacked in-shore, and fetched
+well to windward of the low point; but, finding no vessels, he stood
+out again. Thus had he made three or four tacks, and had gained,
+perhaps, six or seven miles, when he perceived signals of recall made
+to leeward, enforced with guns.
+
+"Mr Sawbridge wants us to come back, Mesty."
+
+"Mr Sawbridge mind him own business," replied Mesty, "we nebber take
+all dis trubble to ply to windward for noting."
+
+"But, Mesty, we must obey orders."
+
+"Yes, sar, when he have him thumb upon you; but now, must do what tink
+most proper.  By de powers, he catch me 'fore I go back."
+
+"But we shall lose the ship."
+
+"Find her again, by-and-bye, Massa Easy."
+
+"But they will think that we are lost."
+
+"So much the better, nebba look after us, Massa Easy; I guess we have
+a fine cruise anyhow.  Morrow we take large vessel--make sail, take
+more, den we go to Toulon."
+
+"But I don't know my way to Toulon; I know it lies up this way, and
+that's all."
+
+"Dat enough, what you want more?  Massa Easy, 'pose you not find
+fleet, fleet soon find you.  By God, nobody nebba lost here.  Now,
+Massa Easy, let um go 'bout 'gain.  Somebody else burn biscuit and
+boil kettle to-morrow for de gentlemen.  Murder Irish! only tink,
+Massa Easy--I boil kettle, and prince in my own country!"
+
+Easy was very much of a mind with Mesty; "for," argued Jack, "if I go
+back now, I only bring a small vessel half-full of beans, and I shall
+be ashamed to show my face.  Now it is true, that they may suppose
+that we have been sunk by the fire of the gun-boat.  Well, what then?
+they have a gun-boat to show for their night's work, and it will
+appear that there was harder fighting than there has been, and Mr
+Sawbridge may benefit by it."  (Jack was a very knowing fellow to have
+leant so much about the service already.) "Well, and when they
+discover that we are not lost, how glad they will be to find us,
+especially if we bring some prizes--which I will do, or I'll not go
+back again.  It's not often that one gets a command before being two
+months at sea, and, hang me, now I've got it if I won't keep it; and
+Mr Smallsole may mast-head whom he pleases.  I'm sorry for poor
+Gossett, though; if Vigors supposes me dead, how he will murder the
+poor little fellow--however, it is all for the good of the service,
+and I'll revenge him when I come back.  Hang me if I won't take a
+cruise."
+
+"I talk to the men, they say they all tick to you like leech. Now dat
+job settled, I tink we better go 'bout again."
+
+A short time after this decision on the part of our hero, the day
+broke: Jack first looked to leeward, and perceived the gun-boat and
+convoy standing in for the shore about ten miles distant, followed by
+the Harpy, under all sail.  He could also perceive the captured
+gunboat lying-to in-shore to prevent their escape.
+
+"Harpy hab um all, by Gosh!" cried Mesty; "I ab notion dat she soon
+settle um hash."
+
+They were so busy looking at the Harpy and the convoy that, for some
+time, they quite forgot to look to windward.  At last Mesty turned his
+eyes that way.
+
+"Dam um, I see right last night; look, Massa Easy--one ship, one brig,
+tree lateen--dem for us.  By de power, but we make bot prize
+to-night."
+
+The vessels found out by Mesty were not above three miles to windward;
+they were under all sail, beating up for the protection of a battery,
+not far distant.
+
+"Now, Massa, suppose they see our boat, dey tink something; keep boat
+alongside, and shift her when we go 'bout every time: better not sail
+so fast now--keep further off till they drop anchor for de night; and
+den, when it dark, we take 'em."
+
+All Mesty's advice was good, with the exception perhaps of advising
+our hero how to disobey orders and take a cruise.  To prevent the
+vessel from approaching too near the others, and at the same time to
+let her have the appearance of doing her best, a sail was towed
+overboard under the bows, and after that they watched the motions of
+the Harpy.
+
+The distance was too great to distinguish very clearly, but Mesty
+shinned up the mast of the vessel, and reported progress.
+
+"By Jesus, dare one gun--two gun--go it, Harpy.  Won't she ab um, sure
+enough.  Now gun-boat fire--dat our gun-boat--no, dat not ours. Now
+our gun-boat fire--dat pretty--fire away.  Ah, now de Harpy cum up.
+All'mung'em.  Bung, bung, bung--rattle de grape, by gosh. I ab notion
+de Spaniard is very pretty considerable trouble just now, anyhow.  All
+hove-to, so help me gosh--not more firing; Harpy take um all--dare
+gun-boat hove-to, she strike um colours.  By all powers, but suppose
+dey link we no share prize-money--they find it not little mistake.
+Now, my lads, it all over, and," continued Mesty, sliding down the
+mast, "I tink you better not show yourself too much; only two men stay
+on deck, and dem two take off um jackets."
+
+Mesty's report was correct; the Harpy had captured the other gunboat,
+and the whole convoy.  The only drawback to their good fortune was the
+disappearance of Mr Easy and the cutter: it was supposed that a shot
+from the gun-boat must have sunk her, and that the whole crew were
+drowned.  Captain Wilson and Mr Sawbridge seriously regretted the loss
+of our hero, as they thought that he would have turned out a shining
+character as soon as he had sown his wild oats; so did Mr Asper,
+because our hero's purse went with him; so did Jolliffe, because he
+had taken an affection for him; so did little Gossett, because he
+anticipated no mercy from Vigors.  On the other hand, there were some
+who were glad that he was gone; and as for the ship's company in
+general, they lamented the loss of the poor cutter's crew for
+twenty-four hours, which, in a man-of-war, is a very long while, and
+then they thought no more about them.  We must leave the Harpy to make
+the best of her way to Toulon, and now follow our hero.
+
+The cutter's crew knew very well that Jack was acting contrary to
+orders, but anything was to them a change from the monotony of a
+man-of-war, and they, as well as Mesty, highly approved of a holiday.
+
+It was, however, necessary that they should soon proceed to business,
+for they had but their allowance of bread and grog for one day, and in
+the vessel they found nothing except a few heads of garlic, for the
+Spaniards coasting down shore had purchased their provisions as they
+required them.  There were only three prisoners on board, and they had
+been put down in the hold among the beans; a bag of which had been
+roused on deck, and a part put into the kettle to make soup. Jack did
+not much admire the fare of the first day--it was bean-soup for
+breakfast, bean-soup for dinner, and if you felt hungry during the
+intervals it was still bean-soup, and nothing else.
+
+One of the men could speak a little Lingua Franca, and the prisoners
+were interrogated as to the vessels to windward.  The ship was stated
+to be valuable, and also one of the brigs.  The ship carried guns, and
+that was all that they knew about them.  As the sun went down the
+vessels dropped their anchors off the battery.  The breeze continued
+light, and the vessel which contained Jack and his fortunes was about
+four miles to leeward.  As for the Harpy, they had long lost sight of
+her, and it was now time to proceed to some arrangement.
+
+As soon as it was dark, Jack turned his hands up, and made a very long
+speech. He pointed out to the men that his zeal had induced him not to
+return to the ship until he had brought something with him worth
+having--that they had had nothing but beans to eat during the whole
+day, which was anything but agreeable, and that, therefore, it was
+absolutely necessary that they should better their condition: that
+there was a large ship not four miles off, and that he intended to
+take her; and as soon as he had taken her he intended to take some
+more; that he trusted to their zeal to support him on this occasion,
+and that he expected to do a great deal during the cruise. He pointed
+out to them, that they must consider themselves as on board of a
+man-of-war, and be guided by the articles of war, which were written
+for them all--and that in case they forgot them, he had a copy in his
+pocket, which he would read to them to-morrow morning, as soon as they
+were comfortably settled on board of the ship.  He then appointed
+Mesty as first lieutenant; the marine as sergeant; the coxswain as
+boatswain; two men as midshipmen to keep watch; two others as
+boatswain's mates, leaving two more for the ship's company, who were
+divided into the larboard and starboard watch.  The cutter's crew were
+perfectly content with Jack's speech, and their brevet rank, and after
+that, they commenced a more important topic, which was, how they were
+to take the ship. After some discussion, Mesty's advice was approved
+of; which was, that they should anchor not far ahead of the ship, and
+wait till about two o'clock in the morning, when they would drop
+silently down upon her in the cutter, and take possession.
+
+About nine o'clock the vessel was anchored as they proposed, and Jack
+was a little astonished to find that the ship was much larger than he
+had any idea of; for, although polacca-rigged, she was nearly the same
+tonnage as the Harpy.  The Spanish prisoners were first tied hand and
+foot, and laid upon the beans, that they might give no alarm, the
+sails were furled and all was kept quiet. On board of the ship, on the
+contrary, there was noise and revelry; and about half-past ten a boat
+was seen to leave her and pull for the shore; after which, the noise
+gradually ceased, the lights one by one disappeared, and then all was
+silent.
+
+"What do you think, Mesty?" said Jack; "do you think we shall take
+her?"
+
+"It is take her you mane; sure enough we'll take her: stop a bit--wait
+till um all fast asleep."
+
+About twelve o'clock there came on a mizzling heavy rain, which was
+very favourable for our hero's operations.  But as it promised soon to
+clear up, by Mesty's advice they did not delay any longer. They crept
+softly into the boat, and with two oars to steer her, dropped under
+the bows of the vessel, climbed up the fore chains, and found the deck
+empty.  "Take care not fire pistol," said Mesty to the men, as they
+came up, putting his finger to their lips to impress them with the
+necessity of silence, for Mesty had been an African warrior, and knew
+the advantage of surprise.  All the men being on deck, and the boat
+made fast, Jack and Mesty led the way aft; not a soul was to be seen:
+indeed, it was too dark to see anybody unless they were walking the
+deck.  The companion-hatch was secured, and the gratings laid on the
+after-hatchways, and then they went aft to the binnacle again, where
+there was a light burning.  Mesty ordered two of the men to go forward
+to secure the hatches, and then to remain there on guard--and then the
+rest of the men and our hero consulted at the wheel.
+
+"By the power we ab the ship!" said Mesty, "but must manage plenty
+yet. I tink der some d---n lazy rascal sleep 'tween the guns. A lilly
+while it no rain, and den we see better.  Now keep all quiet."
+
+"There must be a great many men in this ship," replied our hero; "she
+is very large, and has twelve or fourteen guns--how shall we manage to
+secure them?"
+
+"All right," replied Mesty, "manage all dat by-and-bye.  Don't care
+how soon daylight come."
+
+"It has left off raining already," observed Easy; "there is a candle
+in the binnacle,--suppose we light it, and look round the decks."
+
+"Yes," replied Mesty, "one man sentry over cabin-hatch, and another
+over after-hatch.  Now den we light candle, and all the rest go round
+the deck.  Mind you leave all your pistols on capstern."
+
+Jack lighted the candle, and they proceeded round the decks: they had
+not walked far, when, between two of the guns, they discovered a heap
+covered with gregos. "There de watch," whispered Mesty; "all fast--not
+ready for dem yet."
+
+Mesty blew out the candle, and they all retreated to the binnacle,
+where Mesty took out a coil of the ropes about the mizzen-mast, and
+cutting it into lengths, gave them to the other men to unlay.  In a
+few minutes they had prepared a great many seizings to tie the men
+with.
+
+"Now den we light candle again, and make sure of them lazy hounds,"
+said Mesty; "very much oblige to dem all de same, they let us take de
+ship--mind now, wake one at a time, and shut him mouth."
+
+"But suppose they get their mouths free and cry out?" replied Jack.
+
+"Den, Mr Easy," replied Mesty, changing his countenance to an
+expression almost demoniacal--"there no help for it,"--and Mesty
+showed his knife which he held in his right hand.
+
+"Oh no! do not let us murder them."
+
+"No, massa--suppose can help it, but suppose they get upper hand--what
+become of us?  Spaniards hab knives, and use dem too, by de power!"
+
+The observation of Mesty was correct, and the expression of his
+countenance when he showed his knife proved what a relentless enemy he
+could be, if his blood was once roused--but Mesty had figured in the
+Ashantee wars in former days, and after that the reader need not be
+surprised.  They proceeded cautiously to where the Spaniards lay.  The
+arrangements of Mesty were very good.  There were two men to gag them
+while the others were to tie their limbs. Mesty and Easy were to kneel
+by them with the candle, with raised knives to awe them into silence,
+or to strike home, if their own safety required it.
+
+The gregos were removed off the first man, who opened his eyes at the
+sight of the candle, but the coxswain's hand was on his mouth--he was
+secured in silence.  The other two men were awaked, and threw off
+their coverings, but they were also secured without there being
+occasion to resort to bloodshed.
+
+"What shall we do now, Mesty?" "Now, sar," said Mesty, "open the
+after-hatch and watch--suppose more men come up, we make them fast;
+suppose no more come up, we wait till daylight--and see what take
+place."
+
+Mesty then went forward to see if the men were watchful on the
+forecastle; and having again gone round the whole of the deck to see
+if there were any more men on it, he blew out the candle, and took his
+station with the others at the after-hatchway.
+
+It was just at break of day that the Spaniards who had to keep the
+morning watch having woke up, as people generally do at that hour at
+which they expect to be called, dressed themselves and came on deck,
+imagining, and very truly, that those of the middle watch had fallen
+asleep, but little imagining that the deck was in possession of
+Englishmen.  Mesty and the others retreated, to allow them all to come
+up before they could perceive them, and fortunately this was
+accomplished.  Four men came on the deck, looked round them, and tried
+to make out in the dark where their shipmates might be.  The grating
+was slapped on again by Jack, and before they could well gain their
+eyesight, they were seized and secured, not however without a scuffle
+and some noise.
+
+By the time that these men were secured and laid between the guns it
+was daylight, and they now perceived what a fine vessel they had
+fairly taken possession of--but there was much to be done yet. There
+was, of course, a number of men in the ship, and moreover they were
+not a mile from a battery of ten guns.  Mesty, who was foremost in
+everything, left four men abaft, and went forward on the forecastle,
+examined the cable, which was coir rope, and therefore easily divided,
+and then directed the two men forward to coil a hawser upon the
+fore-grating, the weight of which would make all safe in that quarter,
+and afterwards to join them on the quarter-deck.
+
+"Now, Mr Easy, the great ting will be to get hold of captain; we must
+get him on deck.  Open cabin-hatch now, and keep the after-hatch fast.
+Two men stay there, the others all come aft."
+
+"Yes," replied Jack, "It will be a great point to secure the captain--
+but how are we to get him up?"
+
+"You no know how to get captain up?  By de holy, I know very well."
+And Mesty took up the coils of rope about the mizzen-mast, and threw
+them upon deck, one after another, making all the noise possible. In a
+short time, there was a violent pull of a bell at the cabin-door, and
+in a minute afterwards a man in his shirt came up the cabin-hatchway,
+who was immediately secured.
+
+"Dis de captain's servant," said Mesty, "he come say no make such
+d---d noise.  Stop a little--captain get in passion, and come up
+himself."
+
+And Mesty renewed the noise with the ropes over the cabin. Mesty was
+right; in a few minutes the captain himself came up, boiling with
+indignation.  At the sound of the cabin-door opening, the seamen and
+our hero concealed themselves behind the companion-hatch, which was
+very high, so as to give the captain time to get fairly on deck.  The
+men already secured had been covered over with the gregos.  The
+captain was a most powerful man, and it was with difficulty that he
+was pinioned, and then not without his giving the alarm, had there
+been anyone to assist him; but as yet no one had turned out of his
+hammock.
+
+"Now we all right," said Mesty, "and soon ab de ship; but I must make
+him 'fraid."
+
+The captain was seated down on the deck against one of the guns, and
+Mesty, putting on the look of a demon, extended above him his, long
+nervous arm, with the sharp knife clutched, as if ready every instant
+to strike it into his heart.  The Spanish captain felt his situation
+anything but pleasant.  He was then interrogated as to the number of
+men in the ship, officers, etc, to all which questions he answered
+truly; he cast his eyes at the firm and relentless countenance of
+Mesty, who appeared but to wait the signal.
+
+"I tink all pretty safe now," said Mesty.  "Mr Easy, we now go down
+below and beat all men into the hold."
+
+Our hero approved of this suggestion.  Taking their pistols from the
+capstern, they rushed down with their cutlasses, and leaving two men
+to guard the cabin-door, they were soon among the crew, who were all
+naked in their hammocks: the resistance, although the numbers were
+more than double of the English, was of course trifling.  In a few
+minutes, the Spaniards were all thrown down into the hold of the
+vessel, and the hatches placed over them.  Every part of the ship was
+now in their possession, except the cabin, and to that they all
+repaired. Our hero tried the door, and found it fast; they beat it
+open, and were received with loud screams from one side of the cabin,
+and the discharge of two pistols from the other, fortunately without
+injury: those who had fired the pistols were an elderly man and a lad
+about the age of our hero.  They were thrown down and secured; the
+cabin was searched, and nobody else found in it but three women; one
+old and shrivelled, the other two, although with their countenances
+distorted with terror, were lovely as houris. So thought Jack, as he
+took off his hat, and made them a very low bow with his usual
+politeness, as they crouched, half-dressed, in a corner.  He told them
+in English that they had nothing to fear, and begged that they would
+attend to their toilets. The ladies made no reply, because, in the
+first place, they did not know what Jack said, and, in the next, they
+could not speak English.
+
+Mesty interrupted Jack in his attentions, by pointing out that they
+must all go upon deck--so Jack again took off his hat and bowed, and
+then followed his men, who led away the two prisoners taken in the
+cabin.  It was now five o'clock in the morning, and there was movement
+on board of the other vessels, which laid not far from the ship.
+
+"Now, then," said Jack, "what shall we do with the prisoners?--could
+we not send the boat and bring our own vessel alongside, and put them
+all in, tied as they are?  We should then get rid of them."
+
+"Massa Easy, you be one very fine officer one of these days. Dat d---n
+good idea, anyhow;--but suppose we send our own boat, what they tink
+on board of de oder vessel?  Lower down lilly boat from stem, put in
+four men, and drop vessel 'longside--dat it."
+
+This was done; the cutter was on the seaward side of the ship, and, as
+the ship was the outermost vessel, was concealed from the view of the
+Spaniards on board of the other vessels, and in the battery on shore.
+As soon as the lateen vessel was alongside, the men who had already
+been secured on deck, amounting to seven, were lowered into her, and
+laid upon the beans in the hold; all except the captain, the two
+cabin-prisoners, and the captain's servant.  They then went down
+below, took off one part of the hatches, and ordered the Spaniards up
+from the hold: as they came on deck they were made fast and treated in
+the same manner.  Mesty and the men went down to examine if there were
+any left concealed, and finding that they were all out, returned on
+deck.  The men who had been beaten down in the hold were twenty-two in
+number, making the whole complement of thirty.  As soon as they had
+all been put into the xebeque, she was again hauled off and anchored
+outside, and Jack found himself in possession of a fine ship of
+fourteen guns, with three prisoners male and three prisoners female.
+
+When the men returned in the boat from the vessel in which the
+prisoners had been confined (the hatches having been secured over
+them, by way of further precaution), by the advice of Mesty they put
+on the jackets and caps of the Spanish seamen, of which there was a
+plentiful supply below.
+
+"Now, what's to be done, Mesty?" inquired Jack.
+
+"Now, sar, we send some of the men aloft to get sails all ready, and
+while they do that I cast loose this fellow," pointing to the
+captain's servant, "and make him get some breakfast, for he know where
+to find it."
+
+"Capital idea of yours, Mesty, for I'm tired of bean-soup already, and
+I will go down and pay my respects to the ladies."
+
+Mesty looked over the counter. "Yes, and be quick too, Massa Easy;
+d--n the women, they toss their handkerchief in the air to people in
+the battery--quick, Massa Easy."
+
+Mesty was right--the Spanish girls were waving their handkerchiefs for
+assistance; it was all that they could do, poor things.  Jack hastened
+into the cabin, laid hold of the two young ladies, very politely
+pulled them out of the quarter gallery, and begged that they would not
+give themselves so much trouble.  The young ladies looked very much
+confused, and as they could no longer wave their handkerchiefs, they
+put them up to their eyes and began to weep, while the elderly lady
+went on her knees, and held her hands up for mercy.  Jack raised her
+up, and very politely handed her to one of the cabin lockers.
+
+In the meantime Mesty, with his gleaming knife and expressive look,
+had done wonders with the captain's steward, for such the man was: and
+a breakfast of chocolate, salt meat, hams and sausages, white biscuit
+and red wine, had been spread on the quarter-deck.  The men had come
+from aloft, and Jack was summoned on deck. Jack offered his hand to
+the two young ladies, and beckoned the old one to follow: the old lady
+did not think it advisable to refuse his courtesy, so they accompanied
+him.
+
+As soon as the females came on deck, and found the two cabin prisoners
+bound, they ran to them and embraced them with tears. Jack's heart
+melted, and as there was now no fear, he asked Mesty for his knife,
+and cut loose the two Spaniards, pointing to the breakfast, and
+requesting that they would join them.  The Spaniards made a bow, and
+the ladies thanked Jack with a sweet smile; and the captain of the
+vessel, who still lay pinioned against the gun, looked, as much as to
+say, Why the devil don't you ask me? but the fact was, they had had
+such trouble to secure him, that Jack did not much like the idea of
+letting him loose again.  Jack and the seamen commenced their
+breakfast, and as the ladies and prisoners did not appear inclined to
+eat, they ate their share and their own too; during which, the elderly
+man inquired of Jack if he could speak French.
+
+Jack, with his mouth full of sausage, replied, that he could; and then
+commenced a conversation, from which Jack learnt as follows:
+
+The elderly gentleman was a passenger with the young man, who was his
+son, and the ladies, who were his wife and his two daughters, and they
+were proceeding to Tarragona.  Whereupon Jack made a bow and thanked
+him; and then the gentleman, whose name was Don Cordova de Rimarosa,
+wished to know what Jack intended to do with them, hoping, as a
+gentleman, he would put them on shore with their effects, as they were
+non-combatants.  Jack explained all this to Mesty and the men, and
+then finished his sausage.  The men, who were a little elevated with
+the wine which they had been drinking, proposed that they should take
+the ladies a cruise, and Jack at first did not dislike the idea, but
+he said nothing.  Mesty, however, opposed this, saying, that ladies
+only made a row in a ship, and the coxswain sided with him, saying,
+that they should all be at daggers drawn. Whereupon Jack pulled out
+the "articles of war," and informed the men, that there was no
+provision in them for women, and therefore the thing was impossible.
+
+The next question was, as to the propriety of allowing them to take
+their effects; and it was agreed, at last, that they might take them.
+Jack desired the steward to feed his master the captain, and then told
+the Spanish Don the result of the consultation, further informing him,
+that as soon as it was dark, he intended to put them all on board the
+small vessel, when they would cast loose the men and do as they
+pleased.  The Don and the ladies returned thanks, and went down to
+pack up their baggage; Mesty ordering two men to help them, but with a
+caution, that they were not to encumber themselves with any of the
+money, if there should happen to be any on board.
+
+The crew were busy during the day making preparations for sailing. The
+coxswain had examined the provender in the ship, and found that there
+was enough for at least three months, of water, wine, and provisions,
+independent of luxuries for the cabin.  All thoughts of taking any
+more of the vessels were abandoned, for their crew was but weak to
+manage the one which they had possession of.  A fine breeze sprang up,
+and they dropped their fore-topsails, just as a boat was shoving off
+from the shore; but seeing the fore-topsails loosed, it put back
+again.  This was fortunate, or all would have been discovered. The
+other vessels also loosed their sails, and the crews were heard
+weighing the anchors.
+
+But the Nostra Senora del Carmen, which was Jack's prize, did not
+move.  At last the sun went down, the baggage was placed in the
+cutter, the ladies and passengers went into the boat, thanking Jack
+for his kindness, who put his hand to his heart and bowed to the deck;
+and the captain was lowered down after them.  Four men well armed
+pulled them alongside of the xebeque, put them and their trunks on
+deck, and returned to the ship.  The cutter was then hoisted up, and
+as the anchor was too heavy to weigh, they cut the cable, and made
+sail.  The other vessels followed their example. Mesty and the seamen
+cast longing eyes upon them, but it was of no use; so they sailed in
+company for about an hour, and then Jack hauled his wind for a cruise.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+In which our hero finds that disagreeable occurrences will take place
+on a cruise.
+
+As soon as the ship had been hauled to the wind, Jack's ship's company
+seemed to think that there was nothing to do except to make merry; so
+they brought up some earthen jars full of wine, and emptied them so
+fast that they were soon fast asleep on the deck, with the exception
+of the man at the helm, who, instead of thirty-two, could clearly make
+out sixty-four points in the compass, and of course was able to steer
+to a much greater nicety.  Fortunately, the weather was fine, for when
+the man at the helm had steered till he could see no more, and
+requested to be released, he found that his shipmates were so
+overpowered with fatigue, that it was impossible to wake them.  He
+kicked them one by one most unmercifully in the ribs, but it was of no
+use: under these circumstances, he did as they did, that is, lay down
+with them, and in ten minutes it would have taken as much kicking to
+awake him as he gave his shipmates.
+
+In the meantime the ship had it all her own way, and not knowing where
+she was to go, she went round and round the compass during the best
+part of the night.  Mesty had arranged the watches, Jack had made a
+speech, and the men had promised everything, but the wine had got into
+their heads, and memory had taken that opportunity to take a stroll.
+Mesty had been down with Jack, examining the cabin, and in the
+captain's state-room they had found fourteen thousand dollars in bags.
+Of this they determined not to tell the men, but locked up the money
+and everything else of value, and took out the key.  They then sat
+down at the cabin table, and after some conversation, it was no matter
+of surprise, after having been up all the night before, that Jack laid
+his head on the table and fell fast asleep.  Mesty kept his eyes open
+for some time, but at last his head sank down upon his chest, and he
+also slumbered.  Thus, about one o'clock in the morning.  There was
+not a very good watch kept on board of the Nostra Senora del Carmen.
+
+About four o'clock in the morning, Mesty tumbled forward, and he hit
+his head against the table, which roused him up.
+
+"By de mass, I tink I almost fall asleep," cried he, and he went to
+the cabin window, which had been left open, and found that there was a
+strong breeze blowing in.  "By de Lord, de wind ab come more aft,"
+said Mesty, "why they not tell me?" So saying, he went on deck, where
+he found no one at the helm; everyone drunk, and the ship with her
+yards braced up running before the wind, just by way of a change.
+Mesty growled, but there was no time to lose; the topsails only were
+set,--these he lowered down, and then put the helm a-lee, and lashed
+it, while he went down to call our hero to his assistance. Jack roused
+up, and went on deck.
+
+"This nebber do, Massa Easy; we all go to devil together--together--
+dam drunken dogs--I freshen um up anyhow." So Mesty drew some buckets
+of water, with which he soused the ship's company, who then appeared
+to be recovering their senses.
+
+"By heavens!" says Jack, "but this is contrary to the articles of war;
+I shall read them to them to-morrow morning."
+
+"I tell what better ting, Massa Easy: we go lock up all de wine, and
+sarve out so much, and no more.  I go do it at once, 'fore they wake
+up."
+
+Mesty went down, leaving Jack on deck to his meditations. "I am not
+sure," thought Jack, "that I have done a very wise thing. Here I am
+with a parcel of fellows who have no respect for the articles of war,
+and who get as drunk as David's sow. I have a large ship, but I have
+very few hands; and if it comes on bad weather, what shall I do?--for
+I know very little--hardly how to take in a sail.  Then--as for where
+to steer, or how to steer, I know not--nor do any of my men; but,
+however, as it was very narrow when we came into the Mediterranean
+through the straits, it is hardly possible to get out of them without
+perceiving it; besides, I should know the rock of Gibraltar again if I
+saw it.  I must talk to Mesty."
+
+Mesty soon returned with the keys of the provision-room tied to his
+bandana.
+
+"Now," says he, "they not get drunk again in a hurry." A few more
+buckets of water soon brought the men to their senses: they again
+stood on their legs, and gradually recovered themselves.  Daylight
+broke, and they found that the vessel had made an attempt for the
+Spanish coast, being within a mile of the beach, and facing a large
+battery a fleur d'eau; fortunately they had time to square the yards,
+and steer the ship along shore under the topsails, before they were
+perceived.  Had they been seen at daylight in the position that they
+were in during the night, the suspicions of the Spaniards would have
+been awakened; and had a boat been sent off, while they were all
+drunk, they must have been recaptured.
+
+The men, who perceived what danger they had been in, listened very
+penitently to Jack's remonstrances; and our hero, to impress them more
+strongly on their minds, took out the articles of war, read that on
+drunkenness from beginning to end; but the men had heard it read so
+often at the gangway, that it did not make a due impression. As Mesty
+said, his plan was better, and so it proved; for as soon as Jack had
+done, the men went down to get another jug of wine, and found, to
+their disappointment, that it was all under lock and key.
+
+In the meantime, Jack called Mesty aft, and asked him if he knew the
+way to Toulon.  Mesty declared that he knew nothing about it.
+
+"Then Mesty, it appears to me that we have a better chance of finding
+our way back to Gibraltar; for you know the land was on our left side
+all the way coming up the Mediterranean; and if we keep it, as it is
+now, on our right, we shall get back again along the coast."
+
+Mesty agreed with Jack that this was the ne plus ultra of navigation;
+and that old Smallsole could not do better with his "pig-yoke" and
+compasses.  So they shook a reef out of the topsails, set top-gallant
+sails, and ran directly down the coast from point to point, keeping
+about five miles distant.  The men prepared a good dinner; Mesty gave
+them their allowance of wine, which was just double what they had on
+board the Harpy--so they soon appeared to be content. One man, indeed,
+talked very big and very mutinously, swearing that if the others would
+join him they would soon have liquor enough; but Mesty gave him his
+look, opened his knife, and swore that he would settle him, and Jack
+knocked him down with a handspike; so that, what with the punishment
+received, and that which was promised, the fellow thought he might as
+well say no more about it.  The fact is, that had it not been from
+fear of Mesty, the whole of the men would, in all probability, have
+behaved equally as bad; nevertheless, they were a little staggered, it
+must be owned, at seeing Jack play so good a stick with the handspike.
+
+After this night Jack and Mesty kept watch and watch, and everything
+went on very well until they were nearly abreast of Carthagena, when a
+gale came on from the northward, and drove them out of sight of land.
+Sail after sail was reduced with difficulty from their having so few
+hands, and the gale blew for three days with great fury.  The men were
+tired out and discontented.  It was Jack's misfortune that he had but
+one good man with him: even the coxswain of the boat, although a
+fine-looking man, was worth nothing.  Mesty was Jack's sheet-anchor.
+
+The fourth day the gale moderated, but they had no idea where they
+were: they knew that they had been blown off, but how far they could
+not tell, and Jack now began to discover that a cruise at sea without
+knowledge of navigation was a more nervous thing than he had
+contemplated.  However, there was no help for it.  At night they wore
+the ships and stood on the other tack, and at daylight they perceived
+that they were close to some small islands, and much closer to some
+large rocks, against which the sea beat high, although the wind had
+subsided.  Again was the helm put up, and they narrowly escaped.  As
+soon as the sails were trimmed the men came aft and proposed that if
+they could find anchorage they should run into it, for they were quite
+tired out.  This was true, and Jack consulted with Mesty, who thought
+it advisable to agree to the proposal.
+
+That the islands were not inhabited was very evident.  The only point
+to ascertain was, if there were good anchorage.  The coxswain offered
+to go in the boat and examine; and, with four men, he set off, and in
+about an hour returned, stating that there was plenty of water, and
+that it was as smooth as a mill-pond, being land-locked on every side.
+As they could not weigh the bower-anchor they bent the kedge, and
+running in without accident, came to in a small bay, between the
+islands, in seven fathoms water.  The sails were furled, and
+everything put in order by the seamen, who then took the boat and
+pulled on shore.  "They might as well have asked leave," thought Jack.
+In an hour they returned, and, after a short discussion, came aft to
+our hero in a body.
+
+The coxswain was spokesman.  He said that they had had hard work, and
+required now to have some rest--that there were provisions on board
+for three months, so that there could not be any hurry, and that they
+had found they could pitch a tent very well on shore, and live there
+for a short time; and that, as there was no harm in getting drunk on
+shore, they expected that they might be allowed to take provisions and
+plenty of wine with them, and that the men had desired him to ask
+leave, because they were determined to go whether or no.  Jack was
+about to answer with the handspike, but perceiving that the men had
+all put on their cutlasses, and had their pistols at their belts, he
+thought proper to consult Mesty, who, perceiving that resistance was
+useless, advised Jack to submit, observing that the sooner all the
+wine was gone the better, as there would be nothing done while it
+lasted.
+
+Jack, therefore, very graciously told them that they should have their
+own way, and he would stay there as long as they pleased. Mesty gave
+them the keys of the provision-hatch, and told them, with a grin, to
+help themselves.  The men then informed Jack that he and Mesty should
+stay on board and take care of the ship for them, and that they would
+take the Spaniard on shore to cook their victuals. But to this Jack
+observed that if he had not two hands he could not obey their orders,
+in case they wished him to come on shore for them. The men thought
+there was good argument in that observation, and therefore allowed
+Jack to retain the Spaniard, that he might be more prompt to their
+call from the beach.  They then wished him good day, and begged that
+he would amuse himself with the "articles of war."
+
+As soon as they had thrown a spare sail into the boat, with some spars
+to make a tent, and some bedding, they went down below, hoisted up two
+pipes of wine out of the three, a bag or two of biscuit, arms and
+ammunition, and as much of the salt provisions as they thought they
+might require.  The boat being full, they shoved off with three cheers
+of derision. Jack was sensible to the compliment: he stood at the
+gangway, took off his hat, and made them a polite bow.
+
+As soon as they were gone, Mesty grinned with his sharp-filed teeth,
+and looking at our hero, said:
+
+"I tink I make um pay for all dis--stop a little; by de piper as
+played before Moses, but our turn come by-and-bye."
+
+As for Jack, he said nothing, but he thought the more.  In about an
+hour the men returned in the boat: they had forgotten many things they
+wanted--wood to make a fire, and several utensils; they helped
+themselves freely, and having now everything that they could think of,
+they again went on shore.
+
+"How d---n lucky, we nebber tell dem about the dollars," said Mesty,
+as Jack and he were watching the motions of the men.
+
+"It is, indeed," replied Jack; "not that they could spend them here."
+
+"No, Massa Easy, but suppose they find all that money, they take boat
+and go away with it.  Now, I hab them in my clutch--stop a little."
+
+A narrow piece of salt pork had been left at the gangway: Jack,
+without knowing why, tossed it overboard; being almost all fat, it
+sank very gradually: Jack watched it as it disappeared, so did Mesty,
+both full of thought, when they perceived a dark object rising under
+it: it was a ground shark, who took it into his maw, sank down, and
+disappeared.
+
+"What was that?" said Jack.
+
+"That ground shark, Massa Easy--worst shark of all; you nebber see him
+till you feel him"; and Mesty's eyes sparkled with pleasure. "By de
+powers, they soon stop de mutiny; now I hab 'em."
+
+Jack shuddered and walked away. During the day, the men on shore were
+seen to work hard, and make all the preparations before they abandoned
+themselves to the sensual gratification of intemperance.  The tent was
+pitched, the fire was lighted, and all the articles taken on shore
+rolled up and stowed away in their places; they were seen to sit down
+and dine, for they were within hail of the ship, and then one of the
+casks of wine was spiled. In the meantime the Spaniard, who was a
+quiet lad, had prepared the dinner for Easy and his now only
+companion.  The evening closed, and all was noise and revelry on
+shore; and as they danced, and sung, and tossed off the cans of wine
+by the light of the fire, as they hallooed and screamed, and became
+more and more intoxicated, Mesty turned to Jack with his bitter smile,
+and only said--
+
+"Stop a little." At last the noise grew fainter, the fire died away,
+and gradually all was silent. Jack was still hanging over the gangway
+when Mesty came up to him.  The new moon had just risen, and Jack's
+eyes were fixed upon it.
+
+"Now, Massa Easy, please you come aft and lower down little boat; take
+your pistols, and then we go on shore and bring off the cutter; they
+all asleep now."
+
+"But why should we leave them without a boat, Mesty?" for Jack thought
+of the sharks, and the probability of the men attempting to swim off.
+
+"I tell you, sar, this night they get drunk, to-morrow they get drunk
+again, but drunken men never keep quiet,--suppose one man say to
+others, 'Let's go board and kill officer, and then we do as we
+please,' they all say yes, and they all come and do it.  No, sar-must
+have boat--if not for your sake, I must hab it, save my own life
+anyhow, for they hate me and kill me first; by de powers, stop a
+little."
+
+Jack felt the truth of Mesty's observation; he went aft with him,
+lowered down the small boat, and they hauled it alongside.  Jack went
+down with Mesty into the cabin and fetched his pistols.  "And the
+Spaniard, Mesty, can we leave him on board alone?"
+
+"Yes, sar, he no got arms, and he see dat me have--but suppose he find
+arms he never dare do anything--I know de man."
+
+Our hero and Mesty went into the boat and shoved off, pulling gently
+on shore; the men were in a state of intoxication, so as not to be
+able to move, much less hear.  They cast off the cutter, towed her on
+board, and made her fast with the other boat astern.
+
+"Now, sar, we may go to bed; to-morrow morning you will see."
+
+"They have everything they require on shore," replied Easy, "all they
+could want with the cutter would be to molest us."
+
+"Stop a little," replied Mesty. Jack and Mesty went to bed, and as a
+precaution against the Spaniard, which was hardly necessary, Mesty
+locked the cabin door but Mesty never forgot anything.
+
+Jack slept little that night--had melancholy forebodings which he
+could not shake off; indeed, Jack had reflected so much since he had
+left the ship, he had had his eyes so much opened, and had felt what a
+responsibility he had taken by indulging himself in a whim of the
+moment, that it might be almost said, that in the course of one
+fortnight he had at once from a boy sprung up into a man.  He was
+mortified and angry, but he was chiefly so with himself.
+
+Mesty was up at daylight, and Jack soon followed him: they watched the
+party on shore, who had not yet left the tent.  At last, just as Jack
+had finished his breakfast, one or two made their appearance; the men
+looked about them as if they were searching for something, and then
+walked down to the beach, to where the boat had been made fast.  Jack
+looked at Mesty, who grinned, and answered with the words so often
+repeated--
+
+"Stop a little."
+
+The men then walked along the rocks until they were abreast of the
+ship.
+
+"Ship ahoy!"
+
+"Halloo," replied Mesty.
+
+"Bring the boat ashore directly, with a beaker of water."
+
+"I knew dat," cried Mesty, rubbing his hands with delight. "Massa
+Easy, you must tell them No."
+
+"But why should I not give them water, Mesty?"
+
+"Because, sar, den they take boat."
+
+"Very true," replied Easy.
+
+"Do you hear on board?" cried the coxswain, who was the man who
+hailed--"send the boat immediately, or we'll cut the throats of every
+mother's son of you, by God!"
+
+"I shall not send the boat," replied Jack, who now thought Mesty was
+right.
+
+"You won't--won't you?--then your doom's sealed," replied the man,
+walking up to the tent with the other.  In a short time all the seamen
+turned out of the tent, bringing with them four muskets, which they
+had taken on shore with them.
+
+"Good heavens! they are not, surely, going to fire at us, Mesty."
+
+"Stop a little." The men then came down abreast of the ship, and the
+coxswain again hailed, and asked if they would bring the boat on
+shore.
+
+"You must say, No, sar," replied Mesty.
+
+"I feel I must," replied Jack; and then he answered the coxswain,
+"No."
+
+The plan of the mutineers had
+been foreseen by the wily negro--it was to swim off to the boats which
+were riding astern, and to fire at him or Jack, if they attempted to
+haul them up alongside and defend them.  To get into the boats,
+especially the smaller one, from out of the water was easy enough.
+Some of the men examined their priming and held the muskets at their
+hips all ready, with the muzzles towards the ship, while the coxswain
+and two men were throwing off their clothes.
+
+"Stop, for God's sake, stop!" cried Jack.  "The harbour is full of
+ground sharks,--it is, upon my soul!"
+
+"Do you think to frighten us with ground sharks?" replied the
+coxswain; "keep under cover, my lads; Jack, give him a shot to prove
+we are in earnest, and every time he or that nigger show their heads,
+give them another, my lads."
+
+"For God's sake, don't attempt to swim," said Jack, in an agony; "I
+will try some means to give you water."
+
+"Too late now--you're doomed"; and the coxswain sprang off the rock
+into the sea, and was followed by two other men: at the same moment a
+musket was discharged, and the bullet whistled close to our hero's
+ear.
+
+Mesty dragged Jack from the gangway, who was nearly fainting from
+agonising feelings.  He sank on the deck for a moment, and then sprang
+up and ran to the port to look at the men in the water.  He was just
+in time to see the coxswain raise himself with a loud yell out of the
+sea, and then disappear in a vortex, which was crimsoned with his
+blood.
+
+Mesty threw down his musket in his hand, of which he had several
+already loaded, in case the men should have gained the boats.
+
+"By the powers, dat no use now!" Jack had covered his face with his
+hands.  But the tragedy was not complete: the other men, who were in
+the water, had immediately turned and made for the shore; but before
+they could reach it, two more of these voracious monsters, attracted
+by the blood of the coxswain, had flown to the spot, and there was a
+contention for the fragments of their bodies.
+
+Mesty, who had seen this catastrophe, turned towards our hero, who
+still hid his face. "I'm glad he no see dat, anyhow," muttered Mesty.
+
+"See what!" exclaimed Jack.
+
+"Shark eat em all."
+
+"Oh, horrid! horrid!" groaned our hero.
+
+"Yes, sar, very horrid," replied Mesty, "and dat
+bullet at your head very horrid.  Suppose the sharks no take them,
+what then?  They kill us and the sharks have our body.  I think that
+more horrid still."
+
+"Mesty," replied Jack, seizing the negro convulsively by the arm, "it
+was not the sharks--it was I,--I who have murdered these men."
+
+Mesty looked at Jack with surprise. "How dat possible?"
+
+"If I had not disobeyed orders," replied our hero, panting for breath,
+"if I had not shown them the example of disobedience, this would not
+have happened. How could I expect submission from them? It's all my
+fault--I see it now-and, O God! when will the sight be blotted from my
+memory?"
+
+"Massa Easy, I not understand that," replied Mesty: "I think you talk
+foolish-might as well say, suppose Ashantee men not make war, this not
+happen; for suppose Ashantee not make war, I not slave, I not run
+away,--I not come board Harpy--I not go in boat with you--I not hinder
+men from getting drunk--and dat why they make mutiny--and the mutiny
+why the shark take um?"
+
+Jack made no reply, but he felt some consolation from the counter
+argument of the negro.
+
+The dreadful death of the three mutineers appeared to have had a
+sensible effect upon their companions, who walked away from the beach
+with their heads down and with measured steps.  They were now seen to
+be perambulating the island, probably in search of that water which
+they required.  At noon, they returned to their tent, and soon
+afterwards were in a state of intoxication, hallooing and shouting as
+the day before.  Towards the evening they came down to the beach
+abreast of the ship, each with a vessel in their hands, and perceiving
+that they had attracted the notice of our hero and Mesty, tossed the
+contents of the vessels up in the air to show that they had found
+water, and hooting and deriding, went back, dancing, leaping, and
+kicking up their heels, to renew their orgies, which continued till
+after midnight, when they were all stupefied as before.
+
+The next day Jack had recovered from the first shock which the
+catastrophe had given him, and he called Mesty into the cabin to hold
+a consultation.
+
+"Mesty, how is this to end?"
+
+"How you mean, sar?--end here, or end on board of the Harpy?"
+
+"The Harpy,--there appears little chance of our seeing her again--we
+are on a desolate island, or what is the same thing; but we will hope
+that it will be so: but how is this mutiny to end?"
+
+"Massa Easy, suppose I please, I make it end very soon, but I not in a
+hurry."
+
+"How do you mean, Mesty, not in a hurry?"
+
+"Look, Massa Easy; you wish take a cruise, and I wish the same ting:
+now because mutiny you want to go back--but by all de powers, you tink
+that I, a prince in my own country, feel wish to go back and boil
+kettle for de young gentlemen.  No, Massa Easy, gib me mutiny gib me
+anyting--but--once I was prince," replied Mesty, lowering his voice at
+the last few emphatic words.
+
+"You must one of these days tell me your history," replied Jack; "but
+just now let us argue the point in question.  How could you put an end
+to this mutiny?"
+
+"By putting an end to all wine.  Suppose I go shore after they all
+drunk, I spile the casks in three or four places, and in the morning
+all wine gone--den dey ab get sober, and beg pardon--we take dem on
+board, put away all arms, 'cept yours and mine, and I like to see the
+mutiny after dat.  Blood and 'ounds--but I settle um, anyhow."
+
+"The idea is very good, Mesty,--why should we not do so?"
+
+"Because I not like run de risk to go ashore--all for what? to go
+back, boil de kettle for all gentlemans--I very happy here, Massa,"
+replied Mesty, carelessly.
+
+"And I am very miserable," replied Jack; "but, however, I am
+completely in your power, Mesty, and I must, I suppose, submit."
+
+"What you say, Massa Easy--submit to me?--no sar, when you are on
+board Harpy as officer, you talk with me as friend, and not treat me
+as negro servant.  Massa Easy, I feel--I feel what I am," continued
+Mesty, striking his bosom, "I feel it here--for all first time since I
+leave my country, I feel that I am someting; but, Massa Easy, I love
+my friend as much as I hate my enemy--and you nebber submit to me--I
+too proud to allow dat, 'cause, Massa Easy--I am a man--and once, I
+was a prince."
+
+Although Mesty did not perhaps explain by words half so well as he did
+by his countenance the full tide of feeling which was overflowing in
+his heart, Jack fully understood and felt it.  He extended his hand to
+Mesty, and said--
+
+"Mesty--that you have been a prince, I care little about, although I
+doubt it not, because you are incapable of a lie; but you are a man,
+and I respect you, nay, I love you as a friend--and with my will we
+never part again."
+
+Mesty took the hand offered by Jack.  It was the first peace offering
+ever extended to him since he had been torn away from his native
+land--the first compliment, the first tribute, the first
+acknowledgment, perhaps, that he was not an inferior being; he pressed
+it in silence, for he could not speak; but could the feelings which
+were suffocating the negro but have been laid before sceptics, they
+must have acknowledged that at that moment they were all and only such
+as could do honour, not only to the prince, but even to the Christian.
+So much was Mesty affected with what had happened, that when he
+dropped the hand of our hero, he went down into the cabin, finding it
+impossible to continue the conversation, which was not renewed until
+the next morning.
+
+"What is your opinion, Mesty?  Tell me, and I will be governed by it."
+
+"Den, sar, I tell you I tink it right that they first come and ask to
+come on board before you take them--and, sar, I tink it also right as
+we are but two and they are five, dat dey first eat all their
+provisions. Let 'em starve plenty, and den dey come on board tame
+enough."
+
+"At all events," replied Jack, "the first overtures of some kind or
+another must come from them.  I wish I had something to do--I do not
+much like this cooping up on board ship."
+
+"Massa, why you no talk with Pedro?"
+
+"Because I cannot speak Spanish."
+
+"I know dat, and dat why I ask de question.  You very sorry when you
+meet the two pretty women in the ship, you not able to talk with them,
+I guess that."
+
+"I was very sorry, I grant," replied Jack.
+
+"Well, Massa Easy, by and bye we see more Spanish girl.  Why not talk
+all day with Pedro, and den you able to talk with dem."
+
+"Upon my word, Mesty, I never had an idea of your value. I will learn
+all the Spanish that I can," replied Jack, who was glad to have
+employment found for him, and was quite disgusted with the articles of
+war.
+
+As for the men on shore, they continued the same course as before, one
+day succeeded another, and without variety.  It was, however, to be
+observed that the fire was now seldomer lighted, which proved their
+fuel scarce, and the weather was not so warm as it had been, for it
+was now October. Jack learnt Spanish from Pedro for a month, during
+which there was no appearance of submission on the part of the
+mutineers, who, for the first fortnight, when intoxicated, used to
+come down and fire at Jack or Mesty when they made their appearance.
+Fortunately drunken men are not good marksmen; but latterly this had
+been discontinued, because they had expended their ammunition, and
+they appeared to have almost forgotten that the ship was there, for
+they took no notice of her whatever.
+
+On the other hand, Jack had decided that if he waited there a year the
+overtures should come from them who had mutinied; and now, having an
+occupation, he passed his time very quietly, and the days flew so fast
+that two months had actually been run off the calendar before he had
+an idea of it.
+
+One evening as they were down in the cabin, for the evenings had now
+become very cold, Jack asked Mesty whether he had any objection to
+give him a history of his life.  Mesty replied that if he wished he
+was ready to talk, and at a nod from our hero Mesty commenced as
+follows.
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+In which mutiny, like fire, is quenched for want of fuel and no want
+of water.
+
+Although we have made the African negro hitherto talk in his own mixed
+jargon, yet, as we consider that, in a long narration, it will be
+tedious to the reader, we shall now translate the narrative part into
+good English, merely leaving the conversation with which it may be
+broken, in its peculiar dialect.
+
+"The first thing I recollect," said Mesty, "is, that I was carried on
+the shoulders of a man with my legs hanging down before, and holding
+on by his head.
+
+"Everyone used to look at me and get out of the way, as I rode through
+the town and market-place, so loaded with heavy gold ornaments that I
+could not bear them, and was glad when the women took them off; but as
+I grew older I became proud of them, because I knew that I was the son
+of a king.  I lived happy. I did nothing but shoot my arrows, and I
+had a little sword which I was taught to handle, and the great
+captains who were about my father showed me how to kill my enemies.
+Sometimes I laid under the shady trees, sometimes I was with the women
+belonging to my father; sometimes I was with him and played with the
+skulls, and repeated the names of those to whom they had belonged, for
+in our country, when we kill our enemies, we keep their skulls as
+trophies.
+
+"As I grew older, I did as I pleased; I beat the women and the slaves;
+I think I killed some of the latter--I know I did one, to try whether
+I could strike well with my two-handed sword made of hard and heavy
+wood,--but that is nothing in our country.  I longed to be a great
+captain, and I thought of nothing else but war and fighting, and how
+many skulls I should have in my possession when I had a house and
+wives of my own, and I was no longer a boy.  I went out in the woods
+to hunt, and I stayed for weeks.  And one day I saw a panther basking
+in the sun, waving his graceful tail. I crept up softly till I was
+behind a rock within three yards of it, and drawing my arrow to the
+head, I pierced him through the body.  The animal bounded up in the
+air, saw me, roared and made a spring, but I dropped behind the rock,
+and he passed over me.  He turned again to me, but I had my knife
+ready, and, as he fixed his talons into my shoulder and breast, I
+pierced him to the heart.  This was the happiest day of my life; I had
+killed a panther without assistance, and I had the wounds to show.
+Although I was severely hurt, I thought nothing of it.  I took off the
+skin as my blood dropped down and mixed with that of the beast--but I
+rejoiced in it.  Proudly did I go into the town dripping with gore and
+smarting with pain.  Everyone extolled the feat, called me a hero and
+a great captain. I filed my teeth, and I became a man.
+
+"From that day I ranked among the warriors, and, as soon as my wounds
+were healed, I went out to battle.  In three fights I had gained five
+skulls, and when I returned they weighed me out gold. I then had a
+house and wives, and my father appointed me a Caboceer. I wore the
+plume of eagle and ostrich feathers, my dress was covered with
+fetishes, I pulled on the boots with bells, and with my bow and arrows
+slung on my back, my spear and blunderbuss, my knives and my
+double-handed sword, I led the men to battle and brought back skulls
+and slaves.  Everyone trembled at my name, and, if my father
+threatened to send me out, gold-dust covered the floor of his hall of
+council--Now, I boil the kettle for the young gentlemen!
+
+"There was one man I liked.  He was not a warrior, or I should have
+hated him, but he was brought up with me in my father's house, and was
+a near relative.  I was grave and full of pride, he was gay and fond
+of music; and although there was no music to me equal to the tom-tom,
+yet I did not always wish for excitement. I often was melancholy, and
+then I liked to lay my head in the lap of one of my wives, under the
+shady forest behind my house, and listen to his soft music.  At last
+he went to a town near us where his father lived, and as he departed I
+gave him gold-dust.  He had been sent to my father to be formed into a
+warrior, but he had no strength of body, and he had no soul; still I
+loved him, because he was not like myself.  There was a girl in the
+town who was beautiful; many asked for her as their wife, but her
+father had long promised her to my friend; he refused even the
+greatest warrior of the place, who went away in wrath to the
+fetishman, and throwing him his gold armlets asked for a fetish
+against his rival. It was given, and two days before he was to be
+married my friend died. His mother came to me, and it was enough. I
+put on my war dress, I seized my weapons, sat for a whole day with my
+skulls before me, working up my revenge, called out my men, and that
+night set off for the town where the warrior resided, killed two of
+his relatives and carried off ten of his slaves.  When he heard what I
+had done, he trembled and sent gold; but I knew that he had taken the
+girl home as his wife, and I would not listen to the old man who
+sought to pacify me.
+
+"Again I collected a larger force and attacked him in the night: we
+fought, for he was prepared with his men, but after a struggle he was
+beaten back. I fired his house, wasted his provision ground, and
+taking away more slaves, I returned home with my men, intending soon
+to assault him again.  The next day there came more messengers, who
+knelt in vain; so they went to my father, and many warriors begged him
+to interfere.  My father sent for me, but I would not listen; the
+warriors spoke, and I turned my back: my father was wroth and
+threatened, the warriors brandished their two-handed swords--they
+dared to do it; I looked over my shoulder with contempt, and I
+returned to my house. I took down my skulls, and I planned. It was
+evening, and I was alone, when a woman covered up to the eyes
+approached; she fell down before me as she exposed her face.
+
+"I am the girl who was promised to your relation, and I am now the
+wife of your enemy. I shall be a mother.  I could not love your
+relation, for he was no warrior.  It is not true that my husband asked
+for a fetish--it was I who bought it, for I would not wed him.  Kill
+me and be satisfied.
+
+"She was very beautiful, and I wondered not that my enemy loved her--
+and she was with child--it was his child, and she had fetished my
+friend to death.  I raised my sword to strike, and she did not shrink:
+it saved her life.  'Thou art fit to be the mother of warriors,' said
+I, as I dropped my sword, 'and thou shalt be my wife, but first his
+child shall be born, and I will have thy husband's skull.'
+
+"'No, no,' replied she, 'I will be the mother of no warriors but by my
+present husband, whom I love; if you keep me as your slave I will
+die.'
+
+"I told her she said foolish things, and sent her to the women's
+apartment, with orders to be watched--but she hardly had been locked
+up before she drew her knife, plunged it into her heart, and died.
+
+"When the king my father heard this he sent me a message--'Be
+satisfied with the blood that has been shed, it is enough'; but I
+turned away, for I wished for mine enemy's skull.  That night I
+attacked him again, and met him hand to hand; I killed him, and
+carried home his skull, and I was appeased.
+
+"But all the great warriors were wroth, and my father could not
+restrain them.  They called out their men, and I called out my men,
+and I had a large body, for my name was terrible.  But the force
+raised against me was twice that of mine, and I retreated to the
+bush--after awhile we met and fought, and I killed many, but my men
+were too few, and were overpowered--the fetish had been sent out
+against me, and their hearts melted; at last I sank down with my
+wounds, for I bled at every pore, and I told my men who were about me
+to take off my feathers, and my dress and boots, that my enemies might
+not have my skull: they did so, and I crawled into the bush to die.
+But I was not to die; I was recovering, when I was discovered by those
+who steal men to sell them: I was bound, and fastened to a chain with
+many more. I, a prince and a warrior, who could show the white skulls
+of his enemies--I offered to procure gold, but they derided me; they
+dragged me down to the coast, and sold me to the Whites.  Little did I
+think, in my pride, that I should be a slave. I knew that I was to
+die, and hoped to die in battle: my skull would have been more prized
+than all the gold in the earth, and my skin would have been stuffed
+and hung up in a fetish-house--instead of which, I now boil the kettle
+for the young gentlemen!"
+
+"Well," replied Jack, "that's better than being killed and stuffed."
+
+"Mayhap it is," replied Mesty, "I tink very different now dan I tink
+den--but still, it women's work and not suit me."
+
+"They put me with others into a cave until the ship came, and then we
+were sent on board, put in irons, and down in the hold, where you
+could not sit upright--I wanted to die, but could not: others died
+every day, but I lived--I was landed in America, all bone, and I
+fetched very little money--they laughed at me, as they bid their
+dollars: at last a man took me away, and I was on a plantation with
+hundreds more, but too ill to work, and not intending to work.  The
+other slaves asked me if I was a fetish man; I said yes, and I would
+fetish any man that I did not like: one man laughed, and I held up my
+finger; I was too weak to get up, for my blood had long boiled with
+fever, and I said to him 'you shall die'; for I meant to have killed
+him as soon as I was well.
+
+"He went away, and in three days he was dead. I don't know how, but all
+the slaves feared me, and my master feared me, for he had seen the man
+die, and he, although he was a white man, believed in fetish, and he
+wished to sell me again, but no one would buy a fetish man, so he made
+friends with me; for I told him if I was beat he should die, and he
+believed me.  He took me into his house, and I was his chief man, and
+I would not let the other slaves steal and he was content.  He took me
+with him to New York, and there, after two years, when I had learnt
+English, I ran away, and got on board of an English ship--and they
+told me to cook.  I left the ship as soon as I came to England, and
+offered myself to another, and they said they did not want a cook; and
+I went to another, and they asked me if I was a good cook: everybody
+seemed to think that a black man must be a cook, and nothing else.  At
+last I starve, and I go on board a man-of-war, and here I am, after
+having been a warrior and a prince, cook, steward and everything else,
+boiling kettle for de young gentlemen."
+
+"Well," replied Jack, "at all events that is better than being a
+slave." Mesty made no reply: anyone who knows the life of a
+midshipman's servant will not be surprised at his silence.
+
+"Now, tell me, do you think you were right in being so revengeful,
+when you were in your own country?" inquired Jack.
+
+"I tink so den, Massa Easy; sometimes when my blood boil, I tink so
+now--oder time, I no know what to tink--but when a man love very much,
+he hate very much."
+
+"But you are now a Christian, Mesty."
+
+"I hear all that your people say," replied the negro, "and it make me
+tink--I no longer believe in fetish, anyhow."
+
+"Our religion tells us to love our enemies."
+
+"Yes, I heard parson say dat--but den what we do with our friends,
+Massa Easy?"
+
+"Love them too."
+
+"I no understand dat, Massa Easy--I love you, because you good,
+and treat me well--Mr Vigors, he bully, and treat me ill--how possible
+to love him?  By de power, I hate him, and wish I had him skull. You
+tink little Massa Gossett love him?"
+
+"No," replied Jack, laughing, "I'm afraid that he would like to have
+his skull as well as you, Mesty--but at all events we must try and
+forgive those who injure us."
+
+"Then, Massa Easy, I tink so too--too much revenge very bad--it very
+easy to hate, but not very easy to forgive--so I tink that if a man
+forgive, he hab more soul in him, he more of a man."
+
+"After all," thought Jack, "Mesty is about as good a Christian as most
+people."
+
+"What that?" cried Mesty, looking out of the cabin window--"Ah! d---n
+drunken dogs--they set fire to tent."
+
+Jack looked, and perceived that the tent on shore was in flames. "I
+tink these cold nights cool their courage, anyhow," observed--"Massa
+Easy, you see they soon ask permission to come on board."
+
+Jack thought so too, and was most anxious to be off; for, on looking
+into the lockers in the state-room, he had found a chart of the
+Mediterranean, which he had studied very attentively--he had found out
+the rock of Gibraltar, and had traced the Harpy's course up to Cape de
+Catte, and thence to Tarragona--and, after a while, had summoned Mesty
+to a cabinet council.
+
+"See, Mesty," said Jack, "I begin to make it out, here is Gibraltar,
+and Cape de Catte, and Tarragona--it was hereabout we were when we
+took the ship, and, if you recollect, we had passed Cape de Gatte two
+days before we were blown off from the land, so that we had gone about
+twelve inches, and had only four more to go."
+
+"Yes, Massa Easy, I see all dat."
+
+"Well, then, we were blown off shore by the wind, and must of course
+have come down this way; and here you see are three little islands,
+called Zaffarine Islands, and with no names of towns upon them, and
+therefore uninhabited; and you see they lie just like the islands we
+are anchored among now--we must be at the Zaffarine Islands--and only
+six inches from Gibraltar."
+
+"I see, Massa Easy, dat all right--but six debbelish long inches."
+
+"Now, Mesty, you know the compass on deck has a flourishing thing for
+the north point--and here is a compass with a north point also.  Now
+the north point from the Zaffarine Islands leads out to the Spanish
+coast again, and Gibraltar lies five or six points of the compass to
+this side of it--if we steer that way we shall get to Gibraltar."
+
+"All right, Massa Easy," replied Mesty, and Jack was right, with the
+exception of the variation, which he knew nothing about.
+
+To make sure, Jack brought one of the compasses down from deck, and
+compared them.  He then lifted off the glass, counted the points of
+the compass to the westward, and marked the corresponding one on the
+binnacle compass with his pen.
+
+"There," said he, "that is the way to Gibraltar, and as soon as the
+mutiny is quelled, and the wind is fair, I'll be off."
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+In which Jack's cruise is ended, and he regains the Harpy.
+
+A few more days passed, and, as was expected, the mutineers could hold
+out no longer.  In the first place, they had put in the spile of the
+second cask of wine so loosely when they were tipsy that it dropped
+out, and all the wine ran out, so that there had been none left for
+three or four days; in the next their fuel had long been expended, and
+they had latterly eaten their meat raw: the loss of their tent, which
+had been fired by their carelessness, had been followed by four days
+and nights of continual rain.  Everything they had had been soaked
+through and through, and they were worn out, shivering with cold, and
+starving.  Hanging they thought better than dying by inches from
+starvation; and yielding to the imperious demands of hunger, they came
+down to the beach, abreast of the ship, and dropped down on their
+knees.
+
+"I tell you so, Massa Easy," said Mesty: "d--n rascals, they forget
+they come down fire musket at us every day: by all de powers, Mesty
+not forget it."
+
+"Ship ahoy!" cried one of the men on shore.
+
+"What do you want?" replied Jack.
+
+"Have pity on us, sir--mercy!" exclaimed the other men, "we will
+return to our duty."
+
+"Debble doubt 'em!" "What shall I say,
+Mesty?"
+
+"Tell 'em no, first, Massa Easy--tell 'em to starve and be d---d."
+
+"I cannot take mutineers on board," replied Jack.
+
+"Well, then, our blood be on your hands, Mr Easy," replied the first
+man who had spoken.
+
+"If we are to die, it must not be by inches--if you will not take us,
+the sharks shall--it is but a crunch, and all is over.  What do you
+say, my lads? let's all rush in together: good-bye, Mr Easy, I hope
+you'll forgive us when we're dead: it was all that rascal Johnson, the
+coxswain, who persuaded us.  Come, my lads, it's no use thinking of
+it, the sooner done the better--let us shake hands, and then make one
+run of it."
+
+It appeared that the poor fellows had already made up their minds to
+do this, if our hero, persuaded by Mesty, had refused to take them on
+board; they shook hands all round, and then walking a few yards from
+the beach, stood in a line while the man gave the signal--one--two--
+
+"Stop," cried Jack, who had not forgotten the dreadful scene which had
+already taken place--"stop."
+
+The men paused.
+
+"What will you promise if I take you on board?"
+
+"To do our duty cheerfully till we join the ship, and then be hung as
+an example to all mutineers," replied the men.
+
+"Dat very fair," replied Mesty; "take dem at their word, Massa Easy."
+
+"Very well," replied Jack, "I accept your conditions; and we will come
+for you."
+
+Jack and Mesty hauled up the boat, stuck their pistols in their belts,
+and pulled to the shore.  The men, as they stepped in, touched their
+hats respectfully to our hero, but said nothing.  On their arrival on
+board, Jack read that part of the articles of war relative to mutiny,
+by which the men were reminded of the very satisfactory fact, "that
+they were to suffer death"; and then made a speech which, to men who
+were starving, appeared to be interminable. However, there is an end
+to everything in this world, and so there was to Jack's harangue;
+after which Mesty gave them some biscuit, which they devoured in
+thankfulness, until they could get something better.
+
+The next morning the wind was fair, they weighed their kedge with some
+difficulty, and ran out of the harbour: the men appeared very
+contrite, worked well, but in silence, for they had no very pleasant
+anticipations; but hope always remains with us; and each of the men,
+although he had no doubt but that the others would be hung, hoped that
+he would escape with a sound flogging.  The wind, however, did not
+allow them to steer their course long; before night it was contrary,
+and they fell off three points to the northward.  "However," as Jack
+observed, "at all events we shall make the Spanish coast, and then we
+must run down it to Gibraltar: I don't care--I understand navigation
+much better than I did."
+
+The next morning they found themselves with a very light breeze, under
+a high cape, and, as the sun rose, they observed a large vessel
+in-shore, about two miles to the westward of them, and another
+outside, about four miles off.  Mesty took the glass and examined the
+one outside, which, on a sudden, had let fall all her canvas, and was
+now running for the shore, steering for the cape under which Jack's
+vessel lay.  Mesty put down the glass.
+
+"Massa Easy--I tink dat de Harpy." One of the seamen took the glass
+and examined her, while the others who stood by showed great
+agitation.
+
+"Yes, it is the Harpy," said the seaman.  "Oh! Mr Easy, will you
+forgive us?" continued the man, and he and the others fell on their
+knees. "Do not tell all, for God's sake, Mr Easy."
+
+Jack's heart melted; he looked at Mesty. "I tink," said Mesty, apart
+to our hero, "dat with what them hab suffer already, suppose they get
+seven dozen a-piece, dat quite enough."
+
+Jack thought that even half that punishment would suffice; so he told
+the men, that although he must state what had occurred, he would not
+tell all, and would contrive to get them off as well as he could.  He
+was about to make a long speech, but a gun from the Harpy, which had
+now come up within range, made him defer it till a more convenient
+opportunity.  At the same time the vessel in-shore hoisted Spanish
+colours and fired a gun.
+
+"By de powers but we got in the middle of it," cried Mesty; "Harpy
+tink us Spaniard.  Now, my lads, get all gun ready, bring up powder
+and shot.  Massa, now us fire at Spaniard--Harpy not fire at us--no ab
+English colours on board--dat all we must do."
+
+The men set to with a will; the guns were all loaded, and were soon
+cast loose and primed, during which operations it fell calm, and the
+sails of all three vessels flapped against their masts.  The Harpy was
+then about two miles from Jack's vessel, and the Spaniard about a mile
+from him, with all her boats ahead of her, towing towards him; Mesty
+examined the Spanish vessel.
+
+"Dat man-of-war, Massa Easy,--what de debbel we do for colour? must
+hoist something." Mesty ran down below; he recollected that there was
+a very gay petticoat, which had been left by the old lady who was in
+the vessel when they captured her.  It was of green silk, with yellow
+and blue flowers, but very faded, having probably been in the Don's
+family for a century.  Mesty had found it under the mattress of one of
+the beds, and had put it into his bag, intending probably to cut it up
+into waistcoats.  He soon appeared with this under his arm, made it
+fast to the peak halyards and hoisted it up.
+
+"Dere, Massa, dat do very well--dat what you call 'all nation colour.'
+Everybody strike him flag to dat--men nebber pull it down," said
+Mesty, "anyhow.  Now den, ab hoist colour, we fire away--mind you only
+fire one gun at a time, and point um well, den ab time to load again."
+
+"She's hoisted her colours, sir," said Sawbridge, on board of the
+Harpy; "but they do not show out clear, and it's impossible to
+distinguish them; but there's a gun."
+
+"It's not at us, sir," said Gascoigne, the midshipman; "it's at the
+Spanish vessel--I saw the shot fall ahead of her."
+
+"It must be a privateer," said Captain Wilson; "at all events, it is
+very fortunate, for the corvettes would otherwise have towed into
+Carthagena.  Another gun, round and grape, and well pointed too; she
+carries heavy metal, that craft: she must be a Maltese privateer."
+
+"That's as much as to say that she's a pirate," replied Sawbridge; "I
+can make nothing of her colours--they appear to me to be green--she
+must be a Turk.  Another gun--and devilish well aimed; it has hit the
+boats."
+
+"Yes, they are all in confusion: we will have her now, if we can only
+get a trifle of wind.  That is a breeze coming up in the offing. Trim
+the sails, Mr Sawbridge."
+
+The yards were squared, and the Harpy soon had steerage-way. In the
+meantime Jack and his few men had kept up a steady, well-directed,
+although slow, fire with their larboard guns upon the Spanish
+corvette; and two of her boats had been disabled.  The Harpy brought
+the breeze up with her, and was soon within range; she steered to cut
+off the corvette, firing only on her bow-chasers.
+
+"We ab her now," cried Mesty; "fire away men, take good aim. Breeze
+come now; one man go to helm.  By de power what dat?"
+
+The exclamation of Mesty was occasioned by a shot hulling the ship on
+the starboard side.  Jack and he ran over, and perceived that three
+Spanish gun-boats had just made their appearance round the point, and
+had attacked them.  The fact was, that on the other side of the cape
+was the port and town of Carthagena, and these gun-boats had been sent
+out to the assistance of the corvette.  The ship had now caught the
+breeze, fortunately for Jack, or he would probably have been taken
+into Carthagena; and the corvette, finding herself cut off by both the
+Harpy and Jack's vessel, as soon as the breeze came up to her, put her
+head the other way, and tried to escape by running westward along the
+coast close in-shore.
+
+Another shot, and then another, pierced the hull of the ship, and
+wounded two of Jack's men; but as the corvette had turned, and the
+Harpy followed her, of course Jack did the same, and in ten minutes he
+was clear of the gun-boats, who did not venture to make sail and stand
+after him.  The wind now freshened fast, and blew out the green
+petticoat, but the Harpy was exchanging broadsides with the corvette,
+and too busy to look after Jack's ensign.  The Spaniard defended
+himself well, and had the assistance of the batteries as he passed,
+but there was no anchorage until he had run many miles further.
+
+About noon, the wind died away, and at one o'clock it again fell
+nearly calm; but the Harpy had neared her distance, and was now within
+three cables' length of her antagonist, engaging her and a battery of
+four guns.  Jack came up again, for he had the last of the breeze, and
+was about half a mile from the corvette when it fell calm.  By the
+advice of Mesty, he did not fire anymore, as otherwise the Harpy would
+not obtain so much credit, and it was evident that the fire of the
+Spaniard slackened fast.  At three o'clock the Spanish colours were
+hauled down, and the Harpy, sending a boat on board and taking
+possession, directed her whole fire upon the battery, which was soon
+silenced.
+
+The calm continued, and the Harpy was busy enough with the prize,
+shifting the prisoners and refitting both vessels, which had very much
+suffered in the sails and rigging.  There was an occasional wonder on
+board the Harpy what that strange vessel might be, who had turned the
+corvette and enabled them to capture her, but when people are all very
+busy, there is not much time for surmise.
+
+Jack's crew, with himself, consisted but of eight, one of which was a
+Spaniard, and two were wounded.  It therefore left him but four, and
+he had also something to do, which was to assist his wounded men, and
+secure his guns.  Moreover, Mesty did not think it prudent to leave
+the vessel a mile from the Harpy with only two on board; besides, as
+Jack said, he had had no dinner, and was not quite sure that he should
+find anything to eat when he went into the midshipmen's berth; he
+would therefore have some dinner cooked, and eat it before he went on
+board; in the meantime, they would try and close with her.  Jack took
+things always very easy, and he said he should report himself at
+sunset.  There were other reasons which made Jack in no very great
+hurry to go on board; he wanted to have time to consider a little,
+what he should say to excuse himself, and also how he should plead for
+the men.  His natural correctness of feeling decided him, in the first
+place, to tell the whole truth; and in the next, his kind feelings
+determined him to tell only part of it. Jack need not have given
+himself this trouble, for, as far as regarded himself, he had fourteen
+thousand good excuses in the bags that lay in the state-room; and as
+for the men, after an action with the enemy, if they behave well, even
+mutiny is forgiven.  At last, Jack, who was tired with excitement and
+the hard work of the day, thought and thought until he fell fast
+asleep, and instead of waking at sunset, did not wake till two hours
+afterwards; and Mesty did not call him, because he was in no hurry
+himself to go on board "and boil de kettle for de young gentlemen."
+
+When Jack woke up, he was astonished to find that he had slept so
+long; he went on deck; it was dark and still calm, but he could easily
+perceive that the Harpy and corvette were still hove-to, repairing
+damages.  He ordered the men to lower down the small boat, and leaving
+Mesty in charge, with two oars he pulled to the Harpy. What with
+wounded men, with prisoners, and boats going and coming between the
+vessels, everyone on board the Harpy were well employed; and in the
+dark, Jack's little boat came alongside without notice.  This should
+not have been the case, but it was, and there was some excuse for it.
+Jack ascended the side, and pushed his way through the prisoners, who
+were being mustered to be victualled.  He was wrapped up in one of the
+gregos, and many of the prisoners wore the same.
+
+Jack was amused at not being recognised; he slipped down the main
+ladder, and had to stoop under the hammocks of the wounded men, and
+was about to go aft to the captain's cabin to report himself, when he
+heard young Gossett crying out, and the sound of the rope. "Hang me,
+if that brute Vigors ain't thrashing young Gossett," thought Jack.  "I
+dare say the poor fellow has had plenty of it since I have been away;
+I'll save him this time, at least." Jack, wrapped up in his grego,
+went to the window of the berth, looked in, and found it was as he
+expected. He cried out in an angry voice, Mr Vigors, I'll thank you to
+leave Gossett alone.  At the sound of the voice, Vigors turned round
+with his colt in his hand, saw Jack's face at the window, and,
+impressed with the idea that the re-appearance was supernatural,
+uttered a wail and fell down in a fit--little Gossett also, trembling
+in every limb, stared with his mouth open. Jack was satisfied, and
+immediately disappeared.  He then went aft to the cabin, pushed by the
+servant, who was giving some orders from the captain to the officer on
+deck, and entering the cabin, where the captain was seated with two
+Spanish officers, took off his hat and said,--
+
+"Come on board, Captain Wilson."
+
+Captain Wilson did not fall down in a fit, but he jumped up, and upset
+the glass before him. "Merciful God, Mr Easy, where did you come
+from?"
+
+"From that ship astern, sir," replied Jack. "That ship astern! what is
+she?--where have you been so long?"
+
+"It's a long story, sir," replied Jack. Captain Wilson extended
+his hand and shook Jack's heartily. "At all events, I'm delighted to
+see you, boy: now sit down and tell me your story in a few words; we
+will have it in detail by-and-bye."
+
+"If you please, sir," said Jack, "we captured that ship with the
+cutter the night after we went away--I'm not a first-rate navigator,
+and I was blown to the Zaffarine Islands, where I remained two months
+for want of hands: as soon as I procured them I made sail again--I
+have lost three men by sharks, and I have two wounded in to-day's
+fight--the ship mounts twelve guns, is half laden with lead and cotton
+prints, has fourteen thousand dollars in the cabin, and three
+shot-holes right through her--and the sooner you send some people on
+board of her the better."
+
+This was not very intelligible, but that there were fourteen thousand
+dollars and that she required hands sent on board, was very
+satisfactorily explained. Captain Wilson rang the bell, sent for Mr
+Asper, who started back at the sight of our hero--desired him to order
+Mr Jolliffe to go on board with one of the cutters, send the wounded
+men on board, and take charge of the vessel, and then told Jack to
+accompany Mr Jolliffe, and to give him every information: telling him
+that he would hear his story to-morrow, when they were not so very
+busy.
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+In which our hero finds out that Trigonometry is not only necessary to
+Navigation, but may be required in settling affairs of honour.
+
+As Captain Wilson truly said, he was too busy even to hear Jack's
+story that night, for they were anxious to have both vessels ready to
+make sail as soon as a breeze should spring up, for the Spaniards had
+vessels of war at Carthagena, which was not ten miles off, and had
+known the result of the action: it was therefore necessary to change
+their position as soon as possible.  Mr Sawbridge was on board the
+prize, which was a corvette mounting two guns more than the Harpy, and
+called the Cacafuogo.
+
+She had escaped from Cadiz, run through the straits in the night, and
+was three miles from Carthagena when she was captured, which she
+certainly never would have been, but for Jack's fortunately blundering
+against the cape with his armed vessel, so that Captain Wilson and Mr
+Sawbridge (both of whom were promoted, the first to the rank of
+post-captain, the second to that of commander) may be said to be
+indebted to Jack for their good fortune.  The Harpy had lost nineteen
+men, killed and wounded, and the Spanish corvette forty-seven.
+Altogether, it was a very creditable affair.
+
+At two o'clock in the morning, the vessels were ready, everything had
+been done that could be done in so short a time, and they stood under
+easy sail during the night for Gibraltar, the Nostra Signora del
+Carmen, under the charge of Jolliffe, keeping company. Jolliffe had
+the advantage over his shipmates, of first hearing Jack's adventures,
+with which he was much astonished as well as amused--even Captain
+Wilson was not more happy to see Jack than was the worthy master's
+mate. About nine o'clock the Harpy hove-to, and sent a boat on board
+for our hero and the men who had been so long with him in the prize,
+and then hoisted out the pinnace to fetch on board the dollars, which
+were of more importance. Jack, as he bade adieu to Jolliffe, took out
+of his pocket, and presented him with the articles of war, which, as
+they had been so useful to him, he thought Jolliffe could not do
+without, and then went down the side: The men were already in the
+boat, casting imploring looks upon Jack, to raise feelings of
+compassion, and Mesty took his seat by our hero in a very sulky
+humour, probably because he did not like the idea of having again "to
+boil de kettle for de young gentlemen." Even Jack felt a little
+melancholy at resigning his command, and he looked back at the green
+petticoat, which blew out gracefully from the mast, for Jolliffe had
+determined that he would not haul down the colours under which Jack
+had fought so gallant an action.
+
+Jack's narration, as may be imagined, occupied a large part of the
+forenoon; and although Jack did not attempt to deny that he had seen
+the recall signal of Mr Sawbridge, yet, as his account went on, the
+captain became so interested, that at the end of it he quite forgot to
+point out to Jack the impropriety of not obeying orders.  He gave Jack
+great credit for his conduct, and was also much pleased with that of
+Mesty.  Jack took the opportunity of stating Mesty's aversion to his
+present employment, and his recommendation was graciously received.
+Jack also succeeded in obtaining the pardon of the men, in
+consideration of their subsequent good behaviour; but notwithstanding
+this promise on the part of Captain Wilson, they were ordered to be
+put in irons for the present.  However, Jack told Mesty, and Mesty
+told the men, that they would be released with a reprimand when they
+arrived at Gibraltar, so that all the men cared for was a fair wind.
+
+Captain Wilson informed Jack, that after his joining the Admiral he
+had been sent to Malta with the prizes, and that, supposing the cutter
+to have been sunk, he had written to his father, acquainting him with
+his son's death, at which our hero was much grieved, for he knew what
+sorrow it would occasion, particularly to his poor mother. "But,"
+thought Jack, "if she is unhappy for three months, she will be
+overjoyed for three more when she hears that I am alive, so it will be
+all square at the end of the six; and as soon as I arrive at Gibraltar
+I will write, and as the wind is fair, that will be to-morrow or next
+day."
+
+After a long conversation Jack was graciously dismissed, Captain
+Wilson being satisfied from what he had heard that Jack would turn out
+a very good officer, and had already forgotten all about equality and
+the rights of man; but there Captain Wilson was mistaken tares sown in
+infancy are not so soon rooted out.
+
+Jack went on deck as soon as the captain had dismissed him, and found
+the captain and officers of the Spanish corvette standing aft, looking
+very seriously at the Nostra Signora del Carmen.  When they saw our
+hero, whom Captain Wilson had told them was the young officer who had
+barred their entrance into Carthagena, they turned their eyes upon
+him, not quite so graciously as they might have done.
+
+Jack, with his usual politeness, took off his hat to the Spanish
+captain, and, glad to have an opportunity of sporting his Spanish,
+expressed the usual wish, that he might live a thousand years. The
+Spanish captain, who had reason to wish that Jack had gone to the
+devil at least twenty-four hours before, was equally complimentary,
+and then begged to be informed what the colours were that Jack had
+hoisted during the action.  Jack replied that they were colours to
+which every Spanish gentleman considered it no disgrace to surrender,
+although always ready to engage, and frequently attempting to board.
+Upon which the Spanish captain was very much puzzled. Captain Wilson,
+who understood a little Spanish, then interrupted by observing--
+
+"By-the-bye, Mr Easy, what colours did you hoist up?  We could not
+make them out. I see Mr Jolliffe still keeps them up at the peak."
+
+"Yes, sir," replied Jack, rather puzzled what to call them, but at
+last he replied, "that it was the banner of equality and the rights of
+man."
+
+Captain Wilson frowned, and Jack, perceiving that he was displeased,
+then told him the whole story, whereupon Captain Wilson laughed, and
+Jack then also explained, in Spanish, to the officers of the corvette,
+who replied, "that it was not the first time, and would not be the
+last, that men had got into a scrape through a petticoat."
+
+The Spanish captain complimented Jack on his Spanish, which was really
+very good (for in two months, with nothing else in the world to do, he
+had made great progress), and asked him where he had learnt it.
+
+Jack replied, "At the Zaffarine Islands."
+
+"Zaffarine Isles," replied the Spanish captain; "they are not
+inhabited."
+
+"Plenty of ground-sharks," replied Jack. The Spanish captain thought
+our hero a very strange fellow, to fight under a green silk petticoat,
+and to take lessons in Spanish from the ground-sharks.  However, being
+quite as polite as Jack, he did not contradict him, but took a huge
+pinch of snuff, wishing from the bottom of his heart that the
+ground-sharks had taken Jack before he had hoisted that confounded
+green petticoat.
+
+However, Jack was in high favour with the captain, and all the ship's
+company, with the exception of his four enemies--the master, Vigors,
+the boatswain, and the purser's steward.  As for Mr Vigors, he had
+come to his senses again, and had put his colt in his chest until Jack
+should take another cruise.  Little Gossett, at any insulting remark
+made by Vigors, pointed to the window of the berth and grinned; and
+the very recollection made Vigors turn pale, and awed him into
+silence.
+
+In two days they arrived at Gibraltar--Mr Sawbridge rejoined the
+ship--so did Mr Jolliffe--they remained there a fortnight, during
+which Jack was permitted to be continually on shore--Mr Asper
+accompanied him, and Jack drew a heavy bill to prove to his father
+that he was still alive.  Mr Sawbridge made our hero relate to him
+all his adventures, and was so pleased with the conduct of Mesty that
+he appointed him to a situation which was particularly suited to him,
+--that of ship's corporal.  Mr Sawbridge knew that it was an office of
+trust, and provided that he could find a man fit for it, he was very
+indifferent about his colour.  Mesty walked and strutted about at
+least three inches taller than he was before.  He was always clean,
+did his duty conscientiously, and seldom used his cane.
+
+"I think, Mr Easy," said the first lieutenant, "that as you are so
+particularly fond of taking a cruise,"--for Jack had told the whole
+truth,--"it might be as well that you improve your navigation."
+
+"I do think myself, sir," replied Jack, with great modesty, "that I am
+not yet quite perfect."
+
+"Well, then, Mr Jolliffe will teach you; he is the most competent in
+this ship: the sooner you ask him the better, and if you learn it as
+fast as you have Spanish, it will not give you much trouble."
+
+Jack thought the advice good; the next day he was very busy with his
+friend Jolliffe, and made the important discovery that two parallel
+lines continued to infinity would never meet.
+
+It must not be supposed that Captain Wilson and Mr Sawbridge received
+their promotion instanter.  Promotion is always attended with delay,
+as there is a certain routine in the service which must not be
+departed from.  Captain Wilson had orders to return to Malta after his
+cruise.  He therefore carried his own despatches away from England--
+from Malta the despatches had to be forwarded to Toulon to the
+Admiral, and then the Admiral had to send to England to the Admiralty,
+whose reply had to come out again.  All this, with the delays arising
+from vessels not sailing immediately, occupied an interval of between
+five and six months--during which time there was no alteration in the
+officers and crew of his Majesty's sloop Harpy.
+
+There had, however, been one alteration; the gunner, Mr Linus, who had
+charge of the first cutter in the night action in which our hero was
+separated from his ship, carelessly loading his musket, had found
+himself minus his right hand, which, upon the musket going off as he
+rammed down, had gone off too.  He was invalided and sent home during
+Jack's absence, and another had been appointed, whose name was
+Tallboys.  Mr Tallboys was a stout dumpy man, with red face, and still
+redder hands; he had red hair and red whiskers, and he had read a
+great deal--for Mr Tallboys considered that the gunner was the most
+important personage in the ship.  He had once been a captain's clerk,
+and having distinguished himself very much in cutting-out service, had
+applied for and received his warrant as a gunner.  He had studied the
+"Art of Gunnery," a part of which he understood, but the remainder was
+above his comprehension: he continued, however, to read it as before,
+thinking that by constant reading he should understand it at last.  He
+had gone through the work from the title-page to the finis at least
+forty times, and had just commenced it over again. He never came on
+deck without the gunner's vade mecum in his pocket, with his hand
+always upon it to refer to it in a moment.
+
+But Mr Tallboys had, as we observed before, a great idea of the
+importance of a gunner, and, among other qualifications, he considered
+it absolutely necessary that he should be a navigator.  He had at
+least ten instances to bring forward of bloody actions, in which the
+captain and all the commissioned officers had been killed or wounded
+and the command of the ship had devolved upon the gunner.
+
+"Now, sir," would he say, "if the gunner is no navigator, he is not
+fit to take charge of his Majesty's ships.  The boatswain and
+carpenter are merely practical men; but the gunner, sir, is, or ought
+to be, scientific. Gunnery, sir, is a science--we have our own
+disparts and our lines of sight--our windage, and our parabolas, and
+projectile forces--and our point blank, and our reduction of powder
+upon a graduated scale.  Now, sir, there's no excuse for a gunner not
+being a navigator; for knowing his duty as a gunner, he has the same
+mathematical tools to work with." Upon this principle, Mr Tallboys had
+added John Hamilton Moore to his library, and had advanced about as
+far into navigation as he had in gunnery, that is, to the threshold,
+where he stuck fast, with all his mathematical tools, which he did not
+know how to use.  To do him justice, he studied for two or three hours
+every day, and it was not his fault if he did not advance--but his
+head was confused with technical terms; he mixed all up together, and
+disparts, sines and cosines, parabolas, tangents, windage, seconds,
+lines of sight, logarithms, projectiles, and traverse sailing,
+quadrature, and Gunter's scales, were all crowded together, in a brain
+which had not capacity to receive the rule of three.  "Too much
+learning," said Festus to the apostle, "hath made thee mad." Mr
+Tallboys had not wit enough to go mad, but his learning lay like lead
+upon his brain: the more he read, the less he understood, at the same
+time that he became more satisfied with his supposed acquirements, and
+could not speak but in "mathematical parables". "I understand, Mr
+Easy," said the gunner to him one day, after they had sailed for
+Malta, "that you have entered into the science of navigation--at your
+age it was high time."
+
+"Yes," replied Jack, "I can raise a perpendicular, at all events, and
+box the compass."
+
+"Yes, but you have not yet arrived at the dispart of the compass."
+
+"Not come to that yet," replied Jack.
+
+"Are you aware that a ship sailing describes a parabola round the
+globe?"
+
+"Not come to that yet," replied Jack.
+
+"And that any propelled body striking against another flies off at a
+tangent?"
+
+"Very likely," replied Jack; "that is a 'sine' that he don't like it."
+
+
+"You have not yet entered into 'acute' trigonometry?"
+
+"Not come to that yet," replied Jack.
+
+"That will require very sharp attention."
+
+"I should think so," replied Jack.
+
+"You will then find out how your parallels of longitude and latitude
+meet."
+
+"Two parallel lines, if continued to infinity will never meet,"
+replied Jack.
+
+"I beg your pardon," said the gunner.
+
+"I beg yours," said Jack.
+
+Whereupon Mr Tallboys brought up a small map of the world, and showed
+Jack that all the parallels of latitude met at a point at the top and
+the bottom.
+
+"Parallel lines never meet," replied Jack, producing Hamilton Moore.
+Whereupon Jack and the gunner argued the point, until it was agreed to
+refer the case to Mr Jolliffe, who asserted, with a smile, "That those
+lines were parallels, and not parallels."
+
+As both were right, both were satisfied. It was fortunate that Jack
+would argue in this instance: had he believed all the confused
+assertions of the gunner, he would have been as puzzled as the gunner
+himself.  They never met without an argument and a reference, and as
+Jack was put right in the end, he only learnt the faster.  By the time
+that he did know something about navigation, he discovered that his
+antagonist knew nothing.  Before they arrived at Malta, Jack could
+fudge a day's work.
+
+But at Malta Jack got into another scrape.  Although Mr Smallsole
+could not injure him, he was still Jack's enemy; the more so as Jack
+had become very popular: Vigors also submitted, planning revenge; but
+the parties in this instance were the boatswain and purser's steward.
+Jack still continued his forecastle conversations with Mesty: and the
+boatswain and purser's steward, probably from their respective
+ill-will towards our hero, had become great allies.  Mr Easthupp now
+put on his best jacket to walk the dog-watches with Mr Biggs, and they
+took every opportunity to talk at our hero.
+
+"It's my peculiar hopinion," said Mr Easthupp, one evening, pulling at
+the frill of his shirt, "that a gentleman should behave as a
+gentleman, and that if a gentleman professes opinions of inequality
+and such liberal sentiments, that he is bound as a gentleman to hact
+up to them."
+
+"Very true, Mr Easthupp; he is bound to act up to them; and not
+because a person, who was a gentleman as well as himself, happens not
+to be on the quarter-deck, to insult him because he only has perfessed
+opinions like his own."
+
+Hereupon Mr Biggs struck his rattan against the funnel, and looked at
+our hero.
+
+"Yes," continued the purser's steward, "I should like to see the
+fellow who would have done so on shore; however, the time will come
+when I can hagain pull on my plain coat, and then the insult shall be
+vashed out in blood, Mr Biggs."
+
+"And I'll be cursed if I don't some day teach a lesson to the
+black-guard who stole my trousers."
+
+"Vas hall your money right, Mr Biggs?" inquired the purser's steward.
+
+"I didn't count," replied the boatswain magnificently. "No--gentlemen
+are habove that," replied Easthupp; "but there are many light-fingered
+gentry about.  The quantity of vatches and harticles of value vich
+were lost ven I valked Bond Street in former times is incredible."
+
+"I can say this, at all events," replied the boatswain, "that I should
+be always ready to give satisfaction to any person beneath me in rank,
+after I had insulted him. I don't stand upon my rank, although I don't
+talk about equality, damme--no, nor consort with niggers."
+
+All this was too plain for our hero not to understand, so Jack walked
+up to the boatswain, and taking his hat off, with the utmost
+politeness, said to him--
+
+"If I mistake not, Mr Biggs, your conversation refers to me."
+
+"Very likely it does," replied the boatswain.  "Listeners hear no good
+of themselves."
+
+"It appears that gentlemen can't converse without being vatched,"
+continued Mr Easthupp, pulling up his shirt collar.
+
+"It is not the first time that you have thought proper to make very
+offensive remarks, Mr Biggs; and as you appear to consider yourself
+ill-treated in the affair of the trousers--for I tell you at once that
+it was I who brought them on board--I can only say," continued our
+hero, with a very polite bow, "that I shall be most happy to give you
+satisfaction."
+
+"I am your superior officer, Mr Easy," replied the boatswain. "Yes, by
+the rules of the service; but you just now asserted that you would
+waive your rank--indeed, I dispute it on this occasion; I am on the
+quarter-deck, and you are not."
+
+"This is the gentleman whom you have insulted, Mr Easy," replied the
+boatswain, pointing to the purser's steward.
+
+"Yes, Mr Heasy, quite as good a gentleman as yourself although I av ad
+misfortunes--I ham of as old a family as hany in the country," replied
+Mr Easthupp, now backed by the boatswain; "many the year did I valk
+Bond Street, and I ave as good blood in my weins as you, Mr Heasy,
+halthough I have been misfortunate--I've had Admirals in my family."
+
+"You have grossly insulted this gentleman," said Mr Biggs, in
+continuation; "and notwithstanding all your talk of equality, you are
+afraid to give him satisfaction--you shelter yourself under your
+quarter-deck."
+
+"Mr Biggs," replied our hero, who was now very wroth, "I shall go on
+shore directly we arrive at Malta.  Let you and this fellow put on
+plain clothes, and I will meet you both--and then I'll show you
+whether I am afraid to give satisfaction."
+
+"One at a time," said the boatswain. "No, sir, not one at a time, but
+both at the same time--I will fight both, or none.  If you are my
+superior officer, you must descend," replied Jack, with an ironical
+sneer, "to meet me, or I will not descend to meet that fellow, whom I
+believe to have been little better than a pickpocket."
+
+This accidental hit of Jack's made the purser's steward turn pale as a
+sheet, and then equally red.  He raved and foamed amazingly, although
+he could not meet Jack's indignant look, who then turned round again.
+
+"Now, Mr Biggs, is this to be understood, or do you shelter yourself
+under your forecastle?"
+
+"I'm no dodger," replied the boatswain, "and we will settle the affair
+at Malta." At which reply Jack returned to Mesty.
+
+"Massa Easy, I look at um face, dat fellow Eastop, he no like it. I go
+shore wid you, see fair play, anyhow--suppose I can?"
+
+Mr Biggs having declared that he would fight, of course had to look
+out for a second, and he fixed upon Mr Tallboys, the gunner, and
+requested him to be his friend.  Mr Tallboys, who had been latterly
+very much annoyed by Jack's victories over him in the science of
+navigation, and therefore felt ill-will towards him, consented; but he
+was very much puzzled how to arrange that three were to fight at the
+same time, for he had no idea of there being two duels; so he went to
+his cabin and commenced reading.  Jack, on the other hand, dared not
+say a word to Jolliffe on the subject; indeed there was no one in the
+ship to whom he could confide but Gascoigne: he therefore went to him,
+and although Gascoigne thought it was excessively 'infra dig' of Jack
+to meet even the boatswain, as the challenge had been given there was
+no retracting: he therefore consented, like all midshipmen,
+anticipating fun, and quite thoughtless of the consequences.
+
+The second day after they had been anchored in Valette Harbour, the
+boatswain and gunner, Jack and Gascoigne, obtained permission to go on
+shore.  Mr Easthupp, the purser's steward, dressed in his best blue
+coat, with brass buttons and velvet collar, the very one in which he
+had been taken up when he had been vowing and protesting that he was a
+gentleman, at the very time that his hand was abstracting a
+pocket-book, went up on the quarter-deck, and requested the same
+indulgence, but Mr Sawbridge refused, as he required him to return
+staves and hoops at the cooperage.  Mesty also, much to his
+mortification, was not to be spared. This was awkward, but it was got
+over by proposing that the meeting should take place behind the
+cooperage at a certain hour, on which Mr Easthupp might slip out, and
+borrow a portion of the time appropriated to his duty, to heal the
+breach in his wounded honour. So the parties all went on shore, and
+put up at one of the small inns to make the necessary arrangements.
+
+Mr Tallboys then addressed Mr Gascoigne, taking him apart while the
+boatswain amused himself with a glass of grog, and our hero sat
+outside teasing a monkey.
+
+"Mr Gascoigne," said the gunner, "I have been very much puzzled how
+this duel should be fought, but I have at last found it out.  You see
+that there are three parties to fight; had there been two or four
+there would have been no difficulty, as the right line or square might
+guide us in that instance; but we must arrange it upon the triangle in
+this."
+
+Gascoigne stared; he could not imagine what was coming.
+
+"Are you aware, Mr Gascoigne, of the properties of an equilateral
+triangle?"
+
+"Yes," replied the midshipman, "that it has three equal sides--but
+what the devil has that to do with the duel?"
+
+"Everything, Mr
+Gascoigne," replied the gunner; "it has resolved the great difficulty:
+indeed, the duel between three can only be fought upon that principle.
+You observe," said the gunner, taking a piece of chalk out of his
+pocket, and making a triangle on the table, "in this figure we have
+three points, each equidistant from each other: and we have three
+combatants--so that, placing one at each point, it is all fair play
+for the three: Mr Easy, for instance, stands here, the boatswain here,
+and the purser's steward at the third corner.  Now, if the distance is
+fairly measured, it will be all right."
+
+"But then," replied Gascoigne, delighted at the idea; "how are they to
+fire?" "It certainly is not of much consequence," replied the gunner,
+"but still, as sailors, it appears to me that they should fire with
+the sun; that is, Mr Easy fires at Mr Biggs, Mr Biggs fires at Mr
+Easthupp, and Mr Easthupp fires at Mr Easy; so that you perceive that
+each party has his shot at one, and at the same time receives the fire
+of another."
+
+Gascoigne was in ecstasies at the novelty of the proceeding, the more
+so as he perceived that Easy obtained every advantage by the
+arrangement.
+
+"Upon my word, Mr Tallboys, I give you great credit; you have a
+profound mathematical head, and I am delighted with your arrangement.
+Of course, in these affairs, the principals are bound to comply with
+the arrangements of the seconds, and I shall insist upon Mr Easy
+consenting to your excellent and scientific proposal."
+
+Gascoigne went out, and pulling Jack away from the monkey, told him
+what the gunner had proposed, at which Jack laughed heartily.
+
+The gunner also explained it to the boatswain, who did not very well
+comprehend, but replied--
+
+"I dare say it's all right--shot for shot, and d--n all favours." The
+parties then repaired to the spot with two pairs of ship's pistols,
+which Mr Tallboys had smuggled on shore; and, as soon as they were on
+the ground, the gunner called Mr Easthupp out of the cooperage. In the
+meantime, Gascoigne had been measuring an equilateral triangle of
+twelve paces--and marked it out.  Mr Tallboys, on his return with the
+purser's steward, went over the ground, and finding that it was "equal
+angles subtended by equal sides," declared that it was all right. Easy
+took his station, the boatswain was put into his, and Mr Easthupp, who
+was quite in a mystery, was led by the gunner to the third position.
+
+"But, Mr Tallboys," said the purser's steward, "I don't understand
+this.  Mr Easy will first fight Mr Biggs, will he not?"
+
+"No," replied the gunner, "this is a duel of three.  You will fire at
+Mr Easy, Mr Easy will fire at Mr Biggs, and Mr Biggs will fire at you.
+It is all arranged, Mr Easthupp."
+
+"But," said Mr Easthupp, "I do not understand it.  Why is Mr Biggs to
+fire at me? I have no quarrel with Mr Biggs."
+
+"Because Mr Easy fires at Mr Biggs, and Mr Biggs must have his shot as
+well."
+
+"If you have ever been in the company of gentlemen, Mr Easthupp,"
+observed Gascoigne, "you must know something about duelling."
+
+"Yes, yes, I've kept the best company, Mr Gascoigne, and I can give a
+gentleman satisfaction; but--"
+
+"Then, sir, if that is the case, you must know that your honour is in
+the hands of your second, and that no gentleman appeals."
+
+"Yes, yes, I know that, Mr Gascoigne; but still I've no quarrel with
+Mr Biggs, and therefore, Mr Biggs, of course you will not aim at me."
+
+"Why you don't think that I am going to be fired at for nothing,"
+replied the boatswain; "no, no, I'll have my shot anyhow."
+
+"But at your friend, Mr Biggs?"
+
+"All the same, I shall fire at somebody; shot for shot, and hit the
+luckiest."
+
+"Vel, gentlemen, I purtest against these proceedings," replied Mr
+Easthupp; "I came here to have satisfaction from Mr Easy, and not to
+be fired at by Mr Biggs."
+
+"Don't you have satisfaction when you fire at Mr Easy?" replied the
+gunner; "what more would you have?"
+
+"I purtest against Mr Biggs firing at me."
+
+"So you would have a shot without receiving one," cried Gascoigne:
+"the fact is that this fellow's a confounded coward, and ought to be
+kicked into the cooperage again."
+
+At this affront Mr Easthupp rallied, and accepted the pistol offered
+by the gunner.
+
+"You ear those words, Mr Biggs; pretty language to use to a gentleman.
+You shall ear from me, sir, as soon as the ship is paid off. I purtest
+no longer, Mr Tallboys; death before dishonour.  I'm a gentleman,
+damme!"
+
+At all events, the swell was not a very courageous gentleman, for he
+trembled most exceedingly as he pointed his pistol.
+
+The gunner gave the word, as if he were exercising the great guns on
+board ship.
+
+"Cock your locks!"--"Take good aim at the object!"--"Fire!"--"Stop
+your vents!" The only one of the combatants who appeared to comply
+with the latter supplementary order was Mr Easthupp, who clapped his
+hand to his trousers behind, gave a loud yell, and then dropped down;
+the bullet having passed clean through his seat of honour, from his
+having presented his broadside as a target to the boatswain as he
+faced towards our hero.  Jack's shot had also taken effect, having
+passed through both the boatswain's cheeks, without further mischief
+than extracting two of his best upper double teeth, and forcing
+through the hole of the further cheek the boatswain's own quid of
+tobacco.  As for Mr Easthupp's ball, as he was very unsettled, and
+shut his eyes before he fired, it had gone the Lord knows where.
+
+The purser's steward lay on the ground and screamed--the boatswain
+spit his double teeth and two or three mouthfuls of blood out, and
+then threw down his pistols in a rage.
+
+"A pretty business, by God," sputtered he; "he's put my pipe out. How
+the devil am I to pipe to dinner when I'm ordered, all my wind
+escaping through the cheeks?"
+
+In the meantime, the others had gone to the assistance of the purser's
+steward, who continued his vociferations.  They examined him, and
+considered a wound in that part not to be dangerous.
+
+"Hold your confounded bawling," cried the gunner, "or you'll have the
+guard down here: you're not hurt."
+
+"Han't hi?" roared the steward: "Oh, let me die, let me die; don't
+move me!"
+
+"Nonsense," cried the gunner, "you must get up and walk down to the
+boat; if you don't we'll leave you--hold your tongue, confound you.
+You won't? then I'll give you something to halloo for."
+
+Whereupon Mr Tallboys commenced cuffing the poor wretch right and
+left, who received so many swinging boxes of the ear that he was soon
+reduced to merely pitiful plaints of "Oh dear!--such inhumanity--I
+purtest--oh dear! must I get up? I can't, indeed."
+
+"I do not think he can move, Mr Tallboys," said Gascoigne; "I should
+think the best plan would be to call up two of the men from the
+cooperage, and let them take him at once to the hospital."
+
+The gunner went down to the cooperage to call the men.  Mr Biggs, who
+had bound up his face as if he had a toothache, for the bleeding had
+been very slight, came up to the purser's steward.
+
+"What the hell are you making such a howling about?  Look at me, with
+two shot-holes through my figure head, while you have only got one in
+your stem: I wish I could change with you, by heavens, for I could use
+my whistle then--now if I attempt to pipe, there will be such a
+wasteful expenditure of his Majesty's stores of wind, that I never
+shall get out a note.  A wicked shot of yours, Mr Easy."
+
+"I really am very sorry," replied Jack, with a polite bow, "and I beg
+to offer my best apology."
+
+During this conversation, the purser's steward felt very faint, and
+thought he was going to die.
+
+"Oh dear! oh dear! what a fool I was; I never was a gentleman--only a
+swell: I shall die; I never will pick a pocket again--never--never--
+God forgive me!"
+
+"Why, confound the fellow," cried Gascoigne, "so you were a
+pickpocket, were you?"
+
+"I never will again," replied the fellow in a faint voice. "Hi'll
+hamend and lead a good life--a drop of water--oh! lagged at last!"
+
+Then the poor wretch fainted away: and Mr Tallboys coming up with the
+men, he was taken on their shoulders and walked off to the hospital,
+attended by the gunner and also the boatswain, who thought he might as
+well have a little medical advice before he went on board.
+
+"Well, Easy," said Gascoigne, collecting the pistols and tying them up
+in his handkerchief, "I'll be shot but we're in a pretty scrape;
+there's no hushing this up.  I'll be hanged if I care, it's the best
+piece of fun I ever met with." And at the remembrance of it Gascoigne
+laughed till the tears ran down his cheeks.  Jack's mirth was not
+quite so excessive, as he was afraid that the purser's steward was
+severely hurt, and expressed his fears.
+
+"At all events, you did not hit him," replied Gascoigne: "all you have
+to answer for is the boatswain's mug,--I think you've stopped his jaw
+for the future."
+
+"I'm afraid that our leave will be stopped for the future," replied
+Jack.
+
+"That we may take our oaths of," replied Gascoigne.
+
+"Then look you, Ned," said Easy; "I've lots of dollars--we may as well
+be hanged for a sheep as a lamb, as the saying is, I vote that we do
+not go on board."
+
+"Sawbridge will send and fetch us," replied Ned; "but he must find us
+first."
+
+"That won't take long, for the soldiers will soon have our description
+and rout us out.  We shall be pinned in a couple of days."
+
+"Confound it, and they say that the ship is to be hove down, and that
+we shall be here six weeks at least, cooped up on board in a broiling
+sun, and nothing to do but to watch the pilot fish playing round the
+rudder and munch bad apricots. I won't go on board.  Look'ye, Jack,"
+said Gascoigne, "have you plenty of money?"
+
+"I have twenty doubloons, besides dollars," replied Jack.
+
+"Well, then, we will pretend to be so much alarmed at the result of
+this duel that we dare not show ourselves lest we should be hung. I
+will write a note and send it to Jolliffe, to say that we have hid
+ourselves until the affair is blown over, and beg him to intercede
+with the captain and first lieutenant. I will tell him all the
+particulars, and refer to the gunner for the truth of it; and then I
+know that, although we should be punished, they will only laugh.  But
+I will pretend that Easthupp is killed, and we are frightened out of
+our fives.  That will be it, and then let's get on board one of the
+speronares which come with fruit from Sicily, sail in the night for
+Palermo, and then we'll have a cruise for a fortnight, and when the
+money is all gone we'll come back."
+
+"That's a capital idea, Ned, and the sooner we do it the better.  I
+will write to the captain, begging him to get me off from being hung,
+and telling him where we have fled to, and that letter shall be given
+after we have sailed."
+
+They were two very nice lads--our hero and Gascoigne.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+In which our hero sets off on another cruise, in which he is not blown
+off shore.
+
+Gascoigne and our hero were neither of them in uniform, and they
+hastened to Nix Mangare stairs, where they soon picked up the padrone
+of a speronare.  They went with him into a wine shop, and with the
+assistance of a little English from a Maltese boy, whose shirt hung
+out of his trousers, they made a bargain, by which it was agreed that,
+for the consideration of two doubloons, he would sail that evening and
+land them at Gergentif or some other town in Sicily, providing them
+with something to eat and gregos to sleep upon.  Our two midshipmen
+then went back to the tavern from which they had set off to fight the
+duel, and ordering a good dinner to be served in a back room, they
+amused themselves with killing flies, as they talked over the events
+of the day and waited for their dinner.
+
+As Mr Tallboys did not himself think proper to go on board till the
+evening, and Mr Biggs also wished it to be dark before he went up the
+ship's side, the events of the duel did not transpire till the next
+morning.  Even then it was not known from the boatswain or gunner, but
+by a hospital mate coming on board to inform the surgeon that there
+was one of their men wounded under their charge, but that he was doing
+very well.
+
+Mr Biggs had ascended the side with his face bound up. "Confound that
+Jack Easy," said he, "I have only been on leave twice since I sailed
+from Portsmouth.  Once I was obliged to come up the side without my
+trousers, and show my bare stem to the whole ship's company, and now I
+am coming up, and dare not show my figure head." He reported himself
+to the officer of the watch, and hastening to his cabin went to bed
+and lay the whole night awake from pain, thinking what excuse he could
+possibly make for not coming on deck next morning to his duty.
+
+He was, however, saved this trouble, for Mr Jolliffe brought the
+letter of Gascoigne up to Mr Sawbridge, and the captain had received
+that of our hero.
+
+Captain Wilson came on board and found that Mr Sawbridge could
+communicate all the particulars of which he had not been acquainted by
+Jack; and after they had read over Gascoigne's letter in the cabin,
+and interrogated Mr Tallboys, who was sent down under an arrest, they
+gave free vent to their mirth.
+
+"Upon my soul, there's no end to Mr Easy's adventures," said the
+captain.  "I could laugh at the duel, for after all it is nothing--and
+he would have been let off with a severe reprimand.  But the foolish
+boys have set off in a speronare to Sicily, and how the devil are we
+to get them back again?"
+
+"They'll come back, sir," replied Sawbridge, "when all their money's
+gone." "Yes, if they do not get into any more scrapes.  That young
+scamp Gascoigne is as bad as Easy, and now they are together there's
+no saying what may happen. I dine at the Governor's to-day; how he
+will laugh when I tell him of this new way of fighting a duel!"
+
+"Yes, sir, it is just the thing that will tickle old Tom." "We must
+find out if they have got off the island, Sawbridge, which may not be
+the case."
+
+But it was the case. Jack and Gascoigne had eaten a ye good dinner,
+sent for the monkey to amuse them till it was dark, and there had
+waited till the padrone came to them.
+
+"What shall we do with the pistols, Easy?" "Take them with us, and
+load them before we go--we may want them.  Who knows but there may be
+a mutiny on board of the speronare? I wish we had Mesty with us."
+
+They loaded the pistols, took a pair each and put them in their
+waists, concealed under their clothes, divided the ammunition between
+them, and soon afterwards the padrone came to tell them all was ready.
+
+Whereupon Messrs Gascoigne and Easy paid there bill and rose to
+depart, but the padrone informed them that he should like to see the
+colour of their money before they went on board. Jack, very indignant
+at the insinuation that he had not sufficient cash, pulled out a
+handful of doubloons, and tossing two to the padrone, and asked him if
+he was satisfied.
+
+The padrone untied his sash, put in the money, and with many thanks
+and protestations of service, begged our young gentlemen to accompany
+him; they did so, and in a few minutes were clear of  Nix Mangare
+stairs, and, passing close to his Majesty's ship Harpy, were soon out
+of the harbour of Valette.
+
+Of all the varieties of vessels which float upon the wave, there is
+not, perhaps, one that bounds over the water so gracefully or so
+lightly as a speronare, or any one so picturesque and beautiful to the
+eye of those who watch its progress.
+
+The night was clear, and the stars shone out brilliantly as the light
+craft skimmed over the water, and a fragment of a desert and waning
+moon threw its soft beams upon the snow-white sail. The vessel, which
+had no deck, was full of baskets, which had contained grapes and
+various fruits brought from the ancient granary, of Rome, still as
+fertile and as luxuriant as ever.  The crew consisted of the padrone,
+two men and a boy; the three latter, with their gregos, or night
+great-coats with hoods, sitting forward before the sail, with their
+eyes fixed on the land as they flew past point after point, thinking
+perhaps of their wives, or perhaps of their sweethearts, or perhaps
+not thinking at all.
+
+The padrone remained aft at the helm, offering every politeness to our
+two young gentlemen, who only wished to be left alone.  At last they
+requested the padrone to give them gregos to lie down upon, as they
+wished to go to sleep.  He called the boy to take the helm, procured
+them all they required, and then went forward.  And our two midshipmen
+laid down looking at the stars above them for some minutes, without
+exchanging a word.  At last Jack commenced--
+
+"I have been thinking, Gascoigne, that this is very delightful. My
+heart bounds with the vessel, and it almost appears to me as if the
+vessel herself was rejoicing in her liberty.  Here she is capering
+over the waves instead of being tied by the nose with a cable and
+anchor."
+
+"That's a touch of the sentimental, Jack," replied Gascoigne; "but she
+is no more free than she was when at anchor, for she now is forced to
+act in obedience to her steersman and go just where he pleases.  You
+may just as well say that a horse, if taken out of the stable, is
+free, with the curb, and his rider on his back."
+
+"That's a touch of the rational, Ned, which destroys the illusion.
+Never mind, we are free, at all events.  What machines we are on board
+of a man-of-war! we walk, talk, eat, drink, sleep, and get up, just
+like clock-work; we are wound up to go the twenty-four hours, and then
+wound up again; just like old Smallsole does the chronometers."
+
+"Very true, Jack; but it does not appear to me, that hitherto you have
+kept very good time; you require a little more regulating," said
+Gascoigne.
+
+"How can you expect any piece of machinery to go well, so damnably
+knocked about as a midshipman is?" replied our hero.
+
+"Very true, Jack; but sometimes you don't keep any time, for you don't
+keep any watch.  Mr Asper don't wind you up.  You don't go at all."
+
+"No; because he allows me to go down; but still I do go, Ned."
+
+"Yes, to your hammock--it's no go with old Smallsole, if I want a bit
+of caulk.  But, Jack, what do you say--shall we keep watch tonight?"
+
+"Why, to tell you the truth, I have been thinking the same thing--I
+don't much like the looks of the padrone--he squints."
+
+"That's no proof of anything, Jack, except that his eyes are not
+straight: but if you do not like the look of him, I can tell you that
+he very much liked the look of your doubloons--I saw him start, and
+his eyes twinkled, and I thought at the time it was a pity you had not
+paid him in dollars."
+
+"It was very foolish in me, but at all events he has not seen all. He
+saw quite enough, Ned."
+
+"Very true, but you should have let him see the pistols, and not have
+let him see the doubloons."
+
+"Well, if he wishes to take what he has seen, he shall receive what he
+has not seen--why, there are only four of them."
+
+"Oh, I have no fear of them, only it may be as well to sleep with one
+eye open."
+
+"When shall we make the land?"
+
+"To-morrow evening with this wind, and it appears to be steady.
+Suppose we keep watch and watch, and have our pistols out ready, with
+the great-coats just turned over them, to keep them out of sight?"
+
+"Agreed--it's about twelve o'clock now--who shall keep the middle
+watch?"
+
+"I will, Jack, if you like it."
+
+"Well, then, mind you kick me hard, for I sleep devilish sound.
+Good-night, and keep a sharp look-out."
+
+Jack was fast asleep in less than ten minutes; and Gascoigne, with his
+pistols lying by him all ready for each hand, sat up at the bottom of
+the boat.
+
+There certainly is a peculiar providence in favour of midshipmen
+compared with the rest of mankind; they have more lives than a cat--
+always in the greatest danger, but always escaping from it.
+
+The padrone of the vessel had been captivated with the doubloons which
+Jack had so foolishly exposed to his view, and he had, moreover,
+resolved to obtain them.  At the very time that our two lads were
+conversing aft, the padrone was talking the matter over with his two
+men forward, and it was agreed that they should murder, rifle, and
+then throw them overboard.
+
+About two o'clock in the morning, the padrone came aft to see if they
+were asleep, but found Gascoigne watching.  He returned aft again and
+again, but found the young man still sitting up.  Tired of waiting,
+anxious to possess the money, and not supposing that the lads were
+armed, he went once more forward and spoke to the men. Gascoigne had
+watched his motions; he thought it singular that, with three men in
+the vessel, the helm should be confided to the boy--and at last he saw
+them draw their knives.  He pushed our hero, who woke immediately.
+Gascoigne put his hand over Jack's mouth, that he might not speak, and
+then whispered his suspicions. Jack seized his pistols--they both
+cocked them without noise, and then waited in silence, Jack still
+lying down, while Gascoigne continued to sit up at the bottom of the
+boat.
+
+At last Gascoigne saw the three men coming aft--he dropped one of his
+pistols for a second to give Jack a squeeze of the hand, which was
+returned, and as Gascoigne watched them making their way through the
+piles of empty baskets he leaned back as if he was slumbering. The
+padrone, followed by the two men, was at last aft,--they paused a
+moment before they stepped over the strengthening plank, which ran
+from side to side of the boat between them and the midshipmen, and as
+neither of them stirred, they imagined that both were asleep--advanced
+and raised their knives, when Gascoigne and Jack, almost at the same
+moment, each discharged their pistols into the breast of the padrone
+and one of the men, who was with him in advance, who both fell with
+the send aft of the boat, so as to encumber the midshipmen with the
+weight of their bodies.  The third man started back.  Jack, who could
+not rise, from the padrone lying across his legs, took a steady aim
+with his second pistol, and the third man fell. The boy at the helm,
+who, it appeared, either was aware of what was to be done, or seeing
+the men advance with their knives, had acted upon what he saw, also
+drew his knife and struck at Gascoigne from behind; the knife
+fortunately, after slightly wounding Gascoigne on the shoulder, had
+shut on the boy's hand--Gascoigne sprang up with his other pistol--the
+boy started back at the sight of it, lost his balance, and fell
+overboard.
+
+Our two midshipmen took a few seconds to breathe. "I say, Jack," said
+Gascoigne at last, "did you ever--"
+
+"No, I never--" replied Jack.
+
+"What's to be done now?"
+
+"Why, as we've got possession, Ned, we had better put a man at the
+helm-for the speronare is having it all her own way."
+
+"Very true," replied Gascoigne, "and as I can steer better than you, I
+suppose it must be me."
+
+Gascoigne went to the helm, brought the boat up to the wind, and then
+they resumed their conversation.
+
+"That rascal of a boy gave me a devil of a lick on the shoulder; I
+don't know whether he has hurt me--at all events it's my left
+shoulder, so I can steer just as well.  I wonder whether the fellows
+are dead."
+
+"The padrone is, at all events," replied Jack.  "It was as much as I
+could do to get my legs from under him--but we'll wait till daylight
+before we see to that--in the meantime, I'll load the pistols again."
+
+"The day is breaking now--it will be light in half an hour or less.
+What a devil of a spree, Jack!"
+
+"Yes, but how can one help it?  We ran away because two men are
+wounded--and now we are obliged to kill four in self-defence."
+
+"Yes, but that is not the end of it; when we get to Sicily what are we
+to do? we shall be imprisoned by the authorities--perhaps hung."
+
+"We'll argue that point with them," replied Jack.
+
+"We had better argue the point between ourselves, Jack, and see what
+will be the best plan to get out of our scrape."
+
+"I think that we just have got out of it--never fear but we'll get out
+of the next.  Do you know, Gascoigne, it appears to me very odd, but I
+can do nothing but there's a bobbery at the bottom of it."
+
+"You certainly have a great talent that way, Jack.  Don't I hear one
+of those poor fellows groan?"
+
+"I should think that not impossible."
+
+"What shall we do with them?"
+
+"We will argue that point, Ned--we must either keep their bodies, or
+we must throw them overboard.  Either tell the whole story, or say
+nothing about it."
+
+"That's very evident; in short, we must do something, for your
+argument goes no further.  But now let us take up one of your
+propositions."
+
+"Well, then, suppose we keep the bodies on board, run into a seaport,
+go to the authorities, and state all the facts, what then?"
+
+"We shall prove, beyond all doubt, that we have killed three men, if
+not four; but we shall not prove that we were obliged so to do, Jack.
+And then we are heretics--we shall be put in prison till they are
+satisfied of our innocence, which we never can prove, and there we
+shall remain until we have written to Malta, and a man-of-war comes to
+redeem us, if we are not stabbed or something else in the meantime."
+
+"That will not be a very pleasant cruise," replied Jack.  "Now let's
+argue the point on the other side."
+
+"There is some difficulty there--suppose we throw their bodies
+overboard, toss the baskets after them, wash the boat clean, and make
+for the first port.  We may chance to hit upon the very spot from
+which they sailed, and then there will be a pack of wives and
+children, and a populace with knives, asking us what has become of the
+men of the boat!"
+
+"I don't much like the idea of that," said Jack.
+
+"And if we don't have such bad luck, still we shall be interrogated as
+to who we are, and how we were adrift by ourselves."
+
+"There will be a difficulty about that again--we must swear that it is
+a party of pleasure, and that we are gentlemen yachting."
+
+"Without a crew or provisions--yachts don't sail with a clean swept
+hold, or gentlemen without a spare shirt--we have nothing but two
+gallons of water and two pairs of pistols."
+
+"I have it," said Jack--"we are two young gentlemen in our own boat
+who went out to Gozo with pistols to shoot sea-mews, were caught in a
+gale, and blown down to Sicily--that will excite interest."
+
+"That's the best idea yet, as it will account for our having nothing
+in the boat.  Well, then, at all events, we will get rid of the
+bodies; but suppose they are not dead--we cannot throw them overboard
+alive,--that will be murder."
+
+"Very true," replied Jack, "then we must shoot them first, and toss
+them overboard afterwards."
+
+"Upon my soul, Easy, you are an odd fellow: however, go and examine
+the men, and we'll decide that point by-and-bye: you had better keep
+your pistol ready cocked, for they may be shamming."
+
+"Devil a bit of sham here, anyhow," replied Jack, pulling at the body
+of the padrone, "and as for this fellow you shot, you might put your
+fist into his chest.  Now for the third," continued Jack, stepping
+over the strengthening piece--"he's all among the baskets. I say, my
+cock, are you dead?" and Jack enforced his question with a kick in the
+ribs.  The man groaned.  "That's unlucky, Gascoigne, but however, I'll
+soon settle him," said Jack, pointing his pistol.
+
+"Stop, Jack," cried Gascoigne, "it really will be murder."
+
+"No such thing, Ned; I'll just blow his brains out, and then I'll come
+aft and argue the point with you."
+
+"Now do oblige me by coming aft and arguing the point first. Do, Jack,
+I beg of you--I entreat you."
+
+"With all my heart," replied Jack, resuming his seat by Gascoigne; "I
+assert, that in this instance killing's no murder.  You will observe,
+Ned, that by the laws of society, any one who attempts the life of
+another has forfeited his own; at the same time, as it is necessary
+that the fact should be clearly proved, and justice be duly
+administered, the parties are tried, convicted, and then are sentenced
+to the punishment."
+
+"I grant all that."
+
+"In this instance the attempt has been clearly proved; we are the
+witnesses, and are the judges and jury, and society in general, for
+the best of all possible reasons, because there is nobody else.  These
+men's lives, being therefore forfeited to society, belong to us; and
+it does not follow because they were not all killed in the attempt,
+that therefore they are not now to be brought out for punishment.  And
+as there is no common hangman here, we, of course, must do this duty
+as well as every other.  I have now clearly proved that I am justified
+in what I am about to do.  But the argument does not stop there--
+self-preservation is the first law of nature, and if we do not get rid
+of this man, what is the consequence?--that we shall have to account
+for his being wounded, and then, instead of judges, we shall
+immediately be placed in the position of culprits, and have to defend
+ourselves without witnesses.  We therefore risk our lives from a
+misplaced lenity towards a wretch unworthy to live."
+
+"Your last argument is strong, Easy, but I cannot consent to your
+doing what may occasion you uneasiness hereafter when you think of
+it."
+
+"Pooh! nonsense--I am a philosopher."
+
+"Of what school, Jack?  Oh, I presume you are a disciple of Mesty's. I
+do not mean to say that you are wrong, but still hear my proposition.
+Let us lower down the sail, and then I can leave the to assist you.
+We will clear the vessel of everything except the man who is still
+alive.  At all events we may wait a little, and if at last there is no
+help for it, I will then agree with you to launch him overboard, even
+if he is not quite dead."
+
+"Agreed; even by your own making out, it will be no great sin. He is
+half dead already--I only do half the work of tossing him over, so it
+will be only quarter murder on my part, and he would have shown no
+quarter on his." Here Jack left off arguing and punning, and went
+forward and lowered down the sail.  "I've half a mind to take my
+doubloons back," said Jack, as they launched over the body of the
+padrone, "but he may have them--I wonder whether they'll ever turn up
+again."
+
+"Not in our time, Jack," replied Gascoigne. The other body, and all
+the basket, lumber, etc, were then tossed over, and the boat was
+cleared of all but the man who was not yet dead.
+
+"Now let's examine the fellow, and see if he has any chance of
+recovery," said Gascoigne. The man lay on his side; Gascoigne turned
+him over and found that he was dead.
+
+"Over with him, quick," said Jack, "before he comes to life again."
+The body disappeared under the wave--they again hoisted the sail.
+Gascoigne took the helm, and our hero proceeded to draw water and wash
+away the stains of blood; he then cleared the boat of vine-leaves and
+rubbish, with which it was strewed, swept it clean fore and aft, and
+resumed his seat by his comrade.
+
+"There," said Jack, "now we've swept the decks, we may pipe to dinner.
+I wonder whether there is anything to eat in the locker."
+
+Jack opened it, and found some bread, garlic, sausages, a bottle of
+aquadente, and a jar of wine.
+
+"So the padrone did keep his promise, after all."
+
+"Yes, and had you not tempted him with the sight of so much gold,
+might now have been alive."
+
+"To which I reply, that if you had not advised our going off in a
+speronare, he would now have been alive."
+
+"And if you had not fought a duel, I should not have given the
+advice."
+
+"And if the boatswain had not been obliged to come on board without
+his trousers at Gibraltar, I should not have fought a duel."
+
+"And if you had not joined the ship, the boatswain would have had his
+trousers on."
+
+"And if my father had not been a philosopher, I should not have gone
+to sea; so that it is all my father's fault, and he has killed four
+men off the coast of Sicily without knowing it--cause and effect.
+After all, there's nothing like argument; so, having settled that
+point, let us go to dinner."
+
+Having finished their meal, Jack went forward and observed the land
+ahead; they steered the same course for three or four hours.
+
+"We must haul our wind more," said Gascoigne; "it will not do to put
+into any small town; we have now to choose whether we shall land on
+the coast and sink the speronare, or land at some large town."
+
+"We must argue that point," replied Jack.
+
+"In the meantime, do you take the helm, for my arm is quite tired,"
+replied Gascoigne: "you can steer well enough: by-the-bye, I may as
+well look at my shoulder, for it is quite stiff."  Gascoigne pulled
+off his coat, and found his shirt bloody and sticking to the wound,
+which, as we before observed, was slight.  He again took the helm,
+while Jack washed it clean, and then bathed it with aquadente.
+
+"Now take the helm again," said Gascoigne; "I'm on the sick list."
+
+"And as surgeon--I'm an idler," replied Jack; "but what shall we do?"
+continued he; "abandon the speronare at night and sink her, or run in
+for a town?"
+
+"We shall fall in with plenty of boats and vessels if we coast it up
+to Palermo, and they may overhaul us."
+
+"We shall fall in with plenty of people if we go on shore, and they
+will overhaul us."
+
+"Do you know, Jack, that I wish we were back and alongside of the
+Harpy,  I've had cruising enough."
+
+"My cruises are so unfortunate," replied Jack; "they are too full of
+adventure; but then I have never yet had a cruise on shore. Now, if we
+could only get to Palermo, we should be out of all our difficulties."
+
+"The breeze freshens, Jack," replied Gascoigne; "and it begins to look
+very dirty to windward.  I think we shall have a gale."
+
+"Pleasant--I know what it is to be short-handed in a gale; however,
+there's one comfort, we shall not be blown off-shore this time."
+
+"No, but we may be wrecked on a lee shore.  She cannot carry her whole
+sail, Easy; we must lower it down, and take in a reef; the sooner the
+better, for it will be dark in an hour.  Go forward and lower it down,
+and then I'll help you."
+
+Jack did so, but the sail went into the water, and he could not drag
+it in. "Avast heaving," said Gascoigne, "till I throw her up and take
+the wind out of it."
+
+This was done: they reefed the sail, but could not hoist it up: if
+Gascoigne left the helm to help Jack, the sail filled; if he went to
+the helm and took the wind out of the sail, Jack was not strong enough
+to hoist it.  The wind increased rapidly, and the sea got up; the sun
+went down, and with the sail half hoisted, they could not keep to the
+wind, but were obliged to run right for the land.  The speronare flew,
+rising on the crest of the waves with half her keel clear of the
+water: the moon was already up, and gave them light enough to perceive
+that they were not five miles from the coast, which was lined with
+foam.
+
+"At all events they can't accuse us of running away with the boat,"
+observed Jack; "for she's running away with us."
+
+"Yes," replied Gascoigne, dragging at the tiller with all his
+strength; "she has taken the bit between her teeth."
+
+"I wouldn't care if I had a bit between mine," replied Jack; "for I
+feel devilish hungry again.  What do you say, Ned?"
+
+"With all my heart," replied Gascoigne; "but, do you know, Easy, it
+may be the last meal we ever make."
+
+"Then I vote it's a good one--but why so, Ned?"
+
+"In half an hour, or thereabouts, we shall be on shore."
+
+"Well, that's where we want to go."
+
+"Yes, but the sea runs high, and the boat may be dashed to pieces on
+the rocks."
+
+"Then we shall be asked no questions about her or the men."
+
+"Very true, but a lee shore is no joke; we may be knocked to pieces as
+well as the boat--even swimming may not help us.  If we could find a
+cove or sandy beach, we might perhaps manage to get on shore."
+
+"Well," replied Jack, "I have not been long at sea, and, of course,
+cannot know much about these things.  I have been blown off shore, but
+I never have been blown on.  It may be as you say, but I do not see
+the great danger--let's run her right up on the beach at once."
+
+"That's what I shall try to do," replied Gascoigne, who had been four
+years at sea, and knew very well what he was about.
+
+Jack handed him a huge piece of bread and sausage.
+
+"Thank ye, I cannot eat."
+
+"I can," replied Jack, with his mouth full. Jack ate while Gascoigne
+steered; and the rapidity with which the speronare rushed to the beach
+was almost frightful.  She darted like an arrow from wave to wave, and
+appeared as if mocking their attempts as they curled their summits
+almost over her narrow stern. They were within a mile of the beach,
+when Jack, who had finished his supper, and was looking at the foam
+boiling on the coast, exclaimed--
+
+"That's very fine--very beautiful, upon my soul!"
+
+"He cares for nothing," thought Gascoigne; "he appears to have no idea
+of danger." "Now, my dear fellow," said Gascoigne, "in a few minutes
+we shall be on the rocks.  I must continue at the helm, for the higher
+she is forced up the better chance for us; but we may not meet again,
+so if we do not, good-bye and God bless you."
+
+"Gascoigne," said Jack, "you are hurt, and I am not; your shoulder is
+stiff, and you can hardly move your left arm.  Now I can steer for the
+rocks as well as you.  Do you go to the bow, and there you will have a
+better chance--By-the-bye," continued he, picking up his pistols, and
+sticking them into his waist, "I won't leave them, they've served us
+too good a turn already.  Gascoigne, give me the helm."
+
+"No, no, Easy."
+
+"I say yes," replied Jack, in a loud, authoritative tone, "and what's
+more, I will be obeyed, Gascoigne.  I have nerve, if I haven't
+knowledge, and at all events I can steer for the beach. I tell you,
+give me the helm.  Well, then, if you won't, I must take it."
+
+Easy wrested the tiller from Gascoigne's hand, and gave him a shove
+forward.
+
+"Now do you look out ahead, and tell me how to steer." Whatever may
+have been Gascoigne's feelings at this behaviour of our hero's, it
+immediately occurred to him that he could not do better than to run
+the speronare to the safest point, and that therefore he was probably
+more advantageously employed than if he were at the helm.  He went
+forward and looked at the rocks, covered at one moment with the
+tumultuous waters, and then pouring down cascades from their sides as
+the waves recoiled.  He perceived a chasm right ahead, and he thought
+if the boat was steered for that, she must be thrown up so as to
+enable them to get clear of her, for, at every other part, escape
+appeared impossible.
+
+"Starboard a little--that'll do.  Steady--port it is--port-Steer
+small, for your life, Easy.  Steady now--mind the yard don't hit your
+head--hold on."
+
+The speronare was at this moment thrown into a large cleft in a rock,
+the sides of which were nearly perpendicular; nothing else could have
+saved them, as, had they struck the rock outside, the boat would have
+been dashed to pieces, and its fragments have disappeared in the
+undertow.  As it was, the cleft was not four feet more than the width
+of the boat, and as the waves hurled her up into it, the yard of the
+speronare was thrown fore and aft with great violence, and had not
+Jack been warned, he would have been struck overboard without a chance
+of being saved; but he crouched down and it passed over him.  As the
+water receded, the boat struck, and was nearly dry between the rocks,
+but another wave followed, dashing the boat further up, but, at the
+same time, filling it with water.  The bow of the boat was now several
+feet higher than the stem, where Jack held on; and the weight of the
+water in her, with the force of the returning waves, separated her
+right across abaft the mast.  Jack perceived that the after part of
+the boat was going out again with the wave; he caught hold of the yard
+which had swung fore and aft, and as he clung to it, the part of the
+boat on which he had stood disappeared from under him, and was swept
+away by the returning current.
+
+Jack required the utmost of his strength to maintain his position
+until another wave floated him, and dashed him higher up: but he knew
+his life depended on holding on to the yard, which he did, although
+under water, and advanced several feet.  When the wave receded, he
+found footing on the rock, and still clinging, he walked till he had
+gained the fore part of the boat, which was wedged firmly into a
+narrow part of the cleft.  The next wave was not very large, and he
+had gained so much that it did not throw him off his legs.  He reached
+the rock, and as he climbed up the side of the chasm to gain the ledge
+above, he perceived Gascoigne standing above him, and holding out his
+hand to his assistance.
+
+"Well," says Jack, shaking himself to get rid of the water, "here we
+are ashore, at last--I had no idea of anything like this.  The rush
+back of the water was so strong that it has almost tom my arms out of
+their sockets.  How very lucky I sent you forward with your disabled
+shoulder!  By-the-bye, now that it's all over, and you must see that I
+was right, I beg to apologise for my rudeness."
+
+"There needs no apology for saving my life, Easy," replied Gascoigne,
+trembling with the cold; "and no one but you would ever have thought
+of making one at such a moment."
+
+"I wonder whether the ammunition's dry," said Jack; "I put it all in
+my hat." Jack took off his hat, and found the cartridges had not
+suffered. "Now, then, Gascoigne, what shall we do?"
+
+"I hardly know," replied Gascoigne.
+
+"Suppose then, we sit down and argue the point."
+
+"No, I thank you, there will be too much cold water thrown upon our
+arguments--I'm half dead; let us walk on."
+
+"With all my heart," said Jack, "it's devilish steep, but I can argue
+up hill or down hill, wet or dry--I'm used to it--for, as I told you
+before, Ned, my father is a philosopher, and so am I."
+
+"By the Lord! you are," replied Gascoigne, as he walked on.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+In which our hero follows his destiny and forms a tableau.
+
+Our hero and his comrade climbed the precipice, and, after some
+minutes' severe toil, arrived at the summit, when they sat down to
+recover themselves.  The sky was clear, although the gale blew strong.
+They had an extensive view of the coast, lashed by the angry waves.
+
+"It's my opinion, Ned," said Jack, as he surveyed the expanse of
+troubled water, "that we're just as well out of that."
+
+"I agree with you, Jack; but it's also my opinion that we should be
+just as well out of this, for the wind blows through one. Suppose we
+go a little further inland, where we may find some shelter till the
+morning."
+
+"It's rather dark to find anything," rejoined our hero; "but however,
+a westerly gale on the top of a mountain with wet clothes in the
+middle of the night, with nothing to eat or drink, is not the most
+comfortable position in the world, and we may change for the better."
+
+They proceeded over a flat of a hundred yards, and then descended--the
+change in the atmosphere was immediate.  As they continued their march
+inland, they came to a high road, which appeared to run along the
+shore, and they turned into it; for, as Jack said very truly, a road
+must lead to something.  After a quarter of an hour's walk, they again
+heard the rolling of the surf, and perceived the white walls of
+houses.
+
+"Here we are at last," said Jack.  "I wonder if any one will turn out
+to take us in, or shall we stow away for the night in one of those
+vessels hauled up on the beach?"
+
+"Recollect this time, Easy," said Gascoigne, "not to show your money;
+that is, show only a dollar, and say you have no more; or promise to
+pay when we arrive at Palermo; and if they will neither trust us, nor
+give to us, we must make it out as we can."
+
+"How the cursed dogs bark! I think we shall do very well this time,
+Gascoigne; we do not look as if we were worth robbing, at all events,
+and we have the pistols to defend ourselves with if we are attacked.
+Depend upon it I will show no more gold.  And now let us make our
+arrangements.  Take you one pistol and take half the gold--I have it
+all in my right-hand pocket--my dollars and pistarenes in my left. You
+shall take half of them too.  We have silver enough to go on with till
+we are in a safe place."
+
+Jack then divided the money in the dark, and also gave Gascoigne a
+pistol. "Now, then, shall we knock for admittance? Let's first walk
+through the village, and see if there's anything like an inn.  Those
+yelping curs will soon be at our heels; they come nearer and nearer
+every time.  There's a cart, and it's full of straw--suppose we go to
+bed till to-morrow morning--we shall be warm, at all events."
+
+"Yes," replied Gascoigne, "and sleep much better than in any of the
+cottages. I have been in Sicily before, and you have no idea how the
+fleas bite."
+
+Our two midshipmen climbed up into the cart, nestled themselves into
+the straw, or rather Indian corn leaves, and were soon fast asleep. As
+they had not slept for two nights, it is not to be wondered at that
+they slept soundly so soundly, indeed, that about two hours after they
+had got into their comfortable bed, the peasant, who had brought to
+the village some casks of wine to be shipped and taken down the coast
+in a felucca, yoked his bullocks, and not being aware of his freight,
+drove off, without in any way disturbing their repose, although the
+roads in Sicily are not yet macadamised.
+
+The jolting of the roads rather increased than disturbed the sleep of
+our adventurers; and, although there were some rude shocks, it only
+had the effect of making them fancy in their dreams that they were
+again in the boat, and that she was still dashing against the rocks.
+In about two hours, the cart arrived at its destination--the peasant
+unyoked his bullocks and led them away.  The same cause will often
+produce contrary effects: the stopping of the motion of the cart
+disturbed the rest of our two midshipmen; they turned round in the
+straw, yawned, spread out their arms, and then awoke. Gascoigne, who
+felt considerable pain in his shoulder, was the first to recall his
+scattered senses.
+
+"Easy," cried he, as he sat up and shook off the corn leaves.
+
+"Port it is," said Jack, half dreaming.
+
+"Come, Easy, you are not on board now. Rouse and bit." Jack then sat
+up and looked at Gascoigne.  The forage in the cart was so high round
+them that they could not see above it; they rubbed their eyes, yawned,
+and looked at each other.
+
+"Have you any faith in dreams?" said Jack to Gascoigne, "because I had
+a very queer one last night."
+
+"Well, so had I," replied Gascoigne.  "I dreamt that the cart rolled
+by itself into the sea, and went away with us right in the wind's eye
+back to Malta; and considering that it never was built for such
+service, she behaved uncommonly well.  Now, what was your dream?"
+
+"Mine was, that we woke up and found ourselves in the very town from
+which the speronare had sailed, and that they had found the fore part
+of the speronare among the rocks, had recognised her, and picked up
+one of our pistols.  That they had laid hold of us, and had insisted
+that we had been thrown on shore in the boat, and asked us what had
+become of the crew--they were just seizing us, when I awoke."
+
+"Your dream is more likely to come true than mine, Easy; but still I
+think we need not fear that.  At the same time, we had better not
+remain here any longer; and it occurs to me, that if we tore our
+clothes more, it would be advisable--we shall, in the first place,
+look more wretched; and, in the next place, can replace them with the
+dress of the country, and so travel without exciting suspicion.  You
+know that I can speak Italian pretty well."
+
+"I have no objection to tear my clothes if you wish," replied Jack;
+"at the same time give me your pistol; I will draw the charges and
+load them again.  They must be wet."
+
+Having reloaded the pistols and rent their garments, the two
+midshipmen stood up in the cart and looked about them.
+
+"Halloo!--why how's this, Gascoigne? last night we were close to the
+beach, and among houses, and now--where the devil are we? You dreamt
+nearer the mark than I did, for the cart has certainly taken a
+cruise."
+
+"We must have slept like midshipmen, then," replied Gascoigne: "surely
+it cannot have gone far."
+
+"Here we are, surrounded by hills on every side, for at least a couple
+of miles.  Surely some good genius has transported us into the
+interior, that we might escape from the relatives of the crew whom I
+dreamt about," said Jack, looking at Gascoigne.
+
+As it afterwards was known to them, the speronare had sailed from the
+very seaport in which they had arrived that night, and where they had
+got into the cart.  The wreck of the speronare had been found, and had
+been recognised, and it was considered by the inhabitants that the
+padrone and his crew had perished in the gale. Had they found our two
+midshipmen and questioned them, it is not improbable that suspicion
+might have been excited, and the results have been such as our hero
+had conjured up in his dream.  But, as we said before, there is a
+peculiar providence for midshipmen.
+
+On a minute survey, they found that they were in an open space which,
+apparently, had been used for thrashing and winnowing maize, and that
+the cart was standing under a clump of trees in the shade.
+
+"There ought to be a house hereabouts," said Gascoigne, "I should
+think that behind the trees we shall find one.  Come, Jack, you are as
+hungry as I am, I'll answer for it: we must look out for a breakfast
+somewhere."
+
+"If they won't give us something to eat, or sell it," replied Jack,
+who was ravenous, clutching his pistol, "I shall take it--I consider
+it no robbery.  The fruits of the earth were made for us all, and it
+never was intended that one man should have a superfluity and another
+starve.  The laws of equality--"
+
+"May appear very good arguments to a starving man, I grant, but still
+won't prevent his fellow-creatures from hanging him," replied
+Gascoigne.  "None of your confounded nonsense, Jack; no man starves
+with money in his pocket, and as long as you have that, leave those
+that have none to talk about equality and the rights of man."
+
+"I should like to argue that point with you, Gascoigne." "Tell me, do
+you prefer sitting down here to argue, or to look out for some
+breakfast, Jack?"
+
+"Oh, the argument may be put off, but hunger cannot."
+
+"That's very good philosophy, Jack, so let's go on." They went through
+the copse of wood, which was very thick, and soon discovered the wall
+of a large house on the other side.
+
+"All right," said Jack; "but still let us reconnoitre.  It's not a
+farmhouse; it must belong to a person of some consequence--all the
+better--they will see that we are gentlemen, notwithstanding our
+tattered dress. I suppose we are to stick to the story of the sea-mews
+at Gozo?"
+
+"Yes," replied Gascoigne; "I can think of nothing better.  But the
+English are well received in this island; we have troops at Palermo."
+
+"Have we?  I wish I was sitting down at the mess-table--but what's
+that? a woman screaming?  Yes, by heavens!--come along, Ned." And away
+dashed Jack towards the house followed by Gascoigne.  As they advanced
+the screams redoubled; they entered the porch, burst into the room
+from whence they proceeded, and found an elderly gentleman defending
+himself against two young men, who were held back by an elderly and a
+young lady.  Our hero and his comrade had both drawn their pistols,
+and just as they burst open the door, the old gentleman who defended
+himself against such odds had fallen down.  The two others burst from
+the women, and were about to pierce him with their swords, when Jack
+seized one by the collar of his coat and held him fast, pointing the
+muzzle of the pistol to his ear: Gascoigne did the same to the other.
+It was a very dramatic tableau.  The two women flew to the elderly
+gentleman and raised him up; the two assailants being held just as
+dogs hold pigs by the ear, trembling with fright, with the points of
+their rapiers dropped, looked at the midshipmen and the muzzles of
+their pistols with equal dismay; at the same time, the astonishment of
+the elderly gentleman and the women, at such an unexpected
+deliverance, was equally great.  There was a silence for a few
+seconds.
+
+"Ned," at last said Jack, "tell these chaps to drop their swords, or
+we fire." Gascoigne gave the order in Italian, and it was complied
+with. The midshipmen then possessed themselves of the rapiers, and
+gave the young men their liberty.
+
+The elderly gentleman at last broke the silence. "It would appear,
+signors, that there was a special interference of Providence, to
+prevent you from committing a foul and unjust murder.  Who these are
+who have so opportunely come to my rescue, I know not, but thanking
+them as I do now, I think that you will yourselves, when you are calm,
+also thank them for having prevented you from committing an act which
+would have loaded you with remorse, and embittered your future
+existence.  Gentleman, you are free to depart: you, Don Silvio, have
+indeed disappointed me; your gratitude should have rendered you
+incapable of such conduct: as for you, Don Scipio, you have been
+misled; but you both have, in one point, disgraced yourselves.  Ten
+days back my sons were both here,--why did you not come then?  If you
+sought revenge on me, you could not have inflicted it deeper than
+through my children, and at least you would not have acted the part of
+assassins in attacking, an old man.  Take your swords, gentlemen, and
+use them better henceforth. Against future attacks I shall be well
+prepared."
+
+Gascoigne, who perfectly understood what was said, presented the sword
+to the young gentleman from whom he had taken it--our hero did the
+same.  The two young men returned them to their sheaths, and quitted
+the room without saying a word.
+
+"Whoever you are, I owe to you and thank you for my life," said the
+elderly gentleman, scanning the outward appearance of our two
+midshipmen.
+
+"We are," replied Gascoigne, "officers in the English navy, and
+gentlemen; we were wrecked in our boat last night, and have wandered
+here in the dark, seeking for assistance, and food, and some
+conveyance to Palermo, where we shall find friends, and the means of
+appearing like gentlemen."
+
+"Was your ship wrecked, gentlemen?" inquired the Sicilian, "and many
+lives lost?"
+
+"No, our ship is at Malta; we were in a boat on a party of pleasure,
+were caught by a gale, and driven on the coast.  To satisfy you of the
+truth, observe that our pistols have the king's mark, and that we are
+not paupers we show you gold." Gascoigne pulled out his doubloons--and
+Jack did the same, coolly observing,--
+
+"I thought we were only to show silver, Ned!"
+
+"It needed not that," replied the gentleman; "your conduct in this
+affair, your manners and address, fully convince me that you are what
+you represent; but were you common peasants, I am equally indebted to
+you for my life, and you may command me.  Tell me in what way I can be
+of service."
+
+"In giving us something to eat, for we have had nothing for many, many
+hours.  After that we may, perhaps, trespass a little more upon your
+kind offices."
+
+"You must, of course, be surprised at what has passed, and curious to
+know the occasion," said the gentleman; "you have a right to be
+informed of it, and shall be, as soon as you are more comfortable; in
+the meantime, allow me to introduce myself as Don Rebiera de Silva."
+
+"I wish," said Jack, who, from his knowledge of Spanish, could
+understand the whole of the last part of the Don's speech, "that he
+would introduce us to his breakfast."
+
+"So do I," said Gascoigne; "but we must wait a little--he ordered the
+ladies to prepare something instantly."
+
+"Your friend does not speak Italian," said Don Rebiera. "No, Don
+Rebiera, he speaks French and Spanish." "If he speaks Spanish, my
+daughter can converse with him; she has but shortly arrived from
+Spain.  We are closely united with a noble house in that country."
+
+Don Rebiera then led the way to another room, and in a short time
+there was a repast brought in, to which our midshipmen did great
+justice.
+
+"I will now," said the Don, "relate to you, sir, for the information
+of yourself and friend, the causes which produced this scene of
+violence, which you so opportunely defeated.  But first, as it must be
+very tedious to your friend, I will send for Donna Clara and my
+daughter Agnes to talk to him; my wife understands a little Spanish,
+and my daughter, as I said before, has but just left the country,
+where, from circumstances, she remained some years."
+
+As soon as Donna Clara and Donna Agnes made their appearance and were
+introduced, Jack, who had not before paid attention to them, said to
+himself, "I have seen a face like that girl's before." If so, he had
+never seen many like it, for it was the quintessence of brunette
+beauty, and her figure was equally perfect; although, not having yet
+completed her fifteenth year, it required still a little more
+development.
+
+Donna Clara was extremely gracious, and as, perhaps, she was aware
+that her voice would drown that of her husband, she proposed to our
+hero to walk in the garden, and in a few minutes they took their seats
+in a pavilion at the end of it.  The old lady did not talk much
+Spanish, but when at a loss for a word, she put in an Italian one, and
+Jack understood her perfectly well.  She told him her sister had
+married a Spanish nobleman many years since, and that before the war
+broke out between the Spanish and the English they had gone over with
+all their children to see her; that when they wished to return, her
+daughter Agnes, then a child, was suffering under a lingering
+complaint, and it was thought advisable, as she was very weak, to
+leave her under the charge of her aunt, who had a little girl of
+nearly the same age; that they were educated together at a convent,
+near Tarragona, and that she had only returned two months ago; that
+she had a very narrow escape, as the ship in which her uncle, and
+aunt, and cousins, as well as herself, were on board, returning from
+Genoa, where her brother-in-law had been obliged to go to secure a
+succession to some property bequeathed to him, had been captured in
+the night by the English; but the officer, who was very polite, had
+allowed them to go away next day, and very handsomely permitted them
+to take all their effects.
+
+"Oh, oh," thought Jack; "I thought I had seen her face before; this
+then was one of the girls in the corner of the cabin--now I'll have
+some fun."
+
+During the conversation with the mother, Donna Agnes had remained some
+paces behind, picking now and then a flower, and not attending to what
+passed.
+
+When our hero and her mother sat down in the pavilion she joined then,
+when Jack addressed her with his usual politeness.
+
+"I am almost ashamed to be sitting by you, Donna Agnes, in this ragged
+dress--but the rocks of your coast have no respect for persons."
+
+"We are under great obligations, signor, and do not regard such
+trifles."
+
+"You are all kindness, signora," replied Jack; "I little thought this
+morning of my good fortune,--I can tell the fortunes of others, but
+not my own."
+
+"You can tell fortunes!" replied the old lady.
+
+"Yes, madame, I am famous for it--shall I tell your daughter hers?"
+Donna Agnes looked at our hero, and smiled.
+
+"I perceive that the young lady does not believe me; I must prove my
+art, by telling her of what has already happened to her. The signora
+will then give me credit."
+
+"Certainly, if you do that," replied Agnes.
+
+"Oblige me, by showing me the palm of your hand."
+
+Agnes extended her little hand, and Jack felt so very polite, that he
+was nearly kissing it.  However, he restrained himself, and examining
+the lines--
+
+"That you were educated in Spain--that you arrived here but two months
+ago--that you were captured and released by the English, your mother
+has already told me; but to prove to you that I knew all that, I must
+now be more particular.  You were in a ship mounting fourteen guns--
+was it not so?"
+
+Donna Agnes nodded her head. "I never told the signor that," cried
+Donna Clara.
+
+"She was taken by surprise in the night, and there was no fighting.
+The next morning the English burst open the cabin-door; your uncle and
+your cousin fired their pistols."
+
+"Holy Virgin!" cried Agnes, with surprise.
+
+"The English officer was a young man, not very good-looking."
+
+"There you are wrong, signor--he was very handsome."
+
+"There is no accounting for taste, signora. You were frightened out of
+your wits, and with your cousin you crouched down in the corner of the
+cabin.  Let me examine that little line closer.  You had--yes, it's no
+mistake--you had very little clothes on."
+
+Agnes tore away her hand and covered her face. "E vero, e vero; Holy
+Jesus! how could you know that?" Of a sudden Agnes looked at our hero,
+and after a minute appeared to recognise him. "Oh, mother, 'tis he--I
+recollect now, 'tis he!"
+
+"Who, my child?" replied Donna Clara, who had been struck dumb with
+Jack's astonishing power of fortune-telling.
+
+"The officer who captured us and was so kind." Jack burst out into a
+laughter not to be controlled for some minutes, and then acknowledged
+that she had discovered him.
+
+"At all events, Donna Agnes," said he at last, "acknowledge that,
+ragged as I am, I have seen you in a much greater dishabille."
+
+Agnes sprang up, and took to her heels, that she might hide her
+confusion, and at the same time go to her father and tell him who he
+had as his guest.
+
+Although Don Rebiera had not yet finished his narrative, this
+announcement of Agnes, who ran in breathless to communicate it,
+immediately brought all the parties together, and Jack received their
+thanks.
+
+"I little thought," said the Don, "that I should have been so doubly
+indebted to you, sir.  Command my services as you please, both of you.
+My sons are at Palermo, and I trust you will allow them the pleasure
+of your friendship when you are tired of remaining with us."
+
+Jack made his politest bow, and then with a shrug of his shoulders
+looked down upon his habiliments, which, to please Gascoigne, he had
+torn into ribands, as much as to say, "We are not provided for a
+lengthened stay."
+
+"My brothers' clothes will fit them, I think," said Agnes to her
+father; "they have left plenty in their wardrobes."
+
+"If the signors will condescend to wear them till they can replace
+their own." Midshipmen are very condescending.  They followed Don
+Rebiera, and condescended to put on clean shirts belonging to Don
+Philip and Don Martin.  Also to put on their trousers, to select their
+best waistcoats and coats; in short, they condescended to have a
+regular fit-out--and it so happened that the fit-out was not far from
+a regular fit.
+
+Having condescended, they then descended, and the intimacy between all
+parties became so great that it appeared as if they not only wore the
+young men's clothes but also stood in their shoes. Having thus made
+themselves presentable, Jack presented his hand to both ladies and led
+them into the garden, that Don Rebiera might finish his long story to
+Gascoigne without further interruption, and resuming their seats in
+the pavilion, he entertained the ladies with a history of his cruise
+in the ship after her capture.  Agnes soon recovered from her reserve,
+and Jack had the forbearance not to allude again to the scene in the
+cabin, which was the only thing she dreaded.  After dinner, when the
+family, according to custom, had retired for the siesta, Gascoigne and
+Jack, who had slept enough in the cart to last for a week, went out
+together in the garden.
+
+"Well, Ned," said Jack, "do you wish yourself on board the Harpy
+again?"
+
+"No," replied Gascoigne, "we have fallen on our feet at last, but
+still not without first being knocked about like peas in a rattle.
+What a lovely little creature that Agnes is!  How strange that you
+should fall in with her again!  How odd that we should come here!"
+
+"My good fellow, we did not come here.  Destiny brought us in a cart.
+She may take us to Tyburn in the same way."
+
+"Yes, if you sport your philosophy as you did when we awoke this
+morning."
+
+"Nevertheless, I'll be hanged if I'm not right.  Suppose we argue the
+point?"
+
+"Right or wrong, you will be hanged, Jack; so instead of arguing the
+point, suppose I tell you what the Don made such a long story about."
+
+"With all my heart--let us go to the pavilion." Our hero and his
+friend took their seats, and Gascoigne then communicated the history
+of Don Rebiera, to which we shall dedicate the ensuing chapter.
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+A long story, which the reader must listen to, as well as our hero.
+
+"I have already made you acquainted with my name, and I have only to
+add that it is one of the most noble in Sicily, and that there are few
+families who possess such large estates.  My father was a man who had
+no pleasure in the pursuits of most of the young men of his age; he
+was of a weakly constitution, and was with difficulty reared to
+manhood.  When his studies were completed he retired to his country
+seat belonging to our family, which is about twenty miles from
+Palermo, and shutting himself up, devoted himself wholly to literary
+pursuits.
+
+"As he was an only son, his parents were naturally very anxious that
+he should marry; the more so as his health did not promise him a very
+extended existence.  Had he consulted his own inclinations he would
+have declined, but he felt that it was his duty to comply with their
+wishes; but he did not trouble himself with the choice, leaving it
+wholly to them.  They selected a young lady of high family and
+certainly of most exquisite beauty.  I only wish I could say more in
+her favour--for she was my mother--but it is impossible to narrate the
+history without exposing her conduct.  The marriage took place, and my
+father--having woke up, as it were, at the celebration--again returned
+to his closet, to occupy himself in abstruse studies--the results of
+which have been published, and have fully established his reputation
+as a man of superior talent and deep research.  But, however much the
+public may appreciate the works of a man of genius, whether they be
+written to instruct or to amuse, certain it is that a literary man
+requires in his wife either a mind congenial to his own, or that pride
+in her husband's talents which induces her to sacrifice much of her
+own domestic enjoyment to the satisfaction of having his name extolled
+abroad.  I mention this point as some extenuation of my mother's
+conduct.  She was neglected most certainly, but not neglected for
+frivolous amusements, or because another form had captivated his
+fancy; but in his desire to instruct others, and I may add his
+ambition for renown, he applied himself to his literary pursuits,
+became abstracted, answered without hearing, and left his wife to
+amuse herself in any way she might please.  A literary husband is,
+without exception--although always at home--the least domestic husband
+in the world, and must try the best of tempers--not by unkindness, for
+my father was kind and indulgent to excess, but by that state of
+perfect abstraction and indifference which he, showed to everything
+except the favourite pursuit which absorbed him.  My mother had but to
+speak, and every wish was granted--a refusal was unknown. You may say,
+what could she want more? I reply, that anything to a woman is
+preferable to indifference.  The immediate consent to every wish took
+away, in her opinion, all merit in the grant--the value of everything
+is only relative, and in proportion to the difficulty of obtaining it.
+The immediate assent to every opinion was tantamount to insult--it
+implied that he did not choose to argue with her.
+
+"It is true that women like to have their own way--but they like at
+the same time to have difficulties to surmount and to conquer;
+otherwise half the gratification is lost. Although tempests are to be
+deplored, still a certain degree of oscillation an motion are
+requisite to keep fresh and clear the lake of matrimony, the waters of
+which otherwise soon stagnate and become foul, and without some
+contrary currents of opinion between a married couple such a
+stagnation must take place.
+
+"A woman permitted always and invariably to have her own way without
+control is much in the same situation as the child who insists upon a
+whole instead of half a holiday, and before the evening closes is
+tired of himself and everything about him.  In short, a little
+contradiction, like salt at dinner, seasons and appetises the repast;
+but too much, Eke the condiment in question, spoils the whole, and it
+becomes unpalatable in proportion to its excess.
+
+"My mother was a vain woman in every sense of the word--vain of her
+birth and of her beauty, and accustomed to receive that homage to
+which she considered herself entitled.  She had been spoiled in her
+infancy, and as she grew up had leant nothing, because she was
+permitted to do as she pleased; she was therefore frivolous, and could
+not appreciate what she could not comprehend. There never was a more
+ill-assorted union."
+
+"I have always thought that such must be the case," replied Gascoigne,
+"in Catholic countries, where a young person is taken out of a convent
+and mated according to what her family or her wealth may consider as
+the most eligible connection."
+
+"On that subject there are many opinions, my friend," replied Don
+Rebiera.  "It is true, that when a marriage of convenience is arranged
+by the parents, the dispositions of the parties are made a secondary
+point; but then, again, it must be remembered, that when a choice is
+left to the parties themselves, it is at an age at which there is
+little worldly consideration: and, led away, in the first place, by
+their passions, they form connections with those inferior in their
+station which are attended with eventual unhappiness; or, in the
+other, allowing that they do choose in their own rank of life, they
+make quite as bad or often a worse choice than if their partners were
+selected for them."
+
+"I cannot understand that," replied Gascoigne.
+
+"The reason is, because there are no means, or, if means, no wish, to
+study each other's disposition.  A young man is attracted by person,
+and he admires; the young woman is flattered by the admiration, and is
+agreeable; if she has any faults she is not likely to display them--
+not concealing them from hypocrisy, but because they are not called
+out. The young man falls in love, so does the young woman: and when
+once in love, they can no longer see faults; they marry, imagining
+that they have found perfection.  In the blindness of love each raises
+the other to a standard of perfection which human nature can never
+attain, and each becomes equally annoyed on finding, by degrees, that
+they were in error.  The re-action takes place, and they then
+under-rate, as much as before they had over-rated, each other. Now, if
+two young people marry without this violence of passion, they do not
+expect to find each other perfect, and perhaps have a better chance of
+happiness."
+
+"I don't agree with you," thought Gascoigne; "but as you appear to be
+as fond of argument as my friend Jack, I shall make no reply, lest
+there be no end to the story."
+
+Don Rebiera proceeded. "My mother, finding that my father preferred
+his closet and his books to gaiety and dissipation, soon left him to
+himself, and amused herself after her own fashion, but not until I was
+born, which was ten months after their marriage.  My father was
+confiding, and, pleased that my mother should be amused, he indulged
+her in everything. Time flew on, and I had arrived at my fifteenth
+year, and came home from my studies, it being intended that I should
+enter the army, which you are aware is generally the only profession
+embraced in this country by the heirs of noble families.  Of course, I
+knew little of what had passed at home, but still I had occasionally
+heard my mother spoken lightly of, when I was not supposed to be
+present, and I always heard my father's name mentioned with
+compassion, as if an ill-used man, but I knew nothing more: still this
+was quite sufficient for a young man, whose blood boiled at the idea
+of anything like a stigma being cast upon his family.  I arrived at my
+father's--I found him at his books; I paid my respects to my mother,--
+I found her with her confessor.  I disliked the man at first sight; he
+was handsome, certainly: his forehead was high and white, his eyes
+large and fiery, and his figure commanding; but there was a dangerous,
+proud look about him which disgusted me,--nothing like humility or
+devotion. I might have admired him as an officer commanding a regiment
+of cavalry, but as a churchman he appeared to be most misplaced. She
+named me with kindness, but he appeared to treat me with disdain; he
+spoke authoritatively to my mother, who appeared to yield implicitly,
+and I discovered that he was lord of the whole household. My mother,
+too, it was said, had given up gaieties and become devout. I soon
+perceived more than a common intelligence between them, and before I
+had been two months at home I had certain proofs of my father's
+dishonour; and, what was still more unfortunate for me, they were
+aware that such was the case.
+
+"My first impulse was to acquaint my father; but, on consideration, I
+thought it better to say nothing, provided I could persuade my mother
+to dismiss Father Ignatio.  I took an opportunity when she was alone
+to express my indignation at her conduct, and to demand his immediate
+dismissal, as a condition of my not divulging her crime.  She appeared
+frightened, and gave her consent; but I soon found that her confessor
+had more power with her than I had, and he remained.  I now resolved
+to acquaint my father, and I roused him from his studies that he might
+listen to his shame. I imagined that he would have acted calmly and
+discreetly; but, on the contrary, his violence was without bounds, and
+I had the greatest difficulty from preventing his rushing with his
+sword to sacrifice them both.  At last he contented himself by turning
+Father Ignatio out of the house in the most ignominious manner, and
+desiring my mother to prepare for seclusion in a convent for the
+remainder of her days. But he fell their victim; three days
+afterwards, as my mother was, by his directions, about to be removed,
+he was seized with convulsions, and died.
+
+"I need hardly say that he was carried off by poison; this, however,
+could not be established till long afterwards. Before he died he
+seemed to be almost supernaturally prepared for an event which never
+came into my thoughts.  He sent for another confessor, who drew up his
+confession in writing at his own request, and afterwards inserted it
+in his will. My mother remained in the house, and Father Ignatio had
+the insolence to return.  I ordered him away, and he resisted.  He was
+turned out by the servants. I had an interview with my mother, who
+defied me, and told me that I should soon have a brother to share in
+the succession. I felt that, if so, it would be the illegitimate
+progeny of her adultery, and told her my opinion. She expressed her
+rage in the bitterest curses, and I left her. Shortly afterwards she
+quitted the house and retired to another of our country seats, where
+she lived with Father Ignatio as before.  About four months
+afterwards, formal notice was sent to me of the birth of a brother;
+but as when my father's will was opened, he there had inserted his
+confession, or the substance of it, in which he stated, that aware of
+my mother's guilt, and supposing that consequences might ensue, he
+solemnly declared before God that he had for years lived apart, I
+cared little for this communication. I contented myself with replying
+that as the child belonged to the church, it had better be dedicated
+to its service.
+
+"I had, however, soon reason to acknowledge the vengeance of my mother
+and her paramour.  One night I was attacked by bravos; and had I not
+fortunately received assistance, I should have forfeited my life; as
+it was, I received a severe wound.
+
+"Against attempts of that kind I took every precaution in future, but
+still every attempt was made to ruin my character, as well as to take
+my life.  A young sister disappeared from a convent in my
+neighbourhood, and on the ground near the window from which she
+descended was found a hat, recognised to be mine. I was proceeded
+against, and notwithstanding the strongest interest, it was with
+difficulty that the affair was arranged, although I had incontestably
+proved an alibi.
+
+"A young man of rank was found murdered, with a stiletto, known to be
+mine, buried in his bosom, and it was with difficulty that I could
+establish my innocence.
+
+"Part of a banditti had been seized, and on being asked the name of
+their chief, when they received absolution, they confessed that I was
+the chief of the band.
+
+"Everything that could be attempted was put into practice; and if I
+did not lose my life, at all events I was avoided by almost everybody
+as a dangerous and doubtful character.
+
+"At last a nobleman of rank, the father of Don Scipio, whom you
+disarmed, was assassinated; the bravos were taken, and they
+acknowledged that I was the person who hired them. I defended myself,
+but the king imposed upon me a heavy fine and banishments I had just
+received the order, and was crying out against the injustices and
+lamenting my hard fate, as I sat down to dinner.  Latterly, aware of
+what my enemies would attempt, I had been accustomed to live much
+alone.  My faithful valet Pedro was my only attendant.  I was eating
+my dinner with little appetite, and had asked for some wine. Pedro
+went to the buffet behind him to give me what I required. Accidentally
+I lifted up my head, and there being a large pier-glass opposite to
+me, I saw the figure of my valet, and that he was pouring a powder in
+the flagon of wine which he was about to present to me. I recollected
+the hat being found at the nunnery, and also the stiletto in the body
+of the young man.
+
+"Like lightning it occurred to me, that I had been fostering the viper
+who had assisted to destroy me.  He brought me the flagon. I rose,
+locked the door, and drawing my sword, I addressed him--'Villain! I
+know thee; down on your knees, for your life is forfeited.'
+
+"He turned pale, trembled, and sank upon his knees. 'Now then,'
+continued I, 'you have but one chance either drink off this flagon of
+wine, or I pass my sword through your body.' He hesitated, and I put
+the point to his breast,--even pierced the flesh a quarter of an inch.
+
+"'Drink,' cried I, 'is it so very unjust an order to tell you to drink
+old wine?  Drink,' continued I, 'or my sword does its duty.'
+
+"He drank, and would then have quitted the room.  'No, no,' said I,
+'you remain here, and the wine must have its effect.  If I have
+wronged you I will make amends to you--but I am suspicious.'
+
+"In about a quarter of an hour, during which time I paced up and down
+the room, with my sword drawn, my servant fell down, and cried in
+mercy to let him have a priest. I sent for my own confessor, and he
+then acknowledged that he was an agent of my mother and Father
+Ignatio, and had been the means of making it appear that I was the
+committer of all the crimes and murders which had been perpetrated by
+them, with a view to my destruction.  A strong emetic having been
+administered to him, he partially revived, and was taken to Palermo,
+where he gave his evidence before he expired.
+
+"When this was made known, the king revoked his sentence, apologised
+to me, and I found that once more I was visited and courted by
+everybody.  My mother was ordered to be shut up in a convent, where
+she died, I trust, in grace; and Father Ignatio fled to Italy, and I
+have been informed is since dead.
+
+"Having thus rid myself of my principal enemies, I considered myself
+safe.  I married the lady whom you have just seen, and before my
+eldest son was born, Don Silvio, for such was the name given to my
+asserted legitimate brother, came of age, and demanded his succession.
+Had he asked me for a proper support, as my uterine brother, I should
+not have refused; but that the son of Friar Ignatio, who had so often
+attempted my life, should, in case of my decease, succeed to the title
+and estates, was not to be borne.  A lawsuit was immediately
+commenced, which lasted four or five years, during which Don Silvio
+married, and had a son, that young man whom you heard me address by
+the same name; but after much litigation, it was decided that my
+father's confessor and will had proved his illegitimacy, and the suit
+was in my favour. From that time to this, there has been a constant
+enmity.  Don Silvio refused all my offers of assistance, and followed
+me with a pertinacity which often endangered my life. At last he fell
+by the hands of his own agents, who mistook him for me. Don Silvio
+died without leaving any provision for his family; his widow I
+pensioned, and his son I have had carefully brought up, and have
+indeed treated most liberally, but he appears to have imbibed the
+spirit of his father, and no kindness has been able to embue him with
+gratitude.
+
+"He had lately been placed by me in the army, where he found out my
+two sons, and quarrelled with them both upon slight pretence; but, in
+both instances, he was wounded and carried off the field.
+
+"My two sons have been staying with me these last two months, and did
+not leave till yesterday.  This morning Don Silvio, accompanied by Don
+Scipio, came to the house, and after accusing me of being the murderer
+of both their parents, drew their rapiers to assassinate me.  My wife
+and child, hearing the noise, came down to my assistance--you know the
+rest."
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+In which our hero is brought up all standing under a press of sail.
+
+Our limits will not permit us to relate all that passed during our
+hero's stay of a fortnight at Don Rebiera's.  He and Gascoigne were
+treated as if they were his own sons, and the kindness of the female
+part of the family was equally remarkable.  Agnes, naturally perhaps,
+showed a preference or partiality for Jack: to which Gascoigne
+willingly submitted, as he felt that our hero had a prior and stronger
+claim, and during the time that they remained a feeling of attachment
+was created between Agnes and the philosopher, which, if not love, was
+at least something very near akin to it, but the fact was, that they
+were both much too young to think of marriage; and, although they
+walked and talked, and laughed, and played together, they were always
+at home in time for their dinner. Still, the young lady thought she
+preferred our hero, even to her brothers, and Jack thought that the
+young lady was the prettiest and kindest girl that he had ever met
+with.  At the end of the fortnight, our two midshipmen took their
+leave, furnished with letters of recommendation to many of the first
+nobility in Palermo, and mounted on two fine mules with bell bridles.
+The old Donna kissed them both--the Don showered down his blessings of
+good wishes, and Donna Agnes' lips trembled as she bade them adieu;
+and, as soon as they were gone, she went up to her chamber and wept.
+Jack also was very grave, and his eyes moistened at the thoughts of
+leaving Agnes. Neither of them were aware, until the hour of parting,
+how much they had wound themselves together.
+
+The first quarter of an hour our two midshipmen followed their guide
+in silence.  Jack wished to be left to his own thoughts, and Gascoigne
+perceived it.
+
+"Well, Easy," said Gascoigne, at last, "if I had been in your place,
+constantly in company of, and loved by, that charming girl, I could
+never have tom myself away."
+
+"Loved by her, Ned!" replied Jack, "what makes you say that?" "Because
+I am sure it was the case; she lived but in your presence. Why, if you
+were out of the room, she never spoke a word, but sat there as
+melancholy as a sick monkey--the moment you came in again, she beamed
+out as glorious as the sun, and was all life and spirit."
+
+"I thought people were always melancholy when they were in love,"
+replied Jack.
+
+"When those that they love are out of their presence."
+
+"Well, then, I am out of her presence, and I feel very melancholy, so
+I suppose, by your argument, I am in love.  Can a man be in love
+without knowing it?"
+
+"I really cannot say, Jack; I never was in love myself, but I've seen
+many others spoony.  My time will come, I suppose, by-and-bye.  They
+say, that for every man made, there is a woman also made to fit him,
+if he could only find her.  Now, it's my opinion that you have found
+yours--I'll lay my life she's crying at this moment."
+
+"Do you really think so, Ned? let's go back--poor little Agnes--let's
+go back; I feel I do love her, and I'll tell her so." "Pooh, nonsense!
+it's too late now; you should have told her that before, when you
+walked with her in the garden."
+
+"But I did not know it, Ned.  However, as you say, it would be foolish
+to turn back, so I'll write to her from Palermo."
+
+Here an argument ensued upon love, which we shall not trouble the
+reader with, as it was not very profound, both sides knowing very
+little on the subject.  It did, however, end with our hero being
+convinced that he was desperately in love, and he talked about giving
+up the service as soon as he arrived at Malta.  It is astonishing what
+sacrifices midshipmen will make for the objects of their adoration.
+
+It was not until late in the evening that our adventurers arrived at
+Palermo.  As soon as they were lodged at the hotel, Gascoigne sat down
+and wrote a letter in their joint names to Don Rebiera, returning him
+many thanks for his great kindness, informing him of their safe
+arrival, and trusting that they should soon meet again: and Jack took
+up his pen, and indicted a letter in Spanish to Agnes, in which he
+swore that neither tide nor time, nor water, nor air, nor heaven, nor
+earth, nor the first lieutenant, nor his father, nor absence, nor
+death itself, should prevent him from coming back and marrying her,
+the first convenient opportunity, begging her to refuse a thousand
+offers, as come back he would, although there was no saying when.  It
+was a perfect love letter, that is to say, it was the essence of
+nonsense; but that made it perfect, for the greater the love the
+greater the folly.
+
+These letters were consigned to the man who was sent as their guide,
+and also had to return with the mules.  He was liberally rewarded;
+and, as Jack told him to be very careful of his letter, the Italian
+naturally concluded that it was to be delivered clandestinely, and he
+delivered it accordingly, at a time when Agnes was walking in the
+garden thinking of our hero.  Nothing was more opportune than the
+arrival of the letter; Agnes ran to the pavilion, read it over twenty
+times, kissed it twenty times, and hid it in her bosom; sat for a few
+minutes in deep and placid thought, took the letter out of its
+receptacle, and read it over and over again.  It was very bad Spanish,
+and very absurd, but she thought it delightful, poetical, classical,
+sentimental, argumentative, convincing, incontrovertible, imaginative
+and even grammatical; for if it was not good Spanish, there was no
+Spanish half so good.  Alas!  Agnes was indeed unsophisticated, to be
+in such ecstasies with a midshipman's love letter.  Once more she
+hastened to her room to weep, but it was from excess of joy and
+delight. The reader may think Agnes silly, but he must take into
+consideration the climate, and that she was not yet fifteen.
+
+Our young gentlemen sent for a tailor, and each ordered a new suit of
+clothes; they delivered their letters of recommendation, and went to
+the banker to whom they were addressed by Don Rebiera.
+
+"I shall draw for ten pounds, Jack," said Gascoigne, "on the strength
+of the shipwreck; I shall tell the truth, all except that we forgot to
+ask for leave, which I shall leave out; and I am sure the story will
+be worth ten pounds.  What shall you draw for, Jack?"
+
+"I shall draw for two hundred pounds," replied Jack; "I mean to have a
+good cruise while I can."
+
+"But will your Governor stand that, Easy?"
+
+"To be sure he will."
+
+"Then you're right--he is a philosopher--I wish he'd teach mine, for
+he hates the sight of a bill."
+
+"Then don't you draw, Ned--I have plenty for both.  If every man had
+his equal share and rights in the world, you would be as able to draw
+as much as I; and as you cannot, upon the principles of equality you
+shall have half."
+
+"I really shall become a convert to your philosophy, Jack; it does not
+appear to be so nonsensical as I thought it.  At all events, it has
+saved my old Governor ten pounds, which he can ill afford, as a
+colonel on half-pay."
+
+On their return to the inn, they found Don Philip and Don Martin, to
+whom Don Rebiera had written, who welcomed them with open arms.  They
+were two very fine young men of eighteen and nineteen, who were
+finishing their education in the army.  Jack asked them to dinner, and
+they and our hero soon became inseparable.  They took him to all the
+theatres, the conversaziones of all the nobility, and as Jack lost his
+money with good humour, and was a very handsome fellow, he was
+everywhere well received and was made much of: many ladies made love
+to him, but Jack was only very polite, because he thought more and
+more of Agnes every day.  Three weeks passed away like lightning, and
+neither Jack nor Gascoigne thought of going back.  At last, one fine
+day H.M. frigate Aurora anchored in the bay, and Jack and Gascoigne,
+who were at a party at the Duke of Pentaro's, met with the captain of
+the Aurora, who was also invited.  The Duchess introduced them to
+Captain Tartar, who imagining them, from their being in plain clothes,
+to be young Englishmen of fortune on their travels, was very gracious
+and condescending.  Jack was so pleased with his urbanity that he
+requested the pleasure of his company to dinner the next day: Captain
+Tartar accepted the invitation, and they parted shaking hands, with
+many expressions of pleasure in having made his acquaintance.  Jack's
+party was rather large, and the dinner sumptuous.  The Sicilian
+gentlemen did not drink much wine: but Captain Tartar liked his
+bottle, and although the rest of the company quitted the table to go
+to a ball given that evening by the Marquesa Novara, Jack was too
+polite not to sit it out with the captain: Gascoigne closed his chair
+to Jack's, who, he was afraid, being a little affected with the wine,
+would "let the cat out of the bag."
+
+The captain was amazingly entertaining.  Jack told him how happy he
+should be to see him at Forest Hill, which property the captain
+discovered to contain six thousand acres of land, and also that Jack
+was an only son; and Captain Tartar was quite respectful when he found
+that he was in such very excellent company.  The captain of the
+frigate inquired of Jack what brought him out here, and Jack, whose
+prudence was departing, told him that he came in his Majesty's ship
+Harpy. Gascoigne gave Jack a nudge, but it was of no use, for as the
+wine got into Jack's brain, so did his notions of equality.
+
+"Oh! Wilson gave you a passage; he's an old friend of mine."
+
+"So he is of ours," replied Jack; "he's a devilish good sort of a
+fellow, Wilson."
+
+"But where have you been since you came out?" inquired Captain Tartar.
+
+"In the Harpy," replied Jack; "to be sure, I belong to her."
+
+"You belong to her! in what capacity, may I ask?" inquired Captain
+Tartar in a much less respectful and confidential tone.
+
+"Midshipman," replied Jack; "so is Mr Gascoigne."
+
+"Umph! you are on leave then?"
+
+"No, indeed," replied Jack; "I'll tell you how it is, my dear fellow."
+
+
+"Excuse me for one moment," replied Captain Tartar, rising up; "I must
+give some directions to my servant which I forgot."
+
+Captain Tartar hailed his coxswain out of the window, gave orders just
+outside of the door, and then returned to the table.  In the meantime,
+Gascoigne, who expected a breeze, had been cautioning Jack, in a low
+tone, at intervals, when Captain Tartar's back was turned: but it was
+useless; the extra quantity of wine had got into Jack's head, and he
+cared nothing for Gascoigne's remonstrance. When the captain resumed
+his seat at the table, Jack gave him the true narrative of all that
+had passed, to which his guest paid the greatest attention. Jack wound
+up his confidence by saying, that in a week or so he should go back to
+Don Rebiera and propose for Donna Agnes.
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Captain Tartar, drawing his breath with astonishment,
+and compressing his lip.
+
+"Tartar, the wine stands with you," said Jack, "allow me to help you."
+Captain Tartar threw himself back in his chair, and let all the air
+out of his chest with a sort of whistle, as if he could hardly contain
+himself.
+
+"Have you had wine enough?" said Jack, very politely; "if so, we will
+go to the Marquesa's."
+
+The coxswain came to the door, touched his hat to the captain, and
+looked significantly.
+
+"And so, sir," cried Captain Tartar, in a voice of thunder, rising
+from his chair, "you're a d---d runaway midshipman, who, if you
+belonged to my ship, instead of marrying Donna Agnes, I would marry
+you to the gunner's daughter, by G--d; two midshipmen sporting plain
+clothes in the best society in Palermo, and having the impudence to
+ask a post-captain to dine with them!  To ask me and address me as
+'Tartar,' and 'my dear fellow!' you infernal young scamps!" continued
+Captain Tartar, now boiling with rage, and striking his fist on the
+table so as to set all the glasses waltzing.
+
+"Allow me to observe, sir," said Jack, who was completely sobered by
+the address, 'that we do not belong to your ship, and that we are in
+plain clothes.'
+
+"In plain clothes--midshipmen in mufti--yes, you are so: a couple of
+young swindlers, without a sixpence in your pocket, passing yourselves
+off as young men of fortune, and walking off through the window
+without paying your bill."
+
+"Do you mean to call me a swindler, sir," replied Jack.
+
+"Yes, sir, you--"
+
+"Then you lie!" exclaimed our hero in a rage.  "I am a
+gentleman, sir--I am sorry I cannot pay you the same compliment."
+
+The astonishment and rage of Captain Tartar took away his breath.  He
+tried to speak, but could not--he gasped, and gasped, and then sat or
+almost fell down in his chair--at last he recovered himself.
+
+"Matthews--Matthews!"
+
+"Sir," replied the coxswain, who had remained at the door.
+
+"The sergeant of marines."
+
+"Here he is, sir." The sergeant entered, and raised the back of his
+hand to his hat.
+
+"Bring your marines in--take charge of these two.  Directly you are on
+board, put them both legs in irons."
+
+The marines with their bayonets walked in and took possession of our
+hero and Gascoigne.
+
+"Perhaps, sir," replied Jack, who was now cool again, "you will permit
+us to pay our bill before we go on board.  We are no swindlers, and it
+is rather a heavy one--or, as you have taken possession of our
+persons, you will, perhaps, do us the favour to discharge it
+yourself"; and Jack threw on the table a heavy purse of dollars.  "I
+have only to observe, Captain Tartar, that I wish to be very liberal
+to the waiters."
+
+"Sergeant, let them pay their bill," said Captain Tartar in a more
+subdued tone, taking his hat and sword, and walking out of the room.
+
+"By heavens, Easy, what have you done?--you will be tried by a
+court-martial, and turned out of the service."
+
+"I hope so," replied Jack; "I was a fool to come into it.  But he
+called me a swindler, and I would give the same answer to-morrow."
+
+"If you are ready, gentlemen," said the sergeant who had been long
+enough with Captain Tartar to be aware that to be punished by him was
+no proof of fault having been committed.
+
+"I will go and pack up our things, Easy, while you pay the bill," said
+Gascoigne.  "Marine, you had better come with me."
+
+In less than half an hour, our hero and his comrade, instead of
+finding themselves at the Marquesa's ball, found themselves very
+comfortably in irons under the half-deck of his Majesty's frigate,
+Aurora.
+
+We shall leave them, and return to Captain Tartar, who had proceeded
+to the ball, to which he had been invited.  On his entering he was
+accosted by Don Martin and Don Philip, who inquired what had become of
+our hero and his friend.  Captain Tartar who was in no very good
+humour, replied briskly, "that they were on board his ship in irons."
+
+"In irons! for what?" exclaimed Don Philip. "Because, sir, they are a
+couple of young scamps who have introduced themselves into the best
+company, passing themselves off as people of consequence, when they
+are only a couple of midshipmen who have run away from their ship."
+
+Now the Rebieras knew very well that Jack and his friend were
+midshipmen; but this did not appear to them any reason why they should
+not be considered as gentlemen, and treated accordingly.
+
+"Do you mean to say, signor," said Don Philip, "that you have accepted
+their hospitality, laughed, talked, walked arm-in-arm with them,
+pledged them in wine, as we have seen you this evening, and after they
+have confided in you that you have put them in irons?"
+
+"Yes, sir, I do," replied Captain Tartar.
+
+"Then, by Heaven, you have my defiance, and you are no gentleman!"
+replied Don Philip, the elder.
+
+"And I repeat my brother's words, sir," cried Don Martin. The two
+brothers felt so much attachment for our hero, who had twice rendered
+such signal service to their family, that their anger was without
+bounds.
+
+In every other service but the English navy there is not that power of
+grossly insulting and then sheltering yourself under your rank; nor is
+it necessary for the discipline of any service.  To these young
+officers, if the power did exist, the use of such power under such
+circumstances appeared monstrous, and they were determined, at all
+events, to show to Captain Tartar that in society, at least, it could
+be resented.  They collected their friends, told them what had passed,
+and begged them to circulate it through the room.  This was soon done,
+and Captain Tartar found himself avoided.  He went up to the Marquesa
+and spoke to her, she turned her head the other way.  He addressed a
+count he had been conversing with the night before--he turned short
+round upon his heel, while Don Philip and Don Martin walked up and
+down talking, so that he might hear what they said, and looking at him
+with eyes flashing with indignation.  Captain Tartar left the ballroom
+and returned to the inn, more indignant than ever.  When he rose the
+next morning he was informed that a gentleman wished to speak with
+him; he sent up his card as Don Ignatio Verez, colonel commanding the
+fourth regiment of infantry.  On being admitted, he informed Captain
+Tartar that Don Philip de Rebiera wished to have the pleasure of
+crossing swords with him, and requested to know when it would be
+convenient for Captain Tartar to meet him.
+
+It was not in Captain Tartar's nature to refuse a challenge; his
+courage was unquestionable, but he felt indignant that a midshipman
+should be the cause of his getting into such a scrape.  He accepted
+the challenge, but having no knowledge of the small sword, refused to
+fight unless with pistols.  To this the colonel raised no objections,
+and Captain Tartar despatched his coxswain with a note to his second
+lieutenant, for he was not on good terms with his first.  The meeting
+took place--at the first fire the ball of Don Philip passed through
+Captain Tartar's brain, and he instantly fell dead.  The second
+lieutenant hastened on board to report the fatal result of the
+meeting, and shortly after, Don Philip and his brother, with many of
+their friends, went off in the Governor's barge to condole with our
+hero.
+
+The first lieutenant, now captain "pro tempore," received them
+graciously, and listened to their remonstrances relative to our hero
+and Gascoigne.
+
+"I have never been informed by the captain of the grounds of complaint
+against the young gentlemen," replied he, "and have therefore no
+charge to prefer against them.  I shall therefore order them to be
+liberated.  But as I learn that they are officers belonging to one of
+his Majesty's ships lying at Malta, I feel it my duty, as I sail
+immediately, to take them there and send them on board of their own
+ship."
+
+Jack and Gascoigne were then taken out of irons and permitted to see
+Don Philip, who informed them that he had revenged the insult, but
+Jack and Gascoigne did not wish to go on shore again after what had
+passed.  After an hour's conversation, and assurances of continued
+friendship, Don Philip, his brother, and their friends, took leave of
+our two midshipmen, and rowed on shore.
+
+And now we must be serious. We do not write these novels merely to
+amuse,--we have always had it in our view to instruct, and it must not
+be supposed that we have no other end in view than to make the reader
+laugh.  If we were to write an elaborate work, telling truths, and
+plain truths, confining ourselves only to point out errors and to
+demand reform, it would not be read; we have therefore selected this
+light and trifling species of writing, as it is by many denominated,
+as a channel through which we may convey wholesome advice in a
+palatable shape.  If we would point out an error, we draw a character,
+and although that character appears to weave naturally into the tale
+of fiction, it becomes as much a beacon as it is a vehicle of
+amusement.  We consider this to be the true art of novel writing, and
+that crime and folly and error can be as severely lashed as virtue and
+morality can be upheld, by a series of amusing causes and effects,
+that entice the reader to take a medicine, which, although rendered
+agreeable to the palate, still produces the same internal benefit, as
+if it had been presented to him in its crude state, in which it would
+either be refused or nauseated.
+
+In our naval novels, we have often pointed out the errors which have
+existed, and still do exist, in a service which is an honour to its
+country; for what institution is there on earth that is perfect, or
+into which, if it once was perfect, abuses will not creep?
+Unfortunately, others have written to decry the service, and many have
+raised up their voices against our writings, because they felt that,
+in exposing error, we were exposing them.  But to this we have been
+indifferent; we felt that we were doing good, and we have continued.
+To prove that we are correct in asserting that we have done good, we
+will, out of several, state one single case.
+
+In "The King's Own," a captain, when requested to punish a man
+instanter for a fault committed, replies that he never has and never
+will punish a man until twenty-four hours after the offence, that he
+may not be induced by the anger of the moment to award a severer
+punishment than in his cooler moments he might think commensurate and
+that he wished that the Admiralty would give out an order to that
+effect.
+
+Some time after the publication of that work, the order was given by
+the Admiralty, forbidding the punishment until a certain time had
+elapsed after the offence; and we had the pleasure of knowing from the
+first lord of the Admiralty of the time, that it was in consequence of
+the suggestion in the novel.
+
+If our writings had effected nothing else, we might still lay down our
+pen with pride and satisfaction: but they have done more, much more;
+and while they have amused the reader, they have improved the service:
+they have held up in their characters a mirror, in which those who
+have been in error may see their own deformity, and many hints which
+have been given have afterwards returned to the thoughts of those who
+have had an influence, have been considered as their own ideas, and
+have been acted upon.  The conduct of Captain Tartar may be considered
+as a libel on the service--is it not? The fault of Captain Tartar was
+not in sending them on board, or even putting them in irons as
+deserters, although, under the circumstances, he might have shown more
+delicacy.  The fault was in stigmatising a young man as a swindler,
+and the punishment awarded to the error is intended to point out the
+moral, that such an abuse of power should be severely visited.  The
+greatest error now in our service, is the disregard shown to the
+feelings of the junior officers in the language of their superiors:
+that an improvement has taken place I grant, but that it still exists,
+to a degree injurious to the service, I know too well.  The articles
+of war, as our hero was informed by his captain, were equally binding
+on officers and crew; but what a dead letter do they become if
+officers are permitted to break them with impunity!  The captain of a
+ship will turn the hands up to punishment, read the article of war for
+the transgressing of which the punishment is inflicted, and to show at
+that time their high respect for the articles of war, the captain and
+every officer take off their hats.  The moment the hands are piped
+down, the second article of war, which forbids all swearing, etc, in
+derogation of God's honour is immediately disregarded.  We are not
+strait-laced,--we care little about an oath as a mere expletive; we
+refer now to swearing at others, to insulting their feelings grossly
+by coarse and intemperate language.  We would never interfere with a
+man for d---g his own eyes, but we deny the right of his d---g those
+of another.
+
+The rank of a master in the service is above that of a midshipman, but
+still the midshipman is a gentleman by birth, and the master,
+generally speaking, is not.  Even at this moment, in the service, if
+the master were to d--n the eyes of a midshipman, and tell him that he
+was a liar, would there be any redress, or if so, would it be
+commensurate to the insult?  If a midshipman were to request a
+court-martial, would it be granted? certainly not.  And yet this is a
+point of more importance than may be conceived.  Our service has been
+wonderfully improved since the peace, and those who are now permitted
+to enter it must be gentlemen.  We know that even now there are many
+who cry out against this as dangerous, and injurious to the service;
+as if education spoilt an officer, and the scion of an illustrious
+house would not be more careful to uphold an escutcheon without
+blemish for centuries than one who has little more than brute courage;
+but those who argue thus are the very people who are injurious to the
+service, for they can have no other reason, except that they wish that
+the juniors may be tyrannised over with impunity.
+
+Be it remembered that these are not the observations of a junior
+officer, smarting under insult--they are the result of deep and calm
+reflection.  We have arrived to that grade, that, although we have the
+power to inflict, we are too high to receive insult, but we have not
+forgotten how our young blood has boiled when wanton, reckless, and
+cruel torture has been heaped upon our feelings, merely because, as a
+junior officer, we were not in a position to retaliate, or even to
+reply.  And another evil is, that this great error is disseminated. In
+observing on it, in one of our works, called "Peter Simple," we have
+put the following true observation in the mouth of O'Brien. Peter
+observes, in his simple, right-minded way--
+
+"I should think, O'Brien, that the very circumstance of having had
+your feelings so often wounded by such language when you were a junior
+officer would make you doubly careful not to use it towards others,
+when you had advanced in the service."
+
+"Peter, that's just the first feeling, which wears away after a time,
+till at last your own sense of indignation becomes blunted, and
+becomes indifferent to it: you forget, also, that you wound the
+feelings of others, and carry the habit with you, to the great injury
+and disgrace of the service."
+
+Let it not be supposed that in making these remarks we want to cause
+litigation, or insubordination.  On the contrary, we assert that this
+error is the cause, and eventually will be much more the cause, of
+insubordination; for as the junior officers who enter the service are
+improved, so will they resist it.  The complaint here is more against
+the officers than the captains, whose power has been perhaps already
+too much curtailed by late regulations: that power must remain, for
+although there may be some few who are so perverted as to make those
+whom they command uncomfortable, in justice to the service we are
+proud to assert, that the majority acknowledge, by their conduct, that
+the greatest charm attached to power is to be able to make so many
+people happy.
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+Our hero is sick with the service, but recovers with proper medicine.
+An argument, ending, as most do, in a blow up.  Mesty lectures upon
+craniology.
+
+The day after the funeral, H.M. ship Aurora sailed for Malta, and on
+her arrival the acting captain sent our two midshipmen on board the
+Harpy without any remark, except "victualled the day discharged," as
+they had been borne on the ship's books as supernumeraries.
+
+Mr James, who was acting in the Aurora, was anxious to join the
+Admiral at Toulon, and intended to sail the next day.  He met Captain
+Wilson at the Governor's table, and stated that Jack and Gascoigne had
+been put in irons by order of Captain Tartar; his suspicions, and the
+report, that the duel had in consequence taken place; but Gascoigne
+and Jack had both agreed that they would not communicate the events of
+their cruise to anybody on board of the Aurora; and therefore nothing
+else was known, except that they must have made powerful friends
+somehow or another; and there appeared in the conduct of Captain
+Tartar, as well as in the whole transaction, somewhat of a mystery.
+
+"I should like to know what happened to my friend Jack, who fought the
+duel," said the Governor, who had laughed at it till he held his
+sides; "Wilson, do bring him here to-morrow morning, and let us have
+his story."
+
+"I am afraid of encouraging him, Sir Thomas, he is much too wild
+already.  I told you of his first cruise.  He has nothing but
+adventures, and they all end too favourably."
+
+"Well, but you can send for him here and blow him up just as well as
+in your own cabin, and then we will have the truth out of him."
+
+"That you certainly will," replied Captain Wilson, "for he tells it
+plainly enough."
+
+"Well, to oblige me, send for him. I don't see he was much to blame in
+absconding, as it appears he thought he would be hung.  I want to see
+the lad."
+
+"Well, Governor, if you wish it," replied Captain Wilson, who wrote a
+note to Mr Sawbridge, requesting he would send Mr Easy to him at the
+Governor's house at ten o'clock in the morning.
+
+Jack made his appearance in his uniform--he did not much care for what
+was said to him, as he was resolved to leave the service.  He had been
+put in irons, and the iron had entered into his soul.
+
+Mr Sawbridge had gone on shore about an hour before Jack had been sent
+on board, and he had remained on shore all the night.  He did not
+therefore see Jack but for a few minutes, and thinking it his duty to
+say nothing to him at first, or to express his displeasure, he merely
+observed to him that the captain would speak to him as soon as he came
+on board.  As Gascoigne and our hero did not know how far it might be
+safe, even at Malta, to acknowledge to what occurred on board the
+speronare, which might get wind, they did not even tell their
+messmates, resolving only to confide it to the captain.
+
+When Jack was ushered into the presence of the captain, he found him
+sitting with the Governor, and the breakfast on the table ready for
+them.  Jack walked in with courage, but respectfully.  He was fond of
+Captain Wilson, and wished to show him respect.  Captain Wilson
+addressed him, pointed out that he had committed a great error in
+fighting a duel--a greater error in demeaning himself by fighting the
+purser's steward, and still greater in running away from his ship.
+Jack looked respectfully to Captain Wilson, acknowledged that he had
+done wrong, and promised to be more careful another time, if Captain
+Wilson would look over it.
+
+"Captain Wilson, allow me to plead for the young gentleman," said the
+Governor; "I am convinced that it has only been an error in judgment."
+
+"Well, Mr Easy, as you express your contrition, and the Governor
+interferes in your behalf, I shall take no more notice of this.  But
+recollect, Mr Easy, that you have occasioned me a great deal of
+anxiety by your mad pranks, and I trust another time you will remember
+that I am too anxious for your welfare not to be uncomfortable when
+you run such risks.  You may now go on board to your duty, and tell
+Mr. Gascoigne to do the same; and pray let us hear of no more duels or
+running away."
+
+Jack, whose heart softened at this kind treatment, did not venture to
+speak; he made his bow and was about to quit the room, when the
+Governor said--
+
+"Mr Easy, you have not breakfasted?"
+
+"I have, sir," replied Jack, "before I came on shore."
+
+"But a midshipman can always eat two breakfasts, particularly when his
+own comes first; so sit down and breakfast with us--it's all over
+now."
+
+"Even if it was not," replied Captain Wilson, laughing,
+
+"I doubt whether it would spoil Mr Easy's breakfast.  Come, Mr Easy,
+sit down."
+
+Jack bowed, and took his chair, and proved that his lecture had not
+taken away his appetite.  When breakfast was over, Captain Wilson
+observed--
+
+"Mr Easy, you have generally a few adventures to speak of when you
+return, will you tell the Governor and me what has taken place since
+you left us?"
+
+"Certainly, sir," replied Jack; "but I venture to request that it may
+be under the promise of secrecy, for it's rather important to me and
+Gascoigne."
+
+"Yes, if secrecy is really necessary, my boy; but I'm the best judge
+of that," replied the Governor.
+
+Jack then entered into a detail of his adventures, which we have
+already described, much to the astonishment of the Governor and his
+captain, and concluded his narration by stating that he wanted to
+leave the service; he hoped that Captain Wilson would discharge him
+and send him home.
+
+"Pooh, nonsense!" said the Governor, "you shan't leave the
+Mediterranean while I am here.  No, no--you must have more adventures,
+and come back and tell them to me.  And recollect, my lad, that
+whenever you come to Malta, there is a bed at the Governor's house,
+and a seat at his table, always ready for you."
+
+"You are very kind, Sir Thomas," replied Jack, "but--" "No buts at
+all, sir--you shan't leave the service!  Besides, recollect that I can
+ask for leave of absence for you to go and see Donna Agnes.  Ay, and
+send you there, too."
+
+Captain Wilson also remonstrated with our hero, and he gave up the
+point.  It was harsh treatment which made him form the resolution it
+was kindness which overcame it.
+
+"With your permission, Captain Wilson, Mr Easy shall dine with us
+to-day, and bring Gascoigne with him. You shall first scold him, and
+I'll console him with a good dinner.  And, boy, don't be afraid to
+tell your story everywhere.  Sit down and tell it at Nix Mangare
+stairs, if you please.  I'm Governor here!"
+
+Jack made his obeisance, and departed. "The lad must be treated
+kindly, Captain Wilson," said the Governor; "he would be a loss to the
+service.  Good heavens, what adventures, and how honestly he tells
+everything!  I shall ask him to stay with me for the time you are
+here, if you will allow me: I want to make friends with him--he must
+not leave the service."
+
+Captain Wilson, who felt that kindness and attention would be more
+effectual with our hero than any other measures, gave his consent to
+the Governor's proposition.  So Jack ate at the Governor's table, and
+took lessons in Spanish and Italian until the Harpy had been refitted,
+after heaving down.  Before she was ready a vessel arrived from the
+fleet, directing Captain Wilson to repair to Mahon and send a
+transport, lying there, to procure live bullocks for the fleet. Jack
+did not join his ship very willingly, but he had promised the Governor
+to remain in the service, and he went on board the evening before she
+sailed.  He had been living so well that he had, at first, a horror of
+midshipman's fare, but a good appetite seasons everything, and Jack
+soon complained that there was not enough.  He was delighted to see
+Jolliffe and Mesty after so long an absence; he laughed at the
+boatswain's cheeks, inquired after the purser's steward's shot-holes,
+shook hands with Gascoigne and his other messmates, gave Vigors a
+thrashing, and then sat down to supper.
+
+"Ah, Massa Easy, why you take a cruise without me?" said Mesty; "dat
+very shabby.  By de power, but I wish I was there.  You ab too much
+danger, Massa Easy, without Mesty, anyhow."
+
+The next day the Harpy sailed, and Jack went to his duty.  Mr Asper
+borrowed ten pounds, and our hero kept as much watch as he pleased,
+which, as watching did not please him, was very little.  Mr Sawbridge
+had long conversations with our hero, pointing out to him the
+necessity of discipline and obedience in the service, and that there
+was no such thing as equality, and that the rights of man secured to
+everyone the property which he held in possession.
+
+"According to your ideas, Mr Easy, a man has no more right to his wife
+than anything else, and any other man may claim her."
+
+Jack thought of Agnes, and he made matrimony an exception, as he
+continued to argue the point; but although he argued, still his
+philosophy was almost upset at the idea of any one disputing with him
+the rights of man, with respect to Agnes.
+
+The Harpy made the African coast, the wind continued contrary, and
+they were baffled for many days; at last they espied a brig under the
+land, about sixteen miles off; her rig and appearance made Captain
+Wilson suspect that she was a privateer of some description or
+another, but it was calm, and they could not approach her.
+Nevertheless Captain Wilson thought it his duty to examine her; so at
+ten o'clock at night the boats were hoisted out: as this was merely
+intended for a reconnoitre, for there was no saying what she might be,
+Mr Sawbridge did not go.  Mr Asper was in the sick list, so Mr
+Smallsole the master had the command of the expedition.
+
+Jack asked Mr Sawbridge to let him have charge of one of the boats.
+Mr Jolliffe and Mr Vigors went in the pinnace with the master.  The
+gunner had the charge of one cutter, and our hero had the command of
+the other. Jack, although not much more than seventeen, was very
+strong and tall for his age; indeed he was a man grown, and shaved
+twice a-week.  His only object in going was to have a yarn for the
+Governor when he returned to Malta.  Mesty went with him, and, as the
+boat shoved off, Gascoigne slipped in, telling Jack that he was come
+to take care of him, for which considerate kindness Jack expressed his
+warmest thanks.  The orders to the master were very explicit; he was
+to reconnoitre the vessel, and if she proved heavily armed not to
+attack, for she was embayed, and could not escape the Harpy as soon as
+there was wind.  If not armed he was to board her, but he was to do
+nothing till the morning: the reason for sending the boats away so
+soon was, that the men might not suffer from the heat of the sun
+during the daytime, which was excessive, and had already put many men
+on the sick list. The boats were to pull to the bottom of the bay, not
+to go so near as to be discovered, and then drop their grapnels till
+daylight. The orders were given to Mr Smallsole in presence of the
+other officers who were appointed to the boats, that there might be no
+mistake, and the boats then shoved off.
+
+After a three hours' pull, they arrived to where the brig lay
+becalmed, and, as they saw no lights moving on board, they supposed
+they were not seen.  They dropped their grapnels in about seven
+fathoms water and waited for daylight.  When Jack heard Captain
+Wilson's orders that they were to lie at anchor till daylight, he had
+sent down Mesty for fishing-lines, as fresh fish is always agreeable
+in a midshipman's berth: he and Gascoigne amused themselves this way,
+and as they pulled up the fish they entered into an argument, and Mr
+Smallsole ordered them to be silent.  The point which they discussed
+was relative to boat service; Gascoigne insisted that the boats should
+all board at once--while our hero took it into his head that it was
+better they should come up one after another; a novel idea, but Jack's
+ideas on most points were singular.
+
+"If you throw your whole force upon the decks at once, you overpower
+them," observed Gascoigne; "if you do not you are beaten in detail."
+
+"Very true," replied Jack, "supposing that you have an overpowering
+force, or they are not prepared; but recollect, that if they are, the
+case is altered; for instance, as to fire-arms--they fire theirs at
+the first boat, and they have not time to re-load, when the second
+comes up with its fire reserved; every fresh boat arriving adds to the
+courage of those who have boarded, and to the alarm of those who
+defend; the men come on fresh and fresh.  Depend upon it, Gascoigne,
+there is nothing like a 'corps de reserve'."
+
+"Will you keep silence in your boat, Mr Easy, or will you not?" cried
+the master; "you're a disgrace to the service, sir."
+
+"Thank ye, sir," replied Jack, in a low tone.  "I've another bite
+Ned." Jack and his comrade continued to fish in silence till the day
+broke.  The mist rolled off the stagnant water, and discovered the
+brig, who, as soon as she perceived the boats, threw out the French
+tricolour, and fired a gun of defiance.
+
+Mr Smallsole was undecided; the gun fired was not a heavy one, and so
+Mr Jolliffe remarked; the men, as usual, anxious for the attack,
+asserted the same, and Mr Smallsole, afraid of retreating from the
+enemy and being afterwards despised by the ship's company, ordered the
+boats to weigh their grapnels.
+
+"Stop a moment, my lads," said Jack to his men, "I've got a bite." The
+men laughed at Jack's taking it so easy, but he was their pet; and
+they did stop for him to pull up his fish, intending to pull up to the
+other boats and recover their loss of a few seconds.
+
+"I've hooked him now," said Jack; "you may up with the grapnel while I
+up with the fish." But this delay gave the other boats a start of a
+dozen strokes of their oars, which was a distance not easy to be
+regained.
+
+"They will be aboard before us, sir," said the coxswain.
+
+"Never mind that", replied Jack; "someone must be last."
+
+"But not the boat I am in," replied Gascoigne; "if I could help it."
+
+"I tell you," replied Jack, "we shall be the 'corps de reserve,' and
+have the honour of turning the scale in our favour."
+
+"Give way, my lads," cried Gascoigne, perceiving the other boats still
+kept their distance ahead of them, which was about a cable's length.
+
+"Gascoigne, I command the boat," said Jack, "and I do not wish my men
+to board without any breath in their bodies--that's a very unwise
+plan.  A steady pull, my lads, and not too much exertion."
+
+"By heavens, they'll take the vessel before we get alongside."
+
+"Even if they should, I am right, am I not, Mesty?"
+
+"Yes, Massa Easy, you very right--suppose they take vessel without
+you, they no want you--suppose they want you, you come." And the
+negro, who had thrown his jacket off, bared his arm, as if he intended
+mischief.
+
+The first cutter, commanded by the gunner, now gained upon the launch,
+and was three boat's-lengths ahead of her when she came alongside. The
+brig poured in her broadside--it was well directed, and down went the
+boat.
+
+"Cutter's sunk," exclaimed Gascoigne; "by heavens! give way, my men."
+
+"Now, don't you observe, that had we all three been pulling up
+together, the broadside would have sunk us all?" said Jack, very
+composedly.
+
+"There's board in the launch--give way, my men, give way," said
+Gascoigne, stamping with impatience.
+
+The reception was evidently warm; by the time that the launch had
+poured in her men, the second cutter was close under the brig's
+quarter--two more strokes and she was alongside; when of a sudden, a
+tremendous explosion took place on the deck of the vessel, and bodies
+and fragments were hurled up in the air.  So tremendous was the
+explosion, that the men of the second cutter, as if transfixed,
+simultaneously stopped pulling, their eyes directed to the volumes of
+smoke which poured through the ports, and hid the whole of the masts
+and rigging of the vessel.
+
+"Now's your time, my lads, give way, and alongside," cried our hero.
+The men, reminded by his voice, obeyed--but the impetus already given
+to the boat was sufficient.  Before they could drop their oars in the
+water they grazed against the vessel's sides, and, following Jack,
+were in a few seconds on the quarter-deck of the vessel.  A dreadful
+sight presented itself--the whole deck was black, and corpses lay
+strewed; their clothes on them still burning, and among the bodies lay
+fragments of what once were men.
+
+The capstern was unshipped and turned over on its side--the binnacles
+were in remnants, and many of the ropes ignited.  There was not one
+person left on deck to oppose them.
+
+As they afterwards learned from some of the men who had saved their
+lives by remaining below, the French captain had seen the boats before
+they anchored, and had made every preparation; he had filled a large
+ammunition chest with cartridges for the guns, that they might not
+have to hand them up.  The conflict between the men of the pinnace and
+the crew of the vessel was carried on near the capstern, and a pistol
+fired had accidentally communicated with the powder, which blew up in
+the very centre of the dense and desperate struggle.
+
+The first object was to draw water and extinguish the flames, which
+were spreading over the vessel; as soon as that was accomplished, our
+hero went aft to the taffrail, and looked for the cutter which had
+been sunk. "Gascoigne, jump into the boat with four men--I see the
+cutter floats a quarter of a mile astern: there may be someone alive
+yet. I think now I see a head or two."
+
+Gascoigne hastened away, and soon returned with three of the cutter's
+men; the rest had sunk, probably killed or wounded by the discharge of
+the broadside.
+
+"Thank God, there's three saved!" said Jack, "for we have lost too
+many.  We must now see if any of these poor fellows are yet alive, and
+clear the decks of the remnants of those who have been blown to
+pieces. I say, Ned, where should we have been if we had boarded with
+the pinnace?"
+
+"You always fall upon your feet, Easy," replied Gascoigne; "but that
+does not prove that you are right."
+
+"I see there's no convincing you, Ned, you are so confoundedly fond of
+argument.  However, I've no time to argue now--we must look to these
+poor fellows; some are still alive."
+
+Body after body was thrown through the ports, the habiliments, in most
+cases, enabling them to distinguish whether it was that of a departed
+friend or foe.
+
+Jack turned round, and observed Mesty with his foot on a head which
+had been blown from the trunk.
+
+"What are you about, Mesty?"
+
+"Massa Easy, I look at dis, and I tink it Massa Vigors' head, and den
+I tink dis skull of his enemy nice present make to little Massa
+Gossett; and den I tink again, and I say, no, he dead and nebber
+thrash any more--so let him go overboard."
+
+Jack turned away, forgiving Vigors in his heart; he thought of the
+petty animosities of a midshipman's berth, as he looked at the
+blackened portion of a body half an hour before possessing intellect.
+
+"Massa Easy," said Mesty, "I tink you say right, anyhow, when you say
+forgive: den, Massa Vigors," continued Mesty, taking up the head by
+the singed hair, and tossing it out of the port; "you really very bad
+man--but Ashantee forgive you."
+
+"Here's somebody alive," said Gascoigne to Jack, examining a body, the
+face of which was black as a cinder and not to be recognised, "and he
+is one of our men, too, by his dress."
+
+Our hero went up to examine, and to assist Gascoigne in disengaging
+the body from a heap of ropes and half-burnt tarpaulings with which it
+was entangled.  Mesty followed, and looking at the lower extremities
+said, "Massa Easy, dat Massa Jolliffe; I know him trousers; marine
+tailor say he patch um for ever, and so old dat de thread no hold;
+yesterday he had dis patch put in, and marine tailor say he be d--n if
+he patch anymore, please nobody."
+
+Mesty was right; it was poor Jolliffe, whose face was burnt as black
+as a coal by the explosion.  He had also lost three fingers of the
+left hand, but as soon as he was brought out on the deck he appeared
+to recover, and pointed to his mouth for water, which was instantly
+procured.
+
+"Mesty," said Jack, "I leave you in charge of Mr Jolliffe; take every
+care of him till I can come back."
+
+The investigation was then continued, and four English sailors found
+who might be expected to recover, as well as about the same number of
+Frenchmen; the remainder of the bodies were then thrown overboard. The
+hat only of the master was picked up between the guns, and there were
+but eleven Frenchmen found below.
+
+The vessel was the Franklin, a French privateer of ten guns and
+sixty-five men, of which, eight men were away in prizes.  The loss on
+the part of the vessel was forty-six killed and wounded.  On that of
+the Harpy, it was five drowned in the cutter, and eighteen blown up
+belonging to the pinnace, out of which total of twenty-three, they had
+only Mr Jolliffe and five seamen alive.
+
+"The Harpy is standing in with a breeze from the offing," said
+Gascoigne to Easy.
+
+"So much the better, for I am sick of this, Ned; there is something so
+horrible in it, and I wish I was on board again. I have just been to
+Jolliffe; he can speak a little; I think he will recover. I hope so,
+poor fellow; he will then obtain his promotion, for he is the
+commanding officer of all us who are left."
+
+"And if he does," replied Gascoigne, "he can swear that it was by
+having been blown up which spoilt his beauty--but here comes the
+Harpy. I have been looking for an English ensign to hoist over the
+French, but cannot find one; so I hoist a wheft over it,--that will
+do."
+
+The Harpy was soon hove--to close to the brig, and Jack went on board
+in the cutter to report what had taken place.  Captain Wilson was much
+vexed and grieved at the loss of so many men: fresh hands were put in
+the cutter to man the pinnace, and he and Sawbridge both went on board
+to witness the horrible effects of the explosion as described by our
+hero.
+
+Jolliffe and the wounded men were taken on board, and all of them
+recovered.  We have before stated how disfigured the countenance of
+poor Mr Jolliffe had been by the small-pox--so severely was it burned
+that the whole of the countenance came off in three weeks like a mask,
+and every one declared that, seamed as it still was, Mr Jolliffe was
+better looking than he was before.  It may be as well here to state,
+that Mr Jolliffe not only obtained his promotion, but a pension for
+his wounds, and retired from the service.  He was still very plain,
+but as it was known that he had been blown up, the loss of his eye as
+well as the scars on his face were all put down to the same accident,
+and he excited interest as a gallant and maimed officer.  He married,
+and lived contented and happy to a good old age.
+
+The Harpy proceeded with her prize to Mahon. Jack, as usual, obtained
+a great deal of credit; whether he deserved it, or whether, as
+Gascoigne observed, he always fell upon his feet, the reader may
+decide from our narrative; perhaps there was a little of both. The
+seamen of the Harpy, if summoned in a hurry, used very often to reply,
+"Stop a minute, I've got a bite": as for Jack, he often said to
+himself, "I have a famous good yarn for the Governor."
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIIII
+
+Jack goes on another cruise--Love and diplomacy--Jack proves himself
+as clever for three, and upsets all the arrangements of the high
+contracting powers.
+
+A few days after the arrival of the Harpy at Port Mahon a cutter came
+in with despatches from the Admiral.  Captain Wilson found that he was
+posted into the Aurora frigate, in which a vacancy had been made by
+the result of our hero's transgressions.
+
+Mr Sawbridge was raised to the rank of commander, and appointed to the
+command of the Harpy.  The Admiral informed Captain Wilson that he
+must detain the Aurora until the arrival of another frigate, hourly
+expected, and then she would be sent down to Mahon for him to take the
+command of her.  Further, he intimated that a supply of live bullocks
+would be very agreeable, and begged that he would send to Tetuan
+immediately.
+
+Captain Wilson had lost so many officers that he knew not whom to
+send: indeed, now he was no longer in command of the Harpy, and there
+was but one lieutenant and no master or master's mate. Gascoigne and
+Jack were the only two serviceable midshipmen, and he was afraid to
+trust them on any expedition in which expedition was required.
+
+"What shall we do, Sawbridge? shall we send Easy or Gascoigne, or
+both, or neither?--for if the bullocks are not forthcoming, the
+Admiral will not let them off as we do."
+
+"We must send somebody, Wilson," replied Captain Sawbridge, "and it is
+the custom to send two officers, as one receives the bullocks on
+board, while the other attends to the embarkation."
+
+"Well, then send both, Sawbridge, but lecture them well first." "I
+don't think they can get into any mischief there," replied Sawbridge;
+"and it's such a hole that they will be glad to get away from it."
+
+Easy and Gascoigne were summoned, listened very respectfully to all
+Captain Sawbridge said, promised to conduct themselves with the utmost
+propriety, received a letter to the vice-consul, and were sent with
+their hammocks and chests in the cabin on board the Eliza, Ann, brig,
+of two hundred and sixteen tons, chartered by government--the master
+and crew of which were all busy forward heaving up their anchors.
+
+The master of the transport came aft to receive them: he was short,
+red-haired young man, with hands as broad as the flappers of a turtle;
+he was broad-faced, broad-shouldered, well freckled, and pug-nosed;
+but if not very handsome he was remarkably good humoured. As soon as
+the chests and hammocks were on deck, he told them that when he could
+get the anchor up and make sail, he would give them some bottled
+porter.  Jack proposed that he should get the porter up, and they
+would drink it while he got the anchor up, as it would save time.
+
+"It may save time, mayhap, but it won't save porter," replied the
+master; "however, you shall have it."
+
+He called the boy, ordered him to bring up the porter, and then went
+forward. Jack made the boy bring up two chairs, put the porter on the
+companion hatch, and he and Gascoigne sat down.  The anchor was
+weighed, and the transport ran out under her foretopsail, as they were
+light-handed, and had to secure the anchor.  The transport passed
+within ten yards of the Harpy, and Captain Sawbridge, when he
+perceived the two midshipmen taking it so very easy, sitting in their
+chairs with their legs crossed, arms folded, and their porter before
+them, had a very great mind to order the transport to heave-to, but he
+could spare no other officer, so he walked away saying to himself,
+"There'll be another yarn for the Governor, or I'm mistaken."
+
+As soon as sail was made on the transport, the master, whose name was
+Hogg, came up to our hero, and asked him how he found the porter. Jack
+declared that he never could venture an opinion upon the first
+bottle--"So, Captain Hogg, we'll trouble you for a second"--after which
+they troubled him for a third--begged for a fourth--must drink his
+health in a fifth--and finally pointed out the propriety of making up
+the half-dozen. By this time they found themselves rather light-headed;
+so, desiring Captain Hogg to keep a sharp lookout, and not to call
+them on any account whatever, they retired to their hammocks.
+
+The next morning they awoke late; the breeze was fresh and fair: they
+requested Captain Hogg not to consider the expense, as they would pay
+for all they ate and drank, and all he did, into the bargain, and
+promised him a fit-out when they got to Tetuan.
+
+What with this promise and calling him captain, our hero and Gascoigne
+won the master's heart, and being a very good tempered fellow, they
+did what they pleased.  Jack also tossed a doubloon to the men for
+them to drink on their arrival, and all the men of the transport were
+in a transport at Jack's coming to "reign over them." It must be
+acknowledged that Jack's reign was, for the most part of it, "happy
+and glorious." At last they arrived at Tetuan, and our Pylades and
+Orestes went on shore to call upon the vice-consul, accompanied by
+Captain Hogg.  They produced their credentials, and demanded bullocks.
+
+The vice-consul was a very young man, short and thin, and
+light-haired; his father had held the situation before him, and he had
+been appointed his successor because nobody else had thought the
+situation worth applying for.  Nevertheless, Mr Hicks was impressed
+with the immense responsibility of his office.  It was, however, a
+place of some little emolument at this moment, and Mr Hicks had plenty
+on his hands besides his sister, who, being the only English lady
+there, set the fashion of the place, and usurped all the attention of
+the gentlemen mariners who occasionally came for bullocks.  But Miss
+Hicks knew her own importance, and had successively refused three
+midshipmen, one master's mate, and an acting purser. African bullocks
+were plentiful at Tetuan, but English ladies were scarce; moreover,
+she had a pretty little fortune of her own, to wit, three hundred
+dollars in a canvas bag, left her by her father, and entirely at her
+own disposal.
+
+Miss Hicks was very like her brother, except that she was more
+dumpling in her figure, with flaxen hair; her features were rather
+pretty, and her skin very fair.  As soon as the preliminaries had been
+entered into, and arrangements made in a small room with bare walls,
+which Mr Hicks denominated his office, they were asked to walk into
+the parlour to be introduced to the vice-consul's sister.  Miss Hicks
+tossed her head at the two midshipmen, but smiled most graciously at
+Captain Hogg.  She knew the relative ranks of midshipman and captain.
+After a short time she requested the honour of Captain Hogg's company
+to dinner, and begged that he would bring his midshipmen with him, at
+which Jack and Gascoigne looked at each other and burst out in a
+laugh, and Miss Hicks was very near rescinding the latter part of her
+invitation.
+
+As soon as they were out of the house, they told the captain to go on
+board and get all ready whilst they walked round the town.  Having
+peeped into every part of it, and stared at Arabs, Moors, and Jews,
+till they were tired, they proceeded to the landing-place, where they
+met the captain, who informed them that he had done nothing, because
+the men were all drunk with Jack's doubloon. Jack replied that a
+doubloon would not last for ever, and that the sooner they drank it
+out the better.  They then returned to the vice-consul's, whom they
+requested to procure for them fifty dozen of fowls, twenty sheep, and
+a great many other articles which might be obtained at the place; for,
+as Jack said, they would live well going up to Toulon, and if there
+were any of the stock left they would give them to the Admiral, for
+Jack had taken the precaution to put his father's philosophy once more
+to the proof before he quitted Mahon. As Jack gave such a liberal
+order, and the vice-consul cheated him out of at least one-third of
+what he paid, Mr Hicks thought he could do no less than offer beds to
+our midshipmen as well as to Captain Hogg; so, as soon as dinner was
+over, they ordered Captain Hogg to go on board and bring their things
+on shore, which he did.
+
+As the time usual for transports remaining at Tetuan before they could
+be completed with bullocks was three weeks, our midshipmen decided
+upon staying at least so long if they could find anything to do; or if
+they could not, doing nothing was infinitely preferable to doing duty.
+So they took up their quarters at the vice-consul's, sending for
+porter and other things which were not to be had but from the
+transport; and Jack, to prove that he was not a swindler, as Captain
+Tartar had called him, gave Captain Hogg a hundred dollars on account,
+for Captain Hogg had a large stock of porter and English luxuries,
+which he had brought out as a venture, and of which he had still a
+considerable portion left. As, therefore, our midshipmen not only were
+cheated by the vice-consul, but they also supplied his table.  Mr
+Hicks was very hospitable, and everything was at their service except
+Miss Julia, who turned up her nose at a midshipman, even upon full
+pay; but she made great advances to the captain, who, on his part, was
+desperately in love: so the mate and the men made all ready for the
+bullocks, Jack and Gascoigne made themselves comfortable, and Captain
+Hogg made love, and thus passed the first week.
+
+The chamber of Easy and Gascoigne was at the top of the house, and
+finding it excessively warm, Gascoigne had forced his way up to the
+flat roof above (for the houses are all built in that way in most
+Mahomedan countries, to enable the occupants to enjoy the cool of the
+evening, and sometimes to sleep there).  Those roofs, where houses are
+built next to each other, are divided by a wall of several feet, to
+insure that privacy which the Mahomedan customs demand.
+
+Gascoigne had not been long up there before he heard the voice of a
+female, singing a plaintive air in a low tone, on the other side of
+the wall.  Gascoigne sang well himself, and having a very fine ear, he
+was pleased with the correctness of the notes, although he had never
+heard the air before.  He leant against the wall, smoked his cigar,
+and listened.  It was repeated again and again at intervals; Gascoigne
+soon caught the notes, which sounded so clear and pure in the silence
+of the night.
+
+At last they ceased, and having waited another half-hour in vain, our
+midshipman returned to his bed, humming the air which had so pleased
+his ear.  It haunted him during his sleep, and rang in his ears when
+he awoke, as it is well known any new air that pleases us will do.
+Before breakfast was ready, Gascoigne had put English words to it, and
+sang them over and over again.  He inquired of the vice-consul who
+lived in the next house, and was answered, that it was an old Moor,
+who was reported to be wealthy, and to have a daughter, whom many of
+the people had asked in marriage, but whether for her wealth or for
+her beauty he could not tell; he had, however, heard that she was very
+handsome.  Gascoigne made no further inquiries, but went out with Jack
+and Captain Hogg, and on board to see the water got in for the
+bullocks.
+
+"Where did you pick up that air, Gascoigne?  It is very pretty, but I
+never heard you sing it before."
+
+Gascoigne told him, and also what he had heard from Mr Hicks. "I am
+determined, Jack, to see that girl if I can.  Hicks can talk Arabic
+fast enough; just ask him the Arabic for these words--'Don't be
+afraid--I love you--I cannot speak your tongue', and put them down on
+paper as they are pronounced."
+
+Jack rallied Gascoigne upon his fancy, which could end in nothing.
+"Perhaps not," replied Gascoigne; "and I should have cared nothing
+about it, if she had not sung so well. I really believe the way to my
+heart is through my ear;--however, I shall try to-night, and soon find
+if she has the feeling which I think she has.  Now let us go back; I'm
+tired of looking at women with garments up to their eyes, and men in
+dirt up to their foreheads."
+
+As they entered the house they heard an altercation between Mr and
+Miss Hicks. "I shall never give my consent, Julia; one of those
+midshipmen you turn your nose up at is worth a dozen Hoggs."
+
+"Now, if we only knew the price of a hog in this country," observed
+Easy, "we should be able to calculate our exact value, Ned."
+
+"A hog, being an unclean animal, is not--"
+
+"Hush," said Jack.
+
+"Mr Hicks," replied Miss Julia, "I am mistress of myself and my
+fortune, and I shall do as I please."
+
+"Depend upon it, you shall not, Julia. I consider it my duty to
+prevent you from making an improper match: and, as his Majesty's
+representative here, I cannot allow you to marry this young man."
+
+"Mercy on us!" said Gascoigne, "his Majesty's representative!"
+
+"I shall not ask your consent," replied the lady.
+
+"Yes, but you shall not marry without my consent.  I have, as you
+know, Julia, from my situation here, as one of his Majesty's 'corps
+diplomatick,' great power, and I shall forbid the banns; in fact, it
+is only I who can marry you."
+
+"Then I'll marry elsewhere."
+
+"And what will you do on board of the transport until you are able to
+be married?"
+
+"I shall do as I think proper," replied the lady; "and I'll thank you
+for none of your indelicate insinuations."
+
+So saying, the lady bounced out of the room into her own, and our
+midshipmen then made a noise in the passage to intimate that they had
+come in.  They found Mr Hicks looking very red and vice-consular
+indeed, but he recovered himself; and Captain Hogg making his
+appearance, they went to dinner; but Miss Julia would not make her
+appearance, and Mr Hicks was barely civil to the captain, but he was
+soon afterwards called out, and our midshipmen went into the office to
+enable the two lovers to meet.  They were heard then talking together,
+and after a time they said less, and their language was more tender.
+
+"Let us see what's going on, Jack," said Gascoigne; and they walked
+softly, so as to perceive the two lovers, who were too busy to be on
+the look-out.
+
+Captain Hogg was requesting a lock of his mistress's hair.  The plump
+Julia could deny him nothing; she let fall her flaxen tresses, and
+taking out the scissors cut off a thick bunch from her hair behind,
+which she presented to the captain; it was at least a foot and a half
+long, and an inch in circumference.  The captain took it in his
+immense hand, and thrust it into his coat-pocket behind, but one
+thrust down to the bottom would not get it in, so he thrust again and
+again until it was all coiled away like a cable in a tier.
+
+"That's a liberal girl," whispered Jack, "she gives by wholesale what
+it will take some time to retail.  But here comes Mr Hicks, let's give
+them warning; I like Hogg, and as she fancies pork, she shall have it,
+if I can contrive to help them."
+
+That night Gascoigne went again on the roof, and after waiting some
+time heard the same air repeated: he waited until it was concluded,
+and then, in a very low tone, sung it himself to the words he had
+arranged for it.  For some time all was silent, and then the singing
+recommenced, but it was not to the same air.  Gascoigne waited until
+the new air had been repeated several times, and then, giving full
+scope to his fine tenor voice, sang the first air again.  It echoed
+through the silence of the night air, and then he waited, but in vain;
+the soft voice of the female was heard no more, and Gascoigne retired
+to rest.
+
+This continued for three or four nights, Gascoigne singing the same
+airs the ensuing night that he had heard the preceding, until at last
+it appeared that the female had no longer any fear, but changed the
+airs so as to be amused with the repetition of them next evening. On
+the fifth night she sang the first air, and our midshipman responding,
+she then sang another, until she had sung them all, waiting each time
+for the response.  The wall was not more than eight feet high, and
+Gascoigne now determined, with the assistance of Jack, to have a sight
+of his unknown songstress.  He asked Captain Hogg to bring on shore
+some inch line, and he contrived to make a ladder with three or four
+poles which were upstairs, used for drying linen.  He fixed them
+against the wall without noise, all ready for the evening.  It was a
+beautiful, clear moonlight night, when he went up, accompanied by
+Jack.  The air was again sung, and repeated by Gascoigne, who then
+softly mounted the ladder, held by Jack, and raised his head above the
+wall; he perceived a young Moorish girl, splendidly dressed,
+half-lying on an ottoman, with her eyes fixed upon the moon, whose
+rays enabled him to observe that she was indeed beautiful.  She
+appeared lost in contemplation; and Gascoigne would have given the
+world to have divined her thoughts.  Satisfied with what he had seen,
+he descended, and singing one of the airs, he then repeated the words,
+"Do not be afraid--I love you--I cannot speak your language." He then
+sang another of the airs, and after he had finished he again repeated
+the words in Arabic; but there was no reply.  He sang the third air,
+and again repeated the words, when, to his delight, he heard an answer
+in Lingua Franca.
+
+"Can you speak in this tongue?"
+
+"Yes," replied Gascoigne, "I can, Allah be praised!  Be not afraid--I
+love you."
+
+"I know you not; who are you? you are not of my people."
+
+"No, but I will be anything that you wish.  I am a Frank, and an
+English officer."
+
+At this reply of Gascoigne there was a pause.
+
+"Am I then despised?" said Gascoigne.
+
+"No, not despised; but you are not of my people, or of my land; speak
+no more, or you will be heard."
+
+"I obey," replied Gascoigne, "since you wish it; but I shall pine till
+to-morrow's moon.  I go to dream of you.  Allah protect you!"
+
+"How amazingly poetical you were in your language, Ned," said Easy,
+when they went down into their room.
+
+"To be sure, Jack, I've read the Arabian Nights.  You never saw such
+eyes in your life; what a houri she is!"
+
+"Is she as handsome as Agnes, Ned?"
+
+"Twice as handsome by moonlight."
+
+"That's all moonshine, and so will be your courting, for it will come
+to nothing."
+
+"Not if I can help it."
+
+"Why, Gascoigne, what would you do with a wife?"
+
+"Just exactly what you would do, Jack."
+
+"I mean, my dear Ned, can you afford to marry?"
+
+"Not while the old Governor lives, but I know he has some money in the
+funds.  He told me one day that I could not expect more than three
+thousand pounds.  You know I have sisters."
+
+"And before you come into that you'll have three thousand children."
+
+"That's a large family, Jack," replied Gascoigne, bursting out into
+laughter, in which our hero joined.
+
+"Well, you know I only wanted to argue the point with you."
+
+"I know that, Jack.  But I think we're counting our chickens before
+they are hatched, which is foolish."
+
+"In every other case except when we venture upon matrimony."
+
+"Why, Jack, you're becoming quite sensible."
+
+"My wisdom is for my friends, my folly for myself.  Good-night."
+But Jack did not go to sleep.
+
+"I must not allow Gascoigne to do such a foolish thing," thought he.
+"Marry a dark girl on midshipman's pay, if he succeeds--get his throat
+cut if he does not."
+
+As Jack said, his wisdom was for his friends, and he was so generous
+that he reserved none for his own occasions.
+
+Miss Julia Hicks, as we before observed, set the fashions at Tetuan,
+and her style of dress was not unbecoming.  The Moorish women wore
+large veils, or they may be called what you will, for their
+head-dresses descend to their heels at times and cover the whole body,
+leaving an eye to peep with, and hiding everything else. Now Miss
+Hicks found this much more convenient than the bonnet, as she might
+walk out in the heat of the sun without burning her fair skin, and
+stare at everybody and everything without being stared at in return.
+She therefore never went out without one of these overalls, composed
+of several yards of fine muslin.  Her dress in the house was usually
+of coloured sarcenet, for a small vessel came into the port one day
+during her father's lifetime, unloaded a great quantity of bales of
+goods with English marks, and, as the vessel had gone out in ballast,
+there was a surmise on his part by what means they came into the
+captain's possession.  He therefore cited the captain up to the
+Governor, but the affair was amicably arranged by the vice-consul
+receiving about one quarter of the cargo in bales of silks and
+muslins. Miss Hicks had therefore all her dresses of blue, green, and
+yellow sarcenet, which, with the white muslin overall, made her as
+conspicuous as the only Frankish lady in the town had a right to be,
+and there was not a dog which barked in Tetuan which did not know the
+sister of the vice-consul, although few had seen her face.
+
+Now it occurred to Jack, as Gascoigne was determined to carry on his
+amour, that in case of surprise it would be as well if he dressed
+himself as Miss Hicks.  He proposed it to Gascoigne the next morning,
+who approved of the idea, and in the course of the day, when Miss
+Hicks was busy with Captain Hogg, he contrived to abstract one of her
+dresses and muslin overalls, which he could do in safety, as there
+were plenty of them, for Miss Hicks was not troubled with
+mantua-makers' bills.
+
+When Gascoigne went up on the roof the ensuing night, he put on the
+apparel of Miss Hicks, and looked very like her as far as figure went,
+although a little taller.  He waited for the Moorish girl to sing, but
+she did not; so he crept up the ladder and looked over the wall, when
+he observed that she was reclining as before in deep thought. His
+head, covered with the muslin, caught her eye, and she gave a faint
+scream.
+
+"Fear not, lady," said Gascoigne, "it is not the first time that I
+have beheld that sweet face.  I sigh for a companion.  What would I
+not give to be sitting by your side! I am not of your creed, 'tis
+true, but does it therefore follow that we should not love each
+other?"
+
+The Moorish girl was about to reply, when Gascoigne received an answer
+from a quarter whence he little expected it.  It was from the Moor
+himself, who, hearing his daughter's scream, had come swiftly up to
+the roof.
+
+"Does the Frankish lily wish to mingle her perfumes with the dark
+violet?" said he; for he had often seen the sister of the vice-consul,
+and he imagined it was she who had come on the roof and ascended the
+wall to speak with his daughter.
+
+Gascoigne had presence of mind to avail himself of this fortunate
+mistake. "I am alone, worthy Moor," replied he, pulling the muslin
+over his face, "and I pine for a companion. I have been charmed by the
+nightingale on the roof of your dwelling; but I thought not to meet
+the face of a man when I took courage to climb this ladder."
+
+"If the Frankish lily will have courage to descend, she can sit by the
+side of the dark violet."
+
+Gascoigne thought it advisable to make no reply.
+
+"Fear not," said the old Moor; "what is an old man but a woman!" and
+the Moor brought a ladder, which he placed against the wall.
+
+After a pause Gascoigne said, "It is my fate"; and he then descended,
+and was led by the Moor to the mattress upon which his daughter
+reclined.  The Moor then took his seat near them, and they entered
+into conversation.  Gascoigne knew quite enough of the vice-consul and
+his sister to play his part, and he thought proper to tell the Moor
+that her brother wished to give her as wife to the captain of the
+ship, whom she abhorred, and would take her to a cold and foggy
+climate; that she had been born here, and wished to live and die here,
+and would prefer passing her life in his women's apartments to leaving
+this country.  At which, Abdel Faza, for such was his name, felt very
+amorous.  He put his hand to his forehead, salaamed, and told
+Gascoigne that his zenana, and all that were in it, were hers, as well
+as his house and himself.  After an hour's conversation, in which
+Azar, his daughter, did not join, the old Moor asked Gascoigne to
+descend into the women's apartment; and observing his daughter's
+silence, said to her--
+
+"Azar, you are angry that this Frankish houri should come to the
+apartments of which you have hitherto been sole mistress.  Fear not,
+you will soon be another's, for Osman Ali has asked thee for his wife,
+and I have listened to his request."
+
+Now Osman Ali was as old as her father, and Azar hated him. She
+offered her hand tremblingly, and led Gascoigne into the zenana. The
+Moor attended them to the threshold, bowed, and left them.
+
+That Gascoigne had time to press his suit, and that he did not lose
+such a golden opportunity, may easily be imagined, and her father's
+communication relative to Osman Ali very much assisted our
+midshipman's cause.
+
+He left the zenana, like most midshipmen, in love; that is, a little
+above quicksilver boiling heat. Jack, who had remained in a state of
+some suspense all this time, was not sorry to hear voices in an
+amicable tone, and in a few minutes afterwards he perceived that
+Gascoigne was ascending the ladder.  It occurred to our hero that it
+was perhaps advisable that he should not be seen, as the Moor in his
+gallantry might come up the ladder with his supposed lady.  He was
+right, for Abdel Faza not only followed her up the ladder on his side
+but assisted her to descend on the other, and with great ceremony took
+his leave.
+
+Gascoigne hastened to Jack, who had been peeping, and gave him a
+detail of what had passed, describing Azar as the most beautiful,
+fascinating, and fond creature that ever was created.  After half an
+hour's relation he stopped short, because he discovered that Jack was
+fast asleep.
+
+The visits of Gascoigne were repeated every night; old Abdel Faza
+became every time more gallant, and our midshipman was under the
+necessity of assuming a virtue if he had it not.  He pretended to be
+very modest.
+
+In the meantime Captain Hogg continued his attentions to the real Miss
+Hicks.  The mate proceeded to get the bullocks on board, and as more
+than three weeks had already passed away, it was time to think of
+departing for Toulon; but Captain Hogg was too much in love; and as
+for Gascoigne, he intended, like all midshipmen in love, to give up
+the service. Jack reasoned with the captain, who appeared to listen to
+reason, because Miss Hicks had agreed to follow his fortunes, and
+crown his transports in the transport Mary Ann. He therefore proposed
+that they should get away as fast as they could, and as soon as they
+had weighed the anchor he would come on shore, take off Miss Hicks,
+and make all sail for Toulon.
+
+Jack might have suffered this; the difficulty was with Gascoigne, who
+would not hear of going away without his lovely Azar. At last Jack
+planned a scheme which he thought would succeed, and which would be a
+good joke to tell the Governor.  He therefore appeared to consent to
+Gascoigne's carrying off his little Moor, and they canvassed how it
+was to be managed.  Jack then told Gascoigne that he had hit upon a
+plan which would succeed.
+
+"I find," said he, "from Captain Hogg, that he has an intention of
+carrying off Miss Hicks, and when I sounded him as to his having a
+lady with him, he objected to it immediately, saying, that he must
+have all the cabin to himself and his intended. Now, in the first
+place, I have no notion of giving up the cabin to Miss Hicks or Mrs
+Hogg.  It will be very uncomfortable to be shut out, because he wishes
+to make love; I therefore am determined that he shall not take off
+Miss Hicks.  He has proposed to me that he shall go on board, and get
+the brig under way, leaving me with a boat on shore to sign the
+vouchers, and that Miss Hicks shall slip into the boat when I go off
+at dusk.  Now I will not bring off Miss Hicks; if he wants to marry
+her, let him do it when I am not on board. I have paid for everything,
+and I consider the cabin as mine.
+
+"Look you, Ned, if you wish to carry off your little Moor, there is
+but one way, and that is a very simple one; leave her a dress of Miss
+Hicks's when you go there to-morrow night, and tell her to slip down
+at dusk, and come out of the house: all the danger will be in her own
+house, for as soon as she is out, she will be supposed to be the
+vice-consul's sister, and will not be observed or questioned. I will
+look out for and bring her on board instead of Miss Hicks.  Hogg will
+have the brig under way, and will be too happy to make all sail, and
+she shall lock the cabin inside, so that the mistake shall not be
+discovered till the next morning, and we shall have a good laugh at
+Captain Hogg."
+
+Gascoigne pronounced that Jack's scheme was capital, and agreed to it,
+thanking him, and declaring that he was the best friend that he ever
+had.  "So I will be," thought Jack, "but you will not acknowledge it
+at first." Jack then went to Captain Hogg, and appeared to enter
+warmly into his views, but told him that Hicks suspected what was
+going on, and had told him so, at the same time declaring that he
+would not lose sight of his sister until after Hogg was on board.
+
+"Now," says Jack, "you know you cannot do the thing by main force; so
+the best plan will be for you to go on board and get under way,
+leaving me to bring off Miss Hicks, when her brother will imagine all
+danger to be over."
+
+"Many thanks, Mr Easy," replied Captain Hogg; "it will be capital, and
+I'll arrange it all with my Sophy.  How very kind of you!"
+
+"But, Hogg, will you promise me secrecy?"
+
+"Yes," replied the captain.
+
+"That Gascoigne is a very silly fellow, and wants to run away with a
+girl he has made acquaintance with here; and what do you think he has
+proposed? that after the ship was under way, that I shall carry her
+off in the boat; and he has borrowed one of the dresses of Miss Hicks,
+that it may appear to be her.  I have agreed to it, but as I am
+determined that he shall not commit such a folly, I shall bring off
+Miss Hicks instead; and, observe, Hogg, he is that sort of wild
+fellow, that if he was to find that I had cheated him, he would
+immediately go on shore and be left behind; therefore we must hand
+Miss Hicks down in the cabin, and she will lock the door all night, so
+that he may not observe the trick till the next morning, and then we
+shall have a fine laugh at him."
+
+Captain Hogg replied it would be an excellent joke, as Gascoigne did
+before him.
+
+Now it must be observed, that the water and the bullocks, and the
+sheep and fowls, were all on board; and Mr Hicks, having received his
+money from Jack, had very much altered his manner; he was barely
+civil, for as he had got all he could out of our hero, he was anxious
+to get rid of him as well as of Captain Hogg.  Our hero was very
+indignant at this, but as it would not suit his present views.
+pretended not to notice it--on the contrary, he professed the warmest
+friendship for the vice-consul, and took an opportunity of saying that
+he could not return his kindness in a better way than by informing him
+of the plot which had been arranged.  He then told him of the intended
+escape of his sister, and that he was the person intended to bring her
+off.
+
+"Infamous, by heavens!" cried the vice-consul; "I shall write to the
+foreign office on the subject."
+
+"I think," said Jack, "it will be much better to do what I shall
+propose, which will end in a hearty laugh, and to the confusion of
+Captain Hogg.  Do you dress yourself in your sister's clothes, and I
+will bring you off instead of her.  Let him imagine that he has your
+sister secure; I will hand you down to the cabin, and do you lock
+yourself in.  He cannot sail without my orders, and I will not sign
+the vouchers.  The next morning we will open the cabin-door and have a
+good laugh at him.  Desire your boat to be off at daylight to take you
+on shore, and I will then make him proceed to Toulon forthwith.  It
+will be a capital joke."
+
+So thought the vice-consul, as well as Gascoigne and Captain Hogg.  He
+shook hands with Jack, and was as civil to him as before.
+
+That night Gascoigne left one of Miss Hicks's many dresses with Azar,
+who agreed to follow his fortunes, and who packed up all the jewels
+and money she could lay her hands upon.  Poor little child, she
+trembled with fear and delight.  Miss Hicks smuggled, as she thought,
+a box of clothes on board, and in the box was her fortune of three
+hundred dollars.  Mr Hicks laughed in his sleeve, so did Jack; and
+every one went to bed with expectations that their wishes would be
+realised.  After an early dinner, Captain Hogg and Gascoigne went on
+board, both squeezing Jack's hand as if they were never to see him
+again, and looks of intelligence passed between all the parties.
+
+As soon as they were out of the door the vice-consul chuckled and Miss
+Hicks, who thought he chuckled at the idea of having rid himself of
+Captain Hogg, chuckled still more as she looked at our hero, who was
+her confidant; and our hero, for reasons known to the reader, chuckled
+more than either of them.
+
+A little before dark, the boat was sent on shore from the brig, which
+was now under way, and Mr Hicks, as had been agreed, said that he
+should go into the office and prepare the vouchers--that is, put on
+his sister's clothes.  Miss Hicks immediately rose, and wishing our
+hero a pleasant voyage, as had been agreed, said that she should
+retire for the night, as she had a bad headache--she wished her
+brother good-night, and went into her room to wait another hour, when
+our hero, having shoved off the boat to deceive the vice-consul, was
+to return, meet her in the garden, and take her off to the brig. Our
+hero then went into the office and assisted the vice-consul, who took
+off all his own clothes and tied them up in a handkerchief, intending
+to resume them after he had gone into the cabin.
+
+As soon as he was ready, Jack carried his bundle and led the supposed
+Miss Hicks down to the boat.  They shoved off in a great hurry, and
+Jack took an opportunity of dropping Mr Hicks's bundle overboard.  As
+soon as they arrived alongside, Mr Hicks ascended, and was handed by
+Jack down into the cabin: he squeezed Jack's hand as he entered,
+saying in a whisper, "To-morrow morning what a laugh we shall have!"
+and then he locked the door.  In the meantime the boat was hooked on
+and hoisted up, and Jack took the precaution to have the dead lights
+lowered, that Mr Hicks might not be able to ascertain what was going
+on.  Gascoigne came up to our hero and squeezed his hand.
+
+"I'm so much obliged to you, Jack. I say, to-morrow morning what a
+laugh we shall have!"
+
+As soon as the boat was up, and the mainyard filled, Captain Hogg also
+came up to our hero, shaking him by the hand and thanking him; and he
+too concluded by saying, "I say, Mr Easy, to-morrow morning what a
+laugh we shall have!"
+
+"Let those laugh who win," thought Jack. The wind was fair, the watch
+was set, the course was steered, and all went down to their hammocks,
+and went to sleep, waiting for to-morrow morning.  Mr Hicks, also,
+having nothing better to do, went to sleep, and by the morning dawn,
+the transport Mary Ann was more than a hundred miles from the African
+shore.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+Our hero plays the very devil.
+
+We must leave the reader to imagine the effect of the next morning's
+denouement.  Everyone was in a fury except Jack, who did nothing but
+laugh.  The captain wanted to return to obtain Miss Hicks, Gascoigne
+to obtain Azar, and the vice-consul to obtain his liberty--but the
+wind was foul for their return, and Jack soon gained the captain on
+his side.  He pointed out to him that, in the first place, if he
+presumed to return, he would forfeit his charter bond; in the second,
+he would have to pay for all the bullocks that died; in the third,
+that if he wished to take Miss Hicks as his wife, he must not first
+injure her character by having her on board before the solemnity; and
+lastly, that he could always go and marry her whenever he pleased; the
+brother could not prevent him.  All this was very good advice, and the
+captain became quite calm and rational, and set his studding-sails
+below and aloft.
+
+As for Gascoigne, it was no use reasoning with him, so it was agreed
+that he should have satisfaction as soon as they could get on shore
+again.  Mr Hicks was the most violent; he insisted that the vessel
+should return, while both Jack and the captain refused, although he
+threatened them with the whole foreign office.  He insisted upon
+having his clothes, but Jack replied that they had tumbled overboard
+as they pulled from the shore.  He then commanded the mate and men to
+take the vessel back, but they laughed at him and his woman's clothes.
+"At all events, I'll have you turned out of the service," said he to
+our hero in his fury.  "I shall be extremely obliged to you," said
+Jack--and Captain Hogg was so much amused with the vice-consul's
+appearance in his sister's clothes, that he quite forgot his own
+disappointment in laughing at his intended brother-in-law. He made
+friends again with Jack, who regained his ascendancy, and ordered out
+the porter on the capstern-head.  They had an excellent dinner, but Mr
+Hicks refused to join them, which however did not spoil the appetite
+of Jack or the captain: as for Gascoigne, he could not eat a mouthful,
+but he drank to excess, looking over the rim of his tumbler, as if he
+could devour our hero, who only laughed the more.
+
+Mr Hicks had applied to the men to lend him some clothes, but Jack had
+foreseen that, and he was omnipotent.  There was not a jacket or a
+pair of trousers to be had for love or money.  Mr Hicks then
+considered it advisable to lower his tone, and he applied to Captain
+Hogg, who begged to be excused without he consented to his marriage
+with his sister, to which Mr Hicks gave an indignant negative.  He
+then applied to Gascoigne, who told him in a very surly tone to go to
+h--l.  At last he applied to our hero, who laughed, and said that he
+would see him d---d first.  So Mr Hicks sat down in his petticoats and
+vowed revenge.  Gascoigne, who had drunk much and eaten nothing,
+turned in and went to sleep--while Captain Hogg and our hero drank
+porter on the capstern.
+
+Thus passed the first day, and the wind was famously fair--the
+bullocks lowed, the cocks crew, the sheep baa'd, and the Mary Ann made
+upwards of two hundred miles.  Jack took possession of the other berth
+in the cabin, and his Majesty's representative was obliged to lie down
+in his petticoats upon a topsail which lay between decks, with a
+bullock on each side of him, who every now and then made a dart at him
+with their horns, as if they knew that it was to him that they were
+indebted for their embarkation and being destined to drive the scurvy
+out of the Toulon fleet.
+
+We cannot enter into the details of the passage, which, as the wind
+was fair, was accomplished in ten days without the loss of a bullock.
+During this time Mr Hicks condescended to eat without speaking,
+imagining that the hour of retribution would come when they joined the
+Admiral.  Gascoigne gradually recovered himself, but did not speak to
+our hero, who continued to laugh and drink porter.  On the eleventh
+morning they were in the midst of the Toulon fleet, and Mr Hicks
+smiled exultingly as he passed our hero in his petticoats, and
+wondered that Jack showed no signs of trepidation.
+
+The fleet hove-to, Jack ran under the Admiral's stern, lowered down
+his boat, and went on board, showed his credentials, and reported his
+bullocks.  The general signal was made, there was a fair division of
+the spoil, and then the Admiral asked our hero whether the master of
+the transport had any other stock on board. Jack replied that he had
+not; but that, having been told by the Governor of Malta that they
+might be acceptable, he had bought a few sheep and some dozen of
+fowls, which were much at his service, if he would accept of them. The
+Admiral was much obliged to the Governor, and also to Jack, for
+thinking of him, but would not, of course, accept of the stock without
+paying for them.  He requested him to send all of them on board that
+he could spare, and then asked Jack to dine with him, for Jack had put
+on his best attire, and looked very much of a gentleman.
+
+"Mr Easy," said the flag-captain, who had been looking at the
+transport with his glass, "is that the master's wife on board?"
+
+"No, sir," replied Jack; "it's the vice-consul."
+
+"What, in petticoats! the vice-consul?"
+
+"Yes, the vice-consul of Tetuan.  He came on board in that dress when
+the brig was under way, and I considered it my duty not to delay,
+being aware how very important it was that the fleet should be
+provided with fresh beef."
+
+"What is all this, Mr Easy?" said the Admiral; "there has been some
+trick here.  You will oblige me by coming into the cabin."
+
+Easy followed the Admiral and flag-captain into the cabin, and then
+boldly told the whole story how he tricked them all.  It was
+impossible for either of them to help laughing, and when they began to
+laugh, it was almost as impossible to stop.
+
+"Mr Easy," said the Admiral at last, "I do not altogether blame you;
+it appears to me the captain of the transport would have delayed
+sailing because he was in love--and that Mr Gascoigne would have
+stayed behind because he was infatuated, independent of the ill-will
+against the English which would have been excited by the abduction of
+the girl. But I think you might have contrived to manage all that
+without putting the vice-consul in petticoats."
+
+"I acted to the best of my judgment, sir," replied Jack, very humbly.
+
+"And altogether you have done well.  Captain Malcolm, send a boat for
+the vice-consul."
+
+Mr Hicks was too impatient to tell his wrongs to care for his being in
+his sister's clothes: he came on board, and although the tittering was
+great, he imagined that it would soon be all in his favour, when it
+was known that he was a diplomatic.  He told his story, and waited for
+the decision of the Admiral, which was to crush our hero, who stood
+with the midshipmen on the lee side of the deck; but the Admiral
+replied, "Mr Hicks, in the first place, this appears to me to be a
+family affair concerning the marriage of your sister, with which I
+have nothing to do.  You went on board of your own free will in
+woman's clothes.  Mr Easy's orders were positive, and he obeyed them.
+It was his duty to sail as soon as the transport was ready.  You may
+forward your complaint if you please, but, as a friend, I tell you
+that it will probably occasion your dismissal; for these kind of
+pranks are not understood at the foreign office.  You may return to
+the transport, which, after she has touched at Mahon, will proceed
+again to Tetuan.  The boat is alongside, sir."
+
+Mr Hicks, astonished at the want of respect paid to a vice-consul,
+shoved his petticoats between his legs, and went down the side amidst
+the laughter of the whole of the ship's company.  Our hero dined with
+the Admiral, and was well received.  He got his orders to sail that
+night for Minorca, and as soon as dinner was over he returned on
+board, where he found Captain Hogg very busy selling his porter--
+Gascoigne walking the deck in a brown study--and Mr Hicks solus abaft,
+sulking in his petticoats.
+
+As soon as they were clear of the boats, the Mary Ann hoisted her
+ensign and made sail, and as all the porter was not yet sold, Jack
+ordered up a bottle.
+
+Jack was much pleased with the result of his explanation with the
+Admiral, and he felt that, for once, he had not only got into no
+scrape himself, but that he had prevented others.  Gascoigne walked
+the deck gloomily; the fact was, that he was very unhappy: he had had
+time to reflect, and now that the first violence had subsided, he felt
+that our hero had done him a real service, and had prevented him from
+committing an act of egregious folly; and yet he had summoned this
+friend to meet him in the field--and such had been his gratitude. He
+would have given the world to recall what had passed, and to make
+friends, but he felt ashamed, as most people do, to acknowledge his
+error; he had, however, almost made up his mind to it, and was walking
+up and down thinking in what manner he might contrive it, when Jack,
+who was sitting, as usual, in a chair by the capstern with his porter
+by him, said to himself, "Now I'll lay my life that Ned wants to make
+friends, and is ashamed to speak first; I may be mistaken, and he may
+fly off at a tangent; but even if I am, at all events it will not be I
+who am wrong--I'll try him." Jack waited till Gascoigne passed him
+again, and then said, looking kindly and knowingly in his face,--
+
+"I say, Ned, will you have a glass of porter?"
+
+Gascoigne smiled, and Jack held out his hand; the reconciliation was
+effected in a moment, and the subject of quarrel was not canvassed by
+either party.
+
+"We shall be at Minorca in a day or two," observed Jack, after a
+while; "now I shall be glad to get there.  Do you know, Ned, that I
+feel very much satisfied with myself; I have got into no scrape this
+time, and I shall, notwithstanding, have a good story to tell the
+Governor when I go to Malta."
+
+"Partly at my expense," replied Gascoigne.
+
+"Why, you will figure a little in it, but others will figure much
+more."
+
+"I wonder what has become of that poor girl," observed Gascoigne, who
+could not refrain from mentioning her; "what hurts me most is, that
+she must think me such a brute."
+
+"No doubt of that, Ned,--take another glass of porter."
+
+"Her father gave me this large diamond."
+
+"The old goat--sell it, and drink his health with it."
+
+"No, I'll keep it in memory of his daughter." Here Gascoigne fell into
+a melancholy reverie, and Jack thought of Agnes.
+
+In two days they arrived at Mahon, and found the Aurora already there,
+in the command of Captain Wilson.  Mr Hicks had persuaded Captain Hogg
+to furnish him with clothes, Jack having taken off the injunction as
+soon as he had quitted the Admiral.  Mr Hicks was aware, that if the
+Admiral would not listen to his complaint, it was no use speaking to a
+captain: so he remained on board a pensioner upon Captain Hogg, and
+after our midshipmen quitted the transport they became very good
+friends.  Mr Hicks consented to the match, and Captain Hogg was made
+happy.  As for poor Azar, she had wandered about until she was tired,
+in Miss Hicks's dress, and at last returned broken hearted to her
+father's, and was admitted by Abdel Faza himself; he imagined it was
+Miss Hicks, and was in transports--he discovered it was his daughter,
+and he was in a fury.  The next day she went to the zenana of Osman
+Ali.
+
+When Jack reported himself he did not tell the history of the
+elopements, that he might not hurt the feelings of Gascoigne.  Captain
+Wilson was satisfied with the manner in which he had executed his
+orders, and asked him, "whether he preferred staying in the Harpy, or
+following him into the Aurora."
+
+Jack hesitated. "Speak frankly, Mr Easy; if you prefer Captain
+Sawbridge to me, I shall not be affronted."
+
+"No, sir," replied Easy, "I do not prefer Captain Sawbridge to you;
+you have both been equally kind to me, but I prefer you.  But the fact
+is, sir, that I do not much like to part with Gascoigne or--"
+
+"Or who?" said the captain, smiling.
+
+"With Mesty, sir; you may think me very foolish, but I should not be
+alive at this moment, if it had not been for him."
+
+"I do not consider gratitude to be foolish, Mr Easy," replied Captain
+Wilson.  "Mr Gascoigne I intend to take with me, if he chooses to
+come, as I have a great respect for his father, and no fault to find
+with him, that is, generally speaking; but as for Mesty--why he is a
+good man, and as you have behaved yourself very well, perhaps I may
+think of it."
+
+The next day Mesty was included among the boat's crew taken with him
+by Captain Wilson, according to the regulations of the service, and
+appointed to the same situation under the master at arms of the
+Aurora.  Gascoigne and our hero were also discharged into the frigate.
+
+As our hero never has shown any remarkable predilection for duty, the
+reader will not be surprised at his requesting from Captain Wilson a
+few days on shore, previous to his going on board of the Aurora.
+Captain Wilson allowed the same licence to Gascoigne, as they had both
+been cooped up for some time on board of a transport. Our hero took up
+his quarters at the only respectable hotel in the town, and whenever
+he could meet an officer of the Aurora, he very politely begged the
+pleasure of his company to dinner.  Jack's reputation had gone before
+him, and the midshipmen drank his wine and swore he was a trump.  Not
+that Jack was to be deceived, but, upon the principles of equality, he
+argued that it was the duty of those who could afford dinners to give
+them to those who could not.  This was a sad error on Jack's part; but
+he had not yet learnt the value of money; he was such a fool as to
+think that the only real use of it was to make other people happy.  It
+must, however, be offered in his extenuation that he was a midshipman
+and a philosopher, and not yet eighteen.
+
+At last Jack had remained so long on shore, keeping open house, and
+the first lieutenant of the Aurora found the officers so much more
+anxious for leave, now that they were at little or no expense, that he
+sent him a very polite message, requesting the pleasure of his company
+on board that evening.  Jack returned an equally polite answer,
+informing the first lieutenant that not being aware that he wished to
+see him, he had promised to accompany some friends to a masquerade
+that night, but that he would not fail to pay his respects to him the
+next day.  The first lieutenant admitted the excuse, and our hero,
+after having entertained half-a-dozen of the Auroras, for the Harpy
+had sailed two days before, dressed himself for the masquerade, which
+was held in a church about two miles and a half from Mahon.
+
+Jack had selected the costume of the devil, as being the most
+appropriate, and mounting a jackass, he rode down in his dress to the
+masquerade.  But, as Jack was just going in, he perceived a yellow
+carriage, with two footmen in gaudy liveries, draw up, and with his
+usual politeness, when the footmen opened the door, offered his arm to
+hand out a fat old dowager covered with diamonds; the lady looked up,
+and perceiving Jack covered with hair, with his trident and his horns,
+and long tail, gave a loud scream, and would have fallen had it not
+been for Captain Wilson, who, in his full uniform, was coming in, and
+caught her in his arms: while the old lady thanked him, and Captain
+Wilson bowed, Jack hastily retreated.  "I shall make no conquests
+to-night," thought he; so he entered the church, and joined the crowd;
+but it was so dense that it was hardly possible to move, and our hero
+soon got tired of flourishing his trident, and sticking it into
+people, who wondered what the devil he meant.
+
+"This is stupid work," thought Jack, "I may have more fun outside": so
+Jack put on his cloak, left the masquerade, and went out in search of
+adventures.  He walked into the open country, about half a mile, until
+he came to a splendid house, standing in a garden of orange trees,
+which he determined to reconnoitre.  He observed that a window was
+open and lights were in the room; and he climbed up to the window, and
+just opened the white curtain and looked in.  On a bed lay an elderly
+person, evidently dying, and by the side of the bed were three
+priests, one of whom held the crucifix in his hand, another the
+censer, and a third was sitting at a table with a paper, pen, and ink.
+As Jack understood Spanish, he listened, and heard one of the priests
+say:
+
+"Your sins have been enormous, my son, and I cannot give you extreme
+unction or absolution unless you make some amends."
+
+"I have," answered the moribund, "left money for ten thousand masses
+to be said for my soul."
+
+"Five hundred thousand masses are not sufficient: how have you gained
+your enormous wealth? by usury and robbing the poor."
+
+"I have left a thousand dollars to be distributed among the poor on
+the day of my funeral."
+
+"One thousand dollars is nothing--you must leave all your property to
+holy church."
+
+"And my children!" replied the dying man, faintly.
+
+"What are your children compared to your salvation? reply not: either
+consent, or not only do I refuse you the consolation of the dying, but
+I excommunicate--"
+
+"Mercy, holy father, mercy!" said the old man, in a dying voice.
+
+"There is no mercy, you are damned for ever and ever.  Amen. Now hear:
+excommunicabo te--"
+
+"Stop--stop--have you the paper ready?"
+
+"Tis here, all ready, by which you revoke all former wills, and endow
+the holy church with your property.  We will read it, for God forbid
+that it should be said that the holy church received an involuntary
+gift."
+
+"I will sign it," replied the dying man, "but my sight fails me; be
+quick, absolve me." And the paper was signed, with difficulty, as the
+priests supported the dying man.  "And now--absolve me."
+
+"I do absolve thee," replied the priest, who then went through the
+ceremony.
+
+"Now this is a confounded rascally business," said Jack to himself;
+who then dropped his cloak, jumped upon the window-sill, opened wide
+the window-curtains with both hands, and uttered a yelling kind of
+"ha! ha! ha! ha!"
+
+The priests turned round, saw the demon as they imagined dropped the
+paper on the table, and threw themselves with their faces on the
+floor.
+
+"Exorciso te," stammered one. "Ha! ha! ha! ha!" repeated Jack,
+entering the room, and taking up the paper which he burnt by the flame
+of the candle.  Our hero looked at the old man on the bed; his jaw had
+fallen, his eyes were turned. He was dead.  Jack then gave one more
+"ha! ha! ha! ha!" to keep the priests in their places, blew out the
+candles, made a spring out of the window, caught up his cloak, and
+disappeared as fast as his legs could carry him.
+
+Jack ran until he was out of breath, and then he stopped, and sat down
+by the side of the road.  It was broad moonlight, and Jack knew not
+where he was: "but Minorca has not many high roads," thought Jack,
+"and I shall find my way home.  Now, let me see,--I have done some
+good this evening. I have prevented those rogues from disinheriting a
+family.  I wonder who they are; they ought to be infinitely obliged to
+me.  But if the priests find me out, what shall I do?  I never dare
+come on shore again--they'd have me in the Inquisition. I wonder where
+I am," said Jack; "I will get on that hill, and see if I can take a
+departure."
+
+The hill was formed by the road being cut perpendicularly almost
+through it, and was perhaps some twelve or fourteen feet high. Jack
+ascended it, and looked about him.  "There is the sea, at all events,
+with the full moon silvering the waves," said Jack, turning from the
+road, "and here is the road; then that must be the way to Port Mahon.
+But what comes here?--it's a carriage.  Why, it's the yellow carriage
+of that old lady with her diamonds, and her two splashy footmen!"
+
+Jack was watching it as it passed the road under him, when of a
+sudden, he perceived about a dozen men rush out, and seize the horses'
+heads,--a discharge of firearms, the coachman dropped off the box, and
+the two footmen dropped from behind.  The robbers then opened the
+door, and were hauling out the fat old lady covered with diamonds.
+Jack thought a second--it occurred to him, that although he could not
+cope with so many, he might frighten them, as he had frightened one
+set of robbers already that night.  The old lady had just been tumbled
+out of the carriage-door, like a large bundle of clothes tied up for
+the wash, when Jack, throwing off his cloak, and advancing to the edge
+of the precipice, with the full moon behind him throwing out his
+figure in strong relief, raised his trident, and just as they were
+raising their knives, yelled a most unearthly "ha, ha, ha, ha!"
+
+The robbers looked up, and forgetting the masquerade, for there is a
+double tremor in guilt, screamed with fear; most of them ran away, and
+dropped after a hundred yards; others remained paralysed and
+insensible.  Jack descended the hill, went to the assistance of the
+old lady, who had swooned, and had to put her into the carriage; but
+although our hero was very strong, this was a work of no small
+difficulty.  After one or two attempts, he lowered down the steps and
+contrived to bump her on the first, from the first he purchased her on
+the second, and from the second he at last seated her at the door of
+the carriage.
+
+Jack had no time to be over-polite.  He then threw her back into the
+bottom of the carriage, her heels went up to the top, Jack shoved in
+her petticoats as fast as he could, for decency, and then shutting the
+door seized the reins, and jumped upon the box. "I don't know the
+way," thought Jack, "but we must needs go when the devil drives"; so
+sticking his trident into the horses, they set off at a rattling pace,
+passing over the bodies of the two robbers, who had held the reins,
+and who both lay before him in a swoon. As soon as he had brought the
+horses into a trot, he slackened the reins, for, as Jack wisely
+argued, they will be certain to go home if I let them have their own
+way The horses, before they arrived at the town, turned off, and
+stopped at a large country house.
+
+That he might not frighten the people, Jack had put on his cloak, and
+taken off his mask and head-piece, which he had laid beside him on the
+box.  At the sound of the carriage-wheels the servants came out, when
+Jack, in few words, told them what had happened.  Some of the servants
+ran in, and a young lady made her appearance, while the others were
+helping the old lady out of the carriage, who had recovered her
+senses, but had been so much frightened that she had remained in the
+posture in which Jack had put her.
+
+As soon as she was out, Jack descended from the coach-box and entered
+the house.  He stated to the young lady what had taken place, and how
+opportunely he had frightened away the robbers, just as they were
+about to murder her relation; and also suggested the propriety of
+sending after the servants who had fallen in the attack; which was
+immediately done by a strong and well-armed party collected for the
+occasion. Jack, having made his speech, made a very polite bow and
+took his leave, stating that he was an English officer belonging to a
+frigate in the harbour.  He knew his way back, and in half an hour was
+again at the inn, and found his comrades.  Jack thought it advisable
+to keep his own secret, and therefore merely said, that he had taken a
+long walk in the country; and soon afterwards went to bed.
+
+The next morning our hero, who was always a man of his word, packed up
+his portmanteau, and paid his bill.  He had just completed this heavy
+operation, when somebody wanted to speak to him, and a sort of
+half-clerical, half-legal sort of looking gentleman was introduced,
+who, with a starched face and prim air, said that he came to request
+in writing the name of the officer who was dressed as a devil, in the
+masquerade of the night before.
+
+Jack looked at his interrogator, and thought of the priests and the
+Inquisition.  "No, no," thought he, "that won't do; a name I must
+give, but it shall be one that you dare not meddle with. A midshipman
+you might get hold of, but it's more than the whole island dare to
+touch a post-captain of one of his Majesty's frigates." So Jack took
+the paper and wrote Captain Henry Wilson, of his Majesty's ship
+Aurora.
+
+The prim man made a prim bow, folded up the paper and left the room.
+
+Jack threw the waiter half a doubloon, lighted his cigar, and went on
+board.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+In which the old proverb is illustrated, "That you must not count your
+chickens before they are hatched."
+
+The first lieutenant of the Aurora was a very good officer in many
+respects, but, as a midshipman, he had contracted the habit of putting
+his hands in his pockets, and could never keep them out, even when the
+ship was in a gale of wind; and hands are of some use in a heavy
+lurch.  He had more than once received serious injury from falling on
+these occasions, but habit was too powerful; and, although he had once
+broken his leg by falling down the hatchway, and had moreover a large
+scar on his forehead, received from being thrown to leeward against
+one of the guns, he still continued the practice; indeed, it was said
+that once when it was necessary for him to go aloft, he had actually
+taken the two first rounds of the Jacob's ladder without withdrawing
+them, until, losing his balance, he discovered that it was not quite
+so easy to go aloft with his hands in his pockets. In fact, there was
+no getting up his hands, even when all hands were turned up.
+
+He had another peculiarity, which was, that he had taken a peculiar
+fancy to a quack medicine, called Enouy's Universal Medicine for all
+Mankind; and Mr Pottyfar was convinced in his own mind that the label
+was no libel, except from the greatness of its truth. In his opinion,
+it cured everything, and he spent one of his quarterly bills every
+year in bottles of this stuff; which he not only took himself every
+time he was unwell, but occasionally when quite well, to prevent his
+falling sick.  He recommended it to everybody in the ship, and nothing
+pleased him so much as to give a dose of it to everyone who could be
+persuaded to take it.  The officers laughed at him, but it was
+generally behind his back, for he became very angry if contradicted
+upon this one point, upon which he certainly might be considered to be
+a little cracked.  He was indefatigable in making proselytes to his
+creed, and expatiated upon the virtues of the medicine, for an hour
+running, proving the truth of his assertions by a pamphlet, which,
+with his hands, he always carried in his trousers' pocket.
+
+Jack reported himself when he came on board, and Mr Pottyfar, who was
+on the quarter-deck at the time, expressed a hope that Mr Easy would
+take his share of the duty, now that he had had such a spell on shore;
+to which Jack very graciously acceded, and then went down below, where
+he found Gascoigne and his new messmates, with most of whom he was
+already acquainted.
+
+"Well, Easy," said Gascoigne, "have you had enough of the shore?"
+
+"Quite," replied Jack, recollecting that, after the events of the
+night before, he was just as well on board; "I don't intend to ask for
+any more leave."
+
+"Perhaps it's quite as well, for Mr Pottyfar is not very liberal on
+that score, I can tell you; there is but one way of getting leave from
+him."
+
+"Indeed!" replied Jack; "and what is that?"
+
+"You must pretend that you are not well, take some of his quack
+medicine, and then he will allow you a run on shore to work it off."
+
+"Oh! that's it, is it? well then, as soon as we anchor in Valette,
+I'll go through a regular course, but not till then."
+
+"It ought to suit you, Jack; it's an equality medicine; cures one
+disorder just as well as the other."
+
+"Or kills--which levels all the patients.  You're right, Gascoigne, I
+must patronise that stuff--for more reasons than one.  Who was that
+person on deck in mufti?"
+
+"The mufti, Jack; in other words, the chaplain of the ship, but he's a
+prime sailor, nevertheless."
+
+"How's that?"
+
+"Why, he was brought up on the quarter-deck, served his time, was
+acting lieutenant for two years, and then, somehow or another, he bore
+up for the church."
+
+"Indeed--what were his reasons?"
+
+"No one knows--but they say he has been unhappy ever since."
+
+"Why so?"
+
+"Because he did a very foolish thing, which cannot now be remedied. He
+supposed at the time that he would make a good parson, and now that he
+has long got over his fit, he finds himself wholly unfit for it--he is
+still the officer in heart, and is always struggling with his natural
+bent, which is very contrary to what a parson should feel."
+
+"Why don't they allow parsons to be broke by a court-martial, and
+turned out of the service, or to resign their commissions, like other
+people?"
+
+"It won't do, Jack--they serve heaven--there's a difference between
+that and serving his Majesty."
+
+"Well, I don't understand these things.  When do we sail?"
+
+"The day after to-morrow."
+
+"To join the fleet of Toulon?"
+
+"Yes: but I suppose we shall be driven on the Spanish coast going
+there. I never knew a man-of-war that was not."
+
+"No; wind always blows from the south, going up the Mediterranean."
+
+"Perhaps you'll take another prize, Jack--mind you don't go away
+without the articles of war."
+
+"I won't go away without Mesty, if I can help it. O dear, how
+abominable a midshipman's berth is after a long run on shore! I
+positively must go on deck and look at the shore, if I can do nothing
+else."
+
+"Why, ten minutes ago you had had enough of it?"
+"Yes, but ten minutes here has made me feel quite sick. I shall go to
+the first lieutenant for a dose."
+
+"I say, Easy, we must both be physicked on the same day."
+
+"To be sure; but stop till we get to Malta."
+
+Jack went on deck, made acquaintance with the chaplain and some of the
+officers whom he had not known, then climbed up into the maintop,
+where he took a seat on the armolest, and, as he looked at the shore,
+thought over the events that had passed, until Agnes came to his
+memory, and he thought only of her. When a mid is in love, he always
+goes aloft to think of the object of his affection; why, I don't know,
+except that his reverie is not so likely to be disturbed by an order
+from a superior officer.
+
+The Aurora sailed on the second day, and, with a fine breeze, stood
+across, making as much northing as easting; the consequence was, that
+one fine morning they saw the Spanish coast before they saw the Toulon
+fleet.  Mr Pottyfar took his hands out of his pockets, because he
+could not examine the coast through a telescope without so doing; but
+this, it is said, was the first time that he had done so on the
+quarter-deck from the day that the ship had sailed from Port Mahon.
+Captain Wilson was also occupied with his telescope, so were many of
+the officers and midshipmen, and the men at the mastheads used their
+eyes, but there was nothing but a few small fishing-boats to be seen.
+So they all went down to breakfast, as the ship was hove-to close in
+with the land.
+
+"What will Easy bet," said one of the midshipmen, "that we don't see a
+prize to-day?"
+
+"I will not bet that we do not see a vessel--but I'll bet you what you
+please, that we do not take one before twelve o'clock at night."
+
+"No, no, that won't do--just let the teapot travel over this way, for
+it's my forenoon watch."
+
+"It's a fine morning," observed one of the mates, of the name of
+Martin; "but I've a notion it won't be a fine evening."
+
+"Why not?" inquired another.
+
+"I've now been eight years in the Mediterranean, and know something
+about the weather.  There's a watery sky, and the wind is very steady.
+If we are not under double-reefed topsails to-night, say I'm no
+conjurer."
+
+"That you will be, all the same, if we are under bare poles," said
+another.
+
+"You're devilish free with your tongue, my youngster--Easy, pull his
+ears for me."
+
+"Pull them easy, Jack, then," said the boy, laughing.
+
+"All hands make sail!" now resounded at the hatchways.
+
+"There they are, depend upon it," cried Gascoigne, catching up his hat
+and bolting out of the berth, followed by all the others except
+Martin, who had just been relieved, and thought that his presence in
+the waist might be dispensed with for the short time, at least, which
+it took him to swallow a cup of tea.
+
+It was very true; a galliot and four lateen vessels had just made
+their appearance round the easternmost point, and as soon as they
+observed the frigate, had hauled their wind.  In a minute the Aurora
+was under a press of canvas, and the telescopes were all directed to
+the vessels.
+
+"All deeply laden, sir," observed Mr Hawkins, the chaplain; "how the
+topsail of the galliot is scored!"
+
+"They have a fresh breeze just now," observed Captain Wilson to the
+first lieutenant.
+
+"Yes, sir, and it's coming down fast."
+
+"Hands by the royal halyards, there."
+
+The Aurora careened with the canvas to the rapidly-increasing
+breeze.
+
+"Top-gallant sheet and halyards."
+
+"Luff you may, quarter-master; luff, I tell you.  A small pull of that
+weather maintop-gallant brace--that will do," said the master.
+
+"Top-men aloft there;--stand by to clew up the royals and, Captain
+Wilson, shall we take them in?--I'm afraid of that pole--it bends now
+like a coach-whip," said Mr Pottyfar, looking up aloft, with his hands
+in both pockets.
+
+"In royals--lower away."
+
+"They are going about, sir," said the second lieutenant, Mr Haswell.
+
+"Look out," observed the chaplain, "it's coming."
+
+Again the breeze increased, and the frigate was borne down. "Hands
+reef topsails in stays, Mr Pottyfar."
+
+"Aye, aye, sir--'bout ship."
+
+The helm was put down and the topsails lowered and reefed in stays.
+"Very well, my lads, very well indeed," said Captain Wilson.
+
+Again the topsails were hoisted and top-gallant sheets home It was a
+strong breeze, although the water was smooth, and the Aurora dashed
+through at the rate of eight miles an hour, with her weather leeches
+lifting.
+
+"Didn't I tell you so?" said Martin to his messmates on the gangway
+"but there's more yet, my boys."
+
+"We must take the top-gallant sails off her," said Captain Wilson,
+looking aloft--for the frigate now careened to her bearings, and the
+wind was increasing and squally.  "Try them a little longer"; but
+another squall came suddenly--the halyards were lowered, and the sails
+clewed up and furled.
+
+In the meantime the frigate had rapidly gained upon the vessels, which
+still carried on every stitch of canvas, making short tacks inshore.
+The Aurora was again put about with her head towards them, and they
+were not two points on her weather-bow.  The sky, which had been clear
+in the morning, was now overcast, the sun was obscured with opaque
+white clouds, and the sea was rising fast. Another ten minutes, and
+then they were under double-reefed topsails and the squalls were
+accompanied with heavy rain.  The frigate now dashed through the
+waves, foaming in her course, and straining under the press of sail.
+The horizon was so thick that the vessels ahead were no longer to be
+seen.
+
+"We shall have it, I expect," said Captain Wilson.
+
+"Didn't I say so?" observed Martin to Gascoigne.  "We take no prizes
+this day, depend upon it."
+
+"We must have another hand to the wheel, sir, if you please," said the
+quarter-master, who was assisting the helmsman.
+
+Mr Pottyfar, with his hands concealed as usual, stood by the capstern.
+"I fear, sir, we cannot carry the mainsail much longer."
+
+"No," observed the chaplain, "I was thinking so."
+
+"Captain Wilson, if you please, we are very close in," said the
+master; "don't you think we had better go about?"
+
+"Yes, Mr Jones. Hands about ship--and, yes, by heavens we must!--up
+mainsail." The mainsail was taken off, and the frigate appeared to be
+immediately relieved.  She no longer jerked and plunged as before.
+
+"We're very near the land, Captain Wilson; thick as it is, I think I
+can make out the loom of it--shall we wear round, sir?" continued the
+master.
+
+"Yes, hands wear ship--put the helm up." It was but just in time, for,
+as the frigate flew round, describing a circle, as she payed off
+before the wind, they could perceive the breakers lashing the
+precipitous coast, not two cables' length from them.
+
+"I had no idea we were so near," observed the captain, compressing his
+lips--"can they see anything of those vessels?"
+
+"I have not seen them this quarter of an hour, sir," replied the
+signal-man, protecting his glass from the rain under his jacket.
+
+"How's her head now, quarter-master?"
+
+"South south-east, sir."
+
+The sky now assumed a different appearance--the white clouds had been
+exchanged for others dark and murky, the wind roared at intervals, and
+the rain came down in torrents.  Captain Wilson went down into the
+cabin to examine the barometer.
+
+"The barometer has risen," said he on his return on deck.  "Is the
+wind steady?"
+
+"No, sir, she's up and off three points."
+
+"This will end in a south-wester." The wet and heavy sails now flapped
+from the shifting of the wind.
+
+"Up with the helm, quarter-master."
+
+"Up it is--she's off to south-by-west."
+
+The wind lulled, the rain came down in a deluge--for a
+minute it was quite calm, and the frigate was on an even keel.
+
+"Man the braces.  We shall be taken aback, directly, depend upon it."
+The braces were hardly stretched along before this was the case. The
+wind flew round to the south-west with a loud roar, and it was
+fortunate that they were prepared--the yards were braced round, and
+the master asked the captain, what course they were to steer.
+
+"We must give it up," observed Captain Wilson, holding on by the
+belaying pin.  "Shape our course for Cape Sicie, Mr Jones."
+
+And the Aurora flew before the gale, under her foresail and topsails
+close reefed.  The weather was now so thick that nothing could be
+observed twenty yards from the vessel; the thunder pealed, and the
+lightning darted in every direction over the dark expanse.  The watch
+was called as soon as the sails were trimmed, and all who could went
+below, wet, uncomfortable, and disappointed.
+
+"What an old Jonah you are, Martin," said Gascoigne.
+
+"Yes, I am," replied he; "but we have the worst to come yet, in my
+opinion.  I recollect, not two hundred miles from where we are now, we
+had just such a gale in the Favourite, and we as nearly went down,
+when--"
+
+At this moment a tremendous noise was heard above, a shock was felt
+throughout the whole ship, which trembled fore and aft as if it was
+about to fall into pieces: loud shrieks were followed by plaintive
+cries, the lower deck was filled with smoke, and the frigate was down
+on her beam ends. Without exchanging a word, the whole of the
+occupants of the berth flew out, and were up the hatchway, not knowing
+what to think, but convinced that some dreadful accident had taken
+place.
+
+On their gaining the deck it was at once explained; the foremast of
+the frigate had been struck by lightning, had been riven into several
+pieces, and had fallen over the larboard bow, carrying with it the
+main-topmast and jib-boom.  The jagged stump of the foremast was in
+flames, and burned brightly, notwithstanding the rain fell in
+torrents.  The ship, as soon as the foremast and main topmast had gone
+overboard, broached-to furiously, throwing the men over the wheel and
+dashing them senseless against the carronades; the forecastle, the
+forepart of the main deck, and even the lower deck, were spread with
+men, either killed or seriously wounded, or insensible from the
+electric shock.  The frigate was on her beam ends, and the sea broke
+furiously over her; all was dark as pitch, except the light from the
+blazing stump of the foremast, appearing like a torch, held up by the
+wild demons of the storm, or when occasionally the gleaming lightning
+cast a momentary glare, threatening every moment to repeat its attack
+upon the vessel, while the deafening thunder burst almost on their
+devoted heads.
+
+All was dismay and confusion for a minute or two: at last Captain
+Wilson, who had himself lost his sight for a short time, called for
+the carpenter and axes--they climbed up, that is, two or three of
+them, and he pointed to the mizzen-mast; the master was also there,
+and he cut loose the axes for the seamen to use; in a few minutes the
+mizzen-mast fell over the quarter, and the helm being put hard up, the
+frigate payed off and slowly righted.  But the horror of the scene was
+not yet over.  The boatswain, who had been on the forecastle, had been
+led below, for his vision was gone for ever.  The men who lay
+scattered about had been examined, and they were assisting them down
+to the care of the surgeon, when the cry of "Fire!" issued from the
+lower deck.  The ship had taken fire at the coal-hole and carpenter's
+store-room, and the smoke that now ascended was intense.
+
+"Call the drummer," said Captain Wilson, "and let him beat to
+quarters--all hands to their stations--let the pumps be rigged and the
+buckets passed along.  Mr Martin, see that the wounded men are taken
+down below.  Where's Mr Haswell?  Mr Pottyfar, station the men to pass
+the water on by hand on the lower deck.  I will go there myself.  Mr
+Jones, take charge of the ship."
+
+Pottyfar, who actually had taken his hands out of his pockets,
+hastened down to comply with the captain's orders on the main deck, as
+Captain Wilson descended to the deck below.
+
+"I say, Jack, this is very different from this morning," observed
+Gascoigne.
+
+"Yes," replied Jack, "so it is; but I say, Gascoigne, what's the best
+thing to do?--when the chimney's on fire on shore, they put a wet
+blanket over it."
+
+"Yes," replied Gascoigne; "but when the coal-hole's on fire on board,
+they will not find that sufficient."
+
+"At all events, wet blankets must be a good firing, Ned, so let us
+pull out the hammocks; cut the lanyards and get some out--we can but
+offer them, you know, and if they do no good, at least it will show
+our zeal."
+
+"Yes, Jack, and I think when they turn in again, those whose blankets
+you take will agree with you, that zeal makes the service very
+uncomfortable.  However, I think you are right."
+
+The two midshipmen collected three or four hands, and in a very short
+time they had more blankets than they could carry--there was no
+trouble in wetting them, for the main deck was afloat--and followed by
+the men they had collected, Easy and Gascoigne went down with large
+bundles in their arms to where Captain Wilson was giving directions to
+the men.
+
+"Excellent, Mr Easy, excellent, Mr Gascoigne" said Captain Wilson.
+"Come, my lads, throw them over now, and stamp upon them well"; the
+men's jackets and the captain's coat had already been sacrificed to
+the same object.
+
+Easy called the other midshipmen, and they went up for a further
+supply; but there was no occasion, the fire had been smothered: still
+the danger had been so great that the fore magazine had been floated.
+During all this, which lasted perhaps a quarter of an hour, the
+frigate had rolled gunwale under, and many were the accidents which
+occurred.  At last all danger from fire had ceased, and the men were
+ordered to return to their quarters, when three officers and
+forty-seven men were found absent--seven of them were dead, most of
+them were already under the care of the surgeon, but some were still
+lying in the scuppers.
+
+No one had been more active or more brave during this time of danger,
+than Mr Hawkins, the chaplain.  He was everywhere, and when Captain
+Wilson went down to put out the fire he was there, encouraging the men
+and exerting himself most gallantly.  He and Mesty came aft when all
+was over, one just as black as the other.  The chaplain sat down and
+wrung his hands--"God forgive me!" said he, "God forgive me!"
+
+"Why so, sir?" said Easy, who stood near.  "I am sure you need not be
+ashamed of what you have done."
+
+"No, no, not ashamed of what I've done; but, Mr Easy--I have sworn so,
+sworn such oaths at the men in haste--I, the chaplain!  God forgive
+me!--I meant nothing." It was very true that Mr Hawkins had sworn a
+great deal during his exertions, but he was at that time the
+quarter-deck officer and not the chaplain; the example to the men and
+his gallantry had been most serviceable.
+
+"Indeed, sir," said Easy, who saw the chaplain was in great
+tribulation, and hoped to pacify him, "I was certainly not there all
+the time, but I only heard you say, 'God bless you, my men! be smart,'
+and so on; surely, that is not swearing."
+
+"Was it that I said, Mr Easy, are you sure?  I really had an idea that
+I had d---d them all in heaps, as some of them deserved--no, no, not
+deserved.  Did I really bless them--nothing but bless them?"
+
+"Yes, sir," said Mesty, who perceived what Jack wanted: "it was
+nothing, I assure you, but 'God bless you, Captain Wilson!--Bless your
+heart, my good men!-Bless the king!' and so on.  You do nothing but
+shower down blessing and wet blanket."
+
+"I told you so," said Jack. "Well, Mr Easy, you've made me very
+happy," replied the chaplain; "I was afraid it was otherwise."
+
+So indeed it was, for the chaplain had sworn like a boatswain; but as
+Jack and Mesty had turned all his curses into blessings, the poor man
+gave himself absolution, and shaking hands with Jack, hoped he would
+come down into the gun-room and take a glass of grog; nor did he
+forget Mesty, who received a good allowance at the gun-room door, to
+which Jack gladly consented, as the rum in the middy's berth had all
+been exhausted after the rainy morning; but Jack was interrupted in
+his third glass, by somebody telling him the captain wanted to speak
+with Mr Hawkins and with him.
+
+Jack went up, and found the captain on the quarter-deck with the
+officers. "Mr Easy," said Captain Wilson, "I have sent for you, Mr
+Hawkins, and Mr Gascoigne, to thank you on the quarter-deck, for your
+exertions and presence of mind on this trying occasion." Mr Hawkins
+made a bow.  Gascoigne said nothing, but he thought of having extra
+leave when they arrived at Malta.  Jack felt inclined to make a
+speech, and began something about when there was danger that it
+levelled every one to an equality even on board of a man-of-war.
+
+"By no means, Mr Easy," replied Captain Wilson; "it does the very
+contrary; for it proves which is the best man, and those who are the
+best raise themselves at once above the rest."
+
+Jack was very much inclined to argue the point, but he took the
+compliment and held his tongue, which was the wisest thing he could
+have done; so he made his bow, and was about to go down into the
+midshipmen's berth when the frigate was pooped by a tremendous sea,
+which washed all those who did not hold on down into the waist. Jack
+was among the number, and naturally catching at the first object which
+touched him, he caught hold of the chaplain by the leg, who commenced
+swearing most terribly: but before he could finish the oath, the water
+which had burst into the cabin through the windows--for the dead
+lights, in the confusion, had not yet been shipped--burst out of the
+cross bulk-heads, sweeping like a torrent the marine, the cabin-door,
+and everything else in its force, and floating Jack and the chaplain
+with several others down the main hatchway on to the lower deck.  The
+lower deck being also full of water, men and chests were rolling and
+tossing about, and Jack was sometimes in company with the chaplain,
+and at other times separated; at last they both recovered their legs,
+and gained the midshipmen's berth, which, although afloat, was still a
+haven of security.  Mr Hawkins spluttered and spit, and so did Jack,
+until he began to laugh.
+
+"This is very trying, Mr Easy," said the chaplain; "very trying indeed
+to the temper.  I hope I have not sworn I hope not."
+
+"Not a word," said Jack--"I was close to you all the time--you only
+said 'God preserve us!'"
+
+"Only that? I was afraid that I said 'God d--n it!'"
+
+"Quite a mistake, Mr Hawkins.  Let's go into the gun-room, and try to
+wash this salt water out of our mouths, and then I will tell you all
+you said, as far as I could hear it, word for word."
+
+So Jack by this means got another glass of grog, which was very
+acceptable in his wet condition, and made himself very comfortable,
+while those on deck were putting on the dead lights, and very busy
+setting the goose-wings of the mainsail, to prevent the frigate from
+being pooped a second time.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+In which our hero becomes excessively unwell, and agrees to go through
+a course of medicine.
+
+The hammocks were not piped down that night: some were taken
+indiscriminately for the wounded, but the rest remained in the
+nettings, for all hands were busy preparing jury masts and jury
+rigging, and Mr Pottyfar was so well employed that for twelve hours
+his hands were not in his pockets.  It was indeed a dreadful night:
+the waves were mountains high, and chased the frigate in their fury,
+cresting, breaking, and roaring at her taffrail.  But she flew before
+them with the wings of the wind; four men at the helm, assisted by
+others at the relieving tackles below.  Jack, having been thanked on
+and washed off the quarter-deck, thought that he had done quite
+enough: he was as deep as he could swim before he had satisfied all
+the scruples of the Chaplin  and, stowing himself away on one of the
+lockers of the midshipmen's berth, was soon fast asleep,
+notwithstanding that the frigate rolled gunwale under.  Gascoigne had
+done much better; he had taken down a hammock, as he said, for a poor
+wounded man, hung it up and turned in himself.  The consequence was,
+that the next morning the surgeon, who saw him lying in the hammock,
+had put him down in the report, but as Gascoigne had got up as well as
+ever, he laughed and scratched his name out of the list of wounded.
+
+Before morning the ship had been pumped out dry, and all below made as
+secure and safe as circumstances would permit; but the gale still
+continued its violence, and there was anything but comfort onboard.
+
+"I say, Martin, you ought to be thrown overboard!" said Gascoigne;
+"all this comes from your croaking--you're a Mother Cary's chicken."
+
+"I wish I had been anyone's chicken," replied Martin; "but the devil a
+thing to nestle under have I had since I can well remember."
+
+"What a bore to have no galley-fire lighted," said one of the
+youngsters; "no tea, and not allowed any grog."
+
+"The gale will last three days," replied Martin, "and by that time we
+shall not be far from the Admiral; it won't blow home there."
+
+"Well, then, we shall be ordered in directly, and I shall go on shore
+to-morrow," replied Easy.
+
+"Yes, if you're ill," replied Gascoigne.
+
+"Never fear, I shall be sick enough.  We shall be there at least six
+weeks, and then we'll forget all this."
+
+"Yes," replied Martin, "we may forget it, but will the poor fellows
+whose limbs are shrivelled forget it? and will poor Miles, the
+boatswain, who is blind forever?"
+
+"Very true, Martin; we are thinking about ourselves, not thankful for
+our escape, and not feeling for others," replied Gascoigne.
+
+"Give us your hand, Ned," said Jack Easy.  "And, Martin, we ought to
+thank you for telling us the truth--we are a selfish set of fellows."
+
+"Still we took our share with the others," replied one of the
+midshipman.
+
+"That's more reason for us to be grateful and to pity them," replied
+Jack; "suppose you had lost your arm or your eyesight--we would have
+pitied you; so now pity others."
+
+"Well, so I do, now I think of it."
+
+"Think oftener, youngster," observed Martin, going on deck. What a
+change from the morning of the day before; but twenty-four hours had
+passed away, and the sea had been smooth; the frigate dashed through
+the blue water, proud in all her canvas, graceful as a swan.  Since
+that there had been fire, tempest, lightning, disaster, danger, and
+death; her masts were tossed about on the snowy waves, hundreds of
+miles away from her, and she--a wreck--was rolling heavily, groaning
+and complaining in every timber, as she urged her impetuous race with
+the furious running sea.
+
+How wrong are those on shore who assert that sailors are not
+religious!--how is it possible, supposing them to be possessed of
+feeling, to be otherwise?  On shore, where you have nothing but the
+change of seasons, each in its own peculiar beauty--nothing but the
+blessings of the earth, its fruits, its flowers--nothing but the
+bounty, the comforts, the luxuries which have been invented, where you
+can rise in the morning in peace, and lay down your head at night in
+security--God may be neglected and forgotten for a long time; but at
+sea, when each gale is a warning, each disaster acts as a check, each
+escape as a homily upon the forbearance of Providence, that man must
+be indeed brutalised who does not feel that God is there.  On shore we
+seldom view Him but in all His beauty and kindness; but at sea we are
+as often reminded how terrible He is in His wrath.  Can it be supposed
+that the occurrences of the last twenty-four hours were lost upon the
+minds of any one man in that ship?  No, no.  In their courage and
+activity they might appear reckless, but in their hearts they
+acknowledged and bowed unto their God.
+
+Before the day was over, a jury-foremast had been got up, and sail
+having been put upon it, the ship was steered with greater ease and
+safety--the main brace had been spliced to cheer up the exhausted
+crew, and the hammocks were piped down.
+
+As Gascoigne had observed, some of the men were not very much pleased
+to find that they were minus their blankets, but Captain Wilson
+ordered their losses to be supplied by the purser and expended by the
+master; this quite altered the case, as they obtained new blankets in
+most cases for old ones, but still it was impossible to light the
+galley fire, and the men sat on their chests and nibbled biscuit.  By
+twelve o'clock that night the gale broke, and more sail was
+necessarily put on the scudding vessels for the sea still ran fast and
+mountains high.  At daylight the sun burst out and shone brightly on
+them, the sea went gradually down, the fire was lighted, and Mr
+Pottyfar, whose hands were again in his pockets, at twelve o'clock
+gave the welcome order to pipe to dinner.  As soon as the men had
+eaten their dinner, the frigate was once more brought to the wind, her
+jury-mast forward improved upon, and more sail made upon it.  The next
+morning there was nothing of the gale left except the dire effects
+which it had produced, the black and riven stump of the foremast still
+holding up a terrific warning of the power and fury of the elements.
+
+Three days more, and the Aurora joined the Toulon fleet.  When she was
+first seen it was imagined by those on board of the other ships that
+she had been in action, but they soon learnt that the conflict had
+been against more direful weapons than any yet invented by mortal
+hands.  Captain Wilson waited upon the Admiral, and of course received
+immediate orders to repair to port and refit.  In a few hours the
+Aurora had shaped her course for Malta, and by sunset the Toulon fleet
+were no longer in sight.
+
+"By de holy poker, Massa Easy, but that terrible sort of gale the
+other day anyhow--I tink one time, we all go to Davy Joney's lacker."
+
+"Very true, Mesty; I hope never to meet with such another."
+
+"Den, Massa Easy, why you go to sea? when man ab no money, noting to
+eat, den he go to sea, but everybody say you ab plenty money why you
+come to sea?"
+
+"I'm sure I don't know," replied Jack, thoughtfully; "I came to sea on
+account of equality and the rights of man."
+
+"Eh, Massa Easy, you come to wrong place anyhow. Now I tink a good
+deal lately, and by all de power, I tink equality all stuff."
+
+"All stuff, Mesty, why?  You used to think otherwise."
+
+"Yes, Massa Easy, but den I boil de kettle for all young gentleman.
+Now dat I ship's corporal and hab cane, I tink so no longer."
+
+Jack made no reply, but he thought the more.  The reader must have
+perceived that Jack's notions of equality were rapidly disappearing;
+he defended them more from habit, and perhaps a wilfulness which would
+not allow him to acknowledge himself wrong;--to which may be added his
+love of argument.  Already he had accustomed himself to obedience of
+his superiors, and, notwithstanding his arguments, he would admit of
+no resistance from those below him; not that it was hardly ever
+attempted, for Jack was anything but a tyrant and was much beloved by
+all in the ship.  Every day brought its lesson, and Captain Wilson was
+now satisfied that Jack had been almost cured of the effects of his
+father's ridiculous philosophy.
+
+After a few minutes, Mesty tapped his cane on the funnel and
+recommenced. "Then why you stay at sea, Massa Easy?"
+
+"I don't know, Mesty, I don't dislike it."
+
+"But, Massa Easy, why you stay in midshipman berth, eat hard biscuit,
+salt pig, salt horse, when you can go shore and live like gentleman?
+Dat very foolish!  Why not be your own master?  By all power! suppose
+I had money, catch me board ship. Little sea very good, Massa Easy,
+open one's eyes; but tink of the lightning t'other night.  Poor massa
+boatswain he shut um eyes for ebber!"
+
+"Very true, Mesty."
+
+"Me hope you fink of this, sar, and when you go on shore you take
+Mesty wid you.  He sarve you well, Massa Easy, long as he live, by de
+holy St Patrick.  And den, Massa Easy, you marry wife--hab
+pickaninny--lib like gentleman.  You tink of this, Massa Easy."
+
+The mention of the word marriage turned the thoughts of our hero to
+his Agnes and he made no reply.  Mesty walked away leaving our hero
+in deep thought.
+
+This conversation had more effect upon Jack than would have been
+imagined, and he very often found he was putting to himself the
+question of Mesty--"Why do you stay at sea?" He had not entered the
+service with any particular view, except to find equality, and he
+could not but acknowledge to himself that, as Mesty observed, he had
+come to the wrong place.  He had never even thought of staying to
+serve his time, nor had he looked forward to promotion, and one day
+commanding a ship.  He had only cared for the present, without
+indulging in a future anticipation of any reward, except in a union
+with Agnes.  Mesty's observations occasioned Jack to reflect upon the
+future for the first time in his life; and he was always perplexed
+when he put the question of Mesty, and tried to answer to himself as
+to what were his intentions in remaining in the service.
+
+Nevertheless Jack did his duty very much to the satisfaction of Mr
+Pottyfar; and after a tedious passage, from baffling and light winds,
+the Aurora arrived at Malta.  Our hero had had some conversation with
+his friend Gascoigne, in which he canvassed his future plans; all of
+which, however, ended in one settled point, which was that he was to
+marry Agnes.  As for the rest, Gascoigne was of opinion that Jack
+ought to follow up the service and become a captain.  But there was
+plenty of time to think about that, as he observed; now all they had
+to consider was how to get on shore, for the refitting of the ship was
+an excuse for detaining them on board, which they knew Mr Pottyfar
+would avail himself of.
+
+Jack dined in the gun-room on the day of their arrival, and he
+resolved that he would ask that very evening. Captain Wilson was
+already on shore at the Governor's.  Now, there had been a little
+difference of opinion between Mr Pottyfar and Mr Hawkins, the
+chaplain, on a point of seamanship, and most of the officers sided
+with the chaplain, who, as we have before observed, was a first-rate
+seaman. It had ended in high words, for Mr Hawkins had forgotten
+himself so far as to tell the first lieutenant that he had a great
+deal to learn, not having even got over the midshipman's trick of
+keeping his hands in his pockets; and Mr Pottyfar had replied that it
+was very well for him as chaplain to insult others, knowing that his
+cassock protected him.
+
+This was a bitter reply to Mr Hawkins, who at the very time that the
+insinuation made his blood boil, was also reminded that his profession
+forbade a retort.  He rushed into his cabin, poor fellow, having no
+other method left, vented his indignation in tears, and then consoled
+himself by degrees with prayer.  In the meantime Mr Pottyfar had gone
+on deck, wroth with Hawkins and with his messmates, as well as
+displeased with himself. He was, indeed, in a humour to be pleased
+with nobody, and in a most unfortunate humour to be asked leave by a
+midshipman.  Nevertheless, Jack politely took off his hat, and
+requested leave to go on shore and see his friend the Governor.  Upon
+which Mr Pottyfar turned round to him, with his feet spread wide open,
+and, thrusting his hands to the very bottom of his pockets, as if in
+determination, said:
+
+"Mr Easy, you know the state of the ship.  We have everything to do--
+new masts, new rigging, everything almost to refit--and yet you ask to
+go on shore!  Now, sir, you may take this answer for yourself, and all
+the other midshipmen in the ship, that not one soul of you puts his
+foot on shore until we are again all a-taunto."
+
+"Allow me to observe, sir," said our hero, "that it is very true that
+all our services may be required when the duty commences, but this
+being Saturday night, and tomorrow Sunday, the frigate will not be
+even moved till Monday morning; and as the work cannot begin before
+that, I trust you will permit leave until that time."
+
+"My opinion is different, sir," replied the first lieutenant.
+
+"Perhaps, sir, you will allow me to argue the point," replied Jack.
+
+"No, sir, I never allow argument; walk over to the other side of the
+deck, if you please."
+
+"O certainly, sir," said Jack, "if you wish it." Jack's first idea was
+to go on shore without leave, but from this he was persuaded by
+Gascoigne, who told him that it would displease Captain Wilson, and
+that old Tom, the Governor, would not receive him.  Jack agreed to
+this, and then, after a flourish about the rights of man, tyranny,
+oppression, and so forth, he walked forward to the forecastle, where
+he found his friend Mesty, who had heard all that had passed, and who
+insidiously said to him in a low tone--
+
+"Why you stay at sea, Massa Easy?"
+
+"Why, indeed," thought Jack, boiling with indignation; "to be cooped
+up here at the will of another?  I am a fool--Mesty is right--I'll ask
+for my discharge to-morrow." Jack went down below, and told Gascoigne
+what he had determined to do.
+
+"You'll do no such thing, Jack," replied Gascoigne; "depend upon it,
+you'll have plenty of leave in a day or two.  Pottyfar was in a pet
+with the chaplain, who was too much for him.  Captain Wilson will be
+on board by nine o'clock."
+
+Nevertheless, Jack walked his first watch in the magnificents, as all
+Biddies do when they cannot go on shore, and turned in at twelve
+o'clock with the resolution of sticking to his purpose, and quitting
+his majesty's service; in fact, of presenting his Majesty with his
+between two and three years' time, served as midshipman, all free,
+gratis, and for nothing, except his provisions and his pay, which some
+captains are bold enough to assert that they not only are not worth,
+but not even the salt that accompanies it; forgetting that they were
+once midshipmen themselves, and at the period were, of course, of
+about the same value.
+
+The next morning Captain Wilson came off; the ship's company were
+mustered, the service read by Mr Hawkins, and Jack, as soon as all the
+official duties were over, was about to go up to the captain, when the
+captain said to him,--"Mr Easy, the Governor desired me to bring you
+on shore to dine with him, and he has a bed at your service."
+
+Jack touched his hat and ran down below, to make his few preparations.
+By the time that Mesty, who had taken charge of his chest, etc, had
+put his necessaries in the boat, Jack had almost made up his mind that
+his Majesty should not be deprived yet awhile of so valuable an
+officer.  Jack returned on deck, and found that the captain was not
+yet ready; he went up to Mr Pottyfar, and told him that the captain
+had ordered him to go on shore with him; and Mr Pottyfar, who had
+quite got over his spleen, said,--
+
+"Very well, Mr Easy--I wish you a great deal of pleasure."
+
+"This is very different from yesterday," thought Jack; "suppose I try
+the medicine?"
+
+"I am not very well, Mr Pottyfar, and those pills of the doctor's
+don't agree with me--I always am ill if I am long without air and
+exercise."
+
+"Very true," said the first lieutenant, "people require air and
+exercise. I've no opinion of the doctor's remedies; the only thing
+that is worth a farthing is the universal medicine."
+
+"I should so long to try it, sir," replied Jack; "I read the book one
+day, and it said that if you took it daily for a fortnight or three
+weeks, and with plenty of air and exercise, it would do wonders."
+
+"And it's very true," replied Mr Pottyfar; "and if you'd like to try
+it you shall--I have plenty--shall I give you a dose now?"
+
+"If you please, sir," replied Jack; "and tell me how often I am to
+take it, for my head aches all day."
+
+Mr Pottyfar took Jack down, and putting into his hand three or four
+bottles of the preparation, told him that he was to take thirty drops
+at night, when he went to bed, not to drink more than two glasses of
+wine, and to avoid the heat of the sun.
+
+"But, sir," replied Jack, who had put the bottles in his pocket, "I am
+afraid that I cannot take it long; for as the ship is ready for
+fitting, I shall be exposed to the sun all day"
+
+"Yes, if you are wanted, Mr Easy; but we have plenty here without you;
+and when you are unwell you cannot be expected to work. Take care of
+your health; and I trust, indeed I am sure, that you will find this
+medicine wonderfully efficacious."
+
+"I will begin to-night, sir, if you please," replied Jack, "and I am
+very much obliged to you.  I sleep at the Governor's--shall I come on
+board to-morrow morning?"
+
+"No, no; take care of yourself, and get well; I shall be glad to hear
+that you get better.  Send me word how it acts."
+
+"I will, sir, send you word by the boat every day," replied Jack,
+delighted; "I am very much obliged to you, sir.  Gascoigne and I were
+thinking of asking you, but did not like to do so: he, poor fellow,
+suffers from headaches almost as bad as I do, and the doctor's pills
+are of no use to him."
+
+"He shall have some too, Mr Easy; I thought he looked pale. I'll see
+to it this afternoon.  Recollect, moderate exercise, Mr Easy, and
+avoid the sun at midday."
+
+"Yes, sir," replied Jack, "I'll not forget"; and off went Jack,
+delighted.  He ordered Mesty to put up his whole portmanteau instead
+of the small bundle he put into the boat, and telling Gascoigne what a
+spoke he had put into his wheel, was soon in the boat with the
+captain, and went on shore, where he was cordially greeted by the
+Governor.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+In which Captain Wilson is repaid with interest for Jack's borrowing
+his name, proving that a good name is as good as a legacy.
+
+"Well, Jack, my boy, have you any long story ready for me?" inquired
+the Governor.
+
+"Yes, sir," replied Jack, "I have one or two very good ones."
+
+"Very well, we'll hear them after dinner," replied old Tom. "In the
+meantime find out your room and take possession."
+
+"That must not be for very long, Governor," observed Captain Wilson.
+"Mr Easy must learn his duty, and there is a good opportunity now."
+
+"If you please, sir," replied Jack, "I'm on the sick list."
+
+"Sick list," said Captain Wilson; "you were not in the report I was
+given this morning."
+
+"No, I'm on Mr Pottyfar's list, and I'm going through a course of the
+universal medicine."
+
+"What's all this, Jack, what's all this?  There's some story here.
+Don't be afraid of the captain--you've me to back you," said the
+Governor.
+
+Jack was not at all afraid of the captain, so he told him how the
+first lieutenant had refused him leave the evening before, and how he
+had now given him permission to remain, and try the universal
+medicine, at which the Governor laughed heartily, nor could Captain
+Wilson refrain from joining.
+
+"But, Mr Easy," replied the captain, after a pause, "if Mr Pottyfar
+will allow you to stay on shore, I cannot--you have your duty to
+learn.  You must be aware that now is your time, and you must not lose
+opportunities that do not occur every day.  You must acknowledge the
+truth of what I say."
+
+"Yes, sir," replied Jack, "I admit it all, provided I do intend to
+follow the profession"; and so saying our hero bowed, and left the
+veranda where they had been talking.
+
+This hint of Jack's, thrown out by him, more with the intention of
+preventing his being sent on board than with any definite idea, was
+not lost upon either the captain or the Governor.
+
+"Does he jib, then?" observed the Governor. "On the contrary, I never
+knew him more attentive, and so entirely getting rid of his former
+notions.  He has behaved most nobly in the gale, and there has not
+been one complaint against him--I never was more astonished--he must
+have meant something."
+
+"I'll tell you what he means, Wilson--that he does not like to be sent
+on board, nothing more.  He's not to be cooped up--you may lead him,
+but not drive him."
+
+"Yes but the service will not admit of it.  I never could allow it--he
+must do his duty like the rest, and conform to the rules."
+
+"Exactly, so he must; but look ye, Wilson, you must not lose him: it's
+all easily settled--appoint him your orderly midshipman to and from
+the ship, that will be employment, and he can always remain here at
+night I will tell him that I have asked, as a favour, what I now do,
+and leave me to find out what he is thinking about."
+
+"It may be done that way certainly", replied Captain Wilson, musing "and
+you are more likely, to get his intentions from him than I am. I am
+afraid he has too great a command of money ever to be fond of the
+ship; it is the ruin of a junior officer to be so lavishly supplied."
+
+"He's a long way from ruin yet, Wilson--he's a very fine fellow, even
+by your own acknowledgment.  You humoured him out of gratitude to his
+father, when he first came into the service; humour him a little now
+to keep him in it.  Besides, if your first lieutenant is such a fool
+with his universal medicine, can you wonder at a midshipman taking
+advantage of it?"
+
+"No, but I ought not to allow him to do so with my eyes open."
+
+"He has made it known to you upon honour, and you ought not to take
+advantage of his confidence: but still what I proposed would, I think,
+be the best, for then he will be at his duty in a way that will suit
+all parties.  You, because you employ him on service--the first
+lieutenant, because Jack can take his medicine--and Jack, because he
+can dine with me every day."
+
+"Well, I suppose it must be so," replied Captain Wilson, laughing;
+"but still, I trust, you will discover what is working in his mind to
+induce him to give me that answer, Governor."
+
+"Never fear, Jack shall confess, and lay his soul as bare as that of a
+Catholic bigot before his padre."
+
+The party sat down to dinner, and what with the Governor's
+aide-de-camp and those invited, it was pretty numerous.  After the
+cloth had been removed, the Governor called upon Jack for his stories,
+whereupon, much to the surprise of Captain Wilson, who had never heard
+one word of it, for the Admiral had not mentioned anything about it to
+him during the short time the Aurora was with the Toulon fleet, our
+hero gave the Governor and the company the narrative of all that
+happened in the Mary Ann transport--the loves of Captain Hogg and Miss
+Hicks-the adventures of Gascoigne--and his plan, by which he baulked
+them all.  The Governor was delighted, and Captain Wilson not a little
+astonished.
+
+"You prevented a very foolish thing, Mr Easy, and behaved very well,"
+observed the captain, laughing again at the idea; "but you never told
+me of all this."
+
+"No, sir," replied Jack, "I have always reserved my stories for the
+Governor's table, where I am sure to meet you, and then telling once
+does for all."
+
+Jack received his appointment as orderly midshipman, and everything
+went on well; for, of his own accord, he stayed on board the major
+part of the day to learn his duty, which very much pleased the captain
+and Mr Pottyfar.  In this Jack showed a great deal of good sense, and
+Captain Wilson did not repent of the indulgence he had shown him.
+Jack's health improved daily, much to Mr Pottyfar's satisfaction, who
+imagined that he took the universal medicine night and morning.
+Gascoigne also was a patient under the first lieutenant's hands, and
+often on shore with our hero, who thought no more of quitting the
+service.
+
+For seven weeks they had now remained in harbour, for even the masts
+had to be made, when, one day, Captain Wilson opened a letter he
+received at breakfast-time, and having read it, laid it down with the
+greatest surprise depicted in his countenance.  "Good heavens what can
+this mean?" said he.
+
+"What's the matter, Wilson?" said the Governor. "Just hear its
+contents, Sir Thomas." Captain Wilson then read in Spanish as
+follows:--
+
+"HONOURABLE SIR,
+
+"It is my duty to advise you that the Honourable Lady Senora Alforgas
+de Cuzman, now deceased, has, in her testament bequeathed to you the
+sum of one thousand doubloons in gold as a testimony of your kind
+services on the night of the 12th of August. If you will authorise any
+merchant here to receive the money, it shall be paid forthwith, or
+remitted in any way you please to appoint.  May you live a thousand
+years!
+
+"Your most obedient servant,
+
+"ALFONZO XEREZ."
+
+Jack heard the letter read, rose quietly, whistled low, as if not
+attending to it, and then slipped out of the room, unperceived by the
+Governor or Captain Wilson.
+
+The fact was, that although Jack had longed to tell the Governor about
+his adventures after the masquerade, he did not like yet awhile, until
+he was sure that there were no consequences--because he had given the
+captain's name instead of his own.  As soon as he heard the letter
+read, he at once perceived that it had been the old lady, and not the
+priests, who had made the inquiry, and that by giving Captain Wilson's
+name, he had obtained for him this fine legacy. Jack was delighted,
+but still puzzled, so he walked out of the room to reflect a little.
+
+"What can it mean?" said Captain Wilson.  "I never rendered any
+services to anyone on the 12th of August or after it.  It is some
+mistake--12th of August--that was the day of the grand masquerade."
+
+"A lucky one for you, at all events--for you know, mistake or not, no
+one else can touch the legacy.  It can only be paid to you."
+
+"I never heard of anything taking place at the masquerade--I was
+there, but I left early, for I was not very well.  Mr Easy," said
+Captain Wilson, turning round; but Jack was gone.
+
+"Was he at the masquerade?" asked the Governor. "Yes, I know he was,
+for the first lieutenant told me that he requested not to come on
+board till the next day."
+
+"Depend upon it," replied the Governor, striking his fist upon the
+table, "that Jack's at the bottom of it."
+
+"I should not be surprised at his being at the bottom of anything,"
+replied Captain Wilson, laughing.
+
+"Leave it to me, Wilson; I'll find it out."
+
+After a little more conversation, Captain Wilson went on board,
+leaving Jack on purpose that the Governor might pump him.  But this
+Sir Thomas had no occasion to do, for Jack had made up his mind to
+make the Governor his confidant, and he immediately told him the whole
+story. The Governor held his sides at our hero's description,
+especially at his ruse of giving the captain's name instead of his
+own.
+
+"You'll kill me, Jack, before you've done with me," said old Tom, at
+last; "but now, what is to be done?"
+
+Our hero now became grave; he pointed out to the Governor that he
+himself had plenty of money, and would come into a large fortune, and
+that Captain Wilson was poor, with a large family.  All Jack wanted
+the Governor to manage was, that Captain Wilson might consent to
+accept the legacy.
+
+"Right, boy, right! you're my own boy," replied the Governor, "but we
+must think of this, for Wilson is the very soul of honour, and there
+might be some difficulty about it.  You have told nobody?"
+
+"Not a soul but you, Sir Thomas."
+"It will never do to tell him all this, Jack, for he would insist that
+the legacy belonged to you."
+
+"I have it, sir," replied Jack.  "When I was going into the masquerade
+I offered to hand this very old lady, who was covered with diamonds
+out of her carriage, and she was so frightened at my dress of the
+devil  that she would have fallen down had it not been for Captain
+Wilson who supported her, and she was very thankful to him."
+
+"You are right, Jack," replied the Governor, after a short pause:
+"that will, I think, do.  I must tell him the story of the friars,
+because I swore you had something to do with it--but I'll tell him no
+more. Leave it all to me."
+
+Captain Wilson returned in the afternoon, and found the Governor on
+the veranda.
+
+"I have had some talk with young Easy," said the Governor, "and he has
+told me a strange story about that night, which he was afraid to tell
+to everybody."
+
+The Governor then narrated the history of the friars and the will.
+
+"Well, but," observed Captain Wilson, "the history of that will afford
+no clue to the legacy."
+
+"No it does not; but still, as I said, Jack had a hand in this. He
+frightened the old lady as a devil, and you caught her in your arms
+and saved her from falling, so he had a hand in it, you see."
+
+"I do now remember that I did save a very dowager-like old personage
+from falling at the sight of a devil, who, of course, must have been
+our friend Easy."
+
+"Well, and that accounts for the whole of it."
+
+"A thousand doubloons for picking up an old lady!"
+
+"Yes, why not?--have you not heard of a man having a fortune left him
+for merely opening the pew door of a church, to an old gentleman?"
+
+"Yes, but it appears so strange."
+
+"There's nothing strange in this world, Wilson, nothing at a We may
+slave for years and get no reward, and do a trifle out of politeness
+and become independent.  In my opinion, this mystery is unravelled.
+The old lady, for I knew the family, must have died immensely rich:
+she knew you in your full uniform, and she asked your name; a heavy
+fall would have been to one so fat a most serious affair; you saved
+her, and she has rewarded you handsomely."
+
+"Well," replied Captain Wilson, "as I can give no other explanation, I
+suppose yours is the correct one; but it's hardly fair to take a
+thousand doubloons from her relations merely for an act of civility."
+
+"You really are quite ridiculous; the old lady owned half Murcia, to
+my knowledge.  It is no more to them than anyone leaving you a suit of
+mourning in an English legacy. I wish you joy; it will help you with a
+large family, and in justice to them you are bound to take it.
+Everybody does as he pleases with his own money,--depend upon it, you
+saved her from breaking her leg short off at the hip joint."
+
+"Upon that supposition I presume I must accept of the legacy," replied
+Captain Wilson, laughing.
+
+"Of course; send for it at once.  The rate of exchange is now high. I
+will give you government bills, which will make it nearly four
+thousand pounds."
+
+"Four thousand pounds for preventing an old woman from falling,"
+replied Captain Wilson.
+
+"Devilish well paid, Wilson, and I congratulate you."
+
+"For how much am I indebted to the father of young Easy!" observed
+Captain Wilson, after a silence of some minutes; "if he had not
+assisted me when I was appointed to a ship, I should not have gained
+my promotion--nor three thousand pounds I have made in prize-money--
+the command of a fine frigate--and now four thousand  pounds in a
+windfall."
+
+The Governor thought that he was more indebted to Jack than to his
+father for some of these advantages, but he was careful not to point
+them out.
+
+"It's very true," observed the Governor, "that Mr Easy was of service
+to you when you were appointed; but allow me to observe, that for your
+ship, your prize-money, and for your windfall, you have been wholly
+indebted to your own gallantry, in both senses of the word; still Mr
+Easy is a fine generous fellow, and so is his son, I can tell you.
+By-the-bye, I had a long conversation with him the other day."
+
+"About himself?"
+
+"Yes, all about himself.  He appears to me to have come into the
+service without any particular motive, and will be just as likely to
+leave it in the same way.  He appears to be very much in love with
+that Sicilian nobleman's daughter. I find that he has written to her,
+and to her brother, since he has been here."
+
+"That he came into the service in search of what he never will find in
+this world, I know very well; and I presume that he has found that
+out--and that he will follow up the service is also very doubtful; but
+I do not wish that he should leave it yet, it is doing him great
+good," replied Captain Wilson.
+
+"I agree with you there--I have great influence with him, and he shall
+stay yet awhile.  He is heir to a very large fortune, is he not?"
+
+"A clear eight thousand pounds a year, if not more."
+
+"If his father dies he must, of course, leave; a midshipman with eight
+thousand pounds a year would indeed be an anomaly."
+
+"That the service could not permit.  It would be as injurious to
+himself as it would to others about him.  At present, he has almost,
+indeed I may say quite, an unlimited command of money."
+
+"That's bad, very bad.  I wonder he behaves so well as he does."
+
+"And so do I: but he really is a very superior lad, with all his
+peculiarities, and a general favourite with those whose opinions and
+friendship are worth having."
+
+"Well, don't curb him too tight--for really he does not require it. He
+goes very well in a snaffle."
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+"Philosophy made Easy," upon agrarian principles, the subject of some
+uneasiness to our hero--The first appearance, but not the last, of an
+important personage.
+
+The conversation was here interrupted by a mail from England which
+they had been expecting.  Captain Wilson retired with his letters; the
+Governor remained equally occupied; and our hero received the first
+letter ever written to him by his father.  It ran as follows:--
+
+"MY DEAR SON,
+
+"I have many times taken up my pen with the intention of
+letting you know how things went on in this country.  But as I can
+perceive around but one dark horizon of evil, I have as often laid it
+down again without venturing to make you unhappy with such bad
+intelligence.
+
+"The account of your death, and also of your unexpectedly being yet
+spared to us, were duly received, and I trust, I mourned and rejoiced
+on each occasion with all the moderation characteristic of a
+philosopher.  In the first instance I consoled myself with the
+reflection that the world you had left was in a state of slavery, and
+pressed down by the iron arm of despotism, and that to die was gain,
+not only in all the parson tells us, but also in our liberty; and, at
+the second intelligence, I moderated my joy for nearly about the same
+reasons, resolving, notwithstanding what Dr Middleton may say, to die
+as I have lived, a true philosopher.
+
+"The more I reflect the more am I convinced that there is nothing
+required to make this world happy but equality, and the rights of man
+being duly observed--in short, that everything and everybody should be
+reduced to one level.  Do we not observe that it is the law of
+nature--do not brooks run into rivers--rivers into seas--mountains
+crumble down upon the plains?--are not the seasons contented to
+equalise the parts of the earth?  Why does the sun run round the
+ecliptic, instead of the equator, but to give an equal share of his
+heat to both sides of the world?  Are we not all equally born in
+misery? does not death level us all aequo pede, as the poet hath? are
+we not all equally hungry, thirsty, and sleepy, and thus levelled by
+our natural wants? And such being the case, ought we not to have our
+equal share of good things in this world, to which we have undoubted
+equal right?  Can any argument be more solid or more level than this,
+whatever nonsense Dr Middleton may talk?
+
+"Yes, my son, if it were not that I still hope to see the sun of
+justice arise, and disperse the manifold dark clouds which obscure the
+land--if I did not still hope, in my time, to see an equal
+distribution of property--an Agrarian law passed by the House of
+Commons, in which all should benefit alike--I would not care how soon
+I left this vale of tears, created by tyranny and injustice.  At
+present, the same system is carried on; the nation is taxed for the
+benefit of the few, and it groans under oppression and despotism; but
+I still do think that there is, if I may fortunately express myself, a
+bright star in the west; and signs of the times which comfort me.
+Already we have had a good deal of incendiarism about the country, and
+some of the highest aristocracy have pledged themselves to raise the
+people above themselves, and have advised sedition and conspiracy;
+have shown to the debased and unenlightened multitude that their force
+is physically irresistible, and recommended them to make use of it,
+promising that if they hold in power, they will only use that power to
+the abolition of our farce of a constitution, of a church, and of a
+king; and that if the nation is  to be governed at all, it shall only
+be governed by the many.  This is cheering. Hail, patriot lords! all
+hail! I am in hopes yet that the great work will be achieved, in spite
+of the laughs and sneers and shakes of the head, which my arguments
+still meet with from that obstinate fellow, Dr Middleton.
+
+"Your mother is in a quiet way; she has given over reading and
+working, and even her knitting, as useless; and she now sits all day
+long at the chimney corner twiddling her thumbs, and waiting, as she
+says, for the millennium.  Poor thing! she is very foolish with her
+ideas upon this matter, but as usual I let her have her own way in
+everything, copying the philosopher of old, who was tied to his
+Xantippe.
+
+"I trust, my dear son, that your principles have strengthened with
+your years and fortified with your growth, and that, if necessary, you
+will sacrifice all to obtain what in my opinion will prove to be the
+real millennium.  Make all the converts you can, and believe me to be,
+
+"Your affectionate father, and true guide,
+
+"Nicodemus Easy."
+
+Jack, who was alone, shook his head as he read this letter, and then
+laid it down with a pish!  He did it involuntarily, and was surprised
+at himself when he found that he had so done.  "I should like to argue
+the point," thought Jack, in spite of himself; and then he threw the
+letter on the table, and went into Gascoigne's room, displeased with
+his father and with himself.  He asked Ned whether he had received any
+letters from England, and, it being near dinnertime, went back to
+dress.  On his coming down into the receiving room with Gascoigne, the
+Governor said to them,--
+
+"As you both speak Italian, you must take charge of a Sicilian
+officer, who has come here with letters of introduction to me, and who
+dines here to-day."
+
+Before dinner they were introduced to the party in question, a
+slight-made, well-looking young man, but still there was an expression
+in his countenance which was not agreeable.  In compliance with the
+wishes of the Governor, Don Mathias, for so he was called, was placed
+between our two midshipmen, who immediately entered into conversation
+with him, being themselves anxious to make enquiries about their
+friends at Palermo.  In the course of conversation, Jack enquired of
+him whether he was acquainted with Don Rebiera, to which the Sicilian
+answered in the affirmative, and they talked about the different
+members of the family.
+
+Don Mathias, towards the close of the dinner, enquired of Jack by what
+means he had become acquainted with Don Rebiera, and Jack, in reply,
+narrated how he and his friend Gascoigne had saved him from being
+murdered by two villains; after this reply the young officer appeared
+to be less inclined for conversation, but before the party broke up,
+requested to have the acquaintance of our two midshipmen.  As soon as
+he was gone, Gascoigne observed in a reflective way, "I have seen that
+face before, but where I cannot exactly say; but you know, Jack, what
+a memory of people I have, and I have seen him before, I am sure."
+
+"I can't recollect that ever I have," replied our hero, "but I never
+knew anyone who could recollect in that way as you do."
+
+The conversation was then dropped between them, and Jack was for some
+time listening to the Governor and Captain Wilson, for the whole party
+were gone away, when Gascoigne, who had been in deep thought since he
+had made the observation to Jack, sprang up.
+
+"I have him at last!" cried he.
+
+"Have who?" demanded Captain Wilson.
+
+"That Sicilian officer--I could have sworn that I had seen him
+before."
+
+"That Don Mathias?"
+
+"No, Sir Thomas!  He is not Don Mathias!  He is the very Don Silvio
+who was murdering Don Rebiera, when we came to his assistance and
+saved him."
+
+"I do believe you are right, Gascoigne."
+
+"I'm positive of it," replied Gascoigne; "I never made a mistake in my
+life."
+
+"Bring me those letters, Easy," said the Governor, "and let us see
+what they say of him.  Here it is--Don Mathias de Alayeres.  You may
+be mistaken, Gascoigne; it is a heavy charge you are making against
+this young man."
+
+"Well, Sir Thomas, if that is not Don Silvio, I'd forfeit my
+commission if I had it here in my hand.  Besides, I observed the
+change in his countenance when we told him it was Easy and I who had
+come to Don Rebiera's assistance; and did you observe after that,
+Easy, that he hardly said a word."
+
+"Very true," replied Jack. "Well, well, we must see to this," observed
+the Governor; "if so, this letter of introduction must be a forgery."
+
+The party then retired to bed, and the next morning, while Easy was in
+Gascoigne's room talking over their suspicions, letters from Palermo
+were brought up to him.  They were in answer to those written by Jack
+on his arrival at Malta: a few lines from Don Rebiera, a small note
+from Agnes, and a voluminous detail from his friend Don Philip, who
+informed him of the good health of all parties, and of their goodwill
+towards him; of Agnes being as partial as ever; of his having spoken
+plainly, as he had promised Jack, to his father and mother relative to
+the mutual attachment; of their consent being given, and then
+withheld, because Father Thomaso, their confessor, would not listen to
+the union of Agnes with a heretic; but nevertheless telling Jack that
+this would be got over through the medium of his brother and himself,
+who were determined that their sister and he should not be made
+unhappy about such a trifle.  But the latter part of the letter
+contained intelligence equally important, which was, that Don Silvio
+had again attempted the life of their father, and would have
+succeeded, had not Father Thomaso, who happened to be there, thrown
+himself between them.  That Don Silvio in his rage had actually
+stabbed the confessor, although the wound was not dangerous.  That in
+consequence of this, all further lenity was denied to him, and the
+authorities were in search of him to award him the punishment due to
+murder and sacrilege.  That up to the present they could not find him,
+and it was supposed that he had made his escape to Malta in one of the
+speronares.
+
+Such were the contents of the letter, which were immediately
+communicated to the Governor and Captain Wilson, upon their meeting at
+breakfast.
+
+"Very well, we must see to this," observed the Governor, who then made
+his enquiries as to the other intelligence contained in the letters.
+
+Jack and Gascoigne were uneasy till the breakfast was over, when they
+made their escape: a few moments afterwards Captain Wilson rose to go
+on board, and sent for them, but they were not to be found.
+
+"I understand it all, Wilson," said the Governor; "leave them to me;
+go on board and make yourself quite easy."
+
+In the meantime our two midshipmen had taken their hats and walked
+away to the parapet of the battery, where they would not be
+interrupted.
+
+"Now, Gascoigne," observed Jack, "you guess what I'm about--I must
+shoot that rascal this very morning, and that's why I came out with
+you."
+
+"But, Easy, the only difference is this, that I must shoot him, and
+not you; he is my property, for I found him out."
+
+"We'll argue that point," replied Jack: "he has attempted the life of
+my is-to-be, please God, father-in-law, and therefore I have the best
+claim to him."
+
+"I beg your pardon, Jack, he is mine, for I discovered him. Now let me
+put a case: suppose one man walking several yards before another,
+picks up a purse, what claim has the other to it?  I found him, and
+not you."
+
+"That's all very well, Gascoigne; but suppose the purse you picked up
+to be mine, then I have a right to it, although you found it; he is my
+bird by right, and not yours."
+
+"But I have another observation to make, which is very important; he
+is a blood relation of Agnes, and if his blood is on your hands,
+however much he may deserve it, depend upon it, it will be raised as
+an obstacle to your union: think of that."
+
+Jack paused in thought. "And let me induce you by another remark--you
+will confer on me a most particular favour."
+
+"It will be the greatest I ever could," replied Jack, "and you ought
+to be eternally indebted to me."
+
+"I trust to make him eternally indebted to me," replied Gascoigne.
+Sailors, if going into action, always begin to reckon what their share
+of the prize-money may be, before a shot is fired--our two midshipmen
+appear in this instance to be doing the same.
+
+The point having been conceded to Gascoigne, Jack went to the inn
+where Don Silvio had mentioned that he had taken up his quarters, and
+sending up his card, followed the waiter up-stairs.  The waiter opened
+the door, and presented the card.
+
+"Very well," replied Don Silvio, "you can go down and show him up."
+
+Jack hearing these words, did not wait, but walked in, where he found
+Don Silvio very busy removing a hone upon which he had been whetting a
+sharp double-edged stiletto.  The Sicilian walked up to him, offering
+his hand with apparent cordiality; but Jack, with a look of defiance,
+said, "Don Silvio, we know you; my object now is to demand, on the
+part of my friend, the satisfaction which you do not deserve, but
+which our indignation at your second attempt upon Don Rebiera induces
+us to offer; for if you escape from him you will have to do with me.
+On the whole, Don Silvio, you may think yourself fortunate, for it is
+better to die by the hands of a gentleman than by the gibbet."
+
+Don Silvio turned deadly pale--his hand sought his stiletto in his
+bosom, but it was remaining on the table; at last he replied, "Be it
+so--I will meet you when and where you please, in an hour from this."
+
+Jack mentioned the place of meeting, and then walked out of the room.
+He and Gascoigne then hastened to the quarters of an officer they were
+intimate with, and having provided themselves with the necessary
+fire-arms, were at the spot before the time.  They waited for him till
+the exact time, yet no Don Silvio made his appearance.
+
+"He's off," observed Gascoigne; "the villain has escaped us." Half an
+hour over the time had passed, and still there was no sign of
+Gascoigne's antagonist, but one of the Governor's aides-de-camp was
+seen walking up to them.
+
+"Here's Atkins," observed Jack; "that's unlucky, but he won't
+interfere."
+
+"Gentlemen," said Atkins, taking off his hat with much solemnity, "the
+Governor particularly wishes to speak to you both."
+
+"We can't come just now--we'll be there in half an hour."
+
+"You must be there in three minutes, both of you.  Excuse me, my
+orders are positive--and to see them duly executed I have a corporal
+and a file of men behind that wall--of course, if you walk with me
+quietly there will be no occasion to send for their assistance."
+
+"This is confounded tyranny," cried Jack. "Well may they call him
+'King Tom.'"
+
+"Yes," replied Atkins, "and he governs here in 'rey absoluto' so come
+along."
+
+Jack and Gascoigne, having no choice, walked up to the government
+house, where they found Sir Thomas in the veranda, which commanded a
+view of the harbour and offing.
+
+"Come here, young gentlemen," said the Governor, in a severe tone; "do
+you see that vessel about two miles clear of the port? Don Silvio is
+in it, going back to Sicily under a guard.  And now remember what I
+say as a maxim through life.  Fight with gentlemen, if you must fight,
+but not with villains and murderers.  By consenting to fight with a
+blackguard, you as much disparage your cloth and compromise your own
+characters, as by refusing to give satisfaction to a gentleman.
+
+"There, go away, for I'm angry with you, and don't let me see you till
+dinner-time."
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+In which our hero sees a little more service, and is better employed
+than in fighting Don Silvio.
+
+But before they met the Governor at his table, a sloop of war arrived
+from the fleet with despatches from the commander-in-chief. Those to
+Captain Wilson required him to make all possible haste in fitting, and
+then to proceed and cruise off Corsica, to fall in with a Russian
+frigate which was on that coast; if not there, to obtain intelligence,
+and to follow her wherever she might be.
+
+All was now bustle and activity on board of the Aurora. Captain
+Wilson, with our hero and Gascoigne, quieted the Governor's house and
+repaired on board, where they remained day and night.  On the third
+day the Aurora was complete and ready for sea, and about noon sailed
+out of Valette Harbour.
+
+In a week the Aurora had gained the coast of Corsica, and there was no
+need of sending look-out men to the mast-head, for one of the officers
+or midshipmen was there from daylight to dark.  She ran up the coast
+to the northward without seeing the object of her pursuit, or
+obtaining any intelligence.
+
+Calms and light airs detained them for a few days, when a northerly
+breeze enabled them to run down the eastern side of the island.  It
+was on the eighteenth day after they had quieted Malta, that a large
+vessel was seen ahead about eighteen miles off.  The men were then at
+breakfast.
+
+"A frigate, Captain Wilson, I'm sure of it," said Mr Hawkins, the
+chaplain, whose anxiety induced him to go to the mast-head.
+
+"How is she steering?"
+
+"The same way as we are."
+
+The Aurora was under all possible sail, and when the hands were, piped
+to dinner, it was thought that they had neared the chase about two
+miles.
+
+"This will be a long chase; a stern chase always is," observed Martin
+to Gascoigne.
+
+"Yes, I'm afraid so--but I'm more afraid of her escaping."
+
+"That's not unlikely either," replied the mate.
+
+"You are one of Job's comforters, Martin," replied Gascoigne.
+
+"Then I'm not so often disappointed," replied the mate.  "There are
+two points to be ascertained; the first is, whether we shall come up
+with the vessel or lose her--the next is, if we do come up with her,
+whether she is the vessel we are looking for."
+
+"You seem very indifferent about it."
+
+"Indeed I am not: I am the oldest passed midshipman in the ship, and
+the taking of the frigate will, if I live, give me my promotion, and
+if I'm killed, I shan't want it.  But I've been so often disappointed,
+that I now make sure of nothing until I have it."
+
+"Well, for your sake, Martin, I will still hope that the vessel is the
+one we seek, that we shall not be killed, and that you will gain your
+promotion."
+
+"I thank you, Easy--I wish I was one that dared hope as you do." Poor
+Martin! he had long felt how bitter it was to meet disappointment upon
+disappointment.  How true it is, that hope deferred maketh the heart
+sick! and his anticipations of early days, the buoyant calculations of
+youth, had been one by one crushed, and now, having served his time
+nearly three times over, the reaction had become too painful, and, as
+he truly said, he dared not hope: still his temper was not soured, but
+chastened.
+
+"She has hauled her wind, sir," hailed the second lieutenant from the
+topmast cross-trees.
+
+"What think you of that, Martin?" observed Jack. "Either that she is
+an English frigate, or that she is a vessel commanded by a very brave
+fellow, and well-manned."
+
+It was sunset before the Aurora had arrived within two miles of the
+vessel; the private signal had been thrown out, but had not been
+answered, either because it was too dark to make out the colours of
+the flags, or that these were unknown to an enemy.  The stranger had
+hoisted the English colours, but that was no satisfactory proof of her
+being a friend; and just before dark she had put her head towards the
+Aurora, who had now come stem down to her.  The ship's company of the
+Aurora were all at their quarters, as a few minutes would now decide
+whether they had to deal with a friend or foe.
+
+There is no situation perhaps more difficult, and demanding so much
+caution, as the occasional meeting with a doubtful ship.  On the one
+hand, it being necessary to be fully prepared, and not allow the enemy
+the advantage which may be derived from your inaction; and on the
+other, the necessity of prudence, that you may not assault your
+friends and countrymen.  Captain Wilson had hoisted the private
+night-signal, but here again it was difficult, from his sails
+intervening, for the other ship to make it out.  Before the two
+frigates were within three cables' length of each other, Captain
+Wilson, determined that there should be no mistake from any want of
+precaution on his part, hauled up his courses and brailed up his
+driver that the night-signal might be clearly seen.
+
+Lights were seen abaft on the quarter-deck of the other vessel, as if
+they were about to answer, but she continued to keep the Aurora to
+leeward at about half a cable's length, and as the foremost guns of
+each vessel were abreast of each other, hailed in English--
+
+"Ship ahoy! what ship's that?"
+
+"His Majesty's ship Aurora," replied Captain Wilson, who stood on the
+hammocks.  "What ship's that?"
+
+By this time the other frigate had passed half her length clear of the
+beam of the Aurora, and at the same time that a pretended reply of
+"His Majesty's ship--" was heard, a broadside from her guns, which had
+been trained aft on purpose, was poured into the Aurora, and at so
+short a distance, doing considerable execution.  The crew of the
+Aurora, hearing the hailing in English, and the vessel passing them
+apparently without firing, had imagined that she had been one of their
+own cruisers.  The captains of the guns had dropped their lanyards in
+disappointment, and the silence which had been maintained as the two
+vessels met was just breaking up in various ways of lamentation at
+their bad luck, when the broadside was poured in, thundering in their
+ears, and the ripping and tearing of the beams and planks astonished
+their senses.  Many were carried down below, but it was difficult to
+say whether indignation at the enemy's ruse, or satisfaction at
+discovering that they were not called to quarters in vain, most
+predominated.  At all events, it was answered by three voluntary
+cheers, which drowned the cries of those who were being assisted to
+the cockpit.
+
+"Man the larboard guns and about ship!" cried Captain Wilson, leaping
+off the hammocks.  "Look out, my lads, and rake her in stays! We'll
+pay him off for that foul play before we've done with him.  Look out,
+my lads, and take good aim as she pays round."
+
+The Aurora was put about, and her broadside poured into the stern of
+the Russian frigate--for such she was.  It was almost dark, but the
+enemy, who appeared as anxious as the Aurora to come to action, hauled
+up her courses to await her coming up.  In five minutes the two
+vessels were alongside, exchanging murderous broadsides at little more
+than pistol-shot--running slowly in for the land, then not more than
+five miles distant.  The skin-clad mountaineers of Corsica were
+aroused by the furious cannonading, watching the incessant flashes of
+the guns, and listening to their reverberating roar.
+
+After half an hour's fierce combat, during which the fire of both
+vessels was kept up with undiminished vigour, Captain Wilson went down
+on the main deck, and himself separately pointed each gun after it was
+loaded; those amidships being direct for the main channels of the
+enemy's ship, while those abaft the beam were gradually trained more
+and more forward, and those before the beam more and more aft, so as
+to throw all their shot nearly into one focus, giving directions that
+they were all to be fired at once, at the word of command.  The enemy,
+not aware of the cause of the delay, imagined that the fire of the
+Aurora had slackened, and loudly cheered.  At the word given, the
+broadside was poured in, and, dark as it was, the effects from it were
+evident.  Two of the midship ports of the antagonist were blown into
+one, and her mainmast was seen to totter, and then to fall over the
+side.  The Aurora then set her courses, which had been hauled up, and
+shooting ahead, took up a raking position, while the Russian was still
+hampered with her wreck, and poured in grape and cannister from her
+upper deck carronades to impede their labours on deck, while she
+continued her destructive fire upon the hull of the enemy from the
+main deck battery.
+
+The moon now burst out from a low bank of clouds, and enabled them to
+accomplish their work with more precision.  In a quarter of an hour
+the Russian was totally dismasted, and Captain Wilson ordered half of
+his remaining ship's company to repair the damages, which had been
+most severe, whilst the larboard men at quarters continued the fire
+from the main deck.  The enemy continued to return the fire from four
+guns, two on each of her decks, which she could still make bear upon
+the Aurora; but after some time even these ceased, either from the men
+having deserted them, or from their being dismounted.  Observing that
+the fire from her antagonist had ceased, the Aurora also discontinued,
+and the jolly-boat astern being still uninjured, the second lieutenant
+was deputed to pull alongside of the frigate to ascertain if she had
+struck.
+
+The beams of the bright moon silvered the rippling water as the boat
+shoved off; and Captain Wilson and his officers, who were still
+unhurt, leant over the shattered sides of the Aurora, waiting for a
+reply: suddenly the silence of the night was broken upon by a loud
+splash from the bows of the Russian frigate, then about three cables'
+length distant.
+
+"What could that be?" cried Captain Wilson.  "Her anchor's down.  Mr
+Jones, a lead over the side, and see what water we have."
+
+Mr Jones had long been carried down below, severed in two with a round
+shot--but a man leaped into the chains, and lowering down the lead
+sounded in seven fathoms.
+
+"Then I suspect he will give us more trouble yet," observed Captain
+Wilson; and so indeed it proved, for the Russian captain, in reply to
+the second lieutenant, had told him in English, "that he would answer
+that question with his broadside," and before the boat was dropped
+astern, he had warped round with the springs on his cable, and had
+recommenced his fire upon the Aurora.
+
+Captain Wilson made sail upon his ship, and sailed round and round the
+anchored vessel, so as to give her two broadsides to her one, and from
+the slowness with which she worked at her springs upon her cables, it
+was evident that she must be now very weak handed.  Still the
+pertinacity and decided courage of the Russian captain convinced
+Captain Wilson, that, in all probability, he would sink at his anchor
+before he would haul down his colours; and not only would he lose more
+of the Aurora's men, but also the Russian vessel, without he took a
+more decided step.  Captain Wilson, therefore, resolved to try her by
+the board.  Having poured in a raking fire, he stood off for a few
+moments, during which he called the officers and men on deck, and
+stated his intention.  He then went about, and himself conning the
+Aurora, ran her on board the Russian, pouring in his reserved
+broadside as the vessels came into collision, and heading his men as
+they leaped on the enemy's decks.
+
+Although, as Captain Wilson had imagined, the Russian frigate had not
+many men to oppose to the Aurora's, the deck was obstinately defended,
+the voice and the arm of the Russian captain were to be heard and seen
+everywhere, and his men, encouraged by him, were cut down by numbers
+where they stood.
+
+Our hero, who had the good fortune to be still unhurt, was for a
+little while close to Captain Wilson when he boarded, and was about to
+oppose his unequal force against that of the Russian captain, when he
+was pulled back by the collar by Mr Hawkins, the chaplain, who rushed
+in advance with a sabre in his hand.  The opponents were well matched,
+and it may be said that, with little interruption, a hand-to-hand
+conflict ensued, for the moon lighted up the scene of carnage, and
+they were well able to distinguish each other's faces.  At last, the
+chaplain's sword broke: he rushed in, drove the hilt into his
+antagonist's face, closed with him, and they both fell down the
+hatchway together.  After this, the deck was gained, or rather
+cleared, by the crew of the Aurora, for few could be said to have
+resisted, and in a minute or two the frigate was in their possession.
+The chaplain and the Russian captain were hoisted up, still clinging
+to each other, both senseless from the fall, but neither of them dead,
+although bleeding from several wounds.
+
+As soon as the main deck had been cleared, Captain Wilson ordered the
+hatches to be put on, and left a party on board while he hastened to
+attend to the condition of his own ship and ship's company.
+
+It was daylight before anything like order had been restored to the
+decks of the Aurora; the water was still smooth, and instead of
+letting go her own anchor, she had hung on with a hawser to the prize,
+but her sails had been furled, her decks cleared, guns secured, and
+the buckets were dashing away the blood from her planks and the
+carriages of the guns, when the sun rose and shone upon them. The
+numerous wounded had, by this time, been put into their hammocks,
+although there were still one or two cases of amputation to be
+performed.
+
+The carpenter had repaired all shot-holes under or too near to the
+water-line, and then had proceeded to sound the well of the prize; but
+although her upper works had been dreadfully shattered, there was no
+reason to suppose that she had received any serious injury below, and,
+therefore the hatches still remained on, although a few hands were put
+to the pumps to try if she made any water.  It was not until the
+Aurora presented a more cheerful appearance that Captain Wilson went
+over to the other ship, whose deck, now that the light of heaven
+enabled them to witness all the horrors even to minuteness, presented
+a shocking spectacle of blood and carnage.  Body after body was thrown
+over; the wounded were supplied with water and such assistance as
+could be rendered until the surgeons could attend them; the hatches
+were then taken off, and the remainder of her crew ordered on deck;
+about two hundred obeyed the summons, but the lower deck was as
+crowded with killed and wounded as was the upper.  For the present the
+prisoners were handed over down into the fore-hold of the Aurora,
+which had been prepared for their reception, and the work of
+separation of the dead from the living then underwent.
+
+After this, such repairs as were immediately necessary were made, and
+a portion of the Aurora's crew, under the orders of the second
+lieutenant, were sent on board to take charge of her.  It was not till
+the evening of the day after this night conflict that the Aurora was
+in a situation to make sail.  All hands were then sent on board of the
+Trident, for such was the name of the Russian frigate, to fit her out
+as soon as possible.  Before morning,--for there was no relaxation
+from their fatigue, nor was there any wish for it,--all was completed,
+and the two frigates, although in a shattered condition, were prepared
+to meet any common conflict with the elements.  The Aurora made sail
+with the Trident in tow; the hammocks were allowed to be taken down,
+and the watch below permitted to repose.
+
+In this murderous conflict the Trident had more than two hundred men
+killed and wounded.  The Aurora's loss had not been so great, but
+still it was severe, having lost sixty-five men and officers. Among
+the fallen there were Mr Jones, the master, the third lieutenant Mr
+Arkwright, and two midshipmen dead.  Mr Pottyfar, the first
+lieutenant, was severely wounded at the commencement of the action.
+Martin the master's mate, and Gascoigne, the first mortally, and the
+second badly, were wounded.  Our hero had also received a slight
+cutlass wound, which obliged him to wear his arm, for a short time, in
+a sling.
+
+Among the ship's company who were wounded was Mesty; he had been hurt
+with a splinter before the Trident was taken by the board, but had
+remained on deck, and had followed our hero, watching over him and
+protecting him as a father.  He had done even more, for he had with
+Jack thrown himself before Captain Wilson, at a time that he had
+received such a blow with the flat of a sword as to stun him, and
+bring him down on his knee.  And Jack had taken good care that Captain
+Wilson should not be ignorant, as he really would have been, of this
+timely service on the part of Mesty, who certainly, although with a
+great deal of "sangfroid" in his composition when in repose, was a
+fiend incarnate when his blood was up.
+
+"But you must have been with Mesty," observed Captain Wilson, "when he
+did me the service."
+
+"I was with him, sir," replied Jack, with great modesty; "but was of
+very little service."
+
+"How is your friend Gascoigne this evening?"
+
+"Oh, not very bad, sir--he wants a glass of grog."
+
+"And Mr Martin?" Jack shook his head.
+
+"Why, the surgeon thinks he will do well."
+
+"Yes, sir, and so I told Martin; but he said that it was very well to
+give him hope--but that he thought otherwise."
+
+"You must manage him, Mr Easy; tell him that he is sure of his
+promotion."
+
+"I have, sir, but he won't believe it.  He never will believe it till
+he has his commission signed. I really think that an acting order
+would do more than the doctor can."
+
+"Well, Mr Easy, he shall have one to-morrow morning.  Have you seen Mr
+Pottyfar? he, I am afraid, is very bad."
+
+"Very bad, sir; and they say is worse every day, and yet his wound is
+healthy, and ought to be doing well."
+
+Such was the conversation between Jack and his captain, as they sat at
+breakfast on the third morning after the action.
+
+The next day Easy took down an acting order for Martin, and put it
+into his hands.  The mate read it over as he lay bandaged in his
+hammock.
+
+"It's only an acting order, Jack," said he; "it may not be confirmed."
+Jack swore, by all the articles of war, that it would be; but Martin
+replied that he was sure it never would.
+
+"No, no," said the mate, "I knew very well that I never should be
+made.  If it is not confirmed, I may live; but if it is, I am sure to
+die."
+
+Everyone that went to Martin's hammock wished him joy, of his
+promotion; but six days after the action, poor Martin's remains were
+consigned to the deep.
+
+The next person who followed him was Mr Pottyfar, the first
+lieutenant, who had contrived, wounded as he was, to reach a packet of
+the universal medicine, and had taken so many bottles before he was
+found out, that he was one morning found dead in his bed, with more
+than two dozen empty phials under his pillow, and by the side of his
+mattress.  He was not buried with his hands in his pockets, but when
+sewed up in his hammock, they were, at all events, laid in the right
+position.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+Modern philanthropy, which, as usual, is the cause of much trouble and
+vexation.
+
+In three weeks the Aurora, with her prize in tow, arrived at Malta.
+The wounded were sent to the hospital, and the gallant Russian captain
+recovered from his wounds about the same time as Mr Hawkins, the
+chaplain.
+
+Jack, who constantly called to see the chaplain, had a great deal to
+do to console him.  He would shake his hands as he lay in his bed,
+exclaiming against himself.  "Oh," would he say, "the spirit is
+willing, but the flesh is weak.  That I, a man of God, as they term
+me, who ought to have been down with the surgeons, whispering comfort
+to the desponding, should have gone on deck (but I could not help it),
+and have mixed in such a scene of slaughter.  What will become of me?"
+
+Jack attempted to console him by pointing out, that not only
+chaplains, but bishops, have been known to fight in armour from time
+immemorial.  But Mr Hawkins's recovery, was long doubtful, from the
+agitation of his mind.  When he was able to walk, Jack introduced to
+him the Russian captain, who was also just out of his bed.
+
+"I am most happy to embrace so gallant an officer," said the Russian,
+who recognised his antagonist, throwing his arms round the chaplain,
+and giving him a kiss on both cheeks.  "What is his rank?" continued
+he, addressing himself to Jack, who replied, very quietly, "that he
+was the ship's padre."
+
+"The padre!" replied the captain, with surprise, as Hawkins turned
+away with confusion.  "The padre--par exemple!  Well, I always had a
+great respect for the church. Pray, sir," said he, turning to Easy,
+"do your padres always head your boarders?"
+
+"Always, sir," replied Jack; "it's a rule of the service--and the duty
+of a padre to show the men the way to heaven.  It's our ninety-ninth
+article of war."
+
+"You are a fighting nation," replied the Russian, bowing to Hawkins,
+and continuing his walk, not exactly pleased that he had been floored
+by a parson.
+
+Mr Hawkins continued very disconsolate for some time; he then
+invalided, and applied himself to his duties on shore, where he would
+not be exposed to such temptations from his former habits.
+
+As the Aurora, when she was last at Malta, had nearly exhausted the
+dockyard for her repairs, she was even longer fitting out this time,
+during which Captain Wilson's despatches had been received by the
+Admiral, and had been acknowledged by a brig sent to Malta. The
+Admiral, in reply, after complimenting him upon his gallantry and
+success, desired that, as soon as he was ready, he should proceed to
+Palermo with communications of importance to the authorities, and
+having remained there for an answer, was again to return to Malta to
+pick up such of his men as might be fit to leave the hospital, and
+then join the Toulon fleet.  This intelligence was soon known to our
+hero, who was in ecstasies at the idea of again seeing Agnes and her
+brothers.  Once more the Aurora sailed away from the high crowned
+rocks of Valette, and with a fine breeze dashed through the deep blue
+waves.
+
+But towards the evening the breeze increased, and they were under
+double-reefed topsails.  On the second day they made the coast of
+Sicily, not far from where Easy and Gascoigne had been driven on
+shore; the weather was then more moderate, and the sea had, to a great
+degree, subsided.  They therefore stood in close to the coast, as they
+had not a leading wind to Palermo.  As they stood in, the glasses, as
+usual, were directed to land; observing the villas with which the
+hills and valleys were studded, with their white fronts embowered in
+orange groves.
+
+"What is that, Gascoigne," said Easy, "under that precipice?--it looks
+like a vessel."
+
+Gascoigne turned his glass in the direction--"Yes, it is a vessel on
+the rocks: by her prow she looks like a galley."
+
+"It is a galley, sir--one of the row galleys--I can make out her bank
+of oars," observed the signal-man.
+
+This was reported to Captain Wilson, who also examined her.
+
+"She is on the rocks, certainly," observed he; "and I think I see
+people on board.  Keep her away a point, quarter-master."
+
+The Aurora was now steered right for the vessel, and in the course of
+an hour was not more than a mile from her.  Their suppositions were
+correct--it was one of the Sicilian government galleys bilged on the
+rocks, and they now perceived that there were people on board of her,
+making signals with their shirts and pieces of linen.
+
+"They must be the galley-slaves; for I perceive that they do not one
+of them change their positions: the galley must have been abandoned by
+their officers and seamen, and the slaves left to perish."
+
+"That's very hard," observed Jack to Gascoigne; "they were condemned
+to the galleys, but not to death."
+
+"They will not have much mercy from the waves," replied Gascoigne;
+"they will all be in kingdom come to-morrow morning, if the breeze
+comes more on the land.  We have already come up two points this
+forenoon."
+
+Although Captain Wilson did not join in this conversation, which he
+overheard as he stood on the forecastle gun, with his glass over the
+hammocks, it appears he was of the same opinion: but he demurred: he
+had to choose between allowing so many of his fellow creatures to
+perish miserably, or to let loose upon society a set of miscreants,
+who would again enter a course of crime until they were re-captured,
+and, by so doing, probably displease the Sicilian authorities.  After
+some little reflection he resolved that he would take his chance of
+the latter.  The Aurora was hove-to in stays, and the two cutters
+ordered to be lowered down, and the boat's crew to be armed.
+
+"Mr Easy, do you take one cutter, and the armourers; pull on board of
+the galley, release those people, and land them in small divisions. Mr
+Gascoigne, you will take the other to assist Mr Easy, and when he
+lands them in his boat, you will pull by hit side ready to act, in
+case of any hostile attempt on the part of the scoundrels; for we must
+not expect gratitude: of course, land them at the nearest safe spot
+for debarkation."
+
+In pursuance of these orders, our two midshipmen pulled away to the
+vessel.  They found her fixed hard upon the rocks, which had pierced
+her slight timbers, and, as they had supposed, the respectable part of
+her crew, with the commander, had taken to the boats, leaving the
+galley-slaves to their fate.  She pulled fifty oars, but had only
+thirty-six manned.  These oars were forty feet long, and ran in from
+the thole-pin with a loom six feet long, each manned by four slaves,
+who were chained to their seat before it, by a running chain made fast
+by a padlock in amidships.  A plank, of two feet wide, ran fore and
+aft the vessel between the two banks of oars, for the boatswain to
+apply the lash to those who did not sufficiently exert themselves.
+
+"Viva los Inglesos!" cried the galley-slaves, as Easy climbed up over
+the quarter of the vessel.
+
+"I say, Ned, did you ever see such a precious set of villains?"
+observed Easy, as he surveyed the faces of the men who were chained.
+
+"No," replied Gascoigne; "and I think if the captain had seen them as
+we have, that he would have left them where they were."
+
+"I don't know--but, however, our orders are positive.  Armourer, knock
+off all the padlocks, beginning aft; when we have a cargo we will land
+them.  How many are there?--twelve dozen--twelve dozen villains to let
+loose upon society.  I have a great mind to go on board again and
+report my opinion to the captain--one hundred and forty-four villains,
+who all deserve hanging--for drowning is too good for them."
+
+"Our orders are to liberate them, Jack."
+
+"Yes; but I should like to argue this point with Captain Wilson."
+
+"They'll send after them fast enough, Jack, and they'll all be in
+limbo again before long," replied Gascoigne.
+
+"Well, I suppose we must obey orders; but it goes against my
+conscience to save such villainous-looking rascals.  Armourer, hammer
+away."
+
+The armourer, who with the seamen appeared very much of Jack's
+opinion, and had not commenced his work, now struck off the padlocks
+one by one with his sledgehammer.  As soon as they were released the
+slaves were ordered into the cutter, and when it was sufficiently
+loaded Jack shoved off, followed by Gascoigne as guard, and landed
+them at the point about a cable's length distant.  It required six
+trips before they were all landed; the last cargo were on shore, and
+Easy was desiring the men to shove off, when one of the galleriens
+turned round, and cried out to Jack in a mocking tone, "Addio, signor,
+a reveder la." Jack started, stared, and, in the squalid, naked wretch
+who addressed him, he recognised Don Silvio!
+
+"I will acquaint Don Rebiera of your arrival, signor," said the
+miscreant, springing up the rocks, and mixing with the rest, who now
+commenced hooting and laughing at their preservers.
+
+"Ned," observed Easy to Gascoigne, "we have let that rascal loose."
+
+"More's the pity," replied Gascoigne; "but we have only obeyed
+orders."
+
+"It can't be helped, but I've a notion there will be some
+mischief out of this."
+
+"We obeyed orders," replied Gascoigne.
+
+"We've let the rascals loose not ten miles from Don Rebiera's."
+
+"Obeyed orders, Jack."
+
+"With a whole gang to back him, if he goes there."
+
+"Orders, Jack."
+
+"Agnes at his mercy--"
+
+"Captain's orders, Jack."
+
+"I shall argue this point when I go on board," replied Jack.
+
+"Too late, Jack."
+
+"Yes," replied Easy, sinking down on the stem sheets with a look of
+despair. "Give way, my lads, give way."
+
+Jack returned on board, and reported what he had done: also that Don
+Silvio was among those liberated; and he ventured to mention his fears
+of what might take place from their contiguity to the house of Don
+Rebiera.  Captain Wilson bit his lips: he felt that his philanthropy
+had induced him to act without his usual prudence.
+
+"I have done a rash thing, Mr Easy, I am afraid. I should have taken
+them all on board and delivered them up to the authorities.  I wish I
+had thought of that before.  We must get to Palermo as fast as we can,
+and have the troops sent after these miscreants.  Hands 'bout ship,
+fill the main yard."
+
+The wind had veered round, and the Aurora was now able to lay up clear
+of the island of Maritimo. The next morning she anchored in Palermo
+Roads and gave immediate notice to the authorities, who, wishing
+Captain Wilson's philanthropy at the devil, immediately despatched a
+large body of troops in quest of the liberated malefactors.  Captain
+Wilson, feeling for Jack's anxiety about his friends, called him over
+to him on deck, and gave him and Gascoigne permission to go on shore.
+
+"Will you allow me to take Mesty with me, sir, if you please?" said
+Jack.
+
+"Yes, Mr Easy; but recollect that, even with Mesty, you are no
+match for one hundred and fifty men; so be prudent. I send you to
+relieve your anxiety, not to run into danger."
+
+"Of course, sir," replied Jack, touching his hat, and walking away
+quietly till he came to the hatchway, when he darted down like a shot,
+and was immediately occupied with his preparations.
+
+In half an hour our two midshipmen, with Mesty, had landed, and
+proceeded to the inn where they had put up before: they were armed up
+to the teeth.  Their first inquiries were for Don Philip and his
+brother.
+
+"Both on leave of absence," replied the landlord, "and staying with
+Don Rebiera."
+
+"That's some comfort," thought Jack.  "Now we must get horses as fast
+as we can. Mesty, can you ride?"
+
+"By all de power, can I ride, Massa Easy; suppose you ride Kentucky
+horse, you ride anyting."
+
+In half an hour four horses and a guide were procured, and at eight
+o'clock in the morning the party set off in the direction of Don
+Rebiera's country seat.
+
+They had not ridden more than six miles when they came up with one of
+the detachments sent out in pursuit of the liberated criminals. Our
+hero recognised the commanding officer as an old acquaintance, and
+imparting to him the release of Don Silvio, and his fears upon Don
+Rebiera's account, begged him to direct his attention that way.
+
+"Corpo di Bacco--you are right, Signor Mid," replied the officer, "but
+Don Philip is there, and his brother too, I believe. I will be there
+by ten o'clock to-morrow morning; we will march almost the whole
+night."
+
+"They have no arms," observed Easy.
+
+"No, but they will soon get them: they will go to some small town in a
+body, plunder it, and then seek the protection of the mountains. Your
+captain has given us a pretty job."
+
+Jack exchanged a few more words, and then, excusing himself on account
+of his haste, put the spurs to his horse and regained his own party,
+who now proceeded at a rapid pace.
+
+"O signor!" said the guide, "we shall kill the horses."
+
+"I'll pay for them," said Jack.
+
+"Yes, but we shall kill them before we get there, Jack," replied
+Gascoigne, "and have to walk the rest of the way."
+
+"Very true, Ned; let's pull up, and give them their wind."
+
+"By de holy poker, Massa Easy, but my shirt stick to my ribs," cried
+Mesty, whose black face was hung with dewdrops from their rapid
+course.
+
+"Never mind, Mesty." It was about five o'clock in the afternoon when
+they arrived at the seat of Don Rebiera. Jack threw himself off his
+jaded steed, and hastened into the house, followed by Gascoigne.  They
+found the whole family collected in the large sitting-room, quite
+ignorant of any danger threatening them, and equally astonished and
+pleased at the arrival of their old friends.  Jack flew to Agnes, who
+screamed when she saw him, and felt so giddy afterwards that he was
+obliged to support her.  Having seated her again, he was kindly
+greeted by the old people and the two young officers.  After a few
+minutes dedicated to mutual inquiries, our hero stated the cause of
+their expeditious arrival.
+
+"Don Silvio with one hundred and fifty galleriens, let loose on the
+coast yesterday afternoon!" exclaimed Don Rebiera; "you are right, I
+only wonder they were not here last night.  But I expect Pedro from
+the town; he has gone down with a load of wine: he will bring us
+intelligence."
+
+"At all events, we must be prepared," said Don Philip; "the troops,
+you say, will be here to-morrow morning."
+
+"Holy Virgin!" exclaimed the ladies, in a breath.
+
+"How many can we muster?" said Gascoigne.
+
+"We have five men here, or we shall have by the evening," replied Don
+Philip--"all, I think, good men--my father, my brother, and myself."
+
+"We are three--four with the guide, whom I know nothing about."
+
+"Twelve in all--not one too many; but I think that now we are
+prepared, if they attack, we can hold out till the morning."
+
+"Had we not better send the ladies away?" said Jack.
+
+"Who is to escort them?" replied Don Philip; "we shall only weaken our
+force; besides, they may fall into the miscreants' hands."
+
+"Shall we all leave the house together? they can but plunder it,"
+observed Don Rebiera.
+
+"Still, we may be intercepted by them, and our whole force will be
+nothing against so many," observed Don Philip, "if we are without
+defence, whereas in the house we shall have an advantage."
+
+"E'vero," replied Don Rebiera, thoughtfully; "then let us prepare, for
+depend upon it Don Silvio will not lose such an opportunity to wreak
+his vengeance.  He will be here to-night: I only wonder he has not
+been here with his companions before.  However, Pedro will arrive in
+two hours."
+
+"We must now see what means we have of defence," said Philip. "Come,
+brother--will you come, sir?"
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+A regular set-to, in which the parties beaten are not knocked down,
+but rise higher and higher at each discomfiture--Nothing but the
+troops could have prevented them from going up to heaven.
+
+Don Rebiera and his two sons quitted the room, Gascoigne entered into
+conversation with the senora, while Easy took this opportunity of
+addressing Agnes.  He had been too much occupied with the consultation
+to pay her much attention before.  He had spoken, with his eyes fixed
+upon her, and had been surprised at the improvement which had taken
+place in less than a year.  He now went to her, and asked her, in a
+low voice, "whether she had received his letter?"
+
+"Oh, yes!" replied she, colouring.
+
+"And were you angry with what I said, Agnes?" in a low tone.
+
+"No," replied she, casting her eyes down on the floor.
+
+"I repeat now what I said, Agnes--I have never forgotten you."
+
+"But--"
+
+"But what?"
+
+"Father Thomaso."
+
+"What of him?"
+
+"He never will--"
+
+"Will what?"
+
+"You are a heretic, he says."
+
+"Tell him to mind his own business."
+
+"He has great influence with my father and mother."
+
+"Your brothers are on our side."
+
+"I know that, but there will be great difficulty.  Our religion is not
+the same.  He must talk to you--he will convert you."
+
+"We'll argue that point, Agnes. I will convert him if he has common
+sense; if not, it's no use arguing with him.  Where is he?"
+
+"He will soon be at home."
+
+"Tell me, Agnes, if you had your own will, would you marry me?"
+"I don't know; I have never seen anyone I liked so well."
+
+"Is that all?"
+
+"Is it not enough for a maiden to say?" replied Agnes, raising her
+eyes, and looking reproachfully.  "Signor, let me go, here comes my
+father."
+
+Notwithstanding, Jack cast his eyes to the window, where Gascoigne and
+the senora were in converse, and, perceiving that the old lady's back
+was turned, he pressed Agnes to his bosom before he released her.  The
+gentlemen then returned with all the fire-arms and destructive weapons
+they could collect.
+
+"We have enough," observed Don Philip, "to arm all the people we have
+with us."
+
+"And we are well armed," replied Jack, who had left Agnes standing
+alone.  "What now are your plans?"
+
+"Those we must now consult about.  It appears--" but at this moment the
+conversation was interrupted by the sudden entrance of Pedro, who had
+been despatched to the town with the load of wine. He rushed in,
+flurried and heated, with his red cap in his hand.
+
+"How now, Pedro, back so early!"
+
+"O signor!" exclaimed the man--"they have taken the cart and the wine,
+and have drawn it away, up to the mountains."
+
+"Who?" inquired Don Rebiera.
+
+"The galley-slaves who have been let loose--and by the body of our
+blessed saint, they have done pretty mischief--they have broken into
+the houses, robbed everything--murdered many--clothed themselves with
+the best--collected all the arms, provisions, and wine they could lay
+their hands on, and have marched away into the mountains.  This took
+place last night.  As I was coming down within a mile of the town,
+they met me with my loaded cart, and they turned the bullocks round
+and drove them away along with the rest.  By the blessed Virgin! but
+they are stained with blood, but not altogether of men, for they have
+cut up some of the oxen. I heard this from one of the herdsmen, but he
+too fled, and could not tell me more.  But, signor, I heard them
+mention your name."
+
+"I have no doubt of it," replied Don Rebiera.  "As for the wine, I
+only hope they will drink too much of it to-night.  But, Pedro, they
+will be here, and we must defend ourselves--so call the men together;
+I must speak to them."
+
+"We shall never see the bullocks again," observed Pedro, mournfully.
+
+"No: but we shall never see one another again, if we do not take care.
+I have information they come here to-night."
+
+"Holy Saint Francis! and they say there are a thousand of them."
+
+"Not
+quite so many, to my knowledge," observed Jack. "They told me that a
+great many were killed in their attack upon the town, before they
+mastered it."
+
+"So much the better.  Go now, Pedro, drink a cup of wine, and then
+call the other men."
+
+The house was barricaded as well as circumstances would permit; the
+first story was also made a fortress by loading the landing place with
+armoires and chests of drawers.  The upper story, or attic, if it
+might be so called, was defended in the same way, that they might
+retreat from one to the other if the doors were forced.
+
+It was eight o'clock in the evening before all was ready, and they
+were still occupied with the last defence, under the superintendence
+of Mesty, who showed himself an able engineer, when they heard the
+sound of an approaching multitude.  They looked out of one of the
+windows, and perceived the house surrounded by the galley-slaves, in
+number apparently about a hundred.  They were all dressed in a most
+fantastic manner with whatever they could pick up: some had fire-arms,
+but the most of them were supplied with only swords or knives.  With
+them came also their cortege of plunder: carts of various
+descriptions, loaded with provisions of all sorts, and wine; women
+lashed down with ropes, sails from the vessels and boats to supply
+them with covering in the mountains, hay and straw, and mattresses.
+Their plunder appeared to be well chosen for their exigencies.  To the
+carts were tied a variety of cattle, intended to accompany them to
+their retreat.  They all appeared to be under a leader, who was
+issuing directions--that leader was soon recognised by those in the
+house to be Don Silvio.
+
+"Massa Easy, you show me dat man," said Mesty, when he heard the
+conversation between Easy and the Rebieras; "only let me know him."
+
+"Do you see him there, Mesty, walking down in front of those men?  He
+has a musket in his hand, a jacket with silver buttons, and white
+trousers."
+
+"Yes, Massa Easy, me see him well--let me look little more--dat
+enough."
+
+The galley-slaves appeared to be very anxious to surround the house
+that no one should escape, and Don Silvio was arranging the men.
+
+"Ned," said Jack, "let us show him that we are here.  He said that he
+would acquaint Don Rebiera with our arrival--let us prove to him that
+he is too late."
+
+"It would not be a bad plan," replied Gascoigne; "if it were possible
+that these fellows had any gratitude among them, some of them might
+relent at the idea of attacking those who saved them."
+
+"Not a bit; but it will prove to them that there are more in the house
+than they think for; and we can frighten some of them by telling them
+that the soldiers are near at hand."
+
+Jack immediately threw up the casement, and called out in a loud
+voice, "Don Silvio! galley-slave!  Don Silvio!"
+
+The party hailed turned round, and beheld Jack, Gascoigne, and Mesty,
+standing at the window of the upper floor.
+
+"We have saved you the trouble of announcing us," called out
+Gascoigne.  "We are here to receive you."
+
+"And in three hours the troops will be here, so you must be quick, Don
+Silvio," continued Jack.
+
+"A reveder la," continued Gascoigne, letting fly his pistol at Don
+Silvio.
+
+The window was then immediately closed.  The appearance of our heroes,
+and their communication of the speedy arrival of the troops, was not
+without effect.  The criminals trembled at the idea; Don Silvio was
+mad with rage he pointed out to the men the necessity of immediate
+attack--the improbability of the troops arriving so soon, and the
+wealth which he expected was locked up by Don Rebiera in his mansion.
+This rallied them, and they advanced to the doors, which they
+attempted to force without success, losing several men by the
+occasional fire from those within the house. Finding their efforts,
+after half an hour's repeated attempts, to be useless, they retreated,
+and then bringing up a long piece of timber, which required sixty men
+to carry it, they ran with it against the door, and the weight and
+impetus of the timber drove it off its hinges, and an entrance was
+obtained; by this time it was dark, the lower story had been
+abandoned, but the barricade at the head of the stairs opposed their
+progress.  Convenient loop-holes had been prepared by the defenders,
+who now opened a smart fire upon the assailants, the latter having no
+means of returning it effectually, had they had ammunition for their
+muskets, which fortunately they had not been able to procure. The
+combat now became fierce, and the galley-slaves were several times
+repulsed with great loss during a contest of two hours; but,
+encouraged by Don Silvio, and refreshed by repeated draughts of wine,
+they continued by degrees removing the barriers opposed to them.
+
+"We shall have to retreat," exclaimed Don Rebiera; "very soon they
+will have torn down all.  What do you think, Signor Easy?"
+
+"Hold this as long as we can.  How are we off for ammunition?"
+
+"Plenty as yet--plenty to last for six hours, I think."
+
+"What do you say, Mesty?"
+
+"By holy St Patrig, I say hold out here--they got no fire-arms and we
+ab um at arm-length."
+
+This decision was the occasion of the first defence being held for two
+hours more, an occasional relief being afforded by the retreat of the
+convicts to the covered carts.
+
+At last it was evident that the barricade was no longer tenable, for
+the heavy pieces of furniture they had heaped up to oppose entrance,
+were completely hammered to fragments by poles brought up by the
+assailants, and used as battering-rams.  The retreat was sounded; they
+all hastened to the other story, where the ladies were already placed,
+and the galley-slaves were soon in possession of the first floor--
+exasperated by the defence, mad with wine and victory, but finding
+nothing.
+
+Again was the attack made upon the second landing, but, as the stairs
+were now narrower, and their defences stronger in proportion, they,
+for a long while, gained no advantage.  On the contrary, many of their
+men were wounded, and taken down below.
+
+The darkness of the night prevented both parties from seeing
+distinctly, which was rather in favour of the assailants.  Many
+climbed over the fortress of piled-up furniture, and were killed as
+soon as they appeared on the other side, and, at last, the only
+ammunition used was against those who made this rash attempt.  For
+four long hours did this assault and defence continue, until daylight
+came, and then the plan of assault was altered: they again brought up
+the poles, hammered the pieces of furniture into fragments, and gained
+ground.  The defenders were worn out with fatigue, but flinched not;
+they knew that their lives, and the lives of those dearest to them,
+were at stake, and they never relaxed their exertions; still the
+criminals, with Silvio at their head, progressed, the distance between
+the parties gradually decreased, and there was but one massive chest
+of drawers now defending the landing-place, and over which there was a
+constant succession of blows from long poles and cutlasses, returned
+with the bullets from their pistols.
+
+"We must now fight for our lives," exclaimed Gascoigne to Easy, "for
+what else can we do?"
+
+"Do?--get on the roof and fight there, then," replied Jack.
+
+"By-the-bye, that's well thought of, Jack," said Gascoigne. "Mesty, up
+and see if there is any place we can retreat to in case of need."
+
+Mesty hastened to obey, and soon returned with a report that there was
+a trap-door leading into the loft under the roof, and that they could
+draw the ladder up after them.
+
+"Then we may laugh at them," cried Jack.  "Mesty, stay here while I
+and Gascoigne assist the ladies up," explaining to the Rebieras and to
+their domestics why they went.
+
+Easy and Gascoigne hastened to the signora and Agnes, conducted them
+up the ladder into the loft, and requested them to have no fear; they
+then returned to the defences on the stairs, and joined their
+companions.  They found them hard pressed, and that there was little
+chance of holding out much longer; but the stairs were narrow, and the
+assailants could not bring their force against them.  But now, as the
+defences were nearly destroyed, although the convicts could not reach
+them with their knives, they brought up a large supply of heavy
+stones, which they threw with great force and execution.  Two of Don
+Rebiera's men and Don Martin were struck down, and this new weapon
+proved most fatal.
+
+"We must retreat, Jack," said Gascoigne; "the stones can do no harm
+where we are going to.  What think you, Don Philip?"
+
+"I agree with you; let those who are wounded be first carried up, and
+then we will follow."
+
+This was effected, and as soon as the wounded men were carried up the
+ladder, and the arms taken up to prevent their falling into the hands
+of the assailants, for they were now of little use to them, the
+ammunition being exhausted, the whole body went into the large room
+which contained the trap-door of the loft, and, as soon as they were
+up, they drew the ladder after them.  They had hardly effected this,
+when they were followed with the yells and shouting of the
+galley-slaves, who had passed the last barriers, and thought
+themselves sure of their prey: but they were disappointed--they found
+them more secure than ever.
+
+Nothing could exceed the rage of Don Silvio at the protracted
+resistance of the party, and the security of their retreat.  To get at
+them was impossible, so he determined to set fire to the room, and
+suffocate them, if he could do no otherwise.  He gave his directions
+to his men, who rushed down for straw, but in so doing, he carelessly
+passed under the trap-door, and Mesty, who had carried up with him two
+or three of the stones, dashed one down on the head of Don Silvio, who
+fell immediately.  He was carried away, but his orders were put in
+execution; the room was filled with straw and fodder, and lighted. The
+effects were soon felt: the trap-door had been shut, but the heat and
+smoke burst through; after a time, the planks and rafters took fire,
+and their situation was terrible.  A small trap-window in the roof, on
+the side of the house, was knocked open, and gave them a temporary
+relief; but now the rafters burned and crackled, and the smoke burst
+on them in thick columns.  They could not see, and with difficulty
+could breathe.  Fortunately the room below that which had been fired
+was but one out of four on the attics, and, as the loft they were in
+spread over the whole of the roof, they were able to remove far from
+it.  The house was slated with massive slate of some hundred weights
+each, and it was not found possible to remove them so as to give air
+although frequent attempts were made. Donna Rebiera sank exhausted in
+the arms of her husband, and Agnes fell into those of our hero, who,
+enveloped in the smoke, kissed her again and again; and she, poor
+girl, thinking that they must all inevitably perish, made no scruple,
+in what she supposed her last moment, of returning these proofs of her
+ardent attachment.
+
+"Massy Easy, help me here,--Massa Gascoigne come here.  Now heab wid
+all your might: when we get one off we get plenty."
+
+Summoned by Mesty, Jack and Gascoigne put their shoulders to one of
+the lower slates; it yielded, was disengaged, and slid down with a
+loud rattling below.  The ladies were brought to it, and their heads
+put outside; they soon recovered; and now that they had removed one,
+they found no difficulty in removing others.  In a few minutes they
+were all with their heads in the open air, but still the house was on
+fire below, and they had no chance of escape.  It was while they were
+debating upon that point, and consulting as to their chance of safety,
+that a breeze of wind wafted the smoke that issued from the roof away
+from them, and they beheld the detachment of troops making up to the
+house; a loud cheer was given, and attracted the notice of the
+soldiers.  They perceived Easy and his companions; the house was
+surrounded and entered in an instant.
+
+The galley-slaves who were in the house, searching for the treasure
+reported by Don Silvio to be concealed, were captured or killed, and
+in five minutes the troops had possession.  But how to assist those
+above was the difficulty.  The room below was in flames, and burning
+fiercely.  There were no ladders that could reach so high, and there
+were no means of getting to them.  The commandant made signs from
+below, as if to ask what he was to do.
+
+"I see no chance," observed Don Philip, mournfully.  "Easy, my dear
+fellow, and you, Gascoigne, I am sorry that the feuds of our family
+should have brought you to such a dreadful death; but what can be
+done?"
+
+"I don't know," replied Jack, "unless we could get ropes."
+
+"You quite sure, Massy Easy, that all galley rascals below gone?"
+asked Mesty.
+
+"Yes," replied Easy, "you may see that; look at some of them bound
+there, under charge of the soldiers."
+
+"Den, sar, I tink it high time we go too."
+
+"So do I, Mesty; but how?"
+
+"How? stop a little.  Come, help me, Massy Easy; dis board" (for the
+loft was floored) "is loose; come help, all of you."
+
+They all went, and with united strength pulled up the board. "Now
+strike like hell!--and drive down de plaster," said Mesty, commencing
+the operation.
+
+In a few minutes they had beaten an opening into one of the rooms
+below not on fire, pulled up another board, and Mesty having fetched
+the ladder, they all descended in safety, and, to the astonishment of
+the commandant of the troops, walked out of the door of the house,
+those who had been stunned with the stones having so far recovered as
+to require little assistance.
+
+The soldiers shouted as they saw them appear, supporting the females.
+The commanding officer, who was an intimate friend of Don Philip, flew
+to his arms.  The prisoners were carefully examined by Mesty, and Don
+Silvio was not among them.  He might, however, be among the dead who
+were left in the house, which now began to burn furiously. The
+galley-slaves who were captured amounted in number to forty-seven.
+Their dead they could not count.  The major part of the plunder, and
+the carts, were still where they had been drawn up.
+
+As soon as the culprits had been secured, the attention of the troops
+was directed to putting out the flames, but their attempts were
+ineffectual; the mansion was burned to the bare walls, and but little
+of the furniture saved; indeed, the major part of it had been
+destroyed in the attack made by Don Silvio and his adherents.
+
+Leaving directions with Pedro and his people, that the property
+collected by the miscreants should be restored to the owners, Don
+Rebiera ordered the horses, and with the whole party put himself under
+the protection of the troops, who, as soon as they had been refreshed,
+and taken some repose, bent their way back to Palermo with the
+galley-slaves, bound and linked together in a long double row.
+
+They halted when they had gone half-way, and remained for the night.
+The next day at noon, Don Rebiera and his family were once more in
+their palazzo, and our two midshipmen and Mesty took their leave, and
+repaired on board to make themselves a little less like
+chimney-sweepers.
+
+Captain Wilson was not out of the ship.  Jack made his report, and
+then went down below, very much pleased at what had passed, especially
+as he would have another long yarn for the Governor on his return to
+Malta.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII
+
+In which our hero and Gascoigne ought to be ashamed of themselves, and
+did feel what might be called midshipmite compunction.
+
+The Aurora continued three weeks at Palermo, during which the most
+active search had been made for the remainder of the galley-slaves,
+and some few had been captured, but still Don Silvio, a considerable
+number, were at large; and it was said that they had retired to the
+fastnesses in the mountains.  Our hero was constantly on shore at Don
+Rebiera's house, and, after what had passed, he was now looked upon as
+soon to become a member of the family. The difference of religion was
+overlooked by Don Rebiera and the relations--by all but the confessor,
+Father Thomaso, who now began to agitate and fulminate into the ears
+of the Donna Rebiera all the pains and penalties attending heretical
+connection, such as excommunication and utter damnation.  The effects
+of his remonstrances were soon visible, and Jack found that there was
+constraint on the part of the old lady, tears on the part of Agnes,
+and all father confessors heartily wished at the devil ten times a
+day, on the part of Don Philip and his brother.  At last he wormed the
+truth out of Agnes, who told her tale, and wept bitterly.
+
+"Ned, I don't much like the appearance of things," observed Jack; "I
+must get rid of that Father Thomaso."
+
+"You'll find that rather difficult," observed Gascoigne; "besides, if
+you were rid of him you would have his place filled up with another."
+
+"He has frightened that poor old woman into the dismals, and she has
+the pains of purgatory on her already. I shall go and talk to Mesty."
+
+"How can Mesty help you?"
+
+"I don't know, but you can't; so, for want of better advice, I'll try
+the Ashantee." Our hero went to Mesty, and laid the difficult affair
+open to him.
+
+"I see," said Mesty, showing his filed teeth, "you want him skull."
+
+"No, I don't, Mesty; but I want him out of the way."
+
+"How that possible, Massy Easy?--ship sail day after to-morrow. Now
+'pose I ab time, I soon manage all dat.  Stop a little."
+
+"Confound it! but there's no stopping," replied Jack.
+
+"Suppose, Massy Easy, you get leave go on shore--not come off again."
+
+"That will be deserting, Mesty."
+
+"By holy poker, I ab it--you go on shore and break your leg."
+
+"Break my leg!--break my leave, you mean?"
+
+"No, Massy Easy--you break your leg--den captain leave you shore, and
+leave me to take care of you."
+
+"But why should I break my leg, and how am I to break my leg?"
+
+"Only pretend break leg, Massa Easy.  Go talk Massa Don Philip, he
+manage all dat. Suppose man break his leg in seven pieces, it is not
+possible to take him board."
+
+"Seven pieces, Mesty! that's rather too many.  However, I'll think of
+this."
+
+Jack then went back and consulted Gascoigne, who approved of Mesty's
+advice, and thought the scheme feasible.
+
+"If we could only pretend that we were thrown out of a caricola, you
+break your leg, a compound fracture of course, I break my arm--both
+left on shore at sick quarters, with Mesty to take care of us."
+
+"Capital, indeed," replied Jack; "I really would not mind it if it
+really took place; at all events we'll overturn the caricola."
+
+"But shall we get leave the last day?"
+
+"Yes, it's two days since I have been on shore, for I have not liked
+to go to Don Rebiera's since what Agnes told me.  Besides, my clothes
+are all on shore, and that will be an excuse for a few hours."
+
+Our two midshipmen applied for leave the next morning to be off in the
+afternoon.  The first lieutenant gave them permission.  They hastened
+to the hotel, sent for Don Philip, and made him a party to their plan.
+He readily promised his assistance, for he had resolved that our hero
+should marry his sister, and was fearful of the effect of his absence,
+coupled with Friar Thomaso's influence over his mother. He went to the
+surgeon of his regiment, who immediately entered into the scheme.
+
+Our two midshipmen got into a caricola, rattled up and down the
+streets, and perceiving Captain Wilson at his window, flogged the
+horse into a gallop; when abreast of the barracks Jack ran the wheel
+against a bank, and threw himself and Gascoigne out.  Midshipmen are
+never hurt by these accidents, but fortunately for the success of the
+enterprise their faces were cut and bruised.  Don Philip was standing
+by: he called the men to pick up our two scamps, carried them into the
+barracks, and sent for the surgeons, who undressed them, put Jack's
+left leg into a multitude of splints, and did the same to Gascoigne's
+arm.  They were then put to bed, their contused faces, with the blood,
+left "in statu quo," while Don Philip sent an orderly, as from the
+commandant, to Captain Wilson, to acquaint him that two of his
+officers had been thrown out of a caricola, and were lying dangerously
+hurt at the barracks.
+
+"Good heavens, it must be Mr Easy and Mr Gascoigne!" said Captain
+Wilson, when the intelligence was communicated; "I saw them galloping
+down the street like two madmen just now. Coxswain, take the gig on
+board and then tell the surgeon to come on shore immediately, and
+bring him up to me at the barracks."
+
+Captain Wilson then put on his hat, buckled on his sword, and hastened
+to ascertain the extent of the injury.  Don Philip kept out of the
+way, but the captain was ushered into the room by one of the officers,
+where he found, in two beds, our two midshipmen stretched out, the
+surgeon of the forces and the regimental surgeon in consultation
+between them, while attendants were standing by each bed with
+restoratives.  The medical gentlemen saluted Captain Wilson, and
+looked very grave, talked about fractures, contusions, injuries, in
+the most interminable manner--hoped that Mr Easy would recover--but
+had doubts.  The other gentleman might do well with care; that is, so
+far as his arm was concerned, but there appeared to be a concussion of
+the brain.  Captain Wilson looked at the cut and blood-smeared faces
+of the two young men, and waited with anxiety the arrival of his own
+surgeon, who came at last, puffing with the haste he had made, and
+received the report of the brothers of the faculty.
+
+The leg of Mr Easy fractured in two places--had been set--bone
+protruding--impossible to move him.  Gascoigne, arm, compound
+fracture--contusion of the brain not certain.  Now that all this would
+have been discovered to be false if the surgeon had been able to
+examine, is true; but how could he not credit the surgeon of the
+forces and the regimental surgeon, and how could he put the young men
+to fresh tortures by removing splints and unsetting limbs? Politeness,
+if nothing else, prevented his so doing, for it would have been as
+much as to say that either he did not credit their report, or that he
+doubted their skill.  He looked at our hero and his companion, who
+kept their eyes closed, and breathed heavily with their mouths open,
+put on a grave face, as well as his brothers in the art, and reported
+to Captain Wilson.
+
+"But when can they be moved, Mr Daly?" inquired the latter; "I cannot
+wait; we must sail to-morrow, or the next day at the farthest."
+
+The surgeon, as in duty bound, put the question to the others, who
+replied that there would be great risk in moving before the fever,
+which might be expected the next day, and which might last ten days;
+but that Captain Wilson had better not think of removing them, as they
+should have every care and attention where they were, and could rejoin
+the ship at Malta.  Mr Daly, the surgeon, agreed that this would be
+the most prudent step, and Captain Wilson then gave his consent.
+
+That being settled, he walked up to the bed of Gascoigne, and spoke to
+him; but Gascoigne knew that he was to have a concussion of the brain,
+and he made no reply, nor gave any signs of knowing that Captain
+Wilson was near him.  He then went to our hero, who, at the sound of
+Captain Wilson's voice, slowly opened his eyes without moving his
+head, and appeared to recognise him.
+
+"Are you in much pain, Easy?" said the captain, kindly. Easy closed
+his eyes again, and murmured, "Mesty, Mesty!"
+
+"He wants his servant, the ship's corporal, sir," said the surgeon.
+
+"Well," replied Captain Wilson, "he had better have him: he is a
+faithful fellow, and will nurse him well.  When you go on board, Mr
+Daly, desire the first lieutenant to send Mesty on shore with Mr
+Gascoigne's and Mr Easy's chests, and his own bag and hammock. Good
+heavens! I would not for a thousand pounds that this accident had
+occurred.  Poor foolish boys--they run in couples, and if one's in a
+scrape the other is sure to share it.  Gentlemen, I return you many
+thanks for your kindness, and I must accept of your promised care for
+my unfortunate officers. I sail to-morrow at daylight.  You will
+oblige me by informing their friends, the Rebieras, of their
+mischance, as I am sure they will contribute all they can to their
+comfort." So saying, Captain Wilson bowed and quitted the room,
+followed by the surgeon.
+
+As soon as the door was closed the two midshipmen turned their heads
+round and looked at each other, but they were afraid to speak at
+first, in case of the return of the surgeon.  As soon as it was
+announced to them that Captain Wilson and Mr Daly were outside the
+barrack-gate, our hero commenced--"Do you know, Ned, that my
+conscience smites me, and if it had not been that I should have
+betrayed those who wish to oblige us, when poor Captain Wilson
+appeared so much hurt and annoyed at our accident, I was very near
+getting up and telling him of the imposition, to relieve his mind."
+
+"I agree with you, Jack, and I felt much the same--but what's done
+cannot be undone.  We must now keep up the imposition for the sake of
+those who, to help us, have deceived him."
+
+"I don't think that you would find an English surgeon who would have
+consented to such an imposition."
+
+"No, that is certain; but after all, it is an imposition that has hurt
+nobody."
+
+"Oh, I do not wish to moralise--but I repent of my share in the
+deceit; and had it to be done over again I would not consent to it."
+
+"Not even for----? but I won't mention her name in barracks."
+
+"I don't know," replied Jack; "but let's say no more about it, and
+thank these gentlemen for their kindness."
+
+"Yes, but we must keep it up until we see the Aurora under all sail."
+
+"And longer too," replied Jack; "we must not let the affair get wind
+even on shore.  We must not recover quickly, but still appear to
+recover.  Don Rebiera and his wife must be deceived. I have a plot in
+my head, but I cannot work it out clear till I see Mesty."
+
+Don Philip now came in.  He had seen Captain Wilson, who had requested
+him to look after the two invalids, and stated his intention to sail
+the next morning.  They consulted with him, and it was agreed that no
+one should be acquainted with the real fact but his brother Martin,
+and that all Palermo should be as much deceived as Captain Wilson, for
+if not, it would put Father Thomaso on the "qui vive," and make him
+fulminate more than ever.  Our midshipmen ate an excellent dinner, and
+then remained in bed conversing till it was time to go to sleep; but
+long before that, Mesty had made his appearance with their clothes.
+The eyes of the Ashantee said all that was necessary--he never spoke a
+word, but unlashed his hammock and lay down in a corner, and they were
+soon all three asleep.
+
+The next morning Captain Wilson called to ascertain how our hero and
+his companion were, but the room had been darkened, and he could not
+see their faces plainly.  Easy thanked him for his kindness in
+allowing Mesty to attend them, and having received his orders as to
+their joining the ship as soon as they recovered, and having promised
+to be very cautious in their behaviour and keep out of all scrapes, he
+wished them a speedy recovery, and departed.
+
+In little more than half an hour afterwards, Mesty, who had been
+peeping out of the shutters, suddenly threw them open with a loud
+laugh.
+
+The Aurora was under way, with studding sails below and aloft standing
+out of the roads. Jack and Gascoigne got up, threw off the splints,
+and danced about in their shirts.  As soon as they were quiet again,
+Mesty said in a grave tone, "Den why you stay at sea, Massa Easy?"
+
+"Very true, Mesty, I've asked myself that question often enough
+lately; because I'm a fool, I suppose."
+
+"And I, because I can't help it," replied Gascoigne; "never mind, we
+are on shore now, and I look for a famous cruise."
+
+"But first we must see what the ground is we are to cruise on,"
+replied Jack; "so, Mesty, let us have a palaver, as they say in your
+country."
+
+The two midshipmen got into their beds, and Mesty sat on the chest
+between them, looking as grave as a judge.  The question was, how to
+get rid of the padre Thomaso.  Was he to be thrown over the mole-head
+to the fishes--or his skull broke--was Mesty's knife to be resorted
+to--was he to be kidnapped or poisoned--or were fair means to be
+employed--persuasion, bribery?  Every one knows how difficult it is to
+get rid of a priest.
+
+As our hero and Gascoigne were not Italians, they thought that bribery
+would be the more English-like way of doing the thing; so they
+composed a letter, to be delivered by Mesty to the friar, in which
+Jack offered to Father Thomaso the moderate sum of one thousand
+dollars, provided he would allow the marriage to proceed, and not
+frighten the old lady with ecclesiastical squibs and crackers.
+
+As Mesty was often on shore with Jack, and knew the friar very well by
+sight, it was agreed that the letter should be confided to his charge;
+but as it was not consistent that a person in such a state as our hero
+was represented to be should sit up and write letters, the delivery
+was deferred for a few days, when after waiting that time, Mesty
+delivered the letter to the friar, and made signs that he was to take
+back the answer.  The friar beckoned him that he was to accompany him
+to his room, where he read the letter, and then again made signs to
+him to follow him.  The friar led the way to his monastery, and as
+soon as Mesty was in his cell, he summoned another who could speak
+English to act as interpreter.
+
+"Is your master recovering?"
+
+"Yes," replied Mesty, "he is at present doing well."
+
+"Have you served him long?"
+
+"No," replied Mesty.
+
+"Are you very fond of him? does he treat you well, give you plenty of
+money?"
+
+At these questions, the artful black conceived that there was
+something in the wind, and he therefore very quietly replied, "I do
+not care much for him."
+
+The friar fixed his keen eye upon Mesty, and perceived there was a
+savage look about the black, from which he augured that he was a man
+who would suit his purpose.
+
+"Your master offers me a thousand dollars; would you wish to gain this
+money for yourself?"
+
+Mesty grinned, and showed his sharp-filed teeth. "It would make me a
+rich man in my own country."
+
+"It would," replied the friar; "now, you shall have it, if you will
+only give your master a small powder."
+
+"I understand," replied Mesty; "hab those things in my country."
+
+"Well--do you consent?--if so, I will write the letter to get the
+money."
+
+"Suppose they find me out?" replied Mesty.
+
+"You will be safe, and you shall be sent away as soon as possible--
+say, will you consent?"
+
+"The whole thousand dollars?"
+
+"Every one of them."
+
+"Den give me the powder!"
+
+"Stay a little", replied the friar, who went out of the cell, and, in
+about ten minutes, returned with an answer to our hero's letter, and a
+paper containing a greyish powder.
+
+"Give him this in his soup or anything--spread it on his meat, or mix
+it up with his sugar if he eats an orange."
+
+"I see," replied Mesty. "The dollars shall be yours, I swear it on the
+holy cross." Mesty grinned horribly, took his credentials, and then
+asked, "When I come again?"
+
+"As soon as you have received the money bring it to me at Don
+Rebiera's--then give the powder: as soon as it is given you must let
+me know, for you must not remain in Palermo.  I will myself conduct
+you to a place of safety."
+
+Mesty then quitted the cell, and was shown out of the monastery.
+
+"By de holy poker, he one d--n rascal!" muttered Mesty, as he was once
+in the open air.  "But stop a little."
+
+The Ashantee soon arrived at the barracks, and repeated the whole of
+the conference between him and Friar Thomaso.
+
+"It must be poison, of course," observed Gascoigne; "suppose we try it
+upon some animal?"
+
+"No, Massa Gascoigne," replied Mesty, "I try it myself, by-and-bye.
+Now what we do?"
+
+"I must give you the order for the thousand dollars, Mesty," replied
+Jack.  "The rascal here writes to me that for that sum, he will
+consent not only not to oppose me, but agrees to assist my cause; but
+the great question is, whether he will keep his word with you, Mesty;
+if not, I shall lose my money.  So therefore we must now have another
+palaver, and argue the point."
+
+The point was argued between Jack and Gascoigne.  A thousand dollars
+was a large sum, but Jack's father was a philosopher.  After many pros
+and cons, it was at last decided that the money should be given to
+Mesty; but Mesty should state, when he took the money to the friar,
+that he had administered the powder, and claim it when he presented
+it.
+
+The next day, the order for the money was given to Mesty, and he went
+to Friar Thomaso with it.  The friar hastened with Mesty to the
+monastery, and sent for the interpreter.
+
+"You have given it?" inquired the friar.
+
+"Yes--not one hour ago.  Here de order for de money."
+
+"You must run for the money before he is dead, for the powder is very
+rapid."
+
+"And me," replied Mesty, apparently much alarmed, "where am I to go?"
+
+"As soon as you bring the money here, you must go back to the
+barracks.  Remain there till he is dead, and then return here.  I will
+have all ready, and take you, as soon as it is dusk, to a monastery of
+our order in the mountains, where no one will think of looking for
+you, till the affair is blown over; and then I will find you a passage
+in some vessel out of the island."
+
+Mesty hastened for the money, and taking it in a large bag to the
+monastery, delivered it to the friar's charge, and then returned to
+the barracks to Easy and Gascoigne.  It was agreed that he should go
+with the friar, who would probably remain away some time; indeed,
+Mesty insisted upon so doing.  Mesty stayed two hours, and then
+returned about dusk to the monastery, and reported the death of our
+hero.  He remained there until it was dark, and then the friar ordered
+him to tie the bag of dollars to his saddle-bow.  They mounted two
+mules, which stood already caparisoned, and quitted Palermo.
+
+In the morning Don Philip, as usual, made his appearance, and told our
+hero that the friar had been summoned away by the abbot, and would not
+return for some time.
+
+"I came to tell you this news," said Don Philip, "as I thought it
+would please you; the sooner you are now well the better. I mean to
+propose your being both removed to my father's palazzo, and then you
+can recover your lost ground during the confessor's absence."
+
+"And I have the means," replied Jack, showing the friar's letter. Don
+Philip read it with astonishment, but was still more surprised when he
+heard the whole story from Jack.  He was for a time silent: at last he
+said,--
+
+"I am sorry for your poor black." "Why so?" replied Jack.
+
+"You will never see him again, depend upon it.  A thousand dollars
+would sign the death warrant of a thousand blacks; but there is
+another reason--they will put him out of the way, that he may not give
+evidence.  Where is the powder?"
+
+"Mesty has it; he would not part with it."
+
+"He is a shrewd fellow, that black; he may be too much for the friar,"
+replied Don Philip.
+
+"He means mischief, I'm sure," replied Gascoigne.
+
+"Still I feel a great deal of alarm about him," replied Easy; "I wish
+now that I had not let him go."
+
+"Are you sure that he went?"
+
+"No, I am not; but the friar told him that he should take him to the
+mountains as soon as it was dark."
+
+"And probably he will," replied Don Philip, "as the best place to get
+rid of him.  However, the whole of this story must be told both to my
+father and my mother; to the former, that he may take the right
+measures, and to my mother, that it may open her eyes.  Give me the
+copy of the letter you wrote to the friar, and then I shall have it
+all."
+
+The report of the accident which had occurred to Easy and Gascoigne
+had been spread and fully believed throughout Palermo. Indeed, as
+usual, it had been magnified, and asserted that they could not
+recover.  To Agnes only had the case been imparted in confidence by
+Don Philip, for her distress at the first intelligence had been so
+great that her brother could not conceal it.
+
+Two days after Don Philip had made his parents acquainted with the
+villainy of the friar, the midshipmen were transported to the palazzo,
+much to the surprise of everybody, and much to the renown of the
+surgeons, who were indemnified for their duplicity and falsehood by an
+amazing extension of their credit as skilful men.
+
+After their arrival at the palazzo, Don Rebiera was also entrusted
+with the secret, but it went no farther.  As now there was no
+particular hurry for our hero to get well, he was contented and happy
+in the society of Agnes and her parents; the old lady, after she had
+been informed of the conduct of Friar Thomaso, having turned round in
+our hero's favour, and made a vow never to have a confessor in the
+house again. Jack and Gascoigne were now as happy as could be; all
+their alarm was about Mesty, for whose return they were most anxious.
+
+To Don Rebiera, Jack made known formally his intentions with regard to
+Agnes.  He fully satisfied him as to his qualifications and his
+property, and Don Rebiera was fully aware of his debt of gratitude to
+our hero.  But all he required was the consent of Jack's father, and
+until this was obtained, he would not consent to the marriage taking
+place.  Jack attempted to argue the point; his father, he said, had
+married without consulting him, and therefore he had a right to marry
+without consulting his father.  But Don Rebiera, not having any
+acquaintance with the rights of man and equality, did not feel the
+full force of Jack's argument, and made it a sine qua non that his
+parents should write and consent to the alliance before it took place.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII
+
+In which Mesty should be called throughout Mephistopheles, for it
+abounds in black cloaks, disguises, daggers, and dark deeds.
+
+On the fourth evening after the removal of our two midshipmen to the
+palazzo of Don Rebiera, as they were sitting in company with Agnes and
+Don Philip in their own room, a friar made his appearance at the door.
+They all started, for by his height they imagined him to be Friar
+Thomaso, but no one addressed him.  The friar shut the door without
+saying a word, and then lifting up his cowl, which had been drawn over
+it, discovered the black face of Mesty. Agnes screamed, and all sprang
+from their seats at this unusual and unexpected apparition.  Mesty
+grinned, and there was that in his countenance which said that he had
+much to communicate.
+
+"Where is the friar--Mesty?" inquired Easy.
+
+"Stop a little, Massa--suppose we lock door first, and den I tell
+all."
+
+Taking this precaution, Mesty threw off the friar's gown, and appeared
+in his own dress, with the bag of dollars slung round his body.
+
+"Now, Massa Easy, I hab a long story to tell--so I tink I better begin
+at the beginning."
+
+"It is the most approved method," replied Jack, "but stop when I hold
+up my finger, that we may translate what you say to the lady and Don
+Philip."
+
+"Dat all right, sar.  Friar and I get on two mule as soon as it quite
+dark.  He make me carry all tousand dollars--and we ride out of town.
+We go up mountain and mountain, but the moon get up shine and we go on
+cheek by jowl--he nebber say one word, and I nebber say one word,
+'cause I no speak his lingo, and he no understand my English.  About
+two o'clock in de morning, we stop at a house and stay dere till eight
+o'clock, and den we go on again all next day, up all mountain, only
+stop once, eat a bit bread and drink lilly wine. Second night come on,
+and den we stop again, and people bow very low to him, and woman bring
+in rabbit for make supper.  I go in the kitchen, woman make stew smell
+very nice, so I nod my head, and I say very good, and she make a face,
+and throw on table black loaf of bread and garlic, and make sign dat
+for my supper; good enough for black fellow, and dat rabbit stew for
+friar.  Den I say to myself, stop a little; suppose friar hab all de
+rabbit, I tink I give him a lilly powder."
+
+"The powder, Mesty?" exclaimed Jack.
+
+"What does he say?" inquired Don Philip.
+
+Gascoigne translated all that Mesty had communicated.  The interest of
+the narrative now became exciting.  Mesty continued:--
+
+"Well, Massa Easy, den woman she go for dish to put stew in, and I
+take de powder and drop it in de pot, and den I sit down again and eat
+black bread, she say good enough for black man.  She tir up de stew
+once more, and den she pour it out into dish, and take it to friar. He
+lick um chops, by all de powers, and he like um so well he pick all de
+bones, and wipe up gravy with him bread.  You tink it very nice, Massa
+Friar, tink I; but stop a little.  After he drink a whole bottle of
+wine, he tell me bring mules to de door, and he put him hands on de
+woman head, and dat de way he pay for him supper.
+
+"The moon shone bright, and we go up all mountain, always go up, and
+'bout two hour, he get off him mule and he put him hand so, and set
+down on de rock.  He twist, and he turn, and he groan, for half an
+hour, and den he look at me, as much as to say, you black villain, you
+do this? for he not able to speak, and den I pull out de paper of de
+powder, and I show him, and make him sign he swallow it: he look
+again, and I laugh at him and he die."
+
+"Oh, Mesty, Mesty," exclaimed our hero; "you should not have done
+that, there will mischief come from it."
+
+"Now he dead, Massa Easy, so much less mischief."
+
+Gascoigne then interpreted to Don Philip and Agnes, the former of whom
+looked very grave, and the latter terrified.
+
+"Let him go on," said Don Philip; "I am most anxious to hear what he
+did with the body."
+
+Mesty, at the request of our hero, proceeded: "Den I thought what I
+should do, and I said I would hide him, and I tink I take his coat for
+myself, so I pull off him coat and I pull off all his oder clothes--he
+not wear many--and I take the body in my arm, and carry him where I
+find a great split in de rock above all road. I throw him in, and den
+I throw plenty large pieces rock on him till I no see him any more;
+den I take de two mules and get on mine wid de dollars, and lead de
+other three four mile, till I come to a large wood--take off him
+saddle and bridle, turn him adrift.  Den I tear up all clothes all in
+lilly bits, hide one piece here, noder piece dere, and de saddle and
+bridle in de bush.  All right, now, I say so I put on friar cloak,
+hide my face, get on my mule, and den I look where I shall go--so I
+say, I not be in dis road anyhow, I pass through wood till I find
+nother.  I go 'bout two mile--moon go down, all dark, and five six men
+catch hold my bridle, and they all got arms, so I do noting--they
+speak to me, but I no answer, and nebber show my face.  They find all
+dollars (d--n um) fast enough, and they lead me away through the wood.
+Last we come to a large fire in de wood, plenty of men lie about, some
+eat and some drink.  They pull me off, and I hold down my head and
+fold my arms, just like friar do.  They bring me along to one man, and
+pour out all my dollar before him.  He give some order, and they take
+me away, and I peep through the cloak, and I say to myself, he that
+d--n galley-slave rascal Don Silvio."
+
+"Don Silvio!" cried Jack. "What does he say of Don Silvio?" demanded
+Don Philip. Mesty's narrative was again translated, and he continued.
+
+"Dey led me away about fifty yards, tie me to tree, and den they leave
+me, and dey all drink and make merry, nebber offer me anything, so, I
+hab noting den to eat; I eat de ropes and gnaw them through and den I
+stay there two hour until all go asleep, and all quiet; for I say to
+myself, stop a little.  Den when dey all fast asleep, I take out my
+knife and I crawl 'long de ground, as we do in our country sometime--
+and den I stop and look 'bout me; no man watch but two, and dey look
+out for squarl, not look in board where I was.  I crawl again till I
+lay down alongside that d--n galley-slave Don Silvio. He lie fast
+asleep with my bag thousand dollars under him head.  So I tink, 'you
+not hab dem long, you rascal. I look round--all right, and I drive my
+knife good aim into him heart and press toder hand on him mouth, but
+he make no noise; he struggle little and look up, and den I throw off
+de head of de gown and show him my black face, and he look and he try
+to speak; but I stop dat, for down go my knife again, and de d--n
+galley-slave dead as herring."
+
+"Stop, Mesty, we must tell this to Don Philip," said Gascoigne.
+
+"Dead!  Don Silvio dead! well, Mesty, we are eternally obliged to you,
+for there was no safety for my father while he was living.  Let him go
+on."
+
+"So when I put de knife through his body, I lie down by him as if
+noting had happened, for ten minutes, and den I take de bag of dollars
+from under him head, and den I feel him all over, and I find him
+pistols and him purse, which I hab here, all gold.  So I take them and
+I look--all asleep, and I crawl back to de tree.  Den I stay to tink a
+little; de man on watch come up and look at me, but he tink all right
+and he go away again.  Lucky ting, by de power, dat I go back to tree.
+I wait again, and den I crawl and crawl till I clear of all, and den I
+take to my heel and run for um life, till daylight come, and den I so
+tired I lie down in bush; I stay in bush all day, and den I set off
+again back here, for I find road and know my way. I not eat den for
+one day and one night, and come to house where I put my head in and
+find woman there. I not able to speak, so I help myself, and not show
+my face.  She not like dat and make a bobbery, but I lift up my cloak
+and show my black face and white teeth, and den she tink me de debil.
+She run out of de house and I help myself very quick, and den set off
+and come close here yesterday morning. I hide myself all day and come
+in at night, and now, Massa Easy, you ab haf de whole truth and you ab
+your tousand dollars--and you ab got rid of de rascal friar and de
+d--n galley-slave, Don Silvio."
+
+"Tell them all this, Ned," said Jack, who, whilst Gascoigne was so
+employed, talked with Mesty.
+
+"I was very much frightened for you, Mesty," said Jack; "but still I
+thought you quite as cunning as the friar, and so it has turned out;
+but the thousand dollars ought to be yours."
+
+"No, sar," replied Mesty, "the dollars not mine; but I hab plenty of
+gold in Don Silvio's purse--plenty, plenty of gold.  I keep my
+property, Massa Easy, and you keep yours."
+
+"I'm afraid that this affair may be found out, Mesty; the woman will
+spread the report of having been attacked by a black friar, and that
+will lead to suspicion, as the other friars of the convent knew that
+you left with Friar Thomaso."
+
+"So I tink dat, but when a man starve, he quite forget his thought."
+
+"I don't blame you; but now I must talk to Don Philip."
+
+"Suppose you no objection, while you talk I eat something from the
+table then, Massa Easy, for I hungry enough to eat de friar, mule and
+all."
+
+"Eat, my good fellow, and drink as much as you please."
+
+The consultation between our two midshipmen and Don Philip was not
+long: they perceived the immediate necessity for the departure of
+Mesty, and the suspicion which would attach to themselves. Don Philip
+and Agnes left them, to go to Don Rebiera, and make him acquainted
+with what had passed, and to ask his advice.
+
+When they went into the room, Don Rebiera immediately accosted his
+son.
+
+"Have you heard, Philip, that Friar Thomaso has returned at last?--so
+the servants tell me."
+
+"The report may be fortunate," replied Don Philip; "but I have another
+story to tell you."
+
+He then sat down and imparted to Don Rebiera all the adventures of
+Mesty.  Don Rebiera was for some time in deep thought; at last he
+replied,--
+
+"That Don Silvio is no more is fortunate, and the negro would be
+entitled to reward for his destruction--but for the friar, that is a
+bad business.  The negro might remain and tell the whole story, and
+the facts might be proved by the evidence of Signor Easy, and the
+letters; but what then? we should raise the whole host of the clergy
+against our house, and we have suffered too much from them already;
+the best plan would be the immediate departure, not only of the negro
+but of our two young friends.  The supposition of Friar Thomaso being
+here, and their departure with the negro servant to rejoin their ship,
+will remove much suspicion and destroy all inquiry.  They must be off
+immediately.  Go to them, Philip, and point out to them the absolute
+necessity of this measure, and tell our young friend that I rigidly
+adhere to my promise, and as soon as he has his father's sanction I
+will bestow upon him my daughter.  In the meantime I will send down
+and see if a vessel can be chartered for Malta."
+
+Our hero and Gascoigne fully admitted the wisdom of this measure, and
+prepared for their departure; indeed, now that Don Rebiera's
+resolution had been made known to our hero, he cared more for
+obtaining his father's consent than he did for remaining to enjoy
+himself at Palermo; and before noon of the next day all was ready, the
+vessel had been procured, Jack took his leave of Agnes and her mother,
+and, accompanied by Don Rebiera and Don Phillip (for Don Martin was on
+duty a few miles from Palermo), went down to the beach, and, having
+bid them farewell, embarked with Gascoigne and Mesty on board of the
+two-masted lateen which had been engaged, and before sunset not a
+steeple of Palermo was to be seen.
+
+"What are you thinking of, Jack?" said Gascoigne, after our hero had
+been silent half an hour.
+
+"I have been thinking, Ned, that we are well out of it."
+
+"So do I," replied Gascoigne; and here the conversation dropped for a
+time.
+
+"What are you thinking of now, Jack?" said Gascoigne, after a long
+pause.
+
+"I've been thinking that I've a good story for the old Governor."
+
+"Very true," replied Gascoigne; and both were again silent for some
+time.
+
+"What are you thinking of now, Jack?" said Gascoigne, after another
+long interval.
+
+"I've been thinking that I shall leave the service," replied Jack.
+
+"I wish you would take me with you," replied Gascoigne, with a sigh;
+and again they were both in deep contemplation.
+
+"What are you thinking of now, Jack?" said Gascoigne again.
+
+"Of Agnes," replied our hero.
+
+"Well, if that's the case, I'll call you when supper's ready. In the
+meantime I'll go and talk with Mesty."
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV
+
+Jack leaves the service, in which he had no business, and goes home to
+mind his own business.
+
+On the fourth day they arrived at Malta, and our two midshipmen, as
+soon as they had settled with the padrone of the vessel, went up to
+the government house.  They found the Governor in the veranda, who
+held out both his hands, one to each.
+
+"Glad to see you, my lads.  Well, Jack, how's the leg--all right?
+don't limp?  And your arm, Gascoigne?"
+
+"All right, sir, and as sound as ever it was," replied they both.
+
+"Then you're in luck, and have made more haste than you deserve, after
+your mad pranks: but now sit down, and I suppose, my friend Jack, you
+have a story to tell me."
+
+"O yes, Sir Thomas, and a very long one."
+
+"Then I won't have it now, for I expect people on business; we'll have
+it after dinner.  Get your things up and take possession of your rooms.
+The Aurora sailed four days ago.  You've had a wonderful recovery."
+
+"Wonderful, sir!" replied our hero; "all Palermo rings with it."
+
+"Well you may go now--I shall see you at dinner.  Wilson will be
+delighted when he hears that you have got round again, for he was
+low-spirited about it, I can tell you, which is more than you
+deserve."
+
+"He's right there," said our hero to Gascoigne, as they walked away.
+
+When dinner was over, Jack narrated to the Governor the adventures of
+Mesty, with which he was much interested; but when they were quite
+alone in the evening, the Governor called our two midshipmen into the
+veranda, and said:
+
+"Now my lads, I'm not going to preach, as the saying is, but I've been
+long enough in the world to know that a compound fracture of the leg
+is not cured in fourteen or sixteen days. I ask you to tell me the
+truth.  Did not you deceive Captain Wilson on this point?"
+
+"I am ashamed to say that we did, sir," replied Easy.
+
+"How did you manage that, and why?"
+
+Jack then went into further details relative to himself and his amour,
+stating his wish to be left behind, and all that had passed.
+
+"Well, there's some excuse for you, but none for the surgeons. If any
+surgeon here had played such a trick, I would have hung him, as sure
+as I'm Governor.  This affair of yours has become serious.  Mr Easy,
+we must have some conversation on the matter to-morrow morning."
+
+The next morning the packet from England was reported off the
+harbour's mouth.  After breakfast the letters were brought on shore,
+and the Governor sent for our hero.
+
+"Mr Easy, here are two letters for you; I am sorry to say, with black
+seals. I trust that they do not bring the intelligence of the death of
+any very near relative."
+
+Jack bowed without speaking, took the letters, and went to his room.
+The first he opened was from his father.
+
+"MY DEAR JOHN,
+
+"You will be much grieved to hear that your poor mother,
+after sitting in the corner for nearly two years waiting for the
+millennium, appeared to pine away; whether from disappointment or not
+I do not know; but at last, in spite of all Dr Middleton could do, she
+departed this life; and, as the millennium would not come to her as
+she expected, it is to be hoped she is gone to the millennium. She was
+a good wife, and I always let her have her own way.  Dr Middleton does
+not appear to be satisfied as to the cause of her death, and has
+wished to examine; but I said no, for I am a philosopher, and it is no
+use looking for causes after effects; but I have done since her death
+what she never would permit me to do during her life. I have had her
+head shaved, and examined it very carefully as a phrenologist, and
+most curiously has she proved the truth of the sublime science.  I
+will give you the result.  Determination, very prominent; Benevolence,
+small; Caution, extreme; Veneration, not very great;
+Philoprogenitiveness, strange to say, is very large, considering she
+has but one child; Imagination, very strong: you know, my dear boy,
+she was always imagining some nonsense or another.  Her other organs
+were all moderate.  Poor dear creature! she is gone, and we may well
+wail, for a better mother or a better wife never existed. And now, my
+dear boy, I must request that you call for your discharge, and come
+home as soon as possible. I cannot exist without you, and I require
+your assistance in the grand work I have in contemplation. The time is
+at hand, the cause of equality will soon triumph; the abject slaves
+now hold up their heads; I have electrified them with my speeches, but
+I am getting old and feeble; I require my son to leave my mantle to,
+as one prophet did to another, and then I will, like him, ascend in
+glory.
+
+"Your affectionate Father,
+
+"NICODEMUS EASY".
+
+From this it would appear, thought Jack, that my mother is dead, and
+that my father is mad.  For some time our hero remained in a
+melancholy mood; he dropped many tears to the memory of his mother,
+whom, if he had never respected, he had much loved: and it was not
+till half an hour had elapsed, that he thought of opening the other
+letter. It was from Dr Middleton.
+
+
+"MY DEAR BOY,
+
+"Although not a correspondent of yours, I take the right
+of having watched you through all your childhood, and from a knowledge
+of your disposition, to write you a few lines.  That you have, by this
+time, discarded your father's foolish, nonsensical philosophy, I am
+very sure.  It was I who advised your going away for that purpose, and
+I am sure, that, as a young man of sense, and the heir to a large
+property, you will before this have seen the fallacy of your father's
+doctrines.  Your father tells me that he has requested you to come
+home, and allow me to add any weight I may have with you in persuading
+you to do the same.  It is fortunate for you that the estate is
+entailed, or you might soon be a beggar, for there is no saying what
+debts he might, in his madness, be guilty of.  He has already been
+dismissed from the magistracy by the lord-lieutenant, in consequence
+of his haranguing the discontented peasantry, and I may say, exciting
+them to acts of violence and insubordination.  He has been seen
+dancing and hurrahing round a stack fired by an incendiary.  He has
+turned away his keepers, and allowed all poachers to go over the
+manor.  In short, he is not in his senses; and, although I am far from
+advising coercive measures, I do consider that it is absolutely
+necessary that you should immediately return home, and look after what
+will one day be your property.  You have no occasion to follow the
+profession, with eight thousand pounds per annum.  You have
+distinguished yourself, now make room for those who require it for
+their subsistence. God bless you.  I shall soon hope to shake hands
+with you.
+
+"Yours most truly,
+
+"G. MIDDLETON."
+
+There was matter for deep reflection in these two letters, and Jack
+never felt before how much his father had been in the wrong.  That he
+had gradually been weaned from his ideas was true, but still he had,
+to a certain degree, clung to them, as we do to a habit; but now he
+felt that his eyes were opened; the silly, almost unfeeling letter of
+his father upon the occasion of his mother's death, opened his eyes.
+For a long while Jack was in a melancholy meditation, and then casting
+his eyes upon his watch, he perceived that it was almost dinner-time.
+That he could eat his dinner was certain, and he scorned to pretend to
+feel what he did not.  He therefore dressed himself and went down,
+grave, it is true, but not in tears.  He spoke little at dinner, and
+retired as soon as it was over, presenting his two letters to the
+Governor, and asking his advice for the next morning.  Gascoigne
+followed him, and to him he confided his trouble; and Ned, finding
+that Jack was very low-spirited, consoled him to the best of his
+power, and brought a bottle of wine which he procured from the butler.
+Before they returned to bed, Jack had given his ideas to his friend,
+which were approved of, and wishing him a good-night, he threw himself
+into bed, and was soon fast asleep.
+
+"One thing is certain, my good fellow," observed the Governor to our
+hero, as he gave him back his letters at the breakfast table the next
+morning; "that your father is as mad as a March hare. I agree with
+that doctor, who appears a sensible man, that you had better go home
+immediately."
+
+"And leave the service altogether, sir?" replied Jack.
+
+"Why, I must say, that I do not think you exactly fitted for it.  I
+shall be sorry to lose you, as you have a wonderful talent for
+adventure, and I shall have no more yams to hear when you return; but,
+if I understand right from Captain Wilson, you were brought into the
+profession because he thought that the service might be of use in
+eradicating false notions, rather than from any intention or necessity
+of your following it up as a profession."
+
+"I suspect that was the case, sir," replied Jack; "as, for my own
+part, I hardly know why I entered it."
+
+"To find a mare's nest, my lad; I've heard all about it; but never
+mind that: the question is now about your leaving it, to look after
+your own property, and I think I may venture to say, that I can
+arrange all that matter at once, without referring to Admiral or
+captain.  I will be responsible for you, and you may go home in the
+packet, which sails on Wednesday for England."
+
+"Thank you, Sir Thomas, I am much obliged to you," replied Jack.
+
+"You, Mr Gascoigne, I shall, of course, send out by the first
+opportunity to rejoin your ship."
+
+"Thank you, Sir Thomas, I am much obliged to you," replied Gascoigne,
+making a bow.
+
+"You'll break no more arms, if you please, sir," continued the
+Governor; "a man in love may have some excuse in breaking his leg, but
+you had none."
+
+"I beg your pardon, sir; if Mr Easy was warranted in breaking his leg
+out of love, I submit that I could do no less than break my arm out of
+friendship."
+
+"Hold your tongue, sir, or I'll break your head from the very opposite
+feeling," replied the Governor, good-humouredly.  "But observe, young
+man, I shall keep this affair secret, as in honour bound; but let me
+advise you, as you have only your profession to look to, to follow it
+up steadily.  It is high time that you and Mr Easy were separated.  He
+is independent of the service, and you are not.  A young man
+possessing such ample means will never be fitted for the duties of a
+junior officer.  He can do no good for himself, and is certain to do
+much harm to others: a continuance of his friendship would probably
+end in your ruin, Mr Gascoigne.  You must be aware, that if the
+greatest indulgence had not been shown to Mr Easy by his captain and
+first lieutenant, he never could have remained in the service so long
+as he has done."
+
+As the Governor made the last remark in rather a severe tone, our two
+midshipmen were silent for a minute.  At last Jack observed, very
+quietly,--
+
+"And yet, sir, I think, considering all, I have behaved pretty well."
+
+"You have behaved very well, my good lad, on all occasions in which
+your courage and conduct, as an officer, have been called forth. I
+admit it; and had you been sent to sea with a mind properly regulated,
+and without such an unlimited command of money, I have no doubt but
+that you would have proved an ornament to the service. Even now I
+think you would, if you were to remain in the service under proper
+guidance and necessary restrictions, for you have, at least, learnt to
+obey, which is absolutely necessary before you are fit to command. But
+recollect, what your conduct would have brought upon you, if you had
+not been under the parental care of Captain Wilson.  But let us say no
+more about that: a midshipman with the prospect of eight thousand
+pounds a year is an anomaly which the service cannot admit, especially
+when that midshipman is resolved to take to himself a wife."
+
+"I hope that you approve of that step, sir."
+
+"That entirely depends upon the merit of the party, which I know
+nothing of, except that she has a pretty face, and is of one of the
+best Sicilian families.  I think the difference of religion a ground
+of objection."
+
+"We will argue that point, sir," replied Jack.
+
+"Perhaps it will be the cause of more argument than you think for, Mr
+Easy; but every man makes his own bed, and as he makes it, so must he
+lie down in it."
+
+"What am I to do about Mesty, sir? I cannot bear the idea of parting
+with him."
+
+"I am afraid that you must; I cannot well interfere there."
+
+"He is of little use to the service, sir; he has been sent to sick
+quarters as my servant: if he may be permitted to go home with me, I
+will procure his discharge as soon as I arrive, and send him on board
+the guard-ship till I obtain it."
+
+"I think that, on the whole, he is as well out of the service as in
+it, and therefore I will, on consideration, take upon myself the
+responsibility, provided you do as you say."
+
+The conversation was here ended, as the Governor had business to
+attend to, and Jack and Gascoigne went to their rooms to make their
+arrangements.
+
+"The Governor is right," observed Gascoigne; "it is better that we
+part, Jack.  You have half unfitted me for the service already; I have
+a disgust of the midshipmen's berth; the very smell of pitch and tar
+has become odious to me.  This is all wrong; I must forget you and all
+our pleasant cruises on shore, and once more swelter in my greasy
+Jacket. When I think that, if our pretended accidents were discovered,
+I should be dismissed the service, and the misery which that would
+cause to my poor father, I tremble at my escape.  The Governor is
+right, Jack; we must part, but I hope you never will forget me."
+
+"My hand upon it, Ned.  Command my interest, if ever I have any--my
+money--what I have, and the house, whether it belongs to me or my
+father--as far as you are concerned at least, I adhere to my notions
+of perfect equality."
+
+"And abjure them, I trust, Jack, as a universal principle."
+
+"I admit, as the Governor asserts, that my father is as mad as a March
+hare."
+
+"That is sufficient; you don't know how glad it makes me to hear you
+say that."
+
+The two friends were inseparable during the short time that they
+remained together.  They talked over their future prospects, their
+hopes and anticipations, and when the conversation flagged, Gascoigne
+brought up the name of Agnes.
+
+Mesty's delight at leaving the service, and going home with his patron
+was indescribable.  He laid out a portion of his gold in a suit of
+plain clothes, white linen shirts, and in every respect the wardrobe
+of a man of fashion; in fact, he was now a complete gentleman's
+gentleman; was very particular in frizzing his woolly hair--wore a
+white neck-cloth, gloves, and cane.  Every one felt inclined to laugh
+when he made his appearance; but there was something in Mesty's look,
+which, at all events, prevented their doing so before his face.  The
+day for sailing arrived.  Jack took leave of the Governor, thanking
+him for his great kindness, and stating his intention of taking Malta
+in his way out to Palermo in a month or two.  Gascoigne went on board
+with him, and did not go down the vessel's side till it was more than
+a mile clear of the harbour.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV
+
+Mr Easy's wonderful invention fully explained by himself--much to the
+satisfaction of our hero, and it is to be presumed to that also of the
+reader.
+
+At last the packet anchored in Falmouth Roads. Jack, accompanied by
+Mesty, was soon on shore with his luggage, threw himself into the
+mail, arrived in London, and, waiting there two or three days, to
+obtain what he considered necessary from a fashionable tailor, ordered
+a chaise to Forest Hill.  He had not written to his father to announce
+his arrival, and it was late in the morning when the chaise drew up at
+his father's door.
+
+Jack stepped out and rang the bell.  The servants who opened the door
+did not know him; they were not the same as those he left.
+
+"Where is Mr Easy?" demanded Jack.
+
+"Who are you?" replied one of the men, in a gruff tone.
+
+"By de powers, you very soon find out who he is," observed Mesty.
+
+"Stay here, and I'll see if he is at home."
+
+"Stay here? stay in the hall like a footman?  What do you mean, you
+rascal?" cried Jack, attempting to push by the man.
+
+"O, that won't do here, master; this is Equality Hall; one man's as
+good as another."
+
+"Not always," replied Jack, knocking him down.  "Take that for your
+insolence, pack up your traps, and walk out of the house tomorrow
+morning."
+
+Mesty, in the meantime, had seized the other by the throat. "What I do
+with this fellow, Massa Easy?"
+
+"Leave him now, Mesty: we'll settle their account to-morrow morning. I
+presume I shall find my father in the library."
+
+"His father!" said one of the men to the other; "he's not exactly a
+chip off the old block."
+
+"We shall have a change, I expect," replied the other, as they walked
+away.
+
+"Mesty," cried Jack, in an authoritative tone, "bring those two
+rascals back to take the luggage out of the chaise; pay the position,
+and tell the housekeeper to show you my room, and yours.  Come to me
+for orders as soon as you have done this."
+
+"Yes, sir," replied Mesty.  "Now come here, you d--n blackguard, and
+take tings out of chaise, or by de holy poker I choak your luff, both
+of you."
+
+The filed teeth, the savage look, and determination of Mesty, had the
+due effect.  The men sullenly returned, and unloaded the chaise. In
+the meantime, Jack walked into his father's study; his father was
+there--the study was lighted up with argand lamps, and Jack looked
+with astonishment.  Mr Easy was busy with a plaster cast of a human
+head, which he pored over, so that he did not perceive the entrance of
+his son.  The cast of the skull was divided into many compartments,
+with writing on each; but what most astonished our hero was the
+alteration in the apartment.  The book-cases and books had all been
+removed, and in the centre, suspended from the ceiling, was an
+apparatus which would have puzzled anyone, composed of rods in every
+direction, with screws at the end of them, and also tubes in equal
+number, one of which communicated with a large air-pump, which stood
+on a table.  Jack took a short survey, and then walked up to his
+father and accosted him.
+
+"What!" exclaimed Mr Easy, "is it possible?--yes, it is my son John!
+I'm glad to see you, John,--very glad, indeed," continued the old
+gentleman, shaking him by both hands--"very glad that you have come
+home; I wanted you--wanted your assistance in my great and glorious
+project, which, I thank Heaven, is now advancing rapidly.  Very soon
+shall equality and the rights of man be proclaimed everywhere.  The
+pressure from without is enormous, and the bulwarks of our ridiculous
+and tyrannical constitution must give way.  King, lords, and
+aristocrats; landholders, tithe-collectors, church and state, thank
+God, will soon be overthrown, and the golden age revived--the
+millennium--the true millennium--not what your poor mother talked
+about. I am at the head of twenty-nine societies, and if my health
+lasts, you will see what I will accomplish now that I have your
+assistance, Jack"; and Mr Easy's eyes sparkled and flashed in all the
+brilliancy of incipient insanity.
+
+Jack sighed, and to turn the conversation he observed, "You have made
+a great change in this room, sir.  What may all this be for? Is it a
+machine to improve equality and the rights of man?"
+
+"My dear son," replied Mr Easy, sitting down and crossing his legs
+complacently, with his two hands under his right thigh, according to
+his usual custom, when much pleased with himself,--"why, my dear son,
+that is not exactly the case, and yet you have shown some degree of
+perception even in your guess; for if my invention succeeds (and I
+have no doubt of it), I shall have discovered the great art of
+rectifying the mistakes of nature, and giving an equality of
+organisation to the whole species, of introducing all the finer organs
+of humanity, and of destroying the baser.  It is a splendid invention,
+Jack, very splendid.  They may talk of Call and Spurzheim, and all
+those; but what have they done? nothing but divided the brain into
+sections, classed the organs, and discovered where they reside; but
+what good result has been gained from that? the murderer by nature
+remained a murderer--the benevolent man a benevolent man--he could not
+alter his organisation.  I have found out how to change all that."
+
+"Surely, sir, you would not interfere with the organ of benevolence."
+
+"But indeed I must, Jack.  I, myself, am suffering from my organ of
+benevolence being too large: I must reduce it, and then I shall be
+capable of greater things, shall not be so terrified by difficulties,
+shall overlook trifles, and only carry on great schemes for universal
+equality and the supreme rights of man. I have put myself into that
+machine every morning for two hours, for these last three months, and
+I feel now that I am daily losing a great portion."
+
+"Will you do me the favour to explain an invention so extraordinary,
+sir?" said our hero.
+
+"Most willingly, my boy.  You observe that in the centre there is a
+frame to confine the human head, somewhat larger than the head itself,
+and that the head rests upon the iron collar beneath.  When the head
+is thus firmly fixed, suppose I want to reduce the size of any
+particular organ, I take the boss corresponding to where that organ is
+situated in the cranium, and fix it on it.  For you will observe that
+all the bosses inside of the top of the frame correspond to the organs
+as described in this plaster cast on the table. I then screw down
+pretty tight, and increase the pressure daily, until the organ
+disappears altogether, or is reduced to the size required."
+
+"I comprehend that part perfectly, sir," replied Jack; "but now
+explain to me by what method you contrive to raise an organ which does
+not previously exist."
+
+"That," replied Mr Easy, "is the greatest perfection of the whole
+invention, for without I could do that, I could have done little. I
+feel convinced that this invention of mine will immortalise me.
+Observe all these little bell-glasses which communicate with the
+air-pump; I shave my patient's head, grease it a little, and fix on
+the bell-glass, which is exactly shaped to fit the organ in length and
+breadth.  I work the air-pump, and raise the organ by an exhausted
+receiver.  It cannot fail.  There is my butler, now; a man who escaped
+hanging last spring assizes on an undoubted charge of murder.  I
+selected him on purpose; I have flattened down murder to nothing, and
+I have raised benevolence till it's like a wen."
+
+"I am afraid my poor father's head is an exhausted receiver," thought
+Jack, who then replied, "Well, sir, if it succeeds it will be a good
+invention."
+
+"If it succeeds!--why, it has succeeded--it cannot fail.  It has cost
+me near two thousand pounds.  By-the-bye, Jack, you have drawn very
+liberally lately, and I had some trouble, with my own expenses, to
+meet your bills; not that I complain--but what with societies, and my
+machine, and tenants refusing to pay their rents, on the principle
+that the farms are no more mine than theirs, which I admit to be true,
+I have had some difficulty in meeting all demands."
+
+"The Governor was right," thought Jack, who now inquired after Dr
+Middleton.
+
+"Ah, poor silly man! he's alive yet--I believe doing well.  He is one
+who will interfere with the business of others, complains of my
+servants--very silly man indeed--but I let him have his own way.  So I
+did your poor mother.  Silly woman, Mrs Easy--but never mind that."
+
+"If you please, sir, I have also a complaint to make of the servants
+for their insolence to me: but we will adjourn, if you please, as I
+wish to have some refreshment."
+
+"Certainly, Jack, if you are hungry; I will go with you. Complain of
+my servants, say you?--there must be some mistake--they are all
+shaved, and wear wigs, and I put them in the machine every other
+morning: but I mean to make an alteration in one respect.  You
+observe, Jack, it requires more dignity: we must raise the whole
+machinery some feet, ascend it with state as a throne, for it is the
+throne of reason, the victory of mind over nature."
+
+"As you please, sir; but I am really hungry just now."         Jack
+and his father went into the drawing-room and rang the bell; not being
+answered, Jack rose and rang again.
+
+"My dear sir," observed Mr Easy, "you must not be in a hurry; every
+man naturally provides for his own wants first, and afterwards for
+those of others.  Now my servants--"
+
+"Are a set of insolent scoundrels, sir, and insolence I never permit.
+I knocked one down as I entered your house, and, with your permission,
+I will discharge two, at least, to-morrow."
+
+"My dear son," exclaimed Mr Easy, "you knocked my servant down!--are
+you not aware, by the laws of equality--"
+
+"I am aware of this, my dear father," replied Jack, "that by all the
+laws of society we have a right to expect civility and obedience from
+those we pay and feed."
+
+"Pay and feed! Why, my dear son,--my dear Jack,--you must recollect--"
+
+"I recollect, sir, very well; but if your servants do not come to
+their recollection in a very short time, either I or they must quit
+the house."
+
+"But, my dear boy, have you forgotten the principles I instilled into
+you?  Did you not go to sea to obtain that equality foiled by tyranny
+and despotism here on shore?  Do you not acknowledge and support my
+philosophy?"
+
+"We'll argue that point to-morrow, sir--at present I want to obtain my
+supper"; and Jack rang the bell furiously.
+
+The butler made his appearance at this last summons, and he was
+followed by Mesty, who looked like a demon with anger.
+
+"Mercy on me, whom have we here?"
+
+"My servant, father," exclaimed Jack, starting up; "one that I can
+trust to, and who will obey me.  Mesty, I wish some supper and wine to
+be brought immediately--see that scoundrel gets it ready in a moment.
+If he does not, throw him out of the door, and lock him out. You
+understand me."
+
+"Yes, Massa," grinned Mesty; "now you hab supper very quick, or Mesty
+know the reason why.  Follow me, sar," cried Mesty, in an imperative
+tone to the butler: "quick, sar, or by de holy poker, I show you what
+Mesty can do;" and Mesty grinned in his wrath.
+
+"Bring supper and wine immediately," said Mr Easy, giving an order
+such as the butler had never heard since he had been in the house.
+
+The butler quitted the room, followed by the Ashantee. "My dear boy--
+my Jack--I can make every allowance for hunger, it is often the cause
+of theft and crime in the present unnatural state of society--but
+really you are too violent.  The principles"
+
+"Your principles are all confounded nonsense, father," cried Jack, in
+a rage.
+
+"What, Jack!--my son-what do I hear?  This from you--nonsense! Why,
+Jack, what has Captain Wilson been doing with you?"
+
+"Bringing me to my senses, sir."
+
+"Oh dear! oh dear! my dear Jack, you will certainly make me lose
+mine."
+
+"Gone already," thought Jack.
+
+"That you, my child, so carefully brought up in the great and glorious
+school of philosophy, should behave this way--should be so violent--
+forget your sublime philosophy, and all--just like Esau, selling your
+birthright for a mess of pottage. Oh, Jack, you'll kill me! and yet I
+love you, Jack--whom else have I to love in this world? Never mind,
+we'll argue the point, my boy--I'll convince you--in a week all will
+be right again."
+
+"It shall, sir, if I can manage it," replied Jack.
+
+"That's right, I love to hear you say so--that's consoling, very
+consoling--but I think now, I was wrong to let you go to sea, Jack."
+
+"Indeed you were not, father."
+
+"Well, I'm glad to hear you say so: I thought they had ruined you,
+destroyed all your philosophy--but it will be all right again--you
+shall come to our societies, Jack--I am president--you shall hear me
+speak, Jack--you shall hear me thunder like Demosthenes--but here
+comes the tray."
+
+The butler, followed by Mesty, who attended him as if he was his
+prisoner, now made his appearance with the tray, laid it down in a
+sulky manner and retired.  Jack desired Mesty to remain.
+
+"Well, Mesty, how are they getting on in the servants' hall?"
+
+"Regular mutiny, sar--ab swear dat they no stand our nonsense, and dat
+we both leave the house to-morrow."
+
+"Do you hear, sir? your servants declare that I shall leave your house
+to-morrow."
+
+"You leave my house, Jack, after four years' absence!--no, no. I'll
+reason with them--I'll make them a speech.  You don't know how I can
+speak, Jack."
+
+"Look you, father, I cannot stand this; either give me a carte-blanche
+to arrange this household as I please, or I shall quit it myself
+to-morrow morning."
+
+"Quit my house, Jack! no, no--shake hands and make friends with them;
+be civil, and they will serve you--but you know, upon the principles-"
+
+"Principles of the devil!" cried Jack, in a rage.
+
+"Of the devil, Jack; dear me! I wish you had never gone to sea."
+
+"In one word, sir, do you consent, or am I to leave the house?"
+
+"Leave the house! O no; not leave the house, Jack.  I have no son but
+you.  Then do as you please--but you must not send away my murderer,
+for I must have him cured, and shown as a proof of my wonderful
+invention."
+
+"Mesty, get my pistols ready for to-morrow morning, and your own too--
+do ye hear?"
+
+"All ready, massa," replied Mesty; "I tink dat right." "Right!--
+pistols, Jack!  What do you mean?"
+
+"It is possible, father, that you may not have yet quite cured your
+murderer, and therefore it is as well to be prepared.  I will now wish
+you good-night; but, before I go, you will be pleased to summon one of
+the servants, that he may inform the others that the household is
+under my control for the future."
+
+The bell was again rung, and was this time answered with more
+expedition.  Jack told the servant, in presence of his father, that,
+with the consent of the latter, he should hereafter take the whole
+control of the establishment, and that Mesty would be the majordomo
+from whom they would receive their orders.  The man stared, and cast
+an appealing look to Mr Easy, who hesitated, and at last said--
+
+"Yes, William; you'll apologise to all, and say that I have made the
+arrangement."
+
+"You apologise to none, sir," cried Jack; "but tell them that I will
+arrange the whole business to-morrow morning.  Tell the woman to come
+here and show me my bed-room.  Mesty, get your supper and then come up
+to me; if they dare to refuse you, recollect who does, and point them
+out to-morrow morning.  That will do, sir; away with you, and bring
+flat candlesticks."
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI
+
+In which Jack takes up the other side of the argument, and proves that
+he can argue as well on one side as the other.
+
+This scene may give some idea of the state of Mr Easy's household upon
+our hero's arrival.  The poor lunatic, for such we must call him, was
+at the mercy of his servants, who robbed, laughed at, and neglected
+him. The waste and expense were enormous.  Our hero, who found how
+matters stood, went to bed, and lay the best part of the night
+resolving what to do.  He determined to send for Dr Middleton, and
+consult him.
+
+The next morning, Jack rose early; Mesty was in the room, with warm
+water, as soon as he rang.
+
+"By de power, Massa Easy, your fader very silly old man."
+
+"I'm afraid so," replied Jack.
+
+"He not right here," observed Mesty, putting his fingers to his head.
+
+Jack sighed, and desired Mesty to send one of the grooms up to the
+door.  When the man knocked he desired him to mount a horse and ride
+over to Dr Middleton, and request his immediate attendance.
+
+The man, who was really a good servant, replied, "Yes, sir," very
+respectfully, and hastened away.
+
+Jack went down to breakfast, and found it all ready, but his father
+was not in the room: he went to his study, and found him occupied,
+with the carpenter, who was making a sort of a frame as the model of
+the platform or dais, to be raised under the wonderful invention.  Mr
+Easy was so busy that he could not come to breakfast, so Jack took his
+alone.  An hour after this, Dr Middleton's carriage drove up to the
+door.  The Doctor heartily greeted our hero.
+
+"My dear sir--for so I suppose I must now call you--I am heartily glad
+that you have returned. I can assure you that it is not a moment too
+soon."
+
+"I have found out that already, Doctor," replied Jack; "sit down. Have
+you breakfasted?"
+
+"No, I have not; for I was so anxious to see you, that I ordered my
+carriage at once."
+
+"Then sit down, Doctor, and we will talk over matters quietly."
+
+"You of course perceive the state of your father.  He has been some
+time quite unfit to manage his own affairs."
+
+"So I am afraid." "What do you intend to do, then--put them in the
+hands of trustees?"
+
+"I will be trustee for myself, Dr Middleton.  I could not do the other
+without submitting my poor father to a process, and confinement, which
+I cannot think of."
+
+"I can assure you, that there are not many in Bedlam worse than he is;
+but I perfectly agree with you; that is, if he will consent to your
+taking charge of the property."
+
+"A power of attorney will be all that is requisite," replied Jack;
+"that is, as soon as I have rid the house of the set of miscreants who
+are in it; and who are now in open mutiny."
+
+"I think," replied the Doctor, "that you will have some trouble. You
+know the character of the butler."
+
+"Yes, I have it from my father's own mouth. I really should take it as
+a great favour, Dr Middleton, if you could stay here a day or two. I
+know that you have retired from practice."
+
+"I would have made the same offer, my young friend.  I will come here
+with two of my servants; for you must discharge these."
+
+"I have one of my own who is worth his weight in gold--that will be
+sufficient.  I will dismiss every man you think I ought; and as for
+the women, we can give them warning, and replace them at leisure."
+
+"That is exactly what I should propose," replied the Doctor. "I will
+now go, if you please; procure the assistance of a couple of
+constables, and also of your father's former legal adviser, who shall
+prepare a power of attorney."
+
+"Yes," replied Jack, "and we must then find out the tenants who refuse
+to pay upon the principles of equality, and he shall serve them with
+notice immediately."
+
+"I am rejoiced, my dear young friend, to perceive that your father's
+absurd notions have not taken root."
+
+"They lasted some time, nevertheless, Doctor," replied Jack, laughing.
+
+"Well, then, I will only quit you for an hour or two, and then, as you
+wish it, will take up my quarters here as long as you find me useful."
+
+In the forenoon, Dr Middleton again made his appearance, accompanied
+by Mr Hanson, the solicitor, bringing with him his portmanteau and his
+servants.  Mr Easy had come into the parlour, and was at breakfast
+when they entered.  He received them very coolly; but a little
+judicious praise of the wonderful invention had its due effect; and
+after Jack had reminded him of his promise that, in future, he was to
+control the household, he was easily persuaded to sign the order for
+his so doing--that is, the power of attorney.
+
+Mr Easy also gave up to Jack the key of his escritoire, and Mr Hanson
+possessed himself of the books, papers, and receipts necessary to
+ascertain the state of his affairs, and the rents which had not yet
+been paid up.  In the meantime the constables arrived.  The servants
+were all summoned; Mr Hanson showed them the power of attorney,
+empowering Jack to act for his father, and, in less than half an hour
+afterwards, all the men-servants, but two grooms, were dismissed; the
+presence of the constables and Mesty prevented any resistance, but not
+without various threats on the part of the butler, whose name was
+O'Rourke.  Thus, in twenty-four hours, Jack had made a reformation in
+the household.
+
+Mr Easy took no notice of anything; he returned to his study and his
+wonderful invention.  Mesty had received the keys of the cellar, and
+had now complete control over those who remained.  Dr Middleton, Mr
+Hanson, Mr Easy, and Jack, sat down to dinner, and everything wore the
+appearance of order and comfort.  Mr Easy ate very heartily, but said
+nothing till after dinner, when as was his usual custom, he commenced
+arguing upon the truth and soundness of his philosophy.
+
+"By-the-bye, my dear son, if I recollect right, you told me last night
+that you were no longer of my opinion.  Now, if you please, we will
+argue this point."
+
+"I'll argue the point with all my heart, sir," replied Jack, "will you
+begin?"
+
+"Let's fill our glasses," cried Mr Easy, triumphantly; "let's fill our
+glasses, and then I will bring Jack back to the proper way of
+thinking.  Now then, my son, I trust you will not deny that we are all
+born equal."
+
+"I do deny it, sir," replied Jack; "I deny it in toto--deny it from
+the evidence of our own senses, and from the authority of Scripture.
+To suppose all men were born equal, is to suppose that they are
+equally endowed with the same strength, and with the same capacity of
+mind, which we know is not the case. I deny it from Scripture, from
+which I could quote many passages; but I will restrict myself to one--
+the parable of the Talents: 'To one he gave five talents, to another
+but one,' holding them responsible for the trust reposed in them.  We
+are all intended to fill various situations in society, and are
+provided by Heaven accordingly."
+
+"That may be," replied Mr Easy; "but that does not prove that the
+earth was not intended to be equally distributed among all alike."
+
+"I beg your pardon; the proof that that was not the intention of
+Providence, is that that equality, allowing it to be put in practice,
+could never be maintained."
+
+"Not maintained!--no, because the strong oppress the weak, tyrants
+rise up and conquer--men combine to do wrong."
+
+"Not so, my dear father; I say it could not be maintained without the
+organisation of each individual had been equalised, and several other
+points established.  For instance, allowing that every man had, ab
+origins, a certain portion of ground.  He who was the strongest or the
+cleverest would soon cause his to yield more than others would, and
+thus the equality be destroyed.  Again, if one couple had ten children
+and another had none, then again would equality be broken in upon, as
+the land that supports two in the one instance, would have to feed
+twelve in the other.  You perceive, therefore, that without rapine or
+injustice, your equality could not be preserved."
+
+"But, Jack, allowing that there might be some diversity from such
+causes, that would be a very different thing from the present
+monstrous  state of society, in which we have kings and lords, and
+people, rolling in wealth, while others are in a state of pauperism,
+and obliged to steal for their daily bread."
+
+"My dear father, I consider that it is to this inequality that society
+owes its firmest cementation--that we are enabled to live in peace and
+happiness, protected by just laws, each doing his duty in that state
+of life to which he is called, rising above or sinking in the scale of
+society according as he has been entrusted with the five talents or
+the one.  Equality can and does exist nowhere.  We are told that it
+does not exist in heaven itself--how can it exist upon earth?"
+
+"But that is only asserted, Jack, and it is not proof that it ought
+not to exist."
+
+"Let us argue the point, father, coolly.  Let us examine a little what
+would be the effect if all was equality.  Were all equal in beauty
+there would be no beauty, for beauty is only by comparison--were all
+equal in strength, conflicts would be interminable--were all equal in
+rank, and power, and possessions, the greatest charms of existence
+would be destroyed--generosity, gratitude, and half the finer virtues
+would be unknown.  The first principle of our religion, charity, could
+not be practised--pity would never be called forth--benevolence, your
+great organ, would be useless, and self-denial a blank letter. Were
+all equal in ability, there would be no instruction, no talent, no
+genius--nothing to admire, nothing to copy, to respect--nothing to
+rouse emulation, or stimulate to praiseworthy ambition.  Why, my dear
+father, what an idle, unprofitable, weary world would this be, if it
+were based on equality!"
+
+"But, allowing all that, Jack," replied Mr Easy, "and I will say you
+argue well in a bad cause, why should the inequality be carried so
+far--king and lords, for instance?"
+
+"The most lasting and imperishable form of building is that of the
+pyramid, which defies ages, and to that may the most perfect form of
+society be compared.  It is based upon the many, and rising by
+degrees, it becomes less as wealth, talent, and rank increase in the
+individual, until it ends at the apex or monarch, above all.  Yet each
+several stone from the apex to the base is necessary for the
+preservation of the structure, and fulfils its duty in its allotted
+place.  Could you prove that those at the summit possess the greatest
+share of happiness in this world, then, indeed, you have a position to
+argue on; but it is well known that such is not the case; and provided
+he is of a contented mind, the peasant is more happy than the king,
+surrounded as the latter is by cares and anxiety."
+
+"Very well argued, indeed, my dear sir," observed Dr Middleton.
+
+"But, my dear boy, there are other states of society than monarchy; we
+have republics and despotisms."
+
+"We have, but how long do they last compared to the first? There is a
+cycle in the changes which never varies.  A monarchy may be overthrown
+by a revolution, and republicanism succeed, but that is shortly
+followed by despotism, till, after a time, monarchy succeeds again by
+unanimous consent, as the most legitimate and equitable form of
+government; but in none of these do you find a single advance to
+equality.  In a republic, those who govern are more powerful than the
+rulers in a restricted monarchy--a president is greater than a king,
+and next to a despot, whose will is law.  Even in small societies you
+find, that some will naturally take the lead and assume domination. We
+commence the system at school, when we are first thrown into society,
+and there we are taught systems of petty tyranny.  There are some few
+points in which we obtain equality in this world, and that equality
+can only be obtained under a well-regulated form of society, and
+consists in an equal administration of justice and of laws, to which
+we have agreed to submit for the benefit of the whole--the equal right
+to live and not be permitted to starve, which has been obtained in
+this country.  And when we are called to account, we shall have equal
+justice.  Now my dear father, you have my opinion."
+
+"Yes, my dear, this is all very well in the abstract; but how does it
+work?"
+
+"It works well.  The luxury, the pampered state, the idleness--if you
+please, the wickedness--of the rich, all contribute to the support,
+the comfort, and employment of the poor.  You may behold extravagance
+it is a vice; but that very extravagance circulates money, and the
+vice of one contributes to the happiness of many.  The only vice which
+is not redeemed by producing commensurate good, is avarice. If all
+were equal, there would be no arts, no manufactures, no industry, no
+employment. As it is, the inequality of the distribution of wealth may
+be compared to the heart, pouring forth the blood like a steam-engine
+through the human frame, the same blood returning from the extremities
+by the veins, to be again propelled, and keep up a healthy and
+vigorous circulation."
+
+"Bravo, Jack!" said Dr Middleton.  "Have you anything to reply, sir?"
+continued he, addressing Mr Easy.
+
+"To reply, sir?" replied Mr Easy, with scorn; "why, he has not given
+me half an argument yet: why that black servant even laughs at him--
+look at him there showing his teeth.  Can he forget the horrors of
+slavery? can he forget the base unfeeling lash?  No, sir, he has
+suffered, and he can estimate the divine right of equality.  Ask him
+now, ask him, if you dare, Jack, whether he will admit the truth of
+your argument."
+
+"Well, I'll ask him," replied Jack, "and I tell you candidly that he
+was once one of your disciples.  Mesty, what's your opinion of
+equality?"
+
+"Equality, Massa Easy?" replied Mesty, pulling up his cravat; "I say
+d--n equality, now I majordomo."
+
+"The rascal deserves to be a slave all his life."
+
+"True, I ab been slave--but I a prince in my own country.  Massa Easy
+tell how many skulls I have."
+
+"Skulls--skulls--do you know anything of the sublime science? Are you
+a phrenologist?"
+
+"I know man's skull very well in Ashantee country, anyhow."
+
+"Then if you know that, you must be one. I had no idea that the
+science had extended so far--maybe it was brought from thence.  I will
+have some talk with you to-morrow.  This is very curious.  Dr
+Middleton, is it not?"
+
+"Very, indeed, Mr Easy."
+
+"I shall feel his head to-morrow after breakfast, and if there is
+anything wrong, I shall correct it with my machine.  By-the-bye, I
+have quite forgot, gentlemen; you will excuse me, but I wish to see
+what the carpenter has done for me, and after that I shall attend the
+meeting of the society.  Jack, my boy, won't you come and hear my
+speech?"
+
+"Thank you, sir, but I cannot well leave your friends."
+
+Mr Easy quitted the room.
+
+"Are you aware, my dear sir, that your father has opened his preserves
+to all the poachers?" said Mr Hanson.
+
+"The devil he has!"
+
+"Yes, he has allowed several gangs of gipsies to locate themselves in
+his woods much to the annoyance of the neighbourhood, who suffer  from
+their depredations," continued Dr Middleton.
+
+"I find, by the receipts and books, that there is nearly two years
+rental of the estate due; some tenants have paid up in full, others
+not for four years. I reckon fourteen thousand pounds still in
+arrear."
+
+"You will oblige me by taking immediate steps, Mr Hanson, for the
+recovery of the sums due."
+
+"Most certainly, Mr John.  I trust your father will not commit himself
+to-night as he has done lately."
+
+When they rose to retire, Dr Middleton took out, hero by the hand.
+"You do not know, my dear fellow, what pleasure it gives me to find
+that, in spite of the doting of your mother and the madness of your
+father, you have turned out so well.  It is very fortunate that you
+have come home; I trust you will now give up the profession."
+
+"I have given it up, sir; which, by-the-bye, reminds me that I have
+not applied for either my discharge or that of my servant; but I
+cannot spare time yet, so I shall not report myself."
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII
+
+In which our hero finds himself an orphan, and resolves to go to sea
+again without the smallest idea of equality.
+
+The next morning, when they met at breakfast, Mr Easy did not make his
+appearance, and Jack inquired of Mesty where he was.
+
+"They say down below that the old gentleman not come home last night."
+
+"Did not come home!" said Dr Middleton; "this must be looked to."
+
+"He great rascal, dat butler man," said Mesty to Jack; "but de old
+gentleman not sleep in his bed, dat for sure."
+
+"Make enquiries when he went out," said Jack.
+
+"I hope no accident has happened," observed Mr Hanson; "but his
+company has lately been very strange."
+
+"Nobody see him go out, sar, last night," reported Mesty.
+
+"Very likely he is in his study," observed Dr Middleton; "he may have
+remained all night, fast asleep, by his wonderful invention."
+
+"I'll go and see," replied Jack.
+
+Dr Middleton accompanied him, and Mesty followed.  They opened the
+door, and beheld a spectacle which made them recoil with horror. There
+was Mr Easy, with his head in the machine, the platform below fallen
+from under him, hanging, with his toes just touching the ground.  Dr
+Middleton hastened to him, and, assisted by Mesty and our hero, took
+him out of the steel collar which was round his neck: but life had
+been extinct for many hours, and, on examination, it was found that
+the poor old gentleman's neck was dislocated.
+
+It was surmised that the accident must have taken place the evening
+before, and it was easy to account for it.  Mr Easy, who had had the
+machine raised four feet higher, for the platform and steps to be
+placed underneath, must have mounted on the frame modelled by the
+carpenter for his work, and have fixed his head in, for the knob was
+pressed on his bump of benevolence.  The framework, hastily put
+together with a few short nails, had given way with his weight, and
+the sudden fall had dislocated his neck.
+
+Mr Hanson led away our hero, who was much shocked at this unfortunate
+and tragical end of his poor father, while Dr Middleton ordered the
+body to be taken up into a bedroom, and immediately despatched a
+messenger to the coroner of the county.  Poor Mr Easy had told his son
+but the day before, that he felt convinced that this wonderful
+invention would immortalise him, and so it had, although not exactly
+in the sense that he anticipated.
+
+We must pass over the few days of sorrow, and closed shutters, which
+always are given to these scenes.  The coroner's inquest and the
+funeral over, daylight was again admitted, our hero's spirits revived,
+and he found himself in possession of a splendid property, and his own
+master.
+
+He was not of age, it is true, for he wanted nine months; but on
+opening the will of his father, he found that Dr Middleton was his
+sole guardian.  Mr Hanson, on examining and collecting the papers,
+which were in the greatest confusion, discovered bank-notes in
+different corners, and huddled up with bills and receipts, to the
+amount of two thousand pounds, and further, a cheque signed by Captain
+Wilson on his banker, for the thousand pounds advanced by Mr Easy,
+dated more than fifteen months back.
+
+Dr Middleton wrote to the Admiralty, informing them that family
+affairs necessitated Mr John Easy, who had been left at sick quarters,
+to leave his Majesty's service, requesting his discharge from it
+forthwith.  The Admiralty were graciously pleased to grant the
+request, and lose the services of a midshipman.  The Admiralty were
+also pleased to grant the discharge of Mesty, on the sum required for
+a substitute being paid in.
+
+The gipsies were routed out of their abodes, and sent once more to
+wander.  The gamekeepers were restored, the preserves cleared of all
+poachers, and the gentry of the country were not a little pleased at
+Jack's succession, for they had wished that Mr Easy's neck had been
+broken long ago.  The societies were dissolved, since, now that Mr
+Easy no longer paid for the beer, there was nothing to meet for. Cards
+and compliments were sent from all parts of the county, and every one
+was anxious that our hero should come of age, as then he would be able
+to marry, to give dinners, subscribe to the foxhounds, and live as a
+gentleman ought to do.
+
+But during all these speculations, Jack had made Dr Middleton
+acquainted with the history of his amour with Agnes de Rebiera, and
+all particulars connected therewith, also with his determination to go
+out to bring her home as his wife.  Dr Middleton saw no objection to
+the match, and he perceived that our hero was sincere.  And Jack had
+made inquiries when the packet would sail for Malta, when Mesty, who
+stood behind his chair, observed,--
+
+"Packet bad vessel, Massa Easy.  Why not go out in man-of-war?"
+
+"Very true," replied Jack; "but you know, Mesty, that is not so easy."
+
+"And den how come home, sar?  Suppose you and Missy Agnes taken
+prisoner--put in prison?"
+
+"Very true," replied Jack; "and as for a passage home in a man-of-war,
+that will be more difficult still."
+
+"Den I tink, sar, suppose you buy one fine vessel--plenty of guns--
+take out letter of marque--plenty of men, and bring Missy Agnes home
+like a lady.  You captain of your own ship."
+
+"That deserves consideration, Mesty," replied Jack, who thought of it
+during that night: and the next day resolved to follow Mesty's advice.
+The Portsmouth paper lay on the breakfast-table. Jack took it up, and
+his eye was caught by an advertisement for the sale of the Joan d'Arc,
+prize to H.M. ship Thetis, brigantine of 278 tons, copper-bottomed,
+armed, en flutes with all her stores, spars, sails, running and
+standing rigging, then lying in the harbour of Portsmouth, to take
+place on the following Wednesday.
+
+Jack rang the bell, and ordered post-horses.
+
+"Where are you going, my dear boy?" inquired Dr Middleton.
+
+"To Portsmouth, Doctor."
+
+"And pray what for, if not an impertinent question?"
+
+Jack then gave Dr Middleton an insight into his plan, and requested
+that he would allow him to do so, as there was plenty of ready money.
+
+"But the expense will be enormous."
+
+"It will be heavy, sir, I grant; but I have calculated it pretty
+nearly, and I shall not spend at the rate of more than my income.
+Besides, as letter of marque, I shall have the right of capture; in
+fact, I mean to take out a privateer's regular licence."
+
+"But not to remain there and cruise?"
+
+"No, upon my honour; I am too anxious to get home again.  You must not
+refuse me, my dear guardian."
+
+"As a lady is in the case, I will not, my dear boy; but be careful
+what you are about."
+
+"Never fear, sir, I will be back in four months, at the farthest; but
+I must now set off and ascertain if the vessel answers the description
+given in the advertisement."
+
+Jack threw himself into the chariot.  Mesty mounted into the rumble,
+and in two hours they were at Portsmouth; went to the agent, viewed
+the vessel, which proved to be a very fine fast-sailing craft, well
+found, with six brass carronades on each side.  The cabins were
+handsome, fitted up with bird's-eye maple, and gilt mouldings.
+
+This will do, thought Jack: a couple of long brass nines, forty men
+and six boys, and she will be just the thing we require.  So Mesty and
+Jack went on shore again, and returned to Forest Hill to dinner, when
+he desired Mr Hanson to set off for Portsmouth, and bid at the sale
+for the vessel, as he wished to purchase her.  This was Monday, and on
+Wednesday Mr Hanson purchased her, as she stood, for 1,750 pounds,
+which was considered about half her value.
+
+Dr Middleton had, in the meantime, been thinking very seriously of
+Jack's project.  He could see no objection to it, provided that he was
+steady and prudent, but in both these qualities Jack had not exactly
+been tried.  He therefore determined to look out for some steady naval
+lieutenant, and make it a sine qua non that our hero should be
+accompanied by him, and that he should go out as sailing-master. Now
+that the vessel was purchased, he informed Jack of his wish; indeed,
+as Dr Middleton observed, his duty as guardian demanded this
+precaution, and our hero, who felt very grateful to Dr Middleton,
+immediately acquiesced.
+
+"And, by-the-bye, Doctor, see that he is a good navigator; for
+although I can fudge a day's work pretty well, latterly I have been
+out of practice."
+
+Everyone was now busy: Jack and Mesty at Portsmouth, fitting out the
+vessel, and offering three guineas ahead to the crimps for every good
+able seaman--Mr Hanson obtaining the English register, and the letters
+of licence, and Dr Middleton in search of a good naval dry-nurse. Jack
+found time to write to Don Philip and Agnes, apprising them of the
+death of his father, and his intentions.
+
+In about six weeks all was ready, and the brigantine, which had taken
+out her British register and licence under the name of the Rebiera,
+went out of harbour, and anchored at Spithead.  Dr Middleton had
+procured, as he thought, a very fit person to sail with Jack, and our
+hero and Mesty embarked, wishing the Doctor and Solicitor good-bye,
+and leaving them nothing to do but to pay the bills.
+
+The person selected by Dr Middleton, by the advice of an old friend of
+his, a purser in the navy, who lived at Southsea, was a Lieutenant
+Oxbelly, who, with the ship's company, which had been collected,
+received our hero as their captain and owner upon his arrival on
+board.  There certainly was no small contrast between our hero's
+active slight figure and handsome person, set off with a blue coat,
+something like the present yacht-club uniform, and that of his second
+in command, who waddled to the side to receive him.  He was a very
+short man, with an uncommon protuberance of stomach, with shoulders
+and arms too short for his body, and hands much too large, more like
+the paws of a Polar bear than anything else.  He wore trousers, shoes,
+and buckles.  On his head was a foraging cap, which, when he took it
+off, showed that he was quite bald.  His age might be about fifty-five
+or sixty; his complexion florid, no whiskers, and little beard, nose
+straight, lips thin, teeth black with chewing, and always a little
+brown dribble from the left corner of his mouth (there was a leak
+there, he said).  Altogether his countenance was prepossessing, for it
+was honest and manly, but his waist was preposterous.
+
+"Steady enough," thought Jack, as he returned Mr Oxbelly's salute.
+
+"How do you do, sir?" said Jack; "I trust we shall be good shipmates,"
+for Jack had not seen him before.
+
+"Mr Easy," replied the lieutenant, "I never quarrel with anyone,
+except (I won't tell a story) with my wife."
+
+"I am sorry that you have ever domestic dissensions, Mr Oxbelly."
+
+"And I only quarrel with her at night, sir.  She will take up more
+than her share of the bed, and won't allow me to sleep single; but
+never mind that, sir; now will you please to muster the men?"
+
+"If you please, Mr Oxbelly."
+
+The men were mustered, and Jack made them a long speech upon
+subordination, discipline, activity, duty, and so forth.
+
+"A very good speech, Mr Easy," said Mr Oxbelly, as the men went
+forward; "I wish my wife had heard it.  But, sir, if you please, we'll
+now get under way as fast as we can, for there is a Channel cruiser
+working up at St Helen's, and we may give him the go-by by running
+through the Needles."
+
+"But what need we care for the Channel cruiser?"
+
+"You forget, sir, that as soon as she drops her anchor she will come
+on board and take a fancy to at least ten of our men."
+
+"But they are protected."
+
+"Yes, sir, but that's no protection, now-a-days.  I have sailed in a
+privateer at least three years, and I know that they have no respect
+for letters of marque or for privateers."
+
+"I believe you are right, Mr Oxbelly; so, if you please, we will up
+with the anchor at once."
+
+The crew of the Rebiera had been well chosen; they were prime
+men-of-war's men, most of whom had deserted from the various ships on
+the station, and, of course, were most anxious to be off.  In a few
+minutes the Rebiera was under way with all sail set below and aloft.
+She was in excellent trim and flew through the water; the wind was
+fair, and by night they had passed Portland Lights, and the next
+morning were steering a course for the Bay of Biscay without having
+encountered what they feared more than an enemy,--a British cruiser to
+overhaul them.
+
+"I think we shall do now, sir," observed Mr Oxbelly to our hero; "we
+have made a famous run.  It's twelve o'clock, and if you please I'll
+work the latitude, and let you know what it is.  We must shape our
+course so as not to run in with the Brest squadron.  A little more
+westing, sir.  I'll be up in one minute.  My wife--but I'll tell you
+about that when I come up."
+
+"Latitude 41 degs 12 min, sir. I was about to say that my wife, when
+she was on board of the privateer that I commanded--"
+
+"Board of the privateer, Mr Oxbelly?"
+
+"Yes, sir, would go; told her it was impossible, but she wouldn't
+listen to reason--came on board, flopped herself into the standing
+bed-place, and said that there she was for the cruise--little Billy
+with her--"
+
+"What! your child, too?"
+
+"Yes, two years old--fine boy--always laughed when the guns were
+fired, while his mother stood on the ladder and held him on the top of
+the booby-hatch."
+
+"I wonder that Mrs Oxbelly let you come here now?"
+
+"So you would, sir, but I'll explain that--she thinks I'm in London
+about my half-pay.  She knows all by this time, and frets, I don't
+doubt; but that will make her thin, and then there will be more room
+in the bed.  Mrs Oxbelly is a very stout woman."
+
+"Why, you are not a little man!"
+
+"No, not little--tending to be lusty, as the saying is--that is, in
+good condition.  It's very strange that Mrs Oxbelly has an idea that
+she is not large.  I cannot persuade her to it.  That's the reason we
+always spar in bed.  She says it is I, and I know that it is she who
+takes the largest share of it."
+
+"Perhaps you may both be right."
+
+"No, no; it is she who creates all the disturbance.  If I get nearer
+to the wall she jams me up till I am as thin as a thread paper. If I
+put her inside and stay outside, she cuts me out as you do a cask, by
+the chime, till I tumble out of bed."
+
+"Why don't you make your bed larger, Mr Oxbelly?"
+
+"Sir, I have proposed it, but my wife will have it that the bed is
+large enough if I would not toss in my sleep.  I can't convince her.
+However, she'll have it all to herself now. I slept well last night,
+for the first time since I left the Boadicea."
+
+"The Boadicea?"
+
+"Yes, sir, I was second lieutenant of the Boadicea for three years."
+
+"She's a fine frigate, I'm told."
+
+"On the contrary, such a pinched-up little craft below I never saw.
+Why, Mr Easy, I could hardly get into the door of my cabin--and yet,
+as you must see, I'm not a large man."
+
+"Good heavens! is it possible," thought Jack, "that this man does not
+really know that he is monstrous?"
+
+Yet such was the case.  Mr Oxbelly had no idea that he was otherwise
+than in good condition, although he had probably not seen his knees
+for years.  It was his obesity that was the great objection to him,
+for in every other point there was nothing against him.  He had, upon
+one pretence and another, been shifted, by the manoeuvres of the
+captains, out of different ships, until he went up to the Admiralty to
+know if there was any charge against him.  The first lord at once
+perceived the charge to be preferred, and made a mark against his name
+as not fit for anything but harbour duty.  Out of employment, he had
+taken the command of a privateer cutter, when his wife, who was
+excessively fond, would, as he said, follow him with little Billy.  He
+was sober, steady, knew his duty well; but he weighed twenty-six
+stone, and his weight had swamped him in the service.
+
+His wish, long indulged, had become, as Shakespeare says, the father
+of his thoughts and he had really at last brought himself to think
+that he was not by any means what could be considered a fat man. His
+wife, as he said, was also a very stout woman, and this exuberance of
+flesh on both sides, was the only, but continual, ground of dispute.
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII
+
+In which our hero, as usual, gets into the very middle of it.
+
+On the eleventh day the Rebiera entered the straits, and the rock of
+Gibraltar was in sight as the sun went down; after which the wind fell
+light, and about midnight it became calm, and they drifted up.  At
+sunrise they were roused by the report of heavy guns, and perceived an
+English frigate about eight miles further up the straits, and more in
+the mid-channel, engaging nine or ten Spanish gun-boats, which had
+come out from Algesiras to attack her.  It still continued a dead
+calm, and the boats of the frigate were all ahead towing her, so as to
+bring her broadside to bear upon the Spanish flotilla.  The
+reverberating of the heavy cannon on both sides over the placid
+surface of the water--the white smoke ascending as the sun rose in
+brilliancy in a clear blue sky--the distant echoes repeated from the
+high hills--had a very beautiful effect for those who are partial to
+the picturesque. But Jack thought it advisable to prepare for action
+instead of watching for tints--and, in a short time, all was ready.
+
+"They'll not come to us, Mr Easy, as long as they have the frigate to
+hammer at; but still we had better be prepared, for we cannot well
+pass them without having a few shot.  When I came up the straits in
+the privateer we were attacked by two and fought them for three hours;
+their shot dashed the water over our decks till they were wet fore and
+aft, but somehow or another they never hit us--we were as low as they
+were.  I'll be bound but they'll hull the frigate though. Mrs Oxbelly
+and Billy were on deck the whole time--and Billy was quite delighted,
+and cried when they took him down to breakfast."
+
+"Why, Mrs Oxbelly must be very courageous."
+
+"Cares neither for shot nor shell, sir--laughs when they whiz over her
+head, and tells Billy to hark.  But, sir, it's not surprising; her
+father is a major, and her two brothers are lieutenants in the
+bombardiers."
+
+"That, indeed," replied Jack--"but, see, there is a breeze springing
+up from the westward."--
+
+"Very true, Mr Easy, and a steady one it will be, for it comes up dark
+and slow; so much the better for the frigate, for she'll get little
+honour and plenty of mauling at this work."
+
+"I hope we shall take it up with us," observed Jack; "how far do you
+reckon the gun-boats from the shore?"
+
+"I should think about five miles, or rather less."
+
+"Trim sails, Mr Oxbelly--perhaps we may cut one or two of these off--
+steer in-shore of them."
+
+"Exactly.  Up there, my lads, set top-gallant studding sails, top-mast
+studdings to hand--rig out the booms--keep as you go now, my lads--we
+shall be well in-shore of them, and out of the range of the
+batteries."
+
+The breeze came down fresh, and all sail was set upon the Rebiera. She
+took the wind down with her, and it passed her but little--half a mile
+ahead of them all was still and smooth as a glass mirror, and they
+neared and gained in-shore at the same time.  The gun-boats were still
+engaging the frigate, and did not appear to pay any attention to the
+Rebiera coming down.  At last the breeze reached them and the frigate,
+light at first and then gradually increasing, while the Rebiera foamed
+through the water, and had now every chance of cutting off some of the
+gun-boats.  The frigate trimmed her sails and steered towards the
+flotilla, which now thought proper to haul off and put their heads
+in-shore, followed by the frigate firing her bowchasers.  But the
+Rebiera was now within half gun-shot in-shore, and steering so as to
+intercept them.  As she rapidly closed, the flotilla scarcely knew how
+to act; to attack her would be to lose time, and allow the frigate to
+come up and occasion their own capture; so they satisfied themselves
+with firing at her as she continued to run down between them and the
+land. As they neared, Jack opened his fire with his eighteen-pound
+carronades and long nines.  The gun-boats returned his fire, and they
+were within a quarter of a mile, when Jack shortened sail to his
+topsails, and a warm engagement took place, which ended in one of the
+gun-boats being, in a few minutes, dismasted. The frigate, under all
+canvas, came rapidly up, and her shot now fell thick.  The flotilla
+then ceased firing, passing about two cables length ahead of the
+Rebiera, and making all possible sail for the land.  Jack now fired at
+the flotilla as they passed, with his larboard broadside, while with
+his starboard he poured in grape and canister upon the unfortunate
+gun-boat which was dismasted, and, which soon hauled down her colours.
+In a few minutes more the remainder were too far distant for the
+carronades, and, as they did not fire, Jack turned his attention to
+take possession of his prize, sending a boat with ten men on board,
+and heaving-to close to her to take her in tow.  Ten minutes more and
+the frigate was also hove-to a cable's length from the Rebiera, and
+our hero lowered down his other quarter-boat to go on board.
+
+"Have we any men hurt, Mr Oxbelly?" inquired Jack.
+
+"Only two; Spearling has lost his thumb with a piece of langrage, and
+James has a bad wound in the thigh."
+
+"Very well; I will ask for the surgeon to come on board." Jack pulled
+to the frigate, and went up the side, touched his hat in due form, and
+was introduced by the midshipmen to the other side, where the captain
+stood.
+
+"Mr Easy!" exclaimed the captain. "Captain Sawbridge!" replied our
+hero, with surprise.
+
+"Good heavens! what brought you here?" said the captain; "and what
+vessel is that?"
+
+"The Rebiera, letter of marque, commanded and owned by Mr Easy,"
+replied Jack, laughing.
+
+Captain Sawbridge gave him his hand.  "Come down with me into the
+cabin, Mr Easy; I am very glad to see you.  Give you great credit for
+your conduct, and am still more anxious to know what has induced you
+to come out again.  I knew that you had left the service."
+
+Jack, in a very few words, told his object in fitting out the Rebiera;
+"but," continued Jack, "allow me to congratulate you upon your
+promotion, which I was not aware of.  May I ask where you left the
+Harpy, and what is the name of your frigate?"
+
+"The Latona.  I have only been appointed to her one month, after an
+action in which the Harpy took a large corvette, and am ordered home
+with despatches to England.  We sailed yesterday evening from
+Gibraltar, were becalmed the whole night, and attacked this morning by
+the gun-boats."
+
+"How is Captain Wilson, sir?"
+
+"I believe he is very well, but I have not seen him."
+
+"How did you know, then, that I had left the service, Captain
+Sawbridge?"
+
+"From Mr Gascoigne, who is now on board."
+
+"Gascoigne!" exclaimed our hero.
+
+"Yes, he was sent up to join the Aurora by the governor, but she had
+left the fleet, and having served his time, and a passing day being
+ordered, he passed, and thought he might as well go home with me and
+see if he could make any interest for his promotion."
+
+"Pray, Captain Sawbridge, is the gun-boat our prize or yours?"
+
+"It ought to be wholly yours; but the fact is, by the regulations, we
+share."
+
+"With all my heart, sir.  Will you send an assistant-surgeon on board
+to look after two of my men who are hurt?"
+
+"Yes, directly; now send your boat away, Easy, with directions to your
+officer in command.  We must go back to Gibraltar, for we have
+received some injury, and, I am sorry to say, lost some men.  You are
+going then, I presume, to stay on board and dine with me: we shall be
+at anchor before night."
+
+"I will with pleasure, sir.  But now I will send my boat away and
+shake hands with Gascoigne."
+
+Gascoigne was under the half-deck waiting to receive his friend, for
+he had seen him come up the side from his station on the forecastle. A
+hurried conversation took place, after our hero had dismissed his boat
+with the assistant-surgeon in it to dress the two wounded men. Jack
+then went on deck, talked with the officers, looked with pleasure at
+the Rebiera with the gun-boat in tow, keeping company with the
+frigate, although only under the same canvas--promised Gascoigne to
+spend the next day with him either on shore or on board the Rebiera,
+and then returned to the cabin, where he had a long conference with
+Captain Sawbridge.
+
+"When you first entered the service, Easy," said Captain Sawbridge, "I
+thought that the sooner the service was rid of you the better: now
+that you have left it, I feel that it has lost one who, in all
+probability, would have proved a credit to it."
+
+"Many thanks, sir," replied Jack; "but how can I be a midshipman with
+eight thousand pounds a year?"
+
+"I agree with you that it is impossible:--but dinner is serving: go
+into the after-cabin and the steward will give you all you require."
+
+Our hero, whose face and hands were not a little grimed with the
+gunpowder, washed himself, combed out his curly black hair, and found
+all the party in the fore-cabin.  Gascoigne, who had not been asked in
+the forenoon, was, by the consideration of Captain Sawbridge, added to
+the number.  Before dinner was long off the table, the first
+lieutenant reported that it was necessary to turn the hands up, as
+they were close to the anchorage.  The party, therefore, broke up
+sooner than otherwise would have been the case; and as soon as the
+Latona's sails were furled, Captain Sawbridge went on shore to
+acquaint the governor with the results of the action.  He asked Jack
+to accompany him, but our hero, wishing to be with Gascoigne, excused
+himself until the next day.
+
+"And now, Easy," said Gascoigne, as soon as the captain had gone over
+the side, "I will ask permission to go on board with you--or will you
+ask?"
+
+"I will ask," replied Jack; "a gentleman of fortune has more weight
+with a first lieutenant than a midshipman."
+
+So Jack went up to the first lieutenant, and with one of his polite
+bows, hoped, "if duty would permit, he would honour him by coming  on
+board that evening with some of his officers, to see the Rebiera and
+to drink a bottle or two of champagne."
+
+The first lieutenant, as the Rebiera was anchored not two cables
+lengths from him, replied, "that as soon as he had shifted the
+prisoners and secured the gun-boat, he would be very glad": so did
+three or four more of the officers, and then Jack begged as a favour,
+that his old friend, Mr Gascoigne, might be permitted to go with him
+now, as he had important packages to entrust to his care to England.
+The first lieutenant was very willing, and Gascoigne and our hero
+jumped into the boat, and were once more in all the confidence of
+tried and deserved friendship.
+
+"Jack, I've been thinking of it, and I've made up my mind," said
+Gascoigne.  "I shall gain little or nothing by going home for my
+promotion: I may as well stay here, and as I have served my time and
+passed, my pay is now of little consequence.  Will you take me with
+you?"
+
+"It was exactly what I was thinking of, Ned.  Do you think that
+Captain Sawbridge will consent?"
+
+"I do: he knows how I am circumstanced, and that my going home was
+merely because I was tired of looking after the Aurora."
+
+"We'll go together and ask him to-morrow," replied Jack.
+
+"At all events, you'll have a more gentlemanly companion than Mr
+Oxbelly."
+
+"But not so steady, Ned."
+
+The first lieutenant and officers came on board, and passed a merry
+evening.  There's nothing passes time more agreeably away than
+champagne, and if you do not affront this regal wine by mixing him
+with any other, he never punishes you the next morning.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX
+
+A council of war, in which Jack decides that he will have one more
+cruise.
+
+As Captain Sawbridge did not return on board that evening, Easy went
+on shore and called upon him at the governor's, to whom he was
+introduced, and received an invitation to dine with him.  As Gascoigne
+could not come on shore, our hero took this opportunity of making his
+request to Captain Sawbridge, stating that the person he had with him
+was not such as he wished and could confide everything to; that is,
+not one to whom he could talk about Agnes.  Jack, as he found that
+Captain Sawbridge did not immediately assent, pressed the matter hard:
+at last Captain Sawbridge, who reflected that Gascoigne's interest
+hereafter would be much greater through his friend Easy, than any
+other quarter, and that the more the friendship was cemented the more
+advantageous it might prove to Gascoigne, gave his consent to our
+hero's wish, who called on board of the Latona to acquaint Gascoigne
+and the first lieutenant of Captain Sawbridge's intentions, and then
+went on board of the Rebiera and ordered Mesty to come with his
+portmanteau on shore to the inn, that he might dress for dinner.
+Gascoigne, now considered as not belonging to the Latona, was
+permitted to accompany him: and Jack found himself looking out of the
+window at which he had hung out his trousers upon the memorable
+occasion when the boatswain had to follow his own precept, of duty
+before decency.
+
+"What scenes of adventures I have passed through since that," thought
+Jack; "not much more than four years ago, then not three weeks in the
+service." Whereupon Jack fell into a deep reverie, and thought of the
+baboon and of Agnes.
+
+The repairs of the Latona were all made good by the next day, and
+Gascoigne, having received his discharge ticket, went on board of the
+Rebiera.  The gun-boat was put into the hands of the agent, and
+shortly afterwards purchased by government.  The Rebiera's crew did
+not, however, obtain their prize-money and share of the head-money,
+for she had seventy men on board, until their return, but, as they
+said, they had broken the ice and that was everything.  Moreover, it
+gave them confidence in themselves, in their vessel, and in their
+commander.  Our hero weighed a short time after the Latona, having
+first taken leave of Captain Sawbridge, and committed to his care a
+letter to Dr Middleton.
+
+Once more behold the trio together,--the two midshipmen hanging over
+the taffrail, and Mesty standing by them.  They had rounded Europa
+Point, and, with a fine breeze off the land, were lying close-hauled
+along the Spanish shore.  Mr Oxbelly was also walking near them.
+
+"When I was cruising here it was very different," observed Jack: "I
+had a vessel which I did not know how to manage, a crew which I could
+not command, and had it not been for Mesty, what would have become of
+me!"
+
+"Massa Easy, you know very well how to get out of scrapes, anyhow."
+
+"Yes, and how to get into them," continued Gascoigne.
+
+"And how to get others out of them, too, Ned."
+
+"'No more of that, Hal, an thou lovest me'," quoted Gascoigne. "I have
+often wondered what has been the lot of poor Azar."
+
+"The lot of most women, Ned, in every country--prized at first,
+neglected afterwards--the lot she might have had with you."
+
+"Perhaps so," replied Ned, with a sigh.
+
+"Massa Easy, you get eberybody out of scrape; you get me out of
+scrape."
+
+"I do not recollect how, Mesty."
+
+"You get me out from boil kettle for young gentlemen--dat
+devil of a scrape."
+
+"And I'm sure I've got you out of a scrape, Mr Oxbelly."
+
+"How so.  Mr Easy?" "How so!--have I not prevented your quarrelling
+with your wife every night?"
+
+"Certainly, sir, you have been the means.  But do you know when we
+were engaging the other day, I could not help saying to myself, I wish
+my wife was here now, holding little Billy at the hatchway."
+
+"But at night, Mr Oxbelly."
+
+"At night!--why, then I'm afraid I should have wished her home again--
+it's astonishing how comfortable I sleep now every night. Besides, in
+this climate it would be intolerable.  Mrs Oxbelly is a very large
+woman--very large indeed."
+
+"Well, but now we must hold a council of war.  Are we to run up the
+coast, or to shape a course direct for Palermo?"
+
+"Course direct, and we shall take nothing, that is certain," said
+Gascoigne.
+
+"If we take nothing we shall make no prize-money," continued Oxbelly.
+
+"If we make no prize-money the men will be discontented," said Easy.
+
+"If no ab noting to do-it will be d---d 'tupid," continued Mesty.
+
+"Now then the other side of the question.  If we steer for Palermo, we
+shall be sooner there and sooner home."
+
+"To which I reply," said Gascoigne, "that the shorter the cruise is,
+the less I shall have of your company."
+
+"And I shall have to sleep with Mrs Oxbelly," continued Oxbelly.
+
+"Hab fine ship, fine gun, fine men, and do noting," cried Mesty. "By
+de power, I no like dat, Massa Easy."
+
+"You want eight months of coming of age, Jack," observed Gascoigne.
+
+"It won't make a difference of more than three or four weeks," said Mr
+Oxbelly; "and the expenses have been very great."
+
+"But--"
+
+"But what, Jack?"
+
+"Agnes."
+
+"Agnes will be better defended going home by men who have been
+accustomed to be in action.  And, as for her waiting a little longer,
+it will only make her love you a little more."
+
+"Sleep single a little longer, Mr Easy, it's very pleasant," said Mr
+Oxbelly.
+
+"That's not very bad advice of yours," observed Gascoigne.
+
+"Stop a little, Massa Easy," said Mesty, "you know dat very good
+advice."
+
+"Well, then," replied Jack, "I will, as I am quite in the minority. We
+will work up the whole coast--up to Toulon.  After all, there's
+something very pleasant in commanding your own ship, and I'm not in a
+hurry to resign it--so that point's decided."
+
+The Rebiera was steered into the land, and at sunset they were not
+four miles from the lofty blue mountains which overhang the town of
+Malaga. There were many vessels lying at the bottom of the bay, close
+in with the town; the wind now fell light, and the Rebiera, as she
+could not fetch the town, tacked as if she were a merchant vessel
+standing in, and showed American colours, a hint which they took from
+perceiving three or four large vessels lying in the outer roads, with
+the colours of that nation hoisted at the peak.
+
+"What is your intention, Jack?" said Gascoigne.
+
+"I'll be hanged if I know yet.  I think of working up to the outer
+roads, and anchoring at night--boarding the American vessels, and
+gaining intelligence."
+
+"Not a bad idea; we shall then learn if there is anything to be done,
+and if not, we may be off at daylight."
+
+"The pratique boat will not come off after sunset."
+
+"And if they did, we could pass for an American, bound to Barcelona or
+anywhere else--the outer roads where the vessels lie are hardly within
+gun-shot."
+
+Mesty, who had resumed his sailor's clothes, now observed, "What we
+do, Massa Easy, we do quickly--time for all ting, time for show face
+and fight--time for hide face, crawl, and steal."
+
+"Very true, Mesty, we'll crawl this time, and steal if we can. It's
+not the warfare I like best of the two."
+
+"Both good, Massa Easy; suppose you no steal board of polacca ship,
+you not see Missy Agnes."
+
+"Very true, Mesty.  Bout ship, Mr Oxbelly."
+
+"Mr Oxbelly not good for boat service," observed Mesty, showing his
+teeth.
+
+It was dark before the Rebiera was anchored in the outer roads, a
+cable's length astern of the outermost American vessel.  One of her
+quarter-boats was lowered down, and Gascoigne and our hero pulled
+alongside, and, lying on their oars, hailed, and asked the name of the
+vessel.
+
+"So help me Gad, just now I forget her name," replied a negro, looking
+over the gangway.
+
+"Who's the captain?"
+
+"So help me Gad, he gone on shore."
+
+"Is the mate on board?"
+
+"No, so help me Gad--he gone shore, too."
+
+"Who is aboard then?"
+
+"So help me Gad, nobody on board but Pompey--and dat me."
+
+"Good ship-keepers, at all events," said Jack.  "A ship in the outer
+roads, with only a black fellow on board!  I say, Pompey, do they
+always leave you in charge of the vessel?"
+
+"No, sar; but to-night great pleasure on shore.  Eberybody dance and
+sing, get drunk, kick up bobbery, and all dat."
+
+"What, is it a festival?"
+
+"So help me Gad, I no know, sar."
+
+"Is there anyone on board of the other vessels?"
+
+"Eberybody gone on shore. Suppose they have black man, he stay on
+board."
+
+"Good-night, Pompey."
+
+"Good-night, sar.  Who I say call when captain come on board?"
+
+"Captain Easy."
+
+"Captain He-see, very well, sar."
+
+Our hero pulled to another ship, and found it equally deserted; but at
+the third he found the second mate with his arm in a sling, and from
+him they gained the information that it was a great festival, being
+the last day of the carnival; and that everyone was thinking of
+nothing but amusement.
+
+"I've a notion," said the mate, in reply, "that you're American."
+
+"You've guessed right," replied Jack.
+
+"What ship, and from what port?"
+
+"Rhode Island, the Susan and Mary," replied Gascoigne.
+
+"I thought you were north.  We're of New York.  What news do you
+bring?"
+
+"Nothing," replied he, "we are from Liverpool last."
+
+A succession of questions was now put by the American mate, and
+answered very skilfully by Gascoigne, who then inquired how the market
+was?
+
+It was necessary to make and reply to all these enquiries before they
+could ask apparently indifferent questions of American traders; at
+last, Gascoigne enquired,--
+
+"Do you think they would allow us to go on shore? the pratique boat
+has not been on board."
+
+"They'll never find you out if you are off before daylight; I doubt if
+they know that you are anchored.  Besides, from Liverpool you would
+have a clean bill of health, and if they found it out, they would not
+say much; they're not over particular, I've a notion."
+
+"What are those vessels lying in-shore?"
+
+"I guess they have olive oil on board, the chief on 'em.  But there
+are two double lateens come in from Valparaiso the day before
+yesterday, with hides and copper.  How they 'scaped the British, I
+can't tell, but they did, that's sure enough."
+
+"Good-night, then."
+
+"You won't take a glass of sling this fine night with a countryman?"
+
+"To-morrow, my good fellow, to-morrow; we must go on shore now."
+
+Our hero and Gascoigne returned on board the Rebiera, consulted with
+Oxbelly and Mesty, and then manned and armed the two quarter  and
+stern boats.  They thought it advisable not to hoist out their
+long-boat; no fire-arms were permitted to be taken, lest, going off by
+accident or otherwise, an alarm should be given.  Our hero and Mesty
+proceeded in the first boat, and pulled in for the town; Gascoigne
+shortly after in the second, and the boatswain in the jolly-boat,
+followed at some distance.
+
+There was no notice taken of them; they pulled gently down to the
+landing-place, which was deserted.  There was a blaze of light, and
+the sounds of revelry in every quarter on shore; but the vessels
+appeared equally deserted as the American ones in the offing.
+
+Finding themselves unobserved, for they had taken the precaution to
+pull only two oars in each boat, they dropped gently alongside  one of
+the double-masted lateen vessels, and Mesty stepped on board.  He
+peeped down in the cabin, and perceived a man lying on the lockers; he
+came up in his stealthy manner, closed the hatch softly, and said,
+"All right." Jack left Gascoigne to take out this vessel, which he did
+very successfully, for it was very dark; and although there were
+sentries posted not far off, their eyes and ears were turned towards
+the town, listening to the music.
+
+A second vessel, her consort, was boarded in the same way, but here
+they found a man on deck whom they were obliged to seize and gag. They
+put him down in the cabin, and Mesty, with another boat's crew, cut
+her cables, and swept her gently out towards the American vessels. One
+more vessel was required, and Jack, pulling two oars as usual, saluted
+a galliot heavily laden, but of what her cargo consisted was not
+known.  In this vessel they found two men in the cabin playing cards,
+whom they seized and bound and, cutting her cables, were obliged to
+make sail upon her, as she was much too large to sweep out. As they
+were making sail they, however, met with an interruption which they
+did not expect.  The crew belonging to the vessel, having had enough
+amusement for the evening, and intending to sail the next morning, had
+thought it right to come off sooner than the others: it was then about
+midnight or a little later, and while some of Jack's men were aloft,
+for he had six with him, Jack, to his annoyance, heard a boat coming
+off from the shore, the men in her singing a chorus. The galliot was
+at that time just under steerage way, her topsails had been loosed and
+her jib hoisted, but the former had not been sheeted home, for the
+three men below could not, in the dark, find the ropes. The other
+three men were on the fore-yard loosing the foresail, and Jack was
+undetermined whether to call them down immediately, or to allow them
+to loose the sail, and thus get good way on the vessel, so as to
+prevent the boat, which was loaded with men, from overtaking them. The
+boat was not more than twenty yards from the galliot, when, not
+finding her where they left her, they pulled to the right, and lay on
+their oars.  This gave a moment of time, but they very soon spied her
+out.  "Caramba!" was the exclamation--and the head of the boat was
+pulled round.
+
+"Down, my lads, in a moment by the swifters," cried Jack. "Here's a
+boat on board of us."
+
+The men were in a few seconds on deck, and the others, who had now
+sheeted home the topsails, hastened aft.  The vessel soon  gathered
+way, but before that her way was sufficient, the boat had pulled under
+the counter, and the Spaniards, letting their oars swing fore and aft,
+were climbing up, their knives in their teeth.  A scuffle ensued, and
+they were thrown down again, but they renewed their attempt.  Our
+hero, perceiving a small water or wine cask lashed to the gunwale, cut
+it loose with his cutlass, and with one of the men, who was by his
+side, pushed it over, and dropped it into the boat.  It struck the
+gunwale, stove a plank, and the boat began to fill rapidly; in the
+meantime the galliot had gained way--the boat could not longer be held
+on, from its weight, and dropped astern with the men in it.  Those who
+were half in and half out were left clinging to the gunwale of the
+vessel, and as they climbed up were secured, and put down in the
+cabin.  Fortunately, no fire-arms having been used on either side, the
+alarm was not given generally, but the sentry reported fighting on
+board one of the vessels, and the people of the guard-boat were
+collected, and pulled out; but they only arrived in time to see that
+the galliot was under way, and that the two other vessels from
+Valparaiso were not in their berths.
+
+They hastened on shore, gave the alarm: the gun-boats, of which there
+were three at the mole, were ordered out, but half the crew and all
+the officers were on shore, some at balls, others drinking at taverns
+or posadas; before they could be collected, all three vessels were
+alongside of the Rebiera: and not aware that anything had been
+discovered, our hero and his crew were lulled in security.  Jack had
+gone on board, leaving fourteen of his men on board the galliot--
+Gascoigne had done the same--Mesty still remained on board his vessel;
+and they were congratulating themselves, and ordering the men on board
+to the windlass, when they heard the sound of oars.
+
+"Silence!--what is that?" exclaimed Oxbelly.
+
+"The gun-boats or row-boats, as sure as I'm alive!"
+
+At this moment Mesty jumped up the side.
+
+"Massa Easy, I hear row-boat not far off."
+
+"So do we, Mesty.  Gascoigne, jump into the boat--tell the men in the
+prizes to make all sail right out, and leave us to defend their
+retreat--stay on board of one and divide your men."
+
+"Dat all right, Massa Easy. Mr Gascoigne, be smart--and now, sar, cut
+cable and make sail; no time get up anchor."
+
+This order was given, but although the men were aloft in a moment, and
+very expeditious, as the Rebiera payed her head round and the jib was
+hoisted, they could perceive the boom of the three gun-boats pulling
+and sailing not five cables length from them. Although rather
+short-handed, topsails, courses and top-gallant sails were soon set,
+the men down to their quarters, and the guns cast loose, before the
+gun-boats were close under their stern.  Then Jack rounded to, braced
+up, and the Rebiera stood across them to the westward.
+
+"Why the devil don't they fire?" said Jack.
+
+"I tink because they no ab powder," said Mesty. Mesty was right--the
+ammunition chests of the gun-boats were always landed when they were
+at the mole, in case of accidents, which might arise from the crew
+being continually with cigars in their mouths, and in the hurry they
+had quite forgotten to put them on board.
+
+"At all events, we have powder," said Jack, "and now we'll prove it.
+Grape and canister, my lads, and take good aim."
+
+The commanders of the gun-boats had hailed each other, and agreed to
+board the Rebiera, but she now had good way on her, and sailed faster
+than they pulled.  A well-directed broadside astonished them--they had
+no idea of her force; and the execution done was so great, that they
+first lay on their oars and then pulled back to the mole with all
+speed, leaving the Rebiera in quiet possession of her prizes, which
+had already gained two miles in the offing.
+
+The Rebiera, as soon as Jack perceived that the gun-boats had
+retreated, was put before the wind, and soon closed with her captures,
+when she was hove-to till daylight with the three vessels in company.
+Gascoigne returned on board, prize-masters were selected, and Jack
+determined to keep them all with him, and take them to Palermo.
+
+
+CHAPTER XL
+
+In which there is another slight difference of opinion between those
+who should be friends.
+
+The two lateen vessels proved of considerable value, being laden with
+copper, hides, and cochineal.  The galliot was laden with sweet-oil,
+and was also no despicable prize.  At daylight they were all ready,
+and, to the mortification of the good people of Malaga, sailed away to
+the eastward without interruption.
+
+"Me tink we do dat job pretty well, Massa Easy," observed Mesty, as he
+laid the breakfast table.
+
+"Nothing like trying," replied Gascoigne; "I'm sure when we stood into
+the bay I would have sold all my prize-money for a doubloon. How do I
+share, Jack?"
+
+"Only as one of the crew, Ned, for you are a supernumerary, and our
+articles and agreement for prize-money were signed previous to our
+sailing."
+
+"I ought to share with Mr Oxbelly's class by rights," replied
+Gascoigne.
+
+"That would be to take half my prize-money away. I shall want it all,
+Mr Gascoigne, to pacify my wife for giving her the slip."
+
+"Ah, very well; I'll get all I can."
+
+For ten days they ran down the coast, going much too fast for the
+wishes of the crew, who were anxious to make more money.  They seized
+a fishing-boat and put on board of her the four prisoners, which they
+had found in the vessels, and arrived off Barcelona, without falling
+in with friend or foe.  The next morning, the wind being very light,
+they discovered a large vessel at daylight astern of them to the
+westward, and soon made her out to be a frigate.  She made all sail in
+chase, but that gave them very little uneasiness, as they felt assured
+that she was a British cruiser.  One fear, however, came over them,
+that she would, if she came up with them, impress a portion of their
+men.
+
+"As certain as I'm here, and Mrs Oxbelly's at Southsea," said Oxbelly,
+"they'll take some of the men--the more so as, supposing us to be a
+Spanish convoy, they will be disappointed."
+
+"They will hardly take them out of the prizes," observed Easy.
+
+"I don't know that; men must be had for his Majesty's service somehow.
+It's not their fault, Mr Easy--the navy must be manned, and as things
+are so, so things must be.  It's the king's prerogative, Mr Easy, and
+we cannot fight the battles of the country without it."
+
+"Yes," replied Gascoigne, "and although, as soon as the services of
+seamen are no longer wanted, you find that there are demagogues on
+shore who exclaim against impressment, they are quiet enough on the
+point when they know that their lives and property depend upon
+sailors' exertions."
+
+"Very true, Mr Gascoigne, but it's not our fault if we are obliged to
+take men by force; it's the fault of those who do not legislate so as
+to prevent the necessity.  Mrs Oxbelly used to say that she would
+easily manage the matter if she were Chancellor of the Exchequer."
+
+"I dare say Mrs Oxbelly would make a very good Chancellor of the
+Exchequer," replied Gascoigne, smiling; "one thing is certain, that if
+they gave the subject half the consideration they have others of less
+magnitude, an arrangement might be made by which his Majesty's navy
+would never be short of men."
+
+"No doubt, no doubt, Mr Gascoigne; but, nevertheless, the king's
+prerogative must never be given up."
+
+"There I agree with you, Mr Oxbelly; it must be held in case of sudden
+emergency and absolute need."
+
+"We'll argue that point by-and-bye," replied Jack; "now let us consult
+as to our measures.  My opinion is, that if I made more sail we should
+beat the frigate, but she would come up with the prizes."
+
+"That's the best thing we can do, Mr Easy; but let us send a boat on
+board of them, and take out all the men that can possibly be spared,
+that there may be no excuse for impressing them."
+
+"Yes," replied Gascoigne; "and as the wind is falling it is possible
+it may fall calm, and they may send their boats; suppose we separate a
+mile or two from each other."
+
+"Dat very good advice, Massa Gascoigne," observed Mesty.
+
+This plan was acted upon; only three men were left in the lateens, and
+four in the galliot, and the vessels, in obedience to the orders,
+sheered off on both sides of the Rebiera, who made all sail and
+started ahead of the prizes.  This manoeuvre was perceived on board of
+the frigate, and made them sure that it was a Spanish convoy
+attempting to escape.  The fire-engine was got on deck, sails wetted,
+and every exertion made to come up.  But about four o'clock in the
+afternoon, when the frigate was eight or nine miles off, it fell calm,
+as Gascoigne had predicted, and the heads of all the vessels, as well
+as the frigate, were now round the compass.
+
+"There's out boats," said Mr Oxbelly; "they will have a long pull, and
+all for nothing."
+
+"How savage they will be!" observed Gascoigne. "Never mind that,"
+replied Jack; "Mesty says that dinner is ready."
+
+After dinner, they all went on deck, and found that the boats had
+separated, one pulling for each of the prizes, and two for the
+Rebiera. In less than an hour, they would probably be alongside.
+
+"And now let us decide how we are to act.  We must not resist, if they
+attempt to impress the men?"
+
+"I've been thinking upon that matter, Mr Easy, and it appears to me
+that the men must be permitted to act as they please, and that we must
+be neuter. I, as a lieutenant in his Majesty's service, cannot of
+course act, neither can Mr Gascoigne.  You are not in the service, but
+I should recommend you to do the same.  That the men have a right to
+resist, if possible, is admitted; they always do so, and never are
+punished for so doing.  Under the guns of the frigate, of course we
+should only have to submit; but those two boats do not contain more
+than twenty-five men, I should think, and our men are the stronger
+party. We had better leave it to them, and stand neuter."
+
+"Dat very good advice," said Mesty; "leab it to us": and Mesty walked
+away forward where the seamen were already in consultation.
+
+Jack also agreed to the prudence of this measure, and he perceived
+that the seamen, after a consultation with Mesty, were all arming
+themselves for resistance.
+
+The boats were now close on board, and English colours were hoisted at
+the gaff.  This did not, however, check the impetus of the boats, who,
+with their ensigns trailing in the still water astern of them, dashed
+alongside, and an officer leaped on board, cutlass in hand, followed
+by the seamen of the frigate.  The men of the Rebiera remained
+collected forward--Easy, Gascoigne, and Oxbelly aft.
+
+"What vessel is this?" cried the lieutenant who commanded the boats.
+
+Jack, with the greatest politeness, took off his hat, and told him
+that it was the Rebiera letter of marque, and that the papers were
+ready for his inspection.
+
+"And the other vessels?"
+
+"Prizes to the Rebiera, cut out of Malaga Bay," replied Jack.
+
+"Then you are a privateer," observed the disappointed officer. "Where
+are your papers?"
+
+"Mr Oxbelly, oblige me by bringing them up," said Jack.
+
+"Fat Jack of the bone house," observed the lieutenant, looking at
+Oxbelly.
+
+"A lieutenant in his Majesty's service, of longer standing than
+yourself, young man," replied Oxbelly, firmly;--"and who, if he ever
+meets you in any other situation, will make you answer for your
+insolent remark."
+
+"Indeed!" observed the lieutenant, ironically; "now, if you had said
+you were once a boatswain or gunner."
+
+"Consider yourself kicked," roared Oxbelly, losing his temper.
+
+"Heyday! why, you old porpoise!"
+
+"Sir," observed Jack, who listened with indignation, "Mr Oxbelly is a
+lieutenant in his Majesty's service, and you have no right to insult
+him, even if he were not."
+
+"I presume you are all officers," replied the lieutenant. "I am, sir,"
+retorted Gascoigne, "an officer in his Majesty's service, and on board
+of this vessel by permission of Captain Sawbridge of the Latona."
+
+"And I was, until a few months ago, sir," continued Jack; "at present
+I am captain and owner of this vessel--but here are the papers. You
+will have no obstruction from us in the execution of your duty--at the
+same time, I call upon the two young gentlemen by your side, and your
+own men, to bear witness to what takes place."
+
+"O very well, sir--just as you please.  Your papers, I perceive, are
+all right.  Now you will oblige me by mustering your men."
+
+"Certainly, sir," replied Jack: "send all the men aft to muster, Mr
+Oxbelly."
+
+The men came aft to the mainmast, with Mesty at their head, and
+answered to their names.  As the men passed over, the lieutenant made
+a pencil-mark against ten of them, who appeared the finest seamen;
+and, when the roll had been called, he ordered those men to get their
+bags and go into the boat.
+
+"Sir, as you must observe, I am short-handed, with my men away in
+prizes; and I, as commander of this vessel, protest against this
+proceeding: if you insist upon taking them, of course I can do
+nothing," observed Jack.
+
+"I do insist, sir; I'm not going on board empty-handed, at all
+events."
+
+"Well, sir, I can say no more," said Jack, walking aft to the
+taffrail, to which Oxbelly and Gascoigne had retreated.
+
+"Come, my lads, get those men in the boat," said the lieutenant.
+
+But the men had all retreated forward in a body, with Mesty at their
+head, and had armed themselves.  Some of the seamen of the frigate had
+gone forward, in obedience to their officer, to lead the men selected
+into the boat; but they were immediately desired to keep back.  The
+scuffle forward attracted the notice of the lieutenant, who
+immediately summoned all his men out of the boats.
+
+"Mutiny, by heavens!  Come up all of you, my lads."
+
+Mesty then came forward, with a sabre in one hand and a pistol in the
+other, and then addressed the seamen of the frigate:--
+
+"I tell you dis, my lads--you not so strong as we--you not got better
+arms--we not under gun of frigate now, and ab determination not to go
+board.  'Pose you want us, come take us--'pose you can.  By all de
+power, but we make mince-meat of you, anyhow."
+
+The seamen paused--they were ready to fight for their country, but not
+to be killed by or kill those who were their own countrymen, and who
+were doing exactly what they would have done themselves. The
+lieutenant thought otherwise; he was exasperated at this sensation.
+
+"You black scoundrel, I left you out because I thought you not worth
+having, but now I'll add you to the number."
+
+"Stop a little," replied Mesty.
+
+The lieutenant would not take the Ashantee's very prudent advice; he
+flew forward to seize Mesty, who, striking him a blow with the flat of
+his sabre, almost levelled him to the deck.  At this the men and other
+officers of the frigate darted forward; but after a short scuffle, in
+which a few wounds were received, were beaten back into the boats. The
+lieutenant was thrown in after them, by the nervous arm of Mesty--and
+assailed by cold shot and other missiles, they sheered off with
+precipitation, and pulled back in the direction of the frigate.
+
+"There will be a row about this," said Oxbelly, "as soon as they come
+clear of the vessel.  If the frigate gets hold of us she will show us
+no mercy.  There is a breeze coming from the north-west.  How
+fortunate! we shall be three leagues to windward, and may escape."
+
+"I doubt if she could catch us.  At any point of sailing they may come
+up with the prizes, but can do nothing with them."
+
+"No, the boats which boarded them are already returned to the frigate;
+she must wait for them, and that will give us a start, and it will be
+night before they can make sail."
+
+"Fire a gun for the prizes to close," said Jack; "we will put the men
+on board again, and then be off to Palermo as fast as we can."
+
+"We can do no better," said Oxbelly.  "If ever I chance to meet that
+fellow again, I will trouble him to repeat his words.  Trim the sails,
+my lads."
+
+"His language was unpardonable," observed Jack.
+
+"Since I've been in the service, Mr Easy, I have always observed that
+some officers appear to imagine, that because they are under the
+king's pennant, they are warranted in insulting and tyrannising over
+all those who have not the honour to hoist it; whereas, the very fact
+of their being king's officers should be an inducement to them to show
+an example of courtesy and gentlemanly conduct in the execution of
+their duty, however unpleasant it may be."
+
+"It is only those who, insignificant themselves, want to make
+themselves of importance by the pennant they serve under," replied our
+hero.
+
+"Very true, Mr Easy; but you are not aware that a great part of the
+ill-will shown to the service is owing to the insolence of those young
+men in office.  The king's name is a warrant for every species of
+tyranny and unwarrantable conduct.  I remember Mrs Oxbelly telling one
+of them, when--"
+
+"I beg your pardon, Mr Oxbelly," interrupted Jack, "but we have no
+time to chat now; the breeze is coming down fast, and I perceive the
+prizes are closing.  Let us lower down the boat, send the men on board
+again, and give them their orders--which I will do in writing, in case
+they part company."
+
+"Very true, sir.  It will be dark in half an hour, and as we are now
+standing in-shore, they will think that we intend to remain on the
+coast.  As soon as it is quite dark we will shape our course for
+Palermo.  I will go down and look at the chart."
+
+
+CHAPTER XLI
+
+Which winds up the nautical adventures of Mr Midshipman Easy.
+
+In half an hour the prizes were again alongside, the men put on board,
+and the boat hoisted up.  The frigate still remained becalmed to
+leeward, and hoisted in her boats.  They watched until she was hid by
+the shades of night, and then wearing round stood away, with the wind
+two points free, for the coast of Sicily.  The next morning when the
+sun rose there was nothing in sight.  Strange anomaly, in a state of
+high civilisation, where you find your own countrymen avoided and more
+dreaded than even your foes!
+
+The run was prosperous, the weather was fine, and the prizes did not
+part company.
+
+On the sixteenth day the Rebiera and her convoy anchored in Palermo
+Bay.  The wind was light in the morning that they stood in, and as
+Jack had a large blue flag with Rebiera in white letters hoisted at
+the main, Don Philip and Don Martin were on board and greeting our
+hero, before the Rebiera's anchor had plunged into the clear blue
+water.
+
+The information which our hero received, after having been assured of
+the health of Agnes and her parents, was satisfactory.  The
+disappearance of the friar had, at first, occasioned much surprise;
+but as the servants of Don Rebiera swore to his return without the
+black, and the letter of Don Rebiera, sent to the convent, requesting
+his presence, was opened and read, there was no suspicion against the
+family.  A hundred conjectures had been afloat, but gradually they had
+subsided, and it was at last supposed that he had been carried off by
+the banditti, some of whom had been taken, and acknowledged that they
+had seized a friar, on a day which they could not recollect. The
+reader will remember that it was Mesty.
+
+The Rebiera received pratique, and Jack hastened on shore with Don
+Philip and his brother, and was once more in company of Agnes, who, in
+our hero's opinion, had improved since his departure.  Most young men
+in love think the same after an absence, provided it is not too long.
+The prizes were sold and the money distributed, and every man was
+satisfied, as the cargoes fetched a larger sum than they had
+anticipated.
+
+We must pass over the pros and cons of Don Rebiera and his lady, the
+pleading of Jack for immediate nuptials, the unwillingness of the
+mother to part with her only daughter, the family consultation, the
+dowry, and all these particulars.  A month after his arrival Jack was
+married, and was, of course, as happy as the day was long.
+
+A few days afterwards, Mr Oxbelly advised departure, as the expenses
+of the vessel were heavy, and it was his duty so to do.  Don Philip
+and Don Martin obtained leave to go to England, with their sister and
+her husband.  Nevertheless, Jack, who found Palermo a very pleasant
+residence, was persuaded by the Don and his wife to remain there a
+month, and then there was crying and sobbing, and embracing, and
+embarking; and at last the Rebiera, whose cabins had been arranged for
+the reception of the party, weighed and made sail for Malta, Jack
+having promised to call upon the governor.
+
+In four days they anchored in Valette Harbour, and Jack paid his
+respects to his old friend, who was very glad to see him.  The
+governor sent his own barge for Mrs Easy, and she was installed in the
+state apartments, which were acknowledged to be very comfortable. Our
+hero had, as usual, a long story to tell the governor, and the
+governor listened to it very attentively, probably because he thought
+it would be the last, which opportunity Jack employed to narrate the
+unfortunate end of his father.
+
+"I would not have said so at the time, Mr Easy, but now the wound is
+healed, I tell you, that it is the best thing that could have
+happened--poor old gentleman! he was mad indeed."
+
+Our hero remained a fortnight at Malta, and then Signora Easy was
+re-embarked, and once more the Rebiera made sail.
+
+"Fare you well, my lad; what I have seen of your brothers-in-law
+pleases me much; and as for your wife, it will be your own fault if
+she is not all that you would wish.  If ever I come to England again,
+I will pay my first visit to Forest Hill.  God bless you!"
+
+But Sir Thomas never did go back to England, and this was their final
+adieu.  Once more the Rebiera pursued her course, stopped a day or two
+at Gibraltar, shared the proceeds of the captured gun-boat, and then
+made sail for England, where she arrived without adventure or accident
+in three weeks.  Thus ended the last cruise of Mr Midshipman Easy.  As
+soon as their quarantine at the Motherbank was over, they disembarked,
+and found Dr Middleton and Mr Hanson waiting for them at the George
+Hotel.  Our hero scarcely had time to introduce his wife, when the
+waiter said, that a lady wished to speak to him.  She did not wait to
+know if Jack was visible, but forced her way past him. Jack looked at
+her large proportions, and decided at once that it must be Mrs
+Oxbelly, in which conjecture he was right.
+
+"Pray, sir, what do you mean by carrying off my husband in that way?"
+exclaimed the lady, red with anger.
+
+"God forbid that I should have to carry your husband, Mrs Oxbelly, he
+is rather too heavy."
+
+"Yes, sir, but it's little better than kidnapping, and there's a law
+for kidnapping children at all events. I shall send my lawyer to you,
+that you may depend upon."
+
+"You hardly can consider your husband as a child, Mrs Oxbelly,"
+replied Jack, laughing.
+
+"Very well, sir, we shall see.  Pray, where is he now?"
+
+"He is on board, Mrs Oxbelly, and will be delighted to see you."
+
+"I'm not quite so sure of that."
+
+"He's very anxious to see little Billy," said Gascoigne.
+
+"What do you know of little Billy, young man?"
+
+"And more than anxious to be on shore again.  He's quite tired of
+sleeping single, Mrs Oxbelly."
+
+"Ah, very well, he has been talking, has he? very well," exclaimed the
+lady, in a rage.
+
+"But," said Easy, "I am happy to say, that with pay and prize-money,
+during his short absence, he has brought home nearly five hundred
+pounds."
+
+"Five hundred pounds!--you don't say so, sir?" exclaimed Mrs Oxbelly;
+"are you sure of that?"
+
+"Quite sure," rejoined Gascoigne.
+
+"Five hundred pounds!--Well, that is comfortable--dear me! how glad I
+shall be to see him!  Well, Mr Easy, it was hard to part with him in
+so unhandsome a way--but all's for the best in this world. What a dear
+nice lady your wife is, Mr Easy--but I won't intrude beg pardon. Where
+is the brig, Mr Easy?"
+
+"Now coming into harbour," replied Gascoigne; "if you bargain, you can
+get off for twopence."
+
+"Five hundred pounds!" exclaimed Mrs Oxbelly, whose wrath was now
+appeased.
+
+"By all power, she no fool of a woman dat," said Mesty, as she
+retreated curtseying.  "I fink Mr Oxbelly very right sleep tingle."
+
+We have now come to the end of our hero's adventures: that afternoon
+they all started for Forest Hill, where everything was ready for their
+reception.  The Rebiera's men were paid off, and were soon distributed
+on board of his Majesty's ships; the vessel was sold, and Mr Oxbelly
+retired to Southsea, to the society of his wife and little Billy.
+Whether he obtained from his wife a divorce de thoro is not handed
+down.
+
+OUR HERO, who was now of age, invited all within twenty miles of home
+to balls and dinners, became a great favourite, kept a pack of hounds,
+rode with the foremost, received a deputation to stand for the county,
+on the conservative interest, was elected without much expense, which
+was very wonderful, and took his seat in Parliament. Don Philip and
+Don Martin, after two months' stay, took their passage back to
+Palermo, fully satisfied with the prospects of their sister as to
+competence and happiness.  Jack had no occasion to argue the point
+with Agnes; she conformed at once to the religion of her husband,
+proved an excellent and affectionate wife, and eventually the mother
+of four children, three boys and a girl.
+
+Mesty held his post with dignity, and proved himself trustworthy.
+Gascoigne, by the interest of the conservative member, soon obtained
+the rank of post-captain, and was always his devoted and sincere
+friend.
+
+And thus ends the history of Mr Midshipman Easy.
+
+
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, MR. MIDSHIPMAN EASY ***
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