The Project Gutenberg EBook of Peter Simple, by Frederick Marryat

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Title: Peter Simple

Author: Frederick Marryat

Release Date: May 22, 2007 [EBook #21577]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PETER SIMPLE ***




Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England




Peter Simple, by Captain Marryat.

________________________________________________________________________

Captain Frederick Marryat was born July 10 1792, and died August 8 1848.
He retired from the British navy in 1828 in order to devote himself to
writing.  In the following 20 years he wrote 26 books, many of which are
among the very best of English literature, and some of which are still
in print.

Marryat had an extraordinary gift for the invention of episodes in his
stories.  He says somewhere that when he sat down for the day's work, he
never knew what he was going to write.  He certainly was a literary
genius.

"Peter Simple" was published in 1834, the fourth book to flow from
Marryat's pen.

This e-text was transcribed in 1998 by Nick Hodson, and was reformatted
in 2003, and again in 2005.

________________________________________________________________________

PETER SIMPLE, BY CAPTAIN FREDERICK MARRYAT.



CHAPTER ONE.

THE GREAT ADVANTAGE OF BEING THE FOOL OF THE FAMILY--MY DESTINY IS
DECIDED, AND I AM CONSIGNED TO A STOCKBROKER AS PART OF HIS MAJESTY'S
SEA-STOCK--UNFORTUNATELY FOR ME MR. HANDYCOCK IS A BEAR, AND I GET VERY
LITTLE DINNER.

If I cannot narrate a life of adventurous and daring exploits,
fortunately I have no heavy crimes to confess: and, if I do not rise in
the estimation of the reader for acts of gallantry and devotion in my
country's cause, at least I may claim the merit of zealous and
persevering continuance in my vocation.  We are all of us variously
gifted from Above, and he who is content to walk, instead of to run, on
his allotted path through life, although he may not so rapidly attain
the goal, has the advantage of not being out of breath upon his arrival.

As well as I can recollect and analyse my early propensities, I think
that, had I been permitted to select my own profession, I should in all
probability have bound myself apprentice to a tailor; for I always
envied the comfortable seat which they appeared to enjoy upon the
shopboard, and their elevated position, which enabled them to look down
upon the constant succession of the idle or the busy, who passed in
review before them in the main street of the country town, near to which
I passed the first fourteen years of my existence.

But my father, who was a clergyman of the Church of England, and the
youngest brother of a noble family, had a lucrative living, and a "soul
above buttons," if his son had not.  It has been from time immemorial
the heathenish custom to sacrifice the greatest fool of the family to
the prosperity and naval superiority of the country, and, at the age of
fourteen, I was selected as the victim.  If the custom be judicious, I
had no reason to complain.  There was not one dissentient voice, when it
was proposed before all the varieties of my aunts and cousins, invited
to partake of our new-year's festival.  I was selected by general
acclamation.  Flattered by such an unanimous acknowledgment of my
qualification, I felt a slight degree of military ardour, and a sort of
vision of future grandeur passed before me, in the distant vista of
which I perceived a coach with four horses, and a service of plate.  But
as my story is not a very short one, I must not dwell too long on its
commencement.  I shall therefore inform the reader, that my father, who
lived in the north of England, did not think it right to fit me out at
the country town, near to which we resided; but about a fortnight after
the decision which I have referred to, he forwarded me to London, on the
outside of the coach, with my best suit of bottle-green and six shirts.
To prevent mistakes, I was booked in the way-bill, "To be delivered to
Mr Thomas Handycock, Number 14, Saint Clement's Lane--carriage paid."
My parting with the family was very affecting; my mother cried bitterly,
for, like all mothers, she liked the greatest fool which she had
presented to my father, better than all the rest; my sisters cried
because my mother cried; Tom roared for a short time more loudly than
all the rest, having been chastised by my father for breaking his fourth
window in that week.

At last I tore myself away.  I had blubbered till my eyes were so red
and swollen, that the pupils were scarcely to be distinguished, and
tears and dirt had veined my cheeks like the marble of the
chimney-piece.  My handkerchief was soaked through with wiping my eyes
and blowing my nose, before the scene was over.  My brother Tom, with a
kindness which did honour to his heart, exchanged his for mine, saying,
with fraternal regard, "Here, Peter, take mine, it's as dry as a bone."
But my father would not wait for a second handkerchief to perform its
duty.  He led me away through the hall, when, having shaken hands with
all the men, and kissed all the maids, who stood in a row with their
aprons to their eyes, I quitted the paternal roof.

The coachman accompanied me to the stage.  Having seen me securely
wedged between two fat old women, and having put my parcel inside, he
took his leave, and in a few minutes I was on my road to London.

I was too much depressed to take notice of any thing during my journey.
When we arrived in London, they drove to the Blue Boar (in a street, the
name of which I have forgotten).  I had never seen or heard of such an
animal, and certainly it did appear very formidable; its mouth was open
and teeth very large.

The coachman threw his whip to the ostler, and the reins upon the
horses' back; he then dismounted, and calling to me, "Now, young
gentleman, I'se waiting," he put a ladder up for me to get down by; then
turning to a porter, he said to him, "Bill, you must take this here
young gem'man and that ere parcel to this here direction.--Please to
remember the coachman, sir."  I replied that I certainly would, if he
wished it, and walked off with the porter; the coachman observing as I
went away, "Well, he is a fool--that's sartain."  I arrived quite safe
at St. Clement's Lane, when the porter received a shilling for his
trouble from the maid who let me in, and I was shown up into a parlour,
where I found myself in company with Mrs Handycock.

Mrs Handycock was a little meagre woman, who did not speak very good
English, and who appeared to me to employ the major part of her time in
bawling out from the top of the stairs to the servants below.  I never
saw her either read a book or occupy herself with needlework, during the
whole time I was in the house.  She had a large grey parrot and I really
cannot tell which screamed the worst of the two--but she was very civil
and kind to me.  Before I had been there ten minutes, she told me that
she "hadored sailors--they were the defendiours and preserviours of
their kings and countries," and that Mr Handycock would be home by four
o'clock, and then we should go to dinner.

As I was very anxious to see Mr Handycock, and very anxious to have my
dinner, I was not sorry to hear the clock on the stairs strike four;
when Mrs Handycock jumped up, and put her head over the banisters.
"Jemima, Jemima, it's four o'clock!"

"I hear it, marm," replied the cook; and she gave the frying-pan a
twist, which made the hissing and the smell come flying up into the
parlour, and made me more hungry than ever.

Rap, tap, tap!  "There's your master, Jemima," screamed the lady.  "I
hear him, marm," replied the cook.  "Run down, my dear, and let Mr
Handycock in," said his wife.  "He'll be so surprised at seeing you open
the door."

I ran down as Mrs Handycock desired me, and opened the street-door.
"Who the devil are you?" in a gruff voice, cried Mr Handycock; a man
about six feet high, dressed in blue cotton-net pantaloons and Hessian
boots, with a black coat and waistcoat.  I was a little rebuffed, I must
own, but I replied that I was Mr Simple.  "And pray, Mr Simple, what
would your grandfather say if he saw you now?"

"Law, Mr Handycock," said his wife, from the top of the stairs, "how
can you be so cross?  I told him to open the door to surprise you."

"And you have surprised me," replied he, "with your cursed folly."

While Mr Handycock was rubbing his boots on the mat, I went upstairs,
rather mortified, I must own, as my father had told me that Mr
Handycock was his stock-broker, and would do all he could to make me
comfortable.  When I returned to the parlour, Mrs Handycock whispered
to me, "Never mind, my dear, it's only because there's something wrong
on 'Change.  Mr Handycock is a _bear_ just now."  I thought so too, but
made no answer, for Mr Handycock came upstairs.

"Are you ready for your dinner, my dear?" said the lady, almost
trembling.

"If the dinner is ready for me.  I believe we usually dine at four,"
answered her husband gruffly.

"Jemima, Jemima, dish up! do you hear, Jemima?"

"Yes, marm," replied the cook, "directly I've thickened the butter;" and
Mrs Handycock resumed her seat, with:

"Well, Mr Simple, and how is your grandfather, Lord Privilege?"

"He is quite well, ma'am," answered I, for the fifteenth time at least.
But dinner put an end to the silence which followed this remark.  Mr
Handycock walked downstairs, leaving his wife and me to follow at our
leisure.

"Pray, ma'am," inquired I, as soon as he was out of hearing, "what is
the matter with Mr Handycock, that he is so cross to you?"

"Vy, my dear, it is one of the misfortunes of matermony, that ven the
husband's put out, the vife is sure to have her share of it."

"Are you people coming down to dinner?" roared Mr Handycock from below.
"Yes, my dear," replied the lady; "I thought that you were washing your
hands."  We descended into the dining-room, where we found that Mr
Handycock had already devoured two of the whitings, leaving only one on
the dish for his wife and me.  "Vould you like a little bit of viting,
my dear?" said the lady to me.  "It's not worth halving," observed the
gentleman, in a surly tone, taking up the fish with his own knife and
fork, and putting it on his plate.

"Well, I'm so glad you like them, my dear," replied the lady meekly;
then turning to me, "there's some nice roast _weal_ coming, my dear."

The veal made its appearance, and fortunately for us Mr Handycock could
not devour it all.  He took the lion's share, nevertheless, cutting off
all the brown, and then shoving the dish over to his wife to help
herself and me.

After dinner, Mr Handycock went down to the cellar for a bottle of
wine.  "O deary me!" exclaimed his wife, "he must have lost a mint of
money--we had better go upstairs and leave him alone; he'll be better
after a bottle of port, perhaps."  I was very glad to go away, and being
very tired, I went to bed without any tea, for Mrs Handycock dared not
venture to make it before her husband came upstairs.



CHAPTER TWO.

FITTING OUT ON THE SHORTEST NOTICE--FORTUNATELY FOR ME THIS DAY MR.
HANDYCOCK IS NOT A BEAR, AND I FARE VERY WELL--I SET OFF FOR
PORTSMOUTH--BEHIND THE COACH I MEET A MAN BEFORE THE MAST--HE IS
DISGUISED WITH LIQUOR, BUT IS NOT THE ONLY DISGUISE I FALL IN WITH IN MY
JOURNEY.

The next morning Mr Handycock appeared to be in somewhat better humour.
One of the linendrapers who fitted out cadets, etcetera, "on the
shortest notice," was sent for, and orders given for my equipment, which
Mr Handycock insisted should be ready on the day afterwards, or the
articles would be left on his hands; adding, that my place was already
taken in the Portsmouth coach.

The man made his promise, took my measure, and departed; and soon
afterwards Mr Handycock also quitted the house.

At four o'clock Mr Handycock rapped at the door, and was let in--but
not by me.  He ascended the stairs with three bounds, and coming into
the parlour, cried, "Well, Nancy, my love, how are you?"  Then stooping
over her, "Give me a kiss, old girl.  I'm as hungry as a hunter.  Mr
Simple, how do you do?  I hope you have passed the morning agreeably.  I
must wash my hands and change my boots, my love; I am not fit to sit
down to table with you in this pickle.  Well, Polly, how are you?"

"I'm glad you're hungry, my dear, I've such a nice dinner for you,"
replied the wife, all smiles.  "Jemima, be quick, and dish up--Mr
Handycock is so hungry."

"Yes, marm," replied the cook; and Mrs Handycock followed her husband
into his bedroom on the same floor, to assist him at his toilet.

"By Jove, Nancy, the bulls have been nicely taken in," said Mr
Handycock, as we sat down to dinner.

"O I am so glad!" replied his wife, giggling; and so I believe she was,
but why I did not understand.

We both had our share to-day, and I never saw a man more polite than Mr
Handycock.  He joked with his wife, asked me to drink wine with him two
or three times, talked about my grandfather; and, in short, we had a
very pleasant evening.

The next morning all my clothes came home, but Mr Handycock, who still
continued in good humour, said that he would not allow me to travel by
night, that I should sleep there and set off the next morning; which I
did at six o'clock, and before eight I had arrived at the Elephant and
Castle, where we stopped for a quarter of an hour.  I observed a crowd
assembled at the corner; and asking a gentleman who sat by me in a plaid
cloak, whether there was not something very uncommon to attract so many
people, he replied, "Not very, for it is only a drunken sailor."

I rose from my seat, which was on the hinder part of the coach, that I
might see him, for it was a new sight to me, and excited my curiosity;
when, to my astonishment, he staggered from the crowd, and swore that
he'd go to Portsmouth.  He climbed up by the wheel of the coach and sat
down by me.  I believe that I stared at him very much, for he said to
me, "What are you gaping at, you young sculping?  Do you want to catch
flies? or did you never see a chap half seas over before?"

I replied, that "I had never been at sea in my life, but that I was
going."

"Well then, you're like a young bear, all your sorrows to come--that's
all, my hearty," replied he.  "When you get on board, you'll find
monkey's allowance--more kicks than half-pence.  I say, you
pewter-carrier, bring us another pint of ale."

The waiter of the inn, who was attending the coach, brought out the ale,
half of which the sailor drank, and the other half threw into the
waiter's face, telling him, "that was his allowance; and now," said he,
"what's to pay?"  The waiter, who looked very angry, but appeared too
much afraid of the sailor to say anything, answered fourpence; and the
sailor pulled out a handful of bank-notes, mixed up with gold, silver,
and coppers, and was picking out the money to pay for his beer, when the
coachman, who was impatient, drove off.

"There's cut and run," cried the sailor, thrusting all the money into
his breeches pocket.  "That's what you'll learn to do, my joker, before
you have been two cruises to sea."

In the meantime the gentleman in the plaid cloak, who was seated by me,
smoked his cigar without saying a word.  I commenced a conversation with
him relative to my profession, and asked him whether it was not very
difficult to learn.  "Larn," cried the sailor, interrupting us, no, it
may be difficult for such chaps as me before the mast to larn, but you,
I presume, is a reefer, and they an't got much to larn, "cause why, they
pipe-clays their weekly accounts, and walks up and down with their hands
in their pockets.  You must larn to chaw baccy, drink grog, and call the
cat a beggar, and then you knows all a midshipman's expected to know
now-a-days.  Arn't I right, sir?" said the sailor, appealing to the
gentleman in a plaid cloak.  "I axes you, because I see you're a sailor
by the cut of your jib.  Beg pardon, sir," continued he, touching his
hat, "hope no offence."

"I am afraid that you have nearly hit the mark, my good fellow," replied
the gentleman.

Whenever the coach stopped, the sailor called for more ale, and always
threw the remainder which he could not drink into the face of the man
who brought it out for him, just as the coach was starting off, and then
tossed the pewter pot on the ground for him to pick up.  He became more
tipsy every stage, and the last from Portsmouth, when he pulled out his
money he could find no silver, so he handed down a note, and desired the
waiter to change it.  The waiter crumpled it up and put it into his
pocket, and then returned the sailor the change for a one-pound note:
but the gentleman in the plaid had observed that it was a five-pound
note which the sailor had given, and insisted upon the waiter producing
it, and giving the proper change.  The sailor took his money, which the
waiter handed to him, begging pardon for the mistake, although he
coloured up very much at being detected.  "I really beg your pardon,"
said he again, "it was quite a mistake:" whereupon the sailor threw the
pewter pot at the waiter, saying "I really beg your pardon too,"--and
with such force, that it flattened upon the man's head, who fell
senseless on the road.  The coachman drove off, and I never heard
whether the man was killed or not.

I inquired of the gentleman how soon we should be at Portsmouth; he
answered that we were passing the lines; but I saw no lines, and I was
ashamed to show my ignorance.  He asked me what ship I was going to
join.  I could not recollect her name, but I told him it was painted on
the outside of my chest, which was coming down by the waggon: all that I
could recollect was that it was a French name.

"Have you no letter of introduction to the captain?" said he.

"Yes, I have," replied I; and I pulled out my pocketbook in which the
letter was.  "Captain Savage, H.M.S. _Diomede_," continued I, reading to
him.

To my surprise he very coolly proceeded to open the letter, which, when
I perceived what he was doing, occasioned me immediately to snatch the
letter from him, stating my opinion at the same time that it was a
breach of honour, and that in my opinion he was no gentleman.

"Just as you please, youngster," replied he.  "Recollect, you have told
me I am no gentleman."

He wrapped his plaid around him, and said no more; and I was not a
little pleased at having silenced him by my resolute behaviour.



CHAPTER THREE.

I AM MADE TO LOOK VERY BLUE AT THE BLUE POSTS--FIND WILD SPIRITS AROUND,
AND, SOON AFTER, HOT SPIRITS WITHIN ME; AT LENGTH MY SPIRITS OVERCOME
ME--CALL TO PAY MY RESPECTS TO THE CAPTAIN, AND FIND THAT I HAD HAD THE
PLEASURE OF MEETING HIM BEFORE--NO SOONER OUT OF ONE SCRAPE THAN INTO
ANOTHER.

When we stopped, I enquired of the coachman which was the best inn.  He
answered that "it was the Blue Postesses, where the midshipmen leave
their chestesses, call for tea and toastesses, and sometimes forget to
pay for their breakfastesses."  He laughed when he said it, and I
thought that he was joking with me; but he pointed out two, large blue
posts at the door next the coach-office, and told me that all the
midshipmen resorted to that hotel.  The coffee-room was full of
midshipmen, and, as I was anxious about my chest, I enquired of one of
them if he knew when the waggon would come in.

"Do you expect your mother by it?" replied he.

"O no! but I expect my uniforms--I only wear these bottle-greens until
they come."

"And pray what ship are you going to join?"

"The _Die-a-maid_--Captain Thomas Kirkwall Savage."

"The _Diomede_--I say, Robinson, a'n't that the frigate in which the
midshipmen had four dozen apiece for not having pipe-clayed their weekly
accounts on the Saturday?"

"To be sure it is," replied the other; "why the captain gave a youngster
five dozen the other day for wearing a scarlet watch-riband."

"'Pon my soul I pity you: you'll be fagged to death; for there's only
three midshipmen in the ship now--all the rest ran away.  Didn't they,
Robinson?"

"There's only two left now:--for poor Matthews died of fatigue.  He was
worked all day, and kept watch all night for six weeks, and one morning
he was found dead upon his chest."

"God bless my soul!" cried I, "and yet, on shore, they say he is such a
kind man to his midshipmen."

"Yes," replied Robinson, "he spreads that report everywhere.  Come, sit
down with us and take a glass of grog; it will keep your spirits up."

I am sorry to state that the midshipmen made me very tipsy that evening.
I don't recollect being put to bed, but I found myself there the next
morning with a dreadful head-ache, and a very confused recollection of
what had passed.  I was very much shocked at my having so soon forgotten
the injunctions of my parents, and was making vows never to be so
foolish again, when in came the midshipman who had been so kind to me
the night before.  "Come, Mr Bottlegreen," he bawled out, alluding, I
suppose, to the colour of my clothes, "rouse and bitt.  There's the
captain's coxswain waiting for you below.  By the powers, you're in a
pretty scrape for what you did last night!"

"Did last night!" replied I, astonished.  "Why, does the captain know
that I was tipsy?"

"I think you took devilish good care to let him know it when you were at
the theatre."

"At the theatre! was I at the theatre?"

"To be sure you were.  You would go, do all we could to prevent you,
though you were as drunk as David's sow.  Your captain was there with
the admiral's daughters.  You called him a tyrant, and snapped your
fingers at him.  Why, don't you recollect?  You told him that you did
not care a fig for him."

"O dear!  O dear! what shall I do? what shall I do?" cried I.

"Upon my honour, I'm sorry--very sorry indeed," replied the
midshipman;--and he quitted the room, looking as grave as if the
misfortune had happened to himself.  I got up with a heavy head, and
heavier heart, and as soon as I was dressed, I asked the way to the
George Inn.  I took my letter of introduction with me, although I was
afraid it would be of little service.  When I arrived, I asked, with a
trembling voice, whether Captain Thomas Kirkwall Savage, of H.M.S.
_Diomede_, was staying there.  The waiter replied, that he was at
breakfast with Captain Courtney, but that he would take up my name.  I
give it him, and in a minute the waiter returned and desired that I
would walk up.  O how my heart beat--I never was so frightened--I
thought I should have dropped on the stairs.  Twice I attempted to walk
into the room, and each time my legs failed me; at last I wiped the
perspiration from my forehead, and with a desperate effort I went into
the room.

"Mr Simple, I am glad to see you," said a voice.  I had held my head
down, for I was afraid to look at him, but the voice was so kind that I
mustered up courage; and, when I did look up, there sat with his uniform
and epaulets, and his sword by his side, the passenger in the plaid
cloak, who wanted to open my letter, and whom I had told to his face,
that he was no _gentleman_.

I thought I should have died, as the other midshipman did upon his
chest.  I was just sinking down upon my knees to beg for mercy, when the
captain, perceiving my confusion, burst out into a laugh, and said, "So
you know me again, Mr Simple?  Well, don't be alarmed; you did your
duty in not permitting me to open the letter.  I give you credit for
your conduct.  Now sit down and take some breakfast."

"Captain Courtney," said he to the other captain, who was at the table,
"this is one of my youngsters, just entering the service.  We were
passengers yesterday by the same coach."  He then told him the
circumstance which occurred, at which they laughed heartily.

I now recovered my spirits a little--but still there was the affair at
the theatre, and I thought that perhaps he did not recognise me.  I was,
however, soon relieved from my anxiety by the other captain inquiring,
"were you at the theatre last night, Savage?"

"No; I dined at the admiral's; there's no getting away from those girls,
they are so pleasant."

"I rather think you are a little--_taken_ in that quarter."

"No, on my word!  I might be, if I had time to discover which I liked
best; but my ship is at present my wife, and the only wife I intend to
have until I am laid on the shelf."

Well, thought I, if he was not at the theatre, it could not have been
him that I insulted.

"Pray, Mr Simple, how are your father and mother?" said the captain.

"Very well, I thank you, sir, and desire me to present their
compliments."

"I am obliged to them.  Now I have a little advice to offer you.  In the
first place, obey your superior officers without hesitation; it is for
me, not you, to decide whether an order is unjust or not.  In the next
place, never swear or drink spirits.  The first is immoral and
ungentleman-like, the second is a vile habit which will grow upon you.
I never touch spirit myself, and I expect that my young gentlemen will
refrain from it also.  Now you may go, and as soon as your uniforms
arrive, you will repair on board.  Good morning."

I quitted the room with a low bow, glad to have surmounted so easily
what appeared to be a chaos of difficulty; but my mind was confused with
the testimony of the midshipman, so much at variance with the language
and behaviour of the captain.  When I arrived at the Blue Posts, I found
all the midshipmen in the coffee-room, and I repeated to them all that
had passed.  When I had finished, they burst out laughing, and said that
they had only been joking with me.  "Well," said I to the one who had
called me up in the morning, "you may call it joking, but I call it
lying."

"Pray, Mr Bottlegreen, do you refer to me?"

"Yes, I do," replied I.

"Then, sir, as a gentleman I demand satisfaction.  Slugs in a saw-pit.
Death before dishonour, damn me!"

"Could not the affair be arranged otherwise?" interrupted another.
"Will not Mr Bottlegreen retract?"

"My name is Simple, sir, and not Bottlegreen," replied I; "and as he did
tell a falsehood, I will not retract?"

"Then the affair must go on," said the midshipman.  "Robinson, will you
oblige me by acting as my second?"

"It's an unpleasant business," replied the other, "you are so good a
shot; but as you request it, I shall not refuse.  Mr Simple is not, I
believe, provided with a friend."

"Yes, he is," replied another of the midshipmen.  "He is a spunky
fellow, and I'll be his second."

It was then arranged that we should meet the next morning with pistols.
I considered that, as an officer and a gentleman, I could not well
refuse, but I was very unhappy.  I went up into my room and wrote a long
letter to my mother, enclosing a lock of my hair, and having shed a few
tears at the idea of how sorry she would be if I were killed, I borrowed
a Bible from the waiter, and read it during the remainder of the day.



CHAPTER FOUR.

I AM TAUGHT ON A COLD MORNING, BEFORE BREAKFAST, HOW TO STAND FIRE, AND
THUS PROVE MY COURAGE--AFTER BREAKFAST I ALSO PROVE MY GALLANTRY--MY
PROOF MEETS REPROOF--WOMEN AT THE BOTTOM OF ALL MISCHIEF--BY ONE I LOSE
MY LIBERTY, AND, BY ANOTHER, MY MONEY.

When I began to wake the next morning, I could not think what it was
that felt like a weight upon my chest, but as I roused and recalled my
scattered thoughts, I remembered that in an hour or two it would be
decided whether I were to exist another day.  Before I was dressed, the
midshipman who had volunteered to be my second came into my room, and
informed me that the affair was to be decided in the garden behind the
inn, and that my adversary was a very good shot.

I dressed myself and followed my second into the garden, where I found
all the midshipmen and some of the waiters of the inn.  They all seemed
very merry, as if the life of a fellow-creature was of no consequence.
The seconds talked apart for a little while, and then measured the
ground, which was twelve paces; we then took our stations.  I believe
that I turned pale, for my second came to my side and whispered that I
must not be frightened.  I replied that I was not frightened, but that I
considered that it was an awful moment.  The second to my adversary then
came up and asked me whether I would make an apology, which I refused to
do as before; they handed a pistol to each of us, and my second showed
me how I was to pull the trigger.  It was arranged that at the word
given, we were to fire at the same time.  I made sure that I should be
wounded, if not killed, and I shut my eyes as I fired my pistol in the
air.  I felt my head swim, and thought I was hurt, but fortunately I was
not.  The pistols were loaded again, and we fired a second time.  The
seconds then interfered, and it was proposed that we should shake hands,
which I was very glad to do, for I considered my life to have been saved
by a miracle.

The next day my chest arrived by the waggon, and I threw off my
"bottle-greens" and put on my uniform.  I had no cocked-hat, or dirk, as
the warehouse people employed by Mr Handycock did not supply those
articles, and it was arranged that I should procure them at Portsmouth.
When I inquired the price, I found that they cost more money than I had
in my pocket, so I tore up the letter I had written to my mother before
the duel, and wrote another asking for a remittance to purchase my dirk
and cocked-hat.  I then walked out in my uniform, not a little proud, I
must confess.

I had arrived opposite a place called Sally Port, when a young lady very
nicely dressed, looked at me very hard and said, "Well, Reefer, how are
you off for soap?"  I was astonished at the question, and more so at the
interest which she seemed to take in my affairs.  I answered, "Thank
you, I am very well off; I have four cakes of Windsor, and two bars of
yellow for washing."  She laughed at my reply, and asked me whether I
would walk home and take a bit of dinner with her.  I was astonished at
this polite offer, and I said that I should be most happy.  I thought I
might venture to offer my arm, which she accepted, and we proceeded up
High Street on our way to her home.

Just as we passed the admiral's house, I perceived my captain walking
with two of the admiral's daughters.  I was not a little proud to let
him see that I had female acquaintances as well as he had, and, as I
passed him with the young lady under my protection, I took off my hat,
and made him a low bow.  To my surprise, not only did he not return the
salute, but he looked at me with a very stern countenance.  I concluded
that he was a very proud man, and did not wish the admiral's daughters
to suppose that he knew midshipmen by sight; but I had not exactly made
up my mind on the subject, when the captain, having seen the ladies into
the admiral's house, sent one of the messengers after me to desire that
I would immediately come to him at the George Inn, which was nearly
opposite.

I apologised to the young lady, and promised to return immediately if
she would wait for me; but she replied, if that was my captain, it was
her idea that I should have a confounded wigging and be sent on board.
So, wishing me good-bye, she left me and continued her way home.  I
could as little comprehend all this as why the captain looked so black
when I passed him; but it was soon explained when I went up to him in
the parlour at the George Inn.  "I am sorry, Mr Simple," said the
captain, when I entered, "that a lad like you should show such early
symptoms of depravity; still more so, that he should not have the grace
which even the most hardened are not wholly destitute of--I mean to
practise immorality in secret, and not degrade themselves and insult
their captain by unblushingly avowing (I may say glorying in) their
iniquity, by exposing it in broad day, and in the most frequented street
of the town."

"Sir!" replied I, with astonishment, "O dear! what have I done?"

The captain fixed his keen eyes upon me, so that they appeared to pierce
me through, and nail me to the wall.  "Do you pretend to say, sir, that
you were not aware of the character of the person with whom you were
walking just now?"

"No, sir," replied I, "except that she was very kind and good-natured;"
and then I told him how she had addressed me, and what subsequently took
place.

"And is it possible, Mr Simple, that you are so great a fool?"  I
replied that I certainly was considered the greatest fool of our family.
"I should think you were," replied he, dryly.  He then explained to me
who the person was with whom I was in company, and how any association
with her would inevitably lead to my ruin and disgrace.

I cried very much, for I was shocked at the narrow escape which I had
had, and mortified at having fallen in his good opinion.  He asked me
how I had employed my time since I had been at Portsmouth, and I made an
acknowledgment of having been made tipsy, related all that the
midshipmen had told me, and how I had that morning fought a duel.

When I had finished, he said, "Mr Simple, I can no longer trust you on
shore until you are more experienced in the world.  I shall desire my
coxswain not to lose sight of you until you are safe on board of the
frigate."

Altogether I did not feel sorry when it was over.  I saw that the
captain believed what I had stated, and that he was disposed to be kind
to me, although he thought me very silly.  The coxswain, in obedience to
his orders, accompanied me to the Blue Post.  I packed up my clothes,
paid my bill, and the porter wheeled my chest down to the Sally Port,
where the boat was waiting.

"Come, heave a-head, my lads, be smart.  The captain says we are to take
the young gentleman on board directly.  His liberty's stopped for
getting drunk and running after the Dolly Mops!"

"I should thank you to be more respectful in your remarks, Mr
Coxswain," said I with displeasure.

"Mister Coxswain! thanky, sir, for giving me a handle to my name,"
replied he.  "Come, be smart with your oars, my lads!"

"La, Bill Freeman," said a young woman on the beach, "what a nice young
gentleman you have there.  He looks like a sucking Nelson.  I say, my
pretty young officer, could you lend me a shilling?"

I was so pleased at the woman calling me young Nelson, that I
immediately complied with her request.  "I have not a shilling in my
pocket," said I, "but here is half-a-crown, and you can change it, and
bring me back the eighteen-pence."

"Well you are a nice young man," replied she, taking the half-crown;
"I'll be back directly, my dear."

The men in the boat laughed, and the coxswain desired them to shove off.

"No," observed I, "you must wait for my eighteen-pence."

"We shall wait a devilish long while, then, I suspect.  I know that
girl, and she has a very bad memory."

"She cannot be so dishonest or ungrateful," replied I.  "Coxswain, I
order you to stay--I am an officer."

"I know you are, sir, about six hours old; well then, I must go up and
tell the captain that you have another girl in tow, and that you won't
go on board."

"O no, Mr Coxswain, pray don't; shove off as soon as you please, and
never mind the eighteen-pence."

The boat then shoved off, and pulled towards the ship, which lay at
Spithead.



CHAPTER FIVE.

I AM INTRODUCED TO THE QUARTER-DECK, AND FIRST LIEUTENANT, WHO
PRONOUNCES ME VERY CLEVER--TROTTED BELOW TO MRS. TROTTER--CONNUBIAL
BLISS IN A COCK-PIT--MRS. TROTTER TAKES ME IN, AS A MESSMATE.

On our arrival on board, the coxswain gave a note from the captain to
the first lieutenant, who happened to be on deck.  He read the note,
looked at me earnestly, and then I overheard him say to another
lieutenant, "The service is going to the devil.  Here's another of the
fools of a family made a present of to the country--another cub for me
to lick into shape.  Well, I never saw the one yet I did not make
something of.  Where's Mr Simple?"

"I am Mr Simple, sir," replied I, very much frightened at what I had
overheard.

"Now, Mr Simple," said the first lieutenant, "observe and pay
particular attention to what I say.  The captain tells me in this note
that you have been shamming stupid.  Now, sir, I am not to be taken in
that way.  I have looked attentively at your face and I see at once that
you are _very clever_, and if you do not prove so in a very short time,
why--you had better jump overboard, that's all.  Perfectly understand
me.  I know that you are a very clever fellow, and having told you so,
don't you pretend to impose upon me, for it won't do."

I was very much terrified at this speech, but at the same time I was
pleased to hear that he thought me clever, and I determined to do all in
my power to keep up such an unexpected reputation.

"Quarter-master," said the first lieutenant, "tell Mr Trotter to come
on deck."

The quarter-master brought up Mr Trotter, who apologised for being so
dirty, as he was breaking casks out of the hold.  He was a short,
thickset man, about thirty years of age, with a nose which had a red
club to it, very dirty teeth, and large black whiskers.

"Mr Trotter," said the first lieutenant, "here is a young gentleman who
has joined the ship.  Introduce him into the berth, and see his hammock
slung.  You must look after him a little."

"I really have very little time to look after any of them, sir," replied
Mr Trotter, "but I will do what I can.  Follow me, youngster."
Accordingly, I descended the ladder after him; then I went down another,
and then to my surprise I was desired by him to go down a third, which,
when I had done, he informed me that I was in the cock-pit.

"Now, youngster," said Mr Trotter, seating himself upon a large chest,
"you may do as you please.  The midshipmen's mess is on the deck above
this, and if you like to join, why you can; but this I will tell you as
a friend, that you will be thrashed all day long, and fare very badly;
the weakest always goes to the wall there, but perhaps you do not mind
that.  Now that we are in harbour, I mess here, because Mrs Trotter is
on board.  She is a very charming woman, I can assure you, and will be
here directly; she has just gone up into the galley to look after a net
of potatoes in the copper.  If you like it better, I will ask her
permission for you to mess with us."  I had scarcely time to reply, when
I perceived a pair of legs, cased in black cotton stockings, on the
ladder above us, and it proved that they belonged to Mrs Trotter, who
came down the ladder with a net full of smoking potatoes.

"Upon my word, Mrs Trotter, you must be conscious of having a very
pretty ankle, or you would not venture to display it, as you have to Mr
Simple, a young gentleman whom I beg to introduce to you, and who, with
your permission, will join our mess."

"My dear Trotter, how cruel of you not to give me warning; I thought
that nobody was below.  I declare I'm so ashamed," continued the lady
simpering, and covering her face with the hand which was unemployed.

"It can't be helped now, my love, neither was there any thing to be
ashamed of.  I trust Mr Simple and you will be very good friends.  I
believe I mentioned his desire to join our mess."

"I am sure I shall be very happy in his company.  This is a strange
place for me to live in, Mr Simple, after the society to which I have
been accustomed; but affection can make any sacrifice; and rather than
lose the company of my Trotter, who has been unfortunate in pecuniary
matters--"

"But, my dear," interrupted Mr Trotter, "is it not time to look after
our dinner?"

"Yes; I am going forward for it now.  We have skewer pieces today Mr
Simple, will you excuse me?"--and then, with a great deal of flirtation
and laughing about her ankles, and requesting me, as a favour, to turn
my face away, Mrs Trotter ascended the ladder.

As the reader may wish to know what sort of looking personage she was, I
will take this opportunity to describe her.  Her figure was very good,
and at one period of her life I thought her face must have been very
handsome; at the time I was introduced to her, it showed the ravages of
time or hardship very distinctly; in short, she might be termed a faded
beauty, flaunting in her dress, and not very clean in her person.

"Charming woman, Mrs Trotter, is she not, Mr Simple?" said the
master's mate; to which of course I immediately acquiesced.  "Now, Mr
Simple," continued he, "there are a few arrangements which I had better
mention while Mrs Trotter is away, for she would be shocked at our
talking about such things.  Of course, the style of living which we
indulge in is rather expensive.  Mrs Trotter cannot dispense with her
tea and her other little comforts; at the same time I must put you to no
extra expense--I had rather be out of pocket myself.  I propose that
during the time you mess with us, you shall only pay one guinea per
week; and, as for entrance money, why I think I must not charge you more
than a couple of guineas.  Have you any money?"

"Yes," I replied, "I have three guineas and a half left."

"Well, then, give me the three guineas, and the half guinea you can
reserve for pocket-money.  You must write to your friends immediately
for a further supply."

I handed him the money, which he put in his pocket.  "Your chest,"
continued he, "you shall bring down here, for Mrs Trotter will, I am
sure, if I request it, not only keep it in order for you, but see that
your clothes are properly mended.  She is a charming woman, Mrs
Trotter, and very fond of young gentlemen.  How old are you?"

I replied that I was fifteen.

"No more! well, I am glad of that, for Mrs Trotter is very particular
after a certain age.  I should recommend you on no account to associate
with the other midshipmen.  They are very angry with me, because I would
not permit Mrs Trotter to join their mess, and they are sad
storytellers."

"That they certainly are," replied I; but here we were interrupted by
Mrs Trotter coming down with a piece of stick in her hand, upon which
were skewered about a dozen small pieces of beef and pork, which she
first laid on a plate, and then began to lay the cloth, and prepare for
dinner.

"We have but a poor dinner to-day," said Mrs Trotter, "for the bum-boat
woman disappointed me.  I particularly requested her to bring me off a
leg of lamb, but she says that there was none in the market.  It is
rather early for it, that's true, but Trotter is very nice in his
eating.  Now let us sit down to dinner."

I felt very sick, indeed, and could eat nothing.  Our dinner consisted
of the pieces of beef and pork, the potatoes, and a baked pudding in a
tin dish.  Mr Trotter went up to serve the spirits out to the ship's
company, and returned with a bottle of rum.

"Have you got Mr Simple's allowance, my love?" inquired Mrs Trotter.

"Yes, he is victualled to-day, as he came on board before twelve
o'clock.  Do you drink spirits, Mr Simple?"

"No, I thank you," replied I, for I remembered the captain's injunction.

"Taking, as I do, such an interest in your welfare, I must earnestly
recommend you to abstain from them," said Mr Trotter.  "It is a very
bad habit, and once acquired, not easy to be left off.  I am obliged to
drink them that I may not check the perspiration after working in the
hold: I have, nevertheless, a natural abhorrence of them; but my
champagne and claret days are gone by, and I must submit to
circumstances."

"My poor Trotter!" said the lady.

"Well," continued he, "it's a poor heart that never rejoiceth."  He then
poured out half a tumbler of rum, and filled the glass up with water.

"My love, will you taste it?"

"Now, Trotter, you know that I never touch it, except when the water is
so bad that I must have the taste taken away.  How is the water to-day?"

"As usual, my dear, not drinkable."  After much persuasion, Mrs Trotter
agreed to sip a little out of his glass.  I thought that she took it
pretty often, considering that she did not like it, but I felt so unwell
that I was obliged to go on the main-deck.

I went to bed very tired; Mr Trotter had my hammock hung up in the
cock-pit, separated by a canvas screen from the cot in which he slept
with his wife.  I thought this very odd, but they told me it was the
general custom on board ship, although Mrs Trotter's delicacy was very
much shocked by it.  I was very sick, but Mrs Trotter was very kind.
When I was in bed she kissed me, and wished me good night, and very soon
afterwards I fell fast asleep.



CHAPTER SIX.

PUZZLED WITH VERY COMMON WORDS--MRS. TROTTER TAKES CARE OF MY WARDROBE--
A MATRIMONIAL DUET, ENDING "CON STREPITO."

I awoke the next morning at daylight with a noise over my head which
sounded like thunder; I found it proceeded from holy-stoning and washing
down the main-deck.  I was very much refreshed nevertheless, and did not
feel the least sick or giddy.  Mr Trotter, who had been up at four
o'clock, came down and directed one of the marines to fetch me some
water.  I washed myself on my chest, and then went on the main-deck,
which they were swabbing dry.  Standing by the sentry at the cabin door,
I met one of the midshipmen with whom I had been in company at the Blue
Posts.

"So, Master Simple, old Trotter and his faggot of a wife have got hold
of you--have they?" said he.  I replied, that I did not know the meaning
of faggot, but that I considered Mrs Trotter a very charming woman.  At
which he burst into a loud laugh.  "Well," said he, "I'll just give you
a caution.  Take care, or they'll make a clean sweep.  Has Mrs Trotter
shown you her ankle yet?"

"Yes," I replied, "and a very pretty one it is."

"Ah, she's at her old tricks.  You had much better have joined our mess
at once.  You're not the first greenhorn that they have plucked.  Well,"
said he, as he walked away, "keep the key of your own chest--that's
all."

When he left me I went on the quarter-deck.  All the sailors were busy
at work, and the first lieutenant cried out to the gunner, "Now, Mr
Dispart, if you're ready, we'll breech these guns."

"Now, my lads," said the first lieutenant, "we must slue (the part the
breeches cover) more forward."  As I never heard of a gun having
breeches, I was very anxious to see what was going on, and went up close
to the first lieutenant, who said to me.  "Youngster, hand me that
_monkey's tail_."  I saw nothing like a _monkey's tail_; but I was so
frightened that I snatched up the first thing that I saw, which was a
short bar of iron, and it so happened that it was the very article which
he wanted.  When I gave it to him, the first lieutenant looked at me,
and said, "So you know what a monkey's tail is already, do you?  Now
don't you ever sham stupid after that."

Thought I to myself, I'm very lucky, but if that's a monkey's tail it's
a very stiff one!

I resolved to learn the names of every thing as fast as I could, that I
might be prepared, so I listened attentively to what was said; but I
soon became quite confused, and despaired of remembering anything.

"Mr Chucks," said the first lieutenant to the boatswain, "what blocks
have we below--not on charge?"

"Let me see, sir, I've one _sister_, t'other we split in half the other
day, and I think I have a couple of _monkeys_ down in the store-room.--I
say, you Smith, pass that brace through the _bull's eye_, and take the
_sheepshank_ out before you come down."

"And, Mr Chucks, recollect this afternoon that you _bleed_ all the
_buoys_."

Bleed the boys! thought I, what can that be for? at all events, the
surgeon appears to be the proper person to perform that operation.

This last incomprehensible remark drove me off the deck, and I retreated
to the cock-pit, where I found Mrs Trotter.  "O my dear!" said she, "I
am glad you are come, as I wish to put your clothes in order.  Have you
a list of them--where is your key?"  I replied that I had not a list,
and I handed her the key, although I did not forget the caution of the
midshipman; yet I considered that there could be no harm in her looking
over my clothes when I was present.  She unlocked my chest, and pulled
every thing out, and then commenced telling me what were likely to be
useful, and what were not.

"Now, these worsted stockings," she said, "will be very comfortable in
cold weather, and in the summer time these brown cotton socks will be
delightfully cool, and you have enough of each to last you till you
outgrow them; but as for these fine cotton stockings, they are of no
use--only catch the dirt when the decks are swept, and always look
untidy.  I wonder how they could be so foolish as to send them; nobody
wears them on board ship now-a-days.  They are only fit for women--I
wonder if they would fit me."  She turned her chair away, and put on one
of my stockings, laughing the whole of the time.  Then she turned round
to me and showed me how nicely they fitted her.  "Bless you, Mr Simple,
it's well that Trotter is in the hold, he'd be so jealous--do you know
what these stockings cost?  They are of no use to you, and they fit me.
I will speak to Trotter, and take them off your hands."  I replied, that
I could not think of selling them, and as they were of no use to me and
fitted her, I begged that she would accept of the dozen pairs.

We had beef-steaks and onions for dinner that day, but I could not bear
the smell of the onions.  Mr Trotter came down very cross, because the
first lieutenant had found fault with him.  He swore that he would cut
the service.  He drank glass of grog after glass of grog, and at each
glass became more violent; and Mrs Trotter drank also, I observed, a
great deal more than I thought she ought to have done; but she whispered
to me, that she drank it that Trotter might not, as he would certainly
be tipsy.  I thought this very devoted on her part; but they sat so late
that I went to bed and left them--he still drinking and vowing vengeance
against the first lieutenant.  I had not been asleep above two or three
hours, when I was awakened by a great noise and quarrelling, and I
discovered that Mr Trotter was drunk and beating his wife.  Very much
shocked that such a charming woman should be beaten and ill-used, I
scrambled out of my hammock to see if I could be of any assistance, but
it was dark, although they scuffled as much as before.  I asked the
marine, who was sentry at the gun-room door above, to bring his lantern,
and was very much shocked at his replying that I had better go to bed
and let them fight it out.

Shortly afterwards, Mrs Trotter staggered to my hammock, and, after
several attempts, succeeded in getting into it.  I cannot say that I
much liked that, but what could I do?  So I finished dressing myself,
and went up on the quarter-deck.

The midshipman who had the watch was the one who had cautioned me
against the Trotters; he was very friendly to me.  "Well, Simple," said
he, "what brings you on deck?"  I told him how ill Mr Trotter had
behaved to his wife, and how she had turned into my hammock.

"The cursed drunken old catamaran," cried he; "I'll go and cut her down
by the head:" but I requested he would not, as she was a lady.

"A lady!" replied he; "yes, there's plenty of ladies of her
description;" and then he informed me that she had many years ago been
the mistress of a man of fortune who kept a carriage for her; but that
he grew tired of her, and had given Trotter 200 pounds to marry her, and
that now they did nothing but get drunk together and fight with each
other.

He went to my hammock and lowered it down at one end, so that Mrs
Trotter lay with her head on the deck in a very uncomfortable position.
To my astonishment, she swore at him in a dreadful manner, but refused
to turn out.  He was abusing her and shaking her in the hammock, when
Mr Trotter, who had been aroused at the noise, rushed from behind the
screen.  "You villain! what are you doing with my wife?" cried he,
pummelling at him as well as he could, for he was so tipsy that he could
hardly stand.

Mr Trotter was soon knocked down, when all of a sudden Mrs Trotter
jumped up from the hammock, and caught the midshipman by the hair, and
pulled at him.  Then the sentry thought right to interfere; he called
out for the master-at-arms, and went down himself to help the
midshipman, who was faring badly between the two.  But Mrs Trotter
snatched the lantern out of his hand and smashed it all to pieces, and
then we were all left in darkness, and I could not see what took place,
although the scuffling continued.  Such was the posture of affairs when
the master-at-arms came up with his light.  The midshipman and sentry
went up the ladder, and Mr and Mrs Trotter continued beating each
other.  To this, none of them paid any attention, saying, as the sentry
had said before, "Let them fight it out."

After they had fought some time, they retired behind the screen, and I
followed the advice of the midshipman, and got into my hammock, which
the master-at-arms hung up again for me.  I heard Mr and Mrs Trotter
both crying and kissing each other.  "Cruel, cruel Mr Trotter!" said
she blubbering.

"My life, my love, I was so jealous!" replied he.

"Damn and blast your jealousy," replied the lady; "I've two nice black
eyes for the galley to-morrow."  After about an hour of kissing and
scolding, they both fell asleep again.

The next morning before breakfast, the midshipman reported to the first
lieutenant the conduct of Mr Trotter and his wife.  I was sent for, and
obliged to acknowledge that it was all true.  He sent for Mr Trotter,
who replied that he was not well, and could not come on deck.  Upon
which the first lieutenant ordered the sergeant of marines to bring him
up directly.  Mr Trotter made his appearance, with one eye closed, and
his face very much scratched.

"Did not I desire you, sir," said the first lieutenant, "to introduce
this young gentleman into the midshipmen's berth? instead of which you
have introduced him to that disgraceful wife of yours, and have swindled
him out of his property.  I order you immediately to return the three
guineas which you received as mess-money, and also that your wife give
back the stockings which she cajoled him out of."

But then I interposed, and told the first lieutenant that the stockings
had been a free gift on my part; and that although I had been very
foolish, yet that I considered that I could not in honour demand them
back again.

"Well, youngster," replied the first lieutenant, "perhaps your ideas are
correct, and if you wish it, I will not enforce that part of my order;
but," continued he to Mr Trotter, "I desire, sir, that your wife leave
the ship immediately and I trust that when I have reported your conduct
to the captain, he will serve you in the same manner.  In the meantime,
you will consider yourself under an arrest for drunkenness."



CHAPTER SEVEN.

`SCANDALUM MAGNATUM' CLEARLY PROVED--I PROVE TO THE CAPTAIN THAT I
CONSIDER HIM A GENTLEMAN, ALTHOUGH I HAD TOLD HIM THE CONTRARY, AND I
PROVE TO THE MIDSHIPMEN THAT I AM A GENTLEMAN MYSELF--THEY PROVE THEIR
GRATITUDE BY PRACTISING UPON ME, BECAUSE PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT.

The captain came on board about twelve o'clock, and ordered the
discharge of Mr Trotter to be made out, as soon as the first lieutenant
had reported what had occurred.  He then sent for all the midshipmen on
the quarter-deck.

"Gentlemen," said the captain to them, with a stern countenance, "I feel
very much indebted to some of you for the character which you have been
pleased to give of me to Mr Simple.  I must now request that you will
answer a few questions which I am about to put in his presence.  Did I
ever flog the whole starboard watch, because the ship would only sail
nine knots on a bowline!"

"No, sir, no!" replied they all, very much frightened.

"Did I ever give a midshipman four dozen for not having his weekly
accounts pipe-clayed; or another five dozen for wearing a scarlet watch
riband?"

"No, sir," replied they all together.

"Did any midshipman ever die on his chest from fatigue?"

They again replied in the negative.

"Then, gentlemen, you will oblige me by stating which of you thought
proper to assert these falsehoods in a public coffee-room; and further,
which of you obliged this youngster to risk his life in a duel?"

They were all silent.

"Will you answer me, gentlemen?"

"With respect to the duel, sir," replied the midshipman who had fought
me, "I _heard_ say, that the pistols were only charged with powder.  It
was a joke."

"Well, sir, we'll allow that the duel was only a joke (and I hope and
trust that your report is correct); is the reputation of your captain
only a joke, allow me to ask?  I request to know who of you dared to
propagate such injurious slander?"  (Here there was a dead pause.)
"Well, then, gentlemen, since you will not confess yourselves, I must
refer to my authority.  Mr Simple, have the goodness to point out the
person on persons who gave you the information."

But I thought this would not be fair; and as they had all treated me
very kindly after the duel, I resolved not to tell; so I answered, "If
you please, sir, I consider that I told you all that in confidence."

"Confidence, sir!" replied the captain; "who ever heard of confidence
between a post-captain and a midshipman?"

"No, sir," replied I, "not between a post-captain and a midshipman but
between two gentlemen."

The captain bit his lip, and then turning to the midshipmen, said, "You
may thank Mr Simple, gentlemen, that I do not press this matter
further.  I do believe that you were not serious when you calumniated
me; but recollect that what is said in joke is too often repeated in
earnest.  I trust that Mr Simple's conduct will have its effect, and
that you will leave off practising upon him, who has saved you from a
very severe punishment."

When the midshipmen went down below they all shook hands with me, and
said, that I was a good fellow for not peaching: but, as for the advice
of the captain, that they should not practise upon me, as he termed it,
they forgot that, for they commenced again immediately, and never left
off until they found that I was not to be deceived any longer.

The postman came on board with the letters, and put his head into the
midshipmen's berth.  I was very anxious to have one from home, but I was
disappointed.  Some had letters and some had not.  Those who had not,
declared that their parents were very undutiful, and that they would cut
them off with a shilling; and those who had letters, after they had read
them, offered them for sale to the others, usually at half price.  I
could not imagine why they sold, or why the others bought them; but they
did do so; and one that was full of good advice was sold three times,
from which circumstance I was inclined to form a better opinion of the
morals of my companions.

I mentioned the reason why I was so anxious for a letter, viz., because
I wanted to buy my dirk and cocked-hat; upon which they told me that
there was no occasion for my spending my money, as by the regulations of
the service, the purser's steward served them out to all the officers
who applied for them.  As I knew where the purser's steward's room was,
having seen it when down in the cock-pit with the Trotters, I went down
immediately.  "Mr Purser's Steward," said I, "let me have a cocked-hat
and a dirk immediately."

"Very good, sir," replied he, and he wrote an order upon a slip of
paper, which he handed to me.  "There is the order for it, sir; but the
cocked-hats are kept in the chest up in the main-top, and as for the
dirk, you must apply to the butcher, who has them under his charge."

I went up with the order, and thought I would first apply for the dirk;
so I inquired for the butcher, whom I found sitting in the sheep-pen
with the sheep, mending his trowsers.  In reply to my demand, he told me
that he had not the key of the store-room, which was under the charge of
one of the corporals of marines.

I inquired who, and he said, "Cheeks, the marine."  [This celebrated
personage is the prototype of Mr Nobody on board of a man-of-war.]

I went everywhere about the ship, inquiring for Cheeks the marine, but
could not find him.  Some said that they believed he was in the foretop,
standing sentry over the wind, that it might not change; others, that he
was in the galley, to prevent the midshipmen from soaking their biscuit
in the captain's dripping-pan.

As I could not find the marine, I thought I might as well go for my
cocked-hat, and get my dirk afterwards.  I did not much like going up
the rigging, because I was afraid of turning giddy, and if I fell
overboard I could not swim; but one of the midshipmen offered to
accompany me, stating that I need not be afraid, if I fell overboard, of
sinking to the bottom, as, if I was giddy, my head at all events _would
swim_; so I determined to venture.  I climbed up very near to the
main-top, but not without missing the little ropes very often, and
grazing the skin of my shins.  Then I came to large ropes stretched out
from the mast so that you must climb them with your head backwards.  The
midshipman told me these were called the cat-harpings, because they were
so difficult to climb, that a cat would expostulate if ordered to go out
by them.  I was afraid to venture, and then he proposed that I should go
through lubber's hole, which he said had been made for people like me.
I agreed to attempt it, as it appeared more easy, and at last arrived,
quite out of breath, and very happy to find myself in the main-top.

The captain of the main-top was there with two other sailors.  The
midshipman introduced me very politely:--"Mr Jenkins--Mr Simple,
midshipman,--Mr Simple, Mr Jenkins, captain of the main-top.  Mr
Jenkins, Mr Simple has come up with an order for a cocked-hat."  The
captain of the top replied that he was very sorry that he had not one in
store, but the last had been served out to the captain's monkey.  This
was very provoking.  The captain of the top then asked me if I was ready
with my _footing_.

I replied, "Not very, for I had lost it two or three times when coming
up."  He laughed and replied, that I should lose it altogether before I
went down; and that I must _hand_ it out.  "_Hand out my footing_!" said
I, puzzled, and appealing to the midshipman; "what does he mean?"

"He means that you must fork out a seven-shilling bit."

I was just as wise as ever, and stared very much; when Mr Jenkins
desired the other men to get half-a-dozen _foxes_ and make _a spread
eagle_ of me, unless he had his parkisite.  I never should have found
out what it all meant, had not the midshipman, who laughed till he
cried, at last informed me that it was the custom to give the men
something to drink the first time that I came aloft, and that if I did
not, they would tie me up to the rigging.

Having no money in my pocket, I promised to pay them as soon as I went
below; but Mr Jenkins would not trust me.  "Why, sir," said I, "do you
know who you are speaking to?  I am an officer and a gentleman.  Do you
know who my grandfather is?"

"O yes," replied he, "very well."

"Then, who is he, sir?" replied I, very angrily.

"Who is he! why he's the _Lord knows who_."

"No," replied I, "that's not his name; he is Lord Privilege."  (I was
very much surprised that he knew that my grandfather was a lord.) "And
do you suppose," continued I, "that I would forfeit the honour of my
family for a paltry seven shillings?"

This observation of mine, and a promise on the part of the midshipman,
who said he would be bail for me, satisfied Mr Jenkins, and he allowed
me to go down the rigging.  I went to my chest, and paid the seven
shillings to one of the topmen who followed me, and then went up on the
main-deck to learn as much as I could of my profession.



CHAPTER EIGHT.

MY MESSMATES SHOW ME THE FOLLY OF RUNNING IN DEBT--THE EPISODE OF SHOLTO
MCFOY.

Now that I have been on board about a month, I find that my life is not
disagreeable.  I don't smell the pitch and tar, and I can get into my
hammock without tumbling out on the other side.  My messmates are
good-tempered, although they laugh at me very much: but I must say that
they are not very nice in their ideas of honour.  A few days after I
came onboard, I purchased some tarts of the bumboat woman, as she is
called; I wished to pay for them, but she had no change, and very
civilly told me she would trust me.  She produced a narrow book, and
said that she would open an account with me, and I could pay her when I
thought proper.  To this arrangement I had no objection, and I sent up
for different things until I thought that my account must have amounted
to eleven or twelve shillings.  As I promised my father that I never
would run in debt, I considered that it was then time that it should be
settled.  When I asked for it, what was my surprise to find that it
amounted to 2 pounds 14 shillings, 6 pence.  I declared that it was
impossible, and requested that she would allow me to look at the items,
when I found that I was booked for at least three or four dozen tarts
every day, ordered by the young gentlemen "to be put down to Mr
Simple's account."  I was very much shocked, not only at the sum of
money which I had to pay, but also at the want of honesty on the part of
my messmates; but when I complained of it in the berth, they all laughed
at me.

At last one of them said, "Peter, tell the truth; did not your father
caution you not to run in debt?"

"Yes, he did," replied I.

"I know that very well," replied he: "all fathers do the same when their
sons leave them; it's a matter of course.  Now observe, Peter; it is out
of regard to you, that your messmates have been eating tarts at your
expense.  You disobeyed your father's injunctions before you had been a
month from home; and it is to give you a lesson that may be useful in
after-life, that they have considered it their duty to order the tarts.
I trust that it will not be thrown away upon you.  Go to the woman, pay
your bill, and never run up another."

"That I certainly shall not," replied I; but as I could not prove who
ordered the tarts, and did not think it fair that the woman should lose
her money, I went up and paid the bill, with a determination never to
open an account with anybody again.

But this left my pockets quite empty, so I wrote to my father, stating
the whole transaction, and the consequent state of my finances.  My
father, in his answer, observed that whatever might have been their
motives, my messmates had done me a friendly act; and that as I had lost
my money by my own carelessness, I must not expect that he would allow
me any more pocket-money.  But my mother, who added a postscript to his
letter, slipped in a five-pound note, and I do believe that it was with
my father's sanction, although he pretended to be very angry at my
forgetting his injunctions.

A few days before this, Mr Falcon, the first lieutenant, ordered me to
put on my side-arms to go away on duty.  I replied that I had neither
dirk nor cocked hat, although I had applied for them.  He laughed at my
story, and sent me on shore with the master, who bought them, and the
first lieutenant sent up the bill to my father, who paid it, and wrote
to thank him for his trouble.  That morning, the first lieutenant said
to me, "Now, Mr Simple, we'll take the shine off that cocked hat and
dirk of yours.  You will go in the boat with Mr O'Brien, and take care
that none of the men slip away from it and get drunk at the tap."

This was the first time that I had ever been sent away on duty, and I
was very proud of being an officer in charge.  I put on my full uniform,
and was ready at the gangway a quarter of an hour before the men were
piped away.  We were ordered to the dockyard to draw sea-stores.  When
we arrived there, I was quite astonished at the piles of timber, the
ranges of storehouses, and the immense anchors which lay on the wharf.
There was such a bustle, everybody appeared to be so busy, that I wanted
to look every way at once.  Close to where the boat landed, they were
hauling a large frigate out of what they called the basin; and I was so
interested with the sight, that I am sorry to say, I quite forgot all
about the boat's crew, and my orders to look after them.  Two of the
men: belonging to the boat slipped away, and on my return they were not
to be seen, I was very much frightened, for I knew that I had neglected
my duty, and that on the first occasion on which I had been entrusted
with responsible service.  What to do I did not know.  I ran up and down
every part of the dock-yard until I was quite out of breath, asking
every body I met whether they had seen my two men.  Many of them said
that they had seen plenty of men, but did not exactly know mine; some
laughed, and called me a greenhorn.  At last I met a midshipman, who
told me that he had seen two men answering to my description on the roof
of the coach starting for London, and that I must be quick if I wished
to catch them; but he would not stop to answer any more questions.

I was proceeding on very disconsolately, when, as I turned a corner, to
my great delight, I met my two men, who touched their hats and said that
they had been looking for me.  I did not believe that they told the
truth, but I was so glad to recover them, that I did not scold, but went
with them down to the boat, which had been waiting some time for us.
O'Brien, the master's mate, called me a young sculping, a word I had
never heard before.  When we arrived on board, the first lieutenant
asked O'Brien why he had remained so long.  He answered that two of the
men had left the boat, but that I had found them.  The first lieutenant
appeared to be pleased with me, observing, as he had said before, that I
was no fool, and I went down below overjoyed at my good fortune, and
very much obliged to O'Brien for not telling the whole truth.

A day or two afterwards, we had a new messmate of the name of McFoy.  I
was on the quarter-deck when he came on board and presented a letter to
the captain, inquiring first if his name was "Captain Sauvage."  He was
a florid young man, nearly six feet high, with sandy hair, yet very
good-looking.  As his career in the service was very short, I will tell
at once, what I did not find out till some time afterwards.  The captain
had agreed to receive him to oblige a brother officer, who had retired
from the service, and lived in the Highlands of Scotland.  The first
notice which the captain had of the arrival of Mr McFoy, was from a
letter written to him by the young man's uncle.  This amused him so much
that he gave it to the first lieutenant to read: it ran as follows:--

  "GLASGOW, April 25th, 1---.

  "Sir,--Our much esteemed and mutual friend, Captain McAlpine, having
  communicated by letter, dated the 14th inst., your kind intentions
  relative to my nephew, Sholto McFoy (for which you will be pleased to
  accept my best thanks), I write to acquaint you that he is now on his
  way to join your ship, the _Diomede_, and will arrive, God willing,
  twenty-six hours after the receipt of this letter.

  "As I have been given to understand by those who have some
  acquaintance with the service of the King, that his equipment as an
  officer will be somewhat expensive, I have considered it but fair to
  ease your mind as to any responsibility on that score, and have
  therefore enclosed the half of a Bank of England note for ten pounds
  sterling, Number 3742, the other half of which will be duly forwarded
  in a frank promised to me the day after to-morrow.  I beg you will
  make the necessary purchases, and apply the balance, should there be
  any, to his mess account, or any other expenses which you may consider
  warrantable or justifiable.

  "It is at the same time proper to inform you that Sholto had ten
  shillings in his pocket at the time of his leaving Glasgow; the
  satisfactory expenditure of which I have no doubt you will inquire
  into, as it is a large sum to be placed at the discretion of a youth
  only fourteen years and five months old.  I mention his age, as Sholto
  is so tall that you might be deceived by his appearance, and be
  induced to trust to his prudence in affairs of this serious nature.
  Should he at any time require further assistance beyond his pay, which
  I am told is extremely handsome to all King's officers, I beg you to
  consider that any draft of yours, at ten days' sight, to the amount of
  five pounds sterling English, will be duly honoured by the firm of
  Monteith, McKillop, and Company, of Glasgow.  Sir, with many thanks
  for your kindness and consideration,

  "I remain, your most obedient,

  "WALTER MONTEITH."

The letter brought on board by McFoy was to prove his identity.  While
the captain read it, McFoy stared about him like a wild stag.  The
captain welcomed him to the ship, asked him one or two questions,
introduced him to the first lieutenant, and then went on shore.  The
first lieutenant had asked me to dine in the gun-room; I supposed that
he was pleased with me because I had found the men; and when the captain
pulled on shore, he also invited Mr McFoy, when the following
conversation took place.

"Well, Mr McFoy, you have had a long journey; I presume it is the first
that you have ever made."

"Indeed it is, sir," replied McFoy; "and sorely I've been pestered.  Had
I minded all they whispered in my lug as I came along, I had need been
made of money--sax-pence here, sax-pence there, sax-pence everywhere.
Sich extortion I ne'er dreamt of."

"How did you come from Glasgow?"

"By the wheel-boat, or steam-boat, as they ca'd it, to Lunnon: where
they charged me sax-pence for taking my baggage on shore--a wee boxy nae
bigger than yon cocked-up hat.  I would fain carry it mysel', but they
wudna let me."

"How much of your ten-shillings have you left?" inquired the first
lieutenant, smiling.

"Hoot; sir lieutenant, how came you for to ken that?  Eh; it's my uncle
Monteith at Glasgow.  Why, as I sit here, I've but three shillings and a
penny of it left.  But there's a smell here that's no canny; so I'll
just go up again into the fresh air."

When Mr McFoy quitted the gun-room they all laughed very much.  After
he had been a short time on deck he went down into the midshipman's
berth: but he made himself very unpleasant, quarrelling and wrangling
with everybody.  It did not, however, last very long: for he would not
obey any orders that were given him.  On the third day, he quitted the
ship without asking the permission of the first lieutenant; when he
returned on board the following day, the first lieutenant put him under
an arrest, and in charge of the sentry at the cabin door.  During the
afternoon I was under the half-deck, and perceived that he was
sharpening a long clasp-knife upon the after-truck of the gun.  I went
up to him and asked him why he was doing so, and he replied, as his eyes
flashed fire, that it was to avenge the insult offered to the bluid of
McFoy.  His look told me that he was in earnest.

I was very much alarmed, and thought it my duty to state his murderous
intentions, or worse might happen; so I walked up on deck and told the
first lieutenant what McFoy was intending to do.  Mr Falcon laughed,
and shortly afterwards went down on the main-deck.  McFoy's eyes
glistened, and he walked forward to where the first lieutenant was
standing: but the sentry, who had been cautioned by me, kept him back
with his bayonet.  The first lieutenant turned round, and perceiving
what was going on, desired the sentry to see if Mr McFoy had a knife in
his hands; and he had it sure enough, open and held behind his back.  He
was disarmed, and the first lieutenant, perceiving that the lad meant
mischief, reported his conduct to the captain, on his arrival on board.
The captain sent for McFoy, who was very obstinate, and when taxed with
his intentions would not deny it, or even say that he would not again
attempt it; so he was sent on shore immediately, and returned to his
friends in the Highlands.  We never saw any more of him; but I heard
that he obtained a commission in the army, and three months after he had
joined his regiment was killed in a duel, resenting some fancied affront
offered to the bluid of McFoy.



CHAPTER NINE.

WE POST UP TO PORTSDOWN FAIR--CONSEQUENCE OF DISTURBING A LADY AT
SUPPER--SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION AT RANELAGH GARDENS--PASTRY versus
PIETY--MANY ARE BID TO THE FEAST; BUT NOT THE HALT, THE LAME, OR THE
BLIND.

A few days after McFoy quitted the ship, we all had leave from the first
lieutenant to go to Portsdown fair, but he would only allow the oldsters
to sleep on shore.  We anticipated so much pleasure from our excursion
that some of us were up early enough to go away in the boat sent for
fresh beef.  We had our breakfast, and went up George Street, where we
found all sorts of vehicles ready to take us to the fair.  We got into
one which they called a dilly.  I asked the man who drove it why it was
so called, and he replied, because he only charged a shilling.

O'Brien, who had joined us after breakfasting on board, said, that this
answer reminded him of one given to him by a man who attended the
hackney-coach stands in London.

"Pray," said he, "why are you called Waterman?"

"Waterman," replied the man, "vy, sir, 'cause we opens the hackney-coach
doors."

At last, with plenty of whipping, and plenty of swearing, and a great
deal of laughing, the old horse, whose back curved upwards like a bow,
from the difficulty of dragging so many, arrived at the bottom of
Portsdown Hill, where we got out, and walked up to the fair.  There was
Richardson, with a clown and harlequin, and such beautiful women,
dressed in clothes all over gold spangles, dancing reels and waltzes,
and looking so happy!  There was Flint and Gyngell, with fellows
tumbling over head and heels, playing such tricks--eating fire, and
drawing yards of tape out of their mouths.  Then there was the Royal
Circus, all the horses standing in a line, with men and women standing
on their backs, waving flags, while the trumpeters blew their trumpets.
We walked about for an hour or two seeing the outside of everything: we
determined to go and see the inside.  First we went into Richardson's,
where we saw a bloody tragedy, with a ghost and thunder, and afterwards
a pantomime, full of tricks, and tumbling over one another.  Then we saw
one or two other things, I forget what, but this I know, that, generally
speaking, the outside was better than the inside.  After this, feeling
very hungry, we agreed to go into a booth and have something to eat.
The tables were ranged all round, and in the centre there was a boarded
platform for dancing.  The ladies were there all ready dressed for
partners: and the music was so lively, that I felt very much inclined to
dance, but we had agreed to go and see the wild beasts fed at Mr
Polito's menagerie, and as it was now almost eight o'clock, we paid our
bill and set off.  It was a very curious sight, and better worth seeing
than anything in the fair; I never had an idea that there were so many
strange animals in existence.  There was the tapir, a great pig with a
long nose, a variety of the hippopotamus, which the keeper said was an
amphibilious animal, as couldn't live on land, and _dies_ in the water--
however, it seemed to live very well in a cage.  Then there was the
kangaroo with its young ones peeping out of it--a most astonishing
animal.  The keeper said that it brought forth two young ones at a
birth, and then took them into its stomach again, until they arrived at
years of discretion.  Then there was the pelican of the wilderness, with
a large bag under his throat, which the man put on his head as a
night-cap, this bird feeds its young with its own blood--when fish are
scarce.  There were a young elephant and three lions, and several other
animals which I forget now, so I shall go on to describe the tragical
scene which occurred.  The keeper had poked up all the animals, and had
commenced feeding them.  The great lion was growling and snarling over
the shin-bone of an ox, cracking it like a nut, when, by some
mismanagement, one end of the pole upon which the chandelier was
suspended fell down, striking the door of the cage in which the lioness
was at supper, and bursting it open.  It was all done in a second; the
chandelier fell, the cage opened, and the lioness sprang out.  I
remember to this moment seeing the body of the lioness in the air, and
then all was dark as pitch.  What a change! not a moment before all of
us staring with delight and curiosity, and then to be left in darkness,
horror, and dismay!  There was such screaming and shrieking, such crying
and fighting, and pushing, and fainting--nobody knew where to go, or how
to find their way out.  The people crowded first on one side, and then
on the other, as their fears instigated them.  I was very soon jammed up
with my back against the bars of one of the cages, and feeling some
beast lay hold of me behind, made a desperate effort, and succeeded in
climbing up to the cage above, not, however, without losing the seat of
my trowsers, which the laughing hyaena would not let go.  I hardly knew
where I was when I climbed up.  I was surmising what danger I should
next encounter, when to my joy I discovered that I had gained the open
door from which the lioness had escaped.  I crawled in, and pulled the
door to after me, thinking myself very fortunate: and there I sat very
quietly in a corner during the remainder of the noise and confusion.  I
had been there but a few minutes, when the beef-eaters, as they were
called, who played the music outside, came in with torches and loaded
muskets.  No one was seriously hurt.  As for the lioness, she was not to
be found and as soon as it was ascertained that she had escaped, there
was as much terror and scampering away outside, as there had been in the
menagerie.  It appeared afterwards, that the animal had been as much
frightened as we had been, and had secreted herself under one of the
waggons.  It was some time before she could be found.  At last O'Brien,
who was a very brave fellow, went a-head of the beef-eaters, and saw her
eyes glaring.  They borrowed a net or two from the carts which had
brought calves to the fair, and threw them over her.  When she was
fairly entangled, they dragged her by the tail into the menagerie.  All
this while I had remained very quietly in the den, but when I perceived
that its lawful owner had come back to retake possession, I thought it
was time to come out; so I called to my messmates, who, with O'Brien,
were assisting the beef-eaters.  They had not discovered me, and laughed
very much when they saw where I was.  One of the midshipmen shot the
bolt of the door, so that I could not jump out, and then stirred me up
with a long pole.  At last I contrived to unbolt it again, and got out,
when they laughed still more, at the seat of my trowsers being torn off.
It was not exactly a laughing matter to me, although I had to
congratulate myself upon a very lucky escape; and so did my messmates
think, when I narrated my adventures.  O'Brien lent me a dark silk
handkerchief, which I tied round my waist, and let drop behind, so that
my misfortunes might not attract any notice.

We then went to what they called the Ranelagh Gardens to see the
fireworks, which were to be let off at ten o'clock.  It was exactly ten
when we paid for our admission, and we waited very patiently for a
quarter of an hour, but there were no signs of the fireworks being
displayed.  The fact was, that the man to whom the gardens belonged
waited until more company should arrive, although the place was already
very full of people.  Now the first lieutenant had ordered the boat to
wait for us until twelve o'clock, and then return on board; and as we
were seven miles from Portsmouth, we had not much time to spare.  We
waited another quarter of an hour, and then it was agreed that as the
fireworks were stated in the handbill to commence precisely at ten
o'clock, we were fully justified in letting them off ourselves.  O'Brien
went out, and returned with a dozen penny rattans, which he notched in
the end.  The fireworks were on the posts and stages, all ready, and it
was agreed that we should light them all at once, and then mix with the
crowd.  The oldsters lighted cigars, and fixing them in the notched end
of the canes, continued to puff them until they were all well lighted.
They handed one to each of us, and at a signal we all applied them to
the match papers, and as soon as the fire communicated, we threw down
our canes and ran in among the crowd.  In about half a minute, off they
all went in the most beautiful confusion; there were silver stars and
golden stars, blue lights and Catherine-wheels, mines and bombs,
Grecian-fires and Roman-candles, Chinese trees, rockets, and illuminated
mottoes, all firing away, cracking, popping, and fizzing, at the same
time.  We all escaped very cleverly, and taking another dilly, arrived
at Portsmouth, and were down to the boat in good time.

Sunday being a fine day, we all went on shore to church with Mr Falcon,
the first lieutenant.  We liked going to church very much; not, I am
sorry to say, from religious feelings, but for the following reason:--
the first lieutenant sat in a pew below, and we were placed in the
gallery above, where he could not see us, nor indeed could we see him.
We all remained very quiet, and I may say very devout, during the time
of the service; but the clergyman who delivered the sermon was so
tedious, and had such a bad voice, that we generally slipped out as soon
as he went up into the pulpit, and adjourned to a pastrycook's opposite,
to eat cakes and tarts and drink cherry-brandy, which we infinitely
preferred to hearing a sermon.  Somehow or other, the first lieutenant
had scented our proceedings: we believed that the marine officer
informed against us, and this Sunday he served us a pretty trick.  We
had been at the pastry-cook's as usual, and as soon as we perceived the
people coming out of church, we put all our tarts and sweetmeats into
our hats, which we then slipped on our heads, and took our station at
the church door, as if we had just come down from the gallery, and had
been waiting for him.  Instead, however, of appearing at the church
door, he walked up the street, and desired us to follow him to the boat.
The fact was, he had been in the back room at the pastry-cook's
watching our motions through the green blinds.  We had no suspicion, but
thought that he had come out of church a little sooner than usual.  When
we arrived on board and followed him up the side, he said to us as we
came on deck,--"Walk aft, young gentlemen."  We did; and he desired us
to "toe a line," which means to stand in a row.  "Now, Mr Dixon," said
he, "what was the text today?"  As he very often asked us that question,
we always left one in the church until the text was given out, who
brought it to us in the pastrycook's shop, when we all marked it in our
Bibles to be ready if he asked us.  Dixon immediately pulled out his
Bible where he had marked down the leaf and read it.  "O! that was it,"
said Mr Falcon; "you must have remarkably good ears, Mr Dixon, to have
heard the clergyman from the pastry-cook's shop.  Now, gentlemen, hats
off, if you please."  We all slided off our hats, which, as he expected,
were full of pastry.  "Really, gentlemen," said he, feeling the
different papers of pastry and sweetmeats, "I am quite delighted to
perceive that you have not been to church for nothing.  Few come away
with so many good things pressed upon their seat of memory.
Master-at-arms, send all the ship's boys aft."

The boys all came tumbling up the ladders, and the first lieutenant
desired each of them to take a seat upon the carronade slides.  When
they were all stationed, he ordered us to go round with our hats and
request of each his acceptance of a tart, which we were obliged to do,
handing first to one and then to another, until the hats were all empty.
What annoyed me more than all, was the grinning of the boys at their
being served by us like footmen, as well as the ridicule and laughter of
the whole ship's company, who had assembled at the gangways.

When all the pastry was devoured, the first lieutenant said, "There,
gentlemen, now that you have had your lesson for the day, you may go
below."  We could not help laughing ourselves when we went down into the
berth.



CHAPTER TEN.

A PRESS-GANG BEATEN OFF BY ONE WOMAN--DANGERS AT "SPITHEAD" AND
"POINT"--A TREAT FOR BOTH PARTIES, OF "PULLED CHICKEN," AT MY EXPENSE--
ALSO GIN FOR TWENTY--I AM MADE A PRISONER: ESCAPE AND REJOIN MY SHIP.

I must now relate what occurred to me a few days before the ship sailed.
We were reported ready for sea, and the Admiralty was anxious that we
should proceed.  The only obstacle to our sailing was, that we had not
yet completed our complement of men.  The captain applied to the
port-admiral, and obtained permission to send parties on shore to
impress seamen.  The second and third lieutenants, and the oldest
midshipmen, were despatched on shore every night, with some of the most
trustworthy men, and generally brought on board in the morning about
half-a-dozen men, whom they had picked up in the different alehouses or
grog-shops, as the sailors call them.  I had a great wish to be one of
the party before the ship sailed, and asked O'Brien, who was very kind
to me in general, and allowed nobody to thrash me but himself, if he
would take me with him, which he did on the night after I had made the
request.  I put on my dirk, that they might know I was an officer, as
well as for my protection.  About dusk we rowed on shore, and landed on
the Gosport side: the men were all armed with cutlasses, and wore
pea-jackets, which are very short great-coats made of what they call
flushing.  We did not stop to look at any of the grog-shops in the town,
as it was too early; but walked out about three miles in the suburbs,
and went to a house, the door of which was locked, but we forced it open
in a minute, and hastened to enter the passage, where we found the
landlady standing to defend the entrance.  The passage was long and
narrow, and she was a very tall, corpulent woman, so that her body
nearly filled it up, and in her hands she held a long spit pointed at
us, with which she kept us at bay.  The officers, who were the foremost,
did not like to attack a woman, and she made such drives at them with
her spit, that had they not retreated, some of them would soon have been
ready for roasting.  The sailors laughed and stood outside, leaving the
officers to settle the business how they could.  At last, the landlady
called out to her husband, "Be they all out, Jem?"

"Yes," replied the husband, "they be all safe gone."

"Well, then," replied she, "I'll soon have all these gone too;" and with
these words she made such rush forward upon us with her spit, that had
we not fallen back, and tumbled one over another, she certainly would
have run it through the second lieutenant, who commanded the party.  The
passage was cleared in an instant, and as soon as we were all in the
street she bolted us out; so there we were, three officers and fifteen
armed men, fairly beat off by a fat old woman; the sailors who had been
drinking in the house having made their escape to some other place.

We then called at other houses, where we picked up one or two men, but
most of them escaped by getting out at the windows or the back doors, as
we entered the front.  Now there was a grog-shop which was a very
favourite rendezvous of the seamen belonging to the merchant vessels,
and to which they were accustomed to retreat when they heard that the
press-gangs were out.  Our officers were aware of this, and were
therefore indifferent as to the escape of the men, as they knew that
they would all go to that place, and confide in their numbers for
beating us off.  As it was then one o'clock, they thought it time to go
there; we proceeded without any noise, but they had people on the
look-out, and as soon as we turned the corner of the lane the alarm was
given.  I was afraid that they would all run away, and we should lose
them; but, on the contrary, they mustered very strong on that night, and
had resolved to "give fight."  The men remained in the house, but an
advanced guard of about thirty of their wives, saluted us with a shower
of stones and mud.  Some of our sailors were hurt, but they did not
appear to mind what the women did.  They rushed on, and then they were
attacked by the women with their fists and nails.  Notwithstanding this,
the sailors only laughed, pushing the women on one side, and saying, "Be
quiet, Poll;"--"Don't be foolish, Molly;"--"Out of the way, Sukey: we
a'n't come to take away your fancy man;" with expressions of that sort,
although the blood trickled down many of their faces, from the way in
which they had been clawed.  We at length got into the house.  The
seamen of the merchant ships had armed themselves with bludgeons and
other weapons, and had taken a position on the tables.  They were more
than two to one against us, and there was a dreadful fight, as their
resistance was very desperate.  Our sailors were obliged to use their
cutlasses, and for a few minutes I was quite bewildered with the
shouting and swearing, pushing and scuffling, collaring and fighting,
together with the dust raised up, which not only blinded, but nearly
choked me.  By the time that my breath was nearly squeezed out of my
body, our sailors got the best of it, which the landlady and women of
the house perceiving, they put out all the lights, so that I could not
tell where I was; but our sailors had every one seized his man, and
contrived to haul him out of the street door, where they were collected
together, and secured.

Now again I was in great difficulty; I had been knocked down and trod
upon, and when I did contrive to get up again, I did not know the
direction in which the door lay.  I felt about by the wall, and at last
came to a door, for the room at that time was nearly empty, the women
having followed the men out of the house.  I opened it, and found that
it was not the right one, but led into a little side parlour, where
there was a fire, but no lights.  I had just discovered my mistake, and
was about to retreat, when I was shoved in from behind, and the key
turned upon me; there I was, all alone, and, I must acknowledge, very
much frightened, as I thought that the vengeance of the women would be
wreaked upon me.  I peeped through the key-hole, and perceived that the
candles were re-lighted, and that there were only women in the room, who
were talking all at once, and not thinking about me.  But in a minute or
two, a women came in from the street, with her long black hair hanging
about her shoulders, and her cap in her hand.  "Well," cried she,
"they've nabbed my husband; but I'll be dished if I hav'n't boxed up the
midship-mite in that parlour, and he shall take his place."  I thought I
should have died when I looked at the woman, and perceived her coming up
to the door, followed by some others, to unlock it.  As the door opened,
I drew my dirk, resolving to die like an officer, and as they advanced,
I retreated to a corner, brandishing my dirk, without saying a word.
"Vell," cried the woman who had made me a prisoner, "I do declare I
likes to see a puddle in a storm--only look at the little
biscuit-nibbler showing fight!  Come, my lovey, you belongs to me."

"Never!" exclaimed I with indignation.  "Keep off, or I shall do you
mischief" (and I raised my dirk in advance); "I am an officer and a
gentleman."

"Sall," cried the odious woman, "fetch a mop and a pail of dirty water,
and I'll trundle that dirk out of his fist."

"No, no," replied another rather good-looking young woman, "leave him to
me--don't hurt him--he really is a very nice little man.  What's your
name, my dear?"

"Peter Simple is my name," replied I; "and I am a King's officer, so he
careful what you are about."

"Don't be afraid, Peter, nobody shall hurt you; but you must not draw
your dirk before ladies, that's not like an officer and a gentleman--so
put up your dirk, that's a good boy."

"I will not," replied I, "unless you promise me that I shall go away
unmolested."

"I do promise you that you shall, upon my word, but recollect, Peter,
that you are an officer and a gentleman--you surely would not be so
shabby as to go away without treating us.  What money have you got in
your pocket?" and, without giving me time to answer, she felt in my
pocket, and pulled out my purse, which she opened.  "Why, Peter, you are
as rich as a Jew," said she, as they counted thirty shillings on the
table.  "Now what shall we have?"

"Anything you please," said I, "provided that you will let me go."

"Well, then, it shall be a gallon of gin.  Sall, call Mrs Flanagan.
Mrs Flanagan, we want a gallon of gin, and clean glasses."

Mrs Flanagan received the major part of my money, and in a minute
returned with the gin and wine glasses.

"Now, Peter, my cove, let's all draw round the table, and make ourselves
cosy."

"O no," replied I, "take my money, drink the gin, but pray let me go!"
but they wouldn't listen to me.  Then I was obliged to sit down with
them, the gin was poured out, and they made me drink a glass, which
nearly choked me.  It had, however, one good effect, it gave me courage,
and in a minute or two, I felt as if I could fight them all.  The door
of the room was on the same side as the fire-place, and I perceived that
the poker was between the bars, and red-hot.  I complained that it was
cold, although I was in a burning fever; and they allowed me to get up
to warm my hands.  As soon as I reached the fire-place, I snatched out
the red-hot poker; and brandishing it over my head, made for the door.
They all jumped up to detain me, but I made a poke at the foremost,
which made her run back with a shriek.  (I do believe that I burnt her
nose.)  I seized my opportunity, and escaped into the street, whirling
the poker round my head, while all the women followed, hooting and
shouting after me.  I never stopped running and whirling my poker until
I was reeking with perspiration, and the poker was quite cold.  Then I
looked back, and found that I was alone.  It was very dark; every house
was shut up, and not a light to be seen anywhere.  I stopped at the
corner, not knowing where I was, or what I was to do.  I felt very
miserable indeed, and was reflecting on my wisest plan, when who should
turn the corner, but one of the quarter-masters, who had been left on
shore by accident.  I knew him by his pea-jacket and straw hat to be one
of our men, and I was delighted to see him.  I told him what had
happened, and he replied that he was going to a house where the people
knew him, and would let him in.  When we arrived there, the people of
the house were very civil; the landlady made us some purl, which the
quartermaster ordered, and which I thought very good indeed.  After we
had finished the jug, we both fell asleep in our chairs.  I did not
awaken until I was roused by the quarter-master, at past seven o'clock,
when we took a wherry, and went off to the ship.



CHAPTER ELEVEN.

O'BRIEN TAKES ME UNDER HIS PROTECTION--THE SHIP'S COMPANY ARE PAID, SO
ARE THE BUMBOAT-WOMEN, THE JEWS, AND THE EMANCIPATIONIST AFTER A
FASHION--WE GO TO SEA--"DOCTOR" O'BRIEN'S CURE FOR SEA-SICKNESS--ONE
PILL OF THE DOCTOR'S MORE THAN A DOSE.

When we arrived, I reported myself to the first lieutenant, and told him
the whole story of the manner in which I had been treated, showing him
the poker which I brought on board with me.  He heard me very patiently,
and then said, "Mr Simple, you maybe the greatest fool of your family
for all I know to the contrary, but never pretend to be a fool with me.
That poker proves the contrary; and if your wit can serve you upon your
own emergency, I expect that it will be employed for the benefit of the
service."  He then sent for O'Brien, and gave him a lecture for allowing
me to go with the press-gang, pointing out, what was very true, that I
could have been of no service, and might have met with a serious
accident.

At last the frigate was full manned; and, as we had received drafts of
men from other ships, we were ordered to be paid previously to our going
to sea.  The people on shore always find out when a ship is to be paid,
and very early in the morning we were surrounded with wherries, laden
with Jews and other people, some requesting admittance to sell their
goods, others to get paid for what they had allowed the sailors to take
up upon credit.  But the first lieutenant would not allow any of them to
come on board until after the ship was paid; although they were so
urgent, that he was forced to place sentries in the chains with cold
shot, to stave the boats if they came alongside.  About eleven o'clock
the dock-yard boat, with all the pay clerks and the cashier, with his
chest of money, came on board, and was shown into the fore-cabin, where
the captain attended the pay-table.  The men were called in, one by one,
and as the amount and wages due had been previously calculated, they
were paid very fast.  The money was always received in their hats, after
it had been counted out in the presence of the officers and captain.
Outside the cabin door, there stood a tall man in black, with hair
straight combed, who had obtained an order from the port-admiral to be
permitted to come on board.  He attacked every sailor as he came out,
with his money in his hat, for a subscription to emancipate the slaves
in the West Indies; but the sailors would not give him anything,
swearing that the niggers were better off than they were; for they did
not work harder by day, and had no watch and watch to keep during the
night.  "Sarvitude is sarvitude all over the world, my old
psalm-singer," replied one.  "They sarve their masters, as in duty
bound; we sarve the King, 'cause he can't do without us--and he never
axes our leave, but helps himself."

Then the purser's steward came out; he was what they call a bit of a
lawyer, that is, had received more education than the seamen in general.

"I trust, sir," said the man in black, "that you will contribute
something."

"Not I, my hearty; I owe every farthing of my money, and more too, I'm
afraid."

"Still, sir, a small trifle."

"Why, what an infernal rascal you must be, to ask a man to give away
what is not his own property!  Did I not tell you that I owed it all?
There's an old proverb--Be just before you're generous.  Now, it's my
opinion, that you are a methodistical, good-for-nothing blackguard; and
if any one is such a fool as to give you money, you will keep it for
yourself."

When the man found that he could obtain nothing at the door, he went
down on the lower deck, and commenced distributing prints of a black man
kneeling in chains and saying, "Am not I your brother?"  Some of the men
laughed, and swore that they would paste their brother up in the mess to
say prayers for the ship's company; but others were very angry, and
abused him.  At last, one man, who was tipsy, came up to him.  "Do you
pretend for to insinivate that this crying black thief is my brother?"

"To be sure I do," replied the methodist.

"Then take that for your infernal lie," said the sailor, hitting him in
the face right and left, and knocking the man down into the cable tier,
from whence he climbed up, and made his escape out of the frigate as
soon as he was able.

The ship was now in a state of confusion and uproar; there were Jews
trying to sell clothes, or to obtain money for clothes which they had
sold; bumboat men and bumboat women showing their long bills, and
demanding or coaxing for payment; other people from the shore, with
hundreds of small debts; and the sailors' wives, sticking close to them,
and disputing every bill presented, as an extortion or a robbery.  There
were such bawling and threatening, laughing and crying--for the women
were all to quit the ship before sunset--at one moment a Jew was upset,
and all his hamper of clothes tossed into the hold; at another, a sailor
was seen hunting everywhere for a Jew who had cheated him--all
squabbling or skylarking, and many of them very drunk.  It appeared to
me that the sailors had rather a difficult point to settle.  They had
three claimants upon them, the _Jew_ for clothes, the bumboat men for
their mess in harbour, and their wives for their support during their
absence; and the money which they received was, generally speaking, not
more than sufficient to meet one of the demands.  As it may be supposed,
the women had the best of it; the others were paid a trifle, and
promised the remainder when they came back from their cruise.  About
five o'clock, the orders were given for the ship to be cleared.  All
disputed points were settled by the sergeant of marines with a party,
who divided their antagonists from the Jews; and every description of
persons not belonging to the ship, whether male or female, was dismissed
over the side.  The hammocks were piped down, those who were intoxicated
were put to bed, and the ship was once more quiet.

The next day everything was prepared for sea, and no leave was permitted
to the officers.  Stock of every kind was brought on board, and the
large boats hoisted and secured.  On the morning after, at day-light, a
signal from the flag-ship in harbour was made for us to unmoor; our
orders had come down to cruise in the Bay of Biscay.  The captain came
on board, the anchor weighed, and we ran through the Needles with a fine
NE breeze.  What occurred for the next six days I cannot tell.  I
thought that I should die every moment, and lay in my hammock or on the
chests for the whole of that time, incapable of eating, drinking, or
walking about.  O'Brien came to me on the seventh morning, and said,
that if I did not exert myself I never should get well, that he was very
fond of me, and had taken me under his protection, and to prove his
regard, he would do for me what he would not take the trouble to do for
any other youngster in the ship, which was, to give me a good basting,
which was a sovereign remedy for sea-sickness.  He suited the action to
the word, and drubbed me on the ribs without mercy, until I thought the
breath was out of my body, and then he took out a rope's end and
thrashed me until I obeyed his orders to go on deck immediately.  Before
he came to me, I could never have believed it possible that I could have
obeyed him; but somehow or another I did contrive to crawl up the ladder
to the main-deck, where I sat down on the shot-racks and cried bitterly.
But, by degrees, I recovered myself, and certainly felt a great deal
better, and that night I slept very soundly.  The next morning O'Brien
came to me again.  "It's a nasty slow fever, that sea-sickness, my
Peter, and we must drive it out of you;" and then he commenced a
repetition of yesterday's remedy until I was almost a jelly.  Whether
the fear of being thrashed drove away my sea-sickness, or whatever might
be the real cause of it, I do not know, but this is certain, that I felt
no more of it after the second beating, and the next morning, when I
awoke, I was very hungry.  I hastened to dress myself before O'Brien
came to me, and did not see him until we met at breakfast.

"Pater," said he, "let me feel your pulse."

"O no!" replied I, "indeed I'm quite well."

"Quite well!  Can you eat biscuit and salt butter?"

"Yes, I can."

"And a piece of fat pork?"

"Yes, that I can."

"It's thanks to me then, Pater," replied he, "so you'll have no more of
my medicine until you fall sick again."

"I hope not," replied I, "for it was not very pleasant."

"Pleasant! you simple Simon, when did you ever hear of physic being
pleasant, unless a man prescribe for himself?  I suppose you'd be after
lollipops for the yellow fever.  Live and larn, boy, and thank Heaven
that you've found somebody who loves you well enough to baste you when
it's good for your health."

I held my tongue and ate a very hearty breakfast.  From that day I
returned to my duty, and was put into the same watch with O'Brien, who
spoke to the first lieutenant, and told him that he had taken me under
his charge.



CHAPTER TWELVE.

NEW THEORY OF MR. MUDDLE REMARKABLE FOR HAVING NO END TO IT--NOVEL
PRACTICE OF MR. CHUCKS--O'BRIEN COMMENCES HIS HISTORY--I BRING UP THE
MASTER'S NIGHT-GLASS.

As I have already mentioned sufficient of the captain and the first
lieutenant to enable the reader to gain an insight into their
characters, I shall now mention two very odd personages who were my
shipmates, the carpenter and the boatswain.  The carpenter, whose name
was Muddle, used to go by the appellation of Philosopher Chips; not that
he followed any particular school, but had formed a theory of his own,
from which he was not to be dissuaded.  This was, that the universe had
its cycle of events which turned round, so that in a certain period of
time everything was to happen over again.  I never could make him
explain upon what data his calculations were founded; he said, that if
he explained it, I was too young to comprehend it; but the fact was
this, that "in 27,672 years everything that was going on now would be
going on again, with the same people as were existing at this present
time."  He very seldom ventured to make the remark to Captain Savage,
but to the first lieutenant he did very often.  "I've been as close to
it as possible, sir, I do assure you, although you find fault; but
27,672 years ago you were first lieutenant of this ship, and I was
carpenter, although we recollect nothing about it; and 27,672 years
hence we shall both be standing by this boat, talking about the repairs,
as we are now."

"I do not doubt it, Mr Muddle," replied the first lieutenant; "I dare
say that it is all very true, but the repairs must be finished this
night, and 27,672 years hence you will have the order just as positive
as you have it now, so let it be done."

But the boatswain was a more amusing personage.  He was considered to be
the _taughtest_ (that is, the most active and severe) boatswain in the
service.  He went by the name of "Gentleman Chucks"--the latter was his
surname.  He appeared to have received half an education; sometimes his
language was for a few sentences remarkably well chosen, but, all of a
sudden, he would break down at a hard word; but I shall be able to let
the reader into more of his history as I go on with my adventures.  He
had a very handsome person, inclined to be stout, keen eyes, and hair
curling in ringlets.  He held his head up, and strutted as he walked.
He declared that "an officer should look like an officer, and _comport_
himself accordingly."  In his person he was very clean, wore rings on
his great fingers, and a large frill to his bosom, which stuck out like
the back fin of a perch, and the collar of his shirt was always pulled
up to a level with his cheek bones.  He never appeared on deck without
his "persuader," which was three rattans twisted into one, like a cable;
sometimes he called it his Order of the Bath, or his Tri_o_ junct_o_ in
uno; and this persuader was seldom idle.  He attempted to be very
polite, even when addressing the common seamen, and, certainly, he
always commenced his observations to them in a very gracious manner,
but, as he continued, he became less choice in his phraseology.  As a
specimen of them, he would say to the man on the forecastle, "Allow me
to observe, my dear man, in the most delicate way in the world, that you
are spilling that tar upon the deck--a deck, sir, if I may venture to
make the observation, I had the duty of seeing holystoned this morning.
You understand me, sir, you have defiled His Majesty's forecastle.  I
must do my duty, sir, if you neglect yours; so take that--and that--and
that,"--(thrashing the man with his rattan)--"you damned haymaking son
of a seacook.  Do it again, damn your eyes, and I'll cut your liver
out."

The master was the officer who had charge of the watch to which I was
stationed; he was a very rough sailor, who had been brought up in the
merchant service, not much of a gentleman in his appearance, very
good-tempered, and very fond of grog.  He always quarrelled with the
boatswain, and declared that the service was going to the devil, now
that warrant officers put on white shirts, and wore frills to them.  But
the boatswain did not care for him; he knew his duty, he did his duty,
and if the captain was satisfied, he said that the whole ship's company
might grumble.  The master was very kind to me, and used to send me down
to my hammock before my watch was half over.  Until that time, I walked
the deck with O'Brien, who was a very pleasant companion, and taught me
everything that he could, connected with my profession.  One night, when
he had the middle watch, I told him I should like very much if he would
give me the history of his life.  "That I will, my honey," replied he,
"all that I can remember of it, though I have no doubt but that I've
forgotten the best part of it.  It's now within five minutes of two
bells, so we'll heave the log and mark the board, and then I'll spin you
a yarn, which will keep us both from going to sleep."  O'Brien reported
the rate of sailing to the master, marked it down on the log-board, and
then returned.

"So now, my boy, I'll come to an anchor on the top-sail halyard rack,
and you may squeeze your thread-paper little carcass under my lee, and
then I'll tell you all about it.  First and foremost, you must know that
I am descended from the great O'Brien Borru, who was a king in his time,
but that time's past.  I suppose, as the world turns round, my
children's children's posterity may be kings again, although there seems
but little chance of it just now; but there's ups and downs on a grand
scale, as well as in a man's own history, and the wheel of fortune keeps
turning for the comfort of those who are at the lowest spoke, as I may
be just now.  To cut the story a little shorter, I skip down to my
great-grandfather, who lived like a real gentleman, as he was, upon his
ten thousand a year.  At last he died, and eight thousand of the ten was
buried with him.  My grandfather followed his father all in good course
of time, and only left my father about one hundred acres of bog to keep
up the dignity of the family.  I am the youngest of ten, and devil a
copper have I but my pay, or am I likely to have.  You may talk about
_descent_, but a more _descending_ family than mine was never in
existence, for here am I with twenty-five pounds a-year, and a half-pay
of `nothing a-day, and find myself,' when my great ancestor did just
what he pleased with all Ireland, and everybody in it.  Father McGrath,
the priest, who lived with my father, taught me the elements, as they
call them.  I thought I had enough of the elements then, but I've seen a
deal more of them since.  `Terence,' says my father to me one day, `what
do you mane to do?'  `To get my dinner, sure,' replied I, for I was not
a little hungry.  `And so you shall to-day, my vourneen,' replied my
father, `but in future you must do something to get your own dinner;
there's not praties enow for the whole of ye.  Will you go to the
_say_?'  `I'll just step down and look at it,' says I, for we lived but
sixteen Irish miles from the coast; so when I had finished my meal,
which did not take long, for want of ammunition, I trotted down to the
Cove to see what a ship might be like, and I happened upon a large one
sure enough, for there lay a three-decker with an admiral's flag at the
fore.  `Maybe you'll be so civil as to tell me what ship that is,' said
I to a sailor on the pier.  `It's the _Queen Charlotte_,' replied he,
`of one hundred and twenty guns.'  Now when I looked at her size, and
compared her with all the little smacks and hoys lying about her, I very
naturally asked how old she was; he replied, that she was no more than
three years old.  `But three years old,' thought I to myself; `it's a
fine vessel you'll be when you'll come of age, if you grow at that rate:
you'll be as tall as the top of Bencrow,' (that's a mountain we have in
our parts).  I went back to my father, and told him all I had seen, and
he replied, that if I liked it, I might be a midshipman on board of her,
with nine hundred men under my command.  He forgot to say how many I
should have over me, but I found that out afterwards.  I agreed, and my
father ordered his pony and went to the lord lieutenant, for he had
interest enough for that.  The lord lieutenant spoke to the admiral, who
was staying at the palace, and I was ordered on board as midshipman.  My
father fitted me out pretty handsomely, telling all the tradesmen that
their bills should be paid with my first prize-money, and thus, by
promises and blarney, he got credit for all I wanted.  At last all was
ready: Father McGrath gave me his blessing, and told me that if I died
like an O'Brien, he would say a power of masses for the good of my soul.
So, after a deal of bother, I was fairly on board, and I parted company
with my chest, for I stayed on deck, and that went down below.  I stared
about with all my eyes for some time, when who should be coming off but
the captain, and the officers were ordered on deck to receive him.  I
wanted to have a quiet survey of him, so I took up my station on one of
the guns, that I might examine him at my leisure.  The boatswain
whistled, the marines presented arms, and the officers all took off
their hats as the captain came on the deck, and then the guard was
dismissed, and they all walked about the deck as before; but I found it
very pleasant to be astride on the gun, so I remained where I was.
`What do you mane by that, you big young scoundrel?' says he, when he
saw me.  `It's nothing at all I mane,' replied I; `but what do you mane
by calling an O'Brien a scoundrel?'  `Who is he?' said the captain to
the first lieutenant.  `Mr O'Brien, who joined the ship about an hour
since.'  `Don't you know better than to sit upon a gun?' said the
captain.  `To be sure I do,' replied I, `when there's anything better to
sit upon.'  `He knows no better, sir,' observed the first lieutenant.
`Then he must be taught,' replied the captain.  `Mr O'Brien, since you
have perched yourself on that gun to please yourself, you will now
continue there for two hours to please me.  Do you understand, sir?
you'll ride on that gun for two hours.'  `I understand, sir,' replied I;
`but I am afraid that he won't move without spurs, although there's
plenty of _metal_ in him.'  The captain turned away and laughed as he
went into his cabin, and all the officers laughed, and I laughed too,
for I perceived no great hardship in sitting down an hour or two, any
more than I do now.  Well, I soon found that, like a young bear, all my
troubles were to come.

"I got into a scrape just before we left harbour.  It was my watch when
they piped to dinner, and I took the liberty to run below, as my
messmates had a knack of forgetting absent friends.  Well, the captain
came on board, and there were no side boys, no side ropes, and no
officers to receive him, he came on deck foaming with rage, for his
dignity was hurt, and he inquired who was the midshipman of the watch.
`Mr O'Brien,' said they all.  `Devil a bit,' replied I, `it was my
forenoon watch.'  `Who relieved you, sir?' said the first lieutenant.
`Devil a soul, sir,' replied I; `for they were all too busy with their
pork and beef.'  `Then why did you leave the deck without relief?'
`Because, sir, my stomach would have had but little relief if I had
remained.'  The captain, who stood by, said, `Do you see those
cross-trees, sir?'  `Is it those little bits of wood that you mane, on
the top there, captain?'  `Yes, sir; now just go up there and stay until
I call you down: You must be brought up to your senses, young man, or
you'll have but little prospect in the service.'  `I've an idea that
I'll have plenty of prospect when I get up there,' replied I, `but it's
all to please you.'  So up I went, as I have many a time since, and as
you often will, Peter, just to enjoy the fresh air and your own pleasant
thoughts, all at one and the same time.

"The first time that I put my foot on shore was at Minorca.  Several of
us went on shore, and having dined upon a roast turkey, stuffed with
plum-pudding, and having drunk as much wine as would float a jolly-boat,
we ordered donkeys, to take a little equestrian exercise.  Some went off
tail on end, some with their hind-quarters uppermost, and then the
riders went off instead of the donkeys; some wouldn't go off at all; as
for mine he would go--and where the devil do you think he went?  Why,
into the church, where all the people were at mass; the poor brute was
dying with thirst, and smelt water.  As soon as he was in,
notwithstanding all my tugging and hauling, he ran his nose into the
holy-water font, and drank it all up.  They rose up from their knees and
seized me, calling upon all the saints in the calendar.  Although I knew
what they meant, not a word of their lingo could I speak, to plead for
my life, and I was almost torn to pieces before the priest came up.
Perceiving the danger I was in, I wiped my finger across the wet nose of
the donkey, crossed myself, and then went down on my knees to the
priests, crying out _Culpa mea_, as all good Catholics do--though 'twas
no fault of mine, as I said before, for I tried all I could, and tugged
at the brute till my strength was gone.  The priests perceived by the
manner in which I crossed myself that I was a good Catholic, and guessed
that it was all a mistake of the donkey's.  They ordered the crowd to be
quiet, and sent for an interpreter, when I explained the whole story.
They gave me absolution for what the donkey had done, and after that, as
it was very rare to meet an English officer who was a good Christian, I
was in great favour during my stay at Minorca, and was living in plenty,
paying for nothing, and as happy as a cricket.  So the jackass proved a
very good friend, and, to reward him, I hired him every day, and
galloped him all over the island.  But, at last, it occurred to me that
I had broken my leave, for I was so happy on shore that I quite forgot
that I had only permission for twenty-four hours, and I should not have
remembered it so soon, had it not been for a party of marines, headed by
a sergeant, who took me by the collar, and dragged me off my donkey.  I
was taken on board, and put under an arrest for my misconduct."

"Sail on the starboard-bow!" cried the look-out man.

"Very well," replied the master; "Mr O'Brien,--where's Mr O'Brien?"

"Is it me you mane, sir?" said O'Brien, walking up to the master, for he
had sat down so long in the topsail-halyard rack, that he was wedged in,
and could not get out immediately.

"Yes, sir; go forward, and see what that vessel is."

"Ay, ay, sir," said O'Brien.  "And, Mr Simple," continued the master,
"go down and bring me up my night-glass."

"Yes, sir," replied I.  I had no idea of a night-glass; and as I
observed that about this time his servant brought him up a glass of
grog, I thought it very lucky that I knew what he meant.

"Take care that you don't break it, Mr Simple."

"O then, I'm all right," thought I; "he means the tumbler:" so down I
went, called up the gunroom steward, and desired him to give me a glass
of grog for Mr Doball.  The steward tumbled out in his shirt, mixed the
grog, and gave it to me, and I carried it up very carefully to the
quarter-deck.

During my absence, the master had called the captain, and in pursuance
of his orders, O'Brien had called the first lieutenant, and when I came
up the ladder, they were both on deck.  As I was ascending I heard the
master say, "I have sent young Simple down for my night-glass, but he is
so long, that I suppose he has made some mistake.  He's but half a
fool."

"That I deny," replied Mr Falcon, the first lieutenant, just as I put
my foot on the quarter-deck; "he's no fool."

"Perhaps not," replied the master.  "O, here he is.  What made you so
long, Mr Simple--where is my night-glass?"

"Here it is, sir," replied I, handing him the tumbler of grog; "I told
the steward to make it stiff."  The captain and the first lieutenant
burst out into a laugh--for Mr Doball was known to be very fond of
grog; the former walked aft to conceal his mirth; but the latter
remained.  Mr Doball was in a great rage.  "Did I not say that the boy
was half a fool?" cried he to the first lieutenant.  "At all events,
I'll not allow that he has proved himself so in this instance," replied
Mr Falcon, "for he has hit the right nail on the head."  Then the first
lieutenant joined the captain, and they both went off laughing.  "Put it
on the capstan, sir," said Mr Doball to me, in an angry voice.  "I'll
punish you by-and-by."  I was very much astonished; I hardly knew
whether I had done right or wrong; at all events, thought I to myself, I
did for the best; so I put it on the capstan, and walked to my own side
of the deck.  The captain and first lieutenant then went below, and
O'Brien came aft.

I told him what had occurred, and how the master was angry with me.
O'Brien laughed very heartily, and told me never to mind, but to keep in
the lee-scuppers and watch him.  "A glass of grog is a bait that he'll
play round till he gorges.  When you see it to his lips, go up to him
boldly, and ask his pardon, if you have offended him, and then, if he's
a good Christian, as I believe him to be, he'll not refuse it."

I thought this was very good advice, and I waited under the bulwark on
the lee-side.  I observed that the master made shorter and shorter turns
every time, till at last he stopped at the capstan and looked at the
grog.  He waited about half a minute, and then he took up the tumbler,
and drank about half of it.  It was very strong, and he stopped to take
breath.  I thought that this was the right time, and I went up to him.
The tumbler was again to his lips, and before he saw me, I said, "I hope
sir, you'll forgive me; I never heard of a night telescope, and knowing
that you had walked so long, I thought you were tired, and wanted
something to drink to refresh you."

"Well, Mr Simple," said he, after he had finished the glass, with a
deep sigh of pleasure, "as you meant kindly, I shall let you off this
time; but recollect, that whenever you bring me a glass of grog again,
it must not be in the presence of the captain or first lieutenant."

At last our watch was over, and about two bells I was relieved by the
midshipman of the next watch.  It is very unfair not to relieve in time,
but if I said a word, I was certain to be thrashed the next day upon
some pretence or another.  On the other hand, the midshipman whom I
relieved was also much bigger than I was, and if I was not up before one
bell, I was cut down and thrashed by him: so that between the two I kept
much more than my share of the watch, except when the master sent me to
bed before it was over.



CHAPTER THIRTEEN.

THE FIRST LIEUTENANT PRESCRIBES FOR ONE OF HIS PATIENTS, HIS
PRESCRIPTIONS CONSISTING OF "DRAUGHTS" ONLY--O'BRIEN FINISHES THE
HISTORY OF HIS LIFE, IN WHICH THE PROVERB OF "THE MORE THE MERRIER" IS
SADLY DISPROVED--"SHIPPING" A NEW PAIR OF BOOTS CAUSES THE "UNSHIPPING"
OF THEIR OWNER--WALKING HOME AFTER A BALL; O'BRIEN MEETS WITH AN
ACCIDENT.

The next morning I was on deck at seven bells, to see the hammocks
stowed, when I was witness to Mr Falcon, the first lieutenant, having
recourse to one of his remedies to cure a mizen-top-boy of smoking, a
practice to which he had a great aversion.  He never interfered with the
men smoking in the galley, or chewing tobacco; but he prevented the
boys, that is, lads under twenty or thereabouts, from indulging in the
habit too early.  The first lieutenant smelt the tobacco as the boy
passed him on the quarter-deck.  "Why, Neill, you have been smoking,"
said the first lieutenant.  "I thought you were aware that I did not
permit such lads as you to use tobacco."

"If you please, sir," replied the mizen-top-boy, touching his hat, "I'se
got worms, and they say that smoking be good for them."

"Good for them!" said the first lieutenant; "yes, very good for them but
very bad for you.  Why, my good fellow, they'll thrive upon tobacco
until they grow as large as conger eels.  Heat is what the worms are
fond of; but cold--cold will kill them.  Now I'll cure you.
Quarter-master, come here.  Walk this boy up and down the weather
gangway, and every time you get forward abreast of the main-tack block,
put his mouth to windward, squeeze him sharp by the nape of the neck
until he opens his mouth wide, and there keep him and let the cold air
blow down his throat, while you count ten; then walk him aft, and when
you are forward again proceed as before.--Cold kills worms, my poor boy,
not tobacco--I wonder that you are not dead by this time."

A few nights afterwards, when we had the middle watch, O'Brien proceeded
with his story.

"Where was it that I left off?"

"You left off at the time that you were taken out of confinement."

"So I did, sure enough; and it was with no goodwill that I went to my
duty.  However, as there was no help for it, I walked up and down the
deck as before, with my hands in my pockets, thinking of old Ireland,
and my great ancestor, Brien Borru.  And so I went on behaving myself
like a real gentleman, and getting into no more scrapes, until the fleet
put into the Cove of Cork, and I found myself within a few miles of my
father's house.  You may suppose that the anchor had hardly kissed the
mud before I went to the first lieutenant and asked leave to go on
shore.  Now the first lieutenant was not in the sweetest of tempers,
seeing as how the captain had been hauling him over the coals for not
carrying on the duty according to his satisfaction.  So he answered me
very gruffly, that I should not leave the ship.  `O bother!' said I to
myself, `this will never do.'  So up I walked to the captain, and
touching my hat, reminded him that `I had a father and mother, and a
pretty sprinkling of brothers and sisters, who were dying to see me, and
that I hoped that he would give me leave.'  `Ax the first lieutenant,'
said he turning away.  `I have, sir,' replied I, `and he says that the
devil a bit shall I put my foot on shore.'  `Have you any fault to find
with Mr O'Brien?' said the captain to the first lieutenant, as he came
aft.  `No more than I have with midshipmen in general; but I believe it
is not the custom for officers to ask leave to go on shore before the
sails are furled and the yards squared.'  `Very true,' replied the
captain; `therefore, Mr O'Brien, you must wait until the watch is
called, and then, if you ask the first lieutenant, I have no doubt but
you will have leave granted to you to go and see your friends.'

"I thought myself very clever in this business, but I was never a
greater fool in my life; for there was no such hurry to have gone on
shore, and the first lieutenant never forgave me for appealing to the
captain--but of that by-and-bye, and all in good time.  At last I
obtained a grumbling assent to my going on shore, and off I went like a
sky rocket.  Being in a desperate hurry, I hired a jaunting car to take
me to my father's house.  `Is it the O'Brien of Ballyhinch that you
mane?' inquired the spalpeen who drove the horse.  `Sure it is,' replied
I; `and how is he, and all the noble family of the O'Briens?'  `All well
enough, bating the boy Tim, who caught a bit of confusion in his head
the other night at the fair, and now lies at home in bed quite
insensible to mate or drink; but the doctors give hopes of his recovery,
as all the O'Briens are known to have such thick heads.'  `What do mane
by that, bad manners to you?' said I; `but poor Tim--how did it happen--
was there a fight?'  `Not much of a fight--only a bit of a skrummage--
three crowner's inquests, no more.'  `But you are not going the straight
road, you thief,' said I, seeing that he had turned off to the left.
`Is your honour in a hurry to get home?  Then I'll be thinking they'll
not be in such a hurry to see you.'  `And who told you that my name was
O'Brien, you baste?--and do you dare to say that my friends won't be
glad to see me?'  `Plase your honour, it's all an idea of mine--so say
no more about it.  Only this I know; Father McGrath, who gives me
absolution, tould me the other day that I ought to pay him and not run
in debt, and then run away, like Terence O'Brien, who went to say
without paying for his shirts, and his shoes, and his stockings, nor
anything else, and who would live to be hanged, as sure as St. Patrick
swam over the Liffey with his head under his arm.'  `Bad luck to that
Father McGrath,' cried I; `devil burn me, but I'll be revenged upon
him!'

"By that time we had arrived at the door of my father's house.  I paid
the rapparee, and in I popped.  There was my father and mother, and all
my brothers and sisters (bating Tim, who was in bed sure enough, and
died next day), and that baste, Father McGrath, to boot.  When my mother
saw me she ran to me and hugged me as she wept on my neck, and then she
wiped her eyes and sat down again; but nobody else said, `How d'ye do?'
or opened their mouths to me.  I said to myself, `Sure there's some
trifling mistake here,' but I held my tongue.  At last they all opened
their mouths with a vengeance.  My father commenced--`Ar'n't you ashamed
on yourself, Terence O'Brien?'--`Ar'n't you ashamed on yourself, Terence
O'Brien?' cried Father McGrath.  `Ar'n't you ashamed on yourself?' cried
out all my brothers and sisters in full chorus, whilst my poor mother
put her apron to her eyes and said nothing.  `The devil a bit for
myself, but very much ashamed for you all,' replied I, `to treat me in
this manner.  What's the meaning of all this?'  `Haven't they seized my
two cows to pay for your toggery, you spalpeen?' cried my father.
`Haven't they taken the hay to pay for your shoes and stockings?' cried
Father McGrath.  `Haven't they taken the pig to pay for that ugly hat of
yours?' cried my eldest sister.  `And haven't they taken my hens to pay
for that dirk of yours?' cried another.  `And all our best furniture to
pay for your white shirts and black cravats?' cried Murdock, my brother.
`And haven't we been starved to death ever since?' cried they all.
`Och hone!' said my mother.  `The devil they have!' said I, when they'd
all done.  `Sure I'm sorry enough, but it's no fault of mine.  Father,
didn't you send me to say?'  `Yes, you rapparee; but didn't you
promise--or didn't I promise for you, which is all one and the same
thing--that you'd pay it all back with your prize-money--and where is
it? answer that, Terence O'Brien.'  `Where is it, father?  I'll tell
you--it's where next Christmas is--coming, but not come yet.'

"`Terence O'Brien,' said Father McGrath, `its absolution that you'll be
wanting to-morrow, after all your sins and enormities; and the devil a
bit shall you have--take that now.'

"`Father McGrath,' replied I very angrily, `it's no absolution that I'll
want from you, any how--take that now.'

"`Then you have had your share of heaven; for I'll keep you out of it,
you wicked monster!' said Father McGrath--`take that now.'

"`If it's no better than a midshipman's berth,' replied I, `I'd just as
soon stay out; but I'll creep in in spite of you--take that now, Father
McGrath.'

"`And who is to save your soul, and send you to heaven, if I don't, you
wicked wretch? but I'll see you damned first--so take that now, Terence
O'Brien.'

"`Then I'll turn Protestant and damn the Pope--take that now, Father
McGrath.'

"At this last broadside of mine, my father and all my brothers and
sisters raised a cry of horror, and my mother burst into tears.  Father
McGrath seized hold of the pot of holy water, and dipping in the little
whisk, began to sprinkle the room, saying a Latin prayer, while they all
went on squalling at me.  At last, my father seized the stool, which he
had been seated upon, and threw it at my head.  I dodged, and it knocked
down Father McGrath, who had just walked behind me in full song.  I knew
that it was all over after that, so I sprang over his carcase and gained
the door.  `Good morning to ye all, and better manners to you next time
we meet,' cried I, and off I set as fast as I could for the ship.

"I was very sorry for what I had said to the priest, for my conscience
thumped me very hard at having even pretended that I'd turn Protestant,
which I never intended to do, nor never will, but live and die a good
Catholic, as all my posterity have done before me, and, as I trust, all
my ancestors will for generations to come.  Well, I arrived on board,
and the first lieutenant was very savage.  I hoped he would get over it,
but he never did; and he continued to treat me so ill, that I determined
to quit the ship, which I did as soon as we arrived in Cawsand Bay.  The
captain allowed me to go, for I told him the whole truth of the matter,
and he saw that it was true; so he recommended me to the captain of a
jackass frigate, who was in want of midshipmen."

"What do you mean by a jackass frigate?" inquired I.

"I mean one of your twenty-eight-gun ships, so called, because there is
as much difference between them and a real frigate, like the one we are
sailing in, as there is between a donkey and a race-horse.  Well, the
ship was no sooner brought down to the dock-yard to have her ballast
taken in, than our captain came down to her--a little, thin, spare man,
but a man of weight nevertheless, for he brought a great pair of scales
with him, and weighed everything that was put on board.  I forget his
real name, but the sailors christened him Captain Avoirdupois.  He had a
large book, and in it he inserted the weight of the ballast, and of the
shot, water, provisions, coals, standing and running rigging, cables,
and everything else.  But I didn't remain long; for one day I brought on
board a pair of new boots, which I forgot to report, that they might be
put into the scales, which swung on the gangway; and whether the captain
thought that they would sink his ship, or for what I cannot tell, but he
ordered me to quit her immediately--so there I was adrift again.

"One day I was in the dock-yard, looking at a two-decker in the basin,
just brought forward for service, and I inquired who was to be the
captain.  They told me that his name was O'Connor.  Then he's a
countryman of mine, thought I, and I'll try my luck.  So I called at
Goud's Hotel, where he was lodging, and requested to speak with him.  I
was admitted, and told him, with my best bow, that I had come as a
volunteer for his ship, and that my name was O'Brien.  As it happened,
he had some vacancies, and liking my brogue, he asked me in what ships I
had served.  I told him, and also my reason for quitting my last--which
was, because I was turned out of it.  I explained the story of the
boots, and he made inquiries, and found that it was all true: and then
he gave me a vacancy as master's mate.  We were ordered to South
America; and the trade winds took us there in a jiffy.  I liked my
captain and officers very much, and what was better, we took some good
prizes.  But somehow or other, I never had the luck to remain long in
one ship, and that by no fault of mine; at least not in this instance.
All went on as smooth as possible, until one day, the captain took us on
shore to a ball, at one of the peaceable districts.  We had a very merry
night of it; but as luck would have it, I had the morning watch to keep,
and see the decks cleaned, and, as I never neglected my duty, I set off
about three o'clock in the morning, just at break of day, to go on board
of the ship.  I was walking along the sands, thinking of the pretty girl
I'd been dancing with, and had got about half-way to the ship, when
three rapparees of Spanish soldiers come from behind a rock, and
attacked me with their swords and bayonets.  I had only my dirk, but I
was not to be run through for nothing, so I fought them as long as I
could, I finished one fellow, but at last they finished me; for a
bayonet passed through my body, and I forgot all about it.  Well, it
appears--for I can only say to the best of my knowledge and belief--that
after they had killed me, they stripped me naked and buried me in the
sand, carrying away with them the body of their comrade.  So there I
was--dead and buried."

"But, O'Brien--" said I.

"Whist--hold your tongue--you've not heard the end of it.  Well, I had
been buried about an hour--but not very deep it appears, for they were
in too great a hurry--when a fisherman and his daughter came along the
beach, on their way to the boat; and the daughter, God bless her! did me
the favour to tread on my nose.  It was clear that she had never trod
upon an Irishman's nose before, for it surprised her, and she looked
down to see what was there, and not seeing anything, she tried it again
with her foot, and then she scraped off the sand, and discovered my
pretty face.  I was quite warm and still breathing, for the sand had
stopped the blood, and prevented my bleeding to death.  The fisherman
pulled me out and took me on his back to the house where the captain and
officers were still dancing.  When he brought me in, there was a great
cry from the ladies, not because I was murdered, for they are used to it
in those countries, but because I was naked, which they considered a
much more serious affair.  I was put to bed, and a boat despatched on
board for our doctor; and in a few hours I was able to speak, and tell
them how it happened.  But I was too ill to move when the ship sailed,
which she was obliged to do in a day or two afterwards, so the captain
made out my discharge, and left me there.  The family were French, and I
remained with them for six months before I could obtain a passage home,
during which I learnt their language, and a very fair allowance of
Spanish to boot.  When I arrived in England, I found that the prizes had
been sold, and that the money was ready for distribution.  I produced my
certificate, and received 167 pounds for my share.  So it's come at
last, thought I.

"I had never had such a handful of money in my life.  I thought of my
mother, and of the cows, and the pig, and the furniture, all gone; and
of my brothers and sisters wanting praties, and I made a vow that I'd
send every farthing of it to them, after which Father McGrath would no
longer think of not giving me absolution.  So I sent them every doit,
only reserving for myself the pay which I had received, amounting to
about 30 pounds: and I never felt more happy in my life than when it was
safe in the post-office, and fairly out of my hands.  I wrote a bit of a
letter to my father at the time, which was to this purpose:--

"`HONOURED FATHER,--Since our last pleasant meeting, at which you threw
the stool at my head, missing the pigeon and hitting the crow, I have
been dead and buried, but am now quite well, thank God, and want no
absolution from Father McGrath, bad luck to him.  And what's more to the
point, I have just received a batch of prize-money, the first I have
handled since I have served His Majesty, and every farthing of which I
now send to you, that you may get back your old cows, and the pig, and
all the rest of the articles seized to pay for my fitting-out; I'm a
true O'Brien, tell my mother, and don't mane to turn Protestant, but
uphold the religion of my country; although the devil may take Father
McGrath and his holy water to boot.  I sha'n't come and see you, as
perhaps you may have another stool ready for my head, and may take
better aim next time.  So no more at present from your affectionate son,

"`Terence O'Brien.'

"About three weeks afterwards I received a letter from my father,
telling me that I was a real O'Brien, and that if any one dared hint to
the contrary, he would break every bone in his body: that they had
received the money, and thanked me for a real gentleman as I was; that I
should have the best stool in the house next time I came, not for my
head, but for my tail; that Father McGrath sent me his blessing, and had
given me absolution for all I had done, or should do for the next ten
years to come; that my mother had cried with joy at my dutiful
behaviour: and that all my brothers and sisters (bating Tim, who had
died the day after I left them) wished me good luck, and plenty more
prize-money to send home to them.

"This was all very pleasant; and I had nothing left on my mind but to
get another ship; so I went to the port-admiral, and told him how it was
that I left my last; and he said, that being dead and buried was quite
sufficient reason for any one leaving his ship, and that he would
procure me another, now that I had come to life again.  I was sent on
board of the guardship, where I remained about ten days, and then was
sent round to join this frigate--and so my story's ended; and there's
eight bells striking--so the watch is ended too."



CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

THE FIRST LIEUTENANT HAS MORE PATIENTS--MR. CHUCKS THE BOATSWAIN LETS ME
INTO THE SECRET OF HIS GENTILITY.

Before I proceed with my narrative, I wish to explain to the reader that
my history was not written in after-life, when I had obtained a greater
knowledge of the world.  When I first went to sea, I promised my mother
that I would keep a journal of what passed, with my reflections upon it.
To this promise I rigidly adhered, and since I have been my own master,
these journals have remained in my possession.  In writing, therefore,
the early part of my adventures, everything is stated as it was
impressed on my mind at the time.

We had now been cruising for six weeks, and I found that my profession
was much more agreeable than I had anticipated.  My desire to please was
taken for the deed; and, although I occasionally made a blunder, yet the
captain and first lieutenant seemed to think that I was attentive to my
duty to the best of my ability, and only smiled at my mistakes.

The first lieutenant was one of the most amusing men I ever knew, yet he
never relaxed from the discipline of the service, or took the least
liberty with either his superiors or inferiors.  His humour was
principally shown in his various modes of punishment; and, however
severe the punishment was to the party, the manner of inflicting it was
invariably a source of amusement to the remainder of the ship's company.
I often thought, that although no individual liked being punished, yet,
that all the ship's company were quite pleased when a punishment took
place.  He was very particular about his decks; they were always as
white as snow, and nothing displeased him so much as their being soiled.
It was for that reason that he had such an objection to the use of
tobacco.  There were spitting-pans placed in different parts of the
decks for the use of the men, that they might not dirty the planks with
the tobacco juice.  Sometimes a man in a hurry forgot to use these pans;
but as the mess to which the stain might be opposite had their grog
stopped if the party were not found out, they took good care not only to
keep a look-out, but to inform against the offender.  Now the punishment
for the offence was as follows--the man's hands were tied behind his
back, and a large tin spitting-box fixed to his chest by a strap over
the shoulders.  All the other boxes on the lower deck were taken away,
and he was obliged to walk there, ready to attend the summons of any man
who might wish to empty his mouth of the tobacco-juice.  The other men
were so pleased at the fancy, that they spat twice as much as before,
for the pleasure of making him run about.

I was much amused one morning watch that I kept.  We were stowing the
hammocks in the quarter-deck nettings, when one of the boys came up with
his hammock on his shoulder, and as he passed the first lieutenant, the
latter perceived that he had a quid of tobacco in his cheek.

"What have you got there, my good lad--a gum-boil?--your cheek is very
much swelled."

"No, sir," replied the boy, "there's nothing at all the matter."

"Oh, there must be; it is a bad tooth, then.  Open your mouth, and let
me see."

Very reluctantly the boy opened his mouth, and discovered a large roll
of tobacco-leaf.

"I see, I see," said the first lieutenant, "your mouth wants
overhauling, and your teeth cleaning.  I wish we had a dentist on board;
but as we have not, I will operate as well as I can.  Send the armourer
up here with his tongs."

When the armourer made his appearance, the boy was made to open his
mouth, while the chaw of tobacco was extracted with his rough
instrument.

"There now," said the first lieutenant, "I am sure that you must feel
better already; you never could have had any appetite.  Now, captain of
the afterguard, bring a piece of old canvas and some sand here, and
clean his teeth nicely."

The captain of the afterguard came forward, and putting the boy's head
between his knees, scrubbed his teeth well with the sand and canvas for
two or three minutes.

"There, that will do," said the first lieutenant.  "Now, my little
fellow, your mouth is nice and clean, and you'll enjoy your breakfast.
It was impossible for you to have eaten anything with your mouth in such
a nasty state.  When it's dirty again, come to me and I'll be your
dentist."

One day I was on the forecastle with Mr Chucks, the boatswain, who was
very kind to me.  He had been showing me how to make the various knots
and bends of rope which are used in our service.  I am afraid that I was
very stupid, but he showed me over and over again, until I learnt how to
make them.  Amongst others, he taught me a fisherman's bend, which he
pronounced to be the _king_ of all knots; "and, Mr Simple," continued
he, "there's a moral in that knot.  You observe, that when the parts are
drawn the right way, and together, the more you pull, the faster they
hold, and the more impossible to untie them; but see, by hauling them
apart, how a little difference, a pull the other way, immediately
disunites them, and then how easy they cast off in a moment.  That
points out the necessity of pulling together in this world, Mr Simple,
when we wish to hold on, and that's a piece of philosophy worth all the
twenty-six thousand and odd years of my friend the carpenter, which
leads to nothing but a brown study, when he ought to be attending to his
duty."

"Very true, Mr Chucks, you are the better philosopher of the two."

"I am the better educated, Mr Simple, and, I trust, more of a
gentleman.  I consider a gentleman to be, to a certain degree, a
philosopher; for very often he is obliged, to support his character as
such, to put up with what another person may very properly fly in a
passion about.  I think coolness is the great characterstick of a
gentleman.  In the service, Mr Simple, one is obliged to appear angry
without indulging the sentiment.  I can assure you, that I never lose my
temper, even when I use my rattan."

"Why, then, Mr Chucks, do you swear so much at the men? surely that is
not gentlemanly?"

"Most certainly not, sir.  But I must defend myself by observing the
very artificial state in which we live on board of a man-of-war.
Nothing would afford me more pleasure than to be able to carry on the
duty as a gentleman, but that's impossible."

"I really cannot see why."

"Perhaps, then, Mr Simple, you will explain to me why the captain and
first lieutenant swear."

"That I do not pretend to answer, but they only do so upon an
emergency."

"Exactly so; but, sir, their 'mergency is my daily and hourly duty.  In
the continual working of the ship I am answerable for all that goes
amiss.  The life of a boatswain is a life of 'mergency, and therefore I
swear."

"I still cannot allow it to be requisite, and certainly it is sinful."

"Excuse me, my dear sir; it is absolutely requisite, and not at all
sinful.  There is one language for the pulpit, and another for on board
ship, and, in either situation, a man must make use of those terms most
likely to produce the necessary effect upon his listeners.  Certain it
is that common parlancy won't do with a common seaman.  It is not here
as in the Scriptures, `Do this, and he doeth it,' (by-the-by, that chap
must have had his soldiers in tight order); but it is `Do this, damn
your eyes,' and then it is done directly.  The order to _do_ just
carries the weight of a cannon shot, but it wants the perpelling power--
the damn is the gunpowder which sets it flying in the execution of its
duty.  Do you comprehend me, Mr Simple?"

"I perfectly understand you, Mr Chucks, and I cannot help remarking,
and that without flattery, that you are very different from the rest of
the warrant officers.  Where did you receive your education?"

"Mr Simple, I am here a boatswain with a clean shirt, and, I say it
myself, and no one dare gainsay it, also with a thorough knowledge of my
duty.  But although I do not say that I ever was better off, I can say
this, that I've been in the best society, in the company of lords and
ladies.  I once dined with your grandfather."

"That's more than ever I did, for he never asked me, nor took the least
notice of me," replied I.

"What I state is true.  I did not know that he was your grandfather
until yesterday, when I was talking with Mr O'Brien; but I perfectly
recollect him, although I was very young at that time.  Now, Mr Simple,
if you will promise me as a gentleman (and I know you are one), that you
will not repeat what I tell you, then I'll let you into the history of
my life."

"Mr Chucks, as I am a gentleman I never will divulge it until you are
dead and buried, and not then if you do not wish it."

Mr Chucks then sat down upon the fore-end of the booms by the funnel,
and I took my place by his side, when he commenced as follows:--

"My father was a boatswain before me--one of the old school, rough as a
bear, and drunken as a Gosport fiddler.  My mother was--my mother, and I
shall say no more.  My father was invalided for harbour duty after a
life of intoxication, and died shortly afterwards.  In the meantime I
had been, by the kindness of the port-admiral's wife, educated at a
foundation school.  I was thirteen when my father died, and my mother,
not knowing what to do with me, wished to bind me apprentice to a
merchant vessel; but this I refused, and, after six months' quarrelling
on the subject, I decided the point by volunteering in the _Narcissus_
frigate.  I believe that my gentlemanly ideas were innate, Mr Simple; I
never, as a child, could bear the idea of the merchant service.  After I
had been a week on board, I was appointed servant to the purser, where I
gave such satisfaction by my alertness and dexterity, that the first
lieutenant took me away from the purser to attend upon himself.  It so
happened, that after I had served the first lieutenant for about a year,
a young lord (I must not mention his name, Mr Simple) was sent to sea
by his friends, or by his own choice, I don't know which, but I was told
that his uncle, who was 'zeckative, and had an interest in his death,
persuaded him to go.  A lord at that period, some twenty-five years ago,
was a rarity in the service, and they used to salute him when he came on
board.  The consequence was, that the young lord must have a servant to
himself, although all the rest of the midshipmen had but one servant
between them.  The captain inquired who was the best boy in the ship,
and the purser, to whom he appealed, recommended me.  Accordingly, I was
immediately surrendered to his lordship.  I had a very easy, comfortable
life of it--I did little or nothing.  We went to the Mediterranean
(because his lordship's mamma wished it), and we had been there about a
year, when his lordship ate so many grapes that he was seized with a
dysentery.  He was ill for three weeks, and then he requested to be sent
to Malta in a transport going to Gibraltar, or rather to the Barbary
coast for bullocks.  He became worse every day, and made his will
leaving me all his effects on board, which I certainly deserved for the
kindness with which I had nursed him.  Off Malta we fell in with a
xebeque, bound to Civita Vecchia, and the captain of the transport,
anxious to proceed, advised our going on board of her, as the wind was
light and contrary, and these Mediterranean vessels sailed better on a
wind than the transport.  My master, who was now sinking fast,
consented, and we changed our ships.  The next day he died, and a gale
of wind came on, which prevented us from gaining the port for several
days, and the body of his lordship not only became so offensive, but
affected the superstition of the Catholic sailors so much, that it was
hove overboard.  The wind was still against us, when a merchant vessel
ran down to us, that had left Civita Vecchia for Gibraltar.  I desired
the captain of the xebeque to make a signal of distress, or rather I did
myself, and the vessel, which proved to be English, bore down to us.

"I manned the boat to go on board, and the idea came into my head, that
although they might refuse to take me, that they would not refuse a
lord.  I put on the midshipman's uniform belonging to his lordship (but
then certainly belonging to me), and went alongside of the merchant
vessel; I told them that I had left my ship for the benefit of my
health, and wanted a passage to Gibraltar, on my way home.  My title,
and immediate acceptance of the terms demanded for my passage, was
sufficient.  My property was brought from the xebeque; and, of course,
as they could not speak English, they could not contradict, even if they
suspected.  During my passage to Gibraltar, I had plenty of time for
arranging my plans.  I hardly need say that my lord's _kit_ was
valuable; and what was better, they exactly fitted me.  I also had his
watches and trinkets, and many other things, besides a bag of dollars.
However, they were honestly mine; the only thing that I took was his
name, which he had no further occasion for, poor fellow!  But it's no
use defending what was wrong--it was dishonest, and there's an end of
it.

"Now observe, Mr Simple, how one thing leads to another.  I declare to
you, that my first idea of making use of his lordship's name was to
procure a passage to Gibraltar.  I then was undecided how to act; but,
as I had charge of his papers and letters to his mother and guardian, I
think, indeed I am almost sure--that I should have laid aside my dignity
and midshipman's dress, and applied for a passage home to the
commissioner of the yard.  But it was fated to be otherwise; for the
master of the transport went on shore to report and obtain pratique, and
he told them everywhere that the young Lord A--- was a passenger with
him, going to England for the benefit of his health.  In less than
half-an-hour, off came the commissioner's boat, and another boat from
the governor, requesting the honour of my company, and that I would take
a bed at their houses during my stay.  What could I do?  I began to be
frightened; but I was more afraid to confess that I was an impostor, for
I am sure the master of the transport alone would have kicked me
overboard, if I had let him know that he had been so confounded polite
to a ship's boy.  So I blushed half from modesty and half from guilt,
and accepted the invitation of the governor; sending a polite verbal
refusal to the commissioner, upon the plea of there being no paper or
pens on board.

"Well, Mr Simple, I dressed myself very carefully, put on my chains and
rings, and a little perfume on my handkerchief, and accompanied the
aide-de-camp to the governor's, where I was asked after my mother, Lady
---, and my uncle, my guardian, and a hundred other questions.  At first
I was much confused, which was attributed to bashfulness; and so it was,
but not of the right sort.  But before the day was over, I had been so
accustomed to be called `my lord,' and to my situation, that I was quite
at my ease, and began to watch the motions and behaviour of the company,
that I might regulate my comportment by that of good society.  I
remained at Gibraltar for a fortnight, and then was offered a passage in
a transport ordered to Portsmouth.  Being on officer, of course it was
free to a certain extent.  On my passage to England, I again made up my
mind that I would put off my dress and title as soon as I could escape
from observation; but I was prevented as before.  The port-admiral sent
off to request the pleasure of my company to dinner.  I dared not
refuse; and there I was, my lord as before, courted and feasted by
everybody.  My bill at the hotel was very extravagant, and more than I
could pay: but the master said it was not of the least consequence: that
of course his lordship had not provided himself with cash, just coming
from foreign parts, and offered to supply me with money if I required
it.  This, I will say, I was honest enough to refuse.  I left my cards,
PPC, as they do, Mr Simple, in all well regulated society, and set off
in the mail for London, where I fully resolved to drop my title, and to
proceed to Scotland to his lordship's mother, with the mournful
intelligence of his death--for you see, Mr Simple, no one knew that his
lordship was dead.  When I arrived in London (I still wore my
midshipman's uniform), I went to an hotel recommended to me, as I
afterwards found out, the most fashionable in town, my title still
following me.  I now determined to put off my uniform and dress in plain
clothes--my farce was over.  I went to bed that night, and the next
morning made my appearance in a suit of mufti, making inquiry of the
waiter which was the best conveyance to Scotland.

"`Post chay and four, my lord.  At what time shall I order it?'

"`Oh,' replied I, `I am not sure that I shall go to-morrow.'

"Just at this moment in came the master of the hotel, with the _Morning
Post_ in his hand, making me a low bow, and pointing to the insertion of
my arrival at his hotel among the fashionables.  This annoyed me; and
now that I found how difficult it was to get rid of my title, I became
particularly anxious to be William Chucks, as before.  Before twelve
o'clock, three or four gentlemen were ushered into my sitting-room, who
observing my arrival in that damn'd _Morning Post_, came to pay their
respects; and before the day was over, I was invited and re-invited by a
dozen people.

"At last the play was over.  I had been enticed by some young men into a
gambling-house, where they intended to fleece me; but, for the first
night, they allowed me to win, I think, about 300 pounds.  I was quite
delighted with my success, and had agreed to meet them the next evening;
but when I was at breakfast, with my legs crossed, reading the _Morning
Post_, who should come to see me but my guardian uncle.  He knew his
nephew's features too well to be deceived, and my not recognising him
proved at once that I was an impostor.  You must allow me to hasten over
the scene which took place,--the wrath of the uncle, the confusion in
the hotel, the abuse of the waiters, the police-officer, and being
dragged into a hackney-coach to Bow-street.  There I was examined, and
confessed all.  The uncle was so glad to find that his nephew was really
dead, that he felt no resentment towards me; and as, after all, I had
only assumed a name, but had cheated nobody, except the landlord at
Portsmouth, I was sent on board the tender off the Tower to be drafted
into a man-of-war.  As for my 300 pounds, my clothes, etc, I never heard
any more of them; they were seized, I presume, by the landlord of the
hotel for my bill, and very handsomely he must have paid himself.

"You found some difference, I should think, in your situation?"

"Yes I did, Mr Simple: but I was much happier.  I could not forget the
ladies, and the dinners, and the opera, and all the delights of London,
beside the respect paid to my title, and I often sighed for them; but
the police-officer and Bow-street also came to my recollection, and I
shuddered at the remembrance.  It had, however, one good effect; I
determined to be an officer if I could, and learnt my duty, and worked
my way up to quarter-master, and thence to boatswain--and I know my
duty, Mr Simple.  But I've been punished for my folly ever since.  I
formed ideas above my station in life, and cannot help longing to be a
gentleman.  It's a bad thing for a man to have ideas above his station."

"You certainly must find some difference between the company in London
and that of the warrant officers."

"It's many years back now, sir; but I can't get over the feeling.  I
can't 'sociate with them at all."



CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

I GO ON SERVICE, AND AM MADE PRISONER BY AN OLD LADY, WHO, NOT ABLE TO
OBTAIN MY HAND, TAKES PART OF MY FINGER AS A TOKEN--O'BRIEN RESCUES ME--
A LEE SHORE AND NARROW ESCAPE.

Two or three days after this conversation with Mr Chucks, the captain
ran the frigate in shore; and when within five miles, we discovered two
vessels under the land.  We made all sail in chase, and cut them off
from escaping round a sandy point, which they attempted to weather.
Finding that they could not effect their purpose, they ran on shore
under a small battery of two guns, which commenced firing upon us.  The
first shot, which whizzed between the masts, had to me a most terrific
sound; but the officers and men laughed at it, so of course I pretended
to do the same, but in reality I could see nothing to laugh at.  The
captain ordered the starboard watch to be piped to quarters, and the
boats to be cleared, ready for hoisting out; we then anchored within a
mile of the battery, and returned the fire.  In the meantime, the
remainder of the ship's company hoisted out and lowered down four boats,
which were manned and armed to storm the battery.  I was very anxious to
go on service, and O'Brien, who had command of the first cutter, allowed
me to go with him, on condition that I stowed myself away under the
fore-sheets, that the captain might not see me before the boats had
shoved off.  This I did, and was not discovered.  We pulled in abreast
towards the battery, and in less than ten minutes the boats were run on
the beach, and we jumped out.  The Frenchmen fired a gun at us as we
pulled close to the shore, and then ran away.  There were a few
fishermen's huts close to the battery; and while two of the boats went
on board of the vessels, to see if they could be got off, and others
were spiking the guns and destroying the carriages, I went with O'Brien
to examine them: they were deserted by the people, as might have been
supposed, but there was a great quantity of fish in them, apparently
caught that morning.  O'Brien pointed to a very large skate--"Murder in
Irish!" cried he, "it's the very ghost of of my grandmother: we'll have
her if it's only for the family likeness.  Peter, put your finger into
the gills, and drag her down to the boat."  I could not force my finger
into the gills; and as the animal appeared quite dead, I hooked my
finger into his mouth; but I made a sad mistake, for the animal was
alive, and immediately closed its jaws, nipping my finger to the bone,
and holding it so tight that I could not withdraw it, and the pain was
too great to allow me to pull it away by main force, and tear my finger,
which it held so fast.  There I was, caught in a trap, and made a
prisoner by a flatfish.  Fortunately, I hallooed loud enough to make
O'Brien, who was close down to the boats, with a large cod-fish under
each arm, turn round and come to my assistance.  At first he could not
help me, from laughing so much; but at last he forced open the jaw of
the fish with his cutlass, and I got my finger out, but very badly torn
indeed.  I then took off my garter, tied it round the tail of the skate,
and dragged it to the boat, which was all ready to shove off.  My finger
was very bad for three weeks, and the officers laughed at me very much,
saying that I narrowly escaped being made a prisoner of by an "old
maid."

We continued our cruise along the coast, until we had run down into the
Bay of Arcason, where we captured two or three vessels, and obliged many
more to run on shore.  We had chased a convoy of vessels to the bottom
of the bay: the wind was very fresh when we hauled off, after running
them on shore; and the surf on the beach even at that time was so great,
that they were certain to go to pieces before they could be got afloat
again.  We were obliged to double-reef the topsails as soon as we hauled
to the wind, and the weather looked very threatening.  In an hour
afterwards, the whole sky was covered with one black cloud, which sank
so low as nearly to touch our mast-heads, and a tremendous sea, which
appeared to have risen up almost by magic, rolled in upon us, setting
the vessel on a dead lee shore.  As the night closed in, it blew a
dreadful gale, and the ship was nearly buried with the press of canvas
which she was obliged to carry: for had we sea-room, we should have been
lying-to under storm staysails; but we were forced to carry on at all
risks, that we might claw off shore.  The sea broke over as we lay in
the trough, deluging us with water from the forecastle, aft, to the
binnacles and very often, as the ship descended with a plunge, it was
with such force that I really thought she would divide in half with the
violence of the shock.  Double breechings were rove on the guns, and
they were further secured with tackles; and strong cleats nailed behind
the trunnions; for we heeled over so much when we lurched, that the guns
were wholly supported by the breechings and tackles, and had one of them
broken loose, it must have burst right through the lee side of the ship,
and she must have foundered.  The captain, first lieutenant, and most of
the officers, remained on deck during the whole of the night.  What made
it more appalling was, that we were on a lee shore, and the
consultations of the captain and officers, and the eagerness with which
they looked out for daylight, told us that we had other dangers to
encounter besides the storm.  At last the morning broke, and the
look-out man upon the gangway called out, "Land on the lee beam!"  I
perceived the master dash his feet against the hammock rails, as if with
vexation, and walk away without saying a word, and looking very grave.

"Up, there, Mr Wilson," said the captain to the second lieutenant, "and
see how far the land trends forward, and whether you can distinguish the
point."  The second lieutenant went up the main-rigging, and pointed
with his hand to about two points before the beam.

"Do you see two hillocks inland?"

"Yes, sir," replied the second lieutenant.

"Then it is so," observed the captain to the master, "and if we weather
it we shall have more sea-room.  Keep her full, and let her go through
the water; do you hear, quarter-master?"

"Ay, ay, sir."

"Thus, and no nearer, my man.  Ease her with a spoke or two when she
sends; but be careful, or she'll take the wheel out of your hands."

It really was a very awful sight.  When the ship was in the trough of
the sea, you could distinguish nothing but a waste of tumultuous water;
but when she was borne up on the summit of the enormous waves, you then
looked down, as it were, upon a low, sandy coast, close to you, and
covered with foam and breakers.  "She behaves nobly," observed the
captain, stepping aft to the binnacle, and looking at the compass; "if
the wind does not baffle us, we shall weather."  The captain had
scarcely time to make the observation, when the sails shivered and
flapped like thunder.  "Up with the helm; what are you about,
quarter-master?"

"The wind has headed us, sir," replied the quarter-master, coolly.

The captain and master remained at the binnacle watching the compass;
and when the sails were again full, she had broken off two points and
the point of land was only a little on the lee bow.

"We must wear her round, Mr Falcon.  Hands, wear ship--ready, oh,
ready."

"She has come up again," cried the master, who was at the binnacle.

"Hold fast there a minute.  How's her head now?"

"N.N.E., as she was before she broke off, sir?"

"Pipe belay," said the captain.  "Falcon," continued he, "if she breaks
off again we may have no room to wear; indeed there is so little room
now, that I must run the risk.  Which cable was ranged last night--the
best bower?"

"Yes, sir."

"Jump down, then, and see it double-bitted and stoppered at thirty
fathoms.  See it well done--our lives may depend upon it."

The ship continued to hold her course good; and we were within half a
mile of the point, and fully expected to weather it, when again the wet
and heavy sails flapped in the wind, and the ship broke off two points
as before.  The officers and seamen were aghast, for the ship's head was
right on to the breakers.  "Luff now, all you can, quarter-master,"
cried the captain.  "Send the men aft directly.  My lads, there is no
time for words--I am going to _club-haul_ the ship, for there is no room
to wear.  The only chance you have of safety is to be cool, watch my
eye, and execute my orders with precision.  Away to your stations for
tacking ship.  Hands by the best bower anchor.  Mr Wilson, attend below
with the carpenter and his mates, ready to cut away the cable at the
moment that I give the order.  Silence, there, fore and aft.
Quarter-master, keep her full again for stays.  Mind you ease the helm
down when I tell you."  About a minute passed before the captain gave
any further orders.  The ship had closed to within a quarter of a mile
of the beach, and the waves curled and topped around us, bearing us down
upon the shore, which presented one continued surface of foam, extending
to within half a cable's length of our position, at which distance the
enormous waves culminated and fell with the report of thunder.  The
captain waved his hand in silence to the quarter-master at the wheel,
and the helm was put down.  The ship turned slowly to the wind, pitching
and chopping as the sails were spinning.  She had lost her way, the
captain gave the order, "Let go the anchor.  We will haul all at once,
Mr Falcon," said the captain.  Not a word was spoken; the men went to
the fore brace, which had not been manned; most of them knew, although I
did not, that if the ship's head did not go round the other way, we
should be on shore, and among the breakers, in half a minute.  At last
the ship was head to wind, and the captain gave the signal.  The yards
flew round with such a creaking noise, that I thought the masts had gone
over the side, and the next moment the wind had caught the sails; and
the ship, which for a moment or two had been on an even keel, careened
over to her gunnel with its force.  The captain, who stood upon the
weather hammock-rails, holding by the main rigging, ordered the helm
amidships, looked full at the sails, and then at the cable, which grew
broad upon the weather bow, and held the ship from nearing the shore.
At last he cried, "Cut away the cable!"  A few strokes of the axes were
heard, and then the cable flew out of the hawse hole in a blaze of fire,
from the violence of the friction, and disappeared under a huge wave,
which struck us on the chess-tree, and deluged us with water fore and
aft.  But we were now on the other tack, and the ship regained her way,
and we had evidently increased our distance from the land.

"My lads," said the captain to the ship's company, "you have behaved
well, and I thank you; but I must tell you honestly, that we have more
difficulties to get through.  We have to weather a point of the bay on
this tack.  Mr Falcon, splice the main-brace, and call the watch.
How's her head, quarter-master?"

"S.W. by S.  Southerly, sir."

"Very well; let her go through the water;" and the captain, beckoning to
the master to follow him, went down into the cabin.  As our immediate
danger was over, I went down into the berth to see if I could get
anything for breakfast, where I found O'Brien and two or three more.

"By the powers, it was as nate a thing as ever I saw done," observed
O'Brien; "the slightest mistake as to time or management, and at this
moment the flatfish would have been dubbing at our ugly carcasses.
Peter, you're not fond of flatfish, are you, my boy?  We may thank
Heaven and the captain, I can tell you that, my lads; but now, where's
the chart, Robinson?  Hand me down the parallel rules and compasses,
Peter; they are in the corner of the shelf.  Here we are now, a devilish
sight too near this infernal point.  Who knows how her head is?"

"I do, O'Brien: I heard the quarter-master tell the captain S.W. by S.
Southerly."

"Let me see," continued O'Brien, "variation two and a quarter--lee way--
rather too large an allowance of that, I'm afraid; but, however, we'll
give her two and a half points; the _Diomede_ would blush to make any
more, under any circumstances.  Here--the compass--now we'll see;" and
O'Brien advanced the parallel rule from the compass to the spot where
the ship was placed on the chart.  "Bother! you see it's as much as
she'll do to weather the other point now, on this tack, and that's what
the captain meant when he told us we had more difficulty.  I could have
taken my Bible oath that we were clear of everything, if the wind held."

"See what the distance is, O'Brien," said Robinson.  It was measured,
and proved to be thirteen miles.  "Only thirteen miles; and if we do
weather, we shall do very well, for the bay is deep beyond.  It's a
rocky point, you see, just by way of variety.  Well, my lads, I've a
piece of comfort for you, anyhow.  It's not long that you'll be kept in
suspense, for by one o'clock this day, you'll either be congratulating
each other upon your good luck, or you'll be past praying for.  Come,
put up the chart, for I hate to look at melancholy prospects: and,
steward, see what you can find in the way of comfort."  Some bread and
cheese, with the remains of yesterday's boiled pork, were put on the
table, with a bottle of rum, procured at the time they "spliced the
main-brace;" but we were all too anxious to eat much, and one by one
returned on deck, to see how the weather was, and if the wind at all
favoured us.  On deck the superior officers were in conversation with
the captain, who had expressed the same fear that O'Brien had in our
berth.  The men, who knew what they had to expect--for this sort of
intelligence is soon communicated through a ship--were assembled in
knots, looking very grave, but at the same time not wanting in
confidence.  They knew that they could trust to the captain, as far as
skill or courage could avail them; and sailors are too sanguine to
despair, even at the last moment.

Before twelve o'clock the rocky point which we so much dreaded was in
sight broad on the lee bow; and if the low sandy coast appeared
terrible, how much more did this, even at a distance! the black masses
of rock covered with foam, which each minute dashed up in the air higher
than our lower mast-heads.  The captain eyed it for some minutes in
silence, as if in calculation.

"Mr Falcon," said he at last, "we must put the mainsail on her."

"She never can bear it, sir."

"She _must_ bear it," was the reply.  "Send the men aft to the
mainsheet.  See that careful men attend the buntlines."

The mainsail was set, and the effect of it upon the ship was tremendous.
She careened over so that her lee channels were under the water; and
when pressed by a sea, the lee side of the quarter-deck and gangway were
afloat.  She now reminded me of a goaded and fiery horse, mad with the
stimulus applied; not rising as before, but forcing herself through
whole seas, and dividing the waves, which poured in one continual
torrent from the forecastle down upon the decks below.  Four men were
secured to the wheel--the sailors were obliged to cling, to prevent
being washed away--the ropes were thrown in confusion to leeward--the
shot rolled out of the lockers, and every eye was fixed aloft, watching
the masts, which were expected every moment to go over the side.  A
heavy sea struck us on the broadside, and it was some moments before the
ship appeared to recover herself; she reeled, trembled, and stopped her
way, as if it had stupefied her.  The first lieutenant looked at the
captain as if to say, "This will not do."

"It is our only chance," answered the captain to the appeal.  That the
ship went faster through the water, and held a better wind, was certain;
but just before we arrived at the point, the gale increased in force.

"If any thing starts, we are lost, sir," observed the first lieutenant
again.

"I am perfectly aware of it," replied the captain, in a calm tone; "but,
as I said before, and you must now be aware, it is our only chance.  The
consequence of any carelessness or neglect in the fitting and securing
of the rigging, will be felt now; and this danger, if we escape it,
ought to remind us how much we have to answer for if we neglect our
duty.  The lives of a whole ship's company may be sacrificed by the
neglect or incompetence of an officer when in harbour."

The ship was now within two cables' lengths of the rocky point; some few
of the men I observed to clasp their hands, but most of them were
silently taking off their jackets, and kicking off their shoes, that
they might not lose a chance of escape provided the ship struck.

"'Twill be touch and go indeed, Falcon," observed the captain (for I had
clung to the belaying pins, close to them for the last half-hour that
the mainsail had been set).  "Come aft, you and I must take the helm.
We shall want _nerve_ there, and only there, now."

The captain and first lieutenant went aft, and took the forespokes of
the wheel, and O'Brien, at a sign made by the captain, laid hold of the
spokes behind him.  An old quarter-master kept his station at the
fourth.  The roaring of the sea on the rocks, with the howling of the
wind, were dreadful; but the sight was more dreadful than the noise.
For a few moments I shut my eyes, but anxiety forced me to open them
again.  As near as I could judge, we were not twenty yards from the
rocks, at the time that the ship passed abreast of them.  We were in the
midst of the foam, which boiled around us; and as the ship was driven
nearer to them, and careened with the wave, I thought that our main
yard-arm would have touched the rock; and at this moment a gust of wind
came on which laid the ship on her beam-ends, and checked her progress
through the water, while the accumulated noise was deafening.  A few
moments more the ship dragged on, another wave dashed over her and spent
itself upon the rocks, while the spray was dashed back from them, and
returned upon the decks.  The main rock was within ten yards of her
counter, when another gust of wind laid us on our beam-ends; the
foresail and mainsail split, and were blown clean out of the
bolt-ropes--the ship righted, trembling fore and aft.  I looked
astern:--the rocks were to windward on our quarter, and we were safe.  I
thought at the time, that the ship, relieved of her courses, and again
lifting over the waves, was not a bad similitude of the relief felt by
us all at that moment; and, like her, we trembled as we panted with the
sudden reaction, and felt the removal of the intense anxiety which
oppressed our breasts.

The captain resigned the helm, and walked aft to look at the point,
which was now broad on the weather quarter.  In a minute or two, he
desired Mr Falcon to get new sails up and bend them, and then went
below to his cabin.  I am sure it was to thank God for our deliverance:
I did most fervently, not only then, but when I went to my hammock at
night.  We were now comparatively safe--in a few hours completely so:
for, strange to say, immediately after we had weathered the rocks, the
gale abated, and before morning we had a reef out of the topsails.



CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

NEWS FROM HOME--A "FATIGUE" PARTY EMPLOYED AT GIBRALTAR--MORE
PARTICULARS IN THE LIFE OF MR. CHUCKS--A BRUSH WITH THE ENEMY--A
COURT-MARTIAL AND A LASTING IMPRESSION.

A few days afterwards, a cutter joined us from Plymouth with orders for
the frigate to proceed forthwith to Gibraltar, where we should learn our
destination.  We were all very glad of this: for we had had quite enough
of cruising in the Bay of Biscay; and, as we understood that we were to
be stationed in the Mediterranean, we hoped to exchange gales of wind
and severe weather for fine breezes and a bright sky.  The cutter
brought out our letters and newspapers.  I never felt more happy than I
did when I found one put into my hands.  It is necessary to be far from
home and friends, to feel the real delight of receiving a letter.  I
went down into the most solitary place in the steerage, that I might
enjoy it without interruption.  I cried with pleasure before I opened
it; but I cried a great deal more with grief, after I had read the
contents--for my eldest brother Tom was dead of a typhus fever.  Poor
Tom.  When I called to mind what tricks he used to play me--how he used
to borrow my money and never pay me--and how he used to thrash me and
make me obey him, because he was my elder brother--I shed a torrent of
tears at his loss; and then I reflected how miserable my poor mother
must be, and I cried still more.

I was very melancholy for a few days; but it was so delightful running
down the Portuguese and Spanish coasts, the weather was so warm, and the
sea so smooth, that I am afraid I forgot my brother's death sooner than
I ought to have done; but my spirits were cheered up, and the novelty of
the scene prevented me from thinking.  Every one, too, was so gay and
happy, that I could not well be otherwise.  In a fortnight, we anchored
in Gibraltar Bay, and the ship was stripped to refit.  There was so much
duty to be done, that I did not like to go on shore.  Indeed, Mr Falcon
had refused some of my messmates, and I thought it better not to ask,
although I was very anxious to see a place which was considered so
extraordinary.  One afternoon, I was looking over the gangway as the
people were at supper, and Mr Falcon came up to me and said, "Well, Mr
Simple, what are you thinking of?"  I replied, touching my hat, that I
was wondering how they had cut out the solid rocks into galleries, and
that they must be very curious.

"That is to say, that you are very curious to see them.  Well, then,
since you have been very attentive to your duty, and have not asked to
go on shore, I will give you leave to go to-morrow morning and stay till
gun-fire."

I was very much pleased at this, as the officers had a general
invitation to dine with the mess, and all who could obtain leave being
requested to come, I was enabled to join the party.  The first
lieutenant had excused himself on the plea of there being so much to
attend to on board; but most of the gun-room officers and some of the
midshipmen obtained leave.  We walked about the town and fortifications
until dinner-time, and then we proceeded to the barracks.  The dinner
was very good, and we were all very merry; but after the dessert had
been brought in, I slipped away with a young ensign, who took me all
over the galleries and explained everything to me, which was a much
better way of employing my time than doing as the others did, which the
reader will acknowledge.  I was at the sally-port before gun-fire--the
boat was there, but no officers made their appearance.  The gun fired,
the drawbridge was hauled up, and I was afraid that I should be blamed;
but the boat was not ordered to shove off, as it was waiting for
commissioned officers.  About an hour afterwards, when it was quite
dark, the sentry pointed his arms and challenged a person advancing
with, "Who comes there?"--"Naval officer, drunk on a wheelbarrow," was
the reply, in a loud singing voice.  Upon which, the sentry recovered
his arms, singing in return, "Pass, naval officer, drunk on a
wheelbarrow--and all's well!" and then appeared a soldier in his fatigue
dress, wheeling down the third lieutenant in a wheelbarrow so tipsy that
he could not stand or speak.  Then the sentry challenged again, and the
answer was, "Another naval officer, drunk on a wheelbarrow:" upon which
the sentry replied as before, "Pass, another naval officer, drunk on a
wheelbarrow--and all's well."  This was my friend O'Brien, almost as bad
as the third lieutenant; and so they continued for ten minutes,
challenging and passing, until they wheeled down the remainder of the
party, with the exception of the second lieutenant, who walked
arm-in-arm with the officer who brought down the order for lowering the
drawbridge.  They were all safely put into the boat, and I am glad to
say the first lieutenant was in bed and did not see them.

The ship remained at Gibraltar Bay about three weeks, during which time
we had refitted the rigging fore and aft, restowed and cleaned the hold,
and painted the outside.  She never looked more beautiful than she did
when, in obedience to our orders, we made sail to join the admiral.  We
had very light winds, and a day or two afterwards we were off Valencia,
nearly becalmed.  I was on the gangway, looking through a telescope at
the houses and gardens round the city, when Mr Chucks, the boatswain,
came up to me.  "Mr Simple, oblige me with that glass a moment; I wish
to see if a building remains there, which I have some reason to
remember."

"What, were you ever on shore there?"

"Yes, I was, Mr Simple, and nearly _stranded_, but I got off again
without much damage."

"How do you mean--were you wrecked then?"

"Not my ship, Mr Simple, but my peace of mind was for some time; but
it's many years ago, when I was first made boatswain of a corvette"
(during this conversation he was looking through the telescope); "yes,
there it is," said he; "I have it in the field.  Look, Mr Simple, do
you see a small church, with a spire of glazed tiles, shining like a
needle?"

"Yes, I do."

"Well, then, just above it, a little to the right, there is a long white
house, with four small windows--below the grove of orange-trees."

"I see it," replied I; "but what about that house, Mr Chucks?"

"Why, thereby hangs a tale," replied he, giving a sigh, which raised and
then lowered the frill of his shirt at least six inches.

"Why, what is the mystery, Mr Chucks?"

"I'll tell you, Mr Simple.  With one who lived in that house, I was for
the first, and for the last time, in love."

"Indeed!  I should like very much to hear the story."

"So you shall, Mr Simple.  One evening, I was walking in the Plaza,
when I saw a female a-head, who appeared to be the prettiest-moulded
little vessel that I ever cast my eyes on.  I followed in her wake, and
examined her; such a clean run I never beheld--so neat, too, in all her
rigging--everything so nicely stowed under hatches.  And then, she
sailed along in such a style, at one moment lifting so lightly, just
like a frigate, with her topsails on the caps, that can't help going
along.  At another time, as she turned a corner sharp up in the wind--
wake as straight as an arrow--no leeway--I made all sail to sheer
alongside of her, and, when under quarter, examined her close.  Never
saw such a fine swell in the counter, and all so trim--no ropes towing
overboard.  Well, Mr Simple, I said to myself, `Damnt it, if her
figure-head and bows be finished off by the same builder, she's
perfect.'  So I shot ahead, and yawed a little--caught a peep at her
through her veil, and saw two black eyes--as bright as beads, and as
large as damsons.  I saw quite enough, and not wishing to frighten her,
I dropped astern.  Shortly afterwards she altered her course, steering
for that white house.  Just as she was abreast of it, and I playing
about the weather quarter, the priests came by in procession, taking the
_host_ to somebody who was dying.  My little frigate lowered her
top-gallant sails out of respect, as other nations used to do, and ought
now, and be damned to them, whenever they pass the flag of old
England--"

"How do you mean?" inquired I.

"I mean that she spread her white handkerchief, which fluttered in her
hand as she went along, and knelt down upon it on one knee.  I did the
same, because I was obliged to heave-to to keep my station, and I
thought, that if she saw me, it would please her.  When she got up, I
was on my legs also; but in my hurry, I had not chosen a very clean
place, and I found out, when I got up again, that my white jean trowsers
were in a shocking mess.  The young lady turned round, and seeing my
misfortune, laughed, and then went into the white house, while I stood
there like a fool, first looking at the door of the house, and then at
my trowsers.  However, I thought that I might make it the means of being
acquainted with her, so I went to the door and knocked.  An old
gentleman in a large cloak, who was her father, came out; I pointed to
my trowsers, and requested him in Spanish to allow me a little water to
clean them.  The daughter then came from within, and told her father how
the accident had happened.  The old gentleman was surprised that an
English officer was so good a Christian, and appeared to be pleased.  He
asked me very politely to come in, and sent an old woman for some water.
I observed that he was smoking a bit of paper, and having very
fortunately about a couple of dozen of real Havannahs in my pocket (for
I never smoke anything else, Mr Simple, it being my opinion that no
gentleman can), I took them out, and begged his acceptance of them.  His
eyes glistened at the sight of them, but he refused to take more than
one however, I insisted upon his taking the whole bundle, telling him
that I had plenty more on board, reserving one for myself, that I might
smoke it with him.  He then requested me to sit down, and the old woman
brought some sour wine, which I declared was very good, although it made
me quite ill afterwards.  He inquired of me whether I was a good
Christian.  I replied that I was.  I knew that he meant a Catholic, for
they call us heretics, Mr Simple.  The daughter then came in without
her veil, and she was perfection: but I did not look at her, or pay her
any attention after the first salutation, I was so afraid of making the
old gentleman suspicious.  He then asked what I was--what sort of
officer--was I captain?  I replied that I was not.  Was I 'tenente?
which means lieutenant; I answered that I was not, again, but with an
air of contempt, as if I was something better.  What was I then?  I did
not know the Spanish for boatswain, and, to tell the truth, I was
ashamed of my condition.  I knew that there was an officer in Spain
called corregidor, which means a corrector in English, or one who
punishes.  Now I thought that quite near enough for my purpose, and I
replied that I was the corregidor.  Now, Mr Simple, a corregidor in
Spain is a person of rank and consequence, so they imagined that I must
be the same, and they appeared to be pleased.  The young lady then
inquired if I was of good family--whether I was a gentleman or not.  I
replied that I hoped so.  I remained with them for half-an-hour more,
when my cigar was finished; I then rose, and thanking the old gentleman
for his civility, begged that I might be allowed to bring him a few more
cigars, and took my leave.  The daughter opened the street-door, and I
could not refrain from taking her hand and kissing it--"

"Where's Mr Chucks? call the boatswain there forward," hallooed out the
lieutenant.

"Here I am, sir," replied Mr Chucks, hastening aft, and leaving me and
his story.

"The captain of the maintop reports the breast backstay much chafed in
the serving.  Go up and examine it," said the first lieutenant.

"Yes, sir," replied the boatswain, who immediately went up the rigging.

"And, Mr Simple, attend to the men scraping the spots off the
quarterdeck."

"Yes, sir," replied I; and thus our conversation was broken up.  The
weather changed that night, and we had a succession of rain and baffling
winds for six or seven days, during which I had no opportunity of
hearing the remainder of the boatswain's history.  We joined the fleet
off Toulon, closed the admiral's ship, and the captain went on board to
pay his respects.  When he returned, we found out, through the first
lieutenant, that we were to remain with the fleet until the arrival of
another frigate, expected in about a fortnight, and then the admiral had
promised that we should have a cruise.  The second day after we had
joined, we were ordered to form part of the in-shore squadron,
consisting of two line-of-battle ships and four frigates.  The French
fleet used to come out and manoeuvre within range of their batteries;
or, if they proceeded further from the shore, they took good care that
they had a leading wind to return again into port.  We had been in-shore
about a week, every day running close in, and counting the French fleet
in the harbour, to see that they were all safe, and reporting it to the
admiral by signal, when one fine morning, the whole of the French
vessels were perceived to hoist their topsails, and in less than an hour
they were under weigh, and came out of the harbour.  We were always
prepared for action, night and day, and, indeed, often exchanged a shot
or two with the batteries when we reconnoitred; the in-shore squadron
could not, of course, cope with the whole French fleet, and our own was
about twelve miles in the offing, but the captain of the line-of-battle
ship, who commanded us, hove-to as if in defiance, hoping to entice them
further out.  Four of the French frigates made sail towards us, and
hove-to, when within four miles, three or four line-of-battle ships
followed them, as if to support them.  Our captain made signal for
permission to close the enemy, which was granted, with our pennants, and
those of another frigate.  We immediately made all sail, beat to
quarters, put out the fires, and opened the magazines.  The French
line-of-battle ships perceiving that only two of our frigates were sent
against their four, hove-to at about the same distance from their
frigates, as our line-of-battle ships and other frigates were from us.
In the meantime our main fleet continued to work in shore under a press
of sail, and the French main fleet also gradually approached the
detached ships.  In about an hour we closed so near, that the French
frigates made sail and commenced firing.  We reserved our fire until
within a quarter of a mile, when we poured our broadside into the
headmost frigate, exchanging with her on opposite tacks.  The
_Sea-horse_, who followed, also gave her a broadside.  In this way we
exchanged broadsides with the whole four, and we had the best of it,
they could not load so fast as we could.  We were both ready again for
the frigates as they passed us, but they were not ready with their
broadside, for the _Sea-horse_, who followed us very closely, so that
they had two broadsides each, and we had only four in the _Diomede_, the
_Sea-horse_ not having one.  Our rigging was cut up a great deal, and we
had six or seven men wounded, but none killed.  The French frigates
suffered more, and their admiral perceiving that they were cut up a good
deal, made a signal of recall.  In the meantime we had both tacked, and
were ranging up on the weather quarter of the sternmost frigate: the
line-of-battle ships perceiving this, ran down with the wind, two points
free, to support their frigates, and our in-shore squadron made all sail
to support us, nearly laying up for where we were.  But the wind was
what is called at sea a soldier's wind, that is, blowing so that the
ships could lie either way, so as to run out or into the harbour, and
the French frigates, in obedience to their orders, made sail for their
fleet in-shore, the line-of-battle ships coming out to support them.
But our captain would not give it up, although we all continued to near
the French line-of-battle ships every minute--we ran in with the
frigates, exchanging broadsides with them as fast as we could.  One of
them lost her fore-topmast, and dropped astern, and we hoped to cut her
off, but the others shortened sail to support her.  This continued for
about twenty minutes, when the French line-of-battle ships were not more
than a mile from us, and our own commodore had made the signal of our
recall, for he thought that we should be overpowered and taken.  But the
_Sea-horse_, who saw the recall up, did not repeat it, and our captain
was determined not to see it, and ordered the signal-man not to look
that way.  The action continued; two of the French frigates were cut to
pieces, and complete wrecks, when the French line-of-battle ships
commenced firing.  It was then high time to be off.  We each of us
poured in another broadside, and then wore round for our own squadron,
which were about four miles off, and rather to leeward, standing in to
our assistance.  As we wore round, our main-topmast, which had been
badly wounded, fell over the side, and the French perceiving this, made
all sail, with the hope of capturing us; but the _Sea-horse_ remained
with us, and we threw up in the wind, and raked them until they were
within two cables' length of us.  Then we stood on for our own ships.

At last one of the line-of-battle ships, which sailed as well as the
frigates, came abreast of us, and poured in a broadside, which brought
every thing about our ears, and I thought we must be taken; but on the
contrary, although we lost several men, the captain said to the first
lieutenant, "Now, if they only wait a little longer, they are nabbed, as
sure as fate."  Just at this moment, our own line-of-battle ships opened
their fire, and then the tables were turned.  The French tacked, and
stood in as fast as they could, followed by the in-shore squadron, with
the exception of our ship, which was too much crippled to chase them.
One of their frigates had taken in tow the other, who had lost her
topmast, and our squadron came up with her very fast.  The English fleet
were also within three miles, standing in, and the French fleet standing
out, to the assistance of the other ships which had been engaged.  I
thought, and so did everybody, that there would be a general action, but
we were disappointed; the frigate which towed the other, finding that
she could not escape, cast her off, and left her to her fate, which was
to haul down her colours to the commodore of the in-shore squadron.  The
chase was continued until the whole of the French vessels were close
under their batteries, and then our fleet returned to its station with
the prize, which proved to be the _Narcisse_, of thirty-six guns,
Captain Le Pelleteon.  Our captain obtained a great deal of credit for
his gallant behaviour.  We had three men killed, and Robinson, the
midshipman, and ten men wounded, some of them severely.  About the time
she was expected, the frigate joined, and we had permission to part
company.  But before I proceed with the history of our cruise, I shall
mention the circumstances attending a court-martial, which took place
during the time that we were with the fleet, our captain having been
recalled from the in-shore squadron to sit as one of the members.  I was
the midshipman appointed to the captain's gig, and remained on board of
the admiral's ship during the whole of the time that the court was
sitting.  Two seamen, one an Englishman and the other a Frenchman, were
tried for desertion from one of our frigates.  They had left their ship
about three months, when the frigate captured a French privateer, and
found them on board as part of her crew.  For the Englishman, of course,
there was no defence; he merited the punishment of death, to which he
was immediately sentenced.  There may be some excuse for desertion, when
we consider that the seamen are taken into the service by force, but
there could be none for fighting against his country.  But the case of
the Frenchman was different.  He was born and bred in France, had been
one of the crew of the French gun-boats, at Cadiz, where he had been
made a prisoner by the Spaniards, and expecting his throat to be cut
every day, had contrived to escape on board of the frigate lying in the
harbour, and entered into our service, I really believe to save his
life.  He was nearly two years in the frigate before he could find an
opportunity of deserting from her, and returning to France, when he
joined the French privateer.  During the time that he was in the
frigate, he bore an excellent character.  The greatest point against him
was, that on his arrival at Gibraltar, he had been offered and had
received the bounty.  When the Englishman was asked what he had to say
in his defence, he replied that he had been pressed out of an American
ship, that he was American born, and that he had never taken the bounty.
But this was not true.  Both the men were condemned to death, and the
day after the morrow was fixed for their execution.

I was ordered to attend the punishment on the day appointed.  The sun
shone so brightly, and the sky was so clear, and the wind so gentle and
mild, that it appeared hardly possible that it was to be a day of such
awe and misery to the two poor men, or of such melancholy to the fleet
in general.  I pulled up my boat with the others belonging to the ships
of the fleet, in obedience to the orders of the officer superintending,
close to the fore-chains of the ship.  In about half-an-hour afterwards
the prisoners made their appearance on the scaffold, the caps were
pulled over their eyes, and the gun fired underneath them.  When the
smoke rolled away, the Englishman was swinging at the yard-arm, but the
Frenchman was not; he had made a spring when the gun fired, hoping to
break his neck at once, and put an end to his misery; but he fell on the
edge of the scaffold, where he lay.  We thought that his rope had given
way, and it appeared that he did the same, for he made an inquiry, but
they returned him no answer.  He was kept on the scaffold during the
whole hour that the Englishman remained suspended; his cap had been
removed, and he looked occasionally at his fellow sufferer.  When the
body was lowered down, he considered that his time was come, and
attempted to leap overboard.  He was restrained and led aft, where his
reprieve was read to him, and his arms were unbound.  But the effect of
the shock was too much for his mind; he fell down in a swoon, and when
he recovered, his senses had left him, and I heard that he never
recovered them, but was sent home to be confined as a maniac.  I
thought, and the result proved, that it was carried too far.  It is not
the custom, when a man is reprieved, to tell him so, until after he is
on the scaffold, with the intention that his awful situation at the time
may make a lasting impression upon him during the remainder of his life;
but, as a foreigner, he was not aware of our customs, and the hour of
intense feeling which he underwent was too much for his reason.  I must
say, that this circumstance was always a source of deep regret in the
whole fleet, and that his being a Frenchman, instead of an Englishman,
increased the feeling of commiseration.



CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.

MR. CHUCKS' OPINION OF PROPER NAMES--HE FINISHES HIS SPANISH TALK--MARCH
OF INTELLECT AMONG THE WARRANT OFFICERS.

We were all delighted when our signal was hoisted to "part company," as
we anticipated plenty of prize-money under such an enterprising captain.
We steered for the French coast, near to its junction with Spain, the
captain having orders to intercept any convoys sent to supply the French
army with stores and provisions.

The day after we parted company with the fleet, Mr Chucks finished his
story.

"Where was I, Mr Simple, when I left off?" said he, as we took a seat
upon the long eighteen.

"You had just left the house after having told them that you were a
corregidor, and had kissed the lady's hand."

"Very true.  Well, Mr Simple, I did not call there for two or three
days afterwards; I did not like to go too soon, especially as I saw the
young lady every day in the Plaza.  She would not speak to me, but, to
make use of their expression, `she gave me her eyes,' and sometimes a
sweet smile.  I recollect I was so busy looking at her one day, that I
tripped over my sword, and nearly fell on my nose, at which she burst
out a-laughing."

"Your sword, Mr Chucks?  I thought boatswains never wore swords."

"Mr Simple, a boatswain is an officer, and is entitled to a sword as
well as the captain, although we have been laughed out of it by a set of
midshipman monkeys.  I always wore my sword at that time; but
now-a-days, a boatswain is counted as nobody, unless there is hard work
to do, and then it's Mr Chucks this, and Mr Chucks that.  But I'll
explain to you how it is, Mr Simple, that we boatswains have lost so
much of consequence and dignity.  The first lieutenants are made to do
the boatswains' duty now-a-days, and if they could only wind the call,
they might scratch the boatswain's name off half the ships' books in His
Majesty's service.  But to go on with my yarn.  On the fourth day, I
called with my handkerchief full of cigars for the father, but he was at
siesta, as they called it.  The old serving-woman would not let me in at
first: but I shoved a dollar between her skinny old fingers, and that
altered her note.  She put her old head out, and looked round to see if
there was anybody in the street to watch us, and then she let me in and
shut the door.  I walked into the room, and found myself alone with
Seraphina."

"Seraphina!--what a fine name!"

"No name can be too fine for a pretty girl or a good frigate, Mr
Simple.  I was three hours with Seraphina before her father came home,
and during that time I never was quietly at an anchor for above a
minute.  I was on my knees, vowing and swearing, kissing her feet, and
kissing her hand, till at last I got to her lips, working my way up as
regularly as one who gets in at the hawsehole and crawls aft to the
cabin windows.  She was very kind, and she smiled, and sighed, and
pushed me off, and squeezed my hand, and was angry--frowning till I was
in despair, and then making me happy again with her melting dark eyes
beaming kindly, till at last she said that she would try to love me, and
asked me whether I would marry her and live in Spain.  I replied that I
would; and, indeed, I felt as if I could, only at the time the thought
occurred to me where the rhino was to come from, for I could not live,
as her father did, upon a paper cigar and a piece of melon per day.  At
all events, as far as words went, it was a settled thing.  When her
father came home, the old servant told him that I had just at that
moment arrived, and that his daughter was in her own room; so she was,
for she ran away as soon as she heard her father knock.  I made my bow
to the old gentleman, and gave him the cigars.  He was serious at first,
but the sight of them put him into good humour, and in a few minutes
Donna Seraphina (they call a lady a Donna in Spain) came in, saluting me
ceremoniously, as if we had not been kissing for the hour together.  I
did not remain long, as it was getting late, so I took a glass of the
old gentleman's sour wine, and walked off with a request from him to
call again.

"Well, Mr Simple, I met her again and again, until I was madly in love,
and the father appeared to be aware of what was going on, and to have no
objection.  However, he sent for a priest to talk with me, and I again
said that I was a good Catholic.

"The priest asked me whether I had confessed lately.  I knew what he
meant, and answered that I had not.  He motioned me down on my knees;
but as I could not speak Spanish enough for that, I mumble-jumbled
something or another, half Spanish and half English, and ended with
putting four dollars in his hand for _carita_, which means charity.  He
was satisfied at the end of my confession, whatever he might have been
at the beginning, and gave me absolution.  And now, sir, comes the
winding-up of this business.  Seraphina told me that she was going to
the opera with some of her relations, and asked me if I would be there;
that the captain of the frigate, and all the other officers were going,
and that she wished me to go with her.  You see, Mr Simple, although
Seraphina's father was so poor, that a mouse would have starved in his
house, still he was of good family, and connected with those who were
much better off.  He was a Don himself, and had fourteen or fifteen long
names, which I forget now.  I refused to go with her, as I knew that the
service would not permit a boatswain to sit in an opera-box, when the
captain and first lieutenant were there.  I told her that I had promised
to go on board to hook after the men while the captain went on shore;
thus, as you'll see, Mr Simple, making myself a man of consequence,
only to be mortified in the end.  After she had gone to the opera, I was
very uncomfortable: I was afraid that the captain would see her, and
take a fancy to her.  I walked up and down, outside, until I was so full
of love and jealousy, that I determined to go into the pit, and see what
she was about.  I soon discovered her in a box, with some other ladies,
and with them were my captain and first lieutenant.  The captain, who
spoke the language well, was leaning over her, talking and laughing, and
she was smiling at what he said.  I resolved to leave immediately, lest
she should see me, and discover that I had told her a falsehood; but
they appeared so intimate that I became so jealous I could not quit the
theatre.  At last she perceived me, and beckoned her hand; I looked very
angry, and left the theatre cursing like a madman.  It appeared that she
pointed me out to the captain, and asked him who I was; he told her my
real situation on board, and spoke of me with contempt.  She asked
whether I was not a man of family; at this the captain and first
lieutenant both burst out laughing, and said that I was a common sailor
who had been promoted to a higher rank for good behaviour--not exactly
an officer, and anything but a gentleman.  In short, Mr Simple, I was
_blown upon_; and although the captain said more than was correct, as I
learnt afterwards through the officers, still I deserved it.  Determined
to know the worst, I remained outside till the opera was over, when I
saw her come out, the captain and first lieutenant walking with the
party--so that I could not speak with her I walked to a posada (that's
an inn), and drank seven bottles of rosolio to keep myself quiet; then I
went on board, and the second lieutenant, who was commanding officer,
put me under arrest for being intoxicated.  It was a week before I was
released; and you can't imagine what I suffered, Mr Simple.  At last I
obtained leave to go on shore, and I went to the house to decide my
fate.  The old woman opened the door, and then, calling me a thief,
slammed it in my face; as I retreated, Donna Seraphina came to the
window, and, waving her hand with a contemptuous look, said, `Go, and
God be with you, Mr Gentleman.'  I returned on board in such a rage;
and if I could have persuaded the gunner to have given me a ball
cartridge I should have shot myself through the head.  What made the
matter worse, I was laughed at by everybody in the ship, for the captain
and first lieutenant had made the story public."

"Well, Mr Chucks," replied I, "I cannot help being sorry for you,
although you certainly deserved to be punished for your dishonesty.  Was
that the end of the affair."

"As far as I was concerned, it was, Mr Simple; but not as respected
others.  The captain took my place, but without the knowledge of the
father.  After all, they neither had great reason to rejoice at the
exchange."

"How so, Mr Chucks--what do you mean?"

"Why, Mr Simple, the captain did not make an honest woman of her, as I
would have done; and the father discovered what was going on, and one
night the captain was brought on board run through the body.  We sailed
immediately for Gibraltar, and it was a long while before he got round
again."

"Did you ever hear any more of the young lady?"

"Yes; about a year afterwards, I returned there in another ship.  She
had been shut up in a convent, and forced to take the veil.  Oh, Mr
Simple! if you knew how I loved that girl!  I have never been more than
polite to a woman since, and shall die a bachelor.  You can't think how
I was capsized the other day, when I looked at the house: I have hardly
touched beef or pork since, and am in debt two quarts of rum more than
my allowance."

We gained our station off the coast of Perpignan; and as soon as we made
the land, we were most provokingly driven off by a severe gale.  I am
not about to make any remarks about the gale, for one storm is so like
another; but I mention it to account for a conversation which took
place, and with which I was very much amused.  I was near to the captain
when he sent for Mr Muddle, the carpenter, who had been up to examine
the main-topsail yard, which had been reported as sprung.

"Well, Mr Muddle," said the captain.

"Sprung, sir, most decidedly; but I think we'll be able to _mitigate_
it."

"Will you be able to secure it for the present, Mr Muddle?" replied the
captain rather sharply.

"We'll _mitigate_ it, sir, in half-an-hour."

"I wish that you would use common phrases, when you speak to me, Mr
Muddle.  I presume, by mitigate, you mean to say that you can secure it.
Do you mean so, sir, or do you not?"

"Yes, sir, that is what I mean, most decidedly.  I hope no offence;
Captain Savage; but I did not intend to displease you by my language."

"Very good, Mr Muddle," replied the captain; "it's the first time that
I have spoken to you on the subject, recollect that it will be the
last."

"The first time!" replied the carpenter, who could not forget his
philosophy; "I beg your pardon, Captain Savage--you found just the same
fault with me on this quarter-deck 27,672 years ago, and--"

"If I did, Mr Muddle," interrupted the captain, very angrily, "depend
upon it that at the same time I ordered you to go aloft, and attend to
your duty, instead of talking nonsense on the quarter-deck; and
although, as you say, you and I cannot recollect it, if you did not obey
that order instantaneously, I also put you in confinement, and obliged
you to leave the ship as soon as she returned to port.  Do you
understand me, sir?"

"I rather think, sir," replied the carpenter, humbly touching his hat,
and walking to the main rigging, "that no such thing took place, for I
went up immediately, as I do now; and," continued the carpenter, who was
incurable, as he ascended the rigging, "as I shall again in another
27,672 years."

"That man is incorrigible with his confounded nonsense," observed the
captain to the first lieutenant.  "Every mast in the ship would go over
the side, provided he could get any one to listen to his ridiculous
theory."

"He is not a bad carpenter, sir," replied the first lieutenant.

"He is not," rejoined the captain; "but there is a time for all things."

"Mr Simple, what are you about, sir?"

"I was listening to what you said," replied I, touching my hat.

"I admire your candour, sir," replied he, "but advise you to discontinue
the practice.  Walk over to leeward, sir, and attend to your duty."

When I was on the other side of the deck, I looked round, and saw the
captain and first lieutenant both laughing.



CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.

I GO AWAY ON SERVICE, AM WOUNDED AND TAKEN PRISONER WITH O'BRIEN--
DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND BETWEEN THE O'BRIENS--GET INTO COMFORTABLE
QUARTERS--MY FIRST INTERVIEW WITH CELESTE.

And now I have to relate an event, which, young as I was at the time,
will be found to have seriously affected me in after-life.  How little
do we know what to-morrow may bring forth!  We had regained our station,
and for some days had been standing off and on the coast, when one
morning at daybreak, we found ourselves about four miles from the town
of Cette, and a large convoy of vessels coming round a point.  We made
all sail in chase, and they anchored close in shore, under a battery,
which we did not discover until it opened fire upon us.  The shot struck
the frigate two or three times, for the water was smooth, and the
battery nearly level with it.  The captain tacked the ship, and stood
out again, until the boats were hoisted out, and all ready to pull on
shore and storm the battery.  O'Brien, who was the officer commanding
the first cutter on service, was in his boat, and I again obtained
permission from him to smuggle myself into it.

We ran on shore, amidst the fire of the gun-boats which protected the
convoy, by which we lost three men, and made for the battery, which we
took without opposition, the French artillerymen running out as we ran
in.  The first lieutenant, who commanded, desired O'Brien to remain with
the first cutter, and after the armourer had spiked the guns, as officer
of the boat he was to shove off immediately.  O'Brien and I remained in
the battery with the armourer, the boat's crew being ordered down to the
boat, to keep her afloat, and ready to shove off at a moment's warning.
We had spiked all the guns but one, when all of a sudden a volley of
musketry was poured upon us, which killed the armourer and wounded me in
the leg, above the knee.  I fell down by O'Brien, who cried out, "By the
powers! here they are, and one gun not spiked."  He jumped down,
wrenched the hammer from the armourer's hand, and seizing a nail from
the bag, in a few moments he had spiked the gun.  At this time I heard
the tramping of the French soldiers advancing, when O'Brien threw away
the hammer, and lifting me upon his shoulders, cried, "Come along,
Peter, my boy," and made for the boat as fast as he could; but he was
too late; he had not got half-way to the boat, before he was collared by
two French soldiers, and dragged back into the battery.  The French
troops then advanced, and kept up a smart fire; our cutter escaped, and
joined the other boat, who had captured the gun-boats and convoy with
little opposition.  Our large boats had carronades mounted in their
bows, and soon returned the fire with round and grape, which drove the
French troops back into the battery, where they remained, popping at our
men under cover, until most of the vessels were taken out: those which
they could not man were burnt.  In the meantime, O'Brien had been taken
into the battery, with me on his back: but as soon as he was there, he
laid me gently down, saying, "Peter, my boy, as long as you were under
my charge, I'd carry you through thick and thin; but now that you are
under the charge of these French beggars, why, let them carry you.
Every man his own bundle, Peter, that's fair play; so if they think
you're worth the carrying, let them bear the weight of ye."

As soon as our boats were clear of their musketry, the commanding
officer of the French troops examined the guns in the battery, with the
hope of reaching them, and was very much annoyed to find that every one
of them was spiked.  "He'll look sharper than a magpie before he finds a
clear touch-hole, I expect," said O'Brien, as he watched the officer.
And here I must observe, that O'Brien showed great presence of mind in
spiking the last gun; for had they had one gun to fire at our boats
towing out the prizes, they must have done a great deal of mischief to
them, and we should have lost a great many men; but in so doing, and in
the attempt to save me, he sacrificed himself, and was taken prisoner.
When the troops ceased firing, the commanding officer came up to
O'Brien, and looking at him, said, "Officer?" to which O'Brien nodded
his head.  He then pointed to me--"Officer?"  O'Brien nodded his head
again, at which the French troops laughed, as O'Brien told me
afterwards, because I was what they called an _enfant_, which means an
infant.  I was very stiff and faint, and could not walk.  The officer
who commanded the troops left a detachment in the battery, and prepared
to return to Cette, from whence they came.  O'Brien walked, and I was
carried on three muskets by six of the French soldiers,--not a very
pleasant conveyance at any time, but in my state excessively painful.
However, I must say, that they were very kind to me, and put a great
coat or something under my wounded leg, for I was in an agony, and
fainted several times.  At last they brought me some water to drink.  O
how delicious it was!  In about an hour and a half, which appeared to me
to be five days at the least, we arrived at the town of Cette, and I was
taken up to the house of the officer who commanded the troops, and who
had often looked at me as I was carried there from the battery, saying,
"_Pauvre enfant_!"  I was put on a bed, where I again fainted away.
When I came to my senses, I found a surgeon had bandaged my leg, and
that I had been undressed.  O'Brien was standing by me, and I believe
that he had been crying, for he thought that I was dead.  When I looked
him in the face, he said, "Pater, you baste, how you frightened me: bad
luck to me if ever I take charge of another youngster.  What did you
sham dead for?"

"I am better now, O'Brien," replied I: "how much I am indebted to you!
you have been made prisoner in trying to save me."

"I have been made prisoner in doing my duty, in one shape or another."

I squeezed the offered hand of O'Brien, and looked round me; the surgeon
stood at one side of the bed, and the officer who commanded the troops
at the other.  At the head of the bed was a little girl about twelve
years old, who held a cup in her hand, out of which something had been
poured down my throat.  I looked at her, and she had such pity in her
face, which was remarkably handsome, that she appeared to me as an
angel, and I turned round as well as I could, that I might look at her
alone.  She offered me the cup, which I should have refused from any one
but her, and I drank a little.  Another person then came into the room,
and a conversation took place in French.

"I wonder what they mean to do with us," said I to O'Brien.

"Whist, hold your tongue," replied he; and then he leaned over me, and
said in a whisper, "I understand all they say; don't you recollect, I
told you that I learnt the language after I was kilt and buried in the
sand in South America?"  After a little more conversation, the officer
and the others retired, leaving nobody but the little girl and O'Brien
in the room.

"It's a message from the governor," said O'Brien, as soon as they were
gone, "wishing the prisoners to be sent to the gaol in the citadel, to
be examined; and the officer says (and he's a real gentleman, as far as
I can judge) that you're but a baby, and badly wounded in the bargain,
and that it would be a shame not to leave you to die in peace; so I
presume that I'll part company from you very soon."

"I hope not, O'Brien," replied I; "if you go to prison, I will go also,
for I will not leave you, who are my best friend, to remain with
strangers; I should not be half so happy, although I might have more
comforts in my present situation."

"Pater, my boy, I am glad to see that your heart is in the right place,
as I always thought it was, or I wouldn't have taken you under my
protection.  We'll go together to prison, my jewel, and I'll fish at the
bars with a bag and a long string, just by way of recreation, and to
pick up a little money to buy you all manner of nice things; and when
you get well, you shall do it yourself--mayhap you'll have better luck,
as Peter your namesake had, who was a fisherman before you.  But somehow
or another, I think we mayn't be parted yet, for I heard the officer
(who appears to be a real gentleman, and worthy to have been an Irishman
born) say to the other, that he'd ask the governor for me to stay with
you on parole, until you are well again."  The little girl handed me the
lemonade, of which I drank a little, and then I felt very faint again.
I laid my head on the pillow, and O'Brien having left off talking, I was
soon in a comfortable sleep.  In an hour I was awakened by the return of
the officer, who was accompanied by the surgeon.  The officer addressed
O'Brien in French, who shook his head as before.

Two other persons then came into the room: one of them addressed O'Brien
in very bad English, saying that he was interpreter, and would beg him
to answer a few questions.  He then inquired the name of our ship,
number of guns, and how long we had been cruising.  After that the force
of the English fleet, and a great many other questions relative to them;
all of which were put in French by the person who came with him, and the
answers translated and taken down in a book.  Some of the questions
O'Brien answered correctly; to others he pleaded ignorance; and to some
he asserted what was not true.  But I did not blame him for that, as it
was his duty not to give information to the enemy.  At last they asked
my name and rank, which O'Brien told them.

"Was I noble?"

"Yes," replied O'Brien.

"Don't say so, O'Brien," interrupted I.

"Peter, you know nothing about it; you are grandson to a lord."

"I know that, but still I am not noble myself, although descended from
him; therefore pray don't say so."

"Bother, Pater!  I have said it, and I won't unsay it; besides, Pater,
recollect it's a French question, and in France you would be considered
noble.  At all events it can do no harm."

"I feel too ill to talk, O'Brien; but I wish you had not said so."

They then inquired O'Brien's name, which he told them; his rank in the
service, and also whether he was noble.

"I am an O'Brien," replied he; "and pray what's the meaning of the O
before my name, if I'm not noble?  However, Mr Interpreter, you may
add, that we have dropped our title because it's not convanient."  The
French officer burst out into a loud laugh, which surprised us very
much.  The interpreter had great difficulty in explaining what O'Brien
said; but as O'Brien told me afterwards, the answer was put down
_doubtful_.

They all left the room except the officer, who then, to our
astonishment, addressed us in good English: "Gentlemen, I have obtained
permission from the governor for you to remain in my house, until Mr
Simple is recovered.  Mr O'Brien, it is necessary that I should receive
your parole of honour, that you will not attempt to escape.  Are you
willing to give it?"

O'Brien was quite amazed; "Murder an' Irish," cried he; "so you speak
English, colonel."

"I'm of Irish descent," replied the officer, "and my name, as well as
yours, is O'Brien.  I was brought up in this country, not being
permitted to serve my own, and retain the religion of my forefathers.
But to the question, Mr O'Brien, will you give your parole?"

"The word of an Irishman, and the hand to boot," replied O'Brien,
shaking the colonel by the hand; "and you are more than doubly sure, for
I'll never go away and leave little Peter here; and as for carrying him
on my back, I've had enough of that already."

"It is sufficient," replied the colonel.  "Mr O'Brien, I will make you
as comfortable as I can; and when you are tired of attending your
friend, my little daughter shall take your place.  You'll find her a
kind little nurse, Mr Simple."

I could not refrain from tears at the colonel's kindness: he shook me by
the hand; and telling O'Brien that dinner was ready, he called up his
daughter, the little girl who had attended me before, and desired her to
remain in the room.  "Celeste," said he, "you understand a little
English; quite enough to find out what he is in want of.  Go and fetch
your work, to amuse yourself when he is asleep."  Celeste went out, and
returning with her embroidery, sat down by the head of the bed: the
colonel and O'Brien then quitted the room.  Celeste then commenced her
embroidery, and as her eyes were cast down upon her work, I was able to
look at her without her observing it.  As I said before, she was a very
beautiful little girl; her hair was light brown, eyes very large, and
eyebrows drawn as with a pair of compasses; her nose and mouth was also
very pretty; but it was not so much her features as the expression of
her countenance, which was so beautiful, so modest, so sweet, and so
intelligent.  When she smiled, which she almost always did when she
spoke, her teeth were like two rows of little pearls.

I had not looked at her long, before she raised her eyes from her work,
and perceiving that I was looking at her, said, "You want--something--
want drink--I speak very little English."

"Nothing, I thank ye," replied I; "I only want to go to sleep."

"Then--shut--your eye," replied she, smiling; and she went to the
window, and drew down the blinds to darken the room.  In the evening,
the surgeon called again; he felt my pulse, and directing cold
applications to my leg, which had swelled considerably, and was becoming
very painful, told Colonel O'Brien that, although I had considerable
fever, I was doing as well as could be expected under the circumstances.
But I shall not dwell upon my severe sufferings for a fortnight, after
which the ball was extracted; nor upon how carefully I was watched by
O'Brien, the colonel, and little Celeste, during my peevishness and
irritation arising from pain and fever.



CHAPTER NINETEEN.

WE REMOVE TO VERY UNPLEASANT QUARTERS--BIRDS OF A FEATHER WON'T ALWAYS
FLOCK TOGETHER--O'BRIEN CUTS A CUTTER MIDSHIPMAN, AND GETS A TASTE OF
FRENCH STEEL--ALTOGETHER "FLAT" WORK.

As soon as I was well enough to attend to my little nurse, we became
very intimate, as might be expected.  In five weeks I was out of bed,
and could limp about the room; and before two months were over, I was
quite recovered.  The colonel, however, would not report me to the
governor; I remained on a sofa during the day, but at dusk I stole out
of the house, and walked about with Celeste.  I never passed such a
happy time as the last fortnight; the only drawback was the remembrance
that I should soon have to exchange it for a prison.  I was more easy
about my father and mother, as O'Brien had written to them, assuring
them that I was doing well; and besides, a few days after our capture,
the frigate had run in, and sent a flag of truce to inquire if we were
alive or made prisoners; at the same time Captain Savage sent on shore
all our clothes, and two hundred dollars in cash for our use.  I knew
that even if O'Brien's letter did not reach them, they were sure to hear
from Captain Savage that I was doing well.  At the end of twelve weeks
the surgeon could no longer withhold his report, and we were ordered to
be ready in two days to march to Toulon, where we were to join another
party of prisoners to proceed with them into the interior.  I must pass
over our parting, which the reader may imagine was very painful.  I
promised to write to Celeste, and she promised that she would answer my
letters, if it were permitted.  We shook hands with Colonel O'Brien,
thanking him for his kindness, and much to his regret, we were taken in
charge by two French cuirassiers, who were waiting at the door.  As we
preferred being continued on parole until our arrival at Toulon, the
soldiers were not at all particular about watching us: and we set off on
horseback, O'Brien and I going first, and the French cuirassiers
following us in the rear.

The evening of the second day we arrived in Toulon, and as soon as we
entered the gates, we were delivered into the custody of an officer,
with a very sinister cast of countenance, who, after some conversation
with the cuirassiers, told us in a surly tone that our parole was at an
end and gave us in charge of a corporal's guard, with directions to
conduct us to the prison near the Arsenal.  We presented the cuirassiers
with four dollars each, for their civility, and were then hurried away
to our place of captivity.  I observed to O'Brien, that I was afraid
that we must now bid farewell to anything like pleasure.  "You're right
there, Peter," replied he; "but there's a certain jewel called Hope,
that somebody found at the bottom of his chest, when it was clean empty,
and so we must not lose sight of it, but try and escape as soon as we
can; but the less we talk about it the better."  In a few minutes we
arrived at our destination: the door was opened, ourselves and our
bundles (for we had only selected a few things for our march, the
colonel promising to forward the remainder as soon as we wrote to inform
him to which depot we were consigned) were rudely shoved in; and as the
doors again closed, and the heavy bolts were shot, I felt a creeping,
chill, sensation pass through my whole body.

As soon as we could see--for although the prison was not very dark, yet
so suddenly thrown in, after the glare of a bright sunshiny day, at
first we could distinguish nothing--we found ourselves in company with
about thirty English sailors.  One man, who was playing at cards, looked
up for a moment as we came in, and cried out, "Hurrah, my lads! the more
the merrier," as if he really were pleased to find that there were
others who were as unfortunate as himself.  We stood looking at the
groups for about ten minutes, when O'Brien observed that "we might as
well come to an anchor, foul ground being better than no bottom;" so we
sat down in a corner upon our bundles, where we remained for more than
an hour, surveying the scene, without speaking a word to each other.  I
could not speak--I felt so very miserable.

We had been in the prison about two hours, when a lad in a very greasy,
ragged jacket, with a pale emaciated face, came up to us, and said, "I
perceive by your uniforms that you are both officers, as well as
myself."

O'Brien stared at him for a little while, and then answered, "Upon my
soul and honour, then, you've the advantage of us, for it's more than I
could perceive in you; but I'll take your word for it.  Pray what ship
may have had the misfortune of losing such a credit to the service?"

"Why, I belong to the _Snapper_ cutter," replied the young lad; "I was
taken in a prixe, which the commanding officer had given in my charge to
take to Gibraltar: but they won't believe that I'm an officer.  I have
applied for officer's allowance and rations, and they won't give them to
me."

"Well, but they know that we are officers," replied O'Brien; "why do
they shove us in here, with the common seamen!"

"I suppose you are only put in here for the present," replied the
cutter's midshipman; "but why I cannot tell."

Nor could we, until afterwards, when we found out, as our narrative will
show, that the officer who received us from the cuirassiers had once
quarrelled with Colonel O'Brien, who first pulled his nose, and
afterwards ran him through the body.  Being told by the cuirassiers that
we were much esteemed by Colonel O'Brien, he resolved to annoy us as
much as he could; and when he sent up the document announcing our
arrival, he left out the word "Officers," and put us in confinement with
the common seamen.

Fortunately we were not destined to remain long in this detestable hole.
After a night of misery, during which we remained sitting on our
bundles, and sleeping how we could, leaning with our backs against the
damp wall, we were roused at daybreak by the unbarring of the prison
doors, followed up with an order to go into the prison yard.  We were
huddled out like a flock of sheep, by a file of soldiers with loaded
muskets; and, as we went into the yard, were ranged two and two.  The
same officer who ordered us into prison, commanded the detachment of
soldiers who had us in charge.  O'Brien stepped out of the ranks, and
addressing them, stated that we are officers, and had no right to be
treated like common sailors.  The French officer replied that he had
better information, and that we wore coats which did not belong to us;
upon which O'Brien was in a great rage, calling the officer a liar, and
demanded satisfaction for the insult, appealing to the French soldiers,
and stating that Colonel O'Brien, who was at Cette, was his countryman,
and had received him for two months into his house upon parole, which
was quite sufficient to establish his being an officer.  The French
soldiers appeared to side with O'Brien after they had heard this
explanation, stating that no common English sailor could speak such good
French, and that they were present when we were sent in on parole, and
they asked the officer whether he intended to give satisfaction.  The
officer stormed, and drawing his sword out of the scabbard, struck
O'Brien with the flat of the blade, looking at him with contempt, and
ordering him into the ranks.  I could not help observing that, during
this scene, the men-of-war sailors who were among the prisoners, were
very indignant, while, on the contrary, those captured in merchant
vessels appeared to be pleased with the insult offered to O'Brien.  One
of the French soldiers then made a sarcastic remark, that the French
officer did not much like the name of O'Brien.  This so enraged the
officer, that he flew at O'Brien, pushed him back into the ranks, and
taking out a pistol, threatened to shoot him through the head.  I must
do the justice to the French soldiers, that they all called out "Shame!"

When O'Brien returned to the ranks, he looked defiance at the officer,
telling him that "he would pocket the affront very carefully, as he
intended to bring it out again upon a future and more suitable
occasion."  We were then marched out in ranks, two and two, being met in
the street by two drummers, and a crowd of people, who had gathered to
witness our departure.  The drums beat and away we went.  The officer
who had charge of us mounted a small horse, galloping up and down from
one end of the ranks to the other, with his sword drawn, bullying,
swearing, and striking with the flat of the blade at any one of the
prisoners who was not in his proper place.  When we were close to the
gates, we were joined by another detachment of prisoners: we were then
ordered to halt, and were informed, through an interpreter, that any one
attempting to escape would immediately be shot; after which information
we once more proceeded on our route.



CHAPTER TWENTY.

O'BRIEN FIGHTS A DUEL WITH A FRENCH OFFICER, AND PROVES THAT THE GREAT
ART OF FENCING IS KNOWING NOTHING ABOUT IT--WE ARRIVE AT OUR NEW
QUARTERS, WHICH WE FIND VERY SECURE.

At night we arrived at a small town, the name of which I forget.  Here
we were all put into an old church for the night, and a very bad night
we passed.  We were afraid to lie down anywhere as, like all ruined
buildings in France, the ground was covered with filth, and the smell
was shocking.  At daybreak, the door of the church was again opened by
the French soldiers, and we were conducted to the square of the town,
where we found the troops quartered.  As the French officers walked
along our ranks to look at us, I perceived among them a captain, whom we
had known very intimately when we were living at Cette with Colonel
O'Brien.  I cried out his name immediately; he turned round, and seeing
O'Brien and me, he came up to us, shaking us by the hand, and expressing
his surprise at finding us in such a situation.  O'Brien explained to
him how we had been treated, at which he expressed his indignation, as
did the other officers who had collected round us.  The major who
commanded the troops in the town turned to the French officer (he was
only a lieutenant) who had conducted us from Toulon, and demanded of him
his reason for behaving to us in such an unworthy manner.  He denied
having treated us ill, and said that he had been informed that we had
put on officers' dresses which did not belong to us.  At this O'Brien
declared that he was a liar, and a cowardly _foutre_, that he had struck
him with the back of his sabre, which he dared not have done if he had
not been a prisoner; adding, that all he requested was satisfaction for
the insult offered to him, and appealed to the officers whether, if it
were refused, the lieutenant's epaulets ought not to be cut off his
shoulders.  The major commandant and the officers retired to consult,
and, after a few minutes, they agreed that the lieutenant was bound to
give the satisfaction required.  The lieutenant replied that he was
ready; but, at the same time, did not appear to be very willing.  The
prisoners were left in charge of the soldiers, under a junior officer,
while the others, accompanied by O'Brien, myself, and the lieutenant,
walked to a short distance outside of the town.  As we proceeded there,
I asked O'Brien with what weapons they would fight.

"I take it for granted," replied he, "that it will be with the small
sword."

"But," said I, "do you know anything about fencing?"

"Devil a bit, Peter; but that's all in my favour."

"How can that be?" replied I.

"I'll tell you, Peter.  If one man fences well, and another is but an
indifferent hand at it, it is clear that the first will run the other
through the body; but if the other knows nothing at all about it, why,
then, Peter, the case is not quite so clear: because the good fencer is
almost as much puzzled by your ignorance as you are by his skill, and
you become on more equal terms.  Now, Peter, I've made up my mind that
I'll run that fellow through the body, and so I will, as sure as I am an
O'Brien."

"Well, I hope you will; but pray do not be too sure."

"It's feeling sure that will make me able to do it, Peter.  By the blood
of the O'Briens! didn't he slap me with his sword, as if I were a clown
in the pantomime--Peter, I'll kill the harlequin scoundrel, and my
word's as good as my bond!"

By this time we had arrived at the ground.  The French lieutenant
stripped to his shirt and trowsers; O'Brien did the same, kicking his
boots off, and standing upon the wet grass in his stockings.  The swords
were measured, and handed to them: they took their distance, and set to.
I must say that I was breathless with anxiety; the idea of losing
O'Brien struck me with grief and terror.  I then felt the value of all
his kindness to me, and would have taken his place, and have been run
through the body, rather than he should have been hurt.  At first,
O'Brien put himself in the correct attitude of defence, in imitation of
the lieutenant, but this was for a very few seconds: he suddenly made a
spring, and rushed on his adversary, stabbing at him with a velocity
quite astonishing, the lieutenant parrying in his defence, until at last
he had an opportunity of lounging at O'Brien.  O'Brien, who no longer
kept his left arm raised in equipoise, caught the sword of the
lieutenant at within six inches of the point, and directing it under his
left arm, as he rushed in, passed his own through the lieutenant's body.
It was all over in less than a minute the lieutenant did not live
half-an-hour afterwards.  The French officers were very much surprised
at the result, for they perceived at once that O'Brien knew nothing of
fencing.  O'Brien gathered a tuft of grass, wiped the sword, which he
presented to the officer to whom it belonged, and thanking the major and
the whole of them for their impartiality and gentlemanlike conduct, led
the way to the square, where he again took his station in the ranks of
the prisoners.

Shortly after, the major commandant came up to us, and asked whether we
would accept of our parole, as, in that case, we might travel as we
pleased.  We consented, with many thanks for his civility and kindness;
but I could not help thinking at the time, that the French officers were
a little mortified at O'Brien's success, although they were too
honourable to express the feeling.

I had almost forgot to say, that on our return after the duel, the
cutter's midshipman called out to O'Brien, requesting him to state to
the commandant that he was also an officer; but O'Brien replied, that
there was no evidence for it but his bare word.  If he were an officer,
he must prove it himself, as everything in his appearance flatly
contradicted his assertion.

"It's very hard," replied the midshipman, "that because my jacket's a
little tarry or so, I must lose my rank."

"My dear fellow," replied O'Brien, "it's not because your jacket's a
little tarry; it is because what the Frenchman call your _tout ensemble_
is quite disgraceful in an officer.  Look at your face in the first
puddle, and you'll find that it would dirty the water you look into."

"Well, it's very hard," replied the midshipman, "that I must go on
eating this black rye bread; and very unkind of you."

"It's very kind of me, you spalpeen of the _Snapper_.  Prison will be a
paradise to you, when you get into good commons.  How you'll relish your
grub by-and-by!  So now shut your pan, or by the tail of Jonah's whale,
I'll swear you're a Spaniard."

I could not help thinking that O'Brien was very severe upon the poor
lad, and I expostulated with him afterwards.  He replied, "Peter, if, as
a cutter's midshipman, he is a bit of an officer, the devil a bit is he
of a gentleman, either born or bred; and I'm not bound to bail every
blackguard-looking chap that I meet.  By the head of St. Peter, I would
blush to be seen in his company, if I were in the wildest bog in
Ireland, with nothing but an old crow as spectator."

We were now again permitted to be on our parole, and received every
attention and kindness from the different officers who commanded the
detachments which passed the prisoners from one town to the other.  In a
few days we arrived at Montpelier, where we had orders to remain a short
time until directions were received from government as to the depots for
prisoners to which we were to be sent.  At this delightful town we had
unlimited parole, not even a gendarme accompanying us.  We lived at the
_table d'hote_, were permitted to walk about where we pleased, and
amused ourselves every evening at the theatre.  During our stay there,
we wrote to Colonel O'Brien at Cette, thanking him for his kindness, and
narrating what had occurred since we parted I also wrote to Celeste,
enclosing my letter unsealed in the one to Colonel O'Brien.  I told her
the history of O'Brien's duel, and all I could think would interest her;
how sorry I was to have parted from her; that I never would forget her;
and trusted that some day, as she was only half a Frenchwoman, that we
should meet again.  Before we left Montpelier, we had the pleasure of
receiving answers to our letters: the colonel's letters were very kind,
particularly the one to me, in which he called me his dear boy, and
hoped that I should soon rejoin my friends, and prove an ornament to my
country.  In his letter to O'Brien, he requested him not to run me into
useless danger--to recollect that I was not so well able to undergo
extreme hardship.  The answer from Celeste was written in English; but
she must have had assistance from her father, or she could not have
succeeded so well.  It was like herself, very kind and affectionate; and
also ended with wishing me a speedy return to my friends, who must (she
said) be so fond of me, that she despaired of ever seeing me more, but
that she consoled herself as well as she could with the assurance that I
should be happy.  I forgot to say that Colonel O'Brien, in his letter to
me, stated that he expected immediate orders to leave Cette, and take
the command of some military post in the interior, or join the army, but
which he could not tell; that they had packed up everything, and he was
afraid that our correspondence must cease, as he could not state to what
place we should direct our letters.

I must here acquaint the reader with a circumstance which I forgot to
mention, which was, that when Captain Savage sent in a flag of truce
with our clothes and money, I thought that it was but justice to O'Brien
that they should know on board of the frigate the gallant manner in
which he had behaved.  I knew that he never would tell himself, so, ill
as I was at the time, I sent for Colonel O'Brien, and requested him to
write down my statement of the affair, in which I mentioned how O'Brien
had spiked the last gun, and had been taken prisoner by so doing,
together with his attempting to save me.  When the colonel had written
all down, I requested that he would send for the major who first entered
the fort with the troops, and translate it to him in French.  This he
did in my presence, and the major declared every word to be true.  "Will
he attest it, colonel, as it may be of great service to O'Brien?"  The
major immediately assented.  Colonel O'Brien then enclosed my letter,
with a short note from himself, to Captain Savage.

In ten days, we received an order to march on the following morning.
The sailors, among whom was our poor friend the midshipman of the
_Snapper_ cutter, were ordered to Verdun; O'Brien and I, with eight
masters of merchant vessels, who joined us at Montpelier, were directed
by the government to be sent to Givet, a fortified town in the
department of Ardennes.  But, at the same time, orders arrived from
government to treat the prisoners with great strictness, and not to
allow any parole.  It was exactly four months from the time of our
capture, that we arrived at our destined prison at Givet.

"Peter," said O'Brien, as he looked hastily at the fortifications and
the river which divided the two towns, "I see no reason, either English
or French, that we should not eat our Christmas dinner in England.  I've
a bird's-eye view of the outside, and now have only to find out
whereabouts we may be in the inside."

I must say that, when I looked at the ditches and high ramparts, I had a
different opinion; so had a gendarme who was walking by our side, and
who had observed O'Brien's scrutiny, and who quietly said to him in
French, "_Vous le croyez possible_?"

"Everything is possible to a brave man--the French armies have proved
that," answered O'Brien.

"You are right," replied the gendarme, pleased with the compliment to
his nation; "I wish you success, you will deserve it; but--" and he
shook his head.

"If I could obtain a plan of the fortress," said O'Brien, "I would give
five Napoleons for one;" and he looked at the gendarme.

"I cannot see any objection to an officer, although a prisoner, studying
fortification," replied the gendarme.  "In two hours you will be within
the walls; and now I recollect, in the map of the two towns, the
fortress is laid down sufficiently accurately to give you an idea of it.
But we have conversed too long."  So saying, the gendarme dropped into
the rear.

In a quarter of an hour we arrived at the Place d'Armes, where we were
met, as usual, by another detachment of troops, and drummers, who
paraded us through the town previous to our being drawn up before the
governor's house.  As we stopped at the governor's house, the gendarme
who had left us in the square, made a sign to O'Brien, as much as to
say, I have it.  O'Brien took out five Napoleons, which he wrapped in
paper and held in his hand.  In a minute or two, the gendarme came up
and presented O'Brien with an old silk handkerchief, saying, "_Votre
mouchoir, monsieur_."

"Merci," replied O'Brien, putting the handkerchief which contained the
map into his pocket; "_voici a boire, mon ami_;" and he slipped the
paper with the five Napoleons into the hand of the gendarme, who
immediately retreated.

This was very fortunate for us, as we afterwards discovered that a mark
had been put against O'Brien's and my name, not to allow parole or
permission to leave the fortress, even under surveillance.



CHAPTER TWENTY ONE.

O'BRIEN RECEIVES HIS COMMISSION AS LIEUTENANT AND THEN WE TAKE FRENCH
LEAVE OF GIVET.

If I doubted the practicability of escape when I examined the exterior,
when we were ushered into the interior of the fortress, I felt that it
was impossible, and I stated my opinion to O'Brien.  We were conducted
into a yard surrounded by a high wall; the buildings appropriated for
the prisoners were built with _lean-to_ roofs on one side, and at each
side of the square was a sentry looking down upon us.  It was very much
like the dens which they now build for bears, only so much larger.
O'Brien answered me with a "Pish!  Peter, it's the very security of the
place which will enable us to get out of it.  But don't talk, as there
are always spies about who understand English."

We were shown into a room allotted to six of us; our baggage was
examined, and then delivered over to us.  "Better and better, Peter,"
observed O'Brien, "they've not found it out!"

"What?" inquired I.

"Oh, only a little selection of articles, which might be useful to us
by-and-by."

He then showed me what I never before was aware of; that he had a false
bottom to his trunk; but it was papered over like the rest, and very
ingeniously concealed.  "And what is there, O'Brien?" inquired I.

"Never mind; I had them made at Montpelier.  You'll see by-and-by."

The others, who were lodged in the same room, then came in, and, after
staying a quarter of an hour, went away at the sound of the dinner-bell.
"Now, Peter," said O'Brien, "I must get rid of my load.  Turn the key."

O'Brien then undressed himself, and then he threw off his shirt and
drawers, showed me a rope of silk, with a knot at every two feet, about
half an inch in size, wound round and round his body.  There were about
sixty feet of it altogether.  As I unwound it, he, turning round and
round, observed, "Peter, I've worn this rope ever since I left
Montpelier, and you've no idea of the pain I have suffered; but we must
go to England, that's decided upon."

For some days O'Brien, who really was not very well, kept to his room.
During this time, he often examined the map given him by the gendarme.
One day he said to me, "Peter, can you swim?"

"No," replied I; "but never mind that."

"But I must mind it, Peter; for observe, we shall have to cross the
river Meuse, and boats are not always to be had.  You observe, that this
fortress is washed by the river on one side: and as it is the strongest
side, it is the least guarded--we must escape by it."

"Are you then determined to escape, O'Brien?  I cannot perceive how we
are even to get up this wall, with four sentries staring us in the
face."

"Never do you mind that, Peter, mind your own business; and first tell
me, do you intend to try your luck with me?"

"Yes," replied I, "most certainly, if you have sufficient confidence in
me to take me as your companion."

"To tell you the truth, Peter, I would not give a farthing to escape
without you."

The prison was by all accounts very different from Verdun and some
others.  We had no parole, and but little communication with the
townspeople.  Some were permitted to come in and supply us with various
articles; but their baskets were searched, to see that they contained
nothing that might lead to an escape on the part of the prisoners.
Without the precautions that O'Brien had taken, any attempt would have
been useless.  "Now, Peter," said he one day, "I want nothing more than
an umbrella for you."

"Why an umbrella for me?"

"To keep you from being drowned with too much water, that's all."

"Rain won't drown me."

"No, no, Peter; but buy a new one as soon as you can."

I did so.  O'Brien boiled up a quantity of bees'-wax and oil, and gave
it several coats of this preparation.  He then put it carefully away in
the ticking of his bed.  We had been now about two months in Givet, when
a Steel's List was sent to a lieutenant, who was confined there.  The
lieutenant came up to O'Brien, and asked him his Christian name.
"Terence, to be sure," replied O'Brien.

"Then," answered the lieutenant, "I may congratulate you on your
promotion, for here you are upon the list of August."

"Sure there must be some trifling mistake; let me look at it.  Terence
O'Brien, sure enough; but now the question is, has any other fellow
robbed me of my name and promotion at the same time?  Bother, what can
it mane?  I won't belave it--not a word of it.  I've no more interest
than a dog who drags cats'-meat."

I then told O'Brien how I had written to Captain Savage, and had had the
fact attested by the major who had made us prisoners.

"Well, Peter," said O'Brien, after a pause, "there is a fable about a
lion and a mouse.  If, by your means, I have obtained my promotion, why,
then the mouse is a finer baste than the lion."

For a few days after this O'Brien was very uneasy, but fortunately
letters arrived by that time; one to me from my father, in which he
requested me to draw for whatever money I might require, saying that the
whole family would retrench in every way to give me all the comfort
which might be obtained in my unfortunate situation.  I wept at this
kindness, and more than ever longed to throw myself in his arms, and
thank him.  He also told me that my uncle William was dead, and that
there was only one between him and the title, but that my grandfather
was in good health, and had been very kind to him lately.  My mother was
much afflicted at my having been made a prisoner, and requested I would
write as often as I could.  O'Brien's letter was from Captain Savage;
the frigate had been sent home with despatches, and O'Brien's conduct
represented to the Admiralty, which had, in consequence, promoted him to
the rank of lieutenant.  O'Brien came to me with the letter, his
countenance radiant with joy as he put it into my hands.  In return I
put mine into his, and he read it over.

"Peter, my boy, I'm under great obligations to you.  When you were
wounded and feverish, you thought of me at a time when you had quite
enough to think of yourself; but I never thank in words.  I see your
uncle William is dead.  How many more uncles have you?"

"My uncle John, who is married, and has already two daughters."

"Blessings on him; may he stick to the female line of business!  Peter,
my boy, you shall be a lord before you die."

"Nonsense, O'Brien; I have no chance.  Don't put such foolish ideas in
my head."

"What chance had I of being a lieutenant, and am I not one?  But, Peter,
do me one favour; as I am really a lieutenant, just touch your hat to me
only once, that's all: but I wish the compliment, just to see how it
looks."

"Lieutenant O'Brien," said I, touching my hat, "have you any further
orders?"

"Yes, sir," replied he, "that you never presume to touch your hat to me
again, unless we sail together, and then that's a different sort of
thing."

About a week afterwards, O'Brien came to me, and said, "The new moon's
quartered in with foul weather; if it holds, prepare for a start.  I
have put what is necessary in your little haversack; it may be tonight.
Go to bed now, and sleep for a week if you can, for you'll get but
little sleep, if we succeed, for the week to come."

This was about eight o'clock.  I went to bed, and about twelve I was
roused by O'Brien, who told me to dress myself carefully, and come down
to him in the yard.  It was some time before I could find O'Brien, who
was hard at work; and, as I had already been made acquainted with all
his plans, I will now explain them.  At Montpelier he had procured six
large pieces of iron, about eighteen inches long, with a gimlet at one
end of each, and a square at the other, which fitted to a handle which
unshipped.  For precaution he had a spare handle, but each handle fitted
to all the irons.  O'Brien had screwed one of these pieces of iron
between the interstices of the stones of which the wall was built, and
sitting astride on that, was fixing another about three feet above.
When he had accomplished this, he stood upon the lower iron, and,
supporting himself by the second, which about met his hip, he screwed in
a third, always fixing them about six inches on one side of the other,
and not one above the other.  When he had screwed in his six irons, he
was about half up the wall, and then he fastened his rope, which he had
carried round his neck, to the upper iron, and lowering himself down,
unscrewed the four lower irons; then, ascending by the rope, he stood
upon the fifth iron, and, supporting himself by the upper iron,
recommenced his task.  By these means he arrived in the course of an
hour and a half at the top of the wall, where he fixed his last iron,
and making his rope fast, he came down again.

"Now, Peter," said he, "there is no fear of the sentries seeing us; if
they had the eyes of cats, they could not until we are on the top of the
wall; but then we arrive at the glacis, and we must creep to the
ramparts on our bellies.  I am going up with all the materials.  Give me
your haversack--you will go up lighter; and recollect, should any
accident happen to me, you run to bed again.  If, on the contrary, I
pull the rope up and down three or four times, you may sheer up it as
fast as you can."

O'Brien then loaded himself with the other rope, the two knapsacks, iron
crows, and other implements he had procured; and, last of all, with the
umbrella.

"Peter, if the rope bears me with all this, it is clear it will bear
such a creature as you are, therefore don't be afraid."

So whispering, he commenced his ascent; in about three minutes he was
up, and the rope pulled.  I immediately followed him, and found the rope
very easy to climb, from the knots at every two feet, which gave me a
hold for my feet, and I was up in as short a time as he was.  He caught
me by the collar, putting his wet hand on my mouth, and I lay down
beside him while he pulled up the rope.  We then crawled on our stomachs
across the glacis till we arrived at the rampart.  It was some time
before O'Brien could find out the point exactly above the drawbridge of
the first ditch; at last he did--he fixed his crow-bar in, and lowered
down the rope.

"Now, Peter, I had better go first again; when I shake the rope from
below, all's right."

O'Brien descended, and in a few minutes the rope again shook; I followed
him, and found myself received in his arms upon the meeting of the
drawbridge; but the drawbridge itself was up.  O'Brien led the way
across the chains, and I followed him.  When we had crossed the moat, we
found a barrier-gate locked; this puzzled us.  O'Brien pulled out his
picklocks to pick it, but without success; here we were fast.

"We must undermine the gate, O'Brien; we must pull up the pavement until
we can creep under."

"Peter, you are a fine fellow; I never thought of that."

We worked very hard until the hole was large enough, using the crowbar
which was left, and a little wrench which O'Brien had with him.  By
these means we got under the gate in the course of an hour or more.
This gate led to the lower rampart, but we had a covered way to pass
through before we arrived at it.  We proceeded very cautiously, when we
heard a noise: we stopped, and found it was a sentry, who was fast
asleep, and snoring.

O'Brien thought for a moment.  "Peter," said he, "now is the time for
you to prove yourself a man.  He is fast asleep, but his noise must be
stopped.  I will stop his mouth, but at the very moment that I do so you
must throw open the pan of his musket, and then he cannot fire it."

"I will, O'Brien; don't fear me."

We crept cautiously up to him, and O'Brien motioning to me to put my
thumb upon the pan, I did so, and the moment that O'Brien put his hand
upon the soldier's mouth, I threw open the pan.  The fellow struggled,
and snapped his lock as a signal, but of course without discharging his
musket, and in a minute he was not only gagged but bound by O'Brien,
with my assistance.  Leaving him there, we proceeded to the rampart, and
fixing the crow-bar again, O'Brien descended; I followed him, and found
him in the river, hanging on to the rope; the umbrella was opened and
turned upwards; the preparation made it resist the water, and, as
previously explained to me by O'Brien, I had only to hold on at arm's
length to two beckets which he had affixed to the point of the umbrella,
which was under water.  To the same part O'Brien had a tow-line, which
taking in his teeth, he towed me down the stream to about a hundred
yards clear of the fortress, where we landed.  O'Brien was so exhausted,
that for a few minutes he remained quite motionless; I also was benumbed
with the cold.

"Peter," said he "thank God we have succeeded so far; now we must push
on as far as we can, for we shall have daylight in two hours."

O'Brien took out his flask of spirits, and we both drank a half tumbler
at least, but we should not, in our state, have been affected with a
bottle.  We now walked along the riverside till we fell in with a small
craft, with a boat towing astern; O'Brien swam to it, and cutting the
painter without getting in, towed it on shore.  The oars were
fortunately in the boat.  I got in, we shoved off, and rowed away down
the stream, till the dawn of day.  "All's right, Peter; now we'll land.
This is the forest of Ardennes."  We landed, replaced the oars in the
boat, and pushed her off into the stream, to induce people to suppose
that she had broken adrift, and then hastened into the thickest of the
wood.  It rained hard; I shivered, and my teeth chattered with the cold,
but there was no help for it.  We again took a dram of spirits, and,
worn out with fatigue and excitement, soon fell last asleep upon a bed
of leaves which we had collected together.



CHAPTER TWENTY TWO.

GRAVE CONSEQUENCES OF GRAVITATION--O'BRIEN ENLISTS HIMSELF AS A
GENDARME, AND TAKES CHARGE OF ME--WE ARE DISCOVERED, AND OBLIGED TO RUN
FOR IT--THE PLEASURES OF A WINTER BIVOUAC.

It was not until noon that I awoke, when I found that O'Brien had
covered me more than a foot deep with leaves, to protect me from the
weather.  I felt quite warm and comfortable; my clothes had dried on me,
but without giving me cold.  "How very kind of you, O'Brien!" said I.

"Not a bit, Peter: you have hard work to go through yet, and I must take
care of you.  You're but a bud, and I'm a full-blown rose."  So saying,
he put the spirit-flask to his mouth, and then handed it to me.  "Now,
Peter, we must make a start, for depend upon it, they will scour the
country for us; but this is a large wood, and they may as well attempt
to find a needle in a bundle of hay, if we once get into the heart of
it."

We set off, forcing our way through the thicket, for about three hours,
O'Brien looking occasionally at his pocket compass; it then was again
nearly dark, and O'Brien proposed a halt.  We made up a bed of leaves
for the night, and slept much more comfortably than we had the night
before.  All our bread was wet, but as we had no water, it was rather a
relief; the meat we had with us was sufficient for a week.  Once more we
laid down and fell fast asleep.  About five o'clock in the morning I was
roused by O'Brien, who at the same time put his hand gently over my
mouth.  I sat up, and perceived a large fire not far from us.  "The
Philistines are upon us, Peter," said he: "I have reconnoitred, and they
are the gendarmes.  I am fearful of going away, as we may stumble upon
some more of them.  I've been thinking what's best before I waked you;
and it appears to me, that we had better get up the tree, and lie
there."

At that time we were hidden in a copse of underwood, with a large oak in
the centre, covered with ivy, "I think so, too, O'Brien; shall we go up
now, or wait a little?"

"Now, to be sure, that they're eating their prog.  Mount you, Peter and
I'll help you."

O'Brien shoved me up the tree, and then, waiting a little while to bury
our haversacks among the leaves, he followed me.  He desired me to
remain in a very snug position, on the first fork of the tree, while he
took another amongst a bunch of ivy on the largest bough.  There we
remained for about an hour, when day dawned.  We observed the gendarmes
mustered at the break of day by the corporal, and then they all
separated in different directions to scour the wood.  We were delighted
to perceive this, as we hoped soon to be able to get away; but there was
one gendarme who remained.  He walked round the tree, looking up into
every part; but we were well concealed, and he did not discover us for
some time.  At last he saw me, and ordered me to come down.  I paid no
attention to him, as I had no signal from O'Brien.  He walked round a
little farther, until he was directly under the branch on which O'Brien
lay.  Taking up this position, he had a fairer aim at me, and levelled
his musket, saying, "_Descendez, ou je tire_."  Still I continued
immovable, for I knew not what to do.  I shut my eyes, however; the
musket shortly afterwards was discharged, and, whether from fear or not
I can hardly tell, I lost my hold of a sudden, and down I came.  I was
stunned with the fall, and thought that I must have been wounded; and
was very much surprised, when, instead of the gendarme, O'Brien came up
to me, and asked whether I was hurt.  I answered I believed not, and got
up on my legs, when I found the gendarme lying on the ground, breathing
heavily, but insensible.  When O'Brien perceived the gendarme level his
musket at me, he immediately dropped from the bough, right upon his
head; this occasioned the musket to go off, without hitting me, and at
the same time the weight of O'Brien's body from such a height killed the
gendarme, for he expired before we left him.  "Now, Peter," said
O'Brien, "this is the most fortunate thing in the world, and will take
us half through the country; but we have no time to lose."  He then
stripped the gendarme, who still breathed heavily, and dragging him to
our bed of leaves, covered him up, threw off his own clothes, which he
tied up in a bundle, and gave to me to carry, and put on those of the
gendarme.  I could not help laughing at the metamorphosis, and asked
O'Brien what he intended.  "Sure, I'm a gendarme, bringing with me a
prisoner, who has escaped."  When we stopped at night, my youth excited
a great deal of commiseration, especially from the females; and in one
instance I was offered assistance to escape.  I consented to it, but at
the same time informed O'Brien of the plan proposed.  O'Brien kept
watch--I dressed myself, and was at the open window, when he rushed in,
seizing me and declaring that he would inform the government of the
conduct of the parties.  Their confusion and distress was very great.
They offered O'Brien twenty, thirty, forty Napoleons, if he would hush
it up, for they were aware of the penalty and imprisonment.  O'Brien
replied that he would not accept of any money in compromise of his duty,
that after he had given me into the charge of the gendarme of the next
post, his business was at an end, and he must return to Flushing, where
he was stationed.

"I have a sister there," replied the hostess, "who keeps an inn.  You'll
want good quarters and a friendly cup; do not denounce us, and I'll give
you a letter to her, which, if it does not prove of service, you can
then return and give the information."

O'Brien consented; the letter was delivered, and read to him, in which
the sister was requested, by the love she bore to the writer, to do all
she could for the bearer, who had the power of making the whole family
miserable, but had refused so to do.  O'Brien pocketed the letter filled
his brandy flask, and saluting all the women, left the cabaret, dragging
me after him with a cord.  We were following our route, avoiding
Malines, which was a fortified town, and at the time were in a narrow
lane, with wide ditches, full of water, on each side.  At the turning of
a sharp corner we met the gendarme who had supplied O'Brien with a map
of the town of Givet, "Good morning, comrade," said he to O'Brien,
looking earnestly at him, "whom have we here?"

"A young Englishman, whom I picked up close by, escaped from prison."

"Where from?"

"He will not say; but I suspect from Givet."

"There are two who have escaped from Givet," replied he: "how they
escaped no one can imagine; but," continued he, again looking at
O'Brien, "_Avec les braves, il n'y a rien d'impossible_."

"That is true," replied O'Brien; "I have taken one, the other cannot be
far off.  You had better look for him."

"I should like to find him," replied the gendarme, "for you know that to
retake a runaway prisoner is certain promotion.  You will be made a
corporal."

"So much the better," replied O'Brien; "_adieu, mon ami_."

"Nay, I merely came for a walk, and will return with you to Malines,
where of course you are bound."

"We shall not get there to-night," said O'Brien, "my prisoner is too
much fatigued."

"Well, then, we will go as far as we can; and I will assist you.
Perhaps we may find the second, who, I understand, obtained a map of the
fortress by some means or another."

O'Brien observed, that the English prisoners were very liberal; that he
knew that a hundred Napoleons were often paid for assistance, and he
thought that no corporal's rank was equal to a sum that would in France
made a man happy and independent for life.

"Very true," replied the gendarme; "and let me only look upon that sum,
and I will guarantee a positive safety out of France."

"Then we understand each other," replied O'Brien; "this boy will give
two hundred--one half shall be yours, if you will assist."

"I will think of it," replied the gendarme, who then talked about
indifferent subjects, until we arrived at a small town called Acarchot,
when we proceeded to a cabaret.  The usual curiosity passed over, we
were left alone, O'Brien telling the gendarme that he would expect his
reply that night or to-morrow morning.  The gendarme said, to-morrow
morning.  O'Brien requesting him to take charge of me, he called the
woman of the cabaret to show him a room; she showed him one or two,
which he refused, as not sufficiently safe for the prisoner.  The woman
laughed at the idea, observing, "What had he to fear from a _pauvre
enfant_ like me?"

"Yet this _pauvre enfant_ escaped from Givet," replied O'Brien.  "These
Englishmen are devils from their birth."  The last room showed to
O'Brien suited him, and he chose it--the woman not presuming to
contradict a gendarme.  As soon as they came down again, O'Brien ordered
me to bed, and went upstairs with me.  He bolted the door, and pulling
me to the large chimney, we put our heads up, and whispered, that our
conversation should not be heard.  "This man is not to be trusted," said
O'Brien, "and we must give him the slip.  I know my way out of the inn,
and we must return the way we came, and then strike off in another
direction."

"But will he permit us?"

"Not if he can help it; but I shall soon find out his manoeuvres."

O'Brien then went and stopped the key-hole, by hanging his handkerchief
across it, and stripping himself of his gendarme uniform, put on his own
clothes; then stuffed the blankets and pillows into the gendarme's
dress, and laid it down on the outside of the bed, as if it were a man
sleeping in his clothes--indeed it was an admirable deception.  He laid
his musket by the side of the image, and then did the same to my bed,
making it appear as if there was a person asleep in it of my size, and
putting my cap on the pillow.  "Now, Peter, we'll see if he is watching
us.  He will wait till he thinks we are asleep."  The light still
remained in the room, and about an hour afterwards we heard a noise of
one treading on the stairs, upon which, as agreed, we crept under the
bed.  The latch of our door was tried, and finding it open, which he did
not expect, the gendarme entered, and looking at both beds, went away.
"Now," said I, after the gendarme had gone down stairs, "O'Brien, ought
we not to escape?"

"I've been thinking of it, Peter, and I have come to a resolution that
we can manage it better.  He is certain to come again in an hour or two.
It is only eleven.  Now, I'll play him a trick."  O'Brien then took one
of the blankets, made it fast to the window, which he left wide open,
and at the same time dissarranged the images he had made up, so as to
let the gendarme perceive that they were counterfeit.  We again crept
under the bed; and as O'Brien foretold, in about an hour more the
gendarme returned; our lamp was still burning, but he had a light of his
own.  He looked at the beds, perceived at once that he had been duped,
went to the open window, and then exclaimed, "_Sacre Dieu!  Ils m'ont
eschappes et je ne ne suis plus corporal.  Foutre! a la chasse_!"  He
rushed out of the room, and in a few minutes afterwards we heard him
open the street door, and go away.

"That will do, Peter," said O'Brien, laughing; "now we'll be off also,
although there's no great hurry."  O'Brien then resumed his dress of a
gendarme; and about an hour afterwards we went down, and wishing the
hostess all happiness, quitted the cabaret, returning the same road by
which we had come.  "Now, Peter," said O'Brien, "we're in a bit of a
puzzle.  This dress won't do any more, still there's a respectability
about it which will not allow me to put it off till the last moment."
We walked on till daylight, when we hid ourselves in a copse of trees.
Our money was not exhausted, as I had drawn upon my father for 60
pounds, which, with the disadvantageous exchange, had given me fifty
Napoleons.  On the fifth day, being then six days from the forest of
Ardennes, we hid ourselves in a small wood, about a quarter of a mile
from the road.  I remained there, while O'Brien, as a gendarme, went to
obtain provisions.  As usual, I looked out for the best shelter during
his absence, and what was my horror at falling in with a man and woman
who lay dead in the snow, having evidently perished from the inclemency
of the weather.  Just as I discovered them, O'Brien returned, and I told
him: he went with me to view the bodies.  They were dressed in a strange
attire, ribands pinned upon their clothes, and two pairs of very high
stilts lying by their sides.  O'Brien surveyed them, and then said,
"Peter, this is the very best thing that could have happened to us.  We
may now walk through France without soiling our feet with the cursed
country."

"How do you mean?"

"I mean," said he, "that these are the people that we met near
Montpelier, who came from the landes, walking about on their stilts for
the amusement of others, to obtain money.  In their own country they are
obliged to walk so.  Now, Peter, it appears to me that the man's clothes
will fit me, and the girl's (poor creature, how pretty she looks, cold
in death!) will fit you.  All we have to do is to practise a little, and
then away we start."

O'Brien then, with some difficulty, pulled off the man's jacket and
trowsers, and having so done, buried him in the snow.  The poor girl was
despoiled of her gown and upper petticoat with every decency, and also
buried.  We collected the clothes and stilts, and removed to another
quarter, where we pitched upon a hovel and took our meal.  "Peter," said
O'Brien, "lie down and sleep, and I'll keep the watch.  Not a word, I
will have it--down at once."

I did so, and in a very few minutes was fast asleep, for I was worn out
with cold and fatigue.  Just as the day broke, O'Brien roused me; he had
stood sentry all night, and looked very haggard.

"O'Brien, you are ill," said I.

"Not a bit; but I've emptied the brandy-flask; and that's a bad job.
However, it is to be remedied."

I did not go to sleep again for some time, I was so anxious to see
O'Brien fast asleep.  He went in and out several times, during which I
pretended to be fast asleep; at last it rained in torrents, and then he
laid down, and in a few minutes, overpowered by nature, he fell fast
asleep, snoring so loudly that I was afraid some one would hear us.  I
then got up and watched, occasionally lying down and slumbering awhile,
and then going down to the door.



CHAPTER TWENTY THREE.

EXALTED WITH OUR SUCCESS, WE MARCH THROUGH FRANCE WITHOUT TOUCHING THE
GROUND--I BECOME FEMININE--WE ARE VOLUNTARY CONSCRIPTS.

At day-break I called O'Brien, who jumped up in a great hurry.

"Sure I've been asleep, Peter."

"Yes, you have," replied I, "and I thank Heaven that you have, for no
one could stand such fatigue as you have much longer; and if you fall
ill, what will become of me?"  This was touching him on the right point.

"Well, Peter, since there's no harm come of it, there's no harm done.
I've had sleep enough for the next week, that's certain."

We returned to the wood; the snow had disappeared, and the rain ceased;
the sun shone out from between the clouds, and we felt warm.

"Don't pass so near that way," said O'Brien, "we shall see the poor
creatures, now that the sun is gone.  Peter, we must shift our quarters
to-night, for I have been to every cabaret in the village, and I cannot
go there any more without suspicion, although I am a gendarme."

We remained there till the evening, and then set off, still returning
toward Givet.  About an hour before daylight we arrived at a copse of
trees close to the road-side, and surrounded by a ditch, not above a
quarter of a mile from a village "It appears to me," said O'Brien, "that
this will do; I will now put you there, and then go boldly to the
village and see what I can get, for here we must stay at least a week."

We walked to the copse, and the ditch being rather too wide for me to
leap, O'Brien laid the four stilts together, so as to form a bridge,
over which I contrived to walk.  Tossing to me all the bundles, and
desiring me to leave the stilts as a bridge for him on his return, he
set off to the village with his musket on his shoulder.  He was away two
hours, when he returned with a large supply of provisions, the best we
had ever had.

"There," said he, "we have enough for a good week; and look here, Peter,
this is better than all."  And he showed me two large horse-rugs.

"Excellent," replied I; "now we shall be comfortable."

"I paid honestly for all but these rugs," observed O'Brien; "I was
afraid to buy them, so I stole them.  However, we'll leave them here for
those they belong to--it's only borrowing, after all."

We now prepared a very comfortable shelter with branches, which we wove
together, and laying the leaves in the sun to dry, soon obtained a soft
bed to put our horse-rug on, while we covered ourselves up with the
other.  Our bridge of stilts we had removed, so that we felt ourselves
quite secure from surprise.  At dark, to bed we went, and slept soundly;
I never felt more refreshed during our wanderings.  At daylight O'Brien
got up.

"Now, Peter, a little practice before breakfast."

"What practice do you mean?"

"Mean why, on the stilts.  I expect in a week that you'll be able to
dance a gavotte at least; for mind me, Peter, you travel out of France
upon these stilts, depend upon it."

O'Brien then took the stilts belonging to the man, giving me those of
the woman.  We strapped them to our thighs, and by fixing our backs to a
tree, contrived to get upright upon them; but at the first attempt to
walk, O'Brien fell to the right, and I fell to the left.  O'Brien fell
against a tree, but I fell on my nose, and made it bleed very much;
however, we laughed and got up again, and although we had several falls,
at last we made a better hand of them.

O'Brien then dressed me in the poor girl's clothes, and himself in the
man's; they fitted very well.

"Peter, you make a very pretty girl," said O'Brien.

"But, O'Brien," replied I, "as these petticoats are not very warm, I
mean to cut off my trousers up to my knees, and wear them underneath."

"That's all right," said O'Brien.

The next morning we made use of our stilts to cross the ditch, and
carrying them in our hands we boldly set off on the high road to
Malines.  We met several people, gendarmes, and others, but with the
exception of some remarks upon my good looks we passed unnoticed.
Towards the evening we arrived at the village where we had slept in the
outhouse, and as soon as we entered it, we put on our stilts, and
commenced a march.  When the crowd had gathered, we held out our caps,
and receiving nine or ten sous, we entered a cabaret.  Many questions
were asked us, as to where we came from, and O'Brien answered, telling
lies innumerable.  I played the modest girl, and O'Brien, who stated I
was his sister, appeared very careful and jealous of my attention.  We
slept well, and the next morning continued our route to Malines.  As we
entered the barriers we put on our stilts, and marched boldly on.  The
guard at the gate stopped us, not from suspicion, but to amuse
themselves, and I was forced to submit to several kisses from their
garlic lips before we were allowed to enter the town.  We again mounted
on our stilts, for the guard had forced us to dismount, or they could
not have kissed me, every now and then imitating a dance, until we
arrived at the _Grande Place_, where we stopped opposite the hotel, and
commenced a sort of waltz, which we had practised.  The people in the
hotel looked out of the window to see our exhibition, and when we had
finished I went up to the windows with O'Brien's cap to collect money.
What was my surprise to perceive Colonel O'Brien looking full in my
face, and staring very hard at me? what was my greater astonishment at
seeing Celeste, who immediately recognised me, and ran back to the sofa
in the room, putting her hands up to her eyes, and crying out, "_C'est
lui, c'est lui_!"  Fortunately O'Brien was close to me, or I should have
fallen, but he supported me.  "Peter, ask the crowd for money, or you
are lost."  I did so, and collecting some pence, then asked him what I
should do.  "Go back to the window--you can then judge of what will
happen."  I returned to the window:

Colonel O'Brien had disappeared, but Celeste was there, as if waiting
for me.  I held out the cap to her, and she thrust her hand into it.
The cap sunk with the weight.  I took out a purse, which I kept closed
in my hand, and put it into my bosom.  Celeste then retired from the
window, and when she had gone to the back of the room kissed her hand to
me, and went out at the door.  I remained stupefied for a moment, but
O'Brien roused me, and we quitted the _Grande Place_, taking up our
quarters at a little cabaret.  On examining the purse, I found fifty
Napoleons in it: they must have been obtained from her father.

At the cabaret where we stopped, we were informed that the officer who
was at the hotel had been appointed to the command of the strong fort of
Bergen-op-Zoom, and was proceeding thither.

We walked out of the town early in the morning, after O'Brien had made
purchases of some of the clothes usually worn by the peasantry.  When
within a few miles of St. Nicholas, we threw away our stilts and the
clothes which we had on, and dressed ourselves in those O'Brien had
purchased.  O'Brien had not forgot to provide us with two large
brown-coloured blankets, which we strapped on to our shoulders, as the
soldiers do their coats.

It was bitter cold weather, and the snow had fallen heavily during the
whole day; but although nearly dusk, there was a bright moon ready for
us.  We walked very fast, and soon observed persons ahead of us.  "Let
us overtake them, we may obtain some information."  As we came up with
them, one of them (they were both lads of seventeen to eighteen) said to
O'Brien, "I thought we were the last, but I was mistaken.  How far is it
now to St. Nicholas?"

"How should I know?" replied O'Brien, "I am a stranger in these parts as
well as yourself."

"From what part of France do you come?" demanded the other, his teeth
chattering with the cold, for he was badly clothed, and with little
defence from the inclement weather.

"From Montpelier," replied O'Brien.

"And I from Toulouse.  A sad change, comrades from olives and vines to
such a climate as this.  Curse the conscription: I intended to have
taken a little wife next year."

O'Brien gave me a push, as if to say, "Here's something that will do,"
and then continued--"And curse the conscription I say too, for I had
just married, and now my wife is left to be annoyed by the attention of
the _fermier general_.  But it can't be helped.  _C'est pour la France
et pour la gloire_."

"We shall be too late to get a billet," replied the other, "and not a
sou have I in my pockets.  I doubt if I get up with the main body till
they are at Flushing.  By our route, they are at Axel to-day."

"If we arrive at St. Nicholas we shall do well," replied O'Brien; "but I
have a little money left, and I'll not see a comrade want a supper or a
bed who is going to serve his country.  You can repay me when we meet at
Flushing."

"That I will, with thanks," replied the Frenchman, "and so will Jaques,
here, if you will trust him."

"With pleasure," replied O'Brien, who then entered into along
conversation, by which he drew out from the Frenchmen that a party of
conscripts had been ordered to Flushing, and that they had dropped
behind the main body.  In about an hour we arrived at St. Nicholas, and
after some difficulty obtained entrance into a cabaret.  "_Vive la
France_!" said O'Brien, going up to the fire, and throwing the snow off
his hat.  In a short time we were seated to a good supper and very
tolerable wine, the hostess sitting down by us, and listening to the
true narratives of the real conscripts, and the false one of O'Brien.
After supper the conscript who first addressed us pulled out his printed
paper, with the route laid down, and observed that we were two days
behind the others.  O'Brien read it over, and laid it on the table, at
the same time calling for more wine, having already pushed it round very
freely.  We did not drink much ourselves, but plied them hard, and at
last the conscript commenced the whole history of his intended marriage
and his disappointment, tearing his hair, and crying now and then.
"Never mind," interrupted O'Brien, every two or three minutes; "_buvons
un autre coup pour la gloire_!" and thus he continued to make them both
drink, until they reeled away to bed, forgetting their printed paper,
which O'Brien had some time before slipped away from the table.  We also
retired to our room, when O'Brien observed to me, "Peter, this
description is as much like me as I am to old Nick; but that's of no
consequence, as nobody goes willingly as a conscript, and therefore they
will never have a doubt but that it is all right.  We must be off early
to-morrow, while these good people are in bed, and steal a long march
upon them.  I consider that we are now safe as far as Flushing."



CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR.

WHAT OCCURRED AT FLUSHING, AND WHAT OCCURRED WHEN WE GOT OUT OF
FLUSHING.

An hour before day-break we started; the snow was thick on the ground,
but the sky was clear, and without any difficulty or interruption was
passed through the towns of Axel and Haist, arrived at Terneuse on the
fourth day, and went over to Flushing in company with about a dozen more
stragglers from the main body.  As we landed, the guard asked us whether
we were conscripts.  O'Brien replied that he was, and held out his
paper.  They took his name, or rather that of the person it belonged to,
down in a book, and told him that he must apply to the _etat major_
before three o'clock.  We passed on, delighted with our success, and
then O'Brien pulled out the letter which had been given to him by the
woman of the cabaret who had offered to assist me to escape, when
O'Brien passed off as a gendarme, and reading the address, demanded his
way to the street.  We soon found out the house, and entered.

"Conscripts!" said the woman of the house, looking at O'Brien; "I am
billeted full already.  It must be a mistake.  Where is your order?"

"Read," said O'Brien, handing her the letter.

She read the letter, and putting it into her neckerchief, desired him to
follow her.  O'Brien beckoned me to come, and we went into a small room.
"What can I do for you?" said the woman; "I will do all in my power;
but, alas! you will march from here in two or three days."

"Never mind," replied O'Brien, "we will talk the matter over by-and-by,
but at present only oblige us by letting us remain in this little room;
we do not wish to be seen."

"_Comment donc_!--you a conscript, and not wish to be seen!  Are you,
then, intending to desert?"

"Answer me one question; you have read that letter, do you intend to act
up to its purport, as your sister requests?"

"As I hope for mercy I will, if I suffer everything.  She is a dear
sister, and would not write so earnestly if she had not strong reasons.
My house and everything you command are yours--can I say more?"

"What is your name?" inquired O'Brien.

"Louise Eustache; you might have read it on the letter."

"Are you married?"

"O yes, these six years.  My husband is seldom at home; he is a Flushing
pilot.  A hard life, harder even that that of a soldier.  Who is this
lad?"

"He is my brother, who, if I go as a soldier, intends to volunteer as a
drummer."

"_Pauvre enfant! c'est dommage_."

The cabaret was full of conscripts and other people, so that the hostess
had enough to do.  At night we were shown by her into a small bedroom,
adjoining the room we occupied.  "You are quite alone here: the
conscripts are to muster to-morrow, I find, in the _Place d'Armes_, at
two o'clock: do you intend to go?"

"No," replied O'Brien; "they will think that I am behind.  It is of no
consequence."

"Well," replied the woman, "do as you please, you may trust me; but I am
so busy, without anyone to assist me, that until they leave the town, I
can hardly find time to speak to you."

"That will be soon enough, my good hostess," replied O'Brien: "_au
revoir_."

The next evening, the woman came in, in some alarm, stating that a
conscript had arrived whose name had been given in before, and that the
person who had given it in had not mustered at the place.  That the
conscript had declared that his pass had been stolen from him by a
person with whom he had stopped at St. Nicholas, and that there were
orders for a strict search to be made through the town, as it was known
that some English officers had escaped, and it was supposed that one of
them had obtained the pass.  "Surely you're not English?" inquired the
woman, looking earnestly at O'Brien.

"Indeed, but I am, my dear," replied O'Brien; "and so is this lad with
me; and the favour which your sister requires is that you help us over
the water, for which service there are one hundred louis ready to be
paid upon delivery of us."

"_Oh, mon Dieu! mais c'est impossible_."

"Impossible!" replied O'Brien; "was that the answer I gave your sister
in her trouble?"

"_Au moins c'est difficile_."

"That's quite another concern; but with your husband a pilot I should
think a great part of the difficulty removed."

"My husband!  I've no power over him," replied the woman, putting her
apron up to her eyes.

"But one hundred louis may have," replied O'Brien.

"There is truth in that," observed the woman, after a pause; "but what
am I to do, if they come to search the house?"

"Send us out of it, until you can find an opportunity to send us to
England.  I leave it all to you--your sister expects it from you."

"And she shall not be disappointed, if God helps us," replied the woman,
after a short pause; "but I fear you must leave this house and the town
also to-night."

"How are we to leave the town?"

"I will arrange that; be ready at four o'clock, for the gates are shut
at dusk.  I must go now, for there is no time to be lost."

"We are in a nice mess now, O'Brien," observed I, after the woman had
quitted the room.

"Devil a bit, Peter; I feel no anxiety whatever, except at leaving such
good quarters."

We packed up all our effects, not forgetting our two blankets, and
waited the return of the hostess.  In about an hour she entered the
room.  "I have spoken to my husband's sister, who lives about two miles
on the road to Middleburg.  She is in town now, for it is market-day,
and you will be safe where she hides you.  I told her it was by my
husband's request, or she would not have consented.  Here, boy, put on
these clothes: I will assist you."  Once more I was dressed as a girl,
and when my clothes were on, O'Brien burst out into laughter at my blue
stockings and short petticoats.  "_Il n'est pas mal_," observed the
hostess, as she fixed a small cap on my head, and then tied a kerchief
under my chin, which partly hid my face.  O'Brien put on a great coat,
which the woman handed to him, with a wide-brimmed hat.  "Now follow
me!"  She led us into the street, which was thronged, till we arrived at
the market-place when she met another women, who joined her.  At the end
of the marketplace stood a small horse and cart, into which the strange
woman and I mounted, while O'Brien, by the directions of the landlady,
led the horse through the crowd until we arrived at the barriers, when
she wished us good day in a loud voice before the guard.  The guard took
no notice of us, and we passed safely through, and found ourselves upon
a neatly-paved road, as straight as an arrow, and lined on each side
with high trees and a ditch.  In about an hour we stopped near to the
farm-house of the woman who was in charge of us.  "Do you observe that
wood?" said she to O'Brien, pointing to one about half-a-mile from the
road.  "I dare not take you into the house, my husband is so violent
against the English, who captured his schuyt, and made him a poor man,
that he would inform against you immediately; but go you there, make
yourselves as comfortable as you can to-night, and to-morrow I will send
you what you want.  _Adieu!  Je vous plains, pauvre enfant_," said she
looking at me as she drove off in the cart towards her own house.

"Peter," said O'Brien, "I think that her kicking us out of her house is
a proof of her sincerity, and therefore I say no more about it; we have
the brandy-flask to keep up our spirits.  Now then for the wood, though,
by the powers, I shall have no relish for any of your pic-nic parties,
as they call them, for the next twelve years."

"But, O'Brien, how can I get over this ditch in petticoats?  I could
hardly leap it in my clothes."

"You must tie your petticoats round your waist and make a good run; get
over as far as you can, and I will drag you through the rest."

"But you forget that we are to sleep in the wood, and that it's no
laughing matter to get wet through, freezing so hard as it does now."

"Very true, Peter; but as the snow lies so deep upon the ditch, perhaps
the ice may bear.  I'll try; if it bears me, it will not condescend to
bend at your shrimp of carcass."

O'Brien tried the ice, which was firm, and we both walked over, and
making all the haste we could, arrived at the wood, as the woman called
it, but which was not more than a clump of trees of about half an acre.
We cleared away the snow for about six feet round a very hollow part,
and then O'Brien cut stakes and fixed them in the earth, to which we
stretched one blanket.  The snow being about two feet deep, there was
plenty of room to creep underneath the blanket.  We then collected all
the leaves we could, beating the snow off them, and laid them at the
bottom of the hole; over the leaves we spread the other blanket, and
taking our bundles in, we then stopped up with snow every side of the
upper blanket, except the hole to creep in at.  It was quite astonishing
what a warm place this became in a short time after we had remained in
it.  It was almost too warm, although the weather outside was piercingly
cold.  After a good meal and a dose of brandy, we both fell fast asleep,
but not until I had taken off my woman's attire and resumed my own
clothes.  We never slept better or more warmly than we did in this hole
which we had made on the ground, covered with ice and snow.



CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE.

O'BRIEN PARTS COMPANY TO HUNT FOR PROVISIONS, AND I HAVE OTHER COMPANY
IN CONSEQUENCE OF ANOTHER HUNT--O'BRIEN PATHETICALLY MOURNS MY DEATH AND
FINDS ME ALIVE--WE ESCAPE.

The ensuing morning we looked out anxiously for the promised assistance,
for we were not very rich in provisions, although what we had were of a
very good quality.  It was not until three o'clock in the afternoon that
we perceived a little girl coming towards us, escorted by a large
mastiff.  When she arrived at the copse of trees where we lay concealed,
she cried out to the dog in Dutch, who immediately scoured the wood
until he came to our hiding-place, when he crouched down at the
entrance, barking furiously, and putting us in no small dread, lest he
should attack us; but the little girl spoke to him again, and he
remained in the same position, looking at us, wagging his tail, with his
under jaw lying on the snow.  She soon came up, and looking underneath,
put a basket in, and nodded her head.  We emptied the basket.  O'brien
took out a Napoleon and offered it to her; she refused it, but O'Brien
forced it into her hand, upon which she again spoke to the dog, who
commenced barking so furiously at us, that we expected every moment he
would fly upon us.  The girl at the same time presenting the Napoleon,
and pointing to the dog, I went forward and took the Napoleon from her,
at which she immediately silenced the enormous brute, and laughing at
us, hastened away.

"By the powers, that's a fine little girl!" said O'Brien; "I'll back her
and her dog against any man.  Well, I never had a dog set at me for
giving money before, but we live and learn, Peter; and now let's see
what she's brought in the basket."  We found half-boiled eggs, bread,
and a smoked mutton-ham, with a large bottle of gin.  "What a nice
little girl!  I hope she will often favour us with her company.  I've
been thinking, Peter, that we're quite as well off here, as in a
midshipman's berth."

"You forget that you are a lieutenant."

"Well, so I did, Peter, and that's the truth, but it's the force of
habit.  Now let's make our dinner.  It's a new-fashioned way though, of
making a meal lying down; but, however, it's economical, for it must
take longer to swallow the victuals."

"The Romans used to eat their meals lying down, so I have read,
O'Brien."

"I can't say that I ever heard it mentioned in Ireland, but that don't
prove that it was not the case; so, Peter, I'll take your word for it.
Murder! how fast it snows again.  I wonder what my father's thinking on
just at this moment."

This observation of O'Brien induced us to talk about our friends and
relations in England, and after much conversation we fell fast asleep.
The next morning we found the snow had fallen about eight inches, and
weighing down our upper blanket so much, that we were obliged to go out
and cut stakes to support it up from the inside.  While we were thus
employed, we heard a loud noise and shouting, and perceived several men,
apparently armed and accompanied with dogs, running straight in the
direction of the wood where we were encamped.  We were much alarmed,
thinking that they were in search of us, but on a sudden they turned off
in another direction, continuing with the same speed as before.  "What
could it be?" said I to O'Brien.  "I can't exactly say, Peter; but I
should think that they were hunting something, and the only game that I
think likely to be in such a place as this are otters."  I was of the
same opinion.  We expected the little girl, but she did not come, and
after looking out for her till dark, we crawled into our hole and supped
upon the remainder of our provisions.

The next day, as may be supposed, we were very anxious for her arrival,
but she did not appear at the time expected.  Night again came on, and
we went to bed without having any sustenance, except a small piece of
bread that was left, and some gin which was remaining in the flask,
"Peter," said O'Brien, "if she don't come again to-morrow, I'll try what
I can do; for I've no idea of our dying of hunger here, like the two
babes in the wood, and being found covered up with dead leaves.  If she
does not appear at three o'clock, I'm off for provisions, and I don't
see much danger, for in this dress I look as much of a boor as any man
in Holland."

We passed an uneasy night, as we felt convinced either that the danger
was so great that they dare not venture to assist us, or, that being
over-ruled, they had betrayed us, and left us to manage how we could.
The next morning I climbed up the only large tree in the copse and
looked round, especially in the direction of the farm-house belonging to
the woman who had pointed out to us our place of concealment; but
nothing was to be seen but one vast tract of flat country covered with
snow, and now and then a vehicle passing at a distance on the Middleburg
road.  I descended, and found O'Brien preparing for a start.  He was
very melancholy, and said to me, "Peter, if I am taken, you must, at all
risks, put on your girl's clothes and go to Flushing to the cabaret.
The women there, I am sure, will protect you, and send you back to
England.  I only want two Napoleons; take all the rest, you will require
them.  If I am not back by to-night, set off for Flushing to-morrow
morning."  O'Brien waited some time longer, talking with me, and it then
being past four o'clock, he shook me by the hand, and, without speaking,
left the wood.  I never felt miserable during the whole time since we
were first put into prison at Toulon, till that moment, and, when he was
a hundred yards off, I knelt down and prayed.  He had been absent two
hours, and it was quite dusk, when I heard a noise at a distance: it
advanced every moment nearer and nearer.  On a sudden, I heard a
rustling of the bushes, and hastened under the blanket, which was
covered with snow, in hopes that they might not perceive the entrance;
but I was hardly there before in dashed after me an enormous wolf.  I
cried out, expecting to be torn to pieces every moment; but the creature
lay on his belly, his mouth wide open, his eyes glaring, and his long
tongue hanging out of his mouth, and although he touched me, he was so
exhausted that he did not attack me.  The noise increased, and I
immediately perceived that it was the hunters in pursuit of him.  I had
crawled in feet first, the wolf ran in head-foremost, so that we lay
head and tail.  I crept out as fast as I could, and perceived men and
dogs not two hundred yards off in full chase.  I hastened to the large
tree, and had not ascended six feet when they came up; the dogs flew to
the hole, and in a very short time the wolf was killed.  The hunters
being too busy to observe me, I had, in the meantime, climbed up the
trunk of the tree, and hid myself as well as I could.  Being not fifteen
yards from them, I heard their expressions of surprise as they lifted up
the blanket and dragged out the dead wolf, which they carried away with
them; their conversation being in Dutch, I could not understand it, but
I was certain that they made use of the word "_English_."  The hunters
and dogs quitted the copse, and I was about to descend, when one of them
returned, and pulling up the blankets, rolled them together and walked
away with them.  Fortunately he did not perceive our bundles by the
little light given by the moon.  I waited a short time and then came
down.  What to do I knew not.  If I did not remain and O'Brien returned,
what would he think?  If I did, I should be dead with cold before the
morning.  I looked for our bundles, and found that in the conflict
between the dogs and the wolf, they had been buried among the leaves.  I
recollected O'Brien's advice, and dressed myself in the girl's clothes,
but I could not make up my mind, to go to Flushing.  So I resolved to
walk towards the farm-house, which being close to the road, would give
me a chance of meeting with O'Brien.  I soon arrived there, and prowled
round it for some time, but the doors and windows were all fast, and I
dared not knock, after what the woman had said about her husband's
inveteracy to the English.  At last, as I looked round and round, quite
at a loss what to do, I thought I saw a figure at a distance proceeding
in the direction of the copse.  I hastened after it and saw it enter.  I
then advanced very cautiously, for although I thought it might be
O'Brien, yet it was possible that it was one of the men who chased the
wolf, in search of more plunder.  But I soon heard O'Brien's voice; and
I hastened towards him.  I was close to him without his perceiving me,
and found him sitting down with his face covered up in his two hands.
At last he cried, "O Pater! my poor Pater! are you taken at last?  Could
I not leave you for one hour in safety?  Ochone! why did I leave you?
My poor, poor Pater! simple you were, sure enough, and that's why I
loved you; but, Pater, I would have made a man of you, for you'd all the
materials, that's the truth--and a fine man too.  Where am I to look for
you, Pater?  Where am I to find you, Pater?  You're fast locked up by
this time, and all my trouble's gone for nothing.  But I'll be locked up
too, Pater.  Where you are, will I be; and if we can't go to England
together, why then we'll go back to that blackguard hole at Givet
together.  Ochone!  Ochone!"  O'Brien spoke no more, but burst into
tears.  I was much affected with this proof of o'brien's sincere regard,
and I came to his side, and clasped him in my arms.  O'Brien stared at
me--"Who are you, you ugly Dutch frow?"  (for he had quite forgotten the
woman's dress at the moment,) but recollecting himself, he hugged me in
his arms.  "Pater, you come as near to an angel's shape as you can, for
you come in that of a woman, to comfort me; for, to tell the truth, I
was very much distressed at not finding you here; and all the blankets
gone to boot.  What has been the matter?"  I explained in as few words
as I could.

"Well, Peter, I'm happy to find you all safe, and much happier to find
that you can be trusted when I leave you, for you could not have behaved
more prudently.  Now I'll tell you what I did, which was not much, as it
happened.  I knew that there was no cabaret between us and Flushing, for
I took particular notice as I came along: so I took the road to
Middleburg, and found but one, which was full of soldiers.  I passed it,
and found no other.  As I came back past the same cabaret, one of the
soldiers came out to me, but I walked along the road.  He quickened his
pace, and so did I mine, for I expected mischief.  At last he came up to
me, and spoke to me, in Dutch, to which I gave him no answer.  He
collared me, and then I thought it convenient to pretend that I was deaf
and dumb.  I pointed to my mouth with an Au--au--and then to my ears,
and shook my head; but he would not be convinced, and I heard him say
something about English.  I then knew that there was no time to be lost,
so I first burst out into a loud laugh and stopped; and on his
attempting to force me, I kicked up his heels, and he fell on the ice
with such a rap on the pate, that I doubt if he has recovered it by this
time.  There I left him, and have run back as hard as I could, without
any thing for Peter to fill his little hungry inside with.  Now, Peter,
what's your opinion? for they say, that out of the mouth of babes there
is wisdom; and although I never saw anything come out of their mouths
but sour milk, yet perhaps I may be more fortunate, this time, for,
Peter, you're but a baby."

"Not a small one, O'Brien, although not quite so large as Fingal's babby
that you told me the story of.  My idea is this.  Let us, at all
hazards, go to the farmhouse.  They have assisted us, and may be
inclined to do so again; if they refuse, we must push on to Flushing and
take our chance."

"Well," observed O'Brien, after a pause, "I think we can do no better,
so let's be off."  We went to the farm-house, and, as we approached the
door, were met by the great mastiff.  I started back, O'Brien boldly
advanced.  "He's a clever dog, and may know us again.  I'll go up," said
O'Brien, not stopping while he spoke, "and pat his head; if he flies at
me, I shall be no worse than I was before, for depend upon it he will
not allow us to go back again."  O'Brien by this time had advanced to
the dog, who looked earnestly and angrily at him.  He patted his head,
the dog growled, but O'Brien put his arm round his neck, and patting him
again, whistled to him, and went to the door of the farm-house.  The dog
followed him silently but closely.  O'Brien knocked, and the door was
opened by the little girl: the mastiff advanced to the girl and then
turned round, facing O'Brien, as much as to say--"Is he to come in?"
The girl spoke to the dog, and went in-doors.  During her absence the
mastiff laid down at the threshold.  In a few seconds the woman who had
brought us from Flushing came out, and desired us to enter.  She spoke
very good French, and told us that fortunately her husband was absent;
that the reason why we had not been supplied was, that a wolf had met
her little girl returning the other day, but had been beaten off by the
mastiff, and that she was afraid to allow her to go again; that she
heard the wolf had been killed this evening, and had intended her girl
to have gone to us early to-morrow morning.  That wolves were hardly
known in that country, but that the severe winter had brought them down
to the lowlands, a very rare circumstance, occurring perhaps not once in
twenty years.  "But how did you pass the mastiff?" said she; "that has
surprised my daughter and me."  O'Brien told her; upon which she said,
that "the English were really `_des braves_.'  No other man had ever
done the same."  So I thought, for nothing would have induced me to do
it.  O'Brien then told the history of the death of the wolf with all
particulars, and our intention if we could not do better, of returning
to Flushing.

"I heard that Pierre Eustache came home yesterday," said the woman; "and
I do think that you will be safer at Flushing than here, for they will
never think of looking for you among the _casernes_, which join their
cabaret."

"Will you lend us your assistance to get in?"

"I will see what I can do.  But are you not hungry?"

"About as hungry as men who have eaten nothing for two days."

"_Mon Dieu! c'est vrai_.  I never thought it was so long, but those
whose stomachs are filled forget those who are empty.  God make us
better and more charitable!"

She spoke to the little girl in Dutch, who hastened to load the table,
which we hastened to empty.  The little girl stared at our voracity; but
at last she laughed out, and clapped her hands at every fresh mouthful
which we took, and pressed us to eat more.  She allowed me to kiss her,
until her mother told her that I was not a woman, when she pouted at me,
and beat me off.  Before midnight we were fast asleep upon the benches
before the kitchen fire, and at day-break were roused up by the woman,
who offered us some bread and spirits; and then we went out to the door,
where we found the horse and cart all ready, and loaded with vegetables
for the market.  The woman, the little girl, and myself got in, O'Brien
leading as before, and the mastiff following.  We had learnt the dog's
name, which was _Achille_, and he seemed to be quite fond of us.  We
passed the dreaded barriers without interruption, and in ten minutes
entered the cabaret of Eustache; and immediately walked into the little
room through a crowd of soldiers, two of whom chucked me under the chin.
Who should we find there but Eustache, the pilot himself, in
conversation with his wife; and it appeared that they were talking about
us, she insisting, and he unwilling to have any hand in the business.

"Well, here they are themselves, Eustache: the soldiers who have seen
them come in will never believe that this is their first entry, if you
give them up.  I leave them to make their own bargain; but mark me,
Eustache, I have slaved night and day in this cabaret for your profit;
if you do not oblige me and my family, I no longer keep a cabaret for
you."  Madame Eustache then quitted the room with her husband's sister
and little girl, and O'Brien immediately accosted him.  "I promise you,"
said he to Eustache, "one hundred louis if you put us on shore at any
part of England, or on board of any English man-of-war; and if you do it
within a week, I will make it twenty louis more."  O'Brien then pulled
out the fifty Napoleons given us by Celeste, for our own were not yet
expended, and laid them on the table.  "Here is this in advance, to
prove my sincerity.  Say, is it a bargain or not?"

"I never yet heard of a poor man who could withstand his wife's
arguments, backed with one hundred and twenty louis," said Eustache
smiling, and sweeping the money off the table.

"I presume you have no objection to start to-night?  That will be ten
louis more in your favour," replied O'Brien.

"I shall earn them," replied Eustache: "the sooner I am off the better,
for I could not long conceal you here.  The young frow with you is, I
suppose, your companion that my wife mentioned.  He has begun to suffer
hardships early.  Come, now sit down and talk, for nothing can be done
till dark."

O'Brien narrated the adventures attending our escape, at which Eustache
laughed heartily; the more so, at the mistake which his wife was under,
as to the obligations of the family.  "If I did not feel inclined to
assist you before, I do now, just for the laugh I shall have at her when
I come back; and if she wants any more assistance for the sake of her
relations, I shall remind her of this anecdote; but she's a good woman
and a good wife to boot, only too fond of her sisters."  At dusk he
equipped us both in sailor's jackets and trowsers, and desired us to
follow him boldly.  He passed the guard, who knew him well.  "What, to
sea already?" said one.  "You have quarrelled with your wife."  At which
they all laughed, and we joined.  We gained the beach, jumped into his
little boat, pulled off to his vessel, and, in a few minutes, were under
weigh.  With a strong tide and a fair wind we were soon clear of the
Scheldt, and the next morning a cutter hove in sight.  We steered for
her, ran under her lee, O'Brien hailed for a boat, and Eustache,
receiving my bill for the remainder of his money, wished us success; we
shook hands, and in a few minutes found ourselves once more under the
British pennant.



CHAPTER TWENTY SIX.

ADVENTURES AT HOME--I AM INTRODUCED TO MY GRANDFATHER--HE OBTAINS
EMPLOYMENT FOR O'BRIEN AND MYSELF, AND WE JOIN A FRIGATE.

As soon as we were on the deck of the cutter, the lieutenant commanding
her inquired of us in a consequential manner who we were.  O'Brien
replied that we were English prisoners who had escaped.  "Oh,
midshipmen, I presume," replied the lieutenant; "I heard that some had
contrived to get away."

"My name, sir," said O'Brien, "is Lieutenant O'Brien; and if you'll send
for a Steel's List, I will have the honour of pointing it out to you.
This young gentleman is Mr Peter Simple, Midshipman, and grandson to
the Right Honourable Lord Viscount Privilege."

The lieutenant, who was a little snubnosed man, with a pimply face, then
altered his manner towards us, and begged we would step down into the
cabin, where he offered what perhaps was the greatest of all luxuries to
us, some English cheese and bottled porter.  "Pray," said he, "did you
see anything of one of my officers; who was taken prisoner when I was
sent with despatches to the Mediterranean fleet?"

"May I first ask the name of your lively little craft?" said O'Brien.

"The _Snapper_," replied the lieutenant.

"Och, murder! sure enough we met him.  He was sent to Verdun, but we had
the pleasure of his company _en route_ as far as Montpelier.  A
remarkably genteel, well-dressed young man, was he not?"

"Why, I can't say much about his gentility; indeed, I am not much of a
judge.  As for his dress, he ought to have dressed well, but he never
did when on board of me.  His father is my tailor, and I took him as
midshipman, just to square an account between us."

"That's exactly what I thought," replied O'Brien.

He did not say any more, which I was glad of, as the lieutenant might
not have been pleased at what had occurred.

"When do you expect to run into port?" demanded O'Brien; for we were
rather anxious to put our feet ashore again in old England.  The
lieutenant replied that his cruise was nearly up; and he considered our
arrival quite sufficient reason for him to run in directly, and that he
intended to put his helm up after the people had had their dinner.  We
were much delighted with this intelligence, and still more to see the
intention put into execution half-an-hour afterwards.

In three days we anchored at Spithead, and went on shore with the
lieutenant to report ourselves to the admiral.  Oh! with what joy did I
first put my foot on the shingle beach at Sally Port, and then hasten to
the post-office to put in a long letter which I had written to my
mother!  We did not go to the admiral's but merely reported ourselves at
the admiral's office; for we had no clothes fit to appear in.  But we
called at Meredith the tailor's, and he promised that, by the next
morning, we should be fitted complete.  We then ordered new hats, and
everything we required, and went to the Fountain inn.  O'Brien refused
to go to the Blue Posts, as being only a receptacle for midshipmen.  By
eleven o'clock the next morning, we were fit to appear before the
admiral, who received us very kindly, and requested our company to
dinner.  As I did not intend setting off for home until I had received
an answer from my mother, we, of course, accepted the invitation.

There was a large party of naval officers and ladies, and O'Brien amused
them very much during dinner.  When the ladies left the room, the
admiral's wife told me to come up with them! and when we arrived at the
drawing-room, the ladies all gathered round me, and I had to narrate the
whole of my adventures, which very much entertained and interested them.

The next morning I received a letter from my mother--such a kind one!
entreating me to come home as fast as I could, and bring my preserver
O'Brien with me.  I showed it to O'Brien, and asked him whether he would
accompany me.

"Why, Peter, my boy, I have a little business of some importance to
transact; which is to obtain my arrears of pay, and some prize-money
which I find due.  When I have settled that point I will go to town to
pay my respects to the First Lord of the Admiralty, and then I think I
will go and see your father and mother; for, until I know how matters
stand, and whether I shall be able to go with spare cash in my pocket, I
do not wish to see my own family; so write down your address here, and
you'll be sure I'll come, if it is only to square my accounts with you,
for I am not a little in your debt."

I cashed a check sent by my father, and set off in the mail that night;
the next evening I arrived safe home.  But I shall leave the reader to
imagine the scene: to my mother I was always dear, and circumstances had
rendered me of some importance to my father, for I was now an only son,
and his prospects were very different from what they were when I left
home.  About a week afterwards, O'Brien joined us, having got through
all his business.  His first act was, to account with my father for his
share of the expenses; and he even insisted upon paying his half of the
fifty Napoleons given me by Celeste, which had been remitted to a banker
at Paris before O'Brien's arrival, with a guarded letter of thanks from
my father to Colonel O'Brien, and another from me to dear little
Celeste.  O'Brien had remained with us about a week, he told me that he
had about one hundred and sixty pounds in his pocket, and that he
intended to go and see his friends, as he was sure that he would be
welcome, even to Father McGrath.  "I mean to stay with them about a
fortnight, and shall then return and apply for employment.  Now, Peter,
will you like to be again under my protection?"

"O'Brien, I will never quit you or your ship, if I can help it."

"Spoken like a sensible Peter.  Well, then, I was promised immediate
employment, and I will let you know as soon as the promise is
performed."

O'Brien took his leave of my family, who were already very partial to
him, and left that afternoon for Holyhead.  My father no longer treated
me as a child; indeed it would have been an injustice if he had.  I do
not mean to say that I was a clever boy; but I had seen much of the
world in a short time, and could act and think for myself.  He often
talked to me about his prospects, which were very different from what
they were when I left him.  My two uncles, his elder brothers, had died,
the third was married and had two daughters.  If he had no son my father
would succeed to the title.  The death of my elder brother Tom had
brought me next in succession.  My grandfather, Lord Privilege, who had
taken no more notice of my father than occasionally sending him a basket
of game, had latterly often invited him to the house, and had even
requested _some day or another_ to see his wife and family.  He had also
made a handsome addition to my father's income, which the death of my
two uncles had enabled him to do.  Against all this my uncle's wife was
reported to be again in the family way.  I cannot say that I was pleased
when my father used to speculate upon these chance so often as he did.
I thought, not only as a man, but more particularly as a clergyman, he
was much to blame; but I did not then know so much of the world.  We had
not heard from O'Brien for two months, when a letter arrived, stating
that he had seen his family, and had bought a few acres of land, which
had made them all quite happy, and had quitted with Father McGrath's
double blessing, with unlimited absolution; that he had now been a month
in town trying for employment, but found that he could not obtain it,
although one promise was backed up by another.

A few days after this, my father received a note from Lord Privilege
requesting he would come and spend a few days with him, and bring his
son Peter, who had escaped from the French prison.  Of course this was
an invitation not to be neglected, and we accepted it forthwith.  I must
say, I felt rather in awe of my grandfather; he had kept the family at
such a distance, that I had always heard his name mentioned more with
reverence than with any feeling of kindred, but I was a little wiser
now.  We arrived at Eagle Park, a splendid estate, where he resided, and
were received by a dozen servants in and out of livery, and ushered into
his presence.

He was in his library, a large room, surrounded with handsome bookcases,
sitting on an easy chair.  A more venerable, placid old gentleman I
never beheld; his grey hairs hung down on each side of his temples, and
were collected in a small _queue_ behind.  He rose and bowed, as we were
announced; to my father he held out _two_ fingers in salutation, to me
only _one_; but there was an elegance in the manner in which it was
done, which was indescribable.  He waved his hand to chairs, placed by
the _gentleman_ out of livery, and requested we would be seated.  I
could not at the time help thinking of Mr Chucks, the boatswain, and
his remarks upon high breeding, which were so true; and I laughed to
myself when I recollected that Mr Chucks had once dined with him.  As
soon as the servants had quitted the room, the distance on the part of
my grand-father appeared to wear off.  He interrogated me on several
points, and seemed pleased with my replies; but he always called me
"child."  After a conversation of half-an-hour, my father rose, saying
that his lordship must be busy, and that he would go over the grounds
till dinner-time.  My grandfather rose, and we took a sort of formal
leave; but it was not a formal leave, after all, it was high breeding,
respecting yourself and respecting others.  For my part, I was pleased
with the first interview, and so I told my father after we had left the
room.  "My dear Peter," replied he, "your grandfather has one idea which
absorbs most others--the peerage, the estate, and the descent of it in
the right line.  As long as your uncles were alive, we were not thought
of, as not being in the line of descent; nor should we now, but that
your uncle William has only daughters.  Still we are not looked upon as
actual, but only contingent, inheritors of the title.  Were your uncle
to die to-morrow, the difference in his behaviour would be manifested
immediately."

"That is to say, instead of _two fingers_ you would receive the _whole_
hand, and instead of _one_, I should obtain promotion to two."

At this my father laughed heartily, saying, "Peter, you have exactly hit
the mark.  I cannot imagine how we ever could have been so blind as to
call you the fool of the family."

To this I made no reply, for it was difficult so to do without
depreciating others or depreciating myself: but I changed the subject by
commenting on the beauties of the park, and the splendid timber with
which it was adorned.  "Yes, Peter," replied my father, with a sigh,
"thirty-five thousand a year in land, money in the funds, and timber
worth at least forty thousand more, are not to be despised.  But God
wills everything."  After this remark, my father appeared to be in deep
thought, and I did not interrupt him.

We stayed ten days with my grandfather, during which he would often
detain me for two hours after breakfast, listening to my adventures, and
I really believe was very partial to me.  The day before I went away he
said, "Child, you are going to-morrow; now tell me what you would like,
as I wish to give you a token of regard.  Don't be afraid; what shall it
be--a watch and seals, or--anything you most fancy?"

"My lord," replied I, "if you wish to do me a favour, it is, that you
will apply to the First Lord of the Admiralty to appoint Lieutenant
O'Brien to a fine frigate, and, at the same time, ask for a vacancy as
midshipman for me."

"O'Brien," replied his lordship; "I recollect it was he who accompanied
you from France, and appears, by your account, to have been a true
friend.  I am pleased with your request, my child, and it shall be
granted."

His lordship then desired me to hand him the paper and ink-standish,
wrote by my directions, sealed the letter, and told me he would send me
the answer.  The next day we quitted Eagle Park, his lordship wishing my
father good-bye with _two_ fingers, and to me extending _one_, as
before; but he said, "I am pleased with you, child; you may write
occasionally."

When we were on our route home, my father observed that "I had made more
progress with my grandfather than he had known any one to do, since he
could recollect.  His saying that you might write to him is at least ten
thousand pounds to you in his will, for he never deceives any one, or
changes his mind."  My reply was that I should like to see the ten
thousand pounds, but that I was not so sanguine.

A few days after our return home, I received a letter and enclosure from
Lord Privilege, the contents of which were as follows:--

  "MY DEAR CHILD,--

  "I send you Lord ---'s answer, which I trust will prove satisfactory.
  My compliments to your family.

  "Yours, etc.

  "PRIVILEGE."

The enclosure was a handsome letter from the First Lord, stating that he
had appointed O'Brien to the _Sanglier_ frigate, and had ordered me to
be received on board as midshipman.  I was delighted to forward this
letter to O'Brien's address, who in a few days sent me an answer,
thanking me, and stating that he had received his appointment, and that
I need not join for a month, which was quite time enough, as the ship
was refitting; but, that if my family were tired of me, which was
sometimes the case in the best regulated families, why, then I should
learn some thing of my duty by coming to Portsmouth.  He concluded by
sending his kind regards to all the family, and his _love_ to my
grandmother, which last I certainly did not forward in my letter of
thanks.  About a month afterwards I received a letter from O'Brien,
stating that the ship was ready to go out of harbour, and would be
anchored off Spithead in a few days.



CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN.

CAPTAIN AND MRS. TO--PORK--WE GO TO PLYMOUTH AND FALL IN WITH OUR OLD
CAPTAIN.

I immediately took leave of my family, and set off for Portsmouth, and
in two days arrived at the Fountain Inn, where O'Brien was waiting to
receive me.  "Peter, my boy, I feel so much obliged to you, that if your
uncle won't go out of the world by fair means, I'll pick a quarrel with
him, and shoot him, on purpose that you may be a lord, as I am
determined that you shall be.  Now come up into my room, where we'll be
all alone, and I'll tell you all about the ship and our new captain.  In
the first place, we'll begin with the ship, as the most important
personage of the two: she's a beauty.  I forget her name before she was
taken, but the French know how to build ships better than keep them.
She's now called the _Sanglier_, which means a wild pig, and, by the
powers! a pig ship she is, as you will hear directly.  The captain's
name is a very short one, and wouldn't please Mr Chucks, consisting
only of two letters, T and O, which makes, To; his whole title is
Captain John To.  It would almost appear as if somebody had broken off
the better half of his name, and only left him the commencement of it;
but, however, it's a handy name to sign when he pays off his ship.  And
now I'll tell you what sort of a looking craft he is.  He's built like a
Dutch schuyt, great breadth of beam, and very square tuck.  He applied
to have the quarter galleries enlarged in the two last ships he
commanded.  He weighs about eighteen stone, rather more than less.  He
is a good-natured sort of a chap, amazingly ungenteel, not much of an
officer, not much of a sailor, but a devilish good hand at the trencher.
But he's only a part of the concern; he has his wife on board, who is a
red-herring sort of a lady, and very troublesome to boot.  What makes
her still more annoying is, that she has _a piano_ on board, very much
out of _tune_, on which she plays very much out of _time_.  Holystoning
is music compared with her playing; even the captain's spaniel howls
when she comes to the high notes; but she affects the fine lady, and
always treats the officers with music when they dine in the cabin, which
makes them very glad to get out of it."

"But, O'Brien, I thought wives were not permitted on board."

"Very true, but there's the worst part in the man's character: he knows
that he is not allowed to take his wife to sea, and, in consequence, he
never says she _is_ his wife, or presents her on shore to anybody.  If
any of the other captains ask how Mrs To is to-day, `Why,' he replies,
`pretty well, I thank you,' but at the same time he gives a kind of
smirk, as if to say, `She is not my wife;' and although everybody knows
that she is, yet he prefers that they should think otherwise, rather
than be at the expense of keeping her on shore: for you know, Peter,
that although there are regulations about wives, there are none with
regard to other women."

"But does his wife know this?" inquired I.

"I believe, from my heart, that she is a party to the whole transaction,
for report says, that she would skin a flint if she could.  She's always
trying for presents from the officers, and, in fact, she commands the
ship."

"Really, O'Brien, this is not a very pleasant prospect."

"Whist! wait a little; now I come to the wind-up.  This Captain To is
very partial to pig's _mate_, and we have as many live pigs on board as
we have pigs of ballast.  The first lieutenant is right mad about them.
At the same time he allows no pigs but his own on board, that there may
be no confusion.  The manger is full of pigs; there are two cow-pens
between the main-deck guns, drawn from the dock-yard, and converted into
pig-pens.  The two sheep-pens amidships are full of pigs, and the geese
and turkey-coops are divided off into apartments for four _sows_ in the
_family way_.  Now, Peter, you see there's little or no expense in
keeping pigs on board of a large frigate, with so much pay-soup and
whole peas for them to eat, and this is the reason why he keeps them,
for the devil a bit of any other stock has he on board.  I presume he
means to _milk_ one of the _old sows_ for breakfast when the ship sails.
The first thing that he does in the morning, is to go round to his pigs
with the butcher, feeling one, scratching the dirty ears of another, and
then he classes them--his _bacon_ pigs, his _porkers_, his _breeding_
sows, and so on.  The old boar is still at the stables of this inn, but
I hear he is to come on board with the sailing orders; but he is very
savage, and is therefore left on shore to the very last moment.  Now
really, Peter, what with the squealing of the pigs and his wife's piano
we are almost driven mad.  I don't know which is the worst of the two;
if you go aft you hear the one, if you go forward you, hear the other,
by way of variety, and that, they say, is charming.  But, is it not
shocking that such a beautiful frigate should be turned into a pig-sty,
and that her main-deck should smell worse than a muck-heap?"

"But how does his wife like the idea of living only upon hog's flesh?"

"She!  Lord bless you, Peter! why, she looks as spare as a shark, and
she has just the appetite of one; for she'll _boil_ a four-pound piece
of pork before it's well put on her plate."

"Have you any more such pleasant intelligence to communicate, O'Brien?"

"No, Peter, you have the worst of it.  The lieutenants are good
officers, and pleasant messmates; the doctor is a little queer, and the
purser thinks himself a wag; the master, an old north-countryman, who
knows his duty, and takes his glass of grog.  The midshipmen are a very
genteel set of young men, and full of fun and frolic.  I'll bet a wager,
there'll be a bobbery in the pig-sty before long, for they are ripe for
mischief.  Now, Peter, I hardly need say that my cabin and everything I
have is at your service; and I think if we could only have a devil of a
gale of wind, or a hard-fought action, to send the pigs over-board and
smash the _piano_, we should do very well."

The next day I went on board, and was shown down into the cabin, to
report my having joined.  Mrs To, a tall, thin woman, was at her piano;
she rose, and asked me several questions--who my friends were--how much
they allowed me a year, and many other questions, which I thought
impertinent; but a captain's wife is allowed to take liberties.  She
then asked me if I was fond of music?  That was a difficult question,
as, if I said that I was, I should in all probability be obliged to hear
it; if I said that I was not, I might have created a dislike in her.  So
I replied that I was very fond of music on shore, when it was not
interrupted by other noises.  "Ah! then I perceive you are a real
amateur, Mr Simple," replied the lady.

Captain To then came out of the after-cabin, half-dressed.  "Well,
youngster, so you've joined at last.  Come and dine with us to-day: and,
as you go down to your berth, desire the sentry to pass the word for the
butcher; I want to speak with him."

I bowed and retired.  I was met in the most friendly manner by the
officers and by my own messmates, who had been prepossessed in my favour
by O'Brien previous to my arrival.  In our service you always find young
men of the best families on board large frigates, they being considered
the most eligible class of vessels; I found my messmates to be
gentlemen, with one or two exceptions, but I never met so many wild
young lads together.  I sat down and ate some dinner with them, although
I was to dine in the cabin, for the sea air made me hungry.

"Don't you dine in the cabin, Simple?" said the caterer.

"Yes," replied I.

"Then don't eat any pork, my boy, now, for you'll have plenty there.
Come, gentlemen, fill your glasses; we'll drink happiness to our new
messmate, and pledging him, we pledge ourselves to try to promote it."

"I'll just join you in that toast," said O'Brien, walking into the
midshipmen's berth.  "What is it you're drinking it in?"

"Some of Collier's port, sir.  Boy, bring a glass for Mr O'Brien."

"Here's your health, Peter, and wishing you may keep out of a French
prison this cruise.  Mr Montague, as caterer, I beg you will order
another candle, that I may see what's on the table, and then perhaps I
may find something I should like to pick a bit off."

"Here's the fag end of a leg of mutton, Mr O'Brien, and there's a piece
of boiled pork."

"Then I'll just trouble you for a bit close to the knuckle.  Peter, you
dine in the cabin, so do I--the doctor refused."

"Have you heard when we sail, Mr O'Brien?" inquired one of my
messmates.

"I heard at the admiral's office, that we were expected to be ordered
round to Plymouth, and receive our orders there, either for the East or
West Indies, they thought; and, indeed, the stores we have taken on
board indicates that we are going foreign, but the captain's signal is
just made, and probably the admiral has intelligence to communicate."

In about an hour afterwards the captain returned, looking very red and
hot.  He called the first lieutenant aside from the rest of the
officers, who were on deck to receive him, and told him that we were to
start for Plymouth the next morning; and the admiral had told him
confidentially, that we were to proceed to the West Indies with a
convoy, which was then collecting.  He appeared to be very much alarmed
at the idea of going to make a feast for the land crabs; and certainly
his gross habit of body rendered him very unfit for the climate.  This
news was soon spread through the ship, and there was of course no little
bustle and preparation.  The doctor, who had refused to dine in the
cabin upon plea of being unwell, sent up to say, that he felt himself so
much better, that he should have great pleasure in attending the
summons, and he joined the first lieutenant, O'Brien, and me, as we
walked in.  We sat down to table; the covers were removed, and, as the
midshipmen prophesied, there was plenty of pork--mock-turtle soup, made
out of a pig's head--a boiled leg of pork and peas-pudding--a roast
spare-rib with the crackling on--sausages and potatoes, and pig's
pettitoes.  I cannot say that I disliked my dinner, and I ate very
heartily; but a roast sucking-pig came on as a second course, which
rather surprised me: but what surprised me more, was the quantity
devoured by Mrs To.  She handed her plate from the boiled pork to the
roast, asked for some pettitoes, tried the sausages, and finished with a
whole plateful of sucking-pig and stuffing.  We had an apple-pie at the
end, but as we had already eaten apple sauce with the roast pork, we did
not care for it.  The doctor, who abominated pork, ate pretty well, and
was excessively attentive to Mrs To.

"Will you not take a piece of the roast pig, doctor?" said the captain.

"Why really, Captain To, as we are bound, by all reports, to a station
where we must not venture upon pork, I think I will not refuse to take a
piece, for I am very fond of it."

"How do you mean?" inquired the captain and his lady, both in a breath.

"Perhaps I may be wrongly informed," replied the doctor; "but I have
heard that we were ordered to the West Indies; now, if so, every one
knows, that although you may eat salt pork there occasionally without
danger, in all tropical climates, and especially the West Indies, two or
three days' living upon this meat will immediately produce dysentery,
which is always fatal in that climate."

"Indeed!" exclaimed the captain.

"You don't say so?" rejoined the lady.

"I do indeed: and have always avoided the West Indies for that very,
reason--I am so fond of pork."

The doctor then proceeded to give nearly one hundred instances of
messmates and shipmen who had been attacked with dysentery, from the
eating of fresh pork in the West Indies; and O'Brien, perceiving the
doctor's drift, joined him, telling some most astonishing accounts of
the dreadful effects of pork in a hot country.  I think he said, that
when the French were blockaded, previous to the surrender of Martinique,
that having nothing but pigs to eat, thirteen hundred out of seventeen
hundred soldiers and officers died in the course of three weeks, and the
others were so reduced by disease, that they were obliged to capitulate.
The doctor then changed the subject, and talked about the yellow fever,
and other diseases of the climate; so that by his account, the West
India islands were but hospitals to die in.  Those most likely to be
attacked were men in full strong health.  The spare men stood a better
chance.  This conversation was carried on until it was time to leave--
Mrs To at last quite silent, and the captain gulping down his wine with
a sigh.  When we rose from table, Mrs To did not ask us, as usual, to
stay and hear a little music; she was, like her piano, not a little out
of tune.

"By the powers, doctor, you did that nately," said O'Brien, as we left
the cabin.

"O'Brien," said the doctor, "oblige me, and you, Mr Simple, oblige me
also, by not saying a word in the ship about what I have said; if it
once gets wind, I shall have done no good; but if you both hold your
tongues for a short time, I think I may promise you to get rid of
Captain To, his wife, and his pigs."  We perceived the justice of his
observation, and promised secrecy.  The next day the ship sailed for
Plymouth, and Mrs To sent for the doctor, not being very well.  The
doctor prescribed for her, and I believe, on my conscience, made her
worse on purpose.  The illness of his wife, and his own fears, brought
Captain To more than usual in contact with the doctor, of whom he
frequently asked his candid opinion, as to his own chance in a hot
country.

"Captain To," said the doctor, "I never would have given my opinion, if
you had not asked it, for I am aware, that, as an officer, you would
never flinch from your duty, to whatever quarter of the globe you may be
ordered; but as you have asked the question, I must say, with your full
habit of body, I think you would not stand a chance of living for more
than two months.  At the same time, sir, I may be mistaken; but at all
events, I must point out that Mrs To is of a very bilious habit, and I
trust you will not do such an injustice to an amiable women, as to
permit her to accompany you."

"Thanky, doctor, I am much obliged to you," replied the captain, turning
round and going down the ladder to his cabin.  We were then beating down
the Channel; for, although we ran through the Needles with a fair wind,
it fell calm, and shifted to the westward, when we were abreast of
Portland.  The next day the captain gave an order for a very fine pig to
be killed, for he was out of provisions.  Mrs To still kept her bed,
and he therefore directed that a part should be salted, as he could have
no company.  I was in the midshipmen's berth, when some of them proposed
that we should get possession of the pig; and the plan they agreed upon
was as follows:--they were to go to the pen that night, and with a
needle stuck in a piece of wood, to prick the pig all over, and then rub
gunpowder into the parts wounded.  This was done, and although the
butcher was up a dozen times during the night to ascertain what made the
pigs so uneasy, the midshipmen passed the needle from watch to watch,
until the pig was well tattooed in all parts.  In the morning watch it
was killed, and when it had been scalded in the tub, and the hair taken
off, it appeared covered with blue spots.  The midshipman of the morning
watch, who was on the main-deck, took care to point out to the butcher,
that the pork was _measly_, to which the man unwilling assented,
stating, at the same time, that he could not imagine how it could be,
for a finer pig he had never put a knife into.  The circumstance was
reported to the captain, who was much astonished.  The doctor came in to
visit Mrs To, and the captain requested the doctor to examine the pig,
and give his opinion.  Although this was not the doctor's province, yet,
as he had great reason for keeping intimate with the captain, he
immediately consented.  Going forward, he met me, and I told him the
secret.  "That will do," replied he; "it all tends to what we wish."
The doctor returned to the captain, and said that "there was no doubt
but that the pig was measly, which was a complaint very frequent on
board ships, particularly in hot climates, where all pork became
_measly_--one great reason for its there proving so unwholesome."  The
captain sent for the first lieutenant, and, with a deep sigh, ordered
him to throw the pig overboard; but the first lieutenant, who knew what
had been done from O'Brien, ordered the _master's mate_ to throw it
overboard; the master's mate, touching his hat said, "Ay, ay, sir," and
took it down into the berth, where we cut it up, salted one half, and
the other we finished before we arrived at Plymouth, which was six days
from the time we left Portsmouth.  On our arrival, we found part of the
convoy lying there, but no orders for us; and, to my great delight, on
the following day the _Diomede_ arrived, from a cruise off the Western
Islands.  I obtained permission to go on board with O'Brien, and we once
more greeted our messmates.  Mr Falcon, the first lieutenant, went down
to Captain Savage, to say we were on board, and he requested us to come
into the cabin.  He greeted us warmly, and gave us great credit for the
manner in which we had effected our escape.  When we left the cabin, I
found Mr Chucks, the boatswain, waiting outside.

"My dear Mr Simple, extend your flapper to me, for I'm delighted to see
you.  I long to have a long talk with you."

"And I should like it also, Mr Chucks, but I am afraid we have not
time; I dine with Captain Savage to-day, and it only wants an hour of
dinner-time."

"Well, Mr Simple, I've been looking at your frigate, and she's a
beauty--much larger than the _Diomede_."

"And she behaves quite as well," replied I.  "I think we are two hundred
tons larger.  You've no idea of her size until you are on her decks."

"I should like to be boatswain of her, Mr Simple: that is, with Captain
Savage, for I will not part with him."  I had some more conversation
with Mr Chucks, but I was obliged to attend to others, who interrupted
us.  We had a very pleasant dinner with our old captain, to whom we gave
a history of our adventures, and then we returned on board.



CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT.

WE GET RID OF THE PIGS AND PIANOFORTE--THE LAST BOAT ON SHORE BEFORE
SAILING--THE FIRST LIEUTENANT TOO HASTY, AND THE CONSEQUENCES TO ME.

We waited three days, at the expiration of which, we heard that Captain
To was about to exchange with Captain Savage.  We could not believe such
good news to be true, and we could not ascertain the truth of the
report, as the captain had gone on shore with Mrs To, who recovered
fast after she was out of our doctor's hands; so fast, indeed, that a
week afterwards, on questioning the steward, upon his return on board,
how Mrs To was, he replied, "O charming well again, sir, she has eaten
a whole pig since she left the ship."  But the report was true; Captain
To, afraid to go to the West Indies, had effected an exchange with
Captain Savage.  Captain Savage was permitted, as was the custom of the
service, to bring his first lieutenant, his boatswain, and his barge's
crew with him.  He joined a day or two before we sailed, and never was
there more joy on board: the only people miserable were the first
lieutenant, and those belonging to the _Sanglier_, who were obliged to
follow Captain To; who, with his wife, his pigs, and her piano, were all
got rid of in the course of one forenoon.

I have already described pay-day on board of a man-of-war, but I think,
that the two days before sailing are even more unpleasant; although,
generally speaking, all our money being spent, we are not sorry when we
once are fairly out of harbour, and find ourselves in _blue water_.  The
men never work well on those days: they are thinking of their wives and
sweethearts, of the pleasure they had when at liberty on shore, where
they might get drunk without punishment; and many of them are either
half drunk at the time, or suffering from the effects of previous
intoxication.  The ship is in disorder, and crowded with the variety of
stock and spare stores which are obliged to be taken on board in a
hurry, and have not yet been properly secured in their places.  The
first lieutenant is cross, the officers are grave, and the poor
midshipmen with all their own little comforts to attend to, are harassed
and drive about like posthorses.  "Mr Simple," inquired the first
lieutenant, "where do you come from?"

"From the gun wharf, sir, with the gunner's spare blocks, and
breechings."

"Very well--send the marines aft to clear the boat, and pipe away the
first cutter.  Mr Simple, jump into the first cutter, and go to Mount
Wise for the officers.  Be careful that none of your men leave the boat.
Come, be smart."

Now, I had been away the whole morning, and it was then half-past one,
and I had had no dinner; but I said nothing, and went into the boat.  As
soon as I was off, O'Brien, who stood by Mr Falcon, said, "Peter was
thinking of his dinner, poor fellow!"

"I really quite forgot it," replied the first lieutenant, "there is so
much to do.  He is a willing boy, and he shall dine in the gun-room when
he comes back."  And so I did--so I lost nothing by not expostulating,
and gained more of the favour of the first lieutenant, who never forgot
what he called _zeal_.  But the hardest trial of the whole is to the
midshipman who is sent to the boat to purchase the supplies for the
cabin and gun-room on the day before the ship's sailing.  It was my
misfortune to be ordered upon that service this time, and that very
unexpectedly.  I had been ordered to dress myself to take the gig on
shore for the captain's orders, and was walking the deck with my very
best uniform and sidearms, when the marine officer, who was the gun-room
caterer, came up to the first lieutenant and asked him for a boat.  The
boat was manned, and a midshipman ordered to take charge of it; but when
he came up, the first lieutenant recollecting that he had come off two
days before with only half his boat's crew, would not trust him, and
calling out to me, "Here, Mr Simple, I must send you in this boat; mind
you are careful that none of the men leave it; and bring off the
serjeant of marines, who is on shore looking for the men who have broken
their liberty."  Although I could not but feel proud of the compliment,
yet I did not much like going in my very best uniform, and would have
run down and changed it, but the marine officer and all the people were
in the boat, and I could not keep it waiting, so down the side I went,
and we shoved off.  We had, besides the boat's crew, the marine officer,
the purser, the gun-room steward, the captain's steward, and the pursers
steward; so that we were pretty full.  It blew hard from the S.E., and
there was a sea running, but as the tide was flowing into the harbour
there was not much bubble.  We hoisted the foresail, flew before the
wind and tide, and in quarter of an hour we were at Mutton Cove, when
the marine officer expressed his wish to land.  The landing-place was
crowded with boats; and it was not without sundry exchanges of foul
words and oaths, and the bow-men dashing the points of their boat-hooks
into the shore-boats, to make them keep clear of us, that we forced our
way to the beach.  The marine officer and all the stewards then left the
boat, and I had to look after the men.  I had not been there three
minutes before the bowman said that his wife was on the wharf with his
clothes from the wash, and begged leave to go and fetch them.  I
refused, telling him that she could bring them to him.  "Vy, now, Mr
Simple," said the woman, "ar'n't you a nice lady's man, to go for to ax
me to muddle my way through all the dead dogs, cabbage-stalks, and
stinking hakes' heads, with my bran new shoes and clean stockings?"  I
looked at her, and sure enough she was, as they say in France, _bien
chaussee_.  "Come, Mr Simple, let him out to come for his clothes, and
you'll see that he's back in a moment."  I did not like to refuse her,
as it was very dirty and wet, and the shingle was strewed with all that
she had mentioned.  The bow-man made a spring out with his boat-hook,
threw it back, went up to his wife, and commenced talking with her,
while I watched him.  "If you please, sir, there's my young woman come
down, mayn't I speak to her?" said another of the men.  I turned round,
and refused him.  He expostulated, and begged very hard, but I was
resolute; however, when I again turned my eyes to watch the bowman, he
and his wife were gone.  "There," says I to the coxswain, "I knew it
would be so; you see Hickman is off."

"Only gone to take a parting glass, sir," replied the coxswain; "he'll
be here directly."

"I hope so; but I'm afraid not."  After this, I refused all the
solicitations of the men to be allowed to leave the boat, but I
permitted them to have some beer brought down to them.  The gun-boat
steward then came back with a basket of _soft-tack_, i.e., loaves of
bread, and told me that the marine officer requested I would allow two
of the men to go up with him to Glencross' shop, to bring down some of
the stores.  Of course I sent two of the men, and told the steward if he
saw Hickman, to bring him down to the boat.

By this time many of the women belonging to the ship had assembled, and
commenced a noisy conversation with the boat's crew.  One brought one
article for Jim, another some clothes for Bill; some of them climbed
into the boat, and sat with the men--others came and went, bringing beer
and tobacco, which the men desired them to purchase.  The crowd, the
noise, and confusion, were so great, that it was with the utmost
difficulty that I could keep my eyes on all my men, who, one after
another, made an attempt to leave the boat.  Just at that time came down
the sergeant of marines, with three of our men whom he had picked up,
_roaring drunk_.  They were tumbled into the boat, and increased the
difficulty, as in looking after those who were riotous, and would try to
leave the boat by force, I was not so well able to keep my eyes on those
who were sober.  The sergeant then went up after another man, and I told
him also about Hickman.  About half-an-hour afterwards the steward came
down with the two men, loaded with cabbages, baskets of eggs, strings of
onions, crockery of all descriptions, paper parcels of groceries, legs
and shoulders of mutton, which were crowded in, until not only the
stern-sheets, but all under the thwarts of the boat was also crammed
full.  They told me that they had a few more things to bring down, and
that the marine officer had gone to Stonehouse to see his wife, so that
they should be down long before him.  In half-an-hour more, during which
I had the greatest difficulty to manage the boat's crew they returned
with a dozen geese, and two ducks, tied by the legs, but without the two
men, who had given them the slip, so that there were now three men gone,
and I knew Mr Falcon would be very angry, for they were three of the
smartest men in the ship.  I was now determined not to run the risk of
losing more men, and I ordered the boat's crew to shove off, that I
might lie at the wharf, where they could not climb up.  They were very
mutinous, grumbled very much, and would hardly obey me; the fact is,
they had drunk a great deal, and some of them were more than half tipsy.
However, at last I was obeyed, but not without being saluted with a
shower of invectives from the women, and the execrations of the men
belonging to the wherries and _shore_ boats which were washed against
our sides by the swell.  The weather had become much worse and looked
very threatening.  I waited an hour more, when the sergeant of marines
came down with two more men, one of whom, to my great joy, was Hickman.
This made me more comfortable, as I was not answerable for the other
two; still I was in great trouble from the riotous and insolent
behaviour of the boat's crew, and the other men brought down by the
sergeant of marines.  One of them fell back into a basket of eggs, and
smashed them all to atoms; still the marine officer did not come down
and it was getting late.  The tide being now at the ebb, running out
against the wind, there was a very heavy sea, and I had to go off to the
ship with a boat deeply laden, and most of the people in her in a state
of intoxication.  The coxswain, who was the only one who was sober,
recommended our shoving off, as it would soon be dark, and some accident
would happen.  I reflected a minute, and agreeing with him, I ordered
the oars to be got out, and we shoved off, the sergeant of marines and
the gun-room steward perched up in the bows--drunken men, ducks and
geese, lying together at the bottom of the boat--the stern sheets loaded
up to the gunwale, and the other passengers and myself sitting how we
could among the crockery and a variety of other articles with which the
boat was crowded.  It was a scene of much confusion--the half-drunken
boat's crew _catching crabs_, and falling forward upon the others--those
who were quite drunk swearing they _would_ pull.  "Lay on your oar,
Sullivan; you were doing more harm than good.  You drunken rascal, I'll
report you as soon as we get on board."

"How the devil can I pull, your honour, when there's that fellow Jones
breaking the very back o' me with his oar, and he never touching the
water all the while?"

"You lie," cried Jones; "I'm pulling the boat by myself against the
whole of the larboard oars."

"He's rowing _dry_, your honour--only making bilave."

"Do you call this rowing dry?" cried another, as a sea swept over the
boat, fore and aft, wetting every body to the skin.

"Now, your honour, just look and see if I a'n't pulling the very arms
off me?" cried Sullivan.

"Is there water enough to cross the bridge, Swinburne?" said I to the
coxswain.

"Plenty, Mr Simple; it is but quarter ebb, and the sooner we are on
board the better."

We were now past Devil's Point, and the sea was very heavy: the boat
plunged in the trough, so that I was afraid that we should break her
back.  She was soon half full of water, and the two after oars were laid
in for the men to bale.  "Plase your honour, hadn't I better cut free
the legs of them ducks and geese, and allow them to swim for their
lives?" cried Sullivan, resting on his oar; "the poor birds will be
drowned else in their own _iliment_."

"No, no--pull away as hard as you can."

By this time the drunken men in the bottom of the boat began to be very
uneasy, from the quantity of water which washed about them, and made
several staggering attempts to get on their legs.  They fell down again
upon the ducks and geese, the major part of which were saved from being
drowned by being suffocated.  The sea on the Bridge was very heavy: and
although the tide swept us out, we were nearly swamped.  Soft bread was
washing about the bottom of the boat; the parcels of sugar, pepper, and
salt, were wet through with the salt water, and a sudden jerk threw the
captain's steward, who was seated upon the gunwale close to the
after-oar, right upon the whole of the crockery and eggs, which added to
the mass of destruction.  A few more seas shipped completed the job, and
the gun-room steward was in despair.  "That's a darling!" cried
Sullivan: "the politest boat in the whole fleet.  She makes more bows
and curtsys than the finest couple in the land.  Give way, my lads, and
work the crater stuff out of your elbows, and the first lieutenant will
see us all so sober, and so wet in the bargain, and think we're all so
dry, that perhaps he'll be after giving us a raw nip when we get on
board."

In a quarter of an hour we were nearly alongside, but the men pulled so
badly, and the sea was so great, that we missed the ship, and went
astern.  They veered out a buoy with a line, which we got hold of, and
were hauled up by the marines and after guard, the boat plunging bows
under, and drenching us through and through.  At last we got under the
counter, and I climbed up by the stern ladder.  Mr Falcon was on deck,
and very angry at the boat not coming alongside properly.  "I thought,
Mr Simple, that you knew by this time how to bring a boat alongside."

"So I do, sir, I hope," replied I; "but the boat was so full of water,
and the men would not give way."

"What men has the sergeant brought on board?"

"Three, sir," replied I, shivering with the cold, and unhappy at my very
best uniform being spoiled.

"Are all your boat's crew with you, sir?"

"No, sir, there are two left on shore; they--"

"Not a word, sir.  Up to the mast-head, and stay there till I call you
down.  If it were not so late, I would send you on shore, and not
receive you on board again without the men.  Up, sir, immediately."

I did not venture to explain, but up I went.  It was very cold, blowing
hard from the S.E., with heavy squalls; I was so wet, that the wind
appeared to blow through me, and it was now nearly dark.  I reached the
cross-trees, and when I was seated there, I felt that I had done my
duty, and had not been fairly treated.  During this time, the boat had
been hauled up alongside to clear, and a pretty clearance there was.
All the ducks and geese were dead, the eggs and crockery all broken, the
grocery almost washed away; in short, as O'Brien observed, there was "a
very pretty general average."  Mr Falcon was still very angry.  "Who
are the men missing?" inquired he of Swinburne, the coxswain, as he came
up by the side.

"Williams and Sweetman, sir."

"Two of the smartest topmen, I am told.  It really is too provoking;
there is not a midshipman in the ship I can trust.  I must work all day,
and get no assistance.  The service is really going to the devil now,
with the young men who are sent on board to be brought up as officers,
and who are above doing their duty.  What made you so late, Swinburne?"

"Waiting for the marine officer, who went to Stonehouse to see his wife;
but Mr Simple would not wait any longer, as it was getting dark, and we
had so many drunken men in the boat."

"Mr Simple did right.  I wish Mr Harrison would stay on shore with his
wife altogether--it's really trifling with the service.  Pray, Mr
Swinburne, why had not you your eyes about you, if Mr Simple was so
careless?  How came you to allow these men to leave the boat?"

"The men were ordered up by the marine officer, to bring down your
stores, sir, and they gave the steward the slip.  It was no fault of Mr
Simple's, nor of mine either.  We laid off at the wharf for two hours
before we started, or we should have lost more; for what can a poor lad
do, when he has charge of drunken men who _will not_ obey orders?"  And
the coxswain looked up at the mast-head, as much as to say, Why is he
sent there?  "I'll take my oath, sir," continued Swinburne, "that Mr
Simple never put his foot out of the boat, from the time that he went
over the side until be came on board; and that no young gentleman could
have done his duty more strictly."

Mr Falcon looked very angry at first, at the coxswain speaking so
freely, but said nothing.  He took one or two turns on the deck, and
then hailing the mast-head, desired me to come down.  But I _could not_;
my limbs were so cramped with the wind blowing upon my wet clothes, that
I could not move.  He bailed again; I heard him, but was not able to
answer.  One of the top men then came up, and perceiving my condition,
hailed the deck, and said he believed I was dying for I could not move,
and that he dared not leave for fear I should fall.  O'Brien, who had
been on deck all the while, jumped up the rigging, and was soon at the
cross-trees where I was.  He sent the topman down into the top for a
sail-block and the studding-sail haulyards, made a whip, and lowered me
on deck.  I was immediately put into my hammock; and the surgeon
ordering me some hot brandy-and-water, and plenty of blankets, in a few
hours I was quite restored.

O'Brien, who was at my bedside, said, "Never mind, Peter, and don't be
angry with Mr Falcon, for he is very sorry."

"I am not angry, O'Brien: for Mr Falcon has been too kind to me not to
make me forgive him for being once hasty."

The surgeon came to my hammock, gave me some more hot drink, desired me
to go to sleep, and I woke the next morning quite well.

When I came into the berth, my messmates asked me how I was, and many of
them railed against the tyranny of Mr Falcon; but I took his part,
saying, that he was hasty in this instance, perhaps, but that, generally
speaking he was an excellent and very just officer.  Some agreed with
me, but others did not.  One of them, who was always in disgrace,
sneered at me, and said, "Peter reads the Bible, and knows that if you
smite one cheek, he must offer the other.  Now, I'll answer for it, if I
pull his right ear, he will offer me his left."  So saying, he lugged me
by the ear, upon which I knocked him down for his trouble.  The berth
was then cleared away for a fight, and in a quarter of an hour my
opponent gave in; but I suffered a little, and had a very black eye.  I
had hardly time to wash myself and change my shirt, which was bloody,
when I was summoned on the quarter-deck.  I arrived, I found Mr Falcon
walking up and down.  He looked very hard at me, but did not ask me any
questions as to the cause of my unusual appearance.

"Mr Simple," said he, "I sent for you to beg your pardon for my
behaviour to you last night, which was not only very hasty but very
unjust.  I find that you were not to blame for the loss of the men."

I felt very sorry for him when I heard him speak so handsomely; and to
make his mind more easy, I told him that although I certainly was not to
blame for the loss of those two men, still I had done wrong in
permitting Hickman to leave the boat; and that had not the sergeant
picked him up, I should have come off without him, and therefore I _did_
deserve the punishment which I had received.

"Mr Simple," replied Mr Falcon, "I respect you, and admire your
feelings: still I was to blame, and it is my duty to apologise.  Now go
down below I would have requested the pleasure of your company to
dinner, but I perceive that something else has occurred, which, under
any other circumstances, I would have inquired into, but at present I
shall not."

I touched my hat and went below.  In the meantime O'Brien had been made
acquainted with the occasion of the quarrel, which he did not fail to
explain to Mr Falcon, who, O'Brien declared, "was not the least bit in
the world angry with me for what had occurred."  Indeed, after that, Mr
Falcon always treated me with the greatest kindness, and employed me on
every duty which he considered of consequence.  He was a sincere friend;
for he did not allow me to neglect my duty, but, at the same time,
treated me with consideration and confidence.

The marine officer came on board very angry at being left behind, and
talked about a court-martial on me for disrespect, and neglect of stores
intrusted to my charge; but O'Brien told me not to mind him or what he
said, "It's my opinion, Peter, that the gentleman has eaten no small
quantity of _flapdoodle_ in his lifetime."

"What's that, O'Brien?" replied I; "I never heard of it."

"Why, Peter," rejoined he, "it's the stuff they _feed fools on_."



CHAPTER TWENTY NINE.

A LONG CONVERSATION WITH MR. CHUCKS--THE ADVANTAGES OF HAVING A
PRAYER-BOOK IN YOUR POCKET--WE RUN DOWN THE TRADES--SWINBURNE, THE
QUARTER-MASTER, AND HIS YARNS--THE CAPTAIN FALLS SICK.

The next day the captain came on board with sealed orders, with
directions not to open them until off Ushant.  In the afternoon, we
weighed and made sail.  It was a fine northerly wind, and the Bay of
Biscay was smooth.  We bore up, set all the studding sails, and ran
along at the rate of eleven miles an hour.  As I could not appear on the
quarter-deck, I was put down on the sick list.  Captain Savage, who was
very particular, asked what was the matter with me.  The surgeon
replied, "An inflamed eye."  The captain asked no more questions; and I
took care to keep out of his way.  I walked in the evening on the
forecastle, when I renewed my intimacy with Mr Chucks, the boatswain,
to whom I gave a full narrative of all my adventures in France.  "I have
been ruminating, Mr Simple," said he, "how such a stripling as you
could have gone through so much fatigue, and now I know how it is.  It
is _blood_, Mr Simple--all blood--you are descended from good blood;
and there's as much difference between nobility and the lower classes,
as there is between a racer and a cart-horse."

"I cannot agree with you, Mr Chucks.  Common people are quite as brave
as those who are well-born.  You do not mean to say that you are not
brave--that the seamen on board this ship are not brave?"

"No, no, Mr Simple but as I observed about myself, my mother was a
woman who could not be trusted, and there is no saying who was my
father; and she was a very pretty woman to boot, which levels all
distinctions for the moment.  As for the seamen, God knows, I should do
them an injustice if I did not acknowledge that they were as brave as
lions.  But there are two kinds of bravery, Mr Simple--the bravery of
the moment, and the courage of bearing up for a long while.  Do you
understand me?"

"I think I do; but still do not agree with you.  Who will bear more
fatigue than our sailors?"

"Yes, yes, Mr Simple, that is because they are _endured_ to it from
their hard life: but if the common sailors were all such little
thread-papers as you, and had been brought up so carefully, they would
not have gone through all you have.  That's my opinion, Mr Simple--
there's nothing like _blood_."

"I think, Mr Chucks, you carry your ideas on that subject too far."

"I do not Mr Simple; and I think, moreover, that he who has more to
lose than another will always strive more.  But a common man only fights
for his own credit; but when a man is descended from a long line of
people famous in history, and has a coat _in_ arms, criss-crossed, and
stuck all over with lions and unicorns to support the dignity of--why,
has he not to fight for the credit of all his ancestors, whose names
would be disgraced if he didn't behave well?"

"I agree with you, Mr Chucks, in the latter remark, to a certain
extent."

"Mr Simple, we never know the value of good descent when we have it,
but it's when we cannot get it, that we can _'preciate_ it.  I wish I
had been born a nobleman--I do, by heavens!" and Mr Chucks slapped his
fist against the funnel, so as to make it ring again.  "Well, Mr
Simple," continued he, after a pause, "it is however a great comfort to
me that I have parted company with that fool, Mr Muddle, with his
twenty-six thousand and odd years, and that old woman, Dispart the
gunner.  You don't know how those two men used to fret me; it was very
silly, but I couldn't help it.  Now the warrant officers of this ship
appear to be very respectable, quiet men who know their duty, and attend
to it, and are not too familiar, which I hate and detest.  You went
home, Mr Simple, to your friends, of course, when you arrived in
England?"

"I did, Mr Chucks, and spent some days with my grandfather, Lord
Privilege, whom you say you met at dinner."

"Well, and how was the old gentleman?" inquired the boatswain with a
sigh.

"Very well, considering his age."

"Now do, pray, Mr Simple, tell me all about it; from the time that the
servants met you at the door until you went away.  Describe to me the
house and all the rooms, for I like to hear of all these things,
although I can never see them again."

To please Mr Chucks, I entered into a full detail, which he listened to
very attentively, until it was late, and then with difficulty would he
permit me to leave off, and go down to my hammock.

The next day, rather a singular circumstance occurred.  One of the
midshipmen was mast-headed by the second lieutenant, for not waiting on
deck until he was relieved.  He was down below when he was sent for, and
expecting to be punished from what the head-master told him, he thrust
the first book into his jacket-pocket which he could lay his hand on, to
amuse himself at the mast-head, and then ran on deck.  As he surmised he
was immediately ordered aloft.  He had not been there more than five
minutes, when a sudden squall carried away the main-topgallant mast, and
away he went flying over to leeward (for the wind: had shifted, and the
yards were now braced up).  Had he gone overboard as he could not swim,
he would in all probability have been drowned; but the book in his
pocket brought him up in the jaws of the fore-brace, block, where he
hung until taken out by the main-topmen.  Now it so happened that it was
a prayer-book which he had laid hold of in his hurry, and those who were
superstitious declared it was all owing to his having taken a religious
book with him.  I did not think so, as any other book would have
answered the purpose quite as well: still the midshipman himself thought
so, and it was productive of good, as he was a sad scamp, and behaved
much better afterwards.

But I had nearly forgotten to mention a circumstance which occurred on
the day of our sailing, which will be eventually found to have had a
great influence upon my after-life.  It was this I received a letter
from my father, evidently written in great vexation and annoyance,
informing me that my uncle, whose wife I have already mentioned had two
daughters, and was again expected to be confined, had suddenly broke up
his housekeeping, discharged every servant, and proceeded to Ireland
under an assumed name.  No reason had been given for this unaccountable
proceeding; and not even my grandfather, or any of the members of the
family, had had notice of his intention.  Indeed, it was by mere
accident that his departure was discovered, about a fortnight after it
had taken place.  My father had taken a great deal of pains to find out
where he was residing; but although my uncle was traced to Cork, from
that town all clue was lost, but still it was supposed, from inquiries,
that he was not very far from thence.  "Now," observed my father, in his
letter, "I cannot help surmising, that my brother, in his anxiety to
retain the advantages of a title to his own family, has resolved to
produce to the world a spurious child as his own, by some contrivance or
another.  His wife's health is very bad, and she is not likely to have a
large family.  Should the one now expected prove a daughter, there is
little chance of his ever having another and I have no hesitation in
declaring it my conviction, that the measure has been taken with a view
of defrauding you of your chance of eventually being called to the House
of Lords."

I showed this letter to O'Brien, who, after reading it over two or three
times, gave his opinion that my father was right in his conjectures.
"Depend upon it, Peter, there's foul play intended, that is, if foul
play is rendered necessary."

"But, O'Brien, I cannot imagine why, if my uncle has no son of his own,
he should prefer acknowledging a son of any other person's instead of
his own nephew."

"But I can, Peter: your uncle is not a man likely to live very long, as
you know.  The doctor says that, with his short neck, his life is not
worth two years' purchase.  Now if he had a son, consider that his
daughters would be much better off, and much more likely to get married;
besides, there are many reasons which I won't talk about now, because
it's no use making you think your uncle to be a scoundrel.  But I'll
tell you what I'll do.  I'll go down to my cabin directly, and write to
Father McGrath, telling him the whole affair, and desiring him to ferret
him out, and watch him narrowly, and I'll bet you a dozen of claret,
that in less than a week he'll find him out, and will dog him to the
last.  He'll get hold of his Irish servants, and you little know the
power that a priest has in our country.  Now give the description as
well as you can of your uncle's appearance, also of that of his wife,
and the number of their family, and their ages.  Father McGrath must
have all particulars, and then let him alone for doing what is needful."

I complied with O'Brien's directions as well as I could, and he wrote a
very long letter to Father McGrath, which was sent on shore by a careful
hand.  I answered my father's letter, and then thought no more about the
matter.

Our sealed orders were opened, and proved our destination to be the West
Indies, as we expected.  We touched at Madeira to take in some wine for
the ship's company; but as we only remained one day, we were not
permitted to go on shore.  Fortunate indeed would it have been if we had
never gone there; for the day after, our captain, who had dined with the
consul, was taken alarmingly ill.  From the symptoms, the surgeon
dreaded that he had been poisoned by something which he had eaten, and
which most probably had been cooked in a copper vessel not properly
tinned.  We were all very anxious that he should recover; but, on the
contrary, he appeared to grow worse and worse every day, wasting away,
and dying, as they say, by inches.  At last he was put in his cot, and
never rose from it again.  This melancholy circumstance, added to the
knowledge that we were proceeding to an unhealthy climate, caused a
gloom throughout the ship; and although the trade wind carried us along
bounding over the bright blue sea--although the weather was now warm,
yet not too warm--although the sun rose in splendour, and all was
beautiful and cheering, the state of the captain's health was a check to
all mirth.  Every one trod the deck softly, and spoke in a low voice,
that he might not be disturbed; all were anxious to have the morning
report of the surgeon, and our conversation was generally upon the
sickly climate, the yellow fever, of death and the palisades where they
buried us.  Swinburne, the quarter-master, was in my watch, and as he
had been long in the West Indies, I used to obtain all the information
from him that I could.

The old fellow had a secret pleasure in frightening me as much as he
could.  "Really, Mr Simple, you ax so many questions," he would say, as
I accosted him while he was at his station at the _conn_, "I wish you
wouldn't ax so many questions, and make yourself uncomfortable--`steady
so'--`steady it is;'--with regard to Yellow Jack, as we calls the yellow
fever; it's a devil incarnate, that's sartain--you're well and able to
take your allowance in the morning, and dead as a herring 'fore night.
First comes a bit of a headache--you goes to the doctor, who bleeds you
like a pig--then you go out of your senses--then up comes the black
vomit, and then it's all over with you, and you go to the land crabs,
who pick your bones as clean and as white as a sea elephant's tooth.
But there be one thing to be said in favour of Yellow Jack, a'ter all.
You dies _straight_, like a gentleman--not cribbled up like a snow-fish,
chucked out on the ice of the river St. Lawrence, with your knees up to
your nose, or your toes stuck into your arm-pits, as does take place in
some of your foreign complaints; but straight, quite straight, and
limber, like a _gentleman_.  Still Jack is a little mischievous, that's
sartain.  In the _Euridiscy_ we had as fine a ship's company as was ever
piped aloft--`Steady, starboard, my man, you're half a pint off your
course;'--we dropped our anchor in Port Royal, and we thought that there
was mischief brewing, for thirty-eight sharks followed the ship into the
harbour, and played about us day and night.  I used to watch them during
the night watch, as their fins, above water, skimmed along, leaving a
trail of light behind them; and the second night I said to the sentry
abaft, as I was looking at them smelling under the counter--`Soldier,'
says I, `them sharks are mustering under the orders of Yellow Jack;' and
I no sooner mentioned Yellow Jack, than the sharks gave a frisky plunge,
every one of them, as much as to say, `Yes, so we are, damn your eyes.'
The soldier was so frightened, that he would have fallen overboard, if I
hadn't caught him by the scruff of the neck, for he was standing on the
top of the taffrail.  As it was, he dropped his musket over the stern,
which the sharks dashed at from every quarter, making the sea look like
fire--and he had it charged to his wages, 1 pound 15 shillings, I think.
However, the fate of his musket gave him an idea of what would have
happened to him, if he had fallen instead of it--and he never got on the
taffrail again.  `Steady, port--mind your helm, Smith--you can listen to
my yarn all the same.'  Well, Mr Simple, Yellow Jack came, sure enough.
First the purser was called to account for all his roguery.  We didn't
care much about the land crabs eating him, who made so many poor dead
men chew tobacco, cheating their wives and relations, or Greenwich
Hospital, as it might happen.  Then went two of the middies, just about
your age, Mr Simple; they, poor fellows, went off in a sad hurry; then
went the master--and so it went on, till at last we had no more nor
sixty men left in the ship--The captain died last, and then Yellow Jack
had filled his maw, and left the rest of us alone.  As soon as the
captain died, all the sharks left the ship, and we never saw any more of
them."

Such were the yarns told to me and the other midshipmen during the
night-watches; and I can assure the reader that they gave us no small
alarm.  Every day that we worked our day's work, and found ourselves so
much nearer to the islands, did we feel as if we were so much nearer to
our graves.  I once spoke to O'Brien about it, and he laughed.  "Peter,"
says he, "fear kills more people than the yellow fever, or any other
complaint of the West Indies.  Swinburne is an old rogue, and only
laughing at you.  The devil's not half so black as he's painted--nor the
yellow fever half so yellow, I presume."  We were now fast nearing the
island of Barbadoes, the weather was beautiful, the wind always fair;
the flying fish rose in shoals, startled by the foaming seas, which
rolled away, and roared from the bows as our swift frigate cleaved
through the water; the porpoises played about us in thousands--the
bonetas and dolphins at one time chased the flying fish, and, at others,
appeared to be delighted in keeping company with the rapid vessel.
Everything was beautiful, and we all should have been happy, had it not
been for the state of Captain Savage, in the first place, who daily
became worse and worse, and from the dread of the hell which we were
about to enter through such a watery paradise.  Mr Falcon, who was in
command, was grave and thoughtful; he appeared indeed to be quite
miserable at the chance which would insure his own promotion.  In every
attention and every care that could be taken to insure quiet, and afford
relief to the captain, he was unremitting; the offence of making a noise
was now, with him, a greater crime than drunkenness, or even mutiny.
"When within three days' sail of Barbadoes, it fell almost calm, and the
captain became much worse; and now, for the first time, did we behold
the great white shark" of the Atlantic.  There are several kinds of
sharks, but the most dangerous are the great white shark and the ground
shark.  The former grows to an enormous length--the latter is seldom
very long, not more than twelve feet, but spreads to a great breadth.
We could not hook the sharks as they played around us, for Mr Falcon
would not permit it, lest the noise of hauling them on board should
disturb the captain.  A breeze again sprang up.  In two days we were
close to the island, and the men were desired to look out for the land.



CHAPTER THIRTY.

DEATH OF CAPTAIN SAVAGE--HIS FUNERAL--SPECIMEN OF TRUE BARBADIAN
BORN--"SUCKING THE MONKEY"--EFFECTS OF A HURRICANE.

The next morning, having hove-to part of the night, land was discovered
on the bow, and was reported by the mast-head man at the same moment
that the surgeon came up and announced the death of our noble captain.
Although it had been expected for the last two or three days, the
intelligence created a heavy gloom throughout the ship; the men worked
in silence, and spoke to one another in whispers.  Mr Falcon was deeply
affected, and so were we all.  In the course of the morning, we ran into
the island, and, unhappy as I was, I never can forget the sensation of
admiration which I felt on closing with Needham Point to enter Carlisle
Bay.  The beach of such a pure dazzling white, backed by the tall, green
cocoa-nut trees, waving their spreading heads to the fresh breeze, the
dark blue of the sky, and the deeper blue of the transparent sea,
occasionally varied into green as we passed by the coral rocks which
threw their branches out from the bottom--the town opening to our view
by degrees, houses after houses, so neat, with their green jalousies,
dotting the landscape, the fort with the colours flying, troops of
officers riding down, a busy population of all colours, relieved by the
whiteness of their dress.  Altogether the scene realised my first ideas
of fairy land, for I thought I had never witnessed anything so
beautiful.  "And can this be such a dreadful place as it is described?"
thought I.  The sails were clewed up, the anchor was dropped to the
bottom, and a salute from the ship was answered by the forts, adding to
the effect of the scene.  The sails were furled, the boats lowered down,
the boatswain squared the yards from the jolly-boat ahead.  Mr Falcon
dressed, and his boat being manned, went on shore with the despatches.
Then, as soon as the work was over, a new scene of delight presented
itself to the sight of midshipmen who had been so long upon his
Majesty's allowance.  These were the boats, which crowded round the
ship, loaded with baskets of bananas, oranges, shaddocks, soursops, and
every other kind of tropical fruit, fried flying fish, eggs, fowls,
milk, and everything which could tempt a poor boy after a long sea
voyage.  The watch being called, down we all hastened into the boats,
and returned loaded with treasures, which we soon contrived to make
disappear.  After stowing away as much fruit as would have sufficed for
a dessert to a dinner given to twenty people in England, I returned on
deck.

There was no other man-of-war in the bay; but my attention was directed
to a beautiful little vessel, a schooner, whose fairy form contrasted
strongly with a West India trader which lay close to her.  All of a
sudden, as I was looking at her beautiful outline, a yell rose from her
which quite startled me, and immediately afterwards her deck was covered
with nearly two hundred naked figures with woolly heads, chattering and
grinning at each other.  She was a Spanish slaver, which had been
captured, and had arrived the evening before.  The slaves were still on
board, waiting the orders of the governor.  They had been on deck about
ten minutes, when three or four men, with large panama straw hats on
their heads, and long rattans in their hands, jumped upon the gunnel,
and in a few seconds drove them all down below.  I then turned round,
and observed a black woman who had just climbed up the side of the
frigate.  O'Brien was on deck, and she walked up to him in the most
consequential manner.

"How do you do, sar?  Very happy you come back again," said she to
O'Brien.

"I'm very well, I thank you, ma'am," replied O'Brien, "and I hope to go
back the same; but never having put my foot into this bay before, you
have the advantage of me."

"Nebber here before, so help me Gad! me tink I know you--me tink I
recollect your handsome face--I Lady Rodney, sar.  Ah, piccaninny
buccra! how you do?" said she turning round to me.  "Me hope to hab the
honour to wash for you, sar," curtsying to O'Brien.

"What do you charge in this place?"

"All the same price, one bit a piece."

"What do you call a bit?" inquired I.

"A bit, lilly massa?--what you call um _bit_?  Dem four _sharp shins_ to
a pictareen."

Our deck was now enlivened by several army officers, besides gentlemen
residents, who came off to hear the news.  Invitations to the mess and
to the houses of the gentlemen followed, and as they departed, Mr
Falcon returned on board.  He told O'Brien and the other officers, that
the admiral and squadron were expected in a few days, and that we were
to remain in Carlisle Bay, and refit immediately.

But although the fright about the yellow fever had considerably subsided
in our breasts, the remembrance that our poor captain was lying dead in
the cabin was constantly obtruding.  All that night the carpenters were
up making his coffin, for he was to be buried the next day.  The body is
never allowed to remain many hours unburied in the tropical climates,
where putrefaction is so rapid.  The following morning the men were up
at daylight, washing the decks and putting the ship in order; they
worked willingly, and yet with a silent decorum which showed what their
feelings were.  Never were the decks better cleaned, never were the
ropes more carefully flemished down; the hammocks were stowed in their
white cloths, the yards carefully squared, and the ropes hauled taut.
At eight o'clock the colours and pennant were hoisted half-mast high.
The men were then ordered down to breakfast, and to clean themselves.
During the time that the men were at breakfast, all the officers went
into the cabin to take a last farewell look at our gallant captain.  He
appeared to have died without pain, and there was a beautiful
tranquillity in his face; but even already a change had taken place, and
we perceived the necessity of his being buried so soon.  We saw him
placed in his coffin, and then quitted the cabin without speaking to
each other.  When the coffin was nailed down, it was brought up by the
barge's crew to the quarter-deck, and laid upon the gratings amidships,
covered over with the Union Jack.  The men came up from below without
waiting for the pipe, and a solemnity appeared to pervade every motion.
Order and quiet were universal, out of respect to the deceased.  When
the boats were ordered to be manned, the men almost appeared to steal
into them.  The barge received the coffin, which was placed in the stern
sheets.  The other boats then hauled up, and received the officers,
marines, and sailors, who were to follow the procession.  When all was
ready, the barge was shoved off by the bow-men, the crew dropped their
oars into the water without a splash, and pulled the _minute stroke_;
the other boats followed, and as soon as they were clear of the ship,
the minute guns boomed along the smooth service of the bay from the
opposite side of the ship, while the yards were topped to starboard and
to port, the ropes were slackened and hung in bights, so as to give the
idea of distress and neglect.  At the same time, a dozen or more of the
men who had been ready, dropped over the sides of the ship in different
parts, and with their cans of paint and brushes in a few minutes effaced
the whole of the broad white riband which marked the beautiful run of
the frigate, and left her all black and in deep mourning.  The guns from
the forts now responded to our own.  The merchant ships lowered their
colours, and the men stood up respectfully with their hats off, as the
procession moved slowly to the landing-place.  The coffin was borne to
the burial-ground by the crew of the barge, followed by Mr Falcon as
chief mourner, all the officers of the ship who could be spared, one
hundred of the seamen walking two and two, and the marines with their
arms reversed.  The _cortege_ was joined by the army officers, while the
troops lined the streets, and the bands played the Dead March.  The
service was read, the volleys were fired over the grave, and with
oppressed feelings we returned to the boats and pulled on board.

It then appeared to me, and to a certain degree I was correct, that as
soon as we had paid our last respects to his remains, we had also
forgotten our grief.  The yards were again squared, the ropes hauled
taut, working dresses resumed, and all was activity and bustle.  The
fact is, that sailors and soldiers have no time for lamentation, and
running as they do from clime to clime, so does scene follow scene in
the same variety and quickness.  In a day or two, the captain appeared
to be, although he was not, forgotten.  Our first business was to
_water_ the ship by rafting and towing off the casks.  I was in charge
of the boat again, with Swinburne as coxswain.  As we pulled in, there
were a number of negroes bathing in the surf, bobbing their woolly heads
under it, as it rolled into the beach.  "Now, Mr Simple," said
Swinburne "see how I'll make them _niggers_ scamper."  He then stood up
in the stern sheets, and pointing with his finger, roared out, "A shark!
a shark!" for the beach, puffing and blowing, from their dreaded enemy;
nor did they stop to look for him until they were high and dry out of
his reach.  Then, when we all laughed, they called us `_all the hangman
tiefs_,' and every other opprobrious name which they could select from
their vocabulary.  I was very much amused with this scene, and as much
afterwards with the negroes who crowded round us when we landed.  They
appeared such merry fellows, always laughing, chattering, singing and
showing their white teeth.  One fellow danced round us snapping his
fingers and singing songs without beginning or end.  "Eh, massa, what
you say now?  Me no slave--true Barbadian born, sir, Eh!

  "Nebba see de day
  Dat Rodney run away,
  Nebba see um night
  Dat Rodney cannot fight.

"Massa, me free man, sar.  Suppose you give me pictareen, drink massa
health.

  "Nebba see de day, boy,
  Pompey lickum de Caesar.

"And you nebba see de day dat de Grasshopper run on de Warrington."

"Out of the way, you nigger!" cried one of the men who was rolling down
a cask.

"Eh! who you call nigger?  Me free man, and true Barbadian born.  Go
along, you man-of-war man.

  "Man-of-war, buccra,
  Man-of-war, buccra.
  He de boy for me;
  Sodger, buccra,
  Sodger, buccra,
  Nebba, nebba do.
  Nebba, nebba do for me;
  Sodger give one shilling,
  Sailor give me two.

"Massa, now suppose you give me only one pictareen now.  You really
handsome young gentleman."

"Now, just walk off," said Swinburne, lifting up a stick he found on the
beach.

"Eh; walk off:--

  "Nebba see de day, boy,
  'Badian run away, boy."

"Go, do your work, sar.  Why you talk to me?  Go, work, sar.  I free
man, and real Barbadian born.

  "Negro on de shore
  See de ship come in,
  De buccra come on shore,
  Wid de hand up to de chin;
  Man-of-war, buccra,
  Man-of-war, buccra,
  He de boy for me,
  Man-of-war, buccra,
  Man-of-war, buccra,
  Gib pictareen to me."

At this moment my attention was directed to another negro, who lay on
the beach, rolling and foaming at the mouth, apparently in a fit.

"What's the matter with that fellow?" said I to the same negro, who
continued close to me, notwithstanding Swinburne's stick.

"Eh! call him Sam Slack, massa.  He ab um _tic tic_ fit."

And such was apparently the case.  "Stop, me cure him;" and he snatched
the stick out of Swinburne's hand, and running up to the man, who
continued to roll on the beach, commenced belabouring him without mercy.

"Eh, Sambo!" cried he at last, quite out of breath, "you no better
yet,--try again--"

He recommenced, until at last the man got up and ran away as fast as he
could.  Now, whether the man was shamming or whether it was real _tic
tic_, or epileptic fit, I know not, but I never heard of such a cure for
it before.  I threw the fellow half a pictareen, as much for the
amusement he had offered me as to get rid of him.

"Tanky, massa; now man-of-war man, here de tick for you again to keep
off all de dam niggers."  So saying, he handed the stick to Swinburne,
made a polite bow, and departed.  We were, however, soon surrounded by
others, particularly some dingy ladies, with baskets of fruit, and who,
as they said, "sell ebery ting."

I perceived that my sailors were very fond of cocoa-nut milk, which,
being a harmless beverage, I did not object to their purchasing from
these ladies, who had chiefly cocoa-nuts in their baskets.

As I had never tasted it, I asked them what it was, and bought a
cocoa-nut.  I selected the largest.

"No, massa, dat not good for you.  Better one for buccra officer."

I then selected another, but the same objection was made--"No, massa,
dis very fine milk.  Very good for de 'tomac."

I drank off the milk from the holes on the top of the cocoa-nut, and
found it very refreshing.  As for the sailors, they appeared very fond
of it indeed.  But I very soon found that if good for de 'tomac, it was
not very good for the head, as my men, instead of rolling the casks,
began to roll themselves in all directions, and when it was time to go
off to dinner, most of them were dead drunk at the bottom of the boat.
They insisted that it was the _sun_ which affected them.  Very hot it
certainly was, and I believed them at first, when they were only giddy;
but I was convinced to the contrary, when I found that they became
insensible; yet how they had procured the liquor was to me a mystery.

When I came on board, Mr Falcon, who, although acting captain,
continued his duties as first lieutenant almost as punctually as before,
asked how it was that I had allowed my men to get so tipsy.  I assured
him that I could not tell, that I had never allowed one to leave the
watering-place, or to buy any liquor: the only thing that they had had
to drink was a little cocoa-nut milk, which, as it was so very hot, I
thought there could be no objection to.

Mr Falcon smiled and said, "Mr Simple, I'm an old stager in the West
Indies, and I'll let you into a secret.  Do you know what `_sucking the
monkey_' means?"

"No, sir."

"Well, then, I'll tell you; it is a term used, among seamen for drinking
_rum_ out of _cocoa-nuts_, the milk having been poured out, and the
liquor substituted.  Now do you comprehend why your men are tipsy?"

I stared with all my eyes, for it never would have entered into my head;
and I then perceived why it was that the black woman would not give me
the first cocoa-nuts which I selected.  I told Mr Falcon of this
circumstance, who replied, "Well, it was not your fault, only you must
not forget it another time."

It was my first watch that night, and Swinburne was quarter-master on
deck.  "Swinburne," said I, "you have often been in the Indies before,
why did you not tell me that the men were `_sucking the monkey_,' when I
thought that they were only drinking cocoa-nut milk?"

Swinburne chuckled, and answered, "Why, Mr Simple, d'ye see, it didn't
become me as a shipmate to peach.  It's but seldom that a poor fellow
has an opportunity of making himself a `little happy,' and it would not
be fair to take away the chance.  I suppose you'll never let them have
cocoa-nut milk again?"

"No, that I will not; but I cannot imagine what pleasure they can find
in getting so tipsy."

"It's merely because they are not allowed to be so, sir.  That's the
whole story in few words."

"I think I could cure them, if I were permitted to try."

"I should like to hear how you'd manage that, Mr Simple."

"Why, I would oblige a man to drink off a half pint of liquor, and then
put him by himself.  I would not allow him companions to make merry
with, so as to make a pleasure of intoxication.  I would then wait until
next morning when he was sober, and leave him alone with a racking
headache until the evening, when I would give him another dose, and so
on, forcing him to get drunk until he hated the smell of liquor."

"Well, Mr Simple, it might do with some, but many of our chaps would
require the dose you mention to be repeated pretty often before it would
effect a cure; and what's more, they'd be very willing patients, and
make no wry faces at their physic."

"Well, that may be, but it would cure them at last.  But tell me,
Swinburne, were you ever in a hurricane?"

"I've been in everything, Mr Simple, I believe, except a school, and I
never had no time to go there.  Did you see that battery at Needham
Point?  Well, in the hurricane of '82, them same guns were whirled away
by the wind, right over to this point here on the opposite side, the
sentries in their sentry-boxes after them.  Some of the soldiers who
faced the wind had their teeth blown down their throats like broken
'baccy pipes, others had their heads turned round like dog vanes; 'cause
they waited for orders to the `_right about face_,' and the whole air
was full of young _niggers_, blowing about like peelings of _ingons_."

"You don't suppose I believe all this, Swinburne?"

"That's as may be, Mr Simple; but I've told the story so often, that
believe it myself."

"What ship were you in?"

"In the _Blanche_, Captain Faulkner, who was as fine a fellow as poor
Captain Savage, whom we buried yesterday; there could not be a finer
than either of them.  I was at the taking of the _Pique_, and carried
him down below after he had received his mortal wound.  We did a pretty
thing out here when we took Fort Royal by a coup-de-main, which means,
boarding from the main-yard of the frigate, and dropping from it into
the fort.  But what's that under the moon?--that a sail in the offing."

Swinburne fetched the glass and directed it to the spot.  "One, two,
three, four.  It's the admiral, sir, and the squadron hove-to for the
night.  One's a line-of-battle ship, I'll swear."  I examined the
vessels, and agreeing with Swinburne, reported them to Mr Falcon.  My
watch was then over, and as soon as I was released I went to my hammock.



CHAPTER THIRTY ONE.

CAPTAIN KEARNEY--THE DIGNITY BALL.

The next morning at daylight we exchanged numbers, and saluted the flag,
and by eight o'clock they all anchored.  Mr Falcon went on board the
admiral's ship with despatches, and to report the death of Captain
Savage.  In about half-an-hour he returned, and we were glad to
perceive, with a smile upon his face, from which we argued that he would
receive his acting order as commander, which was a question of some
doubt, as the admiral had the power to give the vacancy to whom he
pleased, although it would not have been fair if he had not given it to
Mr Falcon; not that Mr Falcon would not have received his commission,
as Captain Savage dying when the ship was under no admiral's command, he
_made himself_; but still the admiral might have sent him home, and not
have given him a ship.  But this he did, the captain of the _Minerve_,
being appointed to the _Sanglier_, the captain of the _Opossum_ to the
_Minerve_, and Captain Falcon taking the command of the _Opossum_.  He
received his commission that evening, and the next day the exchanges
were made.  Captain Falcon would have taken me with him, and offered so
to do; but I could not leave O'Brien, so I preferred remaining in the
_Sanglier_.

We were all anxious to know what sort of a person our new captain was
whose name was Kearney; but we had no time to ask the midshipmen except
when they came in charge of the boats which brought his luggage: they
replied generally, that he was a very good sort of fellow, and there was
no harm in him.  But when I had the night watch with Swinburne, he came
up to me, and said, "Well, Mr Simple, so we have a new captain, I
sailed with him for two years in a brig."

"And pray, Swinburne, what sort of a person is he?"

"Why, I'll tell you, Mr Simple; he's a good-tempered, kind fellow
enough, but--"

"But what?"

"Such a _bouncer_!!"

"How do you mean?  He's not a very stout man."

"Bless you, Mr Simple, why, you don't understand English.  I mean that
he's the greatest liar that ever walked a deck.  Now, Mr Simple, you
know I can spin a yarn occasionally."

"Yes, that you can; witness the hurricane the other night."

"Well, Mr Simple, I cannot _hold a candle_ to him.  It a'n't that I
might not stretch now and again, just for fun, as far as he can, but,
damn it, he's always on the stretch.  In fact, Mr Simple, he never
tells the truth except _by mistake_.  He's as poor as a rat, and has
nothing but his pay; yet to believe him, he is worth at least as much as
Greenwich Hospital.  But you'll soon find him out, and he'll sarve to
laugh at behind his back, you know, Mr Simple, for that's _no go_
before his face."

Captain Kearney made his appearance on board the next day.  The men were
mustered to receive him, and all the officers were on the quarter-deck
"You've a fine set of marines here, Captain Falcon," observed he; "those
I left on board of the _Minerve_ were only fit to be _hung_; and you
have a good show of reefers too--those I left in the _Minerve_ were not
_worth hanging_.  If you please, I'll read my commission if you'll order
the men aft."  His commission was read, all hands with their hats off
from respect to the authority from which it proceeded.  "Now, my lads,"
said Captain Kearney, addressing the ship's company, "I've but a few
words to say to you.  I am appointed to command this ship, and you
appear to have a very good character from your late first lieutenant.
All I request of you is this: be smart, keep sober, and always _tell the
truth_--that's enough.  Pipe down.  Gentlemen," continued he, addressing
the officers, "I trust that we shall be good friends; and I see no
reason that it should be otherwise."  He then turned away with a bow,
and called his coxswain--"William, you'll go on board and tell my
steward that I have promised to dine with the governor to-day, and that
he must come to dress me; and, coxswain, recollect to put the sheepskin
mat on the stern gratings of my gig--not the one I used to have when I
was on shore in my _carriage_, but the blue one which was used for the
_chariot--you_ know which I mean."  I happened to look Swinburne in the
face, who cocked his eye at me, as much as to say--"There he goes."  We
afterwards met the officers of the _Minerve_, who corroborated all that
Swinburne had said, although it was quite unnecessary, as we had the
captain's own words every minute to satisfy us of the fact.

Dinner parties were now very numerous, and the hospitality of the island
is but too well known.  The invitations extended to the midshipmen, and
many was the good dinner and kind reception which I had during my stay.
There was, however, one thing I had heard so much of, that I was anxious
to witness it, which was a _dignity ball_.  But I must enter a little
into explanation, or my readers will not understand me.  The coloured
people of Barbadoes, for reasons best known to themselves, are
immoderately proud, and look upon all the negroes who are born on other
islands as _niggers_; they have also an extraordinary idea of their own
bravery, although I never heard that it has ever been put to the proof.
The free Barbadians are, most of them, very rich, and hold up their
heads as they walk with an air quite ridiculous.  They ape the manners
of the Europeans, at the same time that they appear to consider them as
almost their inferiors.  Now, a _dignity_ ball is a ball given by the
most consequential of their coloured people, and from the amusement and
various other reasons, is generally well attended by the officers both
on shore and afloat.  The price of the tickets of admission was high--I
think they were a joe, or eight dollars each.

The governor sent out cards for a grand ball and supper for the ensuing
week, and Miss Betsy Austin, a quadroon woman, ascertaining the fact,
sent out her cards for the same evening.  This was not altogether in
_rivalry_, but for another reason, which was, that she was aware that
most of the officers and midshipmen of the ships would obtain permission
to go to the governor's ball, and preferring hers, would slip away and
join the party, by which means she insured a full attendance.

On the day of invitation our captain came on board, and told our new
first lieutenant (of whom I shall say more hereafter) that the governor
insisted, that all _his_ officers should go--that he would take no
denial, and therefore, he presumed, go they must; that the fact was,
that the governor was a _relation_ of his wife, and under some trifling
obligations to him in obtaining for him his present command.  He
certainly had spoken to the _Prime minister_, and he thought it not
impossible, considering the intimate terms which the minister and he had
been on from childhood, that his solicitation might have had some
effect; at all events, it was pleasant to find that there was some
little gratitude left in this world.  After this, of course, every
officer went, with the exception of the master, who said that he'd as
soon have two round turns in his hawse as go to see people kick their
legs about like fools, and that he'd take care of the ship.

The governor's ball was very splendid; but the ladies were rather
sallow, from the effects of the climate.  However, there were
exceptions, and on the whole it was a very gay affair; but we were all
anxious to go to the _dignity_ ball of Miss Betsy Austin.  I slipped
away with three other midshipmen, and we soon arrived there.  A crowd of
negroes were outside of the house; but the ball had not yet commenced,
from the want of gentlemen, the ball being very correct, nothing under
mulatto in colour being admitted.  Perhaps I ought to say here, that the
progeny of a white and a negro is a mulatto, or half and half--of a
white and mulatto, a _quadroon_, or one quarter black, and of this class
the company were chiefly composed.  I believe a quadroon and white make
the _mustee_ or one eighth black, and the mustee and white the
mustafina, or one sixteenth black.  After that, they are _white washed_
and considered as Europeans.  The pride of colour is very great in the
West Indies, and they have as many quarterings as a German prince, in
his coat of arms; a quadroon looks down upon a mulatto, while a mulatto
looks down upon a sambo, that is, half mulatto half negro, while a sambo
in his turn looks down upon a nigger.  The quadroons are certainly the
handsomest race of the whole: some of the women are really beautiful;
their hair is long and perfectly straight, their eyes large and black,
their figures perfection, and you can see the colour mantle in their
cheeks quite as plainly, and with as much effect, as in those of an
European.  We found the door of Miss Austin's house open, and ornamented
with orange branches, and on our presenting ourselves were accosted by a
mulatto gentleman, who was, we presumed, "usher of the black rod."  His
head was well powdered, he was dressed in white jean trowsers, a
waistcoat not six inches long, and a half-worn post-captain's coat on,
as a livery.  With a low bow, he "took de liberty to trouble de
gentlemen for de card for de ball," which being produced, we were
ushered on by him to the ball-room, at the door of which Miss Austin was
waiting to receive her company.  She made us a low curtsy, observing,
"She really happy to see de _gentlemen_ of de ship, but hoped to see de
_officers_ also at her _dignity_."

This remark touched our _dignity_, and one of my companions replied,
"That we midshipmen considered ourselves officers, and no _small_ ones
either, and that if she waited for the lieutenants she must wait until
they were tired of the governor's ball, we having given the preference
to hers."

This remark set all to rights; sangaree was handed about, and I looked
around at the company.  I must acknowledge, at the risk of losing the
good opinion of my fair countrywomen, that I never saw before so many
pretty figures and faces.  The officers not having yet arrived we
received all the attention, and I was successively presented to Miss
Eurydice, Miss Minerva, Miss Sylvia, Miss Aspasia, Miss Euterpe, and
many other, evidently borrowed from the different men-of-war which had
been on the station.  All these young ladies gave themselves all the
airs of Almack's.  Their dresses I cannot pretend to describe--jewels of
value were not wanting, but their drapery was slight.  They appeared
neither to wear nor to require stays, and on the whole, their figures
were so perfect, that they could only be ill-dressed by having on too
much dress.  A few more midshipmen and some lieutenants (O'Brien among
the number) having made their appearance, Miss Austin directed that the
ball should commence.  I requested the honour of Miss Eurydice's hand in
a cotillon, which was to open the ball.  At this moment stepped forth
the premier violin, master of the ceremonies and ballet-master, Massa
Johnson, really a very smart man, who gave lessons in dancing to all the
"'Badian ladies."  He was a dark quadroon, his hair slightly powdered,
dressed in a light blue coat thrown well back, to show his lily-white
waistcoat, only one button of which he could afford to button to make
full room for the pride of his heart, the frill of his shirt, which
really was _un jabot superb_, four inches wide, and extending from his
collar to the waist-band of his nankeen tights, which were finished off
at his knees with huge bunches of riband; his legs were encased in silk
stockings, which, however, was not very good taste on his part, as they
showed the manifest advantage which an European has over a coloured man
in the formation of the leg: instead of being straight, his shins curved
like a cheese-knife, and, moreover, his leg was planted into his foot
like the handle into a broom or scrubbing-brush, there being quite as
much of the foot on the heel side as on the toe side.  Such was the
appearance of Mr Apollo Johnson, whom the ladies considered as the _ne
plus ultra_ of fashion, and the _arbiter elegantiarum_.  His _bow-tick_,
or fiddle-stick, was his wand, whose magic rap on the fiddle produced
immediate obedience to his mandates.  "Ladies and gentle, take your
seats."  All started up.  "Miss Eurydice, you open de ball."

Miss Eurydice had but a sorry partner, but she undertook to instruct me.
O'Brien was our vis-a-vis with Miss Euterpe.  The other gentlemen were
officers from the ships, and we stood up twelve, checkered brown and
white, like a chess-board.  All eyes were fixed upon Mr Apollo Johnson,
who first looked at the couples, then at his fiddle, and, lastly, at the
other musicians, to see if all was right, and then with a wave of his
_bow-tick_ the music began.  "Massa Lieutenant," cried Apollo to
O'Brien, "cross over to opposite lady, right hand and left, den figure
to Miss Eurydice--dat right: now four hand round.  You lily midshipman,
set your partner, sir; den twist her round; dat do, now stop.  First
figure all over."

At this time I thought I might venture to talk a little with my partner,
and I ventured a remark.  To my surprise, she answered very sharply, "I
come here for dance, sar, and not for chatter: look Massa Johnson, he
tap um bow-tick."

The second figure commenced, and I made a sad bungle: so I did of the
third, and fourth, and fifth, for I never had danced a cotillon.  When I
handed my partner to her place, who certainly was the prettiest girl in
the room, she looked rather contemptuously at me, and observed to a
neighbour, "I really pity de gentleman as come from England dat no know
how to dance, nor nothing at all, until em hab instruction at
Barbadoes."

A country dance was now called for, which was more acceptable to all
parties, as none of Mr Apollo Johnson's pupils were very perfect in
their cotillon, and none of the officers, except O'Brien, knew anything
about them.  O'Brien's superior education on this point, added to his
lieutenant's epaulet and handsome person, made him much courted: but he
took up with Miss Eurydice after I had left her, and remained with her
the whole evening; thereby exciting the jealousy of Mr Apollo Johnson,
who, it appears, was amorous in that direction.  Our party increased
every minute: all the officers of the garrison, and, finally, as soon as
they could get away, the governor's aides-de-camp, all dressed in
_mufti_ (i.e. plain clothes).  The dancing continued until three o'clock
in the morning, when it was quite a squeeze, from the constant arrival
of fresh recruits from all the houses in Barbadoes.  I must say, that a
few bottles of Eau de Cologne thrown about the room would have improved
the atmosphere.  By this time the heat was terrible, and the _mopping_
of the ladies' faces everlasting.  I would recommend a DIGNITY ball to
all stout gentlemen, who wish to be reduced a stone or two.  Supper was
now announced, and having danced the last country dance with Miss
Minerva, I of course had the pleasure of handing her into the supper
room.  It was my fate to sit opposite to a fine turkey, and I asked my
partner if I should have the pleasure of helping her to a piece of the
breast.  She looked at me very indignantly, and said, "Curse your
impudence, sir, I wonder where you larn manners.  Sar, I take a lily
turkey _bosom_, if you please.  Talk of _breast_ to a lady, sar!--really
quite _horrid_."  I made two or three more barbarous mistakes before the
supper was finished.  At last the eating was over, and I must say a
better supper I never sat down to.  "Silence, gentlemen and ladies,"
cried Mr Apollo Johnson, "wid de permission of our amiable hostess, I
will purpose a toast.  Gentlemen and ladies--You all know, and if be so
you don't, I say there no place in de world like Barbadoes.  All de
world fight again England, but England nebber fear; King George nebber
fear, while _Barbadoes 'tand 'tiff_.  'Badian fight for King George to
last drop of him blood.  Nebber see the day 'Badian run away; you all
know dem French mans at San Lucee, give up Morne Fortunee, when he hear
de 'Badi volunteer come against him.  I hope no 'fence present company,
but um sorry to say English come here too jealous of 'Badians.
Gentlemen and lady--Barbadian born ab only one fault--he _really too
brave_.  I purpose health of `Island of Barbadoes.'"  Acclamations from
all quarters follow--this truly modest speech, and the toast was drunk
with rapture; the ladies were delighted with Mr Apollo's eloquence, and
the lead which he took in the company.

O'Brien then rose and addressed the company as follows:--"Ladies an
gentlemen--Mr Poll has spoken better than the best parrot I ever met
with in this country; but as he has thought proper to drink the `Island
of Barbadoes,' I mean to be a little more particular.  I wish, with him,
all good health to the island; but there is a charm without which the
island would be a desert--that is, the society of the lovely girls who
now surround us, and take our hearts by storm,"--(here O'Brien put his
arm gently round Miss Eurydice's waist, and Mr Apollo ground his teeth
so as to be heard at the furthest end of the room,)--therefore,
gentlemen, with your permission, I will propose the health of the
`'Badian Ladies.'  This speech of O'Brien's was declared, by the females
at least, to be infinitely superior to Mr Apollo Johnson's.  Miss
Eurydice was even more gracious, and the other ladies were more envious.

Many other toasts and much more wine was drunk, until the male part of
the company appeared to be rather riotous.  Mr Apollo, however, had to
regain his superiority, and after some hems and hahs, begged permission
to give a sentiment.  "Gentlemen and ladies, I beg then to say--

  "Here's to de cock who make lub to de hen,
  Crow till he hoarse, and make lub again."

The sentiment was received with rapture; and after silence was obtained,
Miss Betsy Austin rose and said--"Unaccustomed as she was to public
'peaking, she must not sit 'till and not tank de gentleman for his very
fine toast, and in de name of de ladies," she begged leave to propose
another sentimen, which was--

  "Here to de hen what nebber refuses,
  Let cock pay compliment whenebber he chooses."

If the first toast was received with applause, this was with enthusiasm;
but we received a damper after it was subsided, by the lady of the house
getting up and saying--"Now, gentlemen and ladies, me tink it right to
say dat it time to go home; I nebber allow people get drunk or kick up
bobbery in my house, so now I tink we better take parting-glass, and
very much obliged to you for your company."

As O'Brien said, this was a broad hint to be off, so we all now took our
parting-glass, in compliance with her request and our own wishes, and
proceeded to escort our partners on their way home.  While I was
assisting Miss Minerva to her red crape shawl, a storm was brewing in
another quarter, to wit, between Mr Apollo Johnson and O'Brien.
O'Brien was assiduously attending to Miss Eurydice, whispering what he
called soft blarney in her ear, when Mr Apollo, who was above
spirit-boiling heat with jealousy, came up, and told Miss Eurydice that
he would have the honour of escorting her home.

"You may save yourself the trouble, you dingy gut-scraper," replied
O'Brien; "the lady is under my protection, so take your ugly black face
out of the way, or I'll show you how I treat a `'Badian who is really
too brave.'"

"So 'elp me Gad, Massa Lieutenant, 'pose you put a finger on me, I show
you what 'Badian can do."

Apollo then attempted to insert himself between O'Brien and his lady,
upon which O'Brien shoved him back with great violence, and continued
his course towards the door.  They were in the passage when I came up,
for hearing O'Brien's voice in anger, I left Miss Minerva to shift for
herself.

Miss Eurydice had now left O'Brien's arm, at his request, and he and Mr
Apollo were standing in the passage, O'Brien close to the door, which
was shut, and Apollo swaggering up to him.  O'Brien, who knew the tender
part of a black, saluted Apollo with a kick on the shins, which would
have broken my leg.  Massa Johnson roared with pain, and recoiled two or
three paces, parting the crowd away behind him.  The blacks never fight
with fists, but butt with their heads like rams, and with quite as much
force.  When Mr Apollo had retreated he gave his shin one more rub,
uttered a loud yell, and started at O'Brien, with his head aimed at
O'Brien's chest, like a battering-ram.  O'Brien, who was aware of this
plan of fighting, stepped dexterously on one side, and allowed Mr
Apollo to pass by him, which he did with such force, that his head went
clean through the panel of the door behind O'Brien, and there he stuck
as fast as if in a pillory, squealing like a pig for assistance, and
foaming with rage.  After some difficulty he was released, and presented
a very melancholy figure.  His face was much cut, and his superb jabot
all in tatters; he appeared, however, to have had quite enough of it, as
he retreated to the supper-room, followed by some of his admirers,
without asking or looking after O'Brien.

But if Mr Apollo had had enough of it, his friends were too indignant
to allow us to go off scot-free.  A large mob was collected in the
street, vowing vengeance on us for our treatment of their flash man, and
a row was to be expected.  Miss Eurydice had escaped, so that O'Brien
had his hands free.  "Cam out, you hangman tiefs, cam out! only wish had
rock stones to mash your heads with," cried the mob of negroes.  The
officers now sallied out in a body, and were saluted with every variety
of missile, such as rotten oranges, cabbage-stalks, mud, and cocoa-nut
shells.  We fought our way manfully, but as we neared the beach the mob
increased to hundreds, and at last we could proceed no further, being
completely jammed up by the niggers, upon whose heads we could make no
more impression than upon blocks of marble.  "We must draw our swords,"
observed an officer.  "No, no," replied O'Brien, "that will not do; if
once we shed blood, they will never let us get on board with our lives.
The boat's crew by this time must be aware that there is a row."
O'Brien was right.  He had hardly spoken, before a lane was observed to
be made through the crowd in the distance, which in two minutes was open
to us.  Swinburne appeared in the middle of it, followed by the rest of
the boat's crew, armed with the boat's stretchers, which they did not
aim at the heads of the blacks, but swept them like scythes against
their shins.  This they continued to do, right and left of us, as we
walked through and went down to the boats, the seamen closing up the
rear with their stretchers, with which they ever and anon made a sweep
at the black fellows if they approached too near.  It was now broad
daylight, and in a few minutes we were again safely on board the
frigate.  Thus ended the first and last dignity ball that I attended.



CHAPTER THIRTY TWO.

I AM CLAIMED BY CAPTAIN KEARNEY AS A RELATION--TRIAL OF SKILL BETWEEN
FIRST LIEUTENANT AND CAPTAIN WITH THE LONG BOW--THE SHARK, THE PUG DOG,
AND THE WILL--A QUARTER-DECK PICTURE.

As the admiral was not one who would permit the ships under his command
to lie idle in port, in a very few days after the dignity hall which I
have described, all the squadron sailed on their various destinations.
I was not sorry to leave the bay, for one soon becomes tired of
profusion, and I cared nothing for either oranges, bananas, or
shaddocks, nor even for the good dinners and claret at the tables of the
army mess and gentlemen of the island.  The sea breeze soon became more
precious to us than anything else; and if we could have bathed without
the fear of a shark, we should have equally appreciated that most
refreshing of all luxuries under the torrid zone.  It was therefore with
pleasure that we received the information that we were to sail the next
day to cruise off the French island of Martinique.  Captain Kearney had
been so much on shore that we saw but little of him, and the ship was
entirely under the control of the first lieutenant, of whom I have
hitherto not spoken.  He was a very short, pock-marked man, with red
hair and whiskers, a good sailor, and not a bad officer; that is, he was
a practical sailor, and could show any foremast man his duty in any
department, and this seamen very much appreciate, as it is not very
common; but I never yet knew an officer who prided himself upon his
practical knowledge, who was at the same time a good navigator; and too
often, by assuming the Jack Tar, they lower the respect due to them, and
become coarse and vulgar in their manners and language.  This was the
case with Mr Phillott, who prided himself upon his slang, and who was
at one time "hail fellow, well met" with the seamen, talking to them,
and being answered as familiarly as if they were equals, and at another,
knocking the very same men down with a handspike if he were displeased.
He was not bad tempered, but very hasty; and his language to the
officers was occasionally very incorrect--to the midshipmen invariably
so.  However, on the whole, he was not disliked, although he was
certainly not respected as a first lieutenant should have been.  It is
but fair to say that he was the same to his superiors as he was to his
inferiors; and the bluntness with which he used to contradict and assert
his disbelief of Captain Kearney's narratives often produced a coolness
between them for some days.

The day after we sailed from Carlisle Bay I was asked to dine in the
cabin.  The dinner was served upon plated dishes, which looked very
grand, but there was not much in them.  "This plate," observed the
captain, "was presented to me by some merchants for my exertions in
saving their property from the Danes, when I was cruising off
Heligoland."

"Why, that lying steward of yours told me that you bought it at
Portsmouth," replied the first lieutenant: "I asked him in the galley
this morning."

"How came you to assert such a confounded falsehood, sir?" said the
captain to the man who stood behind his chair.

"I only said that I thought so," replied the steward.

"Why, didn't you say that the bill had been sent in, through you, seven
or eight times, and that the captain had paid it with a flowing sheet?"

"Did you dare say that, sir?" interrogated the captain, very angrily.

"Mr Phillott mistook me, sir," replied the steward.  "He was so busy
damning the sweepers, that he did not hear me right.  I said, the
midshipmen had paid their crockery bill with the fore-topsail."

"Ay, ay," replied the captain, "that's much more likely."

"Well, Mr Steward," replied Mr Phillott, "I'll be damned if you ar'n't
as big a liar as your--" (master he was going to plump out, but
fortunately the first lieutenant checked himself, and added)--"as your
father was before you."

The captain changed the conversation by asking me whether I would take a
slice of ham.  "It's real Westphalia, Mr Simple; I have them sent me
direct by Count Troningsken, an intimate friend of mine, who kills his
own wild boars in the Hartz mountains."

"How the devil do you get them over, Captain Kearney?"

"There are ways and means of doing everything, Mr Phillott, and the
First Consul is not quite so bad as he is represented.  The first batch
was sent over with a very handsome letter to me, written in his own
hand, which I will show you some of these days.  I wrote to him in
return, and sent to him two Cheshire cheeses by a smuggler, and since
that they came regularly.  Did you ever eat Westphalia ham, Mr Simple?"

"Yes, sir," replied I: "once I partook of one at Lord Privilege's."

"Lord Privilege! why he's a distant relation of mine, a sort of fifth
cousin," replied Captain Kearney.

"Indeed, sir," replied I.

"Then you must allow me to introduce you to a relation, Captain
Kearney," said the first lieutenant; "for Mr Simple is his grandson."

"Is it possible?  I can only say, Mr Simple, that I shall be most happy
to show you every attention, and am very glad that I have you as one of
my officers."

Now, although this was all false, for Captain Kearney was not in the
remotest manner connected with my family, yet, having once asserted it,
he could not retract, and the consequence was, that I was much the
gainer by his falsehood, as he treated me very kindly afterwards, always
calling me cousin.

The first lieutenant smiled, and gave me a wink, when the captain had
finished his speech to me, as much as to say, "You're in luck," and then
the conversation changed.  Captain Kearney certainly dealt in the
marvellous to admiration, and really told his stories with such
earnestness, that I actually believe that he thought he was telling the
truth.  Never was there such an instance of confirmed habit.  Telling a
story of a cutting-out expedition, he said, "The French captain would
have fallen by my hand, but just as I levelled my musket, a ball came,
and cut off the cock of the lock, as clean as if it was done with a
knife--a very remarkable instance," observed he.

"Not equal to what occurred in a ship I was in," replied the first
lieutenant, "when the second lieutenant was grazed by a grape shot,
which cut off one of his whiskers, and turning round his head to
ascertain what was the matter, another grape shot came and took off the
other.  Now that's what I call a close shave."

"Yes," replied Captain Kearney, "very close, indeed, if it were true;
but you'll excuse me, Mr Phillott, but you sometimes tell strange
stories.  I do not mind it myself, but the example is not good to my
young relation here, Mr Simple."

"Captain Kearney," replied the first lieutenant, laughing very
immoderately, "do you know what the pot called the kettle?"

"No, sir, I do not," retorted the captain, with offended dignity.  "Mr
Simple, will you take a glass of wine?"

I thought that this little _brouillerie_ would have checked the captain;
it did so, but only for a few minutes, when he again commenced.  The
first lieutenant observed that it would be necessary to let water into
the ship every morning, and pump it out, to avoid the smell of the bilge
water.

"There are worse smells than bilge water," replied the captain.  "What
do you think of a whole ship's company being nearly poisoned with otto
of roses?  Yet that occurred to me when in the Mediterranean.  I was off
Smyrna, cruising for a French ship, that was to sail to France, with a
pacha on board, as an ambassador.  I knew she would be a good prize, and
was looking sharp out, when one morning we discovered her on the lee
bow.  We made all sail, but she walked away from us, bearing away
gradually till we were both before the wind, and at night we lost sight
of her.  As I knew that she was bound to Marseilles, I made all sail to
fall in with her again.  The wind was light and variable; but five days
afterwards, as I lay in my cot, just before daylight, I smelt a very
strong smell, blowing in at the weather port, and coming down the
skylight which was open; and after sniffing at it two or three times, I
knew it to be otto of roses.  I sent for the officer of the watch, and
asked him if there were anything in sight.  He replied `that there was
not;' and I ordered him to sweep the horizon with his glass, and look
well out to windward.  As the wind freshened, the smell became more
powerful.  I ordered him to get the royal yards across, and all ready to
make sail, for I knew that the Turk must be near us.  At daylight, there
he was, just three miles ahead in the wind's eye.  But although he beat
us going free, he was no match for us on a wind, and before noon we had
possession of him and all his harem.  By-the-bye, I could tell you a
good story about the ladies.  She was a very valuable prize, and among
other things she had a _puncheon_ of otto of roses on board--"

"Whew!" cried the first lieutenant.  "What! a whole puncheon?"

"Yes," replied the captain, "a Turkish puncheon--not quite so large,
perhaps, as ours on board; their weights and measures are different.  I
took out most of the valuables into the brig I commanded--about 20,000
sequins--carpets--and among the rest, this cask of otto of roses, which
we had smelt three miles off.  We had it safe on board, when the mate of
the hold, not slinging it properly, it fell into the spirit-room with a
run and was stove to pieces.  Never was such a scene; my first
lieutenant and several men on deck fainted; and the men in the hold were
brought up lifeless: it was some time before they were recovered.  We
let the water into the brig, and pumped it out, but nothing would take
away the smell, which was so overpowering, that before I could get to
Malta I had forty men on the sick-list.  When I arrived there, I turned
the mate out of the service for his carelessness.  It was not until
after having smoked the brig, and finding that of little use, after
having sunk her for three weeks, that the smell was at all bearable; but
even then it could never be eradicated, and the admiral sent the brig
home, and she was sold out of the service.  They could do nothing with
her at the dock-yards.  She was broken up, and bought by the people at
Brighton and Tunbridge Wells, who used her timbers for turning fancy
articles, which, smelling as they did so strongly of otto of roses,
proved very profitable.  Were you ever at Brighton, Mr Simple?"

"Never, sir."

Just at this moment, the officer of the watch came down to say that
there was a very large shark under the counter, and wished to know if
the captain had any objection to the officers attempting to catch it.

"By no means," replied Captain Kearney; "I hate sharks as I do the
devil.  I nearly lost 14,000 pounds by one, when I was in the
Mediterranean."

"May I inquire how, Captain Kearney;" said the first lieutenant, with a
demure face; "I'm very anxious to know."

"Why the story is simply this," replied the captain.  "I had an old
relation at Malta, whom I found out by accident--an old maid of sixty,
who had lived all her life on the island.  It was by mere accident that
I knew of her existence.  I was walking upon Strada Reale, when I saw a
large baboon that was kept there, who had a little fat pug-dog by the
tail, which he was pulling away with him, while an old lady was
screaming out for help or whenever she ran to assist her dog, the baboon
made at her as if he would have ravished her, and caught her by the
petticoats with one hand, while he had the pug-dog fast by the other.  I
owed that brute a spite for having attacked me one night when I passed
him, and perceiving what was going on, I drew my sword and gave Mr
Jacko such a clip, as sent him away howling and bleeding like a pig,
leaving me in possession of the little pug, which I took up and handed
to his mistress.  The old lady trembled very much, and begged me to see
her safe home.  She had a very fine house, and after she was seated on
the sofa, thanked me very much for my gallant assistance, as she termed
it, and told me her name was Kearney: upon this I very soon proved my
relationship with her, at which she was much delighted, requesting me to
consider her house as my home.  I was for two years afterwards on that
station, and played my cards very well; and the old lady gave me a hint
that I should be her heir, as she had no other relations that she knew
anything of.  At last I was ordered home, and not wishing to leave her,
I begged her to accompany me, offering her my cabin.  She was taken very
ill a fortnight before we sailed, and made a will, leaving me her sole
heir; but she recovered, and got as fat as ever.  Mr Simple, the wine
stands with you.  I doubt if Lord Privilege gave you better claret than
there is in that bottle: I imported it myself ten years ago, when I
commanded the _Coquette_."

"Very odd," observed the first lieutenant--"we bought some at Barbadoes
with the same mark on the bottles and cork."

"That may be," replied the captain; "old established houses all keep up
the same marks; but I doubt if your wine can be compared to this.  You
have never tasted older wine, I think, Mr Phillott."

"I beg you pardon, sir; but I can prove to you that I have, for when
Noah paid off the ark, my ancestor bought his _sea stock_, and it's been
handed down to my father: there may be three dozen left."

"Really, Mr Phillott, you are almost too facetious.  Will you take some
macaroni.  It is one of the best things we can have at sea.  I wish you
had seen my kitchen at Walcot Abbey."

"I have no doubt but it was excellent," replied Mr Phillott; "but I
should have preferred eating what came from it.  I wish that I had a
knowledge of the art which a friend of mine has--a new science, I may
say."

"Pray what may that be?"

"They call it fumography."

"Fumography! never heard of it."

"It is the art of knowing precisely, by examination of the smoke which
comes out of the chimney, what your neighbour has for dinner."

"Upon my soul, if one could send an excuse at a late hour, that might be
useful."

"My friend is quite an adept.  He can tell first and second course
_entremets_, and even if the different articles to be put on the table
are done to a turn, or not."

"Now, Mr Simple, what do you think of that?" inquired the captain.

"I think, sir, that it's all smoke."

"Bravo, Mr Simple! you've said a very good thing."

So I thought, too; but, as I wasn't quite sure, I would not laugh till
all the rest of the company did.

As Mr Phillott wished to hear the end of the captain's story, he would
not contradict him about the wine, by stating what he knew to be the
case, that the captain had sent it on board at Barbadoes; and the
captain proceeded.

"Well, I gave up my cabin to the old lady, and hung up my cot in the
gun-room during the passage home.  We were becalmed abreast of Ceuta for
two days.  The old lady was very particular about her pug-dog, and I
superintended the washing of the little brute twice a week but at last I
was tired of it, and gave him to my coxswain to bathe.  My coxswain, who
was a lazy fellow, without my knowledge, used to put the little beast
into the bight of a rope, and tow him overboard for a minute or so.  It
was during this calm that he had him overboard in this way, when a
confounded shark rose from under the counter, and took in the pug-dog at
one mouthful.  The coxswain reported the loss as a thing of no
consequence; but I knew better, and put the fellow in irons.  I then
went down and broke the melancholy fact to Miss Kearney, stating that I
had put the man in irons, and would flog him well.  The old lady broke
out into a most violent passion at the intelligence, declared that it
was my fault, that I was jealous of the dog, and had done it on purpose.
The more I protested, the more she raved; and at last I was obliged to
go off deck to avoid her abuse and keep my temper--I had not been on
deck five minutes before she came up--that is, was shoved up, for she
was so heavy that she could not get up without assistance.  You know how
elephants in India push the cannon through a morass with their heads
from behind; well, my steward used to shove her up the companion-ladder
just in the same way, with his head completely buried in her petticoats.
As soon as she was up, he used to pull his head out, looking as red and
hot as a fresh boiled lobster.  Well, up she came, with her will in her
hand, and looking at me very fiercely, she said, `since the shark has
taken my dear dog, he may have my will also,' and throwing it over
board, she plunged down on the carronade slide.  `It's very well,
madam,' said I; `but you'll be cool by-and-bye, and then you'll make
another will.'  `I swear by all the hopes that I have of going to heaven
that I never will!' replied she.  `Yes you will, madam,' replied I.
`Never, so help me God!  Captain Kearney, my money may now go to my next
heir, and that, you know, will not be you.'  Now, as I knew very well
that the old lady was very positive, and as good as her word, my object
was to recover the will, which was floating about fifty yards astern,
without her knowledge.  I thought a moment, and then I called the
boatswain's mate to pipe _all hands to bathe_.  `You'll excuse me, Miss
Kearney,' said I, `but the men are going to bathe, and I do not think
you would like to see them all naked.  If you would, you can stay on
deck.'  She looked daggers at me, and rising from the carronade slide,
hobbled to the ladder, saying, that `the insult was another proof of how
little I deserved any kindness from her.'  As soon as she was below, the
quarter-boats were lowered down, and I went in one of them and picked up
the will, which still floated.  Brigs having no stern-windows, of course
she could not see my manoeuvre, but thought that the will was lost for
ever.  We had very bad weather after that, owing to which, with the loss
of her favourite pug, and constant quarrelling with me--for I did all I
could to annoy her afterwards--she fell ill, and was buried a fortnight
after she was landed at Plymouth.  The old lady kept her word; she never
made another will.  I proved the one I had recovered at Doctor's
Commons, and touched the whole of her money."

As neither the first lieutenant nor I could prove whether the story was
true or not, of course we expressed our congratulations at his good
fortune, and soon afterwards left the cabin to report the marvellous
story to our messmates.  I went on deck.  I found that the shark had
just been hooked, and was being hauled on board.  Mr Phillott had also
come on deck.  The officers were all eager about the shark, and were
looking over the side, calling to each other, and giving directions to
the men.  Now, although certainly there was a want of decorum on the
quarter-deck, still the captain having given permission, it was to be
excused, but Mr Phillott thought otherwise, and commenced in his usual
style, beginning with the marine officer.

"Mr Westley, I'll trouble you not to be getting upon the hammocks.
You'll get off directly, sir.  If one of your fellows were to do so, I'd
stop his grog for a month, and I don't see why you are to set a bad
example; you've been too long in barracks, sir, by half.  Who is that?--
Mr Williams and Mr Moore--both on the hammocks, too.  Up to the
fore-topmast head, both of you directly.  Mr Thomas, up to the main;
and I say, you youngster, stealing off, perch yourself upon the
spanker-boom, and let me know when you've rode to London.  By God! the
service is going to hell.  I don't know what officers are made of
now-a-days.  I'll marry some of you young gentlemen to the gunner's
daughter before long.  Quarter-deck's no better than a bear garden.  No
wonder, when lieutenants set the example."

This latter remark could only be applied to O'Brien, who stood in the
quarter-boat giving directions, before the tirade of Mr Phillott
stopped the amusement of the party.  O'Brien immediately stepped out of
the boat, and, going up to Mr Phillott, touched his hat, and said, "Mr
Phillott, we had the captain's permission to catch the shark and a shark
is not to be got on board by walking up and down on the quarter-deck.
As regards myself, as long as the captain is on board, I hold myself
responsible to him alone for my conduct; and if you think I have done
wrong, forward your complaint; but if you pretend to use such language
to me, as you have to others, I shall hold you responsible.  I am here,
sir, as an officer and a gentleman, and will be treated as such; and
allow me to observe, that I consider the quarter-deck more disgraced by
foul and ungentlemanly language, than I do by an officer accidentally
standing upon the hammocks.  However, as you have thought proper to
interfere, you may now get the shark on board yourself."

Mr Phillott turned very red, for he never had come in contact in this
way with O'Brien.  All the other officers had submitted quietly to his
unpleasant manner of speaking to them.  "Very well, Mr O'Brien; I shall
hold you answerable for this language," replied he, "and shall most
certainly report your conduct to the captain."

"I will save you the trouble; Captain Kearney is now coming up, and I
will report it myself."

This O'Brien did, upon the captain's putting his foot on the
quarter-deck.

"Well," observed the captain to Mr Phillott, "what is it you complain
of?"

"Mr O'Brien's language, sir.  Am I to be addressed on the quarter-deck
in that manner?"

"I really must say, Mr Phillott," replied Captain Kearney, "that I do
not perceive anything in what Mr O'Brien said, but what is correct.  I
command here; and if an officer so nearly equal in rank to yourself has
committed himself, you are not to take the law into your own hands.  The
fact is, Mr Phillott, your language is not quite so correct as I could
wish it.  I overheard every word that passed, and I consider that you
have treated your _superior_ officer with disrespect--that is _me_.  I
gave permission that the shark should be caught, and with that
permission, I consequently allowed those little deviations from the
discipline of the service, which must inevitably take place.  Yet you
have thought proper to interfere with my permission, which is tantamount
to an order, and have made use of harsh language, and punished the young
gentlemen for obeying my injunctions.  You will oblige me, sir, by
calling them all down, and in restraining your petulance for the future.
I will always support your authority when you are correct; but I regret
that, in this instance, you have necessitated me to weaken it."

This was a most severe check to Mr Phillott, who immediately went
below, after hailing the mast-heads, and calling down the midshipmen.
As soon as he was gone, we were all on the hammocks again; the shark was
hauled forward, hoisted on board, and every frying-pan in the ship was
in requisition.  We were all much pleased with Captain Kearney's conduct
on this occasion; and, as O'Brien observed to me, "He really is a good
fellow and clever officer.  What a thousand pities it is that he is such
a confounded liar!"  I must do Mr Phillott the justice to say that he
bore no malice on this occasion, but treated us as before, which is
saying a great deal in his favour, when it is considered what power a
first lieutenant has of annoying and punishing his inferiors.



CHAPTER THIRTY THREE.

ANOTHER SET-TO BETWEEN THE CAPTAIN AND FIRST LIEUTENANT--CUTTING-OUT
EXPEDITION--MR. CHUCKS MISTAKEN--HE DIES LIKE A GENTLEMAN--SWINBURNE
BEGINS HIS ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE OF ST. VINCENT.

We had not been more than a week under the Danish island of St. Thomas,
when we discovered a brig close in-shore.  We made all sail in chase,
and soon came within a mile and a half of the shore, when she anchored
under a battery, which opened its fire upon us.  Their elevation was too
great, and several shots passed over us and between our masts.

"I once met with a very remarkable circumstance," observed Captain
Kearney.  "Three guns were fired at a frigate I was on board of, from a
battery, all at the same time.  The three shots cut away the three
topsail ties, and down came all our topsail-yards upon the cap at the
same time.  That the Frenchmen might not suppose that they had taken
such good aim, we turned up our hands to reef topsails; and by the time
that the men were off the yards, the ties were spliced, and the topsails
run up again."

Mr Phillott could not stand this most enormous fib, and he replied,
"Very odd, indeed, Captain Kearney: but I have known a stranger
circumstance.  We had put in the powder to the four guns on the main
deck, when we were fighting the Danish gun-boats, in a frigate I was in;
and as the men withdrew the rammer, a shot from the enemy entered the
muzzle and completed the loading of each gun.  We fired their own shot
back upon them, and this occurred three times running."

"Upon my word," replied Captain Kearney, who had his glass upon the
battery, "I think you must have dreamt that circumstance, Mr Phillott."

"Not more than you did about the topsail ties, Captain Kearney."

Captain Kearney at that time had the long glass in his hand, holding it
up over his shoulder.  A shot from the battery whizzed over his head,
and took the glass out of his hand, shivering it to pieces.  "That's
once," said Captain Kearney, very coolly; "but will you pretend that
that could ever happen three times running?  They might take my head
off, or my arm, next time, but not another glass; whereas the topsail
ties might be cut by three different shot.  But give me another glass,
Mr Simple, I am certain that this vessel is a privateer.  What think
you, Mr O'Brien?"

"I am every bit of your opinion, Captain Kearney," replied O'Brien; "and
I think it would be a very pretty bit of practice to the ship's company
to take her out from under that footy battery."

"Starboard the helm, Mr Phillott; keep away four points, and then we
will think of it to-night."

The frigate was now kept away, and ran out of the fire of the battery.
It was then about an hour before sunset, and in the West Indies the sun
does not set as it does in the northern latitudes.  There is no
twilight: he descends in glory, surrounded with clouds of gold and
rubies in their gorgeous tints; and once below the horizon, all is dark.

As soon as it was dark, we hauled our wind off shore; and a consultation
being held between the captain, Mr Phillott, and O'Brien, the captain
at last decided that the attempt should be made.  Indeed, although
cutting out is a very serious affair, as you combat under every
disadvantage, still the mischief done to our trade by the fast-sailing
privateers was so great in the West Indies, that almost every sacrifice
was warrantable for the interests of the country.  Still Captain
Kearney, although a brave and prudent officer--one who calculated
chances, and who would not risk his men without he deemed that necessity
imperiously demanded that such should be done--was averse to this
attack, from his knowledge of the hay in which the brig was anchored;
and although Mr Phillott and O'Brien both were of opinion that it
should be a night attack, Captain Kearney decided otherwise.  He
considered that although the risk might be greater, yet the force
employed would be more consolidated, and that those who would hold back
in the night dare not do so during the day.  Moreover, that the people
on shore in the battery, as well as those in the privateer, would be on
the alert all night, and not expecting an attack during the day, would
be taken off their guard.  It was therefore directed that everything
should be in preparation during the night, and that the boats should
shove off before daylight, and row in-shore, concealing themselves
behind some rocks under the cliffs which formed the cape upon one side
of the harbour; and, if not discovered, remain there till noon, at which
time it was probable that the privateer's men would be on shore, and the
vessel might be captured without difficulty.

It is always a scene of much interest on board a man-of-war when
preparations are made for an expedition of this description; and as the
reader may not have been witness to them, it may perhaps be interesting
to describe them.  The boats of men-of-war have generally two crews; the
common boats' crew, which are selected so as not to take away the most
useful men from the ship; and the service, or fighting boats' crew,
which are selected from the very best men on board.  The coxswains of
the boats are the most trustworthy men in the ship, and, on this
occasion, have to see that their boats are properly equipped.

The launch, yawl, first and second cutters, were the boats appointed for
the expedition.  They all carried guns mounted upon slides, which ran
fore and aft between the men.  After the boats were hoisted out, the
guns were lowered down into them and shipped in the bows of the boats.
The arm-chests were next handed in, which contained the cartridges and
ammunition.  The shut were put into the bottom of the boats; and so far
they were all ready.  The oars of the boats were fitted to pull with
grummets upon iron thole-pins, that they might make little noise, and
might swing fore and aft without falling overboard, when the boats
pulled alongside the privateer.  A breaker or two (that is, small casks
holding about seven gallons each) of water was put into each boat, and
also the men's allowance of spirits, in case they should be detained by
any unforeseen circumstances.  The men belonging to the boats were fully
employed in looking after their arms; some fitting their flints to their
pistols, others, and the major part of them, sharpening their cutlasses
at the grindstone, or with a file borrowed from the armourer--all were
busy and all merry.  The very idea of going into action is a source of
joy to an English sailor, and more jokes are made, more merriment
excited, at that time than any other.  Then, as it often happens, that
one or two of the service boats' crews may be on the sick-list, urgent
solicitations are made by others that they may supply their places.  The
only parties who appear at all grave are those who are to remain in the
frigate, and not share in the expedition.  There is no occasion to order
the boats to be manned, for the men are generally in long before they
are piped away.  Indeed, one would think that it was a party of pleasure
instead of danger and of death upon which they were about to proceed.

Captain Kearney selected the officers who were to have the charge of the
boats.  He would not trust any of the midshipmen on so dangerous a
service.  He said, that he had known so many occasions in which their
rashness and foolhardiness had spoilt an expedition; he therefore
appointed Mr Phillott, the first lieutenant, to the launch; O'Brien to
the yawl; the master to the first, and Mr Chucks, the boatswain, to the
second cutter.  Mr Chucks was much pleased with the idea of having the
command of a boat, and asked me to come with him, to which I consented,
although I had intended as usual, to have gone with O'Brien.

About an hour before daylight we ran the frigate to within a mile and a
half of the shore, and the boats shoved off; the frigate then wore
round, and stood out in the offing, that she might at daylight be at
such a distance as not to excite any suspicion that our boats were sent
away, while we in the boats pulled quietly in-shore.  We were not a
quarter of an hour before we arrived at the cape forming one side of the
bay, and were well secreted among the cluster of rocks which was
underneath.  Our oars were laid in; the boats' painters made fast; and
orders given for the strictest silence.  The rocks were very high, and
the boats were not to be seen without any one should come to the edge of
the precipice; and even then they would, in all probability, have been
supposed to have been rocks.  The water was as smooth as glass, and when
it was broad daylight, the men hung listlessly over the sides of the
boats, looking at the corals below, and watching the fish as they glided
between.

"I can't say, Mr Simple," said Mr Chucks to me in an undertone "that I
think well of this expedition; and I have an idea that some of us will
lose the number of our mess.  After a calm comes a storm; and how quiet
is everything now!  But I'll take off my great coat, for the sun is hot
already.  Coxswain, give me my jacket."

Mr Chucks, had put on his great coat, but not his jacket underneath,
which he had left on one of the guns on the main deck, all ready to
change as soon as the heavy dew had gone off.  The coxswain handed him
the jacket, and Mr Chucks threw off his great coat to put it on; but
when it was opened, it proved, that by mistake he had taken away the
jacket, surmounted by two small epaulets, belonging to Captain Kearney,
which the captain's steward, who had taken it out to brush, had also
laid upon the same gun.

"By all the nobility of England!" cried Mr Chucks, "I have taken away
the captain's jacket by mistake.  Here's a pretty mess! if I put on my
great coat I shall be dead with sweating; if I put on no jacket I shall
be roasted brown; but if I put on the captain's jacket I shall be
considered disrespectful."

The men in the boats tittered; and Mr Phillot, who was in the launch
next to us, turned round to see what was the matter, O'Brien was sitting
in the stern-sheets of the launch with the first lieutenant, and I
leaned over and told them.

"By the powers!  I don't see why the captain's jacket will be at all
hurt by Mr Chucks putting it on," replied O'Brien; "unless, indeed, a
bullet were to go through it, and then it won't be any fault of Mr
Chucks."

"No," replied the first lieutenant; "and if one did, the captain might
keep the jacket, and swear that the bullet went round his body without
wounding him.  He'll have a good yarn to spin.  So put it on, Mr
Chucks; you'll make a good mark for the enemy."

"That I will stand the risk of with pleasure," observed the boatswain to
me, "for the sake of being considered a gentleman.  So here's on with
it."

There was a general laugh when Mr Chucks pulled on the captain's
jacket, and sank down in the stern-sheets of the cutter, with great
complacency of countenance.  One of the men in the boat that we were in
thought proper, however, to continue his laugh a little longer than Mr
Chucks considered necessary, who, leaning forward, thus addressed him:
"I say, Mr Webber, I beg leave to observe to you, in the most delicate
manner in the world--just to hint to you--that it is not the custom to
laugh at your superior officer.  I mean just to insinuate, that you are
a damned impudent son of a sea cook; and if we both live and do well, I
will prove to you, that if I am to be laughed at in a boat with the
captain's jacket on, that I am not to be laughed at on board the frigate
with the boatswain's rattan in my fist; and so look out, my hearty, for
squalls, when you come on the forecastle; for I'll be damned if I don't
make you see more stars than God Almighty ever made, and cut more capers
than all the dancing masters in France.  Mark my words, you
burgoo-eating, pea-soup-swilling, trowsers-scrubbing son of a bitch!"

Mr Chucks, having at the end of this oration raised his voice above the
pitch required by the exigency of the service, was called to order by
the first lieutenant, and again sank back into the stern-sheets with all
the importance and authoritative show peculiarly appertaining to a pair
of epaulets.

We waited behind the rocks until noonday, without being discovered by
the enemy, so well were we concealed.  We had already sent an officer,
who, carefully hiding himself by lying down on the rocks, had several
times reconnoitred the enemy.  Boats were passing and repassing
continualhy from the privateer to the shore; and it appeared, that they
went on shore full of men, and returned with only one or two; so that we
were in great hopes that we should find but few men to defend the
vessel.  Mr Phillott looked at his watch, held it up to O'Brien, to
prove that he had complied exactly with the orders he had received from
the captain, and then gave the word to get the boats under weigh.  The
painters were cast off by the bowmen, the guns were loaded and primed,
the men seized their oars, and in two minutes we were clear of the
rocks, and drawn up in a line within a quarter of a mile from the
harbour's mouth, and not half a mile from the privateer brig.  We rowed
as quickly as possible, but we did not cheer until the enemy fired the
first gun; which he did from a quarter unexpected, as we entered the
mouth of the harbour, with our union jack trailing in the water over our
stern for it was a dead calm.  It appeared, that at the low point under
the cliffs, at each side of the little bay, they had raised a water
battery of two guns each.  One of these guns, laden with grape shot, was
now fired at the boats, but the elevation was too low, and although the
water was ploughed up to within five yards of the launch, no injury was
received.  We were equally fortunate in the discharge of the other three
guns; two of which we passed so quickly, that they were not aimed
sufficiently forward, so that their shot fell astern; and the other,
although the shot fell among us, did no further injury than cutting in
half two of the oars of the first cutter.

In the meantime, we had observed that the boats had shoved off from the
privateer as soon as they had perceived us, and had returned to her
laden with men: the boats had been despatched a second time, but had not
yet returned.  They were now about the same distance from the privateer
as were our boats, and it was quite undecided which of us would be first
on board.  O'Brien perceiving this, pointed out to Mr Phillott that we
should first attack the boats, and afterwards board on the side to which
they pulled; as, in all probability, there would be an opening left in
the boarding nettings, which were tied up to the yard-arms, and
presented a formidable obstacle to our success.  Mr Phillott agreed
with O'Brien: he ordered the bowmen to lay in their oars and keep the
guns pointed ready to fire at the word given, and desiring the other men
to pull their best.  Every nerve, every muscle was brought into play by
our anxious and intrepid seamen.  When within about twenty yards of the
vessel, and also of the boats, the orders were given to fire--the
carronade of the launch poured out round and grape so well directed,
that one of the French boats sank immediately; and the musket balls with
which our other smaller guns were loaded, did great execution among
their men.  In one minute more, with three cheers from our sailors, we
were all alongside together, English and French boats pellmell, and a
most determined close conflict took place.  The French fought
desperately, and as they were overpowered, they were reinforced by those
from the privateer, who could not look on and behold their companions
requiring their assistance, without coming to their aid.  Some jumped
down into our boats from the chains, into the midst of our men; others
darted cold shot at us, either to kill us or to sink our boats; and thus
did one of the most desperate hand-to-hand conflicts take place that
ever was witnessed.

But it was soon decided in our favour, for we were the stronger party
and the better armed; and when all opposition was over, we jumped into
the privateer, and found not a man left on board, only a large dog, who
flew at O'Brien's throat as he entered the port.

"Don't kill him," said O'Brien, as the sailors hastened to his
assistance; "only take away his gripe."

The sailors disengaged the dog, and O'Brien led him up to a gun, saying,
"By Jasus, my boy, you are my prisoner."

But although we had possession of the privateer, our difficulties, as it
will prove, were by no means over.  We were now exposed not only to the
fire of the two batteries at the harbour-mouth which we had to pass, but
also to that of the battery at the bottom of the bay, which had fired at
the frigate.  In the meantime, we were very busy in cutting the cable,
lowering the topsails, and taking the wounded men on board the
privateer, from out of the boats.  All this was, however, but the work
of a few minutes.  Most of the Frenchmen were killed; our own wounded
amounted to only nine seamen and Mr Chucks, the boatswain, who was shot
through the body, apparently with little chance of surviving.  As Mr
Phillott observed, the captain's epaulets had made him a mark for the
enemy, and he had fallen in his borrowed plumes.

As soon as they were all on board, and laid on the deck--for there were,
as near as I can recollect, about fourteen wounded Frenchmen as well as
our own--two ropes were got out forwards, the boats were manned, and we
proceeded to tow the brig out of the harbour.  It was a dead calm, and
we made but little way, but our boat's crew, flushed with victory,
cheered, and rallied, and pulled, with all their strength.  The enemy,
perceiving that the privateer was taken, and the French boats drifting
empty up the harbour, now opened their fire upon us, and with great
effect.  Before we had towed abreast of the two water batteries, we had
received three shots between wind and water, from the other batteries,
and the sea was pouring fast into the vessel.  I had been attending to
poor Mr Chucks, who lay on the starboard side, near the wheel, the
blood flowing from his wound, and tracing its course down the planks of
the deck, to a distance of some feet from where he lay.  He appeared
very faint, and I tied my handkerchief round his body, so as to stop the
effusion of blood, and brought him some water, with which I bathed his
face, and poured some into his mouth.  He opened his eyes wide, and
looked at me.

"Ah, Mr Simple," said he, faintly, "is it you?  It's all over with me
but it could not be better--could it?"

"How do you mean?" inquired I.

"Why, have I not fallen dressed like an officer and a gentleman?" said
he, referring to the captain's jacket and epaulets.  "I'd sooner die
now, with this dress on, than to recover to put on the boatswain's
uniform.  I feel quite happy."

He pressed my hand, and then closed his eyes again, from weakness.  We
were now nearly abreast of the two batteries on the points, the guns of
which had been trained so as to bear upon our boats that were towing out
the brig.  The first shot went through the bottom of the launch, and
sank her; fortunately, all the men were saved; but as she was the boat
that towed next to the brig, great delay occurred in getting the others
clear of her, and taking the brig again in tow.  The shot now poured in
thick, and the grape became very annoying.  Still our men gave way,
cheering at every shot fired, and we had nearly passed the batteries,
with trifling loss, when we perceived that the brig was so full of
water, that she could not swim many minutes longer, and that it would be
impossible to tow her alongside of the frigate.  Mr Phillott, under
these circumstances, decided that it would be useless to risk more
lives, and that the wounded should be taken out of the brig, and the
boats should pull away from the ship.  He desired me to get the wounded
men into the cutter which he sent alongside, and then to follow the
other boats.  I made all the haste I could, not wishing to be left
behind; and as soon as all our wounded men were in the boats, I went to
Mr Chucks, to remove him.  He appeared somewhat revived, but would not
allow us to remove him.

"My dear Mr Simple," said he, "it is of no use; I can never recover it,
and I prefer dying here.  I entreat you not to move me.  If the enemy
take possession of the brig before she sinks, I shall be buried with
military honours; if they do not, I shall at least die in the dress of a
gentleman.  Hasten away as fast as you can, before you lose more men.
Here I stay--that's decided."

I expostulated with him, but at that time two boats full of men
appeared, pulling out of the harbour to the brig.  The enemy had
perceived that our boats had deserted her, and were coming to take
possession.  I had therefore no time to urge Mr Chucks to change his
resolution, and not wishing to force a dying man, I shook his hand and
left him.  It was with some difficulty I escaped, for the boats had come
up close to the brig; they chased me a little while, but the yawl and
the cutter turning back to my assistance, they gave up the pursuit.  On
the whole, this was a very well arranged and well conducted expedition.
The only man lost was Mr Chucks, for the wounds of the others were none
of them mortal.  Captain Kearney was quite satisfied with our conduct,
and so was the admiral, when it was reported to him.  Captain Kearney
did indeed grumble a little about his jacket, and sent for me to inquire
why I had not taken it off Mr Chucks, and brought it on board.  As I
did not choose to tell him the exact truth, I replied that I could not
disturb a dying man, and that the jacket was so saturated with blood,
that he never could have worn it again,--which was the case.

"At all events, you might have brought away my epaulets," replied he;
"but you youngsters think of nothing but gormandising."

I had the first watch that night, when Swinburne, the quarter master,
came up to me, and asked me all the particulars of the affair, for he
was not in the boats.  "Well," said he, "that Mr Chucks appeared to be
a very good boatswain in his way, if he could only have kept his rattan
a little quiet.  He was a smart fellow, and knew his duty.  We had just
such another killed in our ship, in the action off Cape St. Vincent."

"What! were you in that action?" replied I.

"Yes, I was, and belonged to the _Captain_, Lord Nelson's ship."

"Well, then suppose you tell me all about it."

"Why, Mr Simple, d'ye see, I've no objection to spin you a yarn now and
then," replied Swinburne; "but as Mr Chucks used to say, allow me to
observe, in the most delicate manner in the world, that I perceive that
the man who has charge of your hammock, and slings you a clean one now
and then, has very often a good glass of grog for his _yarns_, and I do
not see but that mine are as well worth a glass of grog as his."

"So they are, Swinburne, and better too, and I promise you a good stiff
one to-morrow evening."

"That will do, sir: now then I'll tell you all about it, and more about
it too than most can, for I know how the action was brought about."

I hove the log, marked the board, and then sat down abaft on the signal
chest with Swinburne, who commenced his narrative as follows:--

"You must know, Mr Simple, that when the English fleet came down the
Mediterranean, after the 'vackyation of Corsica, they did not muster
more than seventeen sail of the line, while the Spanish fleet from
Ferrol and Carthagena had joined company at Cadiz, and mounted to near
thirty.  Sir John Jervis had the command of our fleet at the time, but
as the Dons did not seem at all inclined to come out and have a brush
with us, almost two to one, Sir John left Sir W. Parker, with six sail
of the line, to watch the Spanish beggars, while he went into Lisbon
with the remainder of the fleet, to water and refit.  Now, you see, Mr
Simple, Portugal was at that time what they calls neutral, that is to
say, she didn't meddle at all in the affair, being friends with both
parties, and just as willing to supply fresh beef and water to the
Spaniards as to the English, if so be the Spaniards had come out to ax
for it, which they dar'n't.  The Portuguese and the English have always
been the best of friends, because we can't get no port wine anywhere
else, and they can't get nobody else to buy it of them; so the
Portuguese gave up their arsenal at Lisbon, for the use of the English,
and there we kept all our stores, under the charge of that old
dare-devil, Sir Isaac Coffin.  Now it so happened, that one of the
clerks in old Sir Isaac's office, a Portuguese chap, had been some time
before that in the office of the Spanish ambassador; he was a very smart
sort of a chap, and sarved as interpreter, and the commissioner put
great faith in him."

"But how did you learn all this, Swinburne?"

"Why, I'll tell you, Mr Simple; I steered the yawl, as coxswain, and
when admirals and captains talk in the stern sheets, they very often
forget that the coxswain is close behind them.  I only learnt half of it
that way, the rest I put together when I compared logs with the
admiral's steward, who, of course, heard a great deal now and then.  The
first I heard of it, was when old Sir John called out to Sir Isaac,
after the second bottle, `I say, Sir Isaac, who killed the Spanish
messenger?'  `Not I, by God!' replied Sir Isaac, `I only left him for
dead;' and then they both laughed, and so did Nelson, who was sitting
with them.  Well, Mr Simple, it was reported to Sir Isaac that his
clerk was often seen taking memorandums of the different orders given to
the fleet, particularly those as to there being no wasteful expenditure
of His Majesty's stores.  Upon which, Sir Isaac goes to the admiral, and
requests that the man might be discharged.  Now, old Sir John was a sly
old fox, and he answered, `Not so, commissioner--perhaps we may catch
them in their own trap.'  So the admiral sits down, and calls for pen
and ink, and he flourishes out a long letter to the commissioner,
stating that all the stores of the fleet were expended, representing as
how it would be impossible to go to sea without a supply, and wishing to
know when the commissioner expected more transports from England.  He
also said, that if the Spanish fleet were now to come out from Cadiz, it
would be impossible for him to protect Sir W. Parker with his six sail
of the line, who was watching the Spanish fleet, as he could not quit
the port in his present condition.  To this letter the commissioner
answered, that from the last accounts, he thought that in the course of
six weeks or two months, they might receive supplies from England, but
that sooner than that was impossible.  These letters were put in the way
of the damned Portuguese spy clerk, who copied them, and was seen that
evening to go into the house of the Spanish ambassador.  Sir John then
sent a message to Ferro--that's a small town on the Portuguese coast to
the southward--with a despatch to Sir William Parker, desiring him to
run away to Cape St. Vincent, and decoy the Spanish fleet there, in case
they should come out after him.  Well, Mr Simple, so far d'ye see the
train was well laid.  The next thing to do was to watch the Spanish
ambassador's house, and see if he sent away any despatches.  Two days
after the letters had been taken to him by this rascal of a clerk, the
Spanish ambassador sent away two messengers, one for Cadiz, and the
other for Madrid, which is the town where the King of Spain lives.  The
one to Cadiz was permitted to go, but the one to Madrid was stopped by
the directions of the admiral, and this job was confided to the
commissioner, Sir Isaac, who settled it some how or another; and this
was the reason why the admiral called out to him, `I say, Sir Isaac, who
killed the messenger?'  They brought back his despatches, by which they
found out that advice had been sent to the Spanish admiral--I forget his
name, something like Magazine--informing him of the supposed crippled
state of our squadron.  Sir John, taking it for granted that the
Spaniards would not lose an opportunity of taking six sail of the line--
more English ships than they had ever taken in their lives--waited a few
days to give them time, and then sailed from Lisbon for Cape St.
Vincent, where he joined Sir W. Parker, and fell in with the Spaniards
sure enough, and a pretty drubbing we gave them.  Now, it's not
everybody that could tell you all that, Mr Simple."

"Well, but now for the action, Swinburne."

"Lord bless you, Mr Simple! it's now past seven bells, and I can't
fight the battle of St. Vincent in half-an-hour; besides which, it's
well worth another glass of grog to hear all about that battle."

"Well, you shall have one, Swinburne; only don't forget to tell it to,
me."

Swinburne and I then separated, and in less than an hour afterwards I
was dreaming of despatches--Sir John Jervis--Sir Isaac Coffin--and
Spanish messengers.



CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR.

O'BRIEN'S GOOD ADVICE--CAPTAIN KEARNEY AGAIN DEALS IN THE MARVELLOUS.

I do not remember any circumstance in my life which, at that time, lay
so heavily on my mind, as the loss of poor Mr Chucks, the boatswain,
whom, of course, I took it for granted I should never see again.  I
believe that the chief cause was, that at the time I entered the
service, and every one considered me to be the fool of the family, Mr
Chucks and O'Brien were the only two who thought of and treated me
differently; and it was their conduct which induced me to apply myself,
and encouraged me to exertion.  I believe, that many a boy, who, if
properly patronised, would turn out well, is, by the injudicious system
of brow-beating and ridicule, forced into the wrong path, and, in his
despair, throws away all self-confidence, and allows himself to be
carried away by the stream to perdition.  O'Brien was not very partial
to reading himself; he played the German flute remarkably well, and had
a very good voice.  His chief amusement was practising, or rather
playing, which is a very different thing; but although he did not study
himself, he always made me come into his cabin for an hour or two every
day, and after I had read, repeat to him the contents of the book.  By
this method, he not only instructed me, but gained a great deal of
information himself; for he made so many remarks upon what I had read,
that it was impressed upon both our memories.

"Well, Peter," he would say, as became into the cabin, "what have you to
tell me this morning?  Sure it's you that's the schoolmaster, and not
me--for I learn from you every day."

"I have not read much, O'Brien, to-day, for I have been thinking of poor
Mr Chucks."

"Very right for you so to do, Peter: never forget your friends in a
hurry; you'll not find too many of them as you trot along the highway of
life."

"I wonder whether he is dead?"

"Why, that's a question I cannot answer: a bullet through the chest
don't lengthen a man's days, that's certain; but this I know, that he'll
not die if he can help it, now that he's got the captain's jacket on."

"Yes; he always aspired to be a gentleman--which was absurd enough in a
boatswain."

"Not at all absurd, Peter, but very absurd of you to talk without
thinking: when did any one of his shipmates ever know Mr Chucks to do
an unhandsome or mean action?  Never--and why? because he aspired to be
a gentleman, and that feeling kept him above it.  Vanity's a confounded
donkey, very apt to put his head between his legs, and chuck us over;
but pride's a fine horse, who will carry us over the ground, and enable
us to distance our fellow-travellers.  Mr Chucks had pride, and that's
always commendable, even in a boatswain.  How often have you read of
people rising from nothing, and becoming great men?  This was from
talent, sure enough: but it was talent with pride to force it onward,
not talent with vanity to cheek it."

"You are very right, O'Brien; I spoke foolishly."

"Never mind, Peter, nobody heard you but me, so it's of no consequence.
Don't you dine in the cabin to-day?"

"Yes."

"So do I.  The captain is in a most marvellous humour this morning.  He
told me one or two yarns that quite staggered my politeness and my
respect for him on the quarter-deck.  What a pity it is that a man
should have gained such a bad habit!"

"He's quite incurable, I'm afraid," replied I; "but, certainly, his fibs
do no harm; they are what they call white lies: I do not think he would
really tell a lie, that is, a lie which would be considered to disgrace
a gentleman."

"Peter, _all_ lies disgrace a gentleman, white or black; although I
grant there is a difference.  To say the least of it, it is a dangerous
habit, for white lies are but the gentlemen ushers to black ones.  I
know but of one point on which a lie is excusable, and that is, when you
wish to deceive the enemy.  Then your duty to your country warrants your
lying till you're black in the face; and, for the very reason that it
goes against your grain, it becomes, as if were, a sort of virtue."

"What was the difference between the marine officer and Mr Phillott
that occurred this morning?"

"Nothing at all in itself--the marine officer is a bit of a gaby, and
takes offence where none is meant.  Mr Phillott has a foul tongue, but
he has a good heart."

"What a pity it is!"

"It is a pity, for he's a smart officer; but the fact is, Peter, that
junior officers are too apt to copy their superiors, and that makes it
very important that a young gentleman should sail with a captain who is
a gentleman.  Now, Phillott served the best of his time with Captain
Ballover, who is notorious in the service for foul and abusive language.
What is the consequence?--that Phillott, and many others, who have
served under him, have learnt his bad habit."

"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 make use of it to others,
when you had advanced in the service."

"Peter, that's just the _first_ feeling, which wears away after a time;
but at last, your own sense of indignation becomes blunted, and becoming
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.  But it's time to dress for dinner, so you'd better make
yourself scarce, Peter, while I tidivate myself off a little, according
to the rules and regulations of His Majesty's service, when you are
asked to dine with the skipper."

We met at the captain's table, where we found, as usual, a great display
of plate, but very little else, except the ship's allowance.  We
certainly had now been cruising some time, and there was some excuse for
it; but still, few captains would have been so unprovided.  "I'm afraid,
gentlemen, you will not have a very grand dinner," observed the captain,
as the steward removed the plated covers off the dishes; "but when on
service we must rough it out how we can.  Mr O'Brien, pea-soup?  I
recollect faring harder than this through one cruise, in a flush vessel.
We were thirteen weeks up to our knees in water, and living the whole
time upon raw pork--not being able to light a fire during the cruise."

"Pray, Captain Kearney, may I ask where this happened?"

"To be sure.  It was off Bermudas: we cruised for seven weeks before we
could find the Islands, and began verily to think that the Bermudas were
themselves on a cruise."

"I presume, sir, you were not sorry to have a fire to cook your
provisions when you came to an anchor?" said O'Brien.

"I beg your pardon," replied Captain Kearney; "we had become so
accustomed to raw provisions and wet feet, that we could not eat our
meals cooked, or help dipping our legs over the side, for a long while
afterwards.  I saw one of the boat keepers astern catch a large
barracouta, and eat it alive--indeed, if I had not given the strictest
orders, and flogged half-a-dozen of them, I doubt whether they would not
have eaten their victuals raw to this day.  The force of habit is
tremendous."

"It is, indeed," observed Mr Phillott, dryly, and winking to us--
referring to the captain's incredible stories.

"It is, indeed," repeated O'Brien; "we see the ditch in our neighbour's
eye, and cannot observe the log of wood in our own;" and O'Brien winked
at me, referring to Phillott's habit of bad language.

"I once knew a married man," observed the captain, "who had been always
accustomed to go to sleep with his hand upon his wife's head, and would
not allow her to wear a night-cap in consequence.  Well, she caught cold
and died, and he never could sleep at night until he took a clothes
brush to bed with him, and laid his hand upon that, which answered the
purpose--such was the force of habit."

"I once saw a dead body galvanised," observed Mr Phillott: "it was the
body of a man who had taken a great deal of snuff during his lifetime,
and, as soon as the battery was applied to his spine, the body very
gently raised its arm, and put its fingers to its nose, as if it were
taking a pinch."

"You saw that yourself, Mr Phillott?" observed the captain, looking the
first lieutenant earnestly in the face.

"Yes, sir," replied Mr Phillott, coolly.

"Have you told that story often?"

"Very often, sir."

"Because I know that some people, by constantly telling a story, at last
believe it to be true; not that I refer to you, Mr Phillott, but still
I should recommend you not to tell that story where you are not well
known, or people may doubt your credibility."

"I make it a rule to believe everything myself," observed Mr Phillott,
"out of politeness; and I expect the same courtesy from others."

"Then, upon my soul! when you tell that story, you trespass very much
upon our good manners.  Talking of courtesy, you might meet a friend of
mine, who has been a courtier all his life; he cannot help bowing.  I
have seen him bow to his horse, and thank him after he had dismounted--
beg pardon of a puppy for treading on his tail; and one day, when he
fell over a scraper, he took off his hat, and made it a thousand
apologies for his inattention."

"Force of habit again," said O'Brien.

"Exactly so.  Mr Simple, will you take a slice of this pork; and
perhaps you'll do me the honour to take a glass of wine?  Lord Privilege
would not much admire your dinner to-day, would he, Mr Simple?"

"As a variety he might, sir, but not for a continuance."

"Very truly said.  Variety is charming.  The negroes here get so tired
of salt fish and occra broth, that they eat dirt by way of a relish.
Mr O'Brien, how remarkably well you played that sonata of Pleydel's
this morning."

"I am happy that I did not annoy you, Captain Kearney, at all events,"
replied O'Brien.

"On the contrary, I am very partial to good music.  My mother was a
great performer.  I recollect once, she was performing a piece on the
piano, in which she had to imitate a _thunder storm_.  So admirably did
she hit it off, that when we went to tea, all the cream was _turned
sour_, as well as three casks of _beer_ in the cellar."

At this assertion Mr Phillott could contain himself no longer; he burst
out into a loud laugh, and having a glass of wine to his lips, spattered
it all over the table, and over me, who unfortunately was opposite to
him.

"I really beg pardon, Captain Kearney, but the idea of such an expensive
talent was too amusing.  Will you permit me to ask you a question?--As
there could not have been thunder without lightning, were any people
killed at the same time by the electric fluid of the piano?"

"No, sir," replied Captain Kearney, very angrily; "but her performance
electrified us, which was something like it.  Perhaps, Mr Phillott, as
you lost your last glass of wine, you will allow me to take another with
you?"

"With great pleasure," replied the first lieutenant, who perceived that
he had gone far enough.

"Well, gentlemen," said the captain, "we shall soon be in the land of
plenty.  I shall cruise a fortnight more, and then join the admiral at
Jamaica.  We must make out our despatch relative to the cutting out of
the _Sylvia_" (that was the name of the privateer brig), "and I am happy
to say that I shall feel it my duty to make honourable mention of all
the party present.  Steward, coffee."

The first lieutenant, O'Brien, and I, bowed to this flattering avowal on
the part of the captain; as for myself, I felt delighted.  The idea of
my name being mentioned in the Gazette, and the pleasure that it would
give to my father and mother, mantled the blood in my cheeks till I was
as red as a turkey-cock.

"_Cousin_ Simple," said the captain, good-naturedly, "you have no
occasion to blush; your conduct deserves it; and you are indebted to Mr
Phillott for having made me acquainted with your gallantry."

Coffee was soon over, and I was glad to leave the cabin and be alone,
that I might compose my perturbed mind.  I felt too happy.  I did not
however, say a word to my messmates, as it might have created feelings
of envy or ill-will.  O'Brien gave me a caution not to do so, when I met
him afterwards, so that I was very glad that I had been so circumspect.



CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE.

SWINBURNE CONTINUES HIS NARRATIVE OF THE BATTLE OFF CAPE ST. VINCENT.

The second night after this, we had the middle watch, and I claimed
Swinburne's promise that he would spin his yarn, relative to the battle
of St. Vincent.  "Well, Mr Simple, so I will; but I require a little
priming, or I shall never go off."

"Will you have your glass of grog before or after?"

"Before, by all means, if you please, sir.  Run down and get it, and
I'll heave the log for you in the meantime, when we shall have a good
hour without interruption, for the sea-breeze will be steady, and we are
under easy sail."  I brought up a stiff glass of grog, which Swinburne
tossed off, and as he finished it, sighed deeply as if in sorrow that
there was no more.  Having stowed away the tumbler in one of the cap
stern holes for the present, we sat down upon a coil of ropes under the
weather bulwarks, and Swinburne, replacing his quid of tobacco,
commenced as follows:--

"Well, Mr Simple, as I told you before, old Jervis started with all his
fleet for Cape St. Vincent.  We lost one of our fleet--and a
three-decker, too--the _St. George_; she took the ground, and was
obliged to go back to Lisbon; but we soon afterwards were joined by five
sail of the line, sent out from England, so that we mustered fifteen
sail in all.  We had like to lose another of our mess, for d'ye see, the
old _Culloden_ and _Colossus_ fell foul of each other, and the
_Culloden_ had the worst on it, but Troubridge, who commanded her, was
not a man to shy his work, and ax to go in to refit, when there was a
chance of meeting the enemy--so he patched her up somehow or another,
and reported himself ready for action the very next day.  Ready for
action he always was, that's sure enough, but whether his ship was in a
fit state to go into action, is quite another thing.  But as the sailors
used to say in joking, he was a _true bridge_, and you might trust to
him; which meant as much as to say, that he knew how to take his ship
into action, and how to fight her when he was fairly in it.  I think it
was the next day that Cockburn joined us in the _Minerve_, and he
brought Nelson along with him, with the intelligence that the Dons had
chased him, and that the whole Spanish fleet was out in pursuit of us.
Well, Mr Simple, you may guess we were not a little happy in the
_Captain_, when Nelson joined us, as we knew that if we fell in with the
Spaniards, our ship would cut a figure--and so she did, sure enough.
That was on the morning of the 13th, and old Jervis made the signal to
prepare for action, and keep close order, which means, to have your
flying jib-boom in at the starn windows of the ship ahead of you; and we
did keep close order, for a man might have walked right round from one
ship to the other, either lee or weather line of the fleet.  I shan't
forget that night, Mr Simple, as long as I live and breathe.  Every now
and then we heard the signal guns of the Spanish fleet booming at a
distance to windward of us, and you may guess how our hearts leaped at
the sound, and how we watched with all our ears for the next gun that
was fired, trying to make out their bearings and distance, as we
assembled in little knots upon the booms and weather gangway.  It was my
middle watch, and I was signalman at the time, so of course I had no
time to take a caulk if I was inclined.  When my watch was over, I could
not go down to my hammock, so I kept the morning watch too, as did most
of the men on board: as for Nelson, he walked the deck the whole night,
quite in a fever.  At daylight it was thick and hazy weather, and we
could not make them out; but about five bells, the old _Culloden_, who,
if she had broke her nose, had not lost the use of her eyes, made the
signal for a part of the Spanish fleet in sight.  Old Jervis repeated
the signal to prepare for action, but he might have saved the wear and
tear of the bunting, for we were all ready, bulkheads down, screens up,
guns shotted, tackles rove, yards slung, powder filled, shot on deck,
and fire out--and what's more, Mr Simple, I'll be damned if we wer'n't
all willing too.  About six bells in the forenoon, the fog and haze all
cleared away at once, just like the rising of the foresail, that they
lower down at the Portsmouth Theatre, and discovered the whole of the
Spanish fleet.  I counted them all.  `How many, Swinburne?' cries
Nelson.  `Twenty-six sail, sir,' answered I.  Nelson walked the
quarterdeck backwards and forwards, rubbing his hands, and laughing to
himself, and then he called for his glass, and went to the gangway with
Captain Miller.  `Swinburne, keep a good look upon the admiral,' says
he.  `Ay, ay, sir,' says I.  Now, you see, Mr Simple, twenty-six sail
against fifteen were great odds upon paper; but we didn't think so,
because we know'd the difference between the two fleets.  There was our
fifteen sail of the line all in apple-pie order, packed up as close as
dominoes, and every man on board of them longing to come to the scratch;
while there was their twenty-six, all _somehow nohow_, two lines here,
and _no line_ there, with a great gap of water in the middle of them.
For this gap between their ships we all steered, with all the sail we
could carry, because, d'ye see, Mr Simple, by getting them on both
sides of us, we had the advantage of fighting both broadsides, which is
just as easy as fighting one, and makes shorter work of it.  Just as it
struck seven bells, Troubridge opened the ball, _setting_ to
half-a-dozen of the Spaniards, and making them _reel_ `Tom Collins,'
whether or no.  Bang-bang-bang, bang!  Oh, Mr Simple, it's a beautiful
sight, to see the first guns fired, that are to bring on a general
action.  `He's the luckiest dog, that Troubridge,' said Nelson, stamping
with impatience.  Our ships were soon hard at it, hammer and tongs, (my
eyes, how they did pelt it in!) and old Sir John, in the _Victory_,
smashed the cabin windows of the Spanish admiral, with such a hell of a
raking broadside, that the fellow bore up as if the devil kicked him.
Lord-a-mercy! you might have drove a Portsmouth waggon into his starn--
the broadside of the _Victory_ had made room enough.  However, they were
soon all smothered up in smoke, and we could not make out how things
were going on--but we made a pretty good guess.  Well, Mr Simple, as
they say at the play, that was act the first, scene the first; and now
we had to make our appearance, and I'll leave you to judge, after I've
told my tale, whether the old _Captain_ wasn't principal performer, and
_top sawyer_ over them all.  But stop a moment, I'll just look at the
binnacle, for that young topman's nodding at the wheel.--I say, Mr
Smith, are you shutting your eyes to keep them warm, and letting the
ship run half a point out of her course? take care I don't send for
another helmsman that's all, and give the reason why.  You'll make a wry
face upon six-water grog, to-morrow, at seven bells.  Damn your eyes,
keep them open--can't you?"

Swinburne, after this genteel admonition to the man at the wheel,
reseated himself and continued his narrative.

"All this while, Mr Simple, we in the _Captain_ had not fired a gun;
but were ranging up as fast as we could to where the enemy lay in a
heap.  There were plenty to pick and choose from; and Nelson looked out
sharp for a big one, as little boys do when they have to choose an
apple: and, by the piper that played before Moses! it was a big one that
he ordered the master to put him alongside of.  She was a four-decker,
called the _Santissima Trinidad_.  We had to pass some whoppers, which
would have satisfied any reasonable man; for there was the _San Josef_,
and _Salvador del Mondo_, and _San Nicolas_; but nothing would suit
Nelson but this four-decked ship; so we crossed the hawse of about six
of them, and as soon as we were abreast of her, and at the word `Fire!'
every gun went off at once, slap into her, and the old _Captain_ reeled
at the discharge as if she was drunk.  I wish you'd only seen how we
pitched it into this _Holy Trinity_; she was _holy_ enough before we had
done with her, riddled like a sieve, several of her ports knocked into
one, and every scupper of her running blood and water.  Not but what she
stood to it as bold as brass, and gave us nearly gun for gun, and made a
very pretty general average in our ship's company.  Many of the old
captains went to kingdom come in that business, and many more were
obliged to bear up for Greenwich Hospital.

"`Fire away, my lads--steady aim!' cries Nelson.  `Jump down there, Mr
Thomas; pass the word to reduce the cartridges, the shot go clean
through her.  Double shot the guns there, fore and aft.'

"So we were at it for about half-an-hour, when our guns became so hot
from quick firing, that they bounced up to the beams overhead, tearing
away their ringbolts, and snapping the breechings like rope yarns.  By
this time we were almost as much unrigged as if we had been two days
paying off in Portsmouth harbour.  The four-decker forged ahead, and
Troubridge, in the jolly old _Culloden_, came between us and two other
Spanish ships, who were playing into us.  She was as fresh as a daisy,
and gave them a dose which quite astonished them.  They shook their
ears, and fell astern, when the _Blenheim_ laid hold of them, and mauled
them so that they went astern again.  But it was out of the frying-pan
into the fire: for the _Orion_, _Prince George_, and one or two others,
were coming up, and knocked the very guts out of them.  I'll be damned
if they forgot the 14th of April, and sarve them right, too.  Wasn't a
four-decker enough for any two-decker, without any more coming on us?
and couldn't the beggars have matched themselves like gentlemen?  Well,
Mr Simple, this gave us a minute or two to fetch our breath, let the
guns cool, and repair damages, and swab the blood from the decks; but we
lost our four-decker, for we could not get near her again."

"What odd names the Spaniards give to their ships, Swinburne!"

"Why, yes, they do; it would almost appear wicked to belabour the _Holy
Trinity_ as we did.  But why they should call a four-decked ship the
_Holy Trinity_ I can't tell.  Bill Saunders said that the fourth deck
was for the Pope, who was as great a parsonage as the others: but I
can't understand how that can be.  Well, Mr Simple, as I was
head-signalman, I was perched on the poop, and didn't serve at a gun.  I
had to report all I could see, which was not much, the smoke was so
thick; but now and then I could get a peep, as it were, through the
holes in the blanket.  Of course I was obliged to keep my eye as much as
possible upon the admiral, not to make out his signals, for Commodore
Nelson wouldn't thank me for that; I knew he hated a signal when in
action, so I never took no notice of the bunting, but just watched to
see what he was about.  So while we are repairing damages, I'll just
tell you what I saw of the rest of the fleet.  As soon as old Jervis had
done for the Spanish admiral, he hauled his wind on the larboard tack,
and, followed by four or five other ships, weathered the Spanish line
and joined Collingwood in the _Excellent_.  Then they all dashed through
the line; the _Excellent_ was the leading ship, and she first took the
shine out of the _Salvador del Mondo_, and then left her to be picked up
by the other ships, while she attacked a two-decker, who hauled down her
colours--I forget her name just now.  As soon as the _Victory_ ran
alongside of the _Salvador del Mondo_, down went her colours, and
_Excellent_ reasons had she for striking her flag.  And now, Mr Simple,
the old _Captain_ comes into play again.  Having parted company with the
four-decker, we had recommenced action with the _San Nicolas_, a spanish
eighty, and while we were hard at it, old Collingwood comes up in the
_Excellent_.  The _San Nicolas_, knowing that the _Excellent's_
broadside would send her to old Nick, put her helm up to avoid being
raked: in so doing, she fell foul of the _San Josef_ a Spanish
three-decker, and we being all cut to pieces, and unmanageable--all of
us indeed reeling about like drunken men--Nelson ordered his helm a
star-board, and in a jiffy there we were, all three hugging each other,
running in one another's guns, smashing our chain-plates, and poking our
yard arms through each other's canvas.

"`All hands to board!' roared Nelson, leaping on the hammocks and waving
his sword.

"`Hurrah! hurrah!' echoed through the decks, and up flew the men, like
as [men] angry bees out of a bee-hive.  In a moment pikes, tomahawks,
cutlasses, and pistols were seized (for it was quite unexpected, Mr
Simple), and our men poured into the eighty-gun ship, and in two minutes
the decks were cleared, and all the Dons pitched below.  I joined the
boarders and was on the main-deck when Captain Miller came down, and
cried out, `On deck again immediately.'  Up we went, and what do you
think it was for, Mr Simple?  Why to board a second time; for Nelson
having taken the two-decker, swore that he'd have the three-decker as
well.  So away we went again, clambering up her lofty sides how we
could, and dropping down on her decks like hailstones.  We all made for
the quarter-deck, beat down every Spanish beggar that showed fight, and
in five minutes more we had hauled down the colours of two of the finest
ships in the Spanish navy.  If that wasn't taking the shine out of the
Dons, I should like to know what is.  And didn't the old captains cheer
and shake hands, as Commodore Nelson stood on the deck of the _San
Josef_, and received the swords of the Spanish officers!  There was
enough of them to go right round the capstern, and plenty to spare.
Now, Mr Simple, what do you think of that for a spree?"

"Why, Swinburne, I can only say that I wish I had been there."

"So did every man in the fleet, Mr Simple, I can tell you."

"But what became of the _Santissima Trinidad_?"

"Upon my word, she behaved one _deck_ better than all the others.  She
held out against four of our ships for a long while, and then hauled
down her colours, and no disgrace to her, considering what a precious
hammering she had taken first.  But the lee division of the Spanish
weather fleet, if I may so call it, consisting of eleven sail of the
line, came up to her assistance, and surrounded her, so that they got
her off.  Our ships were too much cut up to commence a new action, and
the admiral made the signal to secure the prizes.  The Spanish fleet
then did what they should have done before--got into line; and we lost
no time in doing the same.  But we both had had fighting enough."

"But do you think, Swinburne, that the Spaniards fought well?"

"They'd have fought better, if they'd only have known how.  There's no
want of courage in the Dons, Mr Simple, but they did not support each
other.  Only observe how Troubridge supported us.  By God, Mr Simple,
he was the _real fellow_, and Nelson knew it well.  He was Nelson's
right-hand man; but you know there wasn't room for _two_ Nelsons.  Their
ships engaged held out well, it must be acknowledged, but why wer'n't
they all in their proper berths?  Had they kept close order of sailing,
and had all fought as well as those who were captured, it would not have
been a very easy matter for fifteen ships to gain a victory over
twenty-six.  That's long odds, even when backed by British seamen."

"Well, how did you separate?"

"Why, the next morning the Spaniards had the weather-gauge, so they had
the option whether to fight or not.  At one time they had half a mind,
for they bore down to us; upon which we hauled our wind, to show them we
were all ready to meet them, and then they thought better of it, and
rounded-to again.  So as they wouldn't fight, and we didn't wish it, we
parted company in the night; and two days afterwards we anchored, with
our four prizes, in Lagos Bay.  So now you have the whole of it, Mr
Simple, and I've talked till I'm quite hoarse.  You havn't by chance
another drop of the stuff left to clear my throat?  It would be quite a
charity."

"I think I have, Swinburne; and as you deserve it, I will go and fetch
it."



CHAPTER THIRTY SIX.

A LETTER FROM FATHER MCGRATH, WHO DIPLOMATISES--WHEN PRIEST MEETS
PRIEST, THEN COMES THE TUG OF WAR--FATHER O'TOOLE NOT TO BE MADE A TOOL
OF.

We continued our cruise for a fortnight, and then made sail for Jamaica,
where we found the admiral at anchor at Port Royal: but our signal was
made to keep under weigh, and Captain Kearney, having paid his respects
to the admiral, received orders to carry despatches to Halifax.  Water
and provisions were sent on board by the boats of the admiral's ships,
and, to our great disappointment, as the evening closed in, we were
again standing out to sea, instead of, as we had anticipated, enjoying
ourselves on shore; but the fact was, that orders had arrived from
England to send a frigate immediately up to the admiral at Halifax, to
be at his disposal.

I had, however, the satisfaction to know that Captain Kearney had been
true to his word in making mention of my name in the despatch, for the
clerk showed me a copy of it.  Nothing occurred worth mentioning during
our passage, except that Captain Kearney was very unwell nearly the
whole of the time, and seldom quitted his cabin.  It was in October that
we anchored in Halifax harbour, and the Admiralty, expecting our arrival
there, had forwarded our letters.  There were none for me, but there was
one for O'Brien, from Father McGrath, the contents of which were as
follows:--

"MY DEAR SON,--

"And a good son you are, and that's the truth on it, or devil a bit
should you be a son of mine.  You've made your family quite contented
and peaceable and they never fight for the _praties_ now--good reason
why they shouldn't, seeing that there's a plenty for all of them, and
the pig craturs into the bargain.  Your father and your mother, and your
brother, and your three sisters, send their duty to you, and their
blessings too--and you may add my blessing, Terence, which is worth them
all; for won't I get you out of purgatory in the twinkling of a
bed-post?  Make yourself quite asy on that score, and lave it all to me;
only just say a _pater_ now and then, that when St. Peter lets you in,
he mayn't throw it in your teeth, that you've saved your soul by
contract, which is the only way by which emperors and kings ever get to
heaven.  Your letter from Plymouth came safe to hand: Barney, the
post-boy, having dropped it under foot close to our door, the big pig
took it into his mouth and ran away with it; but I caught sight of him,
and _speaking_ to him, he let it go, knowing (the 'cute cratur!) that I
could read it better than him.  As soon as I had digested the contents,
which it was lucky the pig did not instead of me, I just took my meal
and my big stick, and then set off for Ballycleuch.

"Now, you know, Terence, if you haven't forgot--and if you have, I'll
just remind you--that there's a flaunty sort of young woman at the
poteen shop there, who calls herself Mrs O'Rourke, wife to a corporal
O'Rourke, who was kilt or died one day, I don't know which, but that's
not of much consequence.  The devil a bit do I think the priest ever
gave the marriage-blessing to that same; although she swears that she
was married on the rock of Gibraltar--it may be a strong rock fore I
know, but it's not the rock of salvation like the seven sacraments, of
which marriage is one.  _Benedicite_!  Mrs O'Rourke is a little too apt
to fleer and jeer at the priests; and if it were not that she softens
down her pertinent remarks with a glass or two of the real poteen, which
proves some respect for the church, I'd excommunicate her body and soul,
and everybody, and every soul that put their lips to the cratur at her
door.  But she must leave that off, as I tell her, when she gets old and
ugly, for then all the whisky in the world shan't save her.  But she's a
fine woman now, and it goes agin my conscience to help the devil to a
fine woman.  Now this Mrs O'Rourke knows everybody and everything
that's going on in the country about; and she has a tongue which has
never had a holyday since it was let loose.

"`Good morning to ye, Mrs O'Rourke,' says I.

"`An' the top of the morning to you, Father McGrath,' says she, with a
smile: `what brings you here?  Is it a journey that you're taking to buy
the true wood of the cross; or is it a purty girl that you wish to
confess, Father McGrath? or is it only that you're come for a drop of
poteen, and a little bit of chat with Mrs O'Rourke?'

"`Sure it's I who'd be glad to find the same true wood of the cross,
Mrs O'Rourke, but it's not grown, I suspect, at your town of
Ballycleuch; and it's no objection I'd have to confess a purty girl like
yourself, Mrs O'Rourke, who'll only tell me half her sins, and give me
no trouble; but it's the truth, that I'm here for nothing else but to
have a bit of chat with yourself, dainty dear, and taste your poteen,
just by way of keeping my mouth nate and clane.'

"So Mrs O'Rourke poured out the real stuff, which I drank to her
health; and then says I, putting down the bit of a glass, `So you've a
stranger come, I find, in your parts, Mrs O'Rourke.'

"`I've heard the same,' replied she.  So you observe, Terence, I came to
the fact all at once by a guess.

"`I'm tould,' says I, `that he's a Scotchman, and spakes what nobody can
understand.'

"`Devil a bit,' says she; `he's an Englishman, and speaks plain enough.'

"`But what can a man mane, to come here and sit down all alone?' says I.

"`All alone, Father McGrath!' replied she: `is a man all alone when he's
got his wife and childer, and more coming, with the blessing of God?'

"`But those boys are not his own childer, I believe,' says I.

"`There again you're all in a mistake, Father McGrath,' rejoins she.
`The childer are all his own, and all girls to boot.  It appears that
it's just as well that you come down, now and then, for information, to
our town of Ballycleuch.'

"`Very true, Mrs O'Rourke,' says I; `and who is it that knows
everything so well as yourself?'  You observe, Terence, that I just said
everything contrary and _vice versa_, as they call it, to the contents
of your letter; for always recollect, my son, that if you would worm a
secret out of a woman, you'll do more by contradiction than you ever
will by coaxing--so I went on: `Anyhow, I think it's a burning shame,
Mrs O'Rourke, for a gentleman to bring over with him here from England
a parcel of lazy English servants, when there's so many nice boys and
girls here to attind upon them.'

"`Now there you're all wrong again, Father McGrath,' says she.  `Devil a
soul has he brought from the other country, but has hired them all here.
Ain't there Ella Flanagan for one maid, and Terence Driscol for a
footman? and it's well that he looks in his new uniform, when he comes
down for the newspapers; and ar'n't Moggy Cala there to cook the dinner,
and pretty Mary Sullivan for a nurse for the babby as soon as it comes
into the world.'

"`Is it Mary Sullivan, you mane?' says I; `she that was married about
three months back, and is so quick in child-getting, that she's all but
ready to fall to pieces in this same time?'

"`It's exactly she,' says Mrs O'Rourke; `and do you know the reason?'

"`Devil a bit,' says I; `how should _I_?'

"`Then it's just that she may send her own child away, and give her milk
to the English babby that's coming; because the lady is too much of a
lady to have a child hanging to her breast.'

"`But suppose Mary Sullivan's child ar'n't born till afterwards, how
then?' says I.  `Speak, Mrs O'Rourke, for you're a sensible woman.'

"`How then?' says she.  `Och! that's all arranged; for Mary says that
she'll be in bed a week before the lady, so that's all right, you'll
perceive, Father McGrath.'

"`But don't you perceive, sensible woman as you are, that a young woman,
who is so much out of her reckoning as to have a child three months
after her marriage, may make a little mistake in her lying-in
arithmetic, Mrs O'Rourke?'

"`Never fear, Father McGrath, Mary Sullivan will keep her word; and
sooner than disappoint the lady, and lose her place, she'll just tumble
downstairs, and won't that put her to bed fast enough?'

"`Well, that's what I call a faithful good servant that earns her
wages,' says I; `so now I'll just take another glass, Mrs O'Rourke, and
thank you too.  Sure you're the woman that knows everything, and a
mighty pretty woman into the bargain.'

"`Let me alone now, Father McGrath, and don't be pinching me that way
anyhow.'

"`It was only a big flea that I perceived hopping on your gown, my
darling, devil anything else.'

"`Many thanks to you, father, for that same; but the next time you'd
kill my fleas, just wait until they're in a _more dacent_ situation.'

"`Fleas are fleas, Mrs O'Rourke, and we must catch 'em when we can, and
how we can, and as we can, so no offence.  A good night's rest to you,
Mrs O'Rourke--when do you mean to confess?'

"`I've an idea that I've too many fleas about me to confess to you just
now, Father McGrath, and that's the truth on it.  So a pleasant walk
back to you.'

"So you'll perceive, my son, that having got all the information from
Mrs O'Rourke, it's back I went to Ballyhinch, till I heard it whispered
that there were doings down at the old house at Ballycleuch.  Off I set,
and went to the house itself, as priests always ought to be welcomed at
births and marriages, and deaths, being, as you know, of great use on
such occasions--when who should open the door but Father O'Toole, the
biggest rapparee of a priest in the whole of Ireland.  Didn't he steal a
horse, and only save his neck by benefit of clergy? and did he ever give
absolution to any young woman without making her sin over again?  `What
may be your pleasure here, Father McGrath?' says he, holding the door
with his hand.

"`Only just to call and hear what's going on.'

"`For the matter of that,' says he, `I'll just tell you that we're all
going on very well; but ar'n't you ashamed of yourself, Father McGrath,
to come here and interfere with my flock, knowing that I confess the
house altogether?'

"`That's as may be,' says I, `but I only wanted to know what the lady
had brought into the world.'

"`It's a _child_,' says he.

"`Indeed!' says I; `many thanks for the information, and pray what is it
that Mary Sullivan has brought into the world?'

"`That's a _child_, too,' says he; `and now that you know all about it,
good evening to you, Father McGrath.'  And the ugly brute slarnmed the
door right in my face.

"`Who stole a horse?' cries I; but he didn't hear me--more's the pity.

"So you'll perceive, my dear boy, that I have found out something, at
all events, but not so much as I intended; for I'll prove to Father
O'Toole, that he's no match for Father McGrath.  But what I find out
must be reserved for another letter, seeing that it's not possible to
tell it to you in this same.  Praties look well, but somehow or another
_clothes_ don't grow upon trees in ould Ireland; and one of your half
quarterly bills, or a little prize-money, if it found its way here,
would add not a little to the respectability of the family appearance.
Even my cassock is becoming too _holy_ for a parish priest; not that I
care about it so much, only Father O'Toole, the baste! had on a bran new
one--not that I believe that he ever came honestly by it, as I have by
mine--but, get it how you may, a new gown always looks better than an
ould one, that's certain.  So no more at present from your loving friend
and confessor,

"Urtagh McGrath."

"Now, you'll observe, Peter," said O'Brien, after I had read the letter,
"that, as I supposed, your uncle meant mischief when he went over to
Ireland.  Whether the children are both girls or both boys, or your
uncle's is a boy, and the other is a girl, there's no knowledge at
present.  If an exchange was required, it's made, that's certain; but I
will write again to Father McGrath, and insist upon his finding out the
truth, if possible.  Have you any letter from your father?"

"None, I am sorry to say.  I wish I had, for he would not have failed to
speak on the subject."

"Well, never mind, it's no use dreaming over the matter; we must do our
best when we get to England ourselves, and in the meantime trust to
Father McGrath.  I'll go and write to him while my mind's full of it."
O'Brien wrote his letter, and the subject was not started again.



CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN.

CAPTAIN KEARNEY'S ILLNESS--HE MAKES HIS WILL AND DEVISES SUNDRY
"CHATEAUX EN ESPAGNE," FOR THE BENEFIT OF THOSE CONCERNED--THE LEGACY
DUTY IN THIS INSTANCE NOT RUINOUS--HE SIGNS, SEALS, AND DIES.

The captain, as was his custom, went on shore, and took up his quarters
at a friend's house; that is to say, the house of an acquaintance, or
any polite gentleman who would ask him to take a dinner and a bed.  This
was quite sufficient for Captain Kearney, who would fill his
portmanteau, and take up his quarters without thinking of leaving them
until the ship sailed, or some more advantageous invitation was given.
This conduct in England would have very much trespassed upon our ideas
of hospitality; but in our foreign settlements and colonies, where the
society is confined and novelty is desirable, a person who could amuse
like Captain Kearney was generally welcome, let him stay as long as he
pleased.  All sailors agree in asserting that Halifax is one of the most
delightful ports in which a ship can anchor.  Everybody is hospitable,
cheerful, and willing to amuse and be amused.  It is, therefore, a very
bad place to send a ship to if you wish her to refit in a hurry, unless
indeed the admiral is there to watch over your daily progress, and a
sharp commissioner to expedite your motions in the dock-yard.  The
admiral was there when we arrived, and we should not have lain there
long, had not the health of Captain Kearney, by the time that we were
ready for sea, been so seriously affected, that the doctor was of
opinion that he could not sail.  Another frigate was sent to our
intended cruising ground, and we lay idle in port.  But we consoled
ourselves: if we did not make prize-money, at all events, we were very
happy, and the major part of the officers very much in love.

We had remained in Halifax harbour about three weeks, when a very great
change for the worse took place in Captain Kearney's disease.  Disease,
indeed, it could hardly be called.  He had been long suffering from the
insidious attacks of a hot climate, and though repeatedly advised to
invalid, he never would consent.  His constitution appeared now to be
breaking up.  In a few days he was so ill, that, at the request of the
naval surgeons, he consented to be removed to the hospital, where he
could command more comforts than in any private house.  He had not been
in the hospital more than two days, when he sent for me, and stated his
wish that I should remain with him.  "You know, Peter, that you are a
cousin of mine, and one likes to have one's relations near one when we
are sick, so bring your traps on shore.  The doctor has promised me a
nice little room for yourself, and you shall come and sit with me all
day."  I certainly had no objection to remain with him, because I
considered it my duty so to do, and I must say that there was no
occasion for me to make any efforts to entertain him, as he always
entertained me; but I could not help seriously reflecting, and feeling
much shocked, at a man, lying in so dangerous a state--for the doctors
had pronounced his recovery to be impossible--still continuing a system
of falsehood during the whole day, without intermission.  But it really
appeared to him to be innate; and, as Swinburne said, "if he told truth,
it was entirely by mistake."

"Peter," said he, one day, "there's a great draught.  Shut the door and
put on some more coals."

"The fire does not draw well, sir," replied I, "without the door is
open."

"It's astonishing how little people understand the nature of these
things.  When I built my house called Welcot Abbey, there was not a
chimney would draw; I sent for the architect and abused him, but he
could not manage it; I was obliged to do it myself."

"Did you manage it, sir?"

"Manage it--I think I did.  The first time I lighted the fire, I opened
the door, and the draught was so great, that my little boy William, who
was standing in the current of air, would have gone right up the
chimney, if I had not caught him by the petticoats; as it was, his frock
was on fire."

"Why, sir, it must have been as bad as a hurricane!"

"No, no, not quite so bad--but it showed what a little knowledge of
philosophical arrangement could effect.  We have no hurricanes in
England, Peter; but I have seen a very pretty whirlwind when I was at
Welcot Abbey."

"Indeed, sir."

"Yes, it cut four square haystacks quite round, and I lost twenty tons
of hay; it twisted the iron lamppost at the entrance just as a porpoise
twists a harpoon, and took up a sow and her litter of pigs that were
about a hundred yards from the back of the house, and landed them safe
over the house, to the front, with the exception of the old sow putting
her shoulder out."

"Indeed, sir."

"Yes, but what was strange, there were a great many rats in the hayrick,
and up they went with the hay.  Now, Peter, by the laws of gravitation,
they naturally came down before the hay, and I was walking with my
greyhound, or rather terrier, and after one coming down close to her,
which she killed, it was quite ridiculous to notice her looking up in
the air, and watching for the others."

"A greyhound did you say, sir, or a terrier?"

"Both, Peter: the fact is, she had been a greyhound, but breaking her
fore-leg against a stump, when coursing, I had the other three amputated
as well, and then she made a capital terrier.  She was a great favourite
of mine."

"Well," observed I, "I have read something like that in Baron
Munchausen."

"Mr Simple," said the captain, turning on his elbow and looking me
severely in the face, "what do you mean to imply?"

"O nothing, sir, but I have read a story of that kind."

"Most probably; the great art of invention is to found it upon facts.
There are some people who out of a mole-hill will make a mountain; and
facts and fiction become so blended now-a-days, that even truth becomes
a matter of doubt."

"Very true, sir," replied I; and as he did not speak for some minutes, I
ventured to bring my Bible to his bedside, as if I were reading it to
myself.

"What are you reading, Peter?" said he.

"Only a chapter in the Bible, sir," said I.  "Would you like that I
should read aloud?"

"Yes, I'm very fond of the Bible--it's the book of _truth_.  Peter, read
me about Jacob, and his weathering Esau with a mess of pottage, and
obtaining his father's blessing."  I could not help thinking it singular
that he should select a portion in which, for divine reasons, a lie was
crowned with such success and reward.

When I had finished it, he asked me to read something more; I turned
over to the Acts of the Apostles, and commenced the chapter in which
Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead.  When I had finished, he observed
very seriously, "That is a very good lesson for young people, Peter, and
points out that you never should swerve from the truth.  Recollect, as
your motto, Peter, to `tell truth and shame the devil.'"

After this observation I laid down the book, as it appeared to me that
he was quite unaware of his propensity; and without a sense of your
fault, how can repentance and amendment be expected?  He became more
feeble and exhausted every day, and at last was so weak that he could
scarcely raise himself in his bed.  One afternoon he said, "Peter, I
shall make my will, not that I am going to kick the bucket just yet; but
still it is every man's duty to set his house in order, and it will
amuse me: so fetch pen and paper, and come and sit down by me."

I did as he requested.

"Write, Peter, that I, Anthony George William Charles Huskisson Kearney,
(my father's name was Anthony, Peter; I was christened George after the
present Regent, William and Charles after Mr Pitt and Mr Fox, who were
my sponsors; Huskisson is the name of my great uncle, whose property
devolves to me; he's eighty-three now, so he can't last long,)--have you
written down that?"

"Yes, sir."

"Being in sound mind, do hereby make my last will and testament,
revoking all former wills."

"Yes, sir."

"I bequeath to my dearly beloved wife, Augusta Charlotte Kearney (she
was named after the Queen and Princess Augusta, who held her at the
baptismal font), all my household furniture, books, pictures, plate, and
houses, for her own free use and will, and to dispose of at her pleasure
upon her demise.  Is that down?"

"Yes, sir."

"Also, the interest of all my money in the three per cents reduced, and
in the long annuities, and the balance in my agent's hands, for her
natural life.  At her death to be divided into equal portions between my
two children, William Mohamed Potemkin Kearney, and Caroline Anastasia
Kearney.  Is that down?"

"Yes, sir."

"Well, then, Peter, now for my real property.  My estate in Kent (let me
see, what is the name of it?)--Walcot Abbey, my three farms in the Vale
of Aylesbury, and the marsh lands in Norfolk I bequeath to my two
children aforenamed, the proceeds of the same to be laid up deducting
all necessary expenses for their education, for their sole use and
benefit.  Is that down?"

"Not yet, sir--`use and benefit.'  Now it is, sir."

"Until they come to the age of twenty-one years; or in case of my
daughter, until she marries with the consent of my executors, then to be
equally and fairly valued and divided between them.  You observe, Peter
I never make any difference between girls and boys--a good father will
leave one child as much as another.  Now I'll take my breath a little."

I was really astonished.  It was well known that Captain Kearney had
nothing but his pay, and that it was the hopes of prize-money to support
his family, which had induced him to stay out so long in the West
Indies.  It was laughable; yet I could not laugh: there was a melancholy
feeling at such a specimen of insanity which prevented me.

"Now, Peter, we'll go on," said Captain Kearney, after a pause of a few
minutes.  "I have a few legacies to bequeath.  First, to all my servants
50 pounds each, and two suits of mourning; to my nephew, Thomas Kearney,
of Kearney Hall, Yorkshire, I bequeath the sword presented me by the
grand Sultan.  I promised it to him, and, although we have quarrelled,
and not spoken for years, I always keep my word.  The plate presented me
by the merchants and under-writers of Lloyd's I leave to my worthy
friend the Duke of Newcastle.  Is that down?"

"Yes, sir."

"Well; my snuff-box, presented me by Prince Potemkin, I bequeath to
Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin; and, also, I release him from the mortgage
which I hold over his property of the Madeline Islands, in North
America.  By-the-bye, say, and further, I bequeath to him the bag of
snuff presented to me by the Dey of Algiers; he may as well have the
snuff as he has the snuff-box.  Is that down?"

"Yes, sir."

"Well then, now, Peter, I must leave you something."

"O, never mind me," replied I.

"No, no, Peter, I must not forget my cousin.  Let me see, you shall have
my fighting sword.  A real good one, I can tell you.  I once fought a
duel with it at Palermo, and ran a Sicilian prince so clean through the
body, and it held so tight, that we were obliged to send for a pair of
post-horses to pull it out again.  Put that down as a legacy for my
cousin, Peter Simple.  I believe that is all.  Now for my executors, and
I request my particular friends, the Earl of Londonderry, the Marquis of
Chandos, and Mr John Lubbock, banker, to be my executors, and leave
each of them the sum of one thousand pounds for their trouble, and in
token of regard.  That will do, Peter.  Now, as I have left so much real
property, it is necessary that there should be three witnesses; so call
in two more, and let me sign in your presence."

This order was obeyed, and this strange will duly attested; for I hardly
need say, that even the presents he had pretended to receive were
purchased by himself at different times; but such was the force of his
ruling passion even to the last.  Mr Phillott and O'Brien used to come
and see him, as did occasionally some of the other officers, and he was
always cheerful and merry, and seemed to be quite indifferent about his
situation, although fully aware of it.  His stories, if anything, became
more marvellous, as no one ventured to express a doubt as to their
credibility.

I had remained in the hospital about a week, when Captain Kearney was
evidently dying: the doctor came, felt his pulse, and gave it as his
opinion that he could not outlive the day.  This was on a Friday, and
there certainly was every symptom of dissolution.  He was so exhausted,
that he could scarcely articulate; his feet were cold, and his eyes
appeared glazed, and turning upwards.  The doctor remained an hour, felt
his pulse again, shook his head, and said to me in a low voice, "He is
quite gone."  As soon as the doctor quitted the room, Captain Kearney
opened his eyes, and beckoned me to him.  "He's a confounded fool,
Peter," said he: "he thinks I am slipping my wind now--but I know
better; going I am, 'tis true--but I sha'n't die till next Thursday."
Strange to say, from that moment he rallied; and although it was
reported that he was dead, and the admiral had signed the acting order
for his successor, the next morning, to the astonishment of everybody,
Captain Kearney was still alive.  He continued in this state, between
life and death, until the Thursday next, the day on which he asserted
that he would die--and, on that morning, he was evidently sinking fast.
Towards noon, his breathing became much oppressed and irregular, and he
was evidently dying, the rattle in his throat commenced; and I watched
at his bedside, waiting for his last grasp, when he again opened his
eyes, and beckoning me, with an effort, to put my head close to him to
hear what he had to say, he contrived in a sort of gurgling whisper, and
with much difficulty, to utter--"Peter, I'm going now--not that the
rattle--in my throat--is a sign of death: for I once knew a man--to
_live_ with--_the rattle in his throat_--for _six_ weeks."  He fell back
and expired, having, perhaps, at his last gasp, told the greatest lie of
his whole life.

Thus died this most extraordinary character, who, in most other points,
commanded respect; he was a kind man, and a good officer; but from the
idiosyncrasy of his disposition, whether from habit or from nature,
could not speak the truth.  I say from nature, because I have witnessed
the vice of stealing equally strong, and never to the eradicated.  It
was in a young messmate of good family, and who was supplied with money
to almost any extent: he was one of the most generous, open-hearted lads
that I ever knew; he would offer his purse, or the contents of his
chest, to any of his messmates; and, at the same time, would steal
everything that he could lay his hands upon.  I have known him watch for
hours, to steal what could be of no use to him, as, for instance, an odd
shoe, and that much too small for his foot.  What he stole he would give
away the very next day; but to check it was impossible.  It was so well
known, that if anything were missed, we used first to apply to his chest
to see if it were there, and usually found the article in question.  He
appeared to be wholly insensible to shame upon this subject, though in
every other he showed no want of feeling or of honour; and, strange to
say, he never covered his theft with a lie.  After vain attempts to cure
him of this propensity, he was dismissed the service as incorrigible.

Captain Kearney was buried in the churchyard with the usual military
honours.  In his desk we found directions, in his own hand, relative to
his funeral, and the engraving on his tombstone.  In these, he states
his age to be thirty-one years.  If this were correct, Captain Kearney,
from the time that he had been in the service of his country, must have
entered the navy just _four months before_ he was born.  It was
unfortunate that he commenced the inscription with "Here lies Captain
Kearney," etcetera, etcetera.  His tombstone had not been set up
twenty-four hours, before somebody, who knew his character, put a dash
under one word, as emphatic as it was true of the living man, "Here
_lies_ Captain Kearney."



CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT.

CAPTAIN HORTON--GLOOMY NEWS FROM HOME--GET OVER HEAD AND EARS IN THE
WATER, AND FIND MYSELF AFTERWARDS GROWING ONE WAY, AND MY CLOTHES
ANOTHER--THOUGH NEITHER AS RICH AS A JEW, OR AS LARGE AS A CAMEL, I PASS
THROUGH MY EXAMINATION, WHICH MY BROTHER CANDIDATES THINK PASSING
STRANGE.

The day after Captain Kearney's decease, his acting successor made his
appearance on board.  The character of Captain Horton was well-known to
us from the complaints made by the officers belonging to his ship, of
his apathy and indolence; indeed, he went by the _sobriquet_ of "the
Sloth."  It certainly was very annoying to his officers to witness so
many opportunities of prize-money and distinction thrown away through
the indolence of his disposition.  Captain Horton was a young man of
family who had advanced rapidly in the service from interest, and from
occasionally distinguishing himself.  In the several cutting out
expeditions, on which he had not volunteered but had been ordered, he
had shown, not only courage, but a remarkable degree of coolness in
danger and difficulty, which had gained him much approbation; but it was
said, that this coolness arose from his very fault--an unaccountable
laziness.  He would walk away, as it were, from the enemy's fire, when
others would hasten, merely because he was so apathetic that he would
not exert himself to run.  In one cutting-out expedition in which he
distinguished himself, it is said, that having to board a very high
vessel, and that in a shower of grape and musketry, when the boat dashed
alongside, and the men were springing up, he looked up at the height of
the vessel's sides, and exclaimed with a look of despair, "My God! must
we really climb up that vessel's decks?"  When he had gained the deck,
and became excited, he then proved how little fear had to do with the
remark, the captain of the ship falling by his hand, as he fought in
advance of his own men.  But this peculiarity, which in a junior officer
was of little consequence, and a subject of mirth, in a captain became
of a very serious nature.  The admiral was aware how often he had
neglected to annoy or capture the enemy when he might have done it; and
by such neglect, Captain Horton infringed one of the articles of war,
the punishment awarded to which infringement is _death_.  His
appointment, therefore, to the _Sanglier_ was as annoying to us, as his
quitting his former ship was agreeable to those on board of her.

As it happened, it proved of little consequence: the admiral had
instructions from home to advance Captain Horton to the first vacancy,
which of course he was obliged to comply with; but not wishing to keep
on the station an officer who would not exert himself, he resolved to
send her to England with despatches, and retain the other frigate which
had been ordered home, and which we had been sent up to replace.  We
therefore heard it announced with feelings of joy, mingled with regret,
that we were immediately to proceed to England.  For my part, I was glad
of it.  I had now served my time as midshipman, to within five months,
and I thought that I had a better chance of being made in England than
abroad.  I was also very anxious to go home, for family reasons, which I
have already explained.  In a fortnight we sailed with several vessels,
and directions to take charge of a large convoy from Quebec, which was
to meet us off the island of St. John's.  In a few days we joined our
convoy, and with a fair wind bore up for England.  The weather soon
became very bad, and we were scudding before a heavy gale, under bare
poles.  Our captain seldom quitted the cabin, but remained there on a
sofa, stretched at his length, reading a novel, or dozing, as he found
most agreeable.

I recollect a circumstance which occurred, which will prove the apathy
of his disposition, and how unfit he was to command so fine a frigate.
We had been scudding three days when the weather became much worse.
O'Brien, who had the middle watch, went down to report that "it blew
very hard."

"Very well," said the captain; "let me know if it blow harder."

In about an hour more the gale increased, and O'Brien went down again.
"It blows much harder, Captain Horton."

"Very well," answered Captain Horton, turning in his cot; "you may call
me again when it _blows harder_."

At about six bells the gale was at its height, and the wind roared in
its fury.  Down went O'Brien again.  "It blows tremendous hard now,
Captain Horton."

"Well, well, if the weather becomes worse--"

"It can't be worse," interrupted O'Brien; "it's impossible to blow
harder."

"Indeed!  Well, then," replied the captain, "let me know when _it
lulls_."

In the morning watch a similar circumstance took place.  Mr Phillott,
went down, and said that several of the convoy were out of sight astern.
"Shall we heave-to, Captain Horton?"

"O no," replied he, "she will be so uneasy.  Let me know if you lose
sight of any more."

In another hour, the first lieutenant reported that "there were very few
to be seen."

"Very well, Mr Phillott," replied the captain, turning round to sleep;
"let me know if you lose any more."

Some time elapsed, and the first lieutenant reported that "they were all
out of sight."

"Very well, then," said the captain; "call me when you see them again."
This was not very likely to take place, as we were going twelve knots an
hour, and running away from them as fast as we could, so the captain
remained undisturbed until he thought proper to get up to breakfast.
Indeed, we never saw any more of our convoy, but taking the gale with
us, in fifteen days anchored in Plymouth Sound.  The orders came down
for the frigate to be paid off, all standing, and re-commissioned.  I
received letters from my father, in which he congratulated me at my name
being mentioned in Captain Kearney's despatches, and requested me to
come home as soon as I could.  The admiral allowed my name to be put
down on the books of the guard-ship, that I might not lose my time, and
then gave me two month's leave of absence.  I bade farewell to my
shipmates, shook hands with O'Brien, who proposed to go over to Ireland
previous to his applying for another ship, and, with my pay in my
pocket, set off in the Plymouth mail, and in three days was once more in
the arms of my affectionate mother, and warmly greeted by my father, and
the remainder of my family.

Once more with my family, I must acquaint the reader with what had
occurred since my departure.  My eldest sister, Lucy, had married an
officer in the army, a Captain Fielding, and his regiment having been
ordered out to India, had accompanied her husband, and letters had been
received just before my return, announcing their safe arrival at Ceylon.
My second sister, Mary, had also been engaged to be married, and from
her infancy was of extremely delicate health.  She was very handsome,
and much admired.  Her intended husband was a baronet of good family;
but unfortunately she caught a cold at the assize ball, and went off in
a decline.  She died about two months before my arrival, and the family
were in deep mourning.  My third sister, Ellen, was still unmarried;
she, also, was a very beautiful girl, and now seventeen.  My mother's
constitution was much shaken by the loss of my sister Mary, and the
separation from her eldest child.  As for my father, even the loss of
his daughter appeared to be wholly forgotten in the unwelcome
intelligence which he had received, that my uncle's wife had been
delivered of a _son_, which threw him out of the anticipated titles and
estates of my grandfather.  It was indeed a house of mourning.  My
mother's grief I respected, and tried all I could to console her; that
of my father was so evidently worldly, and so at variance with his
clerical profession, that I must acknowledge I felt more of anger at it
than sorrow.  He had become morose and sullen, harsh to those around
him, and not so kind to my mother as her state of mind and health made
it his duty to be, even if inclination were wanted.  He seldom passed
any portion of the day with her, and in the evening she went to bed very
early so that there was little communication between them.  My sister
was a great consolation to her, and so I hope was I; she often said so,
as she embraced me, and the tears rolled down her cheeks, and I could
not help surmising that those tears were doubled from the coolness and
indifference, if not unkindness, with which my father behaved to her.
As for my sister, she was an angel; and as I witnessed her considerate
attentions to my mother, and the total forgetfulness of self which she
displayed (so different from my father, who was all self), I often
thought what a treasure she would prove to any man who was fortunate
enough to win her love.  Such was the state of my family when I returned
to it.

I had been at home about a week, when one evening, after dinner, I
submitted to my father the propriety of trying to obtain my promotion.

"I can do nothing for you, Peter; I have no interest whatever," replied
he moodily.

"I do not think that much is required, sir," replied I; "my time will be
served on the 20th of next month.  If I pass, which I trust I shall be
able to do, my name having been mentioned in the public despatches will
render it a point of no very great difficulty to obtain my commission at
the request of my grandfather."

"Yes, your grandfather might succeed, I have no doubt: but I think you
have little chance now in that quarter.  My brother has a son, and we
are thrown out.  You are not aware, Peter, how selfish people are, and
how little they will exert themselves for their relations.  Your
grandfather has never invited me, since the announcement of my brother's
increase to his family.  Indeed, I have never been near him, for I know
that it is of no use."

"I must think otherwise of Lord Privilege, my dear father, until your
opinion is confirmed by his own conduct.  That I am not so much an
object of interest I grant; but still he was very kind, and appeared to
be partial to me."

"Well, well, you can try all you can; but you'll soon see of what stuff
this world is made; I am sure I hope it will be so, for what is to
become of you children if I die, I do not know;--I have saved little or
nothing.  And now all my prospects are blasted by this--" and my father
dashed his fist upon the table in a manner by no means clerical, and
with a look very unworthy of an apostle.

I am sorry that I must thus speak of my father, but I must not disguise
the truth.  Still, I must say, there was much in extenuation of his
conduct.  He had always a dislike to the profession of the church: his
ambition, as a young man, had been to enter the army; for which service
he was much better qualified; but, as it has been the custom for
centuries to entail all the property of the aristocracy upon the eldest
son, and leave the other brothers to be supported by the state, or
rather by the people, who are taxed for their provision, my father was
not permitted to follow the bent of his own inclination.  An elder
brother had already selected the army as his profession, and it was
therefore decided that my father should enter the church: and thus it is
that we have had, and still have, so many people in that profession, who
are not only totally unfit for, but who actually disgrace their calling.
The law of primogeniture is beset with evils and injustice; yet without
it, the aristocracy of a country must sink into insignificance.  It
appears to me, that as long as the people of a country are content to
support the younger sons of the nobility, it is well that the
aristocracy should be held up as a third estate, and a link between the
sovereign and the people; but that if the people are either too poor, or
are unwilling to be so taxed, they have a right to refuse taxation for
such purposes, and to demand that the law of primogeniture should be
abolished.

I remained at home until my time was complete, and then set off for
Plymouth to undergo my examination.  The passing-day had been fixed by
the admiral for the Friday, and as I arrived on Wednesday, I amused
myself during the day, walking about the dock-yard, and trying all I
could to obtain further information in my profession.  On the Thursday,
a party of soldiers from the depot were embarking at the landing-place
in men-of-war boats, and, as I understood, were about to proceed to
India.  I witnessed the embarkation, and waited till they shoved off,
and then walked to the anchor wharf to ascertain the weights of the
respective anchors of the different classes of vessels in the King's
service.

I had not been there long, when I was attracted by the squabbling
created by a soldier, who, it appeared, had quitted the ranks to run up
to the tap in the dock-yard to obtain liquor.  He was very drunk, and
was followed by a young woman with a child in her arms, who was
endeavouring to pacify him.

"Now be quiet, Patrick, jewel," said she, clinging to him, "sure it's
enough that you've left the ranks, and will come to disgrace when you
get on board.  Now, be quiet, Patrick, and let us ask for a boat, and
then perhaps the officer will think it was all a mistake, and let you
off aisy: and sure I'll spake to Mr O'Rourke, and he's a kind man."

"Out wid you, you cratur, it is Mr O'Rourke you'd be having a
conversation wid, and he be chucking you under that chin of yours.  Out
wid you, Mary, and lave me to find my way on board.  Is it a boat I
want, when I can swim like St. Patrick, wid my head under my arm, if it
wasn't on my shoulders?  At all events, I can wid my nappersack and
musket to boot."

The young woman cried, and tried to restrain him, but he broke from her,
and running down to the wharf, dashed off into the water.  The young
woman ran to the edge of the wharf, perceived him sinking, and shrieking
with despair, threw up her arms in her agony.  The child fell, struck on
the edge of the piles, turned over, and before I could catch hold of it,
sank into the sea.  "The child! the child!" burst forth in another wild
scream, and the poor creature lay at my feet in violent fits.  I looked
over, the child had disappeared; but the soldier was still struggling
with his head above water.  He sank and rose again--a boat was pulling
towards him, but he was quite exhausted.  He threw back his arms as if
in despair, and was about disappearing under the wave, when, no longer
able to restrain myself, I leaped off the high wharf, and swam to his
assistance, just in time to lay hold of him as he was sinking for the
last time.  I had not been in the water a quarter of a minute before the
boat came up to us, and dragged us on board.  The soldier was exhausted
and speechless; I, of course, was only very wet.  The boat rowed to the
landing-place at my request, and we were both put on shore.  The
knapsack which was fixed on the soldiers back, and his regimentals,
indicated that he belonged to the regiment just embarked; and I stated
my opinion, that as soon as he was a little recovered, he had better be
taken on board.  As the boat which picked us up was one of the
men-of-war boats, the officer who had been embarking the troops, and had
been sent on shore again to know if there were any yet left behind,
consented.  In a few minutes the soldier recovered, and was able to sit
up and speak, and I only waited to ascertain the state of the poor young
woman whom I had left on the wharf.  In a few minutes she was led to us
by the warder, and the scene between her and her husband was most
affecting.  When she had become a little composed, she turned round to
me, where I stood dripping wet, and intermingled with lamentation for
the child, showering down emphatic blessings on my head, inquired my
name.  "Give it to me!" she cried; "give it to me on paper, in writing,
that I may wear it next my heart, read and kiss it every day of my life,
and never forget to pray for you, and to bless you!"

"I'll tell it you.  My name--"

"Nay, write it down for me--write it down.  Sure you'll not refuse me.
All the saints bless you, dear young man, for saving a poor woman from
despair!"

The officer commanding the boat handed me a pencil and a card; I wrote
my name and gave it to the poor woman; she took my hand as I gave it
her, kissed the card repeatedly, and put it into her bosom.  The
officer, impatient to shove off, ordered her husband into the boat--she
followed, clinging to him, wet as he was--the boat shoved off, and I
hastened up to the inn to dry my clothes.  I could not help observing,
at the time, how the fear of a greater evil will absorb all
consideration for a minor.  Satisfied that her husband had not perished,
she had hardly once appeared to remember that she had lost her child.

I had only brought one suit of clothes with me: they were in very good
condition when I arrived, but salt water plays the devil with a uniform.
I lay in bed until they were dry; but when I put them on again, not
being before too large for me, for I grew very fast, they were now
shrunk and shrivelled up so as to be much too small.  My wrists appeared
below the sleeves of my coat--my trowsers had shrunk halfway up to my
knees--the buttons were all tarnished, and altogether I certainly did
not wear the appearance of a gentlemanly, smart midshipman.  I would
have ordered another suit, but the examination was to take place at ten
o'clock the next morning, and there was no time.  I was therefore
obliged to appear as I was, on the quarter-deck of the line-of-battle
ship, on board of which the passing was to take place.  Many others were
there to undergo the same ordeal, all strangers to me, as I perceived by
their nods and winks to each other, as they walked up and down in their
smart clothes, not at all inclined to make my acquaintance.

There were many before me on the list, and our hearts beat every time
that a name was called, and the owner of it walked aft into the cabin.
Some returned with jocund faces, and our hopes mounted with the
anticipation of similar good fortune; others came out melancholy and
crest-fallen, and then the expression of their countenances was
communicated to our own, and we quailed with fear and apprehension.  I
have no hesitation in asserting, that although "passing" may be a proof
of being qualified, "not passing" is certainly no proof to the contrary.
I have known many of the cleverest young men turned back (while others
of inferior abilities have succeeded), merely from the feeling of awe
occasioned by the peculiarity of the situation; and it is not to be
wondered at, when it is considered that all the labour and exertion of
six years are at stake at this appalling moment.  At last my name was
called, and, almost breathless from anxiety, I entered the cabin, where
I found myself in presence of the three captains who was to decide
whether I were fit to hold a commission in His Majesty's service.  My
logs and certificates were examined and approved; my time calculated and
allowed to be correct.  The questions in navigation which were put to me
were very few, for the best of all possible reasons, that most captains
in His Majesty's service knew little or nothing of navigation.  During
their servitude of midshipmen, they learn it by _rote_, without being
aware of the principles upon which the calculations they use are
founded.  As lieutenants, their services as to navigation are seldom
required, and they rapidly forget all about it.  As captains, their
whole remnant of mathematical knowledge consists in being able to set
down the ship's position on the chart.  As for navigating the ship, the
master is answerable; and the captains not being responsible themselves,
they trust entirely to his reckoning.  Of course there are exceptions,
but what I state is the fact; and if an order from the Admiralty were
given, that all captains should pass again, although they might acquit
themselves very well in seamanship, nineteen out of twenty would be
turned back when they were questioned in navigation.  It is from the
knowledge of this fact that I think the service is injured by the
present system, and the captain should be held _wholly_ responsible for
the navigation of his ship.  It has been long known that the officers of
every other maritime state are more scientific than our own, which is
easily explained, from the responsibility not being invested in our
captains.  The origin of masters in our service in singular.  When
England first became a maritime power, ships for the King's service were
found by the Cinque Ports and other parties--the fighting part of the
crew was composed of soldiers sent on board.  All the vessels at that
time had a crew of sailors, with a master to navigate the vessel.
During our bloody naval engagements with the Dutch, the same system was
acted upon.  I think it was the Earl of Sandwich, of whom it is stated,
that his ship being in a sinking state, he took a boat to hoist his flag
on board of another vessel in the fleet, but a shot cutting the boat in
two, and the _weight of his armour_ bearing him down, the Earl of
Sandwich perished.  But to proceed.

As soon as I had answered several questions satisfactorily, I was
desired to stand up.  The captain who had interrogated me on navigation,
was very grave in his demeanour towards me, but at the same time not
uncivil.  During his examination, he was not interfered with by the
other two, who only undertook the examination in "seamanship."  The
captain, who now desired me to stand up, spoke in a very harsh tone, and
quite frightened me.  I stood up pale and trembling, for I augured no
good from this commencement.  Several questions in seamanship were put
to me, which I have no doubt I answered in a very lame way, for I cannot
even now recollect what I said.

"I thought so," observed the captain; "I judged as much from your
appearance.  An officer who is so careless of his dress, as not even to
put on a decent coat when he appears at his examination, generally turns
out an idle fellow, and no seaman.  One would think you had served all
your time in a cutter, or a ten-gun brig, instead of dashing frigates.
Come, sir, I'll give you one more chance."

I was so hurt at what the captain said, that I could not control my
feelings.  I replied with a quivering lip, that "I had had no time to
order another uniform"--and I burst into tears.

"Indeed, Burrows, you are rather too harsh," said the third captain;
"the lad is frightened.  Let him sit down and compose himself for a
little while.  Sit down, Mr Simple, and we will try you again
directly."

I sat down, checking my grief and trying to recall my scattered senses.
The captains, in the meantime, turning over the logs to pass away the
time; the one who had questioned me in navigation reading the Plymouth
newspaper, which had a few minutes before been brought on board and sent
into the cabin.  "Heh! what's this?  I say, Burrows--Keats, look here,"
and he pointed to a paragraph.  "Mr Simple, may I ask whether it was
you who saved the soldier who leaped off the wharf yesterday."

"Yes, sir," replied I, "and that's the reason why my uniforms are so
shabby.  I spoilt them then, and had no time to order others.  I did not
like to say why they were spoilt."  I saw a change in the countenances
of all the three, and it gave me courage.  Indeed, now that my feelings
had found vent, I was no longer under any apprehension.

"Come, Mr Simple, stand up again," said the captain, kindly, "that is
if you feel sufficiently composed: if not, we will wait a little longer.
Don't be afraid, we _wish_ to pass you."

I was not afraid, and stood up immediately.  I answered every question
satisfactorily, and finding that I did so, they put more difficult ones.
"Very good, very good indeed, Mr Simple; now let me ask you one more;
it's seldom done in the service, and perhaps you may not be able to
answer it.  Do you know how to _club-haul_ a ship?"

"Yes, sir," replied I, having, as the reader may recollect, witnessed
the manoeuvre when serving under poor Captain Savage, and I immediately
stated how it was to be done.

"That is sufficient, Mr Simple; I wish to ask you no more questions.  I
thought at first you were a careless officer and no seaman: I now find
you are a good seaman and a gallant young man.  Do you wish to ask any
more questions?" continued he, turning to the two others.

They replied in the negative; my passing certificate was signed, and the
captain did me the honour to shake hands with me, and wish me speedy
promotion.  Thus ended happily this severe trial to my poor nerves; and,
as I came out of the cabin, no one could have imagined that I had been
in such distress within, when they beheld the joy that irradiated my
countenance.



CHAPTER THIRTY NINE.

IS A CHAPTER OF PLOTS--CATHOLIC CASUISTRY IN A NEW CASSOCK--PLOTTING
PROMOTES PROMOTION--A PEASANT'S LOVE, AND A PEER'S PEEVISHNESS--
PROSPECTS OF PROSPERITY.

As soon as I arrived at the hotel, I sent for a Plymouth paper, and cut
out the paragraph which had been of such importance to me in my
emergency, and the next morning returned home to receive the
congratulations of my family.  I found a letter from O'Brien, which had
arrived the day before.  It was as follows:--

  "MY DEAR PETER,--Some people, they say, are lucky to `have a father
  born before them,' because they are helped on in the world--upon which
  principle, mine was born _after_ me, that's certain; however, that
  can't be helped.  I found all my family well and hearty: but they all
  shook a cloth in the wind with respect to toggery.  As for Father
  McGrath's cassock, he didn't complain of it without reason.  It was
  the ghost of a garment; but, however, with the blessing of God, my
  last quarterly bill, and the help of a tailor, we have had a regular
  refit, and the ancient family of the O'Briens of Ballyhinch are now
  rigged from stem to stern.  My two sisters are both to be spliced to
  young squireens in the neighbourhood; it appears that they only waited
  for a dacent town gown to go to the church in.  They will be turned
  off next Friday, and I only wish, Peter, you were here to dance at the
  weddings.  Never mind, I'll dance for you and for myself too.  In the
  meantime, I'll just tell you what Father McGrath and I have been
  doing, all about and consarning that thief of an uncle of yours.

  "It's very little or nothing at all that Father McGrath did before I
  came back, seeing as how Father O'Toole had a new cassock, and Father
  McGrath's was so shabby that he couldn't face him under such a
  disadvantage: but still Father McGrath spied about him, and had
  several hints from here and from there, all of which, when I came to
  add them up, amounted to nothing at all.

  "But since I came home, we have been busy.  Father McGrath went down
  to Ballycleuch, as bold as a lion, in his new clothing, swearing that
  he'd lead Father O'Toole by the nose for slamming the door in his
  face, and so he would have done, if he could have found him; but as he
  wasn't to be found, Father McGrath came back again just as wise, and
  quite as brave, as he went out.

  "So, Peter, I just took a walk that way myself, and, as I surrounded
  the old house where your uncle had taken up his quarters, who should I
  meet but the little girl, Ella Flanagan, who was in his service; and I
  said to myself, `There's two ways of obtaining things in this world,
  one is for love, and the other is for money.'  The O'Briens are better
  off in the first article than in the last, as most of their countrymen
  are, so I've been spending it very freely in your service, Peter.

  "`Sure,' says I, `you are the little girl that my eyes were ever
  looking upon when last I was this way.'

  "`And who are you?' says she.

  "`Lieutenant O'Brien, of His Majesty's service, just come home for a
  minute to look out for a wife,' says I; `and it's one about your make,
  and shape, and discretion, that would please my fancy.'

  "And then I praised her eyes, and her nose, and her forehead, and so
  downwards, until I came to the soles of her feet; and asked her leave
  to see her again, and when she would meet me in the wood and tell me
  her mind.  At first, she thought (sure enough) that I couldn't be in
  earnest, but I swore by all the saints that she was the prettiest girl
  in the parts--and so she is altogether--and then she listened to my
  blarney.  The devil a word did I say about your uncle or your aunt, or
  Father McGrath, that she might not suspect, for I've an idea that
  they're all in the story.  I only talked about my love for her pretty
  self, and that blinded her, as it will all women, 'cute as they may
  be.

  "And now, Peter, it's three weeks last Sunday, that I've been
  bespeaking this poor girl for your sake, and my conscience tells me
  that it's not right to make a poor cratur fond of me, seeing as how
  that I don't care a fig for her in the way of a wife, and in any other
  way it would be the ruin of the poor thing.  I have spoken to Father
  McGrath on the subject, who says `that we may do evil that good may
  come, and, that if she had been a party to the deceit, it's nothing
  but proper that she should be punished in this world, and that will,
  perhaps, save her in the next;' still I don't like it, Peter, and it's
  only for you among the living that I'd do such a thing; for the poor
  creature now hangs upon me so fondly and talks about the wedding day;
  and tells me long stories about the connections which have taken place
  between the O'Flanagans and the O'Briens, times gone by, when they
  were all in their glory.  Yesterday as we sat in the wood, with her
  arm round my waist, `Ella, dear,' says I `who are these people that
  you stay with?'  And then she told me all she knew about their
  history, and how Mary Sullivan was a nurse to the baby.

  "`And what is the baby?' says I.

  "`A boy, sure,' says she.

  "`And Sullivan's baby?'

  "`That's a girl.'

  "`And is Mary Sullivan there now?'

  "`No,' says she; `it's yestreen she left with her husband and baby, to
  join the regiment that's going out to Ingy.'

  "`Yesterday she left?' says I, starting up.

  "`Yes,' replies she, `and what do you care about them?'

  "`It's very much I care,' replied I, `for a little bird has whispered
  a secret to me.'

  "`And what may that be?' says she.

  "`Only that the childer were changed, and you know it as well as I
  do.'  But she swore that she knew nothing about it, and that she was
  not there when either of the children were born, and I believe that
  she told the truth.  `Well,' says I, `who tended the lady?'

  "`My own mother,' says Ella.  `And if it were so, who can know but
  she?'

  "`Then,' says I, `Ella, jewel, I've made a vow that I'll never marry,
  till I find out the truth of this matter; so the sooner you get it out
  of your mother the better.'  Then she cried very much, and I was
  almost ready to cry too, to see how the poor thing was vexed at the
  idea of not being married.  After a while she swabbed up her cheeks,
  and kissing me, wished me good-bye, swearing by all the saints that
  the truth should come out somehow or another.

  "It's this morning that I saw her again, as agreed upon yesterday, and
  red her eyes were with weeping, poor thing; and she clung to me and
  begged me to forgive her, and not to leave her; and then she told me
  that her mother was startled when she put the question to her, and
  chewed it, and cursed her when she insisted upon the truth; and how
  she had fallen on her knees, and begged her mother not to stand in the
  way of her happiness, as she would die if she did (I leave you to
  guess if my heart didn't smite me when she said that, Peter, but the
  mischief was done), and how her mother had talked about her oath and
  Father O'Toole, and said that she would speak to him.

  "Now, Peter, I'm sure that the childer have been changed and that the
  nurse has been sent to the Indies to be out of the way.  They say they
  were to go to Plymouth.  The husband's name is, of course, O'Sullivan;
  so I'd recommend you to take a coach and see what you can do in that
  quarter; in the meantime, I'll try all I can for the truth in this,
  and will write again as soon as I can find out any thing more.  All I
  want to do is to get Father McGrath to go to the old devil of a
  mother, and I'll answer for it, he'll frighten her into swearing
  anything.  God bless you, Peter and give my love to all the family.

  "Yours ever,

  "TERENCE O'BRIEN."

This letter of O'Brien was the subject of much meditation.  The advice
to go to Plymouth was too late, the troops having sailed some time; and
I had no doubt but that Mary Sullivan and her husband were among those
who had embarked at the time that I was at the port to pass my
examination.  Show the letter to my father I would not, as it would only
have put him in a fever, and his interference would, in all probability,
have done more harm than good.  I therefore waited quietly for more
intelligence, and resolved to apply to my grandfather to obtain my
promotion.

A few days afterwards I set off for Eagle Park, and arrived about eleven
o'clock in the morning.  I sent in my name and was admitted into the
library, where I found Lord Privilege in his easy chair as usual.

"Well, child," said he, remaining on his chair, and not offering even
one finger to me, "what do you want, that you come here without an
invitation?"

"Only, my lord, to inquire after your health, and to thank you for your
kindness to me in procuring me and Mr O'Brien the appointment to a fine
frigate."

"Yes," replied his lordship, "I recollect--I think I did so, at your
request, and I think I heard some one say that you have behaved well,
and had been mentioned in the despatches."

"Yes, my lord," replied I, "and I have since passed my examination for
lieutenant."

"Well, child, I'm glad to hear it.  Remember me to your father and
family."  And his lordship cast his eyes down upon his book which he had
been reading.

My father's observations appeared to be well grounded, but I would not
leave the room until I had made some further attempt.

"Has your lordship heard from my uncle?"

"Yes," replied he, "I had a letter from him yesterday.  The child is
quite well.  I expect them all here in a fortnight or three weeks, to
live with me altogether.  I am old--getting very old, and I shall have
much to arrange with your uncle before I die."

"If I might request a favour of your lordship, it would be to beg that
you would interest yourself a little in obtaining my promotion.  A
letter from your lordship to the First Lord--only a few lines--"

"Well, child, I see no objection--only I am very old, too old to write
now."  And his lordship again commenced reading.

I must do Lord Privilege the justice to state that he evidently was fast
verging to a state of second childhood.  He was much bowed down since I
had last seen him, and appeared infirm in body as well as mind.

I waited at least a quarter of an hour before his lordship looked up.

"What, not gone yet, child?  I thought you had gone home."

"Your lordship was kind enough to say that you had no objection to write
a few lines to the First Lord in my behalf.  I trust your lordship will
not refuse me--"

"Well," replied he, peevishly, "so I did--but I am too old, too old to
write--I cannot see--I can hardly hold a pen."

"Will your lordship allow me the honour of writing the letter for your
lordship's signature?"

"Well, child,--yes--I've no objection.  Write as follows--no--write
anything you please--and I'll sign it.  I wish your uncle William was
come."

This was more than I did.  I had a great mind to show him O'Brien's
letter, but I thought it would be cruel to raise doubts, and, harass the
mind of a person so close to the brink of the grave.  The truth would
never be ascertained during his life, I thought; and why, therefore,
should I give him pain?  At all events, although I had the letter in my
pocket, I resolved not to make use of it except as a _dernier_ resort.

I went to another table, and sat down to write the letter.  As his
lordship had said that I might write what I pleased, it occurred to me
that I might assist O'Brien, and I felt sure that his lordship would not
take the trouble to read the letter.  I therefore wrote as follows,
while Lord Privilege continued to read his book:--

  "MY LORD,--You will confer a very great favour upon me, if you will
  hasten the commission which, I have no doubt, is in preparation for my
  grandson Mr Simple, who has passed his examination, and has been
  mentioned in the public despatches; and also that you will not lose
  sight of Lieutenant O'Brien, who has so distinguished himself by his
  gallantry in the various cutting-out expeditions in the West Indies.
  Trusting that your lordship will not fail to comply with my earnest
  request, I have the honour to be your lordship's very obedient humble
  servant."

I brought this letter, with a pen full of ink, and the noise of my
approach induced his lordship to look up.  He stared at first, as having
forgotten the whole circumstance--then said--"O yes!  I recollect, so I
did--give me the pen."  With a trembling hand he signed his name, and
gave me back the letter without reading it, as I expected.

"There, child, don't tease me any more.  Good-bye; remember me to your
father."

I wished his lordship a good morning, and went away well satisfied with
the result of my expedition.  On my arrival I showed the letter to my
father, who was much surprised at my success, and he assured me that my
grandfather's interest was so great with the Administration, that I
might consider my promotion as certain.  That no accident might happen,
I immediately set off for London, and delivered the letter at the door
of the First Lord with my own hands, leaving my address with the porter.



CHAPTER FORTY.

O'BRIEN AND MYSELF TAKE A STEP EACH, "PARI PASSU"--A FAMILY REUNION,
PRODUCTIVE OF ANYTHING BUT UNITY--MY UNCLE, NOT ALWAYS THE BEST FRIEND.

A few days afterwards I left my card with my address with the First
Lord, and the next day received a letter from his secretary, which, to
my delight, informed me that my commission had been made out some days
before.  I hardly need say that I hastened to take it up, and when
paying my fee to the clerk, I ventured, at a hazard, to inquire whether
he knew the address of Lieutenant O'Brien.

"No," replied he, "I wish to find it out, for he has this day been
promoted to the rank of Commander."

I almost leaped with joy when I heard this good news; I gave O'Brien's
address to the clerk, hastened away with my invaluable piece of
parchment in my hand, and set off immediately for my father's house.

But I was met with sorrow.  My mother had been taken severely ill, and I
found the house in commotion--doctors, and apothecaries, and nurses,
running to and fro, my father in a state of excitement, and my dear
sister in tears.  Spasm succeeded spasm; and although every remedy was
applied, the next evening she breathed her last.  I will not attempt to
describe the grief of my father, who appeared to feel remorse at his
late unkind treatment of her, my sister, and myself.  These scenes must
be imagined by those who have suffered under similar bereavements.  I
exerted myself to console my poor sister, who appeared to cling to me as
to her only support, and, after the funeral was over, we recovered our
tranquillity, although the mourning was still deeper in our hearts than
in our outward dress.  I had written to O'Brien to announce the mournful
intelligence, and, like a true friend, he immediately made his
appearance to console me.

O'Brien had received the letter from the Admiralty, acquainting him with
his promotion; and, two days after he arrived, went to take up his
commission.  I told him frankly by what means he had obtained it, and he
again concluded his thanks by a reference to the mistake of the former
supposition, that of my being "the fool of the family."

"By the powers, it would be well for any man if he had a few of such
foolish friends about him," continued he; "but I won't blarney you,
Peter; you know what my opinion always has been, so we'll say no more
about it."

When he came back, we had a long consultation as to the best method of
proceeding to obtain employment, for O'Brien was anxious to be again
afloat, and so was I.  I regretted parting with my sister, but my father
was so morose and ill-tempered, that I had no pleasure at home, except
in her company.  Indeed, my sister was of opinion, that it would be
better if I were away, as my father's misanthropy, now unchecked by my
mother, appeared to have increased, and he seemed to view me with
positive dislike.  It was, therefore, agreed unanimously between my
sister, and me, and O'Brien, who was always of our councils, that it
would be advisable that I should be again afloat.

"I can manage him much better when alone, Peter; I shall have nothing to
occupy me, and take me away from him, as your presence does now; and,
painful as it is to part with you, my duty to my father, and my wish for
your advancement, induce me to request that you will, if possible, find
some means of obtaining employment."

"Spoken like a hero, as ye are, Miss Ellen, notwithstanding your pretty
face and soft eyes," said O'Brien.  "And now, Peter, for the means to
bring it about.  If I can get a ship, there is no fear for you, as I
shall choose you for my lieutenant; but how is that to be managed?  Do
you think that you can come over the old gentleman at Eagle Park?"

"At all events I'll try," replied I; "I can but be floored, O'Brien."

Accordingly, the next day I set off for my grandfather's, and was put
down at the lodge, at the usual hour, about eleven o'clock.  I walked up
the avenue, and knocked at the door: when it was opened, I perceived a
hesitation among the servants, and a constrained air which I did not
like.  I inquired after Lord Privilege--the answer was, that he was
pretty well, but did not see _any_ body.

"Is my uncle here," said I.

"Yes, sir," replied the servant, with a significant look, "and all his
family are here too."

"Are you sure that I cannot see my _grandfather_," said I, laying a
stress upon the word.

"I will tell him that you are here, sir," replied the man, "but even
that is against orders."

I had never seen my uncle since I was a child, and could not even
recollect him--my cousins, or my aunt, I had never met with.  In a
minute, an answer was brought, requesting that I would walk into the
library.  When I was ushered in, I found myself in the presence of Lord
Privilege, who sat in his usual place, and a tall gentleman, whom I knew
at once to be my uncle, from his likeness to my father.

"Here is the young gentleman, my lord," said my uncle, looking at me
sternly.

"Heh! what--oh!  I recollect.  Well, child, so you've been behaving very
ill--sorry to hear it.  Good-bye."

"Behaving ill, my lord!" replied I.  "I am not aware of having so done."

"Reports are certainly very much against you, nephew," observed my uncle
dryly.  "Some one has told your grandfather what has much displeased
him.  I know nothing about it myself."

"Then some rascal has slandered me, sir," replied I.

My uncle started at the word rascal; and then recovering himself,
replied, "Well, nephew what is it that you require of Lord Privilege,
for I presume this visit is not without a cause?"

"Sir," replied I, "my visit to Lord Privilege was, first to thank him
for having procured me my commission as lieutenant, and to request the
favour that he would obtain me active employment, which a line from him
will effect immediately."

"I was not aware, nephew, that you had been made lieutenant; but I agree
with you, that the more you are at sea the better.  His lordship shall
sign the letter.  Sit down."

"Shall I write it, sir?" said I to my uncle: "I know what to say."

"Yes; and bring it to me when it is written."

I felt convinced that the only reason which induced my uncle to obtain
me employment, was the idea that I should be better out of the way, and
that there was more risk at sea than on shore.  I took a sheet of paper
and wrote as follows:--

  "MY LORD,--May I request that your lordship will be pleased to appoint
  the bearer of this to a ship, as soon as convenient, as I wish him to
  be actively employed.

  "I am, my lord, etcetera, etc."

"Why not mention your name?"

"It is of no consequence," replied I, "as it will be delivered in
person, and that will insure my speedy appointment."

The letter was placed before his lordship for signature.  It was with
some difficulty that he was made to understand that he was to sign it.
The old gentleman appeared much more imbecile than when I last saw him.
I thanked him, folded up the letter, and put it in my pocket.  At last,
he looked at me, and a sudden flash of recollection appeared to come
across his mind.

"Well, child--so you escaped from the French prison--heh! and how's your
friend--what is his name, heh?"

"O'Brien, my lord."

"O'Brien!" cried my uncle, "he is _your_ friend; then, sir, I presume it
is you am indebted for all the inquiries and reports which are so
industriously circulated in Ireland--the tampering with my servants--and
other impertinences?"

I did not choose to deny the truth, although I was a little fluttered by
the sudden manner in which it came to light.  I replied, "I never tamper
with any people's servants, sir."

"No," said he, "but you employ others so to do.  I discovered the whole
of your proceedings, after the scoundrel left for England."

"If you apply the word scoundrel to Captain O'Brien, sir, in his name I
contradict it."

"As you please, sir," replied my uncle, in a passion; "but you will
oblige me by quitting this house immediately, and expect nothing more,
either from the present or the future Lord Privilege, except that
retaliation which your infamous conduct has deserved."

I felt much irritated, and replied very sharply, "From the present Lord
Privilege I certainly expect nothing more, neither do I from his
successor;--but after your death, uncle, I expect that the person who
succeeds to the title will do all he can for your humble servant.  I
wish you a good morning, uncle."

My uncle's eyes flashed fire as I finished my speech, which indeed was a
very bold, and a very foolish one too, as it afterwards proved.  I
hastened out of the room, not only from the fear of being turned out of
the house before all the servants, but also from the dread that my
letter to the first Lord might be taken from me by force; but I never
shall forget the scowl of vengeance which crossed my uncle's brows as I
turned round and looked at him as I shut the door.  I found my way out
without the assistance of the servants, and hastened home as fast as I
could.

"O'Brien," said I, on my return, "there is no time to be lost; the
sooner you hasten to town with this letter of introduction, the better
it will be, for depend upon it my uncle will do me all the harm that he
can."  I then repeated to him all that had passed, and it was agreed,
that O'Brien should take the letter, which having reference to the
bearer, would do as well for him as for me; and, if O'Brien obtained on
appointment, I was sure not only of being one of his lieutenants, but
also of sailing with a dear friend.  The next morning, O'Brien set off
for London, and fortunately saw the First Lord the day after his
arrival, which was a _levee_ day.  The First Lord received the letter
from O'Brien, and requested him to sit down.  He then read it, inquired
after his lordship, asked whether his health was good, etc.

O'Brien replied that, "with the blessing of God, his lordship might live
many years: that he had never heard him complain of ill health."  All
which was not false, if not true.  I could not help observing to
O'Brien, when he returned home and told me what had passed, that "I
thought, considering what he had expressed with respect to white lies
and black lies, that he had not latterly adhered to his own creed."

"That's very true, Peter; and I've thought of it myself, but it is my
creed nevertheless.  We all know what's right, but we don't always
follow it.  The fact is, I begin to think that it is absolutely
necessary to fight the world with it own weapons.  I spoke to Father
McGrath on the subject, and he replied, `That if any one, by doing
wrong, necessitated another to do wrong to circumvent him, that the
first party was answerable, not only for his own sin, but also for the
sin committed in self-defence.'"

"But O'Brien, I do not fix my faith so implicitly upon Father McGrath;
and I do not much admire many of his directions."

"No more do I, Peter, when I think upon them; but how am I to puzzle my
head upon these points?  All I know is, that when you are divided
between your inclination and your duty, it's mighty convenient to have a
priest like Father McGrath to decide for you, and to look after your
soul into the bargain."

It occurred to me, that I myself, when finding fault with O'Brien, had,
in the instance of both the letters from Lord Privilege, been also
guilty of deceit.  I was therefore blaming him for the same fault
committed by myself; and I am afraid that I was too ready in consoling
myself with Father McGrath's maxim, "That one might do evil, that good
might come."  But to return to O'Brien's interview.

After some little conversation, the First Lord said, "Captain O'Brien, I
am always very ready to oblige Lord Privilege, and the more so as his
recommendation is of an officer of your merit.  In a day or two, if you
will call at the Admiralty, you will hear further."  O'Brien wrote to us
immediately, and we waited with impatience for his next letter; but
instead of this letter, he made his appearance on the third day, and
first hugging me in his arms, he then came to my sister, embraced her,
and skipped and danced about the room.

"What is the matter, O'Brien?" said I, while Ellen retreated in
confusion.

O'Brien pulled a parchment out of his pocket.  "Here, Peter, my dear
Peter; now for honour and glory.  An eighteen-gun brig, Peter.  The
_Rattlesnake_--Captain O'Brien--West India station.  By the holy father!
my heart's bursting with joy," and down he sank into an easy chair
"A'n't I almost beside myself?" inquired he, after a short pause.

"Ellen thinks so, I daresay," replied I, looking at my sister, who stood
in a corner of the room, thinking O'Brien was really out of his senses,
and still red with confusion.

O'Brien, who then called to mind what a slip of decorum he had been
guilty of, immediately rose, and resuming his usual unsophisticated
politeness, as he walked up to my sister, took her hand and said,
"Excuse me, my dear Miss Ellen: I must apologise for my rudeness; but my
delight was so great and my gratitude to your brother so intense, that I
am afraid that in my warmth, I allowed the expressions of my feelings to
extend to one so dear to him, and so like him in person and in mind.
Will you only consider that you received the overflowings of a grateful
heart towards your brother, and for his sake pardon my indiscretion?"

Ellen smiled, and held out her hand to O'Brien, who led her to the sofa,
where we all three sat down: and O'Brien commenced a more intelligible
narrative of what had passed.  He had called on the day appointed, and
sent up his card.  The First Lord could not see him, but referred him to
the private secretary, who presented him with his commission to the
_Rattlesnake_, eighteen-gun brig.  The secretary smiled most graciously,
and told O'Brien in confidence, that he would proceed to the West India
station as soon as his vessel was manned and ready for sea.  He inquired
of O'Brien whom he wished as his first lieutenant.  O'Brien replied that
he wished for me; but as, in all probability, I should not be of
sufficient standing to be first lieutenant, that the Admiralty might
appoint any other to the duty, provided I joined the ship.  The
secretary made a minute of O'Brien's wish, and requested him, if he had
a vacancy to spare as midshipman, to allow him to send one on board; to
which O'Brien willingly acceded, shook hands with him, and O'Brien
quitted the Admiralty to hasten down to us with the pleasing
intelligence.

"And now," said O'Brien, "I have made up my mind how to proceed.  I
shall first run down to Plymouth and hoist my pennant; then I shall ask
for a fortnight's leave, and go to Ireland to see how they get on, and
what Father McGrath may be about.  So, Peter, let's pass this evening as
happily as we can: for though you and I shall soon meet again, yet it
may be years, or perhaps never, that we three shall sit down on the same
sofa as we do now."

Ellen, who was still nervous from the late death of my mother, looked
down, and I perceived the tears start in her eyes at the remark of
O'Brien, that perhaps we should never meet again.  And I did pass a
happy evening: my father dined out, and did not interrupt us.  I had a
dear sister on one side of me, and a sincere friend on the other.  How
few situations more enviable.

O'Brien left us early the next morning, and, at breakfast time, a letter
was handed to my father.  It was from my uncle, coldly communicating to
him that Lord Privilege had died the night before very suddenly, and
informing him that the burial would take place on that day week, and
that the will would be opened immediately after the funeral.  My father
handed the letter over to me without saying a word, and sipped his tea
with his tea-spoon.  I cannot say that I felt very much on the occasion;
but I did feel, because he had been kind to me at one time: as for my
father's feelings, I could not--or rather I should say, I did not wish
to analyse them.  As soon as he had finished his cup of tea, he left the
breakfast-table, and went into his study.  I then communicated the
intelligence to my sister Ellen.

"My God!" said she, after a pause, putting her hand up to her eyes,
"what a strange, unnatural state of society must we have arrived at when
my father can thus receive the intelligence of a parent's death.  Is it
not dreadful?"

"It is, my dearest girl," replied I; "but every feeling has been
sacrificed to worldly considerations and an empty name.  The younger
sons have been neglected, if not deserted.  Virtue, talent, everything
set at naught--intrinsic value despised--and the only claim to
consideration admitted, that of being the heir entail.  When all the
ties of nature are cast loose by the parents, can you be surprised if
the children are no longer bound by them?  Most truly do you observe,
that it is a detestable state of society."

"I did not say detestable, brother; I said strange and unnatural."

"Had you said what I said, Ellen, you would not have been wrong.  I
would not, for the title and wealth which it brings, be the heartless,
isolated, I may say neglected, being that my grandfather was: were it
offered now, I would not barter for it Ellen's love."

Ellen threw herself in my arms; we then walked into the garden, where we
had a long conversation relative to our future wishes, hopes and,
prospects.



CHAPTER FORTY ONE.

POMPOUS OBSEQUIES--THE READING OF THE WILL, NOT EXACTLY AFTER WILKIE--I
AM LEFT A LEGACY--WHAT BECOMES OF IT--MY FATHER, VERY WARM, WRITES A
SERMON TO COOL HIMSELF--I JOIN O'BRIEN'S BRIG, AND FALL IN WITH
SWINBURNE.

On that day week I accompanied my father to Eagle Park, to assist at the
burial of Lord Privilege.  We were ushered into the room where the body
had lain in state for three days.  The black hangings, the lofty plumes,
the rich ornaments on the coffin, and the number of wax candles, with
which the room was lighted, produced a solemn and grand effect.  I could
not help, as I leaned against the balustrade before the coffin, and
thought of its contents, calling to mind when my poor grandfather's
feelings seemed, as it were, inclined to thaw in my favour, when he
called me "his child," and, in all probability, had not my uncle had a
son, would have died in my arms, fond and attached to me for my own
sake, independently of worldly considerations.  I felt that had I known
him longer, I could have loved him, and that he would have loved me; and
I thought to myself how little all these empty honours, after his
decease, could compensate for the loss of those reciprocal feelings,
which would have so added to his happiness during his existence.  But he
had lived for pomp and vanity; and pomp and vanity attended him to his
grave.  I thought of my sister Ellen, and of O'Brien, and walked away
with the conviction that Peter Simple might have been an object of envy
to the late Right Honourable Lord Viscount Privilege, Baron Corston,
Lord Lieutenant of the county, and one of His Majesty's most Honourable
Privy Councillors.

When the funeral, which was very tedious and very splendid, was over, we
all returned in the carriages to Eagle Park, when my uncle, who had of
course assumed the title, and who had attended as chief mourner, was in
waiting to receive us.  We were shown into the library, and in the chair
so lately and constantly occupied by my grandfather, sat the new lord.
Near to him were the lawyers, with parchments lying before them.  As we
severally entered, he waved his hand to unoccupied chairs, intimating to
us to sit down; but no words were exchanged, except an occasional
whisper between him and the lawyers.  When all the branches of the
family were present, down to the fourth and fifth cousins, the lawyer on
the right of my uncle put on his spectacles, and unrolling the
parchment, commenced reading the will.  I paid attention to it at first;
but the legal technicalities puzzled me, and I was soon thinking of
other matters, until, after half-an-hour's reading, I was startled at
the sound of my own name.  It was a bequest by codicil to me, of the sum
of ten thousand pounds.  My father, who sat by me, gave me a slight
push, to attract my attention; and I perceived that his face was not
quite so mournful as before.  I was rejoicing at this unexpected
intelligence.  I called to mind what my father had said to me when we
were returning from Eagle Park, that "my grandfather's attentions to me
were as good as ten thousand pounds in his will," and was reflecting how
strange it was that he had hit upon the exact sum.  I also thought of
what my father had said of his own affairs, and his not having saved
anything for his children, and congratulated myself that I should now be
able to support my dear sister Ellen, in case of any accident happening
to my father, when I was roused by another mention of my name.  It was a
codicil dated about a week back, in which my grandfather, not pleased at
my conduct, revoked the former codicil, and left me nothing.  I knew
where the blow came from, and I looked my uncle in the face; a gleam of
malignant pleasure was in his eyes, which had been fixed on me, waiting
to receive my glance.  I returned it with a smile expressive of scorn
and contempt, and then looked at my father, who appeared to be in a
state of misery.  His head had fallen upon his breast, and his hands
were clasped.  Although I was shocked at the blow, for I knew how much
the money was required, I felt too proud to show it; indeed, I felt that
I would not for worlds have exchanged situations with my uncle, much
less feelings; for when those who remain meet to ascertain the
disposition made, by one who is summoned away to the tribunal of his
Maker, of those worldly and perishable things which he must leave behind
him, feelings of rancour and ill-will might, for the time, be permitted
to subside, and the memory of a "departed brother" be productive of
charity and good-will.  After a little reflection, I felt that I could
forgive my uncle.

Not so my father: the codicil which deprived me of my inheritance, was
the last of the will, and the lawyer rolled up the parchment and took
off his spectacles.  Everybody rose; my father seized his hat, and
telling me in a harsh voice to follow him, tore off the crape weepers,
and then threw them on the floor as he walked away.  I also took off
mine, and laid them on the table, and followed him.  My father called
his carriage, waiting in the hall till it was driven up, and jumped into
it.  I followed him; he drew up the blind, and desired them to drive
home.

"Not a sixpence!  By the God of heaven, not a sixpence!  My name not
even mentioned, except for a paltry mourning ring!  And yours--pray,
sir, what have you been about, after having such a sum left you, to
forfeit your grandfather's good opinion?  Heh! sir--tell me directly!"
continued he, turning round to me in a rage.

"Nothing, my dear father, that I am aware of.  My uncle is evidently my
enemy."

"And why should he be particularly your enemy?  Peter, there must be
some reason for his having induced your grandfather to alter his bequest
in your favour.  I insist upon it, sir, that you tell me immediately."

"My dear father, when you are more calm, I will talk this matter over
with you.  I hope I shall not be considered wanting in respect, when I
say, that, as a clergyman of the Church of England--"

"Damn the Church of England, and those who put me into it!" replied my
father, maddened with rage.

I was shocked and held my tongue.  My father appeared also to be
confused at his hasty expressions.  He sank back in his carriage, and
preserved a gloomy silence until we arrived at our own door.  As soon as
we entered, my father hastened to his own room, and I went up to my
sister Ellen, who was in her bed-room.  I revealed to her all that had
passed, and advised with her on the propriety of my communicating to my
father the reasons which had occasioned my uncle's extreme aversion
towards me.  After much argument, she agreed with me, that the
disclosure had now become necessary.

After the dinner-cloth had been removed, my sister left the room, and
went upstairs, and I then communicated to my father the circumstances
which had come to our knowledge relative to my uncle's establishment in
Ireland.  He heard me very attentively, took out tablets, and made
notes.

"Well, Peter," said he, after a few minutes' silence, when I had
finished, "I see clearly through this whole business.  I have no doubt
but that a child has been substituted to defraud you and me of our just
inheritance of the title and estates; but I will now set to work and try
if I cannot find out the secret; and, with the help of Captain O'Brien
and Father McGrath, I think it is not at all impossible."

"O'Brien will do all that he can, sir," replied I; "and I expect soon to
hear from him.  He must have now been a week in Ireland."

"I shall go there myself," replied my father: "and there are no means
that I will not resort to, to discover this infamous plot.  No,"
exclaimed he, striking his fist on the table, so as to shiver two of the
wine-glasses into fragments--"no means but I will resort to."

"That is," replied I, my dear father, "no means which may be
legitimately employed by one of your profession."

"I tell you, no means that can be used by _man_ to recover his defrauded
rights.  Tell me not of legitimate means, when I am to lose a title and
property by a spurious and illegitimate substitution!  By the God of
heaven, I will meet them with fraud for fraud, with false swearing for
false swearing, and with blood for blood, if it should be necessary!  My
brother has dissolved all ties, and I will have my right, even if I
demand it with a pistol at his ear."

"For Heaven's sake, my dear father, do not be so violent--recollect your
profession."

"I do," replied he bitterly; "and how I was forced into it, against my
will.  I recollect my father's words, the solemn coolness with which he
told me, `I had my choice of the Church, or--to starve.'--But I have my
sermon to prepare for to-morrow, and I can sit here no longer.  Tell
Ellen to send me in some tea."

I did not think my father was in a very fit state of mind to write a
sermon, but I held my tongue.  My sister joined me, and we saw no more
of him till breakfast the next day.  Before we met, I received a letter
from O'Brien.

  "MY DEAR PETER,--I ran down to Plymouth, hoisted my pennant, drew my
  jollies from the dock-yard, and set my first lieutenant to work
  getting in the ballast and water-tanks.  I then set off for Ireland,
  and was very well received as Captain O'Brien by my family, who were
  all flourishing.  Now that my two sisters are so well married off, my
  father and mother are very comfortable, but very lonely; for I believe
  I told you long before that it had pleased Heaven to take all the rest
  of my brothers and sisters, except the two now married, and one who
  bore up for a nunnery, dedicating her service to God, after she was
  scarred with the small-pox, and no man would look at her.  Ever since
  the family have been grown up, my father and mother have been
  lamenting and sorrowing that none of them would go off; and now that
  they're all gone off one way or another, they cry all day because they
  are left all alone, with no one to keep company with them, except
  Father McGrath and the pigs.  We never are to be contented in this
  world, that's sartin; and now that they are comfortable in every
  respect, they find that they are very uncomfortable, and having
  obtained all their wishes, they wish everything back again; but as old
  Maddocks used to say, `A good growl is better than a bad dinner' with
  some people; and the greatest pleasure that they now have is to
  grumble; and if that makes them happy, they must be happy all day
  long--for the devil a bit do they leave off from morning till night.

  "The first thing that I did was to send for Father McGrath, who had
  been more away from home than usual--I presume, not finding things
  quite so comfortable as they used to be.  He told me that he had met
  with Father O'Toole, and had a bit of a dialogue with him, which had
  ended in a bit of a row, and that he had cudgelled Father O'Toole
  well, and tore his gown off his back, and then tore it into shivers,--
  that Father O'Toole had referred the case to the bishop, and that was
  how the matter stood just then.  `But,' says he, `the spalpeen has
  left this part of the country, and, what is more, has taken Ella and
  her mother with him; and, what is still worse, no one could find out
  where they were gone; but it was believed that they had all been sent
  over the water.'  So you see, Peter, that this is a bad job in one
  point, which is, that we have no chance of getting the truth out of
  the old woman; for now that we have war with France, who is to follow
  them?  On the other hand, it is good news; for it prevents me from
  decoying that poor young girl, and making her believe what will never
  come to pass; and I am not a little glad on that score, for Father
  McGrath was told by those who were about her, that she did nothing but
  weep and moan for two days before she went away, scolded as she was by
  her mother, and threatened by that blackguard O'Toole.  It appears to
  me, that all our hopes now are in finding out the soldier, and his
  wife the wet-nurse, who were sent to India--no doubt with the hope
  that the climate and the fevers may carry them off.  That uncle of
  yours is a great blackguard, every bit of him.  I shall leave here in
  three days, and you must join me at Plymouth.  Make my compliments to
  your father, and my regards to your sister, whom may all the saints
  preserve!  God bless her, for ever and ever.  Amen.

  "Yours ever,

  "Terence O'Brien."

I put this letter into my father's bands when he came out of his room.
"This is a deep-laid plot," said he, "and I think we must immediately do
as O'Brien states--look after the nurse who was sent to India.  Do you
know the regiment to which her husband belongs?"

"Yes, sir," replied I; "it is the 33rd, and she sailed for India about
three months back."

"The name, you say, I think, is O'Sullivan," said he, pulling out his
tablets.  "Well, I will write immediately to Captain Fielding, and beg
him to make the minutest inquiries.  I will also write to your sister
Lucy, for women are much keener than men in affairs of this sort.  If
the regiment is ordered to Ceylon, all the better: if not, he must
obtain furlough to prosecute his inquiries.  When that is done, I will
go myself to Ireland, and try if we cannot trace the other parties."

My father then left the room, and I retired with Ellen to make
preparations for joining my ship at Plymouth.  A letter announcing my
appointment had come down, and I had written to request my commission to
be forwarded to the clerk of the cheque at Plymouth, that I might save a
useless journey to London.  On the following day I parted with my father
and my dear sister, and, without any adventure, arrived at Plymouth
Dock, where I met with O'Brien.  The same day I reported myself to the
admiral, and joined my brig, which was lying alongside the hulk with her
topmasts pointed through.  Returning from the brig, as I was walking up
Fore-street, I observed a fine stout sailor, whose back was turned to
me, reading the handbill which had been posted up everywhere, announcing
that the _Rattlesnake_, Captain O'Brien (about to proceed to the West
India station, where _doubloons_ were so plentiful, that dollars were
only used for ballast), was in want of a _few_ stout hands.  It might
have been said, of a great many; for we had not entered six men, and
were doing all the work with the marines and riggers of the dockyard;
but it is not the custom to show your poverty in this world either with
regard to men or money.  I stopped, and overheard him say, "Ay, as for
the doubloons, that cock won't fight.  I've served long enough in the
West Indies not to be humbugged; but I wonder whether Captain O'Brien
was the second lieutenant of the _Sanglier_.  If so, I shouldn't mind
trying a cruise with him."

I thought that I recollected the voice, and touching him on the
shoulder, he turned round, and it proved to be Swinburne.  "What,
Swinburne!" said I, shaking him by the hand, for I was delighted to see
him, "is it you?"

"Why, Mr Simple!  Well, then, I expect that I'm right, and that Mr
O'Brien is made, and commands this craft.  When you meet the pilot-fish,
the shark ain't far off, you know."

"You're very right, Swinburne," said I, "in all except calling Captain
O'Brien a shark.  He's no shark."

"No, that he ain't except in one way; that is, that I expect he'll soon
show his teeth to the Frenchmen.  But I beg your pardon, sir;" and
Swinburne took off his hat.

"Oh!  I understand: you did not perceive before that I had shipped the
swab.  Yes, I'm lieutenant of the _Rattlesnake_, Swinburne, and hope
you'll join us."

"There's my hand upon it, Mr Simple," said he, smacking his great fist
into mine so as to make it tingle.  "I'm content if I know that the
captain's a good officer; but when there's two, I think myself lucky.
I'll just take a boat, and put my name on the books, and then I'll be on
shore again to spend the rest of my money, and try if I can't pick up a
few hands as volunteers, for I know where they all be stowed away, I was
looking at the craft this morning, and rather took a fancy to her.  She
has a damned pretty run; but I hope Captain O'Brien will take off her
fiddle-head, and get one carved: I never knew a vessel do much with a
_fiddle_-head."

"I rather think that Captain O'Brien has already applied to the
Commissioner on the subject," replied I; "at all events, it won't be
very difficult to make the alteration ourselves."

"To be sure not," replied Swinburne; "a coil of four-inch will make the
body of the snake; I can carve out the head; and as for a _rattle_ be
blessed if I don't rob one of those beggars of watchmen this very night!
So good-bye, Mr Simple, till we meet again."

Swinburne kept his word; he joined the ship that afternoon, and the next
day came off with six good hands, who had been induced from his
representations to join the brig.  "Tell Captain O'Brien," said he to
me, "not to be in too great a hurry to man his ship.  I know where there
are plenty to be had; but I'll try fair means first."  This he did, and
every day almost he brought off a man, and all he did bring off were
good able seamen.  Others volunteered, and we were now more than half
manned, and ready for sea.  The admiral then gave us permission to send
pressgangs on shore.

"Mr Simple," said Swinburne, "I've tried all I can to persuade a lot of
fine chaps to enter, but they won't.  Now I'm resolved that my brig
shall be well manned; and if they don't know what's good for them, I do,
and I'm sure that they'll thank me for it afterwards; so I'm determined
to take every mother's son of them."

The same night, we mustered all Swinburne's men, and went on shore to a
crimp's house which they knew, surrounded it with our marines in blue
jackets, and took out of it twenty-three fine able seamen, which nearly
filled up our complement.  The remainder we obtained by a draft from the
admiral's ship; and I do not believe that there was a vessel that left
Plymouth harbour and anchored in the Sound, better manned than the
_Rattlesnake_.  So much for a good character, which is never lost upon
seamen.

O'Brien was universally liked by those who had sailed with him; and
Swinburne, who knew him well, persuaded many, and forced the others, to
enter with him, whether they liked it or not.  This they in the event
did, and, with the exception of those drafted from the flag-ship, we had
no desertions.  Indeed, none deserted whom we could have wished to
retain, and their vacancies were soon filled up with better men.



CHAPTER FORTY TWO.

WE SAIL FOR THE WEST INDIES--A VOLUNTEER FOR THE SHIP REFUSED AND SENT
ON SHORE AGAIN, FOR REASONS WHICH THE CHAPTER WILL SATISFACTORILY
EXPLAIN TO THE READER.

We were very glad when the master attendant came on board to take us
into the Sound; and still more glad to perceive that the brig, which had
just been launched before O'Brien was appointed to her, appeared to sail
very fast as she ran out.  So it proved after we went to sea; she sailed
wonderfully well, beating every vessel that she met, and overhauling in
a very short time everything that we chased; turning to windward like
magic, and tacking in a moment.  Three days after we anchored in the
Sound, the ship's company were paid, and our sailing orders came down to
proceed with despatches, by next evening's post, to the island of
Jamaica.  We started with a fair wind, and were soon clear of the
Channel.  Our whole time was now occupied in training our new ship's
company at the guns and teaching them to _pull together_; and by the
time that we had run down the trades, we were in a very fair state of
discipline.

The first lieutenant was rather an odd character; his brother was a
sporting man of large property, and he had contracted, from his example,
a great partiality for such pursuits.  He knew the winning horses of the
Derby and the Oaks for twenty years back, was an adept at all athletic
exercises, a capital shot, and had his pointer on board.  In other
respects he was a great dandy in his person, always wore gloves, even on
service, very gentlemanlike and handsome, and not a very bad sailor;
that is, he knew enough to carry on his duty very creditably, and
evidently, now that he was the first lieutenant, and obliged to work,
learnt more of his duty every day.  I never met a more pleasant messmate
or a more honourable young man.  A brig is only allowed two lieutenants.
The master was a rough, kind-hearted, intelligent young man, always in
good-humour.  The surgeon and purser completed our mess; they were men
of no character at all, except, perhaps, that the surgeon was too much
of a courtier, and the purser too much of a skin-flint; but pursers are,
generally speaking, more sinned against than sinning.

But I have been led away, while talking of the brig and the officers,
and had almost forgotten to narrate a circumstance which occurred two
days before we sailed.  I was with O'Brien in the cabin, when Mr
Osbaldistone the first lieutenant, came in, and reported that a boy had
come on board to volunteer for the ship.

"What sort of a lad is he?" said O'Brien.

"A very nice lad--very slight, sir," replied the first lieutenant.  "We
have two vacancies."

"Well, see what you make of him: and if you think he will do, you may
put him on the books."

"I have tried him, sir.  He says that he has been a short time at sea.
I made him mount the main-rigging, but he did not much like it."

"Well, do as you please, Osbaldistone," replied O'Brien.  And the first
lieutenant quitted the cabin.

In about a quarter of an hour he returned.  "If you please, sir," said
he, laughing, "I sent the boy down to the surgeon to be examined, and he
refused to strip.  The surgeon says that he thinks she is a woman I have
had her up on the quarter-deck, and she refused to answer any questions,
and requires to speak with you."

"With me!" said O'Brien, with surprise.  "Oh! one of the men's wives, I
suppose, trying to steal a march upon us.  Well, send her down here,
Osbaldistone, and I'll prove to her the moral impossibility of her
sailing in His Majesty's brig _Rattlesnake_."

In a few minutes, the first lieutenant sent her down to the cabin door,
and I was about to retire as she entered; but O'Brien stopped me.
"Stay, Peter; my reputation will be at stake if I'm left all alone,"
said he, laughing.

The sentry opened the door, and, whether boy or girl, a more interesting
face I never beheld; but the hair was cut close like a boy's, and I
could not tell whether the surgeon's suspicions were correct.

"You wish to speak--holy Saint Patrick!" cried O'Brien, looking
earnestly at her features; and O'Brien covered his face, and bent over
the table, exclaiming, "My God, my God!"

In the meantime, the colour of the young person fled from her
countenance, and then rushed into it again, alternately leaving it pale
and suffused with blushes.  I perceived a trembling over the frame, the
knees shook and knocked together, and had I not hastened, she--for a
female it was--would have fallen on the deck.

I perceived that she had fainted; I therefore laid her down on the deck,
and hastened to obtain some water.  O'Brien ran up, and went to her.

"My poor, poor girl!" said he sorrowfully.  "Oh!  Peter, this is all
your fault."

"All my fault!  How could she have come here?"

"By all the saints who pray for us--dearly as I prize them, I would give
up my ship and my commission, that this could be undone."

As O'Brien hung over her, the tears from his eyes fell upon her face,
while I bathed it with the water I had brought from the dressing-room.
I knew who it must be, although I had never seen her.  It was the girl
to whom O'Brien had professed love, to worm out the secret of the
exchange of my uncle's child; and as I beheld the scene, I could not
help saying to myself, "Who now will assert that evil may be done that
good may come?"  The poor girl showed symptoms of recovering, and
O'Brien waved his hand to me, saying, "Leave us, Peter, and see that no
one comes in."

I remained nearly an hour at the cabin-door, by the sentry, and
prevented many from entering, when O'Brien opened the door, and
requested me to order his gig to be manned, and then to come in.  The
poor girl had evidently been weeping bitterly, and O'Brien was much
affected.

"All is arranged, Peter; you must go on shore with her, and not leave
her till you see her safe off by the night coach.  Do me that favour,
Peter--you ought indeed," continued he, in a low voice, "for you have
been partly the occasion of this."

I shook O'Brien's hand, and made no answer--the boat was reported ready,
and the girl followed me with a firm step.  I pulled on shore, saw her
safe in the coach, without asking her any question, and then returned on
board.

"Come on board, sir," said I, entering the cabin with my hat in my hand,
and reporting myself according to the regulations of the service.

"Thank you," replied O'Brien: "shut the door, Peter.  Tell me, how did
she behave?--what did she say?"

"She never spoke, and I never asked her a question.  She seemed to be
willing to do as you had arranged."

"Sit down, Peter.  I never felt more unhappy, or more disgusted with
myself in all my life.  I feel as if I never could be happy again.  A
sailor's life mixes him up with the worst part of the female sex, and we
do not know the real value of the better.  I little thought when I was
talking nonsense to that poor girl, that I was breaking one of the
kindest hearts in the world, and sacrificing the happiness of one who
would lay down her existence for me, Peter.  Since you have been gone,
it's twenty times that I've looked in the glass just to see whether I
don't look like a villain.  But by the blood of St. Patrick!  I thought
woman's love was just like our own, and that a three months' cruise
would set all to rights again."

"I thought she had gone over to France."

"So did I; but now she has told me all about it.  Father O'Toole and her
mother brought her down to the coast near here, to embark in a smuggling
boat for Dieppe.  When the boat pulled in-shore in the night to take
them in, the mother and the rascally priest got in, but she felt as if
it were leaving the whole world to leave the country I was in, and she
held back.  The officers came down, one or two pistols were fired, the
boat shoved off without her, and she, with their luggage, was left on
the beach.  She went back to the next town with the officers, where she
told the truth of the story, and they let her go.  In Father O'Toole's
luggage she found letters, which she read, and found out that she and
her mother were to have been placed in a convent at Dieppe; and, as the
convent was named in the letters--which she says are important, but I
have not had courage to read them yet--she went to the people from whose
house they had embarked, requesting them to forward the luggage and a
letter to her mother--sending everything but the letters, which she
reserved for me.  She has since received a letter from her mother,
telling her that she is safe and well in the convent, and begging her to
come over to her as soon as possible.  The mother took the vows a week
after she arrived there, so we know where to find her, Peter."

"And where is the poor girl going to stay now, O'Brien?"

"That's all the worst part of it.  It appears that she hoped not to be
found out till after we had sailed, and then to have--as she said, poor
thing!--to have laid at my feet and watched over me in the storms; but I
pointed out to her that it was not permitted, and could not be, and that
I would not be allowed to marry her.  Oh, Peter! this is a very sad
business," continued O'Brien, passing his hand across his eyes.

"Well, but, O'Brien, what is to become of the poor girl?"

"She is going home to be with my father and mother, hoping one day that
I shall come back and marry her.  I have written to Father McGrath to
see what he can do."

"Have you then not undeceived her?"

"Father McGrath must do that, I could not.  It would have been the death
of her.  It would have stabbed her to the heart, and it's not for me to
give that blow.  I'd sooner have died--sooner have married her, than
have done it, Peter.  Perhaps when I'm far away she'll bear it better.
Father McGrath will manage it."

"O'Brien, I don't like that Father McGrath."

"Well, Peter, you maybe right; I don't exactly like all he says myself;
but what is a man to do?--either he is a Catholic, and believes as a
Catholic, or he is not one.  Will I abandon my religion, now that it is
persecuted?  Never, Peter; I hope not, without I find a much better, at
all events.  Still, I do not like to feel that this advice of my
confessor is at variance with my own conscience.  Father McGrath is a
wordly man; but that only proves that he is wrong, not that our religion
is--and I don't mind speaking to you on this subject.  No one knows that
I'm a Catholic except yourself: and at the Admiralty they never asked me
to take that oath which I never would have taken, although Father
McGrath says I may take any oath I please with what he calls heretics,
and he will grant me absolution.  Peter, my dear fellow, say no more
about it."

I did not; but I may as well end the history of poor Ella Flanagan at
once, as she will not appear again.  About three months afterwards, we
received a letter from Father McGrath, stating that the girl had arrived
safe, and had been a great comfort to O'Brien's father and mother, who
wished her to remain with them altogether; that Father McGrath had told
her that when a man took his commission as captain it was all the same
as going into a monastery as a monk, for he never could marry.  The poor
girl believed him, and thinking that O'Brien was lost to her for ever,
with the advice of Father McGrath, had entered as a nun in one of the
religious houses in Ireland, that, as she said, she might pray for him
night and day.  Many years afterwards, we heard of her--she was well,
and not unhappy but O'Brien never forgot his behaviour to this poor
girl.  It was a source of continual regret; and I believe, until the
last day of his existence, his heart smote him for his inconsiderate
conduct towards her.  But I must leave this distressing topic, and
return to the _Rattlesnake_, which had now arrived at the West Indies,
and joined the admiral at Jamaica.



CHAPTER FORTY THREE.

DESCRIPTION OF THE COAST OF MARTINIQUE--POPPED AT FOR PEEPING--NO
HEROISM IN MAKING ONESELF A TARGET--BOARD A MINIATURE NOAH'S ARK, UNDER
YANKEE COLOURS--CAPTURE A FRENCH SLAVER--PARROT SOUP IN LIEU OF MOCK
TURTLE.

We found orders at Barbadoes to cruise off Martinique, to prevent
supplies being furnished to the garrison of the island, and we proceeded
there immediately.  I do not know anything more picturesque than running
down the east side of this beautiful island--the ridges of hill
spreading down to the water's edge, covered with the freshest verdure,
divided at the base by small bays, with the beach of dazzling white
sand, and where the little coasting vessels, employed to bring the sugar
from the neighbouring estates, were riding at an anchor.  Each hill, at
its ajutment towards the sea, was crowned with a fort, on which waves
the tri-colour--certainly, in appearance, one of the most warlike flags
in the world.

On the third morning, we had rounded the Diamond Rock, and were scudding
along the lee-side of the island, just opening Fort Royal bay, when,
hauling rather too close round its eastern entrance, formed by a
promontory called Solomon's Point, which was covered with brushwood, we
found ourselves nearer than agreeable to a newly-constructed battery.  A
column of smoke was poured along the blue water, and it was followed by
the whizzing of a shot, which passed through our boom mainsail, first
cutting away the dog-vane, which was close to old Swinburne's head, as
he stood on the carronade, conning the brig.  I was at dinner in the
cabin with O'Brien and the first lieutenant.

"Where the devil have they got the brig now?" said O'Brien, rising from
his chair, and going on deck.

We both followed; but before we were on deck, three or four more shots
passed between the masts.  "If you please, sir," said the master's mate
in charge of the deck, whose name was O'Farrel, "the battery has opened
upon us."

"Thank you very much for your information, Mr O'Farrel," replied
O'Brien; "but the French have _reported_ it before you.  May I ask if
you've any particular fancy to be made a target of, or if you think that
His Majesty's brig _Rattlesnake_ was sent here to be riddled for nothing
at all?  Starboard the helm, quarter-master."

The helm was put up, and the brig was soon run out of the fire; not,
however, until a few more shot were pitched close to us; and one carried
away the fore-topmast backstay.

"No, Mr O'Farrel," replied O'Brien, "I only wish to point out to you,
that I trust neither I nor any one in this ship cares a fig about the
whizzing of a shot or two about our ears, when there is anything to be
gained for it, either for ourselves or for our country; but I do care a
great deal about losing even the leg, or the arm, much more the life of
any of my men, when there's no occasion for it; so in future, recollect
it's no disgrace to keep out of the way of a battery, when all the
advantage is on their side I've always observed that chance shots pick
out the best men.  Lower down the mainsail and send the sailmaker aft to
repair it."

When O'Brien returned to the cabin, I remained on deck, for it was my
afternoon watch; and although O'Farrel had permission to look out for
me, I did not choose to go down again.  The bay of Fort Royal was now
opened, and the view was extremely beautiful.  Swinburne was still on
the carronade, and as I knew he had been there before, I applied to him
for information as to the _locale_.  He told me the names of the
batteries above the town, pointed out Fort Edward, and Negro Point, and
particularly Pigeon Island, the battery at the top of which wore the
appearance of a mural crown.

"It's well I remember that place, Mr Simple," said he.  "It was in '94
when I was last here.  The sodgers had 'sieged it for a whole month, and
were about to give it up, 'cause they couldn't get a gun up on that 'ere
hill you sees there.  So poor Captain Faulkner says, `There's many a
clear head under a tarpaulin hat, and I'll give any chap five doubloons
that will hitch up a twenty-four pounder to the top of that hill.'  Not
quite so easy a matter, as you may perceive from here, Mr Simple."

"It certainly appears to me to have been almost impossible, Swinburne,"
replied I.

"And so it did to most of us, Mr Simple; but there was one Dick Smith,
mate of a transport, who had come on shore, and he steps out, saying,
`I've been looking at your men handling that gun, and my opinion is,
that if you gets a butt, crams in a carronade, well woulded up, and fill
it with old junk and rope yarns, you might parbuckle it up to the very
top.'  So Captain Faulkner pulls out five doubloons, and gives them to
him, saying, `You deserve the money for the hint, even if it don't
succeed.'  But it did succeed, Mr Simple; and the next day, to their
surprise, we opened fire on the French beggars, and soon brought their
boasting down.  One of the French officers, after he was taken prisoner,
axed me how we had managed to get the gun up there but I wasn't going to
blow the gaff, so I told him as a great secret, that we got it up with a
kite; upon which he opened all his eyes, and crying `_Sacre bleu_!'
walked away, believing all I said was true; but a'n't that a sail we
have opened with the point, Mr Simple?"

It was so, and I reported it to O'Brien, who came up, and gave chase.
In half-an-hour we were alongside of her, when she hoisted American
colours, and proved to be a brigantine laden up to her gunwale, which
was not above a foot out of the water.  Her cargo consisted of what the
Americans called _notions_; that is, in English, an assorted cargo.
Halfway up her masts, down to the deck, were hung up baskets containing
apples, potatoes, onions, and nuts of various kinds.  Her deck was
crowded with cattle, sheep, pigs, and donkeys.  Below was full of
shingle lumber, and a variety of different articles too numerous to
mention.  I boarded her, and asked the master whither he was bound.

"Why," replied he, "I'm bound for a market--nowise particular; and I
guess you won't stop me."

"Not if all's right," replied I; "but I must look at your log."

"Well, I've a notion there's no great objection to that," replied he;
and he brought it up on deck.

I had no great time to examine it, but I could not help being amused at
the little I did read, such as--"Horse latitudes--water very short--
killed white-faced bullock--caught a dolphin, and ate him for dinner--
broached molasses cask, Number 1, letter A.  Fine night--saw little
round things floating on the water--took up a bucket full--guessed they
were pearls--judge I guessed wrong, only little Portuguese men-of-war--
threw them overboard again--heard a scream, guessed it was a mermaid--
looked out, saw nothing.  Witnessed a very strange rippling a-head--
calculated it might be the sea-serpent--stood on to see him plain, and
nearly ran on Barbuda.  Hauled off again--met a Britisher--treated
_politely_."

Having overhauled his log, I then begged to overhaul his men, to
ascertain if there were any Englishmen among his crew.  This was not
pleasing, and he grumbled very much; but they were ordered aft.  One man
I was satisfied was an Englishman, and told him so; but the man, as well
as the master, persisted to the contrary.  Nevertheless I resolved to
take him on board for O'Brien to decide, and ordered him into the boat.

"Well, if you will use force, I can't help it: my decks a'n't clear, as
you see, or else--I tell you what, Mr Lieutenant, your vessel there
will be another Hermione, I've a notion, if you presses true-blooded
Yankees; and what's more, the States will take it up, as sure as there's
snakes in Virginny."

Notwithstanding this remonstrance, I took them on board to O'Brien, who
had a long conversation with the American in the cabin.  When they
returned on deck, he was allowed to depart with his man, and we again
made sail.  I had the first watch that night, and as we ran along the
coast, I perceived a vessel under the high land, in what the sailors
called the _doldrums_; this is, almost becalmed, or her sails flapping
about in every direction with the eddying winds.  We steered for her,
and were very soon in the same situation, not more than a quarter of a
mile from her.  The quarter-boat was lowered down, and I proceeded to
board her; but as she was large and rakish, O'Brien desired me to be
careful, and if there were the least show of resistance to return.

As I pulled up to her bows, they hailed me in French, and desired me to
keep off, or they would fire.  This was quite sufficient; and, in
obedience to my orders, I returned to the brig and reported to O'Brien.
We lowered down all the quarter-boats, and towed round the brig's
broadside to her, and then gave her half-a-dozen carronades of round and
grape.  Hearing great noise and confusion on board, after we had ceased
firing, O'Brien again sent me to know if they had surrendered.  They
replied in the affirmative; and I boarded her.  She proved to be the
_Commerce de Bordeaux_, with three hundred and thirty slaves on board,
out of five hundred embarked from the coast, bound to Martinique.  The
crew were very sickly, and were most of them in their hammocks.
Latterly, they had been killing parrots to make soup for them; a few
that were left, of the grey species, spoke remarkably well.  When they
left the coast, they had nearly one thousand parrots on board.

O'Brien perceiving that I had taken possession, sent another boat to
know what the vessel was.  I desired the surgeon to be sent on board, as
some of the men, and many of the poor slaves, were wounded by our shot.
Of all the miserable objects, I know of none to be compared to the poor
devils of slaves on board of a slave-vessel; the state of suffocation
between decks--the dreadful stench arising from their filth, which is
hardly ever cleared away--the sick lying without help, and looked upon
by those who are stronger with the utmost indifference--men, women and
children, all huddled and crowded together in a state of nudity, worn to
skin and bone from stench, starvation, and living in an atmosphere that
none but a negro could exist in.  If all that occurs on a slave-ship
were really known, I think it would be acknowledged that to make the
slave-trade piracy would be nothing more than a just retribution; and
this is certain, that unless it be made piracy, it never will be
discontinued.

By daylight the vessel was ready, and O'Brien determined to take her to
Dominica, so that the poor devils might be immediately set on shore.  We
anchored with her, in a few days, in Prince Rupert's Bay, where we only
had twenty-four hours, to obtain some refreshments and arrange about our
prize, which I hardly need say was of some value.

During the short time that I was on shore, purchasing some fowls and
vegetables for O'Brien and our own mess, I was amused at witnessing a
black sergeant drilling some of his regiment of free negroes and
mulattoes.  He appeared resolved to make the best appearance that he
could, for he began by saying, "You hab shoe and 'tocking, stand in
front--you hab shoe no 'tocking, stand in centre--you hab no shoe no
'tocking, stand in um rear.  Face to mountain--back to sea-beach.  Why
you no 'tep out, sar?--you hangman!"

I was curious to count the numbers qualified for the front rank; there
were only two mulattoes.  In the second rank there were also only two.
No shoe and no 'tocking appeared to be the fashion.  As usual, we were
surrounded by the negroes; and although we had been there but a few
hours, they had a song composed for us, which they constantly repeated:

  "Don't you see the _Rattlesnake_
  Coming under sail?
  Don't you see the _Rattlesnake_
  With prizes at um tail?--
  _Rattlesnake_ hab all the money, ding ding--
  She shall hab all that's funny, ding, ding!"



CHAPTER FORTY FOUR.

MONEY CAN PURCHASE ANYTHING IN THE NEW COUNTRY--AMERICAN INFORMATION NOT
ALWAYS TO BE DEPENDED UPON--A NIGHT ATTACK; WE ARE BEATEN OFF--IT PROVES
A "CUT UP," INSTEAD OF A "CUT OUT"--AFTER ALL, WE SAVE SOMETHING OUT OF
THE FIRE.

The next morning we weighed anchor, and returned to our station off
Martinique.  We had run within three miles of St. Pierre's, when we
discovered a vessel coming out under jury-masts.  She steered directly
for us, and we made her out to be the American brigantine which we had
boarded some time before.  O'Brien sent a boat to bring the master of
her on board.

"Well, captain," said he, "so you met with a squall?"

"I calculate not," replied he.

"Why, then, what the devil have you been about?"

"Why, I guess I sold all my cargo, and, what's more, I've sold my
masts."

"Sold your masts! whom did you sell them to?"

"To an almighty pretty French privateer lying in St. Pierre's, which had
lost her spars when she was chased by one of your brass-bottomed
sarpents; and I've a notion they paid pretty handsomely too."

"But how do you mean to get home again?"

"I calculate to get into the _stream_, and then I'll do very well.  If I
meet a nor-wester, why then I'll make a signal of distress, and some one
will tow me in, I guess."

"Well," replied O'Brien, "but step down into the cabin, and take
something, captain."

"With particular pleasure," replied this strange mortal; and down they
went.

In about half-an-hour, they returned on deck, and the boat took the
American on board.  Soon afterwards, O'Brien desired Osbaldistone and
myself to step down into the cabin.  The chart of the harbour of St.
Pierre's lay on the table, and O'Brien said, "I have had a long
conversation with the American, and he states that the privateer is at
anchor in this spot" (pointing to a pencil-mark on the chart).  "If so,
she is well out; and I see no difficulty in capturing her.  You see that
she lies in four fathoms water, and so close under the outer battery,
that the guns could not be pointed down upon the boats.  I have also
inquired if they keep a good look-out, and the American says that they
feel so secure, that they keep no look-out at all; that the captain and
officers belonging to her are on shore all night, drinking, smoking, and
boasting of what they will do.  Now the question is, whether this report
be correct.  The American has been well-treated by us, and I see no
reason to doubt him; indeed he gave the information voluntarily, as if
he wished to serve us."

I allowed Osbaldistone to speak first; he coincided with O'Brien, I did
not: the very circumstance of her requiring new masts made me doubt the
truth of his assertion, as to where she lay; and if one part of his
story were false, why not the whole?  O'Brien appeared struck with my
argument, and it was agreed that if the boats did go away, it should be
for a reconnaissance, and that the attempt should only be made, provided
it was found that the privateer lay in the same spot pointed out by the
American master.  It was, however, decided that the reconnaissance
should take place that very night, as allowing the privateer to be
anchored on the spot supposed, there was every probability that she
would not remain there, but haul further in, to take in her new masts.
The news that an expedition was at hand was soon circulated through the
ship, and all the men had taken their cutlasses from the capstan to get
them ready for action.  The fighting boats' crews, without orders, were
busy with their boats, some cutting up old blankets to muffle the oars,
others making new grummets.  The ship's company were as busy as bees,
bustling and buzzing about the decks, and reminding you of the agitation
which takes place in a hive previous to a swarm.  At last Osbaldistone
came on deck, and ordered the boats' crews to be piped away, and prepare
for service.  I was to have the command of the expedition in the
launch--I had charge of the first cutter--O'Farrel of the second, and
Swinburne had the charge of the jolly-boat.  At dusk, the head of the
brig was again turned towards St. Pierre's, and we ran slowly in.  At
ten we hove-to, and about eleven the boats were ordered to haul up,
O'Brien repeating his orders to Mr Osbaldistone, not to make the
attempt if the privateer were found to be anchored close to the town.
The men were all mustered on the quarter-deck, to ascertain if they had
the distinguishing mark on their jackets, that is, square patches of
canvas sewed on the left arm, so that we might recognise friend from
foe--a very necessary precaution in a night expedition; and then they
were manned, and ordered to shove off.  The oars were dropped in the
water, throwing out a phosphorescent light, so common in that climate,
and away we went.  After an hour's pulling, Osbaldistone lay on his oars
in the launch, and we closed with him.

"We are now at the mouth of the harbour," said he, "and the most perfect
silence must be observed."

"At the mouth of the harbour, sir!" said Swinburne; "I reckon we are
more than half-way in; we passed the point at least ten minutes ago, and
this is the second battery we are now abreast of."

To this Osbaldistone did not agree, nor indeed did I think that
Swinburne was right; but he persisted in it, and pointed out to us the
lights in the town, which were now all open to us, and which would not
be the case if we were only at the mouth of the harbour.  Still we were
of a different opinion, and Swinburne, out of respect to his officers,
said no more.

We resumed our oars, pulling with the greatest caution; the night was
intensely dark, and we could distinguish nothing.  After pulling ten
minutes more, we appeared to be close to the lights in the town; still
we could see no privateer or any other vessel.  Again we lay upon our
oars, and held a consultation.  Swinburne declared that if the privateer
lay where we supposed, we had passed her long ago; but while we were
debating, O'Farrel cried out, "I see her;" and he was right--she was not
more than a cable's length from us.  Without waiting for orders,
O'Farrel desired his men to give way, and dashed alongside of the
privateer.  Before he was half-way on board of her, lights flew about in
every direction, and a dozen muskets were discharged.  We had nothing to
do but to follow him, and in a few seconds we were all alongside of her;
but she was well prepared and on the alert.  Boarding nettings were
triced up all round, every gun had been depressed as much as possible,
and she appeared to be full of men.  A scene of confusion and slaughter
now occurred, which I trust never again to witness.  All our attempts to
get on board were unavailing; if we tried at a port, a dozen pikes
thrust us back; if we attempted the boarding nettings, we were thrown
down, killed or wounded, into the boats.  From every port, and from the
decks of the privateer, the discharge of musketry was incessant.
Pistols were protruded and fired in our faces, while occasionally her
carronades went off, stunning us with their deafening noise, and rocking
the boats in the disturbed water, if they had no other effect.

For ten minutes our exertions never ceased; at last, with half our
numbers lying killed and wounded in the bottom of the boats, the men,
worn out and dispirited at their unavailing attempts, sat down most of
them on the boats' thwarts, loading their muskets, and discharging them
into the ports.  Osbaldistone was among the wounded; and perceiving that
he was not in the launch, of whose crew not six remained, I called to
Swinburne, who was alongside of me, and desired him to tell the other
boats to make the best of their way out of the harbour.  This was soon
communicated to the survivors, who would have continued the unequal
contest to the last man, if I had not given the order.  The launch and
second cutter shoved off--O'Farrel also having fallen; and, as soon as
they were clear of the privateer, and had got their oars to pass, I
proceeded to do the same, amidst the shots and yells of the Frenchmen,
who now jumped on their gunwale and pelted us with their musketry,
cheering and mocking us.

"Stop, sir," cried Swinburne, "we'll have a bit of revenge;" so saying,
he hauled-to the launch, and wending her bow to the privateer, directed
her carronade--which they had no idea that we had on board, as we had
not fired it--to where the Frenchmen were crowded the thickest.

"Stop one moment, Swinburne; put another dose of cannister in."  We did
so, and then discharged the gun, which had the most murderous effect,
bringing the major part of them down upon the deck.  I feel convinced,
from the cries and groans which followed, that if we had had a few more
men, we might have returned and captured the privateer; but it was too
late.  The batteries were all lighted up, and although they could not
see the boats, fired in the direction where they supposed us to be; for
they were aware, from the shouting on board the vessel, that we had been
beaten off.  The launch had but six hands capable of taking an oar; the
first cutter had but four.  In my own boat I had five.  Swinburne had
two besides himself in the jolly-boat.

"This is a sorry business, sir," said Swinburne; "now what's best to he
done?  My idea is, that we had better put all the wounded men into the
launch, man the two cutters and jolly-boat, and tow her off.  And, Mr
Simple, instead of keeping on this side, as they will expect in the
batteries, let us keep close inshore, upon the near side, and their shot
will pass over us."

This advice was too good not to be followed.  It was now two o'clock,
and we had a long pull before us, and no time to lose.  We lifted the
dead bodies and the wounded men out of the two cutters and jolly-boat
into the launch.  I had no time for examination, but I perceived that
O'Farrel was quite dead, and also a youngster of the name of Pepper, who
must have smuggled himself into the boats.  I did, however, look for
Osbaldistone, and found him in the stern sheets of the launch.  He had
received a deep wound in the breast, apparently with a pike.  He was
sensible, and asked me for a little water, which I procured from the
breaker, which was in the launch, and gave it to him.  At the word
water, and hearing it poured out from the breaker, many of the wounded
men faintly called out for some.  Having no time to spare, I left two
men in the launch, one to steer, and the other to give them water, and
then taking her in tow, pulled directly in for the batteries, as advised
by Swinburne, who now sat alongside of me.

As soon as we were well in-shore, I pulled out of the harbour, with
feelings not by any means enviable.  Swinburne said to me in a low
voice, "This will be a hard blow for the captain, Mr Simple.  I've
always been told, that a young captain losing his men without bringing
any dollars to his admiral, is not very well received."

"I am more sorry for him than I can well express, Swinburne," replied I;
"but--what is that a-head--a vessel under weigh?"

Swinburne stood up in the stern of the cutter, and looked for a few
seconds.  "Yes, a large ship standing in under royals--she must be a
Frenchman.  Now's our time, sir; so long as we don't go out
empty-handed, all will be well.  Oars all of you.  Shall we cast off the
launch, sir?"

"Yes," replied I, "and now, my lads, let us only have that vessel, and
we shall do.  She is a merchantman, that's clear (not that I was sure of
it), Swinburne, I think it will be better to let her pass us in-shore;
they will all be looking out of the other side, for they must have seen
the firing."

"Well thought of, sir," replied Swinburne.

We lay on our oars, and let her pass us, which she did, creeping in at
the rate of two miles an hour.  We then pulled for her quarter in the
three boats, leaving the launch behind us, and boarded.  As we premised,
the crew were on deck, and all on the other side of the vessel, so
anxiously looking at the batteries, which were still firing occasional
random shot, that they did not perceive us until we were close to them,
and then they had no time to seize their arms.  There were several
ladies on board: some of the people protected them, others ran below.
In two minutes we had possession of her, and had put her head the other
way.  To our surprise we found that she mounted fourteen guns.  One
hatch we left open for the ladies, some of whom had fainted, to be taken
down below; the others were fastened down by Swinburne.  As soon as we
had the deck to ourselves, we manned one of the cutters, and sent it for
the launch; and as soon as she was made fast alongside, we had time to
look about us.  The breeze freshened, and, in half-an-hour we were out
of gun-shot of all the batteries.  I then had the wounded men taken out
of the launch, and Swinburne and the other men bound up their wounds,
and made them as comfortable as they could.



CHAPTER FORTY FIVE.

SOME REMARKABLE OCCURRENCES TAKE PLACE IN THE LETTER OF MARQUE--OLD
FRIENDS WITH IMPROVED FACES--THE CAPTOR A CAPTIVE; BUT NOT CARRIED AWAY,
THOUGH THE CAPTIVE IS, BY THE SHIP'S BOAT--THE WHOLE CHAPTER A MIXTURE
OF LOVE, WAR, AND MERCHANDISE.

We had had possession of the vessel about an hour, when the man who was
sentry over the hatchway told me that one of the prisoners wished to
speak with the English commanding officer, and asked leave to come on
deck.  I gave permission, and a gentleman came up, stating that he was a
passenger; that the ship was a letter of marque, from Bordeaux; that
there were seven lady passengers on board, who had come out to join
their husbands and families; and that he trusted I would have no
objection to put them on shore, as women could hardly be considered as
objects of warfare.  As I knew that O'Brien would have done so, and that
he would be glad to get rid of both women and prisoners if he could, I
replied, "Most certainly;" that I would heave-to, that they might not
have so far to pull on shore, and that I would permit the ladies and
other passengers to go on shore.  I begged that they would be as quick
as possible in getting their packages ready, and that I would give them
two of the boats belonging to the ship, with a sufficient number of
French seamen belonging to her to man the boats.

The Frenchman was very grateful, thanked me in the name of the ladies,
and went down below to impart the intelligence.  I then hove-to, lowered
down the boats from the quarters, and waited for them to come up.  It
was daylight before they were ready, but that I did not care about; I
saw the brig in the offing about seven miles off, and I was well clear
of the batteries.

At last they made their appearance, one by one coming up the ladder,
escorted by French gentlemen.  They had to wait while the packages and
bundles were put into the boats.  The first sight which struck them with
horror was the many dead and wounded Englishmen lying on the decks.
Expressing their commiseration, I told them we had attempted to take the
privateer and had been repulsed, and that it was coming out of the
harbour that I had fallen in with their ship and captured it.  All the
ladies had severally thanked me for my kindness in giving them their
liberty, except one, whose eyes were fixed upon the wounded men, when
the French gentleman went up to her, and reminded her that she had not
expressed her thanks to the commanding officer.

She turned round to me--I started back.  I certainly had seen that face
before--I could not be mistaken; yet she had now grown up into a
beautiful young woman.  "Celeste," said I, trembling.  "Are you not
Celeste?"

"Yes," replied she, looking earnestly at me, as if she would discover
who I was, but which it was not very easy to do, begrimed as my face was
with dust and gunpowder.

"Have you forgotten Peter Simple?"

"O! no--no--never forgot you!" cried Celeste, bursting into tears, and
holding out her hands.

This scene occasioned no small astonishment to the parties on deck, who
could not comprehend it.  She smiled through her tears, as I told her
how happy I was to have the means of being of service to her.  "And
where is the colonel?" said I.

"There," replied she, pointing to the island; "he is now general, and
commands the force in the garrison.  And where is Mr O'Brien?"
interrogated Celeste.

"There," replied I; "he commands that man-of-war, of which I am the
second lieutenant."

A rapid exchange of inquiries took place, and the boats were stopped
while we were in conversation.  Swinburne reported that the brig was
standing in for us, and I felt that in justice to the wounded I could no
longer delay.  Still I found time to press her hand, to thank her for
the purse she had given me when I was on the stilts, and to tell her
that I had never forgotten her, and never would.  With many remembrances
to her father, I was handing her into the boat, when she said, "I don't
know whether I am right to ask it, but you could do me such a favour."

"What is it, Celeste?"

"You have allowed more than one-half of the men to pull us on shore;
some must remain, and they are so miserable--indeed it is hardly yet
decided which of them are to go.  Could you let them all go?"

"That I will, for your sake, Celeste.  As soon as your two boats have
shoved off, I will lower down the boat astern, and send the rest after
you; but I must make sail now--God bless you!"

The boats then shoved off, the passengers waving their handkerchiefs to
us, and I made sail for the brig.  As soon as the stern-boat was
alongside, the rest of the crew were called up and put into her, and
followed their companions.  I felt that O'Brien would not be angry with
me for letting them all go; and especially when I told him who begged
for them.  The vessel's name was the _Victorine_, mounting fourteen
guns, and twenty-four men, with eleven passengers.  She was chiefly
laden with silks and wine, and was a very valuable prize.  Celeste had
time to tell me that her father had been four years in Martinique, and
had left her at home for her education; and that she was then coming out
to join him.  The other ladies were all wives or daughters of officers
of the French garrison on the island, and the gentlemen passengers were
some of them French officers; but as this was told me in secrecy, of
course I was not bound to know it, as they were not in uniform.

As soon as we had closed with the brig, I hastened on board to O'Brien,
and as soon as a fresh supply of hands to man the boat, and the surgeon
and his assistant had been despatched on board of the prize, to
superintend the removal of the wounded, I went down with him into the
cabin, and narrated what had occurred.

"Well," said O'Brien, "all's well that ends well; but this is not the
luckiest hit in the world.  Your taking the ship has saved me, Peter;
and I must make as flourishing a despatch as I can.  By the powers but
it's very lucky that she has fourteen guns--it sounds grand.  I must
muddle it all up together, so that the admiral must think we intended to
cut them both out--and so we did, sure enough, if we had known she had
been there.  But I am most anxious to hear the surgeon's report, and
whether poor Osbaldistone will do well.  Peter, oblige me by going on
board, and put two marines sentry over the hatchway, so that no one goes
down and pulls the traps about; for I'll send on shore everything
belonging to the passengers, for Colonel O'Brien's sake."

The surgeon's report was made--six killed and sixteen wounded.  The
killed were, O'Farrel and Pepper, midshipmen, two seamen, and two
marines.  The first lieutenant, Osbaldistone, was severely wounded in
three places, but likely to do well; five other men were dangerously
wounded; the other ten would, in all probability, return to their duty
in less than a month.  As soon as the wounded were on board, O'Brien
returned with me to the prize, and we went down into the cabin.  All the
passengers' effects were collected; the trunks which had been left open
were nailed down: and O'Brien wrote a handsome letter to General
O'Brien, containing a list of the packages sent on shore.  We sent the
launch with a flag of truce to the nearest battery; after some demur it
was accepted, and the effects landed.  We did not wait for an answer,
but made all sail to join the admiral at Barbadoes.

The next morning we buried those who had fallen.  O'Farrel was a fine
young man, brave as a lion, but very hot in his temper.  He would have
made a good officer had he been spared.  Poor little Pepper was also
much regretted.  He was but twelve years old.  He had bribed the bowman
of the second cutter to allow him to conceal himself under the
foresheets of the boat.  His day's allowance of spirits had purchased
him this object of his ambition, which ended so fatally.  But as soon as
the bodies had disappeared under the wave, and the service was over, we
all felt happier.  There is something very unpleasant, particularly to
sailors, in having a corpse on board.

We now sailed merrily along, the prize keeping company with us; and,
before we reached Barbadoes, most of the men were convalescent.
Osbaldistone's wounds were, however, very severe; and he was recommended
to return home, which he did, and obtained his promotion as soon as he
arrived.  He was a pleasant messmate, and I was sorry to lose him:
although--the lieutenant appointed in his room being junior to me--I was
promoted to be first lieutenant of the brig.  Soon after Osbaldistone
went home, his brother broke his neck when hunting, and Osbaldistone
came into the property.  He then quitted the service.

We found the admiral at Barbadoes, who received O'Brien and his despatch
very well.  O'Brien had taken two good prizes, and that was sufficient
to cover a multitude of sins, even if he had committed any; but the
despatch was admirably written, and the admiral, in his letter to the
Admiralty, commented upon Captain O'Brien's successful and daring
attack; whereas, if the truth had been known, it was Swinburne's advice
of pulling up the weather shore, which was the occasion of our capturing
the _Victorine_; but it was very hard to come at the real truth of these
sort of things, as I found out during the time that I was in His
Majesty's service.



CHAPTER FORTY SIX.

O'BRIEN TELLS HIS CREW THAT ONE ENGLISHMAN IS AS GOOD AS THREE FRENCHMEN
ON SALT WATER--THEY PROVE IT--WE FALL IN WITH AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE,
ALTHOUGH SHE COULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS A FRIEND.

Our next cruise was on the coast of Guinea and Gulf of Mexico where we
were running up and down for three months, without falling in with
anything but West Indiamen bound to Demerara, Berbice, and Surinam, and
occasionally chasing a privateer; but in the light winds they were too
fast for us.  Still we were useful in protecting the trade, and O'Brien
had a letter of thanks from the merchants, and a handsome piece of plate
upon his quitting the station.  We had made sail for Barbadoes two days,
and were within sight of the island of Trinidad, when we perceived six
sail on the lee-bow.  We soon made them out to be three large ships and
three schooners; and immediately guessed, which afterwards proved to be
correct, that they were three privateers, with West India ships which
they had captured.  We made all sail, and at first the three privateers
did the same; but afterwards, having made out our force, and not liking
to abandon their prizes, they resolved to fight.  The West Indiamen
hauled to the wind on the other tack, and the three privateers shortened
sail and awaited our coming.  We beat to quarters, and when everything
was ready, and we were within a mile of the enemy, who had now thrown
out the tricoloured flag, O'Brien ordered all the men aft on the
quarter-deck, and addressed them: "Now, my men, you see that there are
three privateers, and you also see that there are three Indiamen, which
they have captured.  As for the privateers, it's just a fair match for
you--one Englishman can always beat three Frenchmen.  We must lick the
privateers for honour and glory, and we must re-capture the ships for
profit, because you'll all want some money when you get on shore again.
So you've just half-a-dozen things to do, and then we'll pipe to
dinner."

This harangue suited the sailors very well, and they returned to their
guns.  "Now, Peter," said O'Brien, "just call away the sail-trimmers
from the guns, for I mean to fight these fellows under sail, and
out-manoeuvre them, if I can.  Tell Mr Webster I want to speak with
him."

Mr Webster was the second lieutenant, a very steady, quiet, young man,
and a good officer.

"Mr Webster," said O'Brien, "remember that all the foremost guns must
be very much depressed.  I prefer that the shot should strike the water
before it reaches them, rather than it should go over them.  See that
your screws are run up at once, and I will take care that no broadside
is thrown away.  Starboard, Swinburne."

"Starboard it is, sir."

"Steady; so--that's right for the stern of the leeward vessel."

We were within two cable lengths of the privateers, who still remained
hove-to within half a cable's length of each other.  They were very
large schooners, full of men, with their boarding netting triced up, and
showing a very good set of teeth; as it afterwards proved, one mounted
sixteen, and the other two fourteen, guns.

"Now, my lads, over to the lee guns, and fire as they bear, when we
round-to.  Hands by the lee head-braces, and jib-sheet, stretch along
the weather braces.  Quarter-master abaft, tend the boom-sheet.  Port
hard, Swinburne."

"Port it is, sir," replied Swinburne; and the brig rounded up on the
wind, shooting up under the sterns of the two weathermost schooners, and
discharging the broadside into them as the guns bore.

"Be smart and load, my lads, and stand by the same guns.  Round in the
weather head-braces.  Peter, I don't want her to go about.  Stand by to
haul over the boom-sheet, when she pays off.  Swinburne, helm
a-midships."

By this time another broadside was poured into the schooner, who had not
yet returned our fire, which, having foolishly remained hove to the
wind, they could not do.  The brig had now stern way, and O'Brien then
executed a very skilful manoeuvre: he shifted the helm, and made a stern
board, so as to back in between the two weather schooners and the one to
leeward, bracing round at the same time on the other tack.

"Man both sides, my lads, and give them our broadsides as we pass."

The men stationed to the starboard guns flew over, and the other side
being again loaded, we exchanged broadsides with the leeward and one of
the windward schooners, the brig continuing her stern way until we
passed a-head of them.  By the time that we had reloaded, the brig had
gathered headway, and again passed between the same two schooners,
giving broadsides, and then passing astern of them.

"Capital, my lads--capital!" said O'Brien; "this is what I call good
fighting."  And so it was; for O'Brien had given two raking broadsides,
and four others, receiving only two in return, for the schooners were
not ready for us when we passed between them the last time.

The smoke had now rolled away to leeward, and we were able to see the
effect of our broadsides.  The middle schooner had lost her main-boom,
and appeared very much cut up in the hull.  The schooner to leeward did
not appear to have suffered much; but they now perceived their error,
and made sail.  They had expected that we should have run in between
them, and fought broadside to broadside, by which means the weathermost
schooner would have taken a raking position, while the others engaged us
to windward and to leeward.  Our own damages were trifling--two men
slightly wounded, and one main shroud cut away.  We ran about
half-a-mile astern from them; then with both broadsides ready, we
tacked, and found that, as we expected, we could weather the whole of
them.  This we did; O'Brien running the brig within biscuit-throw of the
weather schooner, engaging him broadside to broadside, with the
advantage that the other two could not fire a shot into us without
standing a chance of striking their consort.  If he made more sail, so
did we; if he shortened, so did we, so as to keep our position with
little variation.  The schooner fought well; but her metal was not to be
compared with our thirty-two pound carronades, which ploughed up her
sides at so short a distance, driving two ports into one.  At last her
foremast went by the board, and she dropped astern.  In the meantime the
other schooners had both tacked, and were coming up under our stern to
rake us, but the accident which happened to the one we had engaged left
us at liberty.  We knew that she could not escape, so we tacked and
engaged the other two, nearing them as fast as we could.  The breeze now
sprang up fast, and O'Brien put up the helm and passed between them,
giving them both a raking broadside of grape and cannister, which
brought the sticks about their ears.  This sickened them; the smallest
schooner which had been the leewardest at the commencement of the
action, made all sail on a wind.  We clapped on the royals to follow
her, when we perceived that the other schooner, which had been in the
middle, and whose main-boom we had shot away, had put her helm up, and
was crowding all sail before the wind.  O'Brien then said, "Must not try
for too much, or we shall lose all.  Put her about, Peter,--we must be
content with the one that is left us."

We went about and ranged up to the schooner which had lost her foremast;
but she, finding that her consort had deserted her, hauled down her
colours just as we were about to pour in our broadside.  Our men gave
three cheers; and it was pleasant to see them all shaking hands with
each other, congratulating and laughing at the successful result of our
action.

"Now, my lads, be smart;--we've done enough for honour, now for profit.
Peter, take the two cutters full of men, and go on board of the
schooner, while I get hold of the three West Indiamen.  Rig something
jury forward, and follow me."

In a minute the cutters were down and full of men.  I took possession of
the schooner, while the brig again tacked, and crowding all sail stood
after the captured vessels.  The schooner, which was the largest of the
three, was called the _Jean d'Arc_, mounting sixteen guns, and had
fifty-three men on board, the remainder being away in the prizes.  The
captain was wounded very badly, and one officer killed.  Out of her
ship's company, she had but eight killed and five wounded.  They
informed me that they had sailed three months ago from St. Pierre's,
Martinique, and had fallen in with the two other privateers, and cruised
in company, having taken nine West Indiamen since they had come out.

"Pray," said I, to the officer who gave the information, "were you ever
attacked by boats when you laid at St. Pierre's?"

He replied, "Yes; and that they had beaten them off."

"Did you purchase these masts of an American?"

He replied in the affirmative; so that we had captured the very vessel,
in attempting to cut out which we had lost so many men.

We were all very glad of this, and Swinburne said, "Well, hang me, if I
didn't think that I had seen that port-hole before; there it was that I
wrenched a pike out of one of the rascal's hands, who tried to stab me,
and into that port-hole I fired at least a dozen muskets.  Well, I'm
damned glad we've got hold of the beggar at last."

We secured the prisoners below, and commenced putting the schooner in
order.  In half-an-hour, we had completed our knotting and splicing, and
having two of the carpenters with us, in an hour we had got up a small
jury-mast forward, sufficient for the present.  We lowered the mainsail,
put try-sails on her, and stood after the brig, which was now close to
the prizes: but they separated, and it was not till dark that she had
possession of two.  The third was then hull down on the other tack, with
the brig in chase.  We followed the brig, as did the two recaptured
vessels, and even with our jury up, we found that we could sail as fast
as they.  The next morning we saw the brig hove-to and about three miles
a-head, with the three vessels in her possession.  We closed, and I went
on board.  Webster was put in charge of the privateer; and, after
lying-to for that day to send our prize-masters and men on board to
remove the prisoners, we got up a proper jury-mast, and all made sail
together for Barbadoes.  On my return on board, I found that we had but
one man and one boy killed and six wounded, which I was not aware of.  I
forgot to say that the names of the other two privateers were
_L'Etoille_ and _La Madeleine_.

In a fortnight we arrived with all our prizes safe in Carlisle Bay,
where we found the admiral, who had anchored but two days before.  I
hardly need say that O'Brien was well received, and gained a great deal
of credit for the action.  I found several letters from my sister, the
contents of which gave me much pain.  My father had been some months in
Ireland, and had returned without gaining any information.  My sister
said that he was very unhappy, paid no attention to his clerical duties,
and would sit for days without speaking.  That he was very much altered
in his appearance, and had grown thin and care-worn.  "In short," said
she, "my dear Peter, I am afraid that he is fretting himself to death.
Of course I am very lonely and melancholy.  I cannot help reflecting
upon what will be my situation if any accident should happen to my
father.  Accept my uncle's protection I will not; yet how am I to live,
for my father has saved nothing?  I have been very busy lately, trying
to qualify myself for a governess, and practise the harp and piano for
several hours every day.  I shall be very very glad when you come home
again."  I showed the letters to O'Brien who read them with much
attention.  I perceived the colour mount into his cheeks, when he read
those parts of her letters in which she mentioned his name, and
expressed her gratitude for his kindness towards me.

"Never mind, Peter," said O'Brien, returning me the letters; "to whom is
it that I am indebted for my promotion, and this brig, but to you--and
for all the prize-money which I have made, and which, by the head of St.
Patrick, comes to a very dacant sum, but to you?  Make yourself quite
easy about your dear little sister.  We'll club your prize-money and
mine together, and she shall marry a duke, if there is one in England
deserving her; and it's the French that shall furnish her dowry, as sure
as the _Rattlesnake_ carries a tail."



CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN.

I AM SENT AWAY AFTER PRIZES AND MEET WITH A HURRICANE--AM DRIVEN ON
SHORE, WITH THE LOSS OF MORE THAN HALF MY MEN--WHERE IS THE
"RATTLESNAKE?"

In three weeks we were again ready for sea, and the admiral ordered us
to our old station off Martinique.  We had cruised about a fortnight off
St. Pierre's, and, as I walked the deck at night, often did I look at
the sights in the town, and wonder whether any of them were in the
presence of Celeste, when, one evening, being about six miles off shore,
we observed two vessels rounding Negro Point, close in-shore.  It was
quite calm, and the boats were towing ahead.

"It will be dark in half-an-hour, Peter," said O'Brien, "and I think we
might get them before they anchor, or if they do anchor, it will be well
outside.  What do you think?"

I agreed with him, for in fact I always seemed to be happier when the
brig was close in-shore, as I felt as if I was nearer to Celeste; and
the further we were off, the more melancholy I became.  Continually
thinking of her, and the sight of her after so many years' separation,
had changed my youthful attachment into strong affection.  I may say
that I was deeply in love.  The very idea of going into the harbour,
therefore, gave me pleasure, and there was no mad or foolish thing that
I would not have done, only to gaze upon the walls which contained the
constant objects of my thoughts.  These were wild and visionary notions,
and with little chance of ever arriving at any successful issue; but at
one or two-and-twenty, we are fond of building castles, and very apt to
fall in love, without considering our prospect of success.  I replied
that I thought it very possible, and wished he would permit me to make
the attempt, as, if I found there were much risk, I would return.

"I know that I can trust you, Peter," said O'Brien, "and it's a great
pleasure to know that you have an officer you can trust but hav'n't I
brought you up myself, and made a man of you, as I promised I would,
when you were a little spalpeen, with a sniffling nose, and legs in the
shape of two carrots?  So hoist out the launch, and get the boats
ready--the sooner the better.  What a hot day this has been--not a
cat's-paw on the water, and the sky all of a mist.  Only look at the
sun, how he goes down, puffed out to three times his size, as if he were
in a terrible passion.  I suspect we shall have the land breeze off
strong."

In half-an-hour I shoved off with the boats.  It was now quite dark, and
I pulled towards the harbour of St. Pierre.  The heat was excessive and
unaccountable; not the slightest breath of wind moved in the heavens, or
below; no clouds to be seen, and the stars were obscured by a sort of
mist; there appeared a total stagnation of the elements.  The men in the
boats pulled off their jackets, for after a few moments' pulling, they
could bear them no longer.  As we pulled in, the atmosphere became more
opaque, and the darkness more intense.  We supposed ourselves to be at
the mouth of the harbour, but could see nothing--not three yards a-head
of the boat.  Swinburne, who always went with me, was steering the boat,
and I observed to him the unusual appearance of the night.

"I've been watching it, sir," replied Swinburne, "and I tell you, Mr
Simple, that if we only know how to find the brig, that I would advise
you to get on board of her immediately.  She'll want all her hands this
night, or I'm much mistaken."

"Why do you say so?" replied I.

"Because I think, nay, I may say that I'm sartin, we'll have a hurricane
afore morning.  It's not the first time I've cruised in these latitudes.
I recollect in 1794--"

But I interrupted him: "Swinburne, I believe that you are right.  At all
events I'll turn back; perhaps we may reach the brig before it comes on.
She carries a light, and we can find her out."  I then turned the boat
round, and steered, as near as I could guess, for where the brig was
lying.  But we had not pulled out more than two minutes, before a low
moaning was heard in the atmosphere--now here, now there--and we
appeared to be pulling though solid darkness, if I may use the
expression.  Swinburne looked around him, and pointed out on the
starboard bow.

"It's a coming, Mr Simple, sure enough; many's the living being that
will not rise on its legs to-morrow.  See, sir."

I looked, and dark as it was, it appeared as if a sort of black wall was
sweeping along the water right towards us.  The moaning gradually
increased to a stunning roar, and then at once it broke upon us with a
noise to which no thunder can bear a comparison.  The sea was perfectly
level, but boiling, and covered with a white foam, so that we appeared
in the night to be floating on milk.  The oars were caught by the wind
with such force, that the men were dashed forward under the thwarts,
many of them severely hurt.  Fortunately we pulled with tholes and pins,
or the gunwale and planks of the boats would have been wrenched off, and
we should have foundered.  The wind soon caught the boat on her
broadside, and had there been the least sea, would have inevitably
thrown her over; but Swinburne put the helm down, and she fell off
before the hurricane, darting through the boiling water at the rate of
ten miles an hour.  All hands were aghast; they had recovered their
seats, but were obliged to relinquish them, and sit down at the bottom,
holding on by the thwarts.  The terrific roaring of the hurricane
prevented any communication, except by gesture.  The other boats had
disappeared; lighter than ours, they had flown away faster before the
sweeping element; but we had not been a minute before the wind, before
the sea rose in a most unaccountable manner--it appeared to be by magic.

Of all the horrors that ever I witnessed, nothing could be compared to
the scene of this night.  We could see nothing, and heard only the wind,
before which we were darting like an arrow--to where we knew not, unless
it was to certain death.  Swinburne steered the boat, every now and then
looking back as the waves increased.  In a few minutes we were in a
heavy swell, that at one minute bore us all aloft, and at the next
almost sheltered us from the hurricane: and now the atmosphere was
charged with showers of spray, the wind cutting off the summits of the
waves, as if with a knife, and carrying them along with it as it were in
its arms.

The boat was filling with water, and appeared to settle down fast.  The
men baled with their hats in silence, when a large wave culminated over
the stern, filling us up to our thwarts.  The next moment we all
received a shock so violent, that we were jerked from our seats.
Swinburne was thrown over my head.  Every timber of the boat separated
at once, and she appeared to crumble from under us, leaving us floating
on the raging waters.  We all struck out for our lives, but with little
hope of preserving them; but the next wave dashed us on the rocks,
against which the boat had already been hurled.  That wave gave life to
some, and death to others.  Me, in Heaven's mercy, it preserved: I was
thrown so high up, that I merely scraped against the top of the rock,
breaking two of my ribs.  Swinburne, and eight more, escaped with me,
but not unhurt: two had their legs broken, three had broken arms, and
the others were more or less contused.  Swinburne miraculously received
no injury.  We had been eighteen in the boat, of which ten escaped: the
others were hurled up at our feet; and the next morning we found them
dreadfully mangled.  One or two had their skulls literally shattered to
pieces against the rocks.  I felt that I was saved, and was grateful:
but still the hurricane howled--still the waves were washing over us.  I
crawled further up upon the beach, and found Swinburne sitting down with
his eyes directed seaward.  He knew me, took my hand, squeezed it, and
then held it in his.  For some moments we remained in this position,
when the waves, which every moment increased in volume, washed up to us,
and obliged us to crawl further up.  I then looked around me; the
hurricane continued in its fury, but the atmosphere was not so dark.  I
could trace, for some distance, the line of the harbour, from the ridge
of foam upon the shore; and for the first time I thought of O'Brien and
the brig.  I put my mouth close to Swinburne's ear, and cried out,
"O'Brien!"  Swinburne shook his head, and looked up again at the offing.
I thought whether there was any chance of the brig's escape.  She was
certainly six, if not seven miles off, and the hurricane was not direct
on the shore.  She might have a drift of ten miles, perhaps; but what
was that against such tremendous power?  I prayed for those on board of
the brig, and returned thanks for my own preservation.  I was, or soon
should be, a prisoner, no doubt; but what was that?  I thought of
Celeste, and felt almost happy.

In about three hours the force of the wind subsided.  It still blew a
heavy gale; but the sky cleared up, the stars again twinkled in the
heavens, and we could see to a considerable distance.

"It's breaking now, sir," said Swinburne at last, "satisfied with the
injury it has done--and that's no little.  This is worst than '94."

"Now I'd give all my pay and prize-money, if it were only daylight and I
could know the fate of the poor _Rattlesnake_.  What do you think,
Swinburne?"

"All depends upon whether they were taken unprepared, sir.  Captain
O'Brien is as good a seaman as ever trod a plank; but he never has been
in a hurricane, and may not have known the signs and warnings which God
in His Mercy has vouchsafed unto us.  Your flush vessels fill easily--
but we must hope for the best."

Most anxiously did we look out for the day which appeared to us as if it
never would break.  At last the dawn appeared, and we stretched our eyes
to every part of the offing as it was lighted up; but we could not see
the brig.  The sun rose, and all was bright and clear; but we looked not
around us, our eyes were directed to where we had left the brig.  The
sea was still running high but the wind abated fast.

"Thank God!" ejaculated Swinburne, when he had directed his eyes along
the coast; "she is above water, at all events!"--and looking in the
direction where he pointed, I perceived the brig within two miles of the
shore, dismantled, and tossing in the waves.

"I see her," replied I, catching my breath with joy; "but--still--I
think she must go on shore."

"All depends upon whether she can get a little bit of sail up to weather
the point," replied Swinburne; "and depend upon it, Captain O'Brien
knows that as well as we do."

We were now joined by the other men who were saved.  We all shook hands.
They pointed out to me the bodies of our shipmates who had perished.  I
directed them to haul them further up, and put them altogether; and
continued, with Swinburne, to watch the brig.  In about half-an-hour we
perceived a triangle raised; and in ten minutes afterwards, a jury-mast
abaft--a try-sail was hoisted and set.  Then the shears were seen
forward, and in as short a time another try-sail and a storm jib were
expanded to the wind.

"That's all he can do now, Mr Simple," observed Swinburne; "he must
trust to them and to Providence.  They are not more than a mile from the
beach--it will be touch and go."

Anxiously did we watch for more than half-an-hour; the other men
returned to us, and joined in our speculations.  At one time we thought
it impossible--at another we were certain that she would weather the
point.  At last, as she neared it, she forged a-head: my anxiety became
almost insupportable.  I stood first on one leg, and then on the other,
breathless with suspense.  She appeared to be on the point--actually
touching the rocks--"God! she's struck!" said I.

"No!" replied Swinburne;--and then we saw her pass on the other side of
the outermost rock, and disappear.

"Safe, Mr Simple!--weathered, by God!" cried Swinburne, waving his hat
with joy.

"God be thanked!" replied I, overcome with delight.



CHAPTER FORTY EIGHT.

THE DEVASTATIONS OF THE HURRICANE--PETER MAKES FRIENDS--AT DESTROYING OR
SAVING, NOTHING LIKE BRITISH SEAMEN--PETER MEETS WITH GENERAL O'BRIEN
MUCH TO HIS SATISFACTION--HAS ANOTHER MEETING STILL MORE SO--A GREAT
DEAL OF PRESSING OF HANDS, "AND ALL THAT," AS POPE SAYS.

Now that the brig was safe, we thought of ourselves.  My first attention
was directed to the dead bodies; and as I looked at their mangled limbs,
I felt grateful to Heaven that I had been so miraculously spared.  We
then cast our eyes along the beach to see if we could trace any remnants
of the other boats; but in vain.  We were about three miles from the
town, which we could perceive had received considerable damage and the
beach below it was strewed with wrecks and fragments.  I told the men
that we might as well walk into the town, and deliver ourselves up as
prisoners; to which they agreed, and we set forward, promising to send
for the poor fellows who were too much hurt to accompany us.

As soon as we climbed up the rocks, and gained the inland, what a sight
presented itself to us!  Trees torn up by the roots in every direction--
cattle lying dead--here and there the remains of a house, of which the
other parts had been swept away for miles.  Everything not built of
solid masonry had disappeared.  We passed what had been a range of negro
huts, but they were levelled to the ground.  The negroes were busily
searching for their property among the ruins, while the women held their
infants in their arms, and the other children by their sides.  Here and
there was the mother wailing over the dead body of some poor little
thing which had been crushed to death.  They took no notice of us.

About half a mile further on, to our great delight, we fell in with the
crews of the other boats, who were sitting by the side of the road.
They had all escaped unhurt: their boats being so much more buoyant than
ours, had been thrown up high and dry.  They joined us, and we proceeded
on our way.

On our road we fell in with a cart blown over, under the wheel of which
was the leg of the negro who conducted it.  We released the poor fellow:
his leg was fractured.  We laid him by the side of the road in the
shade, and continued our march.  Our whole route was one scene of
desolation and distress; but when we arrived at the town, we found that
there it was indeed accumulated.  There was not one house in three
standing entire--the beach was covered with the remnants of bodies and
fragments of vessels, whose masts lay forced several feet into the sand,
and broken into four or five pieces.  Parties of soldiers were busy
taking away the bodies, and removing what few valuables had been saved.
We turned up into the town, for no one accosted or even noticed us; and
here the scene was even more dreadful.  In some streets they were
digging out those who were still alive, and whose cries were heard among
the ruins; in others, they were carrying away the dead bodies.  The
lamentations of the relatives--the howling of the negroes--the cries of
the wounded--the cursing and swearing of the French soldiers, and the
orders delivered continually by officers on horseback, with all the
confusion arising from crowds of spectators, mingling their voices
together, formed a scene as dreadful as it was novel.

After surveying it for a few minutes, I went up to an officer on
horseback, and told him in French that I wished to surrender myself as a
prisoner.

"We have no time to take prisoners now," replied he: "hundreds are
buried in the ruins, and we must try to save them.  We must now attend
to the claims of humanity."

"Will you allow my men to assist you, sir?" replied I.  "They are active
and strong fellows."

"Sir," said he, taking off his hat, "I thank you in the name of my
unfortunate countrymen."

"Show us, then, where we may be most useful."

He turned and pointed to a house higher up, the offices of which were
blown down.  "There are living beings under those ruins."

"Come, my lads," said I: and sore as they were, my men hastened with
alacrity to perform their task.  I could not help them myself, my side
was so painful; but I stood by giving them directions.

In half-an-hour we had cleared away so as to arrive at a poor negro
girl, whose cries we had distinctly heard.  We released her, and laid
her down in the street, but she fainted.  Her left hand was dreadfully
shattered.  I was giving what assistance I could, and the men were busy
clearing away, throwing on one side the beams and rafters, when an
officer on horseback rode up.  He stood and asked me who we were.  I
told him that we belonged to the brig, and had been wrecked; and that we
were giving what assistance we could until they were at leisure to send
us to prison.

"You English are fine brave fellows," replied he, as he rode on.

Another unfortunate object had been recovered by our men, an old
white-headed negro, but he was too much mangled to live.  We brought him
out, and were laying him beside the negro girl, when several officers on
horseback rode down the street.  The one who was foremost, in a
general's uniform, I immediately recognised as my former friend, then
Colonel O'Brien.  They all stopped and looked at us.  I told who we
were.  General O'Brien took off his hat to the sailors, and thanked
them.

He did not recognise me, and he was passing on, when I said to him in
English, "General O'Brien, you have forgotten me; but I shall never
forget your kindness."

"My God!" said he, "is it you, my dear fellow?" and he sprang from his
horse, and shook me warmly by the hand.  "No wonder that I did not know
you; you are a very different person from little Peter Simple, who
dressed up as a girl and danced on stilts.  But I have to thank you, and
so has Celeste, for your kindness to her.  I will not ask you to leave
your work of charity and kindness; but when you have done what you can,
come up to my house.  Any one will show it to you; and if you do not
find me you will find Celeste, as you must be aware I cannot leave this
melancholy employment.  God bless you!"  He then rode off followed by
his staff.

"Come, my lads," said I, "depend upon it we shall not be very cruelly
treated.  Let us work hard, and do all the good we can, and the
Frenchmen won't forget it."

We had cleared that house, and went back to where the other people were
working under the orders of the officer on horseback.  I went up to him,
and told him we had saved two, and if he had no objection, would assist
his party.  He thankfully accepted our services.

"And now, my lads," said Swinburne, "let us forget all our bruises, and
show these French follows how to work."

And they did so--they tossed away the beams and rafters right and left,
with a quickness and dexterity which quite astonished the officer and
other inhabitants who were looking on; and in half-an-hour had done more
work than could have possibly been expected.  Several lives were saved,
and the French expressed their admiration at our sailors' conduct, and
brought them something to drink, which they stood much in need of, poor
fellows.  After they had worked double tides, as we say, and certainly
were the means of saving many lives, which otherwise would have been
sacrificed.

The disasters occasioned by this hurricane were very great, owing to its
having taken place at night, when the chief of the inhabitants were in
bed and asleep.  I was told, that most of the wood houses were down five
minutes after the hurricane burst upon them.  About noon there was no
more work for us to do, and I was not sorry that it was over.  My side
was very painful, and the burning heat of the sun made me feel giddy and
sick at the stomach.

I inquired of a respectable looking old Frenchman, which was the
general's house.  He directed me to it, and I proceeded there, followed
by my men.  When I arrived, I found the orderly leading away the horse
of General O'Brien, who had just returned.  I desired a serjeant, who
was in attendance at the door, to acquaint the general that I was below.
He returned, and desired me to follow him.  I was conducted into a
large room, where I found him in company with several officers.  He
again greeted me warmly, and introduced me to the company as the officer
who had permitted the ladies, who had been taken prisoners, to come on
shore.

"I have to thank you, then, for my wife," said an officer, coming up and
offering his hand.

Another came up, and told me that I had also released his.  We then
entered into a conversation, in which I stated the occasion of my having
been wrecked, and all the particulars; also, that I had seen the brig in
the morning dismasted, but that she had weathered the point, and was
safe.

"That brig of yours, I must pay you the compliment to say, has been very
troublesome; and my namesake keeps the batteries more upon the alert
than ever I could have done," said General O'Brien.  "I don't believe
there is a negro five years old upon the island who does not know your
brig."

We then talked over the attack of the privateer, in which we were beaten
off.  "Ah!" replied the aide-de-camp, "you made a mess of that.  He has
been gone these four months.  Captain Carnot swears that he'll fight you
if he falls in with you."

"He has kept his word," replied I: and then I narrated our action with
the three French privateers, and the capture of the vessel; which
surprised, and, I think, annoyed them very much.

"Well, my friend," said General O'Brien, "you must stay with me while
you are on the island; if you want anything, let me know."

"I am afraid that I want a surgeon," replied I; "for my side is so
painful, that I can scarcely breathe."

"Are you hurt, then?" said General O'Brien, with an anxious look.

"Not dangerously, I believe," said I, "but rather painfully."

"Let me see," said an officer, who stepped forward; "I am surgeon to the
forces here, and perhaps you will trust yourself in my hands.  Take off
your coat."

I did so with difficulty.  "You have two ribs broken," said he, feeling
my side, "and a very severe contusion.  You must go to bed, or lie on a
sofa for a few days.  In a quarter of an hour I will come and dress you,
and promise you to make you all well in ten days, in return for your
having given me my daughter, who was on board of the _Victorine_ with
the other ladies."  The officers now made their bows, and left me alone
with General O'Brien.

"Recollect," said he, "that I tell you once for all, that my purse, and
everything, is at your command.  If you do not accept them freely, I
shall think you do not love us.  It is not the first time, Peter, and
you repaid me honourably.  However, of course, I was no party to that
affair; it was Celeste's doing," continued he, laughing.  "Of course I
could not imagine that it was you who was dressed up as a woman, and so
impudently danced through France on stilts.  But I must hear all your
adventures, by-and-bye.  Celeste is most anxious to see you.  Will you
go now, or wait till after the surgeon comes?"

"Oh now, if you please, general.  May I first beg that some care may be
taken of my poor men; they have had nothing to eat since yesterday, are
very much bruised, and have worked hard; and that a cart may be sent for
those who lie on the beach?"

"I should have thought of them before," replied he: and I will also
order the same party to bury the other poor fellows who are lying on the
beach.  Come now--I will take you to Celeste.



CHAPTER FORTY NINE.

BROKEN RIBS NOT LIKELY TO PRODUCE BROKEN HEARTS--O'BRIEN MAKES SOMETHING
LIKE A DECLARATION OF PEACE--PETER SIMPLE ACTUALLY MAKES A DECLARATION
OF LOVE--RASH PROCEEDINGS ON ALL SIDES.

I followed the general into a handsomely-furnished apartment, where I
found Celeste waiting to receive me.  She ran to me as soon as I
entered; and with what pleasure did I take her hand, and look on her
beautiful, expressive countenance!  I could not say a word--neither did
Celeste.  For a minute I held her hand in mine, looking at her; the
general stood by, regarding us alternately.  He then turned round and
walked to the window.  I lifted the hand to my lips, and then released
it.

"It appears to be a dream, almost," said Celeste.

I could not make any reply, but continued to gaze upon her--she had
grown up into such a beautiful creature.  Her figure was perfect, and
the expression of her countenance was so varied--so full of intellect
and feeling--it was angelic.  Her eyes, suffused with tears, beamed so
softly, so kindly on me, I could have fallen down and worshipped her.

"Come," said General O'Brien; "come, my dear friend, now that you have
seen Celeste, the surgeon must see you."

"The surgeon!" cried Celeste with alarm.

"Yes, my love; it is of no consequence--only a couple of ribs broken."

I followed General O'Brien out of the room, and as I came to the door, I
turned round to look at Celeste.  She had retreated to the sofa, and her
handkerchief was up to her eyes.  The surgeon was waiting for me; he
bandaged me, and applied some cooling lotion to my side, which made me
feel quite comfortable.

"I must now leave you," said General O'Brien; "you had better lie down
for an hour or two, and then, if I am not back, you know your way to
Celeste."

I lay down as he requested; but as soon as I heard the clatter of the
horses hoofs, as he rode off, I left the room, and hurried to the
drawing room.  Celeste was there, and hastened to inquire if I was much
hurt.  I replied in the negative, and told her that I had come down to
prove it to her; we then sat down on the sofa together.

"I have the misfortune never to appear before you, Celeste, except in a
very unprepossessing state.  When you first saw me, I was wounded; at
our next meeting I was in woman's clothes; the last time we met I was
covered with dirt and gunpowder; and now I return to you, wounded and in
rags.  I wonder wether I shall ever appear before you as a gentleman."

"It is not the clothes which make the gentleman, Peter.  I am too happy
to see you to think of how you are dressed.  I have never yet thanked
you for your kindness to us when we last met.  My father will never
forget it."

"Nor have I thanked you, Celeste, for your kindness in dropping the
purse into the hat, when you met me trying to escape from France.  I
have never forgotten you, and since we met the last time, you have
hardly ever been out of my thoughts.  You don't know how thankful I am
to the hurricane for having blown me into your presence.  When we
cruised in the brig, I have often examined the town with my glass,
trying to fancy that I had my eye upon the house you were in; and have
felt so happy when we were close in-shore, because I knew that I was
nearer to you."

"And, Peter, I am sure I have often watched the brig, and have been so
glad to see it come nearer and then so afraid that the batteries would
fire at you.  What a pity it is that my father and you should be opposed
to each other--we might be so happy!"

"And may be yet, Celeste," replied I.

We conversed for two hours, which appeared to be but ten minutes.  I
felt that I was in love, but I do not think that Celeste had any idea at
the time that she was--but I leave the reader to judge, from the little
conversation I have quoted, wether she was not, or something very much
approaching to it.

The next morning, I went out early to look for the brig, and, to my
great delight, saw her about six miles off the harbour's mouth, standing
in for the land.  She had now got up very respectable jury-masts, with
topgallants for topsails, and appeared to be well under command.  When
she was within three miles of the harbour, she lowered the jolly boat,
the only one she had left, and it pulled in-shore with a flag of truce
hoisted at the bows.  I immediately returned to my room, and wrote a
detailed account of what had taken place, ready to send to O'Brien, when
the boat returned, and I, of course, requested him to send me my
effects, as I had nothing but what I stood in.  I had just completed my
letter when General O'Brien came in.

"My dear friend," said he, "I have just received a flag of truce from
Captain O'Brien, requesting to know the fate of his boats' crews, and
permission to send in return the clothes and effects of the survivors."

"I have written down the whole circumstances for him, and made the same
request to him," replied I; and I handed him my letter.  He read it
over, and returned it.

"But, my dear lad, you must think very poorly of us Frenchmen, if you
imagine that we intend to detain you here as a prisoner.  In the first
place, your liberation of so many French subjects, when you captured the
_Victorine_, would entitle you to a similar act of kindness; and, in the
next place, you have not been fairly captured, but by a visitation of
Providence, which, by the means of the late storm, must destroy all
natural antipathies, and promote that universal philanthropy between all
men, which your brave fellows proved that they possess.  You are,
therefore, free to depart with all your men, and we shall still hold
ourselves your debtors.  How is your side to-day?"

"Oh, very bad, indeed," replied I; for I could not bear the idea of
returning to the brig so soon, for I had been obliged to quit Celeste
very soon after dinner the day before, and go to bed.  I had not yet had
much conversation with her, nor had I told General O'Brien how it was
that we escaped from France.  "I don't think I can possibly go on board
to-day, but I feel very grateful to you for your kindness."

"Well, well," replied the general, who observed my feelings, "I do not
think it is necessary that you should go on board to-day.  I will send
the men and your letter, and I will write to Captain O'Brien to say that
you are in bed, and will not bear moving until the day after to-morrow.
Will that do?"

I thought it but a very short time, but I saw that the general looked as
if he expected me to consent; so I did.

"The boat can come and return again with some of your clothes:"
continued the general; "and I will tell Captain O'Brien that if he comes
off the mouth of the harbour the day after to-morrow, I will send you on
board in one of our boats."

He then took my letter, and quitted the room.  As soon as he was gone, I
found myself quite well enough to go to Celeste, who waited for me, and
I told her what had passed.  That morning I sat with her and the
general, and narrated all my adventures, which amused the general very
much.  I did not conceal the conduct of my uncle, and the hopes which I
faintly entertained of being able, some day or another, to discover the
fraud which had been practised, or how very unfavourable were my future
prospects if I did not succeed.  At this portion of my narrative, the
general appeared very thoughtful and grave.  When I had finished it was
near dinner-time, and I found that my clothes had arrived with a letter
from O'Brien, who stated how miserable he had been at the supposition of
my loss, and his delight at my escape.  He stated, that on going down
into the cabin after I had shoved off, he, by chance, cast his eyes on
the barometer, and, to his surprise, found that it had fallen two
inches, which he had been told was the case previous to a hurricane.
This, combined with the peculiar state of the atmosphere, had induced
him to make every preparation, and that they had just completed their
work when it came on.  The brig was thrown on her beam ends, and lay
there for half-an-hour, when they were forced to cut away the masts to
right her.  That they did not weather the point the next morning by more
than half a cable's length; and concluded by saying, that the idea of my
death had made him so unhappy, that if it had not been for the sake of
the men, it was almost a matter of indifference to him whether he had
been lost or not.  He had written to General O'Brien, thanking him for
his kindness: and that, if fifty vessels should pass the brig, he would
not capture one of them, until I was on board again, even if he were
dismissed the service for neglect of duty.  He said, that the brig
sailed almost as fast under jury-masts as she did before, and that, as
soon as I came on board, he should go back to Barbadoes.  "As for your
ribs being so bad, Peter, that's all bother," continued he; "I know that
you are making arrangements for another sort of _rib_, as soon as you
can manage it; but you must stop a little, my boy.  You shall be a lord
yet, as I always promised you that you should.  It's a long lane that
has no turning--so good-bye."

When I was alone with Celeste, I showed her O'Brien's letter.  I had
read the part of it relative to his not intending to make any capture
while I was on shore to General O'Brien, who replied, that "under such
circumstances he thought he should do right to detain me a little
longer; but," said he, "O'Brien is a man of honour and is worthy of his
name."

When Celeste came to that part of the letter in which O'Brien stated
that I was looking after another rib, and which I had quite forgotten,
she asked me to explain it; for although she could read and speak
English very well, she had not been sufficiently accustomed to it to
comprehend the play upon words.  I translated, and then said--"Indeed,
Celeste, I had forgotten that observation of O'Brien's, or I should not
have shown you the letter; but he has stated the truth.  After all your
kindness to me, how can I help being in love with you? and need I add,
that I should consider it the greatest blessing which Heaven could grant
me, if you could feel so much regard for me, as one day to become my
wife.  Don't be angry with me for telling you the truth," continued I,
for Celeste coloured up as I spoke to her.

"O no!  I am not angry with you, Peter; far from it.  It is very
complimentary to me--what you have just said."

"I am aware," continued I, "that at present I have little to offer you--
indeed, nothing.  I am not even such a match as your father might
approve of; but you know my whole history, and what my desires are."

"My dear father loves me, Peter, and he loves you too, very much--he
always did, from the hour he saw you--he was so pleased with your
candour and honesty of character.  He has often told me so, and very
often talked of you."

"Well, Celeste, tell me, may I, when far away, be permitted to think of
you, and indulge a hope that some day we may meet never to part again?"
And I took Celeste by the hand, and put my arm round her waist.

"I don't know what to say," replied she, "I will speak to my father, or
perhaps you will; but I will never marry anybody else if I can help it."

I drew her close to me, and kissed her.  Celeste burst into tears, and
laid her head upon my shoulder.  When General O'Brien came in, I did not
attempt to move, nor did Celeste.

"General," said I, "you may think me to blame, but I have not been able
to conceal what I feel for Celeste.  You may think that I am imprudent,
and that I am wrong in thus divulging what I ought to have concealed,
until I was in a situation to warrant my aspiring to your daughter's
hand; but the short time allowed me to be in her company, the fear of
losing her, and my devoted attachment, will, I trust, plead my excuse."

The general took one or two turns up and down the room, and then
replied--"What says Celeste?"

"Celeste will never do anything to make her father unhappy," replied
she, going up to him and hiding her face in his breast, with her arm
round his neck.

The general kissed his daughter, and then said, "I will be frank with
you, Mr Simple.  I do not know any man whom I would prefer to you as a
son-in-law; but there are many considerations which young people are
very apt to forget.  I do not interfere in your attachment, which
appears to be mutual; but at the same time, I will have no promise, and
no engagement.  You may never meet again.  However, Celeste is very
young, and I shall not put any constraint upon her; and at the same time
you are equally free, if time and circumstances should alter your
present feelings."

"I can ask no more, my dear sir," replied I, taking the general by the
hand: "it is candid--more than I had any reason to expect.  I shall now
leave you with a contented mind; and the hopes of one day claiming
Celeste shall spur me to exertion."

"Now, if you please we will drop the subject," said the general.
"Celeste, my dear, we have a large party to dinner, as you know.  You
had better retire to your room and get ready.  I have asked all the
ladies that you liberated, Peter, and all their husbands and fathers, so
you will have the pleasure of witnessing how many people you made happy
by your gallantry.  Now that Celeste has left the room, Peter, I must
beg that, as a man of honour, you do not exact from her any more
promises, or induce her to tie herself down to you by oaths.  Her
attachment to you has grown up with her unaccountably, and she is
already too fond of you for her peace of mind, should accident or
circumstances part you for ever.  Let us hope for the best, and, depend
upon it, that it shall be no trifling obstacle which will hinder me from
seeing you one day united."

I thanked the general with tears: he shook me warmly by the hand as I
gave my promise, and we separated.

How happy did I feel when I went into my room, and sat down to compose
my mind, and think over what had happened.  True, at one moment, the
thought of my dependent situation threw a damp over my joy; but in the
next I was building castles, inventing a discovery of my uncle's plot,
fancying myself in possession of the title and property, and laying it
at the feet of my dear Celeste.  Hope sustained my spirits, and I felt
satisfied for the present with the consideration that Celeste returned
my love.  I decked myself carefully, and went down, where I found all
the company assembled.  We had a very pleasant, happy party, and the
ladies entreated General O'Brien to detain me as a prisoner--very kind
of them--and I felt very much disposed to join in their request.



CHAPTER FIFTY.

PETER SIMPLE FIRST TAKES A COMMAND, THEN THREE WEST INDIAMEN, AND TWENTY
PRISONERS--ONE GOOD TURN DESERVES ANOTHER--THE PRISONERS ENDEAVOUR TO
TAKE HIM, BUT ARE THEMSELVES TAKEN IN.

The next day I was very unhappy.  The brig was in the offing waiting for
me to come on board.  I pointed her out to Celeste as we were at the
window, and her eyes met mine.  An hour's conversation could not have
said more.  General O'Brien showed that he had perfect confidence in me,
for he left us together.

"Celeste," said I, "I have promised your father--"

"I know what has passed," interrupted she; "he told me everything."

"How kind he is!  But I did not say that I would not bind myself,
Celeste."

"No! but my father made me promise that you should not--that if you
attempted, I was immediately to prevent you--and so I shall."

"Then you shall keep your word, Celeste.  Imagine everything that can be
said in this--" and I kissed her.

"Don't think me forward, Peter, but I wish you to go away happy," said
Celeste; "and therefore, in return, imagine all I could say in this--"
and she returned my salute, kissing my cheek.

After this, we had a conversation of two hours; but what lovers say is
very silly, except to themselves, and the reader need not be troubled
with it.  General O'Brien came in, and told me the boat was ready.  I
rose up--I was satisfied with what had passed, and with a firm voice, I
said, "Good-bye, Celeste; God bless you!" and followed the general, who,
with some of his officers, walked down with me to the beach.  I thanked
the general, who embraced me, paid my adieus to the officers, and
stepped into the boat.  In half-an-hour I was on board of the brig, and
in O'Brien's arms.  We put the helm up, and in a short time the town of
St. Pierre was shut out from my longing sight, and we were on our way to
Barbadoes.  That day was passed in the cabin with O'Brien, giving me a
minute detail of all that had passed.

When we anchored once more in Carlisle Bay, we found that the hurricane
had been much more extensive in the Windward Islands than we had
imagined.  Several men-of-war were lying there, having lost one or more
of their masts, and there was great difficulty in supplying the wants of
so many.  As we arrived the last, of course we were last served; and,
there being no boats left in store, there was no chance of our being
ready for sea under two or three months.  The _Joan d'Arc_ schooner
privateer was still lying there, but had not been fitted out for want of
men; and the admiral proposed to O'Brien that he should man her with a
part of his ship's company, and send one of his lieutenants out to
cruise in her.  This was gladly assented to by O'Brien, who came on
board and asked me whether I should like to have her, which I agreed to,
as I was quite tired of Barbadoes and fried flying fish.

I selected two midshipmen, Swinburne, and twenty men, and having taken
on board provisions and water for three months, I received my written
instructions from O'Brien, and made sail.  We soon discovered that the
masts which the American had sold to the schooner were much too large
for her: she was considerably overmasted, and we were obliged to be very
careful.  I stood for Trinidad, off which island was to be my cruising
ground, and in three weeks had recaptured three West Indiamen; when I
found myself so short of hands, that I was obliged to return to
Barbadoes.  I had put four hands into the first vessel, which, with the
Englishmen, prisoners, were sufficient, and three hands into the two
others; but I was very much embarrassed with my prisoners, who amounted
to nearly double my ship's company, remaining on board.  Both the
midshipmen I had sent away, and I consulted with Swinburne as to what
was best to be done.

"Why, the fact is, Mr Simple, Captain O'Brien ought to have given us
more hands; twenty men are little enough for a vessel with a boom
mainsail like the one we have here; and now we have only ten left! but I
suppose he did not expect us to be so lucky, and it's true enough that
he has plenty of work for the ship's company, now that he has to turn
everything in afresh.  As for the prisoners, I think we had better run
close in, and give them two of our boats to take them on shore.  At all
events, we must be rid of them, and not be obliged to have one eye aloft
and the other down the hatchway, as we must now."

This advice corresponded with my own ideas, and I ran in-shore, gave
them the stern boat and one of the larger ones, which held them all, and
sent them away, leaving only one boat for the schooner, which was
hoisted up on the starboard chess-tree.  It fell a dead calm as we sent
away the prisoners; we saw them land and disappear over the rocks, and
thought ourselves well rid of them, as they were twenty-two in number,
most of them Spaniards, and very stout, ferocious-looking fellows.

It continued calm during the whole day, much to our annoyance, as I was
very anxious to get away as soon as I could; still I could not help
admiring the beauty of the scenery--the lofty mountains, rising abruptly
from the ocean, and towering in the clouds, reflecting on the smooth
water, as clear as in a looking-glass, every colour, every tint,
beautifully distinct.  The schooner gradually drifted close in-shore,
and we could perceive the rocks at the bottom, many fathoms deep.  Not a
breath of wind was to be seen on the surface of the water for several
miles round, although the horizon in the offing showed that there was a
smart breeze outside.

Night came on, and we still lay becalmed.  I gave my orders to
Swinburne, who had the first watch, and retired to my standing bed-place
in the cabin.  I was dreaming, and I hardly need say who was the object
of my visions.  I thought I was in Eagle Park, sitting down with her
under one of the large chestnut trees, which formed the avenue, when I
felt my shoulder roughly pushed.  I started up--"What is the matter?
Who's that--Swinburne?"

"Yes, sir.  On with your clothes immediately, as we have work on hand, I
expect;" and Swinburne left the cabin immediately.

I heard him calling the other men who were below.  I knew that Swinburne
would not give a false alarm.  In a minute I was on deck, where I found
he had just arrived, and was looking at the stern of the schooner.

"What is that, Swinburne?" said I.

"Silence, sir.  Hark! don't you hear them?"

"Yes," replied I; "the sound of oars."

"Exactly, sir; depend upon it, those Spaniards have got more help, and
are coming back to take the vessel; they know we have only ten hands on
board."

By this time the men were all on deck.  I directed Swinburne to see all
the muskets loaded, and ran down for my own sword and pistols.  The
water was so smooth, and the silence so profound, that Swinburne had
heard the sound of the oars at a considerable distance.  Fortunate it
was, that I had such a trusty follower.  Another might have slumbered,
and the schooner have been boarded and captured without our being
prepared.  When I came on deck again I spoke to the men, exhorted them
to do their duty, and pointed out to them that these cut-throat villains
would certainly murder us all if we were taken, which I firmly believe
would have been the case.  The men declared that they would sell their
lives as dearly as they could.  We had twenty muskets, and the same
number of pistols, all of which were now loaded.  Our guns were also
ready, but of no use, now that the schooner had not steerage-way.

The boats were in sight, about a quarter of a mile astern, when
Swinburne said, "There's a cat's-paw flying along the water, Mr Simple;
if we could only have a little wind, how we would laugh at them; but I'm
afraid there's no such luck.  Shall we let them know that we are ready?"

"Let every one of us take two muskets," said I: "when the first boat is
under the counter, take good aim, and discharge into one of the boats;
then seize the other musket, and discharge it at the other boat.  After
that, we must trust to our cutlasses and pistols; for if they come on,
there will be no time to load again.  Keep silence, all of you."

The boats now came up, full of men; but as we remained perfectly quiet,
they pulled up gently, hoping to surprise us.  Fortunately, one was a
little in advance of the other; upon which I altered my directions, and
desired my men to fire their second musket upon the first boat, as, if
we could disable her, we were an equal match for those in the other.
When the boat was within six yards of the schooner's counter.  "Now!"
said I, and all the muskets were discharged at once, and my men cheered.
Several of the oars dropped, and I was sure we had done great
execution; but they were laid hold of by the other men, who had not been
pulling, and again the boat advanced to the counter.

"Good aim, my lads, this time," cried Swinburne; "the other boat will be
alongside as soon as you have fired.  Mr Simple, the schooner has
headway, and there's a strong breeze coming up."

Again we discharged our ten muskets into the boat, but this time we
waited until the bowman had hooked on the planeshear with his boat-hook,
and our fire was very effective.  I was surprised to find that the other
boat was not on board of us: but a light breeze had come up, and the
schooner glided through the water.  Still she was close under our
counter, and would have been aboard in a minute.

In the meantime, the Spaniards who were in the first boat were climbing
up the side, and were repulsed by my men with great success.  The breeze
freshened, and Swinburne ran to the helm.  I perceived the schooner was
going fast through the water, and the second boat could hardly hold her
own.  I ran to where the boat-hook was fixed on the planeshear, and
unhooked it; the boat fell astern, leaving two Spaniards clinging to the
side, who were cut down, and they fell into the water.

"Hurrah! all safe!" cried Swinburne; "and now to punish them."

The schooner was now darting along at the rate of five miles, with an
increasing breeze.  We stood in for two minutes, then tacked, and ran
for the boats.  Swinburne steered, and I continued standing in the bows,
surrounded by the rest of the men.  "Starboard a little, Swinburne."

"Starboard it is."

"Steady--steady: I see the first boat, she is close under our bows.
Steady--port--port--port a little--port.  Look out, my lads, and cut
down all who climb up."

Crash went the schooner on to the boat, the men in her in vain
endeavouring to escape us.  For a second or two she appeared to right,
until her further gunwale was borne down under the water; she turned up,
and the schooner went over her, sending every soul in her to their
account.  One man clung on to a rope, and was towed for a few seconds,
but a cutlass divided the rope at the gunwale, and with a faint shriek
he disappeared.  The other boat was close to us, and perceived what had
been done.  They remained with their oars poised, all ready to pull so
as to evade the schooner.  We steered for her, and the schooner was now
running at the rate of seven miles an hour.  When close under our bows,
by very dexterously pulling short round with their starboard oars, we
only struck her with our bow; and before she went down many of the
Spaniards had gained the deck, or were clinging to the side of the
vessel.  They fought with desperation, but we were too strong for them.
It was only those who had gained the deck which we had to contend with.
The others clung for a time, and unable to get up the sides, one by one
dropped into the water and went astern.  In a minute, those on deck were
lying at our feet, and in a minute more, they were tossed overboard
after their companions; not, however, until one of them struck me
through the calf of the leg with his knife, as we were lifting him over
the gunwale.  I do not mean to say that the Spaniards were not justified
in attempting to take the schooner; but still, as we had liberated them
but a few hours before, we felt that it was unhandsome and treacherous
on their part, and therefore showed them no quarter.  There were two of
my men wounded as well as myself, but not severely, which was fortunate,
as we had no surgeon on board, and only about half a yard of diachylum
plaster in the vessel.

"Well out of that, sir," said Swinburne, as I limped aft.  "By the Lord
Harry! it might have been a _pretty go_."

Having shaped our course for Barbadoes, I dressed my leg, and went down
to sleep.  This time I did not dream of Celeste, but fought the Spaniard
over again, thought I was wounded, and awoke with the pain of my leg.



CHAPTER FIFTY ONE.

PETER TURNED OUT OF HIS COMMAND BY HIS VESSEL TURNING BOTTOM UP--A
CRUISE ON A MAIN-BOOM, WITH SHARKS "EN ATTENDANT"--SELF AND CREW, WITH
SEVERAL FLYING FISH, TAKEN ON BOARD A NEGRO BOAT--PETER REGENERATES BY
PUTTING ON A NEW OUTWARD MAN.

We made Barbadoes without any further adventure, and were about ten
miles off the bay, steering with a very light breeze, and I went down
into the cabin expecting to be at anchor before breakfast the next
morning.  It was just daylight, when I found myself thrown out of my
bed-place, on the deck, on the other side of the cabin, and heard the
rushing of water.  I sprang up.  I knew the schooner was on her beam
ends, and gained the deck.  I was correct in my supposition: she had
been upset by what is called a white squall, and in two minutes would be
down.  All the men were up on deck, some dressed, others, like myself,
in their shirts.  Swinburne was aft; he had an axe in his hand, cutting
away the rigging of the main-boom.  I saw what he was about; I seized
another, and disengaged the jaw-rope and small gear about the mast.  We
had no other chance; our boat was under the water, being hoisted up on
the side to leeward.  All this, however, was but the work of two
minutes; and I could not help observing by what trifles lives are lost
or saved.  Had the axe not been fortunately at the capstan, I should not
have been able to cut the jaw-rope, Swinburne would not have had time,
and the main-boom would have gone down with the schooner.  Fortunately
we had cleared it; the schooner filled, righted a little, and then sank,
dragging us and the main-boom for a few seconds down in its vortex, and
then we rose to the surface.

The squall still continued, but the water was smooth.  It soon passed
over, and again it was nearly calm.  I counted the men clinging to the
boom, and found that they were all there.  Swinburne was next to me.  He
was holding with one hand, while with the other he felt in his pocket
for his quid of tobacco, which he thrust into his cheek.  "I wasn't on
deck at the time, Mr Simple," said he, "or this wouldn't have happened.
I had just been relieved, and I told Collins to look out sharp for
squalls.  I only mention it, that if you are saved, and I am not, you
mayn't think I was neglectful of my duty.  We ain't far from the land,
but still we are more likely to fall in with a shark than a friend, I'm
thinking."

This, indeed, had been my thoughts, but I had concealed them; but after
Swinburne had mentioned the shark, I very often looked along the water
for their fins, and down below to see if they were coming up to tear us
to pieces.  It was a dreadful feeling.

"It was not your fault, Swinburne, I am sure.  I ought to have relieved
you myself, but I kept the first watch and was tired.  We must put our
trust in God: perhaps we may yet be spared."

It was now almost calm, and the sun had mounted in the heavens: the
scorching rays were intolerable upon our heads, for we had not the
defence of hats.

I felt my brain on fire, and was inclined to drop into the water, to
screen myself from the intolerable heat.  As the day advanced, so did
our sufferings increase.  It was a dead calm, the sun perpendicular over
us, actually burning that part of our bodies which rose clear of the
water.  I could have welcomed even a shark to relieve me of my torment;
but I thought of Celeste, and I clung to life.  Towards the afternoon, I
felt sick and dizzy; my resolution failed me; my vision was imperfect;
but I was roused by Swinburne, who cried out, "A boat, by all that's
gracious!  Hang on a little longer, my men, and you are saved."

It was a boat full of negroes, who had come out to catch flying fish.
They had perceived the spar on the water, and hastened to secure the
prize.  They dragged us all in, gave us water, which appeared like
nectar, and restored us to our fleeting senses.  They made fast the
boom, and towed it in-shore.  We had not been ten minutes on our way,
when Swinburne pointed to the fin of a large shark above the water.
"Look there, Mr Simple."  I shuddered, and made no answer; but I
thanked God in my heart.

In two hours we were landed, but were too ill to walk.  We were carried
up to the hospital, bled, and put into cots.  I had a brain fever which
lasted six or seven days, during which O'Brien never left my bedside.
My head was shaved, all the skin came off my face like a mask, as well
as off my back and shoulders.  We were put into baths of brandy and
water, and in three weeks were all recovered.

"That was but an unlucky schooner from beginning to end," observed
O'Brien, after I had narrated the events of my cruise.  "We had a bad
beginning with her, and we had a bad ending.  She's gone to the bottom,
and the devil go with her; however, all's well that ends well, and
Peter, you're worth a dozen dead men yet; but you occasion me a great
deal of trouble and anxiety, that's the truth of it, and I doubt if I
shall ever rear you, after all."

I returned to my duty on board of the brig, which was now nearly ready
for sea.  One morning O'Brien came on board and said, "Peter, I've a
piece of news for you.  Our gunner is appointed to the _Araxes_, and the
admiral has given me a gunner's warrant for old Swinburne.  Send for him
on deck."

Swinburne was summoned, and came rolling up the hatchway.  "Swinburne,"
said O'Brien, "you have done your duty well, and you are now gunner of
the _Rattlesnake_.  Here is your warrant, and I've great pleasure in
getting it for you."

Swinburne turned the quid in his cheek, and then replied, "May I be so
bold as to ax, Captain O'Brien, whether I must wear one of them long
tog, swallow-tailed coats--because if so, I'd prefer being a
quarter-master?"

"A gunner may wear a jacket, Swinburne, if he likes: when you go on
shore, you may bend the swallow-tail if you please."

"Well, sir, then if that's the case, I'll take the warrant, because I
know it will please the old woman."

So saying, Swinburne hitched up his trowsers, and went down below.  I
may here observe, that Swinburne kept to his round jacket until our
arrival in England, when the "old woman," his wife, who thought her
dignity at stake, soon made him ship the swallow-tail; and after it was
once on, Swinburne took a fancy to it himself, and always wore it,
except when he was at sea.

The same evening, as I was coming with O'Brien from the governor's
house, where I had dined, we passed a building, lighted up.  "What can
that be?" observed O'Brien: "not a dignity ball--there is no music."
Our curiosity induced us to enter, and we found it to be fitted up as a
temporary chapel, filled with black and coloured people, who were ranged
on the forms, and waiting for the preacher.

"It is a Methodist meeting," said I to O'Brien.

"Never mind," said he, "let us hear what is going on."

In a moment afterwards the pulpit was filled, not by a white man, as we
had anticipated, but by a tall negro.  He was dressed in black, and his
hair, which it was impossible to comb down straight, was plaited into
fifty little tails, with lead tied at the end of them, like you
sometimes see the mane of a horse: this produced a somewhat more
clerical appearance.  His throat was open, and collar laid back; the
wristbands of his shirt very large and white, and he flourished a white
cambric handkerchief.

"What a dandy he is!" whispered O'Brien.

I thought it almost too absurd, when he said he would take the liberty
to praise God in the 17th hymn, and beg all the company to join chorus.
He then gave out the stanzas in the most strange pronunciation.

  "Gentle Jesus, God um lub," etc.

When the hymn was finished, which was sung by the whole congregation, in
most delightful discord--for every one chose his own key--he gave an
extempore prayer, which was most unfortunately incomprehensible, and
then commenced his discourse, which was on _Faith_.  I shall omit the
head and front of his offending, which would, perhaps, hardly be
gratifying, although ludicrous.  He reminded me of a monkey imitating a
man; but what amused me most, was his finale, in which he told his
audience that there could be no faith without charity.  For a little
while he descanted upon this generally, and at last became personal.
His words were, as well as I can recollect, nearly as follows:--

"And now you see, my dear bredren, how unpossible to go to heaven with
all the faith in the world, without charity.  Charity mean, give away.
Suppose you no give--you no ab charity; suppose you no ab charity--you
no ab faith; suppose you no ab faith--you all go to hell and be damned.
Now den, let me see if you ab charity.  Here, you see, I come to save
all your soul from hell-fire; and hell-fire dam hot, I can tell you.
Dere you all burn, like coal, till you turn white powder, and den burn
on till you come black again: and so you go on, burn, burn, sometime
white, sometime black, for ebber and ebber.  The debil never allow
Sangoree to cool tongue.  No, no cocoa-nut milk--not a lilly drap of
water; debil see you damned first.  Suppose you ask, he poke um fire and
laugh.  Well, den, ab you charity?  No, you ab not.  You, Quashee, how
you dare look me in the face?  You keep shop--you sell egg--you sell
yam--you sell pepper hot--but when you give to me?  Eh! nebber, so help
me God.  Suppose you no send--you no ab charity, and you go to hell.
You black Sambo," continued he, pointing to a man in a corner, "ab very
fine boat, go out all day, catch fly-fish, bring um back, fry um, and
sell for money: but when you send to me? not one little fish ebber find
way to my mouth.  What I tell you 'bout Peter and 'postles--all
fishermen? good men; give 'way to poor.  Sambo, you no ab charity; and
'spose you no repent this week, and send one very fine fish in plantain
leaf, you go to hell, and burn for ebber and ebber.  Eh! so you will run
away, Massa Johnson," cried he out to another, who was edging to the
door; "but you no run away from hell-fire; when debil catch you he hold
dam tight.  You know you kill sheep and goat ebery day.  You send bell
ring all 'bout town for people to come buy; but when you send to me?
nebber, 'cept once, you give me lilly bit of libber.  That no do, Massa
Johnson; you no ab charity; and suppose you no send me sheep's head
to-morrow morning, dam you libber, that's all.  I see many more, but I
see um all very sorry, and dat they mean to sin no more, so dis time I
let um off, and say nothing about it, because I know plenty of plantain
and banana" (pointing to one), "and oranges and shaddock" (pointing to
another), "and salt fish" (pointing to a third), "and ginger pop and
spruce beer," (pointing to a fourth), "and a straw hat" (pointing to a
fifth), "and eberything else, come to my house to-morrow.  So I say no
more bout it; I see you all very sorry--you only forget.  You all ab
charity and all ab faith; so now, my dear bredren, we go down on our
knees, and thank God for all this, and more especially that I save all
your souls from going to the debil, who run about Barbadoes like one
roaring lion, seeking what he may lay hold off, and cram into his dam
fiery jaw."

"That will do, Peter," said O'Brien; "we have the cream of it I think."

We left the house and walked down to the boat.  "Surely.  O'Brien," said
I, "this should not be permitted?"

"He's no worse than his neighbours," replied O'Brien, "and perhaps does
less harm.  I admired the rascal's ingenuity; he gave his flock what, in
Ireland, we should call a pretty broad hint."

"Yes, there was no mistaking him; but is he a licensed preacher?"

"Very little license in his preaching, I take it; no, I suppose he has
had a _call_."

"A call!--what do you mean?"

"I mean that he wants to fill his belly.  Hunger is a call of nature,
Peter."

"He seems to want a good many things, if we were to judge by his
catalogue: what a pity it is that these poor people are not better
instructed."

"That they never will be, Peter, while there is, what may be called,
free trade in religion."

"You speak like a Catholic, O'Brien."

"I am one," replied he.  And here our conversation ended, for we were
close to the boat, which was waiting for us on the beach.

The next day a man-of-war brig arrived from England, bringing letters
for the squadron on the station.  I had two from my sister Ellen, which
made me very uncomfortable.  She stated, that my father had seen my
uncle, Lord Privilege, and had had high words with him; indeed, as far
as she could ascertain of the facts, my father had struck my uncle, and
had been turned out of the house by the servants.  That he had returned
in a state of great excitement, and had been ill ever since.  That there
was a great deal of talk in the neighbourhood on the subject--people
generally highly blaming my father's conduct and thinking that he was
deranged in his intellect,--a supposition very much encouraged by my
uncle.  She again expressed her hopes of my speedy return.  I had now
been absent nearly three years, and she had been so uncomfortable that
she felt as if it had been at least ten.  O'Brien also received a letter
from Father McGrath, which I shall lay before the reader.

  "MY DEAR SON,--Long life, and all the blessings of all the saints be
  upon you now and for evermore!  Amen.  And may you live to be married,
  and may I dance at your wedding, and may you never want children, and
  may they grow up as handsome as their father and their mother (whoever
  she may hereafter be), and may you die of a good old age, and in the
  true faith, and be waked handsomely, as your own father was last
  Friday s'ennight, seeing as how he took it into his head to leave this
  world for a better.  It was a very dacent funeral-procession, my dear
  Terence, and your father must have been delighted to see himself so
  well attinded.  No man ever made a more handsome corpse, considering
  how old, and thin, and haggard he had grown of late; and how grey his
  hair had turned.  He held the nosegay between his fingers, across his
  breast, as natural as life, and reminded us all of the blessed saint
  Pope Gregory who was called to glory some hundred years before either
  you or I was born.

  "Your mother's quite comfortable; and there she sits in the ould
  chair, rocking to and fro all day long, and never speaking a word to
  nobody, thinking about heaven, I dare to say; which is just what she
  ought to do, seeing that she stands a very pretty chance of going
  there in the course of a month or so.  Divil a word has she ever said
  since your father's departure, but then she screamed and yelled enough
  to last for seven years at the least.  She screamed away all her
  senses any how, for she has done nothing since but cough, cough, and
  fumble at her pater-nosters,--a very blessed way to pass the remainder
  of her days, seeing that I expect her to drop every minute, like an
  over ripe sleepy pear.  So don't think any more about her, my son, for
  without you are back in a jiffy, her body will be laid in consecrated
  ground, and her happy, blessed soul in purgatory.  _Pax vobiscum_.
  Amen!  Amen!

  "And now having disposed of your father and your mother so much to
  your satisfaction, I'll just tell you that Ella's mother died in the
  convent at Dieppe, but whether she kept her secret or not I do not
  know; but this I do know, that if she didn't relieve her soul by
  confession, she's damned to all eternity.  Thanks be to God for all
  his mercies.  Amen!  Ella Flanagan is still alive, and, for a nun, is
  as well as can be expected.  I find that she knows nothing at all
  about the matter of the exchanging the genders of the babbies--only
  that her mother was on oath to Father O'Toole, who ought to be hanged,
  drawn, and quartered, instead of those poor fellows whom the
  government called rebels, but who were no more rebels than Father
  McGrath himself, who'll uphold the Pretender, as they call our true
  Catholic King, as long as there's life in his body, or a drop of
  whisky left in ould Ireland to drink his health wid.--Talking about
  Father O'Toole puts me in mind that the bishop has not yet decided our
  little bit of dispute, saying that he must take time to think about
  it.  Now considering that it's just three years since the row took
  place, the old gentleman must be a very slow thinker, not to have
  found out by this time that I was in the right, and that Father
  O'Toole, the baste, is not good enough to be hanged.

  "Your two married sisters are steady and diligent young women, having
  each made three children since you last saw them.  Fine boys, every
  mother's son of them, with elegant spacious features, and famous
  mouths for taking in whole potatoes.  By the powers, but the effects
  of the tree of the O'Briens begin to make a noise in the land, anyhow,
  as you would say if you only heard them roaring for their bit of
  suppers.

  "And now, my dear son Terence, to the real purport of this letter,
  which is just to put to your soul's conscience, as a dutiful son,
  whether you ought not to send me a small matter of money to save your
  poor father's soul from pain and anguish--for it's no joke that being
  in purgatory, I can tell you; and you wouldn't care how soon you were
  tripped out of it yourself.  I only wish you had but your little toe
  in it, and then you'd burn with impatience to have it out again.  But
  you're a dutiful son, so I'll say no more about it--a nod's as good as
  a wink to a blind horse.

  "When your mother goes, which, with the blessing of God, will be in a
  very little while, seeing that she has only to follow her senses,
  which are gone already, I'll take upon myself to sell everything, as
  worldly goods and chattels are of no use to dead people: and I have no
  doubt but that what, with the furniture, and the two cows, and the
  pigs, and the crops in the ground, there will be enough to save her
  soul from the flames, and bury her dacently into the bargain.
  However, as you are the heir-at-law, seeing that the property is all
  your own, I'll keep a debtor and creditor account of the whole; and
  should there be any over, I'll use it all out in masses, so as to send
  her up to heaven by express and if there's not sufficient, she must
  remain where she is till you come back and make up the deficiency.  In
  the meanwhile I am your loving father in faith,

  "Urtagh McGrath."



CHAPTER FIFTY TWO.

GOOD SENSE IN SWINBURNE--NO MAN A HERO TO HIS "VALET DE CHAMBRE," OR A
PROPHET IN HIS OWN COUNTRY--O'BRIEN TAKES A STEP BY STRATEGY--O'BRIEN
PARTS WITH HIS FRIEND, AND PETER'S STAR IS NO LONGER IN THE ASCENDANT.

O'Brien was sorry for the death of his father, but he could not feel as
most people would have done, as his father had certainly never been a
father to him.  He was sent to sea to be got rid of, and ever since he
had been there had been the chief support of his family: his father was
very fond of whisky, and not very fond of exertion.  He was too proud of
the true Milesian blood in his veins, to do anything to support himself;
but not too proud to live upon his son's hard-earned gains.  For his
mother O'Brien felt very much; she had always been kind and
affectionate, and was very fond of him.  Sailors, however, are so
estranged from their families, when they have been long in their
profession, and so accustomed to vicissitudes, that no grief for the
loss of a relation lasts very long, and, in a week, O'Brien had
recovered his usual spirits, when a vessel brought us the intelligence
that a French squadron had been seen off St. Domingo.  This put us all
on the _qui vive_.  O'Brien was sent for by the admiral, and ordered to
hasten his brig for sea with all possible despatch, as he was to proceed
with despatches to England forthwith.  In three days we were reported
ready, received our orders, and at eight o'clock in the evening made
sail from Carlisle Bay.

"Well, Mr Swinburne," said I, "how do you like your new situation?"

"Why, Mr Simple, I like it well enough, and it's not disagreeable to be
an officer, and sit in your own cabin; but still, I feel that I should
get on better, if I were in another ship.  I've been hail fellow well
met with the ship's company so long, that I can't top the officer over
them, and we can't get the duty done as smart as I could wish; and then,
at night, I find it very lonely, stuck up in my cabin like a parson's
clerk, and nobody to talk to; for the other warrants are particular, and
say that I'm only acting, and may not be confirmed, so they hold aloof.
I don't much like being answerable for all that lot of gunpowder--it's
queer stuff to handle."

"Very true, Swinburne; but still, if there were no responsibility, we
should require no officers.  You recollect that you are now provided for
for life, and will have half-pay."

"That's what made me bite, Mr Simple; I thought of the old woman, and
how comfortable it would make her in her old age, and so, d'ye see, I
sacrificed myself."

"How long have you been married, Swinburne?"

"Ever since Christmas '94.  I wasn't going to be hook'd carelessly, so I
nibbled afore I took the bait.  Had four years' trial of her first, and
finding that she had plenty of ballast, I sailed her as my own."

"How do you mean by plenty of ballast?"

"I don't mean, Mr Simple, a broad bow and square hulk.  You know very
well that if a vessel has not ballast, she's bottom up in no time.  Now,
what keeps a woman stiff under her canvas is her modesty."

"Very true.  Swinburne; but it's a rare commodity on the beach."

"And why, Mr Simple? because liquor is more valued.  Many a good man
has found it to be his bane; and as for a woman, when once she takes to
it, she's like a ship without a rudder, and goes right before the wind
to the devil.  Not that I think a man ought not to take a nor-wester or
two, when he can get them.  Rum was not given by God Almighty only to
make the niggers dance, but to make all our hearts glad; neither do I
see why a woman is to stand out neither; what's good for Jack can't hurt
Poll; only there is a medium, as they say, in all things, and
half-and-half is quite strong enough."

"I should think it was," replied I, laughing.

"But don't be letting me prevent you from keeping a look-out, Mr
Simple.--You Hoskins, you're half a point off the wind.  Luff you may.--
I think, Mr Simple, that Captain O'Brien didn't pick out the best man,
when he made Tom Alsop a quarter-master in my place."

"Why, he is a very steady, good man, Swinburne."

"Yes, so he is; but he has natural defects, which shouldn't be
overlooked."

"I was not aware of that."

"No, but I was.  Alsop wants to sarve out his time for his pension, and
when he has sarved, you see if, when the surgeons examine him, they
don't invalid him, as blind as a bat.  I should like to have him as
gunner's mate, and that's just what he's fit for.  But, Mr Simple, I
think we shall have some bad weather.  The moon looks greasy, and the
stars want snuffing.  You'll have two reefs in the topsails afore
morning.  There's five bells striking.  Now, I'll turn in; if I didn't
keep half the first, and half the morning watch, I shouldn't sleep all
the night.  I miss my regular watch very much, Mr Simple--habit's every
thing--and I don't much fancy a standing bed-place, it's so large, and I
feel so cold of my sides.  Nothing like a hammock, after all.  Good
night, Mr Simple."

"Good night.  Swinburne."

Our orders were to proceed with all _possible_ despatch; and O'Brien
carried on day and night, generally remaining up himself till one or two
o'clock in the morning.  We had very favourable weather, and in a little
more than a month we passed the Lizard.  The wind being fair, we passed
Plymouth, ran up Channel, and anchored at Spithead.

After calling upon the admiral, O'Brien set off for town with his
despatches, and left me in command of the ship.  In three days, I
received a letter from him, informing me that he had seen the First
Lord, who had asked him a great many questions concerning the station he
had quitted; that he had also complimented O'Brien on his services.  "On
that hint I spake," continued O'Brien; "I ventured to insinuate to his
lordship, that I had hoped that I had earned my promotion; and as there
is nothing like _quartering on the enemy_, I observed that I had not
applied to Lord Privilege, as I considered my services would have been
sufficient, without any application on his part.  His lordship returned
a very gracious answer; said that my Lord Privilege was a great ally of
his and very friendly to the Government; and inquired when I was going
to see him.  I replied, that I certainly should not pay my respects to
his lordship at present, unless there was occasion for it, as I must
take a more favourable opportunity.  So I hope that good may come from
the great lord's error, which of course I shall not correct, as I feel I
deserve my promotion--and you know, Peter, if you can't gain it by
_hook_, you must by _crook_."  He then concluded his letter; but there
was a postscript as follows:--

"Wish me joy, my dear Peter.  I have this moment received a letter from
the private secretary, to say that I am _posted_ and appointed to the
_Semiramis_ frigate, about to set sail for the East Indies.  She is all
ready to start; and now I must try and get you with me, of which I have
no doubt; as, although her officers have been long appointed, there will
be little difficulty of success, when I mention your relationship to
Lord Privilege, and while they remain in error as to his taking an
interest in my behalf."

I sincerely rejoiced at O'Brien's good fortune.  His promotion I had
considered certain, as his services had entitled him to it: but the
command of so fine a frigate must have been given upon the supposition
that it would be agreeable to my uncle, who was not only a prime
supporter, but a very useful member of the Tory government.  I could not
help laughing to myself, at the idea of O'Brien obtaining his wishes
from the influence of a person who, probably, detested him as much as
one man could detest another; and I impatiently waited for O'Brien's
next letter, by which I hoped to find myself appointed to the
_Semiramis_; but a sad _contre temps_ took place.

O'Brien did not write; but came down two days afterwards, hastened on
board the _Semiramis_, read his commission, and assumed the command
before even he had seen me: he then sent his gig on board of the
_Rattlesnake_, to desire me to come to him directly.  I did so, and we
went down into the cabin of the frigate.  "Peter," said he, "I was
obliged to hasten down and read myself captain of this ship, as I am in
fear that things are not going on well.  I had called to pay my respects
at the Admiralty, previous to joining, and was kicking my heels in the
waiting-room, when who should walk up the passage, as if he were a
captain on his own quarter-deck, but your uncle, Lord Privilege.  His
eye met mine--he recognised me immediately--and, if it did not flash
fire, it did something very like it.  He asked a few questions of one of
the porters, and was giving his card, when my name was called for.  I
passed him, and up I went to the First Lord, thanked him for the
frigate; and having received a great many compliments upon my exertions
on the West India station, made my bow and retired.  I had intended to
have requested your appointment, but I knew that your name would bring
up Lord Privilege's; and, moreover, your uncle's card was brought up and
laid upon the table while I was sitting there.  The First Lord, I
presume, thought that his lordship was come to thank him for his
kindness to me, which only made him more civil.  I made my bow, and went
down, and met the eye of Lord Privilege, who looked daggers at me as he
walked upstairs--for, of course, he was admitted immediately after my
audience was finished.  Instead of waiting to hear the result of the
explanation, I took a post-chaise, and have come down here as fast as
four horses can bring me, and have read myself in--for, Peter, I feel
sure, that if not on board, my commission will be cancelled; and I know
that if once in command, as I am now, I can call for a court-martial, to
clear my character if I am superseded.  I know that the Admiralty _can_
do anything, but still they will be cautious in departing from the rules
of the service, to please even Lord Privilege.  I looked up at the sky
as soon as I left the Admiralty portico, and was glad to see that the
weather was so thick, and the telegraph not at work, or I might have
been too late.  Now I'll go on shore, and report myself to the admiral,
as having taken the command of the _Semiramis_."

O'Brien went on shore to report himself, was well received by the
admiral, who informed him, that if he had any arrangements to make, he
could not be too soon, as he should not be surprised if his sailing
orders came down the next morning.  This was very annoying, as I could
not see how I should be able to join O'Brien's ship, even if I could
effect an exchange, in so short a time.  I therefore hastened on board
of the _Semiramis_ and applied to the officers to know if any of them
were willing to exchange into the _Rattlesnake_; but although they did
not much like going to the East Indies, they would not exchange into a
brig, and I returned disappointed.

The next morning, the admiral sent for O'Brien, and told him
confidentially, for he was the same admiral who had received O'Brien
when he escaped from prison with me, and was very kind to him, that
there was some hitch about his having the _Semiramis_, and that orders
had come down to pay her off, all standing, and examine her bottom, if
Captain O'Brien had not joined her.

"Do you understand what this means?" said the admiral, who was anxious
to know the reason.

O'Brien answered frankly, that Lord Privilege, by whose interest he had
obtained his former command, was displeased with him; and that as he saw
him go up to the First Lord after his own audience, he had no doubt but
that his lordship had said something to his disadvantage, as he was a
very vindictive man.

"Well," said the admiral, "it's lucky that you have taken the command,
as they cannot well displace you, or send her into dock without a
survey, and upon your representation."

And so it proved; the First Lord, when he found that O'Brien had joined,
took no further steps, but allowed the frigate to proceed to her
intended destination.  But all chance of my sailing with him was done
away, and now, for the first time, I had to part with O'Brien.  I
remained with him the whole time that I could be spared from my duties.
O'Brien was very much annoyed, but there was no help.  "Never mind,
Peter," said he, "I've been thinking that perhaps it's all for the best.
You will see more of the world, and be no longer in leading-strings.
You are now a fine man grown up, big enough, and ugly enough, as they
say, to take care of yourself.  We shall meet again; and if we don't,
why then God bless you, my boy, and don't forget O'Brien."

Three days afterwards, O'Brien's orders came down.  I accompanied him on
board; and it was not until the ship was under weigh, and running
towards the Needles with a fair wind, that I shook hands with him, and
shoved off.  Parting with O'Brien was a heavy blow to me; but I little
knew how much I was to suffer before I saw him again.



CHAPTER FIFTY THREE.

I AM PLEASED WITH MY NEW CAPTAIN--OBTAIN LEAVE TO GO HOME--FIND MY
FATHER AFFLICTED WITH A VERY STRANGE DISEASE, AND PROVE MYSELF A VERY
GOOD DOCTOR, ALTHOUGH THE DISORDER ALWAYS BREAKS OUT IN A FRESH PLACE.

The day after O'Brien had sailed for the East Indies, the dock-yard men
came on board to survey the brig, and she was found so defective, as to
be ordered into dock.  I had received letters from my sister, who was
overjoyed at the intelligence of my safe return, and the anticipation of
seeing me.  The accounts of my father were, however, very
unsatisfactory.  My sister wrote, that disappointment and anxiety had
had such an effect upon him that he was deranged in his intellect.  Our
new captain came down to join us.  He was a very young man, and had
never before commanded a ship.  His character as lieutenant was well
known, and not very satisfactory, being that of a harsh, unpleasant
officer; but, as he had never been first lieutenant, it was impossible
to say what he might prove when in command of a ship.  Still we were a
little anxious about it, and severely regretted the loss of O'Brien.

He came on board the hulk to which the ship's company had been turned
over, and read his commission.  He proved to be all affability,
condescension, and good-nature.  To me he was particularly polite,
stating that he should not interfere with me in carrying on the duty, as
I must be so well acquainted with the ship's company.  We thought that
those who gave us the information must have been prejudiced or mistaken
in his character.  During the half-hour that he remained on board, I
stated that now that the brig was in dock, I should like very much to
have an opportunity of seeing my friends, if he would sanction my asking
for leave.

To this he cheerfully consented, adding, that he would extend it upon
his own responsibility.  My letter to the Admiralty was therefore
forwarded through him, and was answered in the affirmative.  The day
afterwards, I set off by the coach, and once more embraced my dear
sister.

After the first congratulations were over, I inquired about my father;
she replied, that he was so wild that nobody could manage him.  That he
was melancholy and irritable at the same time, and was certainly
deranged, fancying himself to be made of various substances, or to be in
a certain trade or capacity.  That he generally remained in this way
four or five days, when he went to bed, and slept for twenty-four hours,
or more, and awoke with some new strange imagination in his head.  His
language was violent, but that, in other respects, he seemed to be more
afraid of other people than inclined to be mischievous; and that every
day he was getting more strange and ridiculous.  He had now just risen
from one of his long naps, and was in his study; that before he had
fallen asleep he had fancied himself to be a carpenter, and had sawed
and chopped up several articles of furniture in the house.

I quitted my sister to see my father, whom I found in his easy-chair.  I
was much shocked at his appearance.  He was thin and haggard his eyes
were wild, and he remained with his mouth constantly open.  A sick
nurse, who had been hired by my sister, was standing by him.

"Pish, pish, pish, pish!" cried my father; "what can you, a stupid old
woman, know about my inside?  I tell you the gas is generating fast, and
even now I can hardly keep on my chair.  I'm lifting--lifting now; and
if you don't tie me down with cords, I shall go up like a balloon."

"Indeed, sir," replied the woman, "it's only the wind in your stomach.
You'll break it off directly."

"It's inflammable gas, you old hecate!--I know it is.  Tell me will you
get a cord, or will you not?  Hah! who's that--Peter?  Why you've
dropped from the clouds, just in time to see me mount up to them."

"I hope you feel yourself better, sir," said I.

"I fell myself a great deal lighter every minute.  Get a cord, Peter,
and tie me to the leg of the table."

I tried to persuade him that he was under a mistake; but it was useless.
He became excessively violent, and said I wished him in heaven.  As I
had heard that it was better to humour people afflicted with
hypochondriacism, which was evidently the disease under which my father
laboured, I tried that method.  "It appears to me, sir," said I, "that
if we could remove the gas every ten minutes, it would be a very good
plan."

"Yes--but how?" replied he, shaking his head mournfully.

"Why, with a syringe, sir," said I; "which will, if empty, of course
draw out the gas, when inserted into your mouth."

"My dear Peter, you have saved my life," replied my father; "be quick
though, or I shall go up, right through the ceiling."  Fortunately,
there was an instrument of that description in the house.  I applied it
to his mouth, drew up the piston, and then ejected the air, and
re-applied it.  In two minutes he pronounced himself better, and I left
the old nurse hard at work, and my father very considerably pacified.  I
returned to my sister, to whom I recounted what had passed; but it was
no source of mirth to us, although had it happened to an indifferent
person, I might have been amused.  The idea of leaving her, as I must
soon do--having only a fortnight's leave--to be worried by my father's
unfortunate malady, was very distressing.  But we entered into a long
conversation, in which I recounted the adventures that had taken place
since I had left her, and for the time forgot our source of annoyance
and regret.  For three days my father insisted upon the old woman
pumping the gas out of his body; after that he again fell into one of
his sound sleeps, which lasted nearly thirty hours.

When he arose, I went again to see him.  It was eight o'clock in the
evening, and I entered with a candle.  "Take it away--quick, take it
away; put it out carefully."

"Why, what's the matter, sir?"

"Don't come near me, if you love me; don't come near me.  Put it out, I
say--put it out."

I obeyed his orders, and then asked him the reason.  "Reason!" said he,
now that we were in the dark; "can't you see?"

"No, father; I can see nothing in the dark."

"Well, then, Peter, I'm a magazine, full of gun-powder; the least spark
in the world, and I am blown up.  Consider the danger.  You surely would
not be the destruction of your father, Peter;" and the poor old
gentleman burst into tears, and wept like a child.

I knew that it was in vain to reason with him.  "My dear father," said
I, "on board ship, when there is any danger of this kind, we always
float the magazine.  Now, if you were to drink a good deal of water, the
powder would be spoiled, and there would be no danger."

My father was satisfied with my proposal, and drank a tumbler of water
every half-hour, which the old nurse was obliged to supply as fast as he
called for it, and this satisfied him for three or four days, and I was
again left to the company of my dear Ellen, when my father again fell
into his stupor, and we wondered what would be his next fancy.  I was
hastily summoned by the nurse; and found my poor father lying in bed,
and breathing in a very strange manner.

"What is the matter, my dear sir?" inquired I.

"Why, don't you see what is the matter?  How is a poor little infant,
just born, to live, unless its mother is near to suckle it, and take
care of it?"

"Indeed, sir, do you mean to say that you are just born?"

"To be sure I do.  I'm dying for the breast."

This was almost too absurd; but I gravely observed, "That it was all
very true, but unfortunately his mother had died in child-birth, and
that the only remedy was to bring him up by hand."

He agreed with me.  I desired the nurse to make some gruel, with brandy,
and feed him: which she did, and he took the gruel just as if he were a
baby.

This fit lasted about six days; for he went to sleep, because a baby
always slept much; and I was in hopes it would last much longer: but he
again went off into his lethargic fit, and after a long sleep awoke with
a new fancy.  My time had nearly expired, and I had written to my new
captain, requesting an extension of leave, but I received an answer
stating that it could not be granted, and requesting me to join the brig
immediately.

I was rather surprised at this, but of course was compelled to obey and,
embracing my dear sister once more, set off for Portsmouth.  I advised
her to humour my father, and this advice she followed; but his fancies
were such, occasionally, as would have puzzled the most inventive genius
to combat, or to find the remedy which he might acknowledge to be
requisite.  His health became certainly worse and worse, and his
constitution was evidently destroyed by a slow, undermining bodily and
mental fever.  The situation of my poor sister was very distressing; and
I must say that I quitted her with melancholy forebodings.

I ought here to observe, that I received all my prize-money amounting to
1560 pounds, a large sum for a lieutenant.  I put it into the funds, and
gave a power of attorney to Ellen, requesting her to use it as her own.
We consulted as to what she should do if my father should die, and
agreed that all his debts, which we knew to amount to three or four
hundred pounds, should be paid, and that she should manage how she could
upon what was left of my father's property, and the interest of my
prize-money.



CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR.

WE RECEIVE OUR SAILING ORDERS, AND ORDERS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION--A
QUARTER-DECK CONVERSATION--LISTENERS NEVER HEAR ANY GOOD OF THEMSELVES.

When I arrived at Portsmouth, I reported myself to the captain, who
lived at the hotel.  I was ushered into his room to wait for him, as he
was dressing to dine with the admiral.  My eyes naturally turned to what
lay on the table, merely from the feeling which one has to pass away the
time, not from curiosity; and I was much surprised to see a pile of
letters the uppermost of which was franked by Lord Privilege.  This,
however, might be merely accidental; but my curiosity was excited, and I
lifted up the letter, and found that the second, the third, and indeed
at least ten of them were franked by my uncle.  I could not imagine how
there could be any intimacy between him and my uncle, and was reflecting
upon it when Captain Hawkins, for that was his name, entered the room.
He was very kind and civil, apologised for not being able to extend my
leave, which, he said, was because he had consulted the admiral, who
would not sanction the absence of the first lieutenant, and had very
peremptorily desired he would recall me immediately.  I was satisfied:
he shook my hand, and we parted.  On, my arrival on board the hulk, for
the brig was still in dock, I was warmly received by my messmates.  They
told me that the captain had, generally speaking, been very civil, but
that, occasionally, the marks of the cloven foot appeared.

"Webster," said I to the second lieutenant, "do you know anything about
his family or connections?"

"It is a question I have asked of those who have sailed with him, and
they all say that he never speaks of his own family, but very often
boasts of his intimacy with the nobility.  Some say that he is a
_bye-blow_ of some great man."

I reflected very much upon this, and connecting it with the numerous
franks of Lord Privilege which I saw on the table, had my misgivings;
but then I knew that I could do my duty, and had no reason to fear any
man.  I resolved, in my own mind, to be very correct, and put it out of
the power of any one to lay hold of me, and then dismissed the subject.
The brig was repaired and out of dock, and for some days I was very busy
getting her ready for sea.  I never quitted her; in fact, I had no wish.
I never had any taste for bad company and midnight orgies, and I had no
acquaintance with the respectable portion of the inhabitants of
Portsmouth.  At last the ship's company were removed into the brig: we
went out of the harbour, and anchored at Spithead.

Captain Hawkins came on board and gave me an order-book, saying, "Mr
Simple, I have a great objection to written orders, as I consider that
the articles of war are quite sufficient to regulate any ship.  Still, a
captain is in a very responsible situation, and if any accident occurs
he is held amenable.  I therefore have framed a few orders of my own for
the interior discipline of the vessel, which may probably save me
harmless, in case of being _hauled over the coals_; but not with any
wish that they should interfere with the comforts of the officers, only
to guard against any mischance, of which the _onus_ may fall upon
myself."

I received the order-book, and the captain went ashore.  When I went
down into the gun-room, to look through it, I at once perceived that if
rigidly conformed to, every officer in the ship would be rendered
uncomfortable; and if not conformed to, I should be the party that was
answerable.  I showed it to Webster, who agreed with me, and gave it as
his opinion that the captain's good nature and amiability were all a
blind, and that he was intending to lay hold of us as soon as it was in
his power.  I therefore called all the officers together, and told them
my opinion.  Webster supported me, and it was unanimously agreed that
the orders should be obeyed, although not without remonstrance.

The major part of the orders, however, only referred to the time that
the brig was in harbour; and, as we were about to proceed to sea, it was
hardly worth while saying anything at present.  The orders for the
sailing of the brig came down, and by the same post I received a letter
from my sister Ellen, stating that they had heard from Captain Fielding,
who had immediately written to Bombay, where the regiment was stationed,
and had received an answer, informing him that there was no married man
in the regiment of the name of Sullivan, and no woman who had followed
that regiment of that name.  This at once put an end to all our
researches after the wet-nurse, who had been confined in my uncle's
house.  Where she had been sent, it was of course impossible to say; but
I gave up all chance of discovering my uncle's treachery; and, as I
thought of Celeste, sighed at the little hope I had of ever being united
to her.  I wrote a long letter to O'Brien, and the next day we sailed
for our station in the North Sea.

The captain added a night order-book to the other, and sent it up every
evening, to be returned in the morning, with the signature of every
officer of the night watches.  He also required all our signatures to
his general order-book, that we might not say we had not read them.  I
had the first watch, when Swinburne came up to me.

"Well, Mr Simple, I do not think we have made much by our exchange of
captains; and I have a shrewd suspicion we shall have squalls ere long."

"We must not judge too hastily, Swinburne," replied I.

"No, no--I don't say that we should; but still, one must go a little by
looks in the world, and I'm sure his looks wouldn't help him much.  He
is just like a winter's day, short and dirty; and he walks the decks as
if plank were not good enough for his feet.  Mr William says, he looks
as if he were `big with the fate of Cato and of Rome:' what that means I
don't know--some joke, I suppose, for the youngsters are always joking.
Were you ever up the Baltic, Mr Simple?  Now I think of it I know you
never were.  I've seen some tight work up there with the gun-boats; and
so we should now, with Captain O'Brien; but as for this little man, I've
an idea 'twill be more talk than work."

"You appear to have taken a great dislike to the captain, Swinburne.  I
do not know whether, as first lieutenant, I ought to listen to you."

"It's because you're first lieutenant that I tell it you, Mr Simple.  I
never was mistaken, in the main, of an officer's character, when I could
look him in the face, and hear him talk for half-an-hour; and I came up
on purpose to put you on your guard: for I feel convinced, that towards
you he means mischief.  What does he mean by having the greasy-faced
sergeant of marines in his cabin for half-an-hour every morning?  His
reports as master-of-arms ought to come through you, as first
lieutenant; but he means him as a spy upon all, and upon you in
particular.  The fellow has began to give himself airs already, and
speaks to the young gentlemen as if they were beneath him.  I thought
you might not know it, Mr Simple, so I thought it right to tell you."

"I am much obliged to you, Swinburne, for your good wishes; but I can do
my duty, and why should I fear anything?"

"A man may do his duty, Mr Simple; but if a captain is determined to
ruin him, he has the power.  I have been longer in the service than you
have, and have been wide awake: only be careful of one thing Mr Simple;
I beg your pardon for being so free, but in no case lose your temper."

"No fear of that, Swinburne," replied I.

"It's very easy to say `no fear of that,' Mr Simple: but recollect you
have not yet had your temper tried as some officers have.  You have
always been treated like a gentleman; but should you find yourself
treated otherwise, you have too good blood in your veins not to speak--I
am sure of that.  I've seen officers insulted and irritated, till no
angel could put up with the treatment--and then for an unguarded word,
which they would have been _swabs_ not to have made use of, sent out of
the service to the devil."

"But you forget, Swinburne, that the articles of war are made for the
captain as well as for everybody else in the ship."

"I know that; but still, at court-martials captains make a great
distinction between what a superior says to an inferior, and what an
inferior says to a superior."

"True," replied I, quoting Shakespeare:--

  "`That's in the captain but a choleric word,
  Which in the soldier is rank blasphemy.'"

"Exactly my meaning--I rather think," said Swinburne, "if a captain
calls you no gentleman, you mustn't say the same to him."

"Certainly not," replied I; "but I can demand a court-martial."

"Yes; and it will be granted; but what do you gain by that?  It's like
beating against a heavy gale and a lee tide--thousand to one if you
fetch your port; and if you do, your vessel is strained to pieces, sails
worn as thin as a newspaper, and rigging chafed half through, wanting
fresh serving: no orders for a refit, and laid up in ordinary for the
rest of your life.  No, no, Mr Simple; the best plan is to grin and
bear it, and keep a sharp look-out; for depend upon it, Mr Simple, in
the best ship's company in the world, a spy captain will always find spy
followers."

"Do you refer that observation to me, Mr Swinburne?" said a voice from
under the bulwark.  I started round, and found the captain, who had
crept upon deck, unperceived by us, during our conversation.

Swinburne made no reply, but touched his hat, and walked over to
leeward.

"I presume, Mr Simple," said the captain, turning to me, "that you
consider yourself justified in finding fault, and abusing your captain,
to an inferior officer, on His Majesty's quarter-deck."

"If you heard the previous conversation, sir," replied I, "you must be
aware that we were speaking generally about court-martials.  I do not
imagine that I have been guilty of any impropriety in conversing with an
officer upon points connected with the service."

"You mean then to assert, sir, that the gunner did not refer to me when
he said the words, `spy captain.'"

"I acknowledge, sir, that as you were listening unperceived, the term
might appear to refer to you; but the gunner had no idea, at the time,
that you were listening.  His observation was, that a spy captain would
always find spy followers.  This I take to be a general observation; and
I am sorry that you think otherwise."

"Very well, Mr Simple," said Captain Hawkins--and he walked down the
companion ladder into his cabin.

"Now a'n't it odd, Mr Simple, that I should come with the intention of
being of service to you, and yet get you into such a scrape?  However,
perhaps, it is all for the best; open war is preferable to watching in
the dark, and stabbing in the back.  He never meant to have shown his
colours; but I hit him so hard that he forgot himself."

"I suspect that to be the case, Swinburne; But I think that you had
better not talk any more with me to-night."

"Wish I hadn't talked quite so much, as things have turned out," replied
Swinburne.  "Good night, sir."

I reflected upon what had passed, and felt convinced that Swinburne was
right in saying that it was better this had occurred than otherwise.  I
now knew the ground which I stood upon; and forewarned was being
forearmed.



CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE.

WE ENCOUNTER A DUTCH BRIG OF WAR--CAPTAIN HAWKINS VERY CONTEMPLATIVE
NEAR THE CAPSTAN--HARD KNOCKS, AND NO THANKS FOR IT--WHO'S AFRAID?--MEN
WILL TALK--THE BRIG GOES ABOUT ON THE WRONG TACK.

At daylight the next morning we were off the Texel, and could see the
low sand-hills: but we had scarcely made them out, when the fog in the
offing cleared up, and we made a strange vessel.  The hands were turned
up, and all sail made in chase.  We made her out to be a brig of war;
and as she altered her course considerably, we had an idea that she was
an enemy.  We made the private signal, which was unanswered, and we
cleared for action; the brig making all sail on the starboard tack, and
we following her--she bearing about two miles on out weather-bow.  The
breeze was not steady; at one time the brig was staggering under her
top-gallant sails, while we had our royals set; at another, we would
have hands by the top-gallant sheets and topsail halyards, while she
expanded every stitch of canvas.  On the whole, however, in an hour we
had neared about half a mile.  Our men were all at their quarters, happy
to be so soon at their old work.  Their jackets and hats were thrown
off, a bandana handkerchief tied round their heads, and another, or else
their black silk handkerchiefs, tied round their waists.  Every gun was
ready, everything was in its place, and every soul, I was going to say,
was anxious for the set-to; but I rather think I must not include the
captain, who from the commencement showed no signs of pleasure, and
anything but presence of mind.  When we first chased the vessel, it was
reported that it was a merchantman; and it was not until we had broad
daylight that we discovered her to be a man-of-war.  There was one thing
to be said in his favour--he had never been in action in his life.

The breeze now fell light, and we were both with our sails set, when a
thick fog obscured her from our sight.  The fog rolled on till we met
it, and then we could not see ten yards from the brig.  This was a
source of great mortification, as we had every chance of losing her.
Fortunately, the wind was settling down fast into a calm, and about
twelve o'clock the sails flapped against the mast.  I reported twelve
o'clock, and asked the captain whether we should pipe to dinner.

"Not yet," replied he, "we will put her head about."

"Go about, sir?" replied I with surprise.

"Yes," said he; "I'm convinced that the chase is on the other tack at
this moment; and if we do not, we shall lose her."

"If she goes about, sir," said I, "she must get among the sands, and we
shall be sure of her."

"Sir," replied he, "when I ask your advice, you will be pleased to give
it.  I command this vessel."

I touched my hat, and turned the hands up about ship, convinced that the
captain wished to avoid the action, as the only chance of escape for the
brig was her keeping her wind in the tack she was on.

"'Bout ship--'bout ship!" cried the men.  "What the hell are we going
about for?" inquired they of one another, as they came up the ladder.

"Silence there, fore and aft!" cried I.  "Captain Hawkins, I do not
think we can get her round, unless we wear--the wind is very light."

"Then wear ship, Mr Simple."

There are times when grumbling and discontent among the seamen is so
participated by the officer, although they do not show it, that the
expressions made use of are passed unheeded.  Such was the case at
present.  The officers looked at each other, and said nothing; but the
men were unguarded in their expressions.  The brig wore gradually round;
and when the men were bracing up the yards, sharp on the other tack,
instead of the "Hurrah!" and "Down with the mark," they fell back with a
groan.

"Brace up those yards in silence there," said I to the men, which was
all I could say.

The ropes were coiled down, and we piped to dinner.  The captain, who
continued on deck, could not fail to hear the discontented expressions
which occasionally were made use of on the lower deck.  He made no
observation, but occasionally looked over the side, to see whether the
brig went through the water.  This she did slowly for about ten minutes,
when it fell a perfect calm--so that, to use a common phrase, he gained
little by his motion.  About half-past one, a slight breeze from the
opposite quarter sprung up--we turned round to it--it increased--the fog
blew away, and, in a quarter of an hour, the chase was again visible,
now upon our lee beam.  The men gave three cheers.

"Silence there, fore and aft," cried the captain angrily.  "Mr Simple,
is this the way that the ship's company have been disciplined under
their late commander, to halloo and bawl whenever they think proper?"

I was irritated at any reflection upon O'Brien, and I replied, "Yes sir;
they have been always accustomed to express their joy at the prospect of
engaging the enemy."

"Very well, Mr Simple," replied he.

"How are we to put her head?" inquired the master, touching his hat;
"for the chase?"

"Of course," replied the captain, who then descended into his cabin.

"Come, my lads," said Swinburne, as soon as the captain was below, "I
have been going round, and I fine that your _pets_ are all in good
fighting order.  I promise ye, you sha'n't wait for powder.  They'll
find that the _Rattlesnake_ can bite devilish hard yet, I expect."

"Ay, and without its _head_, too," replied one of the men, who was the
Joe Miller of the brig.

The chase, perceiving that she could not escape--for we were coming up
with her, hand over hand, now shortened sail for action, hoisting Dutch
colours.

Captain Hawkins again made his appearance on the quarter-deck, when we
were within half a mile of her.

"Are we to run alongside of her, or how?" inquired I.  "Mr Simple, I
command her," replied he, "and want no interference whatever."

"Very well, sir," replied I, and I walked to the gangway.

"Mr Thompson," cried the captain, who appeared to have screwed up his
courage to the right pitch, and had now taken his position for a moment
on one of the carronades; "you will lay the brig right--"

Bang, bang--whiz, whiz--bang--whiz, came three shots from the enemy,
cleaving the air between our masts.  The captain jumped down from the
carronade, and hastened to the capstan, without finishing his sentence.
"Shall we fire when we are ready, sir?" said I; for I perceived that he
was not capable of giving correct orders.

"Yes--yes, to be sure," replied he, remaining where he was.

"Thompson," said I to the master, "I think we can manage in our present
commanding position, to get foul of him, so as to knock away his
jib-boom and fore-topmast, and then she can't escape.  We have good way
on her."

"I'll manage it, Simple, or my name is not Thompson," replied the
master, jumping into the quarter-boat, conning the vessel in that
exposed situation, as we received the enemy's fire.

"Look out, my lads, and pour it into her now, just as you please," said
I to the men.

The seamen were, however, too well disciplined to take immediate
advantage of my permission; they waited until we passed her, and just as
the master put up his helm so as to catch her jib-boom between our
masts, the whole broadside was poured into his bow and chess-tree.  Her
jib-boom and fore-topgallant went down, and she had so much way through
the water, that we tore clear from her, and rounding to the wind shot
a-head.  The enemy, although in confusion from the effects of our
broadside, put up his helm to rake us; we perceived his manoeuvre, and
did the same, and then squaring our sail, we ran with him before the
wind, engaging broadside to broadside.

This continued about half-an-hour, and we soon found that we had no fool
to play with.  The brig was well fought, and her guns well directed.  We
had several men taken down below, and I thought it would be better to
engage her even closer.  There was about a cable's length between both
vessels, as we ran before the wind, at about six miles an hour with a
slight rolling motion.

"Thompson," said I, "let us see if we cannot beat them from their guns.
Let's port the helm, and close her, till we can shy a biscuit on board."

"Just my opinion, Simple; we'll see if they won't make another sort of
running fight of it."

In a few minutes we were so close on board of her that the men who
loaded the guns could touch each other with their rammers and sponges.
The men cheered; it was gallantly returned by the enemy, and havoc was
now commenced by the musketry on both sides.  The French captain, who
appeared as brave a fellow as ever stepped, stood for some minutes on
the hammocks: I was also holding on by the swifter of the main rigging,
when he took off his hat and politely saluted me.  I returned the
compliment; but the fire became too hot, and I wished to get under the
shelter of the bulwark.  Still I would not go down first, and the French
captain appeared determined not to be the first either to quit the post
of honour.  At last one of our marines hit him in the right arm: he
clasped his hand to the part, as if to point it out to me, nodded, and
was assisted down from the hammocks.  I immediately quitted my post, for
I thought it foolish to stand as a mark for forty or fifty soldiers.  I
had already received a bullet through the small of my leg.  But the
effects of such close fire now became apparent: our guns were only half
manned, our sides terribly cut up, and our sails and rigging in tatters.
The enemy was even worse off, and two broadsides more brought her
mainmast by the board.  Our men cheered, and threw in another broadside.
The enemy dropped astern; we rounded to rake her; she also attempted to
round-to, but could not until she had cleared away her wreck, and taken
in her foresail, and lowered her topsail.  She then continued the action
with as much spirit as ever.

"He's a fine fellow, by God!" exclaimed Thompson; "I never saw a man
fight his ship better: but we have him.  Webster's down, poor fellow!"

"I'm sorry for it," replied I; "but I'm afraid that there are many poor
fellows who have lost the number of their mess.  I think it useless
throwing away the advantage which we now have.  He can't escape, and
he'll fight this way for ever.  We had better run a-head, repair
damages, and then he must surrender, in his crippled state, when we
attack him again."

"I agree with you," said Thompson; "the only point is, that it will soon
be dark."

"I'll not lose sight of him, and he cannot get away.  If he puts before
the wind, then we'll be at him again."

We gave him the loaded guns as we forged a-head, and when we were about
half a mile from him, hove to, to repair damages.

The reader may now ask, "But where was the captain all this time?"  My
answer, is, that he was at the capstan, where he stood in silence, not
once interfering during the whole action, which was fought by Thompson
the master and myself.  How he looked, or how he behaved in other points
during the engagement, I cannot pretend to say, for I had no time to
observe him.  Even now, I was busy knotting the rigging, rousing up new
sails to bend, and getting everything in order, and I should not have
observed him, had he not come up to me; for as soon as we had ceased
firing he appeared to recover himself.  He did not, however, first
address me; he commenced speaking to the men.

"Come, be smart, my lads; send a hand here to swab up the blood.  Here,
youngster, run down to the surgeon, and let him know that I wish a
report of the killed and wounded."

By degrees, he talked more, and at last came up to me.  "This has been
rather smartish, Mr Simple."

"Very smart indeed, sir," replied I; and then turned away to give
directions.

"Maintop there, send down the hauling line on the starboard side."

"Ay, ay, sir."

"Now then, my lads, clap on, and run it up at once."

"Maintop, there," hailed the captain, "be a little smarter, or, by God,
I'll call you down for something."

This did not come with a good grace from one, who had done nothing, to
those who were working with all their energy.

"Mr Simple," said the captain, "I wish you would carry on duty with
less noise."

"At all events, he set us the example during the action," muttered the
Joe Miller; and the other men laughed heartily at the implication.

In two hours, during which we had carefully watched the enemy, who still
lay where we left him, we were again ready for action.

"Shall I give the men their grog now, sir?" said I, to the captain;
"they must want it."

"No, no," replied the captain; "no, no, Mr Simple, I don't like what
you call _Dutch_ courage."

"I don't think he much does; and this fellow has shown plenty of it,"
said the Joe Miller, softly; and the men about him laughed heartily.

"I think, sir," observed I, "that it is an injustice to this fine ship's
company, to hint at their requiring Dutch courage."  (Dutch courage is a
term for courage screwed up by drinking freely.) "And I most
respectfully beg leave to observe, that the men have not had their
afternoon's allowance; and, after the fatigues they have undergone,
really require it."

"I command this ship, sir," replied he.

"Certainly, sir, I am aware of it," rejoined I.  "She is now all ready
for action again, and I wait your orders.  The enemy is two miles on the
lee quarter."

The surgeon here came up with his report.

"Good heavens!" said the captain, "forty-seven men killed and wounded;
Mr Webster dangerously.  Why, the brig is crippled.  We can do no
more--positively, we can do no more."

"_We can take that brig, anyhow_," cried one of the seamen, from a dozen
of the men who were to leeward, expecting orders to renew the attack.

"What man was that?" cried the captain.

No one answered.

"By God! this ship is in a state of mutiny, Mr Simple."

"Will _soon_ be, I think," said a voice from the crowd, which I knew
very well; but the captain, having been but a short time with us, did
not know it.

"Do you hear that, Mr Simple?" cried the captain.

"I regret to say that I did hear it, sir; I little thought that ever
such an expression would have been make use of on board of the
_Rattlesnake_."  Then fearing he would ask me the man's name, and to
pretend not to have recognised it, I said, "Who was that who made use of
that expression?"  But no one answered; and it was so dark that it was
impossible to distinguish the men.

"After such mutinous expressions," observed the captain, "I certainly
will not risk His Majesty's brig under my command, as I should have
wished to have done, even in her crippled state, by again engaging the
enemy.  I can only regret that the officers appear as insolent as the
men."

"Perhaps, Captain Hawkins, you will state in what, and when, I have
proved myself insolent.  I cannot accuse myself."

"I hope the expression was not applied to me, sir," said Thompson, the
master, touching his hat.

"Silence, gentlemen, if you please.  Mr Simple, wear round the ship."
Whether the captain intended to attack the enemy or not, we could not
tell, but we were soon undeceived; for when we were round, he ordered
her to be kept away, until the Dutch brig was on our lee quarter: then
ordering the master to shape his course for Yarmouth, he went down into
the cabin, and sent up word that I might pipe to supper, and serve out
the spirits.

The rage and indignation of the men could not be withheld.  After they
went down to supper they gave three heavy groans in concert; indeed,
during the whole of that night, the officers who kept the watches had
great difficulty in keeping the men from venting their feeling, in what
might be almost termed justifiable mutiny.  As for myself, I could
hardly control my vexation.  The brig was our certain prize; and this
was proved, for the next day she hauled down her colours immediately to
a much smaller man-of-war, which fell in with her, still lying in the
same crippled state; the captain and first lieutenant killed, and nearly
two-thirds of her ship's company either killed or wounded.  Had we
attacked her, she would have hauled down her colours immediately, for it
was our last broadside which had killed the captain, who had shown so
much courage.  As first lieutenant, I should have received my promotion
which was now lost.  I cried for vexation when I thought of it as I lay
in bed.  That his conduct was severely commented upon by the officers in
the gun-room, as well as by the whole ship's company, I hardly need say.
Thompson was for bringing him to a court-martial, which I would most
gladly have done, if it only were to get rid of him; but I had a long
conversation with old Swinburne on the subject, and he proved to me that
I had better not attempt it.  "For, d'ye see, Mr Simple, you have no
proof.  He did not run down below; he stood his ground on deck, although
he did nothing.  You can't _prove_ cowardice then, although there can be
no great doubt of it.  Again, with regard to his not renewing the
attack, why, is not a captain at liberty to decide what is the best for
His Majesty's service?  And if he thought, in the crippled state of the
brig, so close to the enemy's coast, that it wasn't advisable, why, it
could only be brought in as an error in judgment.  Then, there's another
thing which must be remembered, Mr Simple, which is, that no captains
sitting on a court-martial will, if it be possible to extricate him,
ever prove _cowardice_ against a brother captain, because they feel that
it's a disgrace, to the whole cloth."

Swinburne's advice was good, and I gave up all thoughts of proceeding;
still, it appeared to me, that the captain was very much afraid that I
would, he was so extremely amiable and polite during our run home.  He
said, that he had watched how well I had behaved in the action, and
would not fail to notice it.  This was something, but he did not keep
his word; for his despatch was published before we quitted the
roadstead, and not the name of one officer mentioned, only generally
saying, that they conducted themselves to his satisfaction.  He called
the enemy a corvette, not specifying whether she was brig or ship
corvette; and the whole was written in such a bombastic style, that any
one would have imagined that he had found a vessel of superior force.
He stated, at the end, that as soon as he repaired damages, he wore
round, but that the enemy declined further action.  So she did,
certainly--for the best of all possible reasons, that she was too
disabled to come down to us.  All this might have been contested; but
the enormous list of killed and wounded proved that we had had a hard
fight, and the capture of the brig afterwards, that we had really
overpowered her.  So that, on the whole, Captain Hawkins gained a great
deal of credit with some; although whispers were afloat, which came to
the ears of the Admiralty, and prevented him from being posted--the more
so, as he had the modesty not to apply for it.



CHAPTER FIFTY SIX.

CONSEQUENCES OF THE ACTION--A SHIP WITHOUT A FIGHTING CAPTAIN IS LIKE A
THING WITHOUT A HEAD--SO DO THE SAILORS THINK--A MUTINY, AND THE LOSS OF
OUR FAMOUS SHIP'S COMPANY.

During our stay at Yarmouth, we were not allowed to put our foot on
shore, upon the plea that we must repair damages, and proceed
immediately to our station; but the real fact was, that Captain Hawkins
was very anxious that we should not be able to talk about the action.
Finding no charges preferred against him, he recommenced his system of
annoyance.  His apartments had windows which looked out upon where the
brig lay at anchor; and he constantly watched all our motions with his
spy-glass, noting down if I did not hoist up boats, etcetera, exactly at
the hour prescribed in his book of orders, so as to gather a list of
charges against me if he could.  This we did not find out until
afterwards.

I mentioned before, that when Swinburne joined us at Plymouth, he had
recommended a figure-head being put on the brig.  This had been done at
O'Brien's expense--not in the cheap way recommended by Swinburne, but in
a very handsome manner.  It was a large snake coiled up in folds, with
its head darting out in a menacing attitude, and the tail, with its
rattle, appeared below.  The whole was gilded, and had a very good
effect; but after the dock-yard men had completed the repairs, and the
brig was painted, one night the head of the rattlesnake disappeared.  It
had been sawed off by some malicious and evil-disposed persons, and no
traces of it were to be found.

I was obliged to report this to the captain, who was very indignant, and
offered twenty pounds for the discovery of the offender; but had he
offered twenty thousand he never would have found out the delinquent.
It was, however, never forgotten; for he understood what was implied by
these manoeuvres.  A new head was carved, but disappeared the night
after it was fixed on.

The rage of the captain was without bounds: he turned the hands up, and
declared that if the offender were not given up, he would flog every
hand on board.  He gave the ship's company ten minutes, and then
prepared to execute the threat.  "Mr Paul, turn the hands up for
punishment," said the captain in a rage, and descended to his cabin for
the articles of war.  When he was down below, the officers talked over
the matter.  To flog every man for the crime of one, was the height of
injustice, but it was not for us to oppose him; still the ship's company
must have seen, in our countenances, that we shared their feelings.  The
men were talking with each other in groups, until they all appeared to
have communicated their ideas on the subject.  The carpenters, had been
slowly bringing aft the gratings, left off the job; the boatswain's
mates, who had come aft, rolled the tails of their cats round the red
handles; and every man walked down below.  No one was left on the
quarter-deck but the marines under arms, and the officers.

Perceiving this, I desired Mr Paul, the boatswain, to send the men up
to rig the gratings, and the quarter-masters with their seizings.  He
came up, and said that he had called them, but that they did not answer.
Perceiving that the ship's company would break out into open mutiny, if
the captain persisted in his intention, I went down into the cabin, and
told the captain the state of things, and wished for his orders or
presence on deck.

The captain, whose wrath appeared to render him incapable of reflection,
immediately proceeded on deck, and ordered the marines to load with
ball-cartridge.  This was done; but, as I was afterwards told by
Thompson, who was standing aft, the marines loaded with the powder, and
put the balls into their pockets.  They wished to keep up the character
of their corps for fidelity, and at the same time not _fire_ upon men
whom they loved as brothers, and with whom they coincided in opinion.
Indeed, we afterwards discovered that it was a _marine_ who had taken
off the _head_ of the snake a second time.

The captain then ordered the boatswain to turn the hands up.  The
boatswain made his appearance with his right arm in a sling.--"What's
the matter with your arm, Mr Paul?" said I, as he passed me.

"Tumbled down the hatchway just now--can't move my arm; I must go to the
surgeon as soon as this is over."

The hands were piped up again, but no one obeyed the order.  Thus was
the brig in a state of mutiny.  "Mr Simple, go forward to the main
hatchway with the marines, and fire on the lower deck," cried the
captain.

"Sir," said I, "there are two frigates within a cable's length of us;
and would it not be better to send for assistance, without shedding
blood?  Besides, sir, you have not yet tried the effect of calling up
the carpenter's and boatswain's mates by name.  Will you allow me to go
down first, and bring them to a sense of their duty?"

"Yes, sir, I presume you know your power, but of this hereafter."

I went down below and called the men by name.

"Sir," said one of the boatswain's mates, "the ship's company say that
they will not submit to be flogged."

"I do not speak to the ship's company generally, Collins," replied I,
"but you are now ordered to rig the gratings, and come on deck.  It is
an order that you cannot refuse.  Go up directly, and obey it.
Quartermasters, go on deck with your seizings.  When all is ready, you
can then expostulate."

The men obeyed my orders: they crawled on deck, rigged the gratings, and
stood by.

"All is ready, sir," said I, touching my hat to the captain.

"Send the ship's company aft, Mr Paul."

"Aft, then, all of you, for punishment," cried the boatswain.

"Yes, it is _all of us for punishment_," cried one voice.  "We've all to
flog one another, and then pay off the _jollies_."  [Note: Jollies is a
slang word for Marines.]

This time the men obeyed the order; they all appeared on the
quarterdeck.

"The men are all aft, sir," reported the boatswain.

"And now, my lads," said the captain, "I'll teach you what mutiny is.
You see these two frigates alongside of us.  You had forgotten them, I
suppose, but I hadn't.  Here, you scoundrel, Mr Jones"--(this was the
Joe Miller)--"strip, sir.  If ever there were mischief in a ship, you
are at the head."

"Head, sir," said the man, assuming a vacant look; "what head, sir.  Do
you mean the snake's head?  I don't know anything about it, sir."

"Strip, sir!" cried the captain, in a rage; "I'll soon bring you to your
senses."

"If you please, your honour, what have I done to be tied up?" said the
man.

"Strip, you scoundrel!"

"Well, sir, if you please, it's hard to be flogged for nothing."

The man pulled off his clothes, and walked up to the grating.  The
quarter-masters seized him up.

"Seized up, sir," reported the scoundrel of a sergeant of marines, who
acted as the captain's spy.

The captain looked for the articles of war to read, as is necessary
previous to punishing a man, and was a little puzzled to find one, where
no positive offence had been committed.  At last he pitched upon the one
which refers to combination and conspiracy, and creating discontent.  We
all took off our hats as he read it, and he then called Mr Paul, the
boatswain, and ordered him to give the man a dozen.

"Please, sir," said the boatswain, pointing to his arm in a sling, "I
can't flog--I can't lift up my arm."

"Your arm was well enough when I came on board, sir," cried the captain.

"Yes, sir; but in hurrying the men up, I slipped down the ladder, and
I'm afraid I've put my shoulder out."

The captain bit his lips; he fully believed it was a sham on the part of
the boatswain (which indeed it was), to get off flogging the men.
"Well, then, where is the chief boatswain's mate, Collins?"

"Here, sir," said Collins, coming forward: a stout, muscular man, nearly
six feet high, with a pig-tail nearly four feet long, and his open
breast covered with black shaggy hair.

"Give that man a dozen, sir," said the captain.

The man looked at the captain, then at the ship's company, and then at
the man seized up, but did not commence the punishment.

"Do you hear me, sir," roared the captain.

"If you please, your honour, I'd rather take my disrating--I--don't wish
to be chief boatswain's mate in this here business."

"Obey your orders, immediately, sir," cried the captain; "or, by God,
I'll try you for mutiny."

"Well, sir, I beg your pardon; but what must be, must be.  I mean no
disrespect, Captain Hawkins, but I cannot flog that man--my conscience
won't let me."

"Your _conscience_, sir?"

"Beg your pardon, Captain Hawkins, I've always done my duty, foul
weather or fair; and I've been eighteen years in His Majesty's service,
without ever being brought to punishment; but if I am to be hung now,
saving your pleasure, and with all respect, I can't help it."

"I give you but one moment more, sir," cried the captain: "do your
duty."

The man looked at the captain, and then eyed the yard-arm.  "Captain
Hawkins, I will _do my duty_, although I must swing for it."  So saying,
he threw his cat down on the quarter-deck, and fell back among the
ship's company.

The captain was now confounded, and hardly knew how to act: to
persevere, appeared useless--to fall back, was almost as impossible.  A
dead silence of a minute ensued.  Everyone was breathless, with
impatience, to know what would be done next.  The silence was, however,
first broken by Jones, the Joe Miller, who was seized up.

"Beg your honour's pardon, sir," said he, turning his head round: "but
if I am to be flogged, will you be pleased to let me have it over?  I
shall catch my death a-cold, naked here all day."

This was decided mockery on the part of the man, and roused the captain.

"Sergeant of marines, put Jones, and that man Collins, both legs in
irons, for mutiny.  My men, I perceive that there is a conspiracy in the
ship, but I shall very soon put an end to it: I know the men, and, by
God, they shall repent it.  Mr Paul, pipe down.  Mr Simple, man my
gig; and recollect, it's my positive orders that no boat goes on shore."

The captain left the brig, looking daggers at me as he went over the
side; but I had done my duty, and cared little for that; indeed, I was
now watching his conduct, as carefully as he did mine.

"The captain wishes to tell his own story first," said Thompson, coming
up to me.  "Now, if I were you, Simple, I would take care that the real
facts should be known."

"How's that to be done," replied I; "he has ordered no communication
with the shore."

"Simply by sending an officer on board of each of the frigates to state
that the brig is in a state of mutiny, and request that they will keep a
look-out upon her.  This is no more than your duty as commanding
officer; you only send the message, leave me to state the facts of my
own accord.  Recollect that the captains of these frigates will be
summoned, if there is a court of inquiry, which I expect will take
place."

I considered a little, and thought the advice good.  I despatched
Thompson first to one frigate, and then to the other.  The next day the
captain came on board.  As soon as he stepped on the quarter-deck, he
inquired how I dared disobey his orders in sending the boats away.  My
reply was that his orders were not to communicate with the shore, but
that, as commanding officer, I considered it my duty to make known to
the other ships that the men were in a state of insubordination, that
they might keep their eyes upon us.  He kept his eyes upon me for some
time, and then turned away, without reply.  As we expected, a court of
inquiry was called, upon his representations to the admiral.  About
twenty of the men were examined, but so much came out as to the _reason
why_ the head of the snake had been removed--for the sailors spoke
boldly--that the admiral and officers who were appointed strongly
recommended Captain Hawkins not to proceed further than to state that
there were some disaffected characters in the ship, and move the admiral
to have them exchanged into others.  This was done, and the captains of
the frigates, who immediately gave their advice, divided all our best
men between them.  They spoke very freely to me, and asked me who were
the best men, which I told them honestly, for I was glad to be able to
get them out of the power of Captain Hawkins: these they marked as
disaffected, and exchanged them for all the worst they had on board.
The few that were left ran away; and thus, from having one of the finest
and best organised ship's companies in the service, we were now one of
the very worst.  Jones was sent on board of the frigate, and under
surveillance: he soon proved that his character was as good as I stated
it to be, and two years afterwards was promoted to the rank of
boatswain.  I must here remark, that there is hardly any degree of
severity, which a captain may not exert towards his seamen provided they
are confident of, or he has proved to them his courage: but if there be
a doubt, or a confirmation to the contrary, all discipline is destroyed
by contempt, and the ship's company mutiny, either directly or
indirectly.  There is an old saying, that all tyrants are cowards, that
tyranny is in itself a species of meanness, I acknowledge; but still the
saying ought to be modified.  If it is asserted that all mean tyrants
are cowards, I agree: but I have known in the service most special
tyrants, who were not cowards: their tyranny was excessive, but there
was no meanness in there dispositions.  On the contrary, they were
generous, open-hearted, and, occasionally, when not influenced by anger,
proved, that their hearts, if not quite right, were not very much out of
their places.  Yet they were tyrants; but although tyrants, the men
forgave them, and one kind act, when they were not led away by the
impetuosity of their feelings, obliterated a hundred acts of tyranny.
But such is not the case in our service with men who, in their tyranny,
are mean; the seamen show no quarter to them, and will undergo all the
risk which the severity of the articles of war render them liable to,
rather than not express their opinion of a man whom they despise.  I do
not like to mention names, but I could point out specimens of brave
tyrants and of cowardly tyrants, who have existed, and do even now
exist, in our service.  The present regulations have limited tyranny to
a certain degree, but it cannot check the _mean_ tyrant; for it is not
in points of consequence likely to be brought before the notice of his
superiors, that he effects his purpose.  He resorts to paltry measures--
he smiles that he may betray--he confines himself within the limit that
may protect him; and he is never exposed, unless by his courage being
called in question, which but rarely occurs; and when it does occur, it
is most difficult, as well as most dangerous, to attempt to prove it.
It may be asked why I did not quit the ship, after having been aware of
the character of the captain, and the enmity which he bore to me.  In
reply, I can only say that I did often think of it, talked over the
subject with my messmates, but they persuaded me to remain, and, as I
was a first lieutenant, and knew that any successful action would, in
all probability, insure my promotion, I determined to use a nautical
expression, to rough it out, and not throw away the only chance which I
now had of obtaining my rank as commander.



CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN.

NEWS FROM HOME NOT VERY AGREEABLE, ALTHOUGH THE READER MAY LAUGH--WE
ARRIVE AT PORTSMOUTH, WHERE I FALL IN WITH MY OLD ACQUAINTANCE, MRS.
TROTTER--WE SAIL WITH A CONVOY FOR THE BALTIC.

I had written to my sister Ellen, giving her an account of all that had
passed, and mentioning the character of the captain, and his apparent
intimacy with my uncle.  I received an answer from her, telling me that
she had discovered, from a very communicative old maiden lady, that
Captain Hawkins was an illegitimate son of my uncle, by a lady with whom
he had been acquainted, about the time that he was in the army.  I
immediately conceived the truth, that my uncle had pointed me out to him
as an object of his vengeance, and that Captain Hawkins was too dutiful,
and too dependent a son, not to obey him.  The state of my father was
more distressing than ever, but there was something very ludicrous in
his fancies.  He had fancied himself a jackass, and had brayed for a
week, kicking the old nurse in the stomach, so as to double her up like
a hedgehog.  He had taken it into his head that he was a pump; and with
one arm held out as a spout, he had obliged the poor old nurse to work
the other up and down for hours together.  In fact, there was a string
of strange conceptions of this kind that had accumulated, so as to drive
my poor sister almost mad: and sometimes his ideas would be attended
with a very heavy expense, as he would send for architects, make
contracts, etcetera, for building, supposing himself to have come to the
title and property of his brother.  This, being the basis of his
disease, occurred frequently.  I wrote to poor Ellen, giving her my best
advice; and by this time the brig was again ready for sea, and we
expected to sail immediately.  I did not forget to write to O'Brien, but
the distance between us was so great, that I knew I could not obtain his
answer, probably, for a year, and I felt a melancholy foreboding, how
much I required his advice.

Our orders were to proceed to Portsmouth, and join a convoy collected
there, bound up the Baltic, under the charge of the _Acasta_ frigate,
and two other vessels.  We did not sail with any pleasure, or hopes of
gaining much in the way of prize-money.  Our captain was enough to make
any ship a hell; and our ship's company were composed of a mutinous and
incorrigible set of scoundrels, with, of course, a few exceptions.  How
different did the officers find the brig after losing such a captain as
O'Brien, and so fine a ship's company!  But there was no help for it,
and all we had to do was to make the best of it, and hope for better
times.  The cat was at work nearly every day, and I must acknowledge
that, generally speaking, it was deserved; although sometimes a report
from the sergeant of marines of any good man favoured by me, was certain
to be attended to.  This system of receiving reports direct from an
inferior officer, instead of through me, as first lieutenant, became so
annoying, that I resolved, at all risk to expostulate.  I soon had an
opportunity, for one morning the captain said to me, "Mr Simple, I
understand that you had a fire in the galley last night after hours."

"It's very true, sir, that I did order a stove to be lighted; but may I
inquire whether the first lieutenant has not a discretionary power in
that point? and further, how is it that I am reported to you by other
people?  The discipline of this ship is carried on by me, under your
directions, and all reports ought to come through me; and I cannot
understand upon what grounds you permit them through any other channel."

"I command my own ship, sir, and shall do as I please in that respect.
When I have officers I can confide in, I shall, in all probability,
allow them to report to me."

"If there is anything in my conduct which has proved to you that I am
incapable, or not trustworthy, I would feel obliged to you, sir, if you
would, in the first place, point it out;--and, in the next, bring me to
a court-martial if I do not correct it."

"I am no court-martial man, sir," replied he, "but I am not to be
dictated to by an inferior officer, so you'll oblige me by holding your
tongue.  The sergeant of marines, as master-at-arms, is bound to report
to me any deviation from the regulations I have laid down for the
discipline of the ship."

"Granted, sir; but that report, according to the custom of the service,
should come through the first lieutenant."

"I prefer it coming direct, sir;--it stands less chance of being
garbled."

"Thank you, Captain Hawkins, for the compliment."

The captain walked away without further reply, and shortly after went
down below.  Swinburne ranged up alongside of me as soon as the captain
disappeared.

"Well, Mr Simple, so I hear we are bound to the Baltic.  Why couldn't
they have ordered us to pick the convoy off Yarmouth, instead of coming
all the way to Portsmouth?  We shall be in to-morrow, with this slant of
wind."

"I suppose the convoy are not yet collected, Swinburne; and you
recollect, there's no want of French privateers in the Channel."

"Very true, sir."

"When were you up the Baltic, Swinburne?"

"I was in the old _St. George_, a regular old ninety-eight; she sailed
just like a hay-stack, one mile ahead and three to leeward.  Lord bless
you, Mr Simple, the Cattegat wasn't wide enough for her; but she was a
comfortable sort of vessel after all, excepting on a lee shore, so we
used always to give the land a wide berth, I recollect.  By-the-bye, Mr
Simple, do you recollect how angry you were because I didn't peach at
Barbadoes, when the man _sucked the monkey_?"

"To be sure I do."

"Well, then, I didn't think it fair then, as I was one of them.  But now
that I'm a bit of an officer, I'll just tell you that when we get to
Carlscrona, there's a method of _sucking the monkey_ there, which, as
first lieutenant, with such a queer sort of captain, it is just as well
that you should be up to.  In the old _St. George_ we had seventy men
drunk one afternoon, and the first lieutenant couldn't find it out
nohow."

"Indeed, Swinburne, you must let me into that secret."

"So I will, Mr Simple.  Don't you know there's a famous stuff for cuts
and wounds, called balsam?"

"What, Riga balsam?"

"Yes, that's it; well, all the boats will bring that for sale, as they
did to us in the old _St. George_.  Devilish good stuff it is for
wounds, I believe; but it's not bad to drink, and it's very strong.  We
used to take it _inwardly_, Mr Simple, and the first lieutenant never
guessed it."

"What! you all got tipsy upon Riga balsam?"

"All that could; so I just give you a hint."

"I'm much obliged to you, Swinburne; I certainly never should have
suspected it.  I believe seamen would get drunk upon anything."

The next morning we anchored at Spithead, and found the convoy ready for
sea.  The captain went on shore to report himself to the admiral, and,
as usual, the brig was surrounded with bum-boats and wherries, with
people who wished to come on board.  As we were not known on the
Portsmouth station, and had no acquaintance with the people, all the
bum-boats were very anxious to supply the ship; and as this is at the
option of the first lieutenant, he is very much persecuted until he has
made his decision.  Certificates of good conduct from other officers
were handed up the side from all of them: and I looked over the books at
the capstan.  In the second book the name struck me; it was that of Mrs
Trotter, and I walked to the gangway, out of curiosity, to ascertain
whether it was the same personage who, when I was a youngster, had taken
such care of my shirts.  As I looked at the boats, a voice cried out,
"Oh, Mr Simple, have you forgot your old friend? don't you recollect
Mrs Trotter?"  I certainly did not recollect her; she had grown very
fat, and, although more advanced in years, was a better looking woman
than when I had first seen her, for she looked healthy and fresh.

"Indeed, I hardly did recollect you, Mrs Trotter."

"I've so much to tell you, Mr Simple," replied she, ordering the boat
to pull alongside; and as she was coming up, desired the man to get the
things in, as if permission was quite unnecessary.  I did not
counter-order it, as I knew none of the others, and, as far as honesty
was concerned, believed them all to be much on a par.  On the strength,
then, of old acquaintance, Mrs Trotter was admitted.

"Well, I'm sure, Mr Simple," cried Mrs Trotter, out of breath with
climbing up the brig's side; "what a man you've grown,--and such a
handsome man, too!  Dear, dear, it makes me feel quite old to look at
you, when I call to mind the little boy whom I had charge of in the
cockpit.  Don't you think I look very old and ugly, Mr Simple?"
continued she, smiling and smirking.

"Indeed, Mrs Trotter, I think you wear very well.  Pray how is your
husband?"

"Ah, Mr Simple, poor dear Mr Trotter--he's gone.  Poor fellow, no what
with his drinking, and his love for me--and his jealousy--(do you
recollect how jealous he was, Mr Simple?)--he wore himself out at last.
No wonder, considering what he had been accustomed to, after keeping
his carriage and dogs with everybody, to be reduced to see his wife go a
_bumming_.  It broke his heart, poor fellow! and, Mr Simple, I've been
much happier ever since, for I could not bear to see him fretting.
Lord, how jealous he was--and all about nothing!  Don't you want some
fresh meat for the gun-room?  I've a nice leg of mutton in the boat, and
some milk for tea."

"Recollect, Mrs Trotter, I shall not overlook your bringing spirits on
board."

"Lord, Mr Simple, how could you think of such a thing?  It's very true
that these very common people do it, but the company I have kept, the
society I have been in, Mr Simple!  Besides, you must recollect, that I
never drank anything but water."

I could not exactly coincide with her, but I did not contradict her.

"Would you like the Portsmouth paper, Mr Simple?" taking one out of her
pocket; "I know gentlemen are fond of the news.  Poor Trotter used never
to stir from the breakfast-table until he had finished the daily paper--
but that was when we lived in very different style.  Have you any
clothes to wash, Mr Simple,--or have any of the gentlemen?"

"I fear we have no time, we sail too soon," replied I; "we go with the
convoy."

"Indeed!" cried Mrs Trotter, who walked to the main hatchway and called
to her man Bill.  I heard her give him directions to sell nothing upon
trust in consequence of the intelligence of our immediate sailing.

"I beg your pardon, Mr Simple, I was only desiring my head man to send
for your steward, that he might be supplied with the best, and to save
some milk for the gun-room."

"And I must beg your pardon, Mrs Trotter, for I must attend to my
duty."  Mrs Trotter made her curtsy and walked down the main ladder to
attend to _her duty_, and we separated.  I was informed she had a great
deal of custom, as she understood how to manage the officers, and made
herself generally useful to them.  She had been a bumboat woman for six
years, and had made a great deal of money.  Indeed, it was reported,
that if a _first lieutenant_ wanted forty or fifty pounds, Mrs Trotter
would always lend it to him, without requiring his promissory note.

The captain came on board in the evening, having dined with the admiral,
and left directions for having all ready for unmooring and heaving short
at daylight.  The signal was made from the frigate at sunrise, and
before twelve o'clock we were all under weigh, and running past St.
Helen's with a favourable wind.  Our force consisted of the _Acasta_
frigate, the _Isis_ ship, sloop, mounting twenty guns, the _Reindeer_,
eighteen, and our own brig.  The convoy amounted to nearly two hundred.
Although the wind was fair, and the water smooth, we were more than a
week before we made Anholt light, owing to the bad sailing and
inattention of many of the vessels belonging to the convoy.  We were
constantly employed repeating signals, firing guns, and often sent back
to tow up the sternmost vessels.  At last we passed the Anholt light,
with a light breeze; and the next morning, the mainland was to be
distinguished on both bows.



CHAPTER FIFTY EIGHT.

HOW WE PASSED THE SOUND, AND WHAT PASSED IN THE SOUND--THE CAPTAIN
OVERHEARS AGAIN A CONVERSATION BETWEEN SWINBURNE AND ME.

I was on the signal chest abaft, counting the convoy, when Swinburne
came up to me.

"Have you been here before, with a convoy, Swinburne?"

"To be sure I have; and it's sharp work that I've seen here, Mr Simple.
Work, that I've an idea our captain won't have much stomach for."

"Swinburne, I beg you will keep your thoughts relative to the captain to
yourself; recollect the last time.  It is my duty not to listen to
them."

"And I should rather think, to report them also, Mr Simple," said
Captain Hawkins, who had crept up to us, and overheard our conversation.

"In this instance there is no occasion for my reporting them, sir,"
replied I, "for you have heard what has passed."

"I have, sir," replied he; "and I shall not forget the conversation."

I turned forward.  Swinburne had made his retreat the moment that he
heard the voice of the captain.  "How many sails are there in sight,
sir?" inquired the captain.

"One hundred and sixty-three, sir," replied I.

"Signal to convoy to close from the _Acasta_," reported the midshipman
of the watch.

We repeated it, and the captain descended to his cabin.  We were then
running about four miles an hour, the water very smooth, and Anholt
lighthouse hardly visible on deck, bearing N.N.W. about twenty miles.
In fact, we were near the entrance of the Sound, which, the reader may
be aware, is a narrow passage leading into the Baltic Sea.

My watch was nearly out, when the midshipman who was looking round with
his glass on the Copenhagen side, reported three gun-boats, sweeping out
from behind a point.  I examined them, and went down to report them to
the captain.  When I came on deck, more were reported, until we counted
ten, two of them large vessels, called praams.  The captain now came on
deck, and I reported them.  We made the signal of enemy in sight, to the
_Acasta_, which was answered.  They divided--six of them pulling along
shore towards the convoy in the rear, and four coming out right for the
brig.  The _Acasta_ now made the signal for "Boats manned and armed to
be held in readiness."  We hoisted out our pinnace, and lowered down our
cutters--the other men-of-war doing the same.  In about a quarter of an
hour, the gun-boats opened their fire with their long thirty-two
pounders, and their first shot went right through the hull of the brig,
just abaft the fore-bits; fortunately, no one was hurt.  I turned round
to look at the captain; he was as white as a sheet.  He caught my eye,
and turned aft, when he was met by Swinburne's eye, steadily fixed upon
him.  He then walked to the other side of the deck.  Another shot
ploughed up the water close to us, rose, and came through the
hammock-netting, tearing out two of the hammocks, and throwing them on
the quarter-deck, when the _Acasta_ hoisted out pennants, and made the
signal to send our pinnace and cutter to the assistance of vessels
astern.  The signal was also made to the _Isis_ and _Reindeer_.  I
reported the signal, and inquired who was to take the command.

"You, Mr Simple, will take the pinnace, and order Mr Swinburne into
the cutter."

"Mr Swinburne, sir!" replied I; "the brig will, in all probability, be
in action soon, and his services as a gunner will be required."

"Well, then, Mr Hilton may go.  Beat to quarters.  Where is Mr
Webster?"  The second lieutenant was close to us, and he was ordered to
take the duty during my absence.

I jumped into the pinnace, and shoved off; ten other boats from the
_Acasta_ and the other men-of-war were pulling in the same direction,
and I joined them.  The gun-boats had now opened fire upon the convoy
astern, and were sweeping out to capture them, dividing themselves into
two parties, and pulling towards different portions of the convoy.  In
half-an-hour we were within gun-shot of the nearest, which directed its
fire at us; but the lieutenant of the _Acasta_, who commanded the
detachment, ordered us to lie on our oars for a minute, while he divided
his force in three divisions, of four boats each, with instructions that
we should each oppose a division of two gun-boats.

This was well arranged.  I had the command of one division, for the
first lieutenants had not been sent away from the _Isis_ and _Reindeer_,
and having inquired which of the divisions of gun-boats I was to oppose,
I pulled for them.  In the meantime, we observed that the two praams,
and two gun-boats, which had remained behind us, and had been firing at
the _Racehorse_, had also divided--one praam attacking the _Acasta_, the
two gun-boats playing upon the _Isis_, and the other praam engaging the
_Rattlesnake_ and _Reindeer_; the latter vessel being in a line with us,
and about half a mile farther out, so that she could not return any
effectual fire, or, indeed, receive much damage.

One of the praams mounted ten guns, and the other eight.  The last was
opposed to the _Rattlesnake_, and the fire was kept up very smartly,
particularly by the _Acasta_ and the enemy.  In about a quarter of an
hour I arrived with my division close to the vessel which was the
nearest to the enemy.  It was a large Sunderland-built ship.  The
gun-boats, which were within a quarter of a mile of her, sweeping to her
as fast as they could, as soon as they perceived our approach, directed
their fire upon us, but without success, except the last discharge, in
which, we being near enough, they had loaded with grape.  The shot fell
a little short, but one piece of grape struck one of the bowmen of the
pinnace, taking off three fingers of his right hand as he was pulling
his oar.  Before they could fire again, we were sheltered by the vessel,
pulling close to her side, hid from the enemy.

This continued for some time, the enemy not advancing nearer, but now
firing into the Sunderland-ship, which protected us.  At last the master
of the ship looked over the side, and said to me, "I say, my joker, do
you call this _giving me assistance_?  I think I was better off before
you came.  Then I had only my share of the enemy's fire, but now that
you have come, I have it all.  I'm riddled like a sieve, and have lost
four men already.  Suppose you give me a spell now--pull behind the
vessel ahead of us.  I'll take my chance."

I pulled up to the other vessel, a large brig, and the captain, as soon
as we came alongside, said, "I see what you're about, and I'll just
leave you my vessel to take care of.  No use losing my men, or being
knocked on the head."

"All's right--you can't do better, and we can't do better either."

His boat was lowered down, and getting in with his men, he pulled to
another vessel, and lay behind it, all ready to pull back if a breeze
sprang up.

As was to be expected, the gun-boats shifted their fire to the deserted
vessel, which the boats lay behind, and thus did the action in our
quarter continue until it was dark; the gun-boats not choosing to
advance, and was restricted from pulling out to attack them.

But I soon perceived that the gun-boats were nearing us every time that
they fired, and I now discharged grape alone, waiting for the flash of
the fire to ascertain their direction.  At last I could perceive their
long low hulls, not two cables' lengths from us, and their sweeps
lifting from the water.  It was plain that they were advancing to board,
and I resolved to anticipate them if possible.  I had fired ahead of the
brig, and I now pulled with all my boats astern, giving my orders to the
officers, and laying on our oars in readiness.  The gun-boats were about
half a cable's length from each other, pulling up abreast, and passing
us at about the same distance, when I directed the men to give way.  I
had determined to throw all my force upon the nearest boat, and in half
a minute our bows were forced between their sweeps, which we caught hold
of to force our way alongside.

The resistance of the Danes was very determined.  Three times did I
obtain a footing on the deck, and three times was I thrown back into the
boats.  At last we had fairly obtained our ground, and were driving them
gradually forward, when, as I ran on the gunwale to obtain a position
more in advance of my men, I received a blow with the butt end of a
musket, I believe on the shoulder, which knocked me overboard, and I
fell between the sweeps, and sank under the vessel's bottom.  I rose
under the stern; but I was so shook with the violence of the blow, that
I was for some time confused; still I had strength to keep myself above
water, and paddled, as it appeared, away from the vessel, until I hit
against a sweep which had fallen overboard.  This supported me, and I
gradually recovered myself.

A light breeze rippled the water, and I knew that I had no time to lose.
In about five minutes I heard the sound of oars, and perceived a boat
crossing me.  I hailed as loud as I could--they heard me; laid on their
oars--and I hailed again--they pulled to me, and took me in.  It was the
master of the brig, who, aware of the capture of one gun-boat, and the
retreat of the other, was looking for his vessel; or, as he told me, for
what was left of her.  In a short time we found her, and, although very
much cut up, she had received no shot under water.

Here I may as well relate the events of the action.  One of the other
divisions of gun-boats had retreated when attacked by the boats.  The
other had beaten off the boats, and killed many of the men, but had
suffered so much themselves, as to retreat without making any capture.
The _Acasta_ lost four men killed, and seven wounded; the _Isis_, three
men wounded; the _Reindeer_ had nobody hurt; the _Rattlesnake_ had six
men killed, and two wounded, including the captain; but of that I shall
speak hereafter.  I found that I was by no means seriously hurt by the
blow I had received: my shoulder was stiff for a week, and very much
discoloured, but nothing more.  When I fell overboard I had struck
against a sweep, which had cut my ear half off.  The captain of the brig
gave me dry clothes, and in a few hours I was very comfortably asleep,
hoping to join my ship the next day; but in this I was disappointed.
The breeze was favourable and fresh; but we were clear of the Sound, but
a long way astern of the convoy, and none of the headmost men-of-war to
be seen.  I dressed and went on deck, and immediately perceived that I
had little chance of joining my ship until we arrived at Carlscrona,
which proved to be the case.  About ten o'clock, the wind died away, and
we had from that time such baffling light winds, that it was six days
before we dropped our anchor, every vessel of the convoy having arrived
before us.



CHAPTER FIFTY NINE.

THE DEAD MAN ATTENDS AT THE AUCTION OF HIS OWN EFFECTS, AND BIDS THE
SALE TO STOP--ONE MORE THAN WAS WANTED--PETER STEPS INTO HIS OWN SHOES
AGAIN--CAPTAIN HAWKINS TAKES A FRIENDLY INTEREST IN PETER'S PAPERS--RIGA
BALSAM STERNLY REFUSED TO BE ADMITTED FOR THE RELIEF OF THE SHIP'S
COMPANY.

As soon as the sails were furled, I thanked the master of the vessel for
his kindness, and requested the boat.  He ordered it to be manned,
saying, "How glad your captain will be to see you!"  I doubted that.  We
shook hands, and I pulled to the _Rattlesnake_, which lay about two
cables' length astern of us.  I had put on a jacket, when I left the
brig on service, and coming in a merchantman's boat, no attention was
paid to me; indeed, owing to circumstances, no one was on the look-out,
and I ascended the side unperceived.

The men and officers were on the quarter-deck, attending the sale of
dead men's effects before the mast, and every eye was fixed upon six
pairs of nankeen trowsers exposed by the purser's steward, which I
recognised as my own.  "Nine shillings for six pairs of nankeen
trowsers," cried the purser's steward.

"Come, my men, they're worth more than that," observed the captain, who
appeared to be very facetious.  "It's better to be in his trowsers than
in his shoes."  This brutal remark created a silence for a moment.
"Well, then, steward, let them go.  One would think that pulling on his
trowsers would make you as afraid as he was," continued the captain
laughing.

"Shame!" was cried out by one or two of the officers, and I recognised
Swinburne's voice as one.

"More likely if they put on yours," cried I, in a loud indignant tone.

Everybody started, and turned round; Captain Hawkins staggered to a
carronade: "I beg to report myself as having rejoined my ship, sir,"
continued I.

"Hurrah, my lads! three cheers for Mr Simple," said Swinburne.

The men gave them with emphasis.  The captain looked at me, and without
saying a word, hastily retreated to his cabin.  I perceived, as he went
down, that he had his arm in a sling.  I thanked the men for their kind
feeling towards me, shook hands with Thompson and Webster, who warmly
congratulated me, and then with old Swinburne (who nearly wrung my arm
off, and gave my shoulder such pain, as to make me cry out), and with
the others who extended theirs.  I desired the sale of my effects to be
stopped; fortunately for me, it had but just begun, and the articles
were all returned.  Thompson had informed the captain that he knew my
father's address, and would take charge of my clothes, and send them
home, but the captain would not allow him.

In a few minutes, I received a letter from the captain, desiring me to
acquaint him in writing, for the information of the senior officer, in
what manner I had escaped.  I went down below, when I found one very
melancholy face, that of the passed-midshipman of the _Acasta_, who had
received an acting order in my place.  When I went to my desk, I found
two important articles missing; one, my private letter-book, and the
other, the journal which I kept of what passed, and from which this
narrative has been compiled.  I inquired of my messmates, who stated
that the desk had not been looked into by any one but the captain, who,
of course, must have possessed himself of those important documents.

I wrote a letter containing a short narrative of what had happened, and,
at the same time, another on service to the captain, requesting that he
would deliver up my property, the private journal, and letter-book in
his possession.  The captain, as soon as he received my letters, sent up
word for his boat to be manned.  As soon as it was manned, I reported
it, and then begged to know whether he intended to comply with my
request.  He answered that he should not, and then went on deck, and
quitted the brig to pull on board of the senior officer.  I therefore
determined immediately to write to the captain of the _Acasta_,
acquainting him with the conduct of Captain Hawkins, and requesting his
interference.  This I did immediately, and the boat that had brought me
on board not having left the brig, I sent the letter by it, requesting
them to put it into the hands of one of the officers.  The letter was
received previous to Captain Hawkins' visit being over; and the captain
of the _Acasta_ put it into his hands, inquiring if the statement were
correct.  Captain Hawkins replied, that it was true that he had detained
these papers, as there was so much mutiny and disaffection in them, and
that he should not return them to me.

"That I cannot permit," replied the captain of the _Acasta_, who was
aware of the character of Captain Hawkins; "if, by mistake, you have
been put in possession of any of Mr Simple's secrets, you are bound in
honour not to make use of them; neither can you retain property not your
own."

But Captain Hawkins was determined, and refused to give them to me.
"Well, then, Captain Hawkins," replied the captain of the _Acasta_, you
will oblige me by remaining on my quarter-deck till I come out of the
cabin.

The captain of the _Acasta_ then wrote an order, directing Captain
Hawkins immediately to deliver up to _him_ the papers of mine in his
possession; and coming out of the cabin, put it into Captain Hawkins'
hands, saying, "Now, sir, here is a written order from your superior
officer.  Disobey it, if you dare.  If you do, I will put you under an
arrest, and try you by a court-martial."

Captain Hawkins bit his lip at the order.

"Your boat is manned, sir," said the captain of the _Acasta_, in a
severe tone.

Captain Hawkins came on board, sealed up the books, and sent them to the
captain of the _Acasta_, who redirected them to me, on His Majesty's
service, and returned them by the same boat.  The public may therefore
thank the captain of the _Acasta_ for the memoirs which they are now
reading.

From my messmates I gained the following intelligence of what had passed
after I had quitted the brig.  The fire of the praam had cut them up
severely, and Captain Hawkins had been struck in the arm with a piece of
the hammock rail, which had been shot away shortly after I left.
Although the skin only was razed, he thought proper to consider himself
badly wounded; and giving up the command to Mr Webster, the second
lieutenant, had retreated below, where he remained until the action was
over.  When Mr Webster reported the return of the boats, with the
capture of the gun-boat, and my supposed death, he was delighted, that
he quite forgot his wound, and ran on deck, rubbing his hands as he
walked up and down.  At last he recollected himself, went down into his
cabin, and came up again with his arm in a sling.

During the short time that we remained in port, I took care that _Riga
balsam_ should not be allowed to come alongside, and the men were all
sober.  We received orders from the captain of the _Acasta_ to join the
admiral, who was off the Texel, in pursuance of directions he had
received from the Admiralty to despatch one of the squadron, and we were
selected from the dislike which he had taken to Captain Hawkins.



CHAPTER SIXTY.

AN OLD FRIEND IN A NEW CASE--HEART OF OAK IN SWEDISH FIR--A MAN'S A MAN,
ALL THE WORLD OVER, AND SOMETHING MORE IN MANY PARTS OF IT--PETER GETS
REPRIMANDED FOR BEING DILATORY, BUT PROVES A TITLE TO A DEFENCE-ALLOWED.

When we were about forty miles off the harbour, a frigate hove in sight.
We made the private signal: she hoisted Swedish colours, and kept away
a couple of points to close with us.

We were within two miles of her when she up courses and took in her
topgallant sails.  As we closed to within two cable's lengths, she
hove-to.  We did the same; and the captain desired me to lower down the
boat, and board her, ask her name, by whom she was commanded, and offer
any assistance if the captain required it.  This was the usual custom of
the service, and I went on board in obedience to my orders.  When I
arrived on the quarter-deck, I asked in French, whether there were any
one who spoke it.  The first lieutenant came forward, and took off his
hat: I stated, that I was requested to ask the name of the vessel and
the commanding officer, to insert it in our log, and to offer any
services that we could command.  He replied, that the captain was on
deck, and turned round, but the captain had gone down below.  "I will
inform him of your message--I had no idea that he had quitted the deck;"
and the first lieutenant left me.  I exchanged a few compliments, and a
little news with the officers on deck, who appeared to be very
gentlemanlike fellows, when the first lieutenant requested my presence
in the cabin.  I descended--the door was opened--I was announced by the
first lieutenant, and he quitted the cabin.  I looked at the captain,
who was sitting at the table: he was a fine, stout man, with two or
three ribands at his button-hole, and a large pair of mustachios.  I
thought that I had seen him before, but I could not recollect when: his
face was certainly familiar to me, but, as I had been informed by the
officers on deck, that the captain was a Count Shucksen, a person I had
never heard of, I thought that I must be mistaken.  I therefore
addressed him in French, paying him a long compliment, with all the
necessary _et ceteras_.

The captain turned round to me, took his hand away from his forehead,
which it had shaded, and looking me full in the face, replied, "Mr
Simple, I don't understand but very little French.  Spin your yarn in
plain English."

I started--"I thought that I knew your face," replied I; "am I
mistaken?--no, it must be Mr Chucks!"

"You are right, my dear Mr Simple; it is your old friend, Chucks, the
boatswain, whom you now see."

We shook hands heartily, and then he requested me to sit down.  "But,"
said I, "they told me on deck that the frigate was commanded by a Count
Shucksen."

"That is my present rank, my dear Peter," said he; "but as you have no
time to lose, I will explain all.  I know I can trust to your honour.
You remember that you left me, as you and I supposed, dying in the
privateer, with the captain's jacket and epaulets on my shoulders.  When
the boats came out, and you left the vessel, they boarded and found me.
I was still breathing; and judging of my rank by my coat, they put me
into the boat, and pushed on shore.  The privateer sank very shortly
after.  I was not expected to live, but in a few days a change took
place, and I was better.  They asked me my name, and I gave my own,
which they lengthened into Shucksen, somehow or another I recovered by a
miracle, and am now as well as ever I was in my life.  They were not a
little proud of having captured a captain of the British service, as
they supposed, for they never questioned me as to my real rank.  After
some weeks, I was sent home to Denmark in a running vessel; but it so
happened that we met with a gale, and were wrecked on the Swedish coast,
close to Carlscrona.  The Danes were at that time at war, having joined
the Russians; and they were made prisoners, while I was of course
liberated, and treated with great distinction; but as I could not speak
either French or their own language, I could not get on very well.
However, I had a handsome allowance, and permission to go to England as
soon as I pleased.  The Swedes were then at war with the Russians, and
were fitting out their fleet; but, Lord bless them! they didn't know
much about it.  At last, they all came to me, and if they did not
understand me entirely, I showed them how to do it with my own hands,
and the fleet began to make a show with their rigging.  The admiral who
commanded was very much obliged, and I seemed to come as regularly to my
work as if I were paid for it.  At last, the admiral came with an
English interpreter, and asked me whether I was anxious to go back to
England, or would I like to join their service?  I saw what they wanted,
and I replied that I would prefer an English frigate to a Swedish one,
and that I would not consent unless they offered something more; and
then, with the express stipulation that I should not take arms against
my own country.  They then waited for a week, when they offered to make
me a _Count_ and give me the command of the frigate.  This suited me, as
you may suppose, Peter; it was the darling wish of my heart--I was to be
made a gentleman.  I consented, and was made Count Shucksen, and had a
fine large frigate under my command.  I then set to work with a will,
superintended the fitting out of the whole fleet, and showed them what
an Englishman could do.  We sailed, and you of course know the brush we
had with the Russians, which I must say did us no discredit.  I was
fortunate to distinguish myself, for I exchanged several broadsides with
a Russian two-decked ship, and came off with honour.  When we went into
port I got this riband.  I was out afterwards, and fell in with a
Russian frigate, and captured her, for which I received this other
riband.  Since that I have been in high favour, and now that I speak the
languages, I like the people very much.  I am often at court when I am
in harbour; and, Peter, I am _married_."

"I wish you joy, count, with all my heart."

"Yes, and well married, too--to a Swedish countess of very high family
and I expect that I have a little boy or girl by this time.  So you
observe, Peter, that I am at last a gentleman, and, what is more, my
children will be noble by two descents.  Who would have thought that
this would have been occasioned by my throwing the captain's jacket into
the boat instead of my own?  And now, my dear Mr Simple, that I have
made you my confidant, I need not say, do not say a word about it to
anybody."

"My dear count," replied I, "your secret is safe with me, and my
pleasure is very great."

I then, in a few words, stated where O'Brien was; and then we parted, I
went with him on deck, Count Shucksen taking my arm, and introducing me
as an old shipmate to his officers, "I hope we may meet again," said I,
"but I'm afraid there is little chance."

"Who knows?" replied he; "see what chance has done for me.  My dear
Peter, God bless you!  You are one of the very few whom I always loved.
God bless you, my boy! and never forget that all I have is at your
command if you come my way."

I thanked him, and, saluting the officers, went down the side.  As I
expected, when I came on board, the captain demanded, in an angry tone,
why I had stayed so long.  I replied that I was shown down into Count
Shucksen's cabin, and he conversed so long, that I could not get away
sooner, as it would not have been polite to have left him before he had
finished his questions.  I then gave a very civil message, and the
captain said no more: the very name of a great man always silenced him.



CHAPTER SIXTY ONE.

BAD NEWS FROM HOME, AND WORSE ON BOARD--NOTWITHSTANDING HIS PREVIOUS
TRIALS, PETER FORCED TO PREPARE FOR ANOTHER--MRS. TROTTER AGAIN;
IMPROVES AS SHE GROWS OLD--CAPTAIN HAWKINS AND HIS TWELVE CHARGES.

No other event of consequence occurred until we joined the admiral, who
only detained us three hours with the fleet, and then sent us home with
his despatches.  We arrived, after a quiet passage, at Portsmouth, where
I wrote immediately to my sister Ellen, requesting to know the state of
my father's health.  I waited impatiently for an answer, and by return
of post received one with a black seal.  My father had died the day
before from a brain fever; and Ellen conjured me to obtain leave of
absence, to come to her in her state of distress.  The captain came on
board the next morning, and I had a letter ready written on service to
the admiral, stating the circumstances, and requesting leave of absence.
I presented it to him and entreated him to forward it.  At any other
time I would not have condescended: but the thoughts of my poor sister,
unprotected and alone, and my father lying dead in the house, made me
humble and submissive.  Captain Hawkins read the letter, and very coolly
replied, that "it was very easy to say that my father was dead, but he
required proofs."  Even this insult did not affect me; I put my sister's
letter in his hand--he read it, and as he returned it to me, he smiled
maliciously.  "It is impossible for me to forward your letter, Mr
Simple, as I have one to deliver to you."

He put a large folio packet into my hand, and went below.  I opened it:
it was a copy of a letter demanding a court-martial upon me, with a long
list of the charges preferred by him.  I was stupefied, not so much at
his asking for a court-martial, but at the conviction of the
impossibility of my now being able to go to the assistance of my poor
sister.  I went down into the gun-room and threw myself on a chair, at
the same time tossing the letter to Thompson, the master.  He read it
over carefully, and folded it up.

"Upon my word, Simple, I do not see that you have much to fear.  These
charges are very frivolous."

The next morning, the official letter from the port-admiral came off,
acquainting me that a court-martial had been ordered upon me, and that
it would take place that day week.  I immediately resigned the command
to the second lieutenant, and commenced an examination into the charges
preferred.  They were very numerous, and dated back almost to the very
day that he had joined the ship.  There were twelve in all.  I shall not
trouble the reader with the whole of them, as many were very frivolous.
The principal charges were:--

1.  For mutinous and disrespectful conduct to Captain Hawkins, on (such
a date), having in a conversation with an inferior officer on the
quarter-deck stated that Captain Hawkins was a spy, and had spies in the
ship.

2.  For neglect of duty, in disobeying the orders of Captain Hawkins, on
the night of the --- of ---.

3.  For having, on the --- of ---, sent away two boats from the ship, in
direct opposition to the orders of Captain Hawkins.

4.  For having again, on the morning of the --- of ---, held mutinous
and disrespectful conversation relative to Captain Hawkins with the
gunner of the ship, allowing the latter to accuse Captain Hawkins of
cowardice, without reporting the same.

5.  For insulting expressions on the quarter-deck to Captain Hawkins, on
his rejoining the brig on the morning of the --- of ---.

6.  For not causing the orders of Captain Hawkins to be put in force on
several occasions, etcetera, etcetera, etc.

And further, as Captain Hawkins' testimony was necessary in two of the
charges, the King, _on those charges_, was the prosecutor.

Two days before my court-martial, I received a letter from Ellen, who
appeared in a state of distraction from this accumulation of misfortune.
She told me that my father was to be buried the next day, and that the
new rector had written to her, to know when it would be convenient for
the vicarage to be given up.  That my father's bills had been sent in,
and amounted to twelve hundred pounds already; and that she knew not the
extent of the whole claims.  There appeared to be nothing left but the
furniture of the house; and she wanted to know whether the debts were to
be paid with the money I had left in the funds for her use.  I wrote
immediately, requesting her to liquidate every claim, as far as my money
went; sending her an order upon my agent to draw for the whole amount,
and a power of attorney to him, to sell out the stock.

I had just sealed the letter, when Mrs Trotter, who had attended the
ship since our return to Portsmouth, begged to speak with me, and walked
in after her message, without waiting for an answer.  "My dear Mr
Simple," said she, "I know all that is going on, and I find that you
have no lawyer to assist you.  Now I know that it it is necessary, and
will very probably be of great service in your defence--for when people
are in distress and anxiety, they have not their wits about them; so I
have brought a friend of mine from Portsea, a very clever man, who, for
my sake, will undertake your cause; and I hope you will not refuse him.
You recollect giving me a dozen pairs of stockings.  I did not refuse
them, nor shall you refuse me now."

Mr Trotter's advice was good; and although I would not listen to
receiving his services gratuitously, I agreed to employ him; and very
useful did he prove against such charges, and such a man as Captain
Hawkins.  He came on board that afternoon, carefully examined into all
the documents, and the witnesses whom I could bring forward, showed me
the weak side of my defence, and took the papers on shore with him.
Every day he came on board, to collect fresh evidence, and examine into
my case.

At last the day arrived.  I dressed myself in my best uniform.  The gun
fired from the admiral's ship, with the signal for a court-martial at
nine o'clock; and I went on board, in a boat with all the witnesses.  On
my arrival, I was put under the custody of the provost-martial.  The
captains ordered to attend pulled alongside one after another, and were
received by a party of marines, presenting their arms.

At half-past nine, the court was all assembled, and I was ushered in.
Court-martials are open courts, although no one is permitted to print
the evidence.  At the head of the long table was the admiral, as
president; on his right hand, standing, was Captain Hawkins, as
prosecutor.  On each side of the table were six captains, sitting near
to the admiral, according to their seniority.  At the bottom, facing the
admiral, was the judge-advocate, on whose left hand I stood, as
prisoner.

The court were all sworn, and then took their seats.  Stauncheons, with
ropes covered with green baize, passed along, were behind the chairs of
the captains who composed the court, so that they might not be crowded
upon by those who came in to listen to what passed.

The charges were then read, as well as the letters to and from the
admiral, by which the court-martial was demanded and granted; and then
Captain Hawkins was desired to open his prosecution.  He commenced with
observing his great regret that he had been forced to a measure so
repugnant to his feelings; his frequent cautions to me, and the
indifference with which I treated them: and, after a preamble, composed
of every falsity that could be devised, he commenced with the first
charge; and stating himself to be the witness, gave his evidence.

"I wish," said the second captain who was addressed, "to ask Captain
Hawkins, whether, when he came on deck, he came up in the usual way in
which a captain of a man-of-war comes on his quarter-deck; or whether he
slipped up without noise?"

Captain Hawkins declared that he came up as he _usually did_.  This was
true enough, for he invariably came up by stealth.

"But, Captain Hawkins, do you not think, allowing that you came up on
deck in your _usual_ way, as you term it, that you would have done
better, to have hemmed or hawed, so as to let your officers know that
you were present?  I should be very sorry to hear all that might be said
of me in my supposed absence."

To this observation, Captain Hawkins replied, that was so astonished at
the conversation, that he was quite breathless, having, till then, had
the highest opinion of me.

No more questions were asked, and they proceeded to the second charge.
This was a very trifling one--for lighting a stove, contrary to orders.
The evidence brought forward was the sergeant of marines.  When his
evidence in favour of the charge had been given, the following questions
were put by some of the members of the court:--

"You have served in other ships before?"

"Yes."

"Did you ever, sailing with other captains, receive an order from them,
to report direct to them, and not through the first lieutenant?"

The witness here prevaricated.

"Answer directly, yes or no."

"No."

The third charge was then brought forward--for sending away boats
contrary to express orders.  This was substantiated by Captain Hawkins'
own evidence, the order having been verbal.  By the advice of my
counsel, I put no questions to Captain Hawkins; neither did the court.

The fourth charge--that of holding mutinous conversation with the
gunner, and allowing him to accuse the captain of unwillingness to
engage the enemy--was then again substantiated by Captain Hawkins, as
the only witness.  I again left my reply for my defence; and one only
question was put by one of the members; which was, to inquire of Captain
Hawkins, as he appeared peculiarly unfortunate in overhearing
conversations, whether he walked up as usual to the taffrail, or whether
he _crept up_.

Captain Hawkins gave the same answer as before.

The fifth charge--for insulting expressions to Captain Hawkins, on my
rejoining the brig at Carlscrona, was then brought forward; and the
sergeant of marines and one of the seamen appeared as witnesses.  This
charge excited a great deal of amusement.  In the cross-examination by
the members of the court, Captain Hawkins was asked what he meant by the
expression, when disposing of the clothes of an officer who was killed
in action, that the men appeared to think that his trowsers would instil
fear.

"Nothing more upon my honour, sir," replied Captain Hawkins, "than an
implication that they were alarmed lest they should be haunted by his
ghost."

"Then, of course, Mr Simple meant the same in his reply," observed the
captain sarcastically.

The remainder of the charges were then brought forward; but they were of
little consequence.



CHAPTER SIXTY TWO.

A GOOD DEFENCE NOT ALWAYS GOOD AGAINST A BAD ACCUSATION--PETER WINS THE
HEARTS OF HIS JUDGES, YET LOSES HIS CAUSE, AND IS DISMISSED HIS SHIP.

The next day I commenced my defence: I preferred calling my own
witnesses first, and, by the advice of my counsel, and at the request of
Swinburne, I called him.  I put the following questions:--

"When we were talking on the quarter-deck, was it fine weather?"

"Yes, it was."

"Do you think that you might have heard any one coming on deck, in the
usual way, up the companion ladder?"

"Sure of it."

"Do you mean, then, to imply that Captain Hawkins came up stealthily?"

"I have an idea he pounced upon us, as a cat does a mouse."

"What were the expressions made use of?"

"I said that a spy captain would always find spy followers."

"In that remark, were you and Mr Simple referring to your own captain?"

"The remark was mine: what Mr Simple was thinking of I can't tell; but
I _did_ refer to the captain, and he has proved that I was right."

This bold answer of Swinburne's rather astonished the court, who
commenced cross-questioning him; but he kept to his original assertion--
that I had only answered generally.

To repel the second charge, I produced two witnesses.  But to the third
charge I brought forward three witnesses, to prove that Captain Hawkins'
orders were, that I should send no boats on shore--not that I should not
send them on board of the men-of-war close to us.

In answer to the fourth charge, I called Swinburne, who stated that if I
did not, he would come forward.  Swinburne acknowledged that he accused
the captain of being shy, and that I reprimanded him for so doing.

"Did he say that he would report you?" inquired one of the captains.

"No, sir," replied Swinburne, "'cause he never meant to do it."

This was an unfortunate answer.

To the fifth charge, I brought several witnesses to prove the words of
Captain Hawkins, and the sense in which they were taken by the ship's
company, and the men calling out "Shame!" when he used the expression.

To refute the other charges I called one or two witnesses, and the court
then adjourned, inquiring of me when I would be ready to commence my
defence.  I requested a day to prepare, which was readily granted; and
the ensuing day the court did not sit.  I hardly need say that I was
busily employed arranging my defence with my counsel.  At last all was
done, and I went to bed tired and unhappy; but I slept soundly, which
could not be said of my counsel, for he went on shore at eleven o'clock,
and sat up all night, arranging and making a fair copy.

After all, the fairest court of justice is a naval court-martial--no
brow-beating of witnesses, an evident inclination towards the prisoner--
every allowance and every favour granted him, and no legal quibbles
attended to.  It is a court of equity, with very few exceptions; and the
humbler the individual, the greater the chance in his favour.

I was awoke the following morning by my counsel, who had not gone to bed
the previous night, and who had come off at seven o'clock to read over
with me my defence.  At nine o'clock I again proceeded on board, and, in
a short time, the court was sitting.  I came in, handed my defence to
the judge-advocate, who read it aloud to the court.  I have a copy still
by me, and will give the whole of it to the reader.

  "MR. PRESIDENT AND GENTLEMEN,--After nearly fourteen years service in
  His Majesty's navy, during which I have been twice made prisoner,
  twice wounded, and once wrecked; and, as I trust I shall prove to you,
  by certificates and the public despatches, I have done my duty with
  zeal and honour--I now find myself in a situation in which I never
  expected to be placed--that of being arraigned before and brought to a
  court-martial for charges of mutiny, disaffection, and disrespect
  towards my superior officer.  If the honourable court will examine the
  certificates I am about to produce, they will find that, until I
  sailed with Captain Hawkins, my conduct has always been supposed to
  have been diametrically opposite to that which is now imputed to me.
  I have always been diligent and obedient to command; and I have only
  to regret that the captains, with whom I have had the honour to sail,
  are not now present to corroborate, by their oral evidence, the truth
  of these documents.  Allow me, in the first place, to point out to the
  court, that the charges against me are spread over a large space of
  time, amounting to nearly eighteen months, during the whole of which
  period, Captain Hawkins never stated to me that it was his intention
  to try me by a court-martial; and, although repeatedly in the presence
  of a senior officer, has never preferred any charge against me.  The
  articles of war state expressly, that if any officer, soldier or
  marine, has any complaint to make, he is to do so upon his arrival at
  any port or fleet, where he may fall in with a superior officer.  I
  admit that this article of war refers to complaints to be made by
  inferiors against superiors; but, at the same time, I venture to
  submit to the honourable court, that a superior is equally bound to
  prefer a charge, or to give notice that that charge will be preferred,
  on the first seasonable opportunity, instead of lulling the offender
  into security, and disarming him in his defence, by allowing the time
  to run on so long as to render him incapable of bringing forward his
  witnesses.  I take the liberty of calling this to your attention, and
  shall now proceed to answer the charges which have been brought
  against me.

  "I am accused of having held a conversation with an inferior officer
  on the quarter-deck of His Majesty's brig _Rattlesnake_, in which my
  captain was treated with contempt.  That it may not be supposed that
  Mr Swinburne was a new acquaintance, made upon my joining the brig, I
  must observe, that he was an old shipmate, with whom I had served many
  years, and with whose worth I was well acquainted.  He was my
  instructor in my more youthful days, and has been rewarded for his
  merit, with the warrant which he now holds as gunner of His Majesty's
  brig; _Rattlesnake_.  The offensive observation, in the first place
  was not mine; and, in the second, it was couched in general terms.
  Here Mr Swinburne has pointedly confessed that _he_ did refer to the
  captain, although the observation was in the plural; but that does not
  prove the charge against me--on the contrary, adds weight to the
  assertion of Mr Swinburne, that I was guiltless of the present
  charge.  That Captain Hawkins had acted as a spy, his own evidence on
  this charge, as well as that brought forward by other witnesses, will
  decidedly prove; but as the truth of the observation does not warrant
  its utterance, I am glad that no such expression escaped my lips.

  "Upon the second charge I shall dwell but a short time.  It is true
  that there is a general order that no stoves shall be alight after a
  certain hour; but I will appeal to the honourable court, whether a
  first lieutenant is not considered to have a degree of licence of
  judgment in all that concerns the interior discipline of the ship.
  The surgeon sent to say that a stove was required for one of the sick.
  I was in bed at the time, and replied immediately in the affirmative.
  Does Captain Hawkins mean to assert to the honourable court, that he
  would have refused the request of the surgeon?  Most certainly not.
  The only error I committed, if it were an error, was not going through
  the form, of awaking Captain Hawkins, to ask the permission, which, as
  first lieutenant, I thought myself authorised to give.

  "The charge against me, of having sent away two boats, contrary to his
  order, I have already disproved by witnesses.  The order of Captain
  Hawkins was, not to communicate with the shore.  My reasons for
  sending away the boats--"

  Here Captain Hawkins interposed, and stated to the president that my
  reasons were not necessary to be received.  The court was cleared,
  and, on our return, the court had decided that my reasons ought to be
  given, and I continued.

  "My reasons for sending away these boats, or rather it was one boat
  which was despatched to the two frigates, if I remember well, were,
  that the brig was in a state of mutiny.  The captain had tied up one
  of the men, and the ship's company refused to be flogged.  Captain
  Hawkins then went on shore to the admiral, to report the situation of
  his ship, and I conceived it my duty to make it known to the
  men-of-war anchored close to us.  I shall not enter into further
  particulars, as they will only detain the honourable court; and I am
  aware that this court-martial is held upon my conduct, and not upon
  that of Captain Hawkins.  To the charge of again holding disrespectful
  language on the quarter-deck, as overheard by Captain Hawkins, I must
  refer the honourable court to the evidence, in which it is plainly
  proved that the remarks upon him were not mine, but those of Mr
  Swinburne, and that I remonstrated with Mr Swinburne for using such
  unguarded expressions.  The only point of difficulty is, whether it
  was not my duty to have reported such language.  I reply, that there
  is no proof that I did not intend to report it; but the presence of
  Captain Hawkins, who heard what was said, rendered such report
  unnecessary.

  "On the fifth charge, I must beg that the court will be pleased to
  consider that some allowance ought to be made for a moment of
  irritation.  My character was traduced by Captain Hawkins, supposing
  that I was dead; so much so, that even the ship's company cried out
  _shame_.  I am aware that no language of a superior officer can
  warrant a retort from an inferior; but, as what I intended to imply by
  that language is not yet known, although Captain Hawkins has given an
  explanation to his; I shall merely say, that I meant no more by my
  insinuations, than Captain Hawkins did at the time by those which he
  made use of with respect to me.

  "Upon the other trifling charges brought forward, I lay no stress, as
  I consider them fully refuted by the evidence which has been already
  adduced; and I shall merely observe, that, for reasons best known to
  himself, I have been met with a most decided hostility on the part of
  Captain Hawkins, from the time that he first joined the ship; that, on
  every occasion, he has used all his efforts to render me
  uncomfortable, and embroil me with others; that, not content with
  narrowly watching my conduct on board, he has resorted to his
  spy-glass from the shore; and, instead of assisting me in the
  execution of a duty sufficiently arduous, he has thrown every obstacle
  in my way, placed inferior officers as spies over my conduct, and made
  me feel so humiliated in the presence of the ship's company, over
  which I have had to superintend, and in the disciplining of which I
  had a right to look to him for support, that, were it not that some
  odium would necessarily be attached to the sentence, I should feel it
  as one of the happiest events of my life that I were dismissed from
  the situation which I now hold under his command.  I now beg that the
  honourable court will allow the documents I lay upon the table to be
  read in support of my character."

When this was over, the court was cleared, that they might decide upon
the sentence.  I waited about half-an-hour in the greatest anxiety, when
I was again summoned to attend.  The usual forms of reading the papers
were gone through, and then came the sentence, which was read by the
president, he and the whole court standing up with their cocked hats on
their heads.  After the preamble, it concluded with saying; "that it was
the opinion of that court that the charges had been _partly_ proved, and
therefore, that Lieutenant Peter Simple was dismissed his ship; but, in
consideration of his good character and services, his case was strongly
recommended to the consideration of the Lords Commissioners of the
Admiralty."



CHAPTER SIXTY THREE.

PETER LOOKS UPON HIS LOSS AS SOMETHING GAINED--GOES ON BOARD THE
"Rattlesnake" TO PACK UP, AND IS ORDERED TO PACK OFF--POLITE
LEAVE-TAKING BETWEEN RELATIONS--MRS. TROTTER BETTER AND BETTER--GOES TO
LONDON, AND AFTERWARDS FALLS INTO ALL MANNER OF MISFORTUNES BY THE HANDS
OF ROBBERS, AND OF HIS OWN UNCLE.

I hardly knew whether I felt glad or sorry at this sentence.  On the one
hand, it was almost a death-blow to my future advancement or employment
in the service; on the other, the recommendation very much softened down
the sentence, and I was quite happy to be quit of Captain Hawkins, and
free to hasten to my poor sister.  I bowed respectfully to the court,
which immediately adjourned.  Captain Hawkins followed the captains on
the quarter-deck, but none of them would speak to him--so much to his
disadvantage had come out during the trial.

About ten minutes afterwards, one of the elder captains composing the
court called me into the cabin.  "Mr Simple," said he, "we are all very
sorry for you.  Our sentence could not be more lenient, under the
circumstances: it was that conversation with the gunner at the taffrail
which floored you.  It must be a warning to you to be more careful in
future, how you permit any one to speak of the conduct of your superiors
on the quarter-deck.  I am desired by the president to let you know,
that it is our intention to express ourselves very strongly to the
admiral in your behalf; so much so, that if another captain applies for
you, you will have no difficulty in being appointed to a ship; and as
for leaving your present ship, under any other circumstances, I should
consider it a matter of congratulation."

I returned my sincere thanks, and soon afterwards quitted the guardship,
and went on board of the brig to pack up my clothes, and take leave of
my messmates.  On my arrival, I found that Captain Hawkins had preceded
me, and he was on deck when I came up the side.  I hastened down into
the gun-room, where I received the condolements of my messmates.

"Simple, I wish you joy," cried Thompson, loud enough for the captain to
hear on deck.  "I wish I had your luck; I wish somebody would try me by
a court-martial."

"As it has turned out," replied I, in a loud voice, "and after the
communication made to me by the captains composing the court, of what
they intend to say to the Admiralty, I agree with you, Thompson, that it
is a very kind act on the part of Captain Hawkins, and I feel quite
grateful to him."

"Steward, come--glasses," cried Thompson, "and let us drink success to
Mr Simple."

All this was very annoying to Captain Hawkins, who overheard every word.
When our glasses were filled--"Simple, your good health, and may I meet
with as good a messmate," said Thompson.

At this moment, the sergeant of marines put his head in at the gun-room
door, and said, in a most insolent tone, that I was to leave the ship
immediately.  I was so irritated, that I threw my glass of grog in his
face, and he ran up to the captain to make the complaint: but I did not
belong to the ship, and even if I had, I would have resented such
impertinence.

Captain Hawkins was in a great rage, and I believe would have written
for another court-martial, but he had had enough of them.  He inquired
very particularly of the sergeant whether he had told me that I was to
leave the ship directly, or whether that Captain Hawkins desired that I
should leave the ship immediately; and finding that he had not given the
latter message (which I was aware of, for had he given it, I dare not
have acted as I did), he then sent down again by one of the midshipmen,
desiring me to leave the ship immediately.  My reply was, that I should
certainly obey his orders with the greatest pleasure.  I hastened to
pack up my clothes, reported myself ready to the second lieutenant, who
went up for permission to man a boat, which was refused by Captain
Hawkins, who said I might go on shore in a shore-boat.  I called one
alongside, shook hands with all my messmates, and when I arrived on the
quarter-deck, with Swinburne, and some of the best men, who came
forward, Captain Hawkins stood by the binnacle, bursting with rage.  As
I went over the planeshear, I took my hat off to him, and wished him
good morning very respectfully, adding, "If you have any commands for my
_uncle_, Captain Hawkins, I shall be glad to execute them."

This observation, which showed him that I knew the connection and
correspondence between them, made him gasp with emotion.  "Leave the
ship, sir, or by God I'll put you in irons for mutiny," cried he.  I
again took off my hat, and went down the side, and shoved off.

As soon as I was a few yards distant, the men jumped on the carronade,
and cheered, and I perceived Captain Hawkins order them down, and before
I was a cable's length from her, the pipe "All hands to punishment;" so
I presume some of the poor fellows suffered for their insubordination in
showing their good-will.  I acknowledge that I might have left the ship
in a more dignified manner, and that my conduct was not altogether
correct; but still, I state what I really did do, and some allowance
must be made for my feelings.  This is certain, that my conduct after
the court-martial was more deserving of punishment than that for which I
had been tried: but I was in a state of feverish excitement, and hardly
knew what I did.

When I arrived at Sally Port, I had my effects wheeled up to the Blue
Posts, and packing up those which I most required, I threw off my
uniform, and was once more a gentleman at large.  I took my place in the
mail for that evening, sent a letter of thanks, with a few bank notes,
to my counsel, and then sat down and wrote a long letter to O'Brien,
acquainting him with the events which had taken place.

I had just finished, and sealed it up, when in came Mrs Trotter.  "O my
dear Mr Simple!  I'm so sorry; and I have come to console you.  There's
nothing like women when men are in affliction, as poor Trotter used to
say, as he laid his head in my lap.  When do you go to town?"

"This evening, Mrs Trotter."

"I hope I am to continue to attend the ship?"

"I hope so, too, Mrs Trotter; I have no doubt but you will."

"Now, Mr Simple, how are you off for money?  Do you want a little?  You
can pay me by-and-bye.  Don't be afraid: I am not quite so poor as I was
when you came down to mess with Trotter and me, and when you gave me a
dozen pairs of stockings.  I know what it is to want money, and what it
is to want friends."

"Many thanks to you, Mrs Trotter," replied I; "but I have sufficient to
take me home, and then I can obtain more."

"Well, I'm glad of it, but it was offered in earnest.  Good-bye, God
bless you!  Come, Mr Simple, give me a kiss; it won't be the first
time."

I kissed her, for I felt grateful for her kindness; and with a little
smirking and ogling she quitted the room.  I could not help thinking,
after she was gone, how little we know the hearts of others.  If I had
been asked if Mrs Trotter was a person to have done a generous action,
from what I had seen of her in adversity, I should have decidedly said,
No.  Yet in this offer she was disinterested, for she knew the service
well enough to be aware that I had little chance of being a first
lieutenant again, and of being of service to her.  And how often does it
also occur, that those who ought, from gratitude or long friendship, to
do all they can to assist you, turn from you in your necessity, and
prove false and treacherous!  It is God alone who knows our hearts.  I
sent my letter to O'Brien to the admiral's office, sat down to a dinner
which I could not taste, and at seven o'clock got into the mail.  I was
very ill; I had a burning fever and a dreadful headache, but I thought
only of my sister.

When I arrived in town I was much worse, but did not wait more than an
hour.  I took my place in a coach which did not go to the town near
which we resided; for I had inquired and found that coach was full, and
I did not choose to wait another day.  The coach in which I took my
place went within forty miles of the vicarage, and I intended to post
across the country.  The next evening I arrived at the point of
separation, and taking out my portmanteau, ordered a chaise, and set off
for what once had been my home.  I could hardly hold my head up, I was
so ill, and I lay in a corner of the chaise, in a sort of dream, kept
from sleeping from intense pain in the forehead and temples.

It was about nine o'clock at night, when we were in a dreadful jolting
road, the shocks proceeding from which gave me agonising pain, that the
chaise was stopped by two men, who dragged me out on the grass.  One
stood over me, while the other rifled the chaise.  The post-boy, who
appeared a party to the transaction, remained quietly on his horse, and
as soon as they had taken my effects, turned round and drove off.  They
then rifled my person, taking away everything that I had, leaving me
nothing but my trowsers and shirt.  After a short consultation, they
ordered me to walk on in the direction in which we had been proceeding
in the chaise, and to hasten as fast as I could, or they would blow my
brains out.  I complied with their request, thinking myself fortunate to
have escaped so well.  I knew that I was still thirty miles at least
from the vicarage; but ill as I was, I hoped to be able to reach it on
foot.  I walked during the remainder of the night, but I got on but
slowly.  I reeled from one side of the road to the other, and
occasionally sat down to rest.  Morning dawned, and I perceived
habitations not far from me.  I staggered on in my course.

The fever now raged in me, my head was splitting with agony, and I
tottered to a bank near a small neat cottage, on the side of the road.
I have a faint recollection of some one coming to me and taking my hand,
but nothing further; and it was not till many months afterwards, that I
became acquainted with the circumstances which I now relate.  It appears
that the owner of the cottage was a half-pay lieutenant in the army, who
had sold out on account of his wounds.  I was humanely taken into his
house, laid on a bed, and a surgeon requested to come to me immediately.
I had now lost all recollection, and who I was they could not
ascertain.  My pockets were empty, and it was only by the mark on my
linen that they found that my name was Simple.  For three weeks I
remained in a state of alternate stupor and delirium.  When the latter
came on, I raved of Lord Privilege, O'Brien, and Celeste.  Mr Selwin,
the officer who had so kindly assisted me, knew that Simple was the
patronymic name of Lord Privilege, and he immediately wrote to his
lordship, stating that a young man of the name of Simple, who, in his
delirium called upon him and Captain O'Brien, was lying in a most
dangerous state in his house, and, that as he presumed.  I was a
relative of his lordship's, he had deemed it right to apprise him of the
fact.

My uncle, who knew that it must be me, thought this too favourable an
opportunity, provided I should live, not to have me in his power.  He
wrote to say that he would be there in a day or two; at the same time
thanking Mr Selwin for his kind attention to his poor nephew, and
requesting that no expense might be spared.  When my uncle arrived,
which he did in his own chariot, the crisis of the fever was over; but I
was still in a state of stupor arising from extreme debility.  He
thanked Mr Selwin for his attention, which he said he was afraid was of
little avail, as I was every year becoming more deranged; and he
expressed his fears that it would terminate in chronic lunacy--"His poor
father died in the same state," continued my uncle, passing his hand
across his eyes, as if much affected.  "I have brought my physician with
me, to see if he can be moved.  I shall not be satisfied unless I am
with him night and day."

The physician (who was my uncle's valet) took me by the hand, felt my
pulse, examined my eyes, and pronounced that it would be very easy to
move me, and that I should recover sooner in a more airy room.  Of
course, Mr Selwin raised no objections, putting down all to my uncle's
regard for me; and my clothes were put on me, as I lay in a state of
insensibility, and I was lifted into the chariot.  It is most wonderful
that I did not die from being thus taken out of my bed in such a state,
but it pleased Heaven that it should be otherwise.  Had such an event
taken place, it would probably have pleased my uncle much better than my
surviving.  When I was in the carriage, supported by the
pseudo-physician, my uncle again thanked Mr Selwin, begged that he
would command his interest, wrote a handsome check for the surgeon who
had attended me, and getting into the carriage, drove off with me still
in a state of insensibility--that is, I was not so insensible, but I
think I felt I had been removed, and I heard the rattling of the wheels;
but my mind was so uncollected, and I was in a state of such weakness,
that I could not feel assured of it for a minute.

For some days afterwards, for I recollect nothing about the journey, I
found myself in bed in a dark room, and my arms confined.  I recalled my
senses, and by degrees was able to recollect all that had occurred,
until I laid down by the roadside.  Where was I?  The room was dark, I
could distinguish nothing; that I had attempted to do myself some
injury, I took for granted, or my arms would not have been secured.  I
had been in a fever and delirious, I supposed, and had now recovered.

I had been in a reverie for more than an hour, wondering why I was left
alone, when the door of the apartment opened.  "Who is there?" inquired
I.

"Oh! you've come to yourself again," said a gruff voice; "then I'll give
you a little daylight."

He took down a shutter which covered the whole of the window, and a
flood of light poured in, which blinded me.  I shut my eyes, and by
degrees admitted the light until I could bear it.  I looked at the
apartment: the walls were bare and white-washed.  I was on a truckle
bed.  I looked at the window--it was closed up with iron bars.  "Why,
where am I?" inquired I of the man, with alarm.

"Where are you?" replied he; "why, in Bedlam!"



CHAPTER SIXTY FOUR.

AS O'BRIEN SAID, IT'S A LONG LANE THAT HAS NO TURNING--I AM RESCUED, AND
HAPPINESS POURS IN UPON ME AS FAST AS MISERY BEFORE OVERWHELMED ME.

The shock was too great--I fell back on my pillow insensible.  How long
I lay, I know not, but when I recovered, the keeper was gone, and I
found a jug of water and some bread by the side of the bed.  I drank the
water, and the effect it had upon me was surprising.  I felt that I
could get up, and I rose: my arms had been unpinioned during my swoon.

It was about noon that the medical people, attended by the keepers and
others, came into my apartment.

"Is he quite quiet?"

"O Lord! yes, sir, as quiet as a lamb," replied the man who had before
entered.

I then spoke to the medical gentleman, begging him to tell why, and how,
I had been brought here.  He answered mildly and soothingly, saying that
I was there at the wish of my friends, and that every care would be
taken of me; that he was aware that my paroxysms were only occasional,
and that, during the time that I was quiet, I should have every
indulgence that could be granted, and that he hoped that I soon should
be perfectly well, and be permitted to leave the hospital.  I replied by
stating who I was, and how I had been taken ill.  The doctor shook his
head, advised me to lie down as much as possible, and then quitted me to
visit the other patients.

As I afterwards discovered, my uncle had had me confined upon the plea
that I was a young man, who was deranged with an idea that his name was
Simple, and that he was the heir to the title and estates; that I was
very troublesome at times, forcing my way into his house and insulting
the servants, but in every other respect was harmless; that my paroxysms
generally ended in a violent fever, and that it was more from the fear
of my coming to some harm, than from any ill-will towards the poor young
man, that he wished me to remain in the hospital, and be taken care of.

The reader may at once perceive the art of this communication: I, having
no idea why I was confined, would of course continue to style myself by
my true name; and as long as I did this, so long would I be considered
in a deranged state.  The reader must not therefore be surprised when I
tell him, that I remained in Bedlam for one year and eight months.  The
doctor called upon me for two or three days, and finding me quiet,
ordered me to be allowed books, paper, and ink, to amuse myself; but
every attempt at explanation was certain to be the signal for him to
leave my apartment.  I found, therefore, not only by him, but from the
keeper, who paid no attention to anything I said, that I had no chance
of being listened to, or of obtaining my release.

After the first month, the doctor came to me no more: I was a quiet
patient, and he received the report of the keeper.  I was sent there
with every necessary document to prove that I was mad; and, although a
very little may establish a case of lunacy, it requires something very
strong indeed, to prove that you are in your right senses.  In Bedlam I
found it impossible.  At the same time I was well treated, was allowed
all necessary comforts, and such amusement as could be obtained from
books, etcetera.  I had no reason to complain of the keeper--except that
he was too much employed to waste his time in listening to what he did
not believe.  I wrote several letters to my sister and to O'Brien during
the first two or three months, and requested the keeper to put them in
the post.  This he promised to do, never refusing to take the letters;
but, as I afterwards found out, they were invariably destroyed.  Yet I
still bore up with the hopes of release for some time; but the anxiety
relative to my sister, when I thought of her situation, my thoughts of
Celeste and of O'Brien, sometimes quite overcame me; then, indeed, I
would almost become frantic, and the keeper would report that I had had
a paroxysm.  After six months I became melancholy, and I wasted away.  I
no longer attempted to amuse myself, but sat all day with my eyes fixed
upon vacancy.  I no longer attended to my person; I allowed my beard to
grow--my face was never washed, unless mechanically, when ordered by the
keeper; and, if I was not mad, there was every prospect of my soon
becoming so.  Life passed away as a blank--I had become indifferent to
everything--I noted time no more--the change of seasons was
unperceived--even the day and the night followed without my regarding
them.

I was in this unfortunate situation, when one day the door was opened,
and, as had been often the custom during my imprisonment, visitors were
going round the establishment, to indulge their curiosity, in witnessing
the degradation of their fellow-creatures, or to offer their
commiseration.  I paid no heed to them, not even casting up my eyes.
"This young man," said the medical gentleman who accompanied the party,
"has entertained the strange idea that his name is Simple, and that he
is the rightful heir to the title and property of Lord Privilege."

One of the visitors came up to me, and looked me in the face.  "And so
he is," cried he, to the doctor, who looked with astonishment.  "Peter,
don't you know me?"  I started up.  It was General O'Brien.  I flew into
his arms, and burst into tears.

"Sir," said General O'Brien, leading me to the chair, and seating me
upon it, "I tell you that _is_ Mr Simple, the nephew of Lord Privilege;
and, I believe the heir to the title.  If, therefore, his assertion of
such being the case, is the only proof of his insanity, he is illegally
confined.  I am here, a foreigner, and a prisoner on parole; but I am
not without friends.  My Lord Belmore," said he, turning to another of
the visitors who had accompanied him, "I pledge you my honour that what
I state is true; and I request you will immediately demand the release
of this poor young man."

"I assure you, sir, that I have Lord Privilege's letter," observed the
doctor.

"Lord Privilege is a scoundrel," replied General O'Brien.  "But there is
justice to be obtained in this country, and he shall pay dearly for his
_lettre de cachet_.  My dear Peter, how fortunate was my visit to this
horrid place!  I have heard so much of the excellent arrangements of
this establishment, that I agreed to walk round with Lord Belmore; but I
find that it is abused."

"Indeed, General O'Brien, I have been treated with kindness," replied I;
"and particularly by this gentleman.  It was not his fault."

General O'Brien and Lord Belmore then inquired of the doctor if he had
any objection to my release.

"None whatever, my lord, even if he were insane; although I see now how
I have been imposed upon.  We allow the friends of any patient to remove
him, if they think that they can pay him more attention.  He may leave
with you this moment."

I now did feel my brain turn with the revulsion from despair to hope,
and I fell back in my seat.  The doctor perceiving my condition, bled me
copiously, and laid me on the bed, where I remained more than an hour,
watched by General O'Brien.  I then got up, calm and thankful.  I was
shaved by the barber of the establishment, washed and dressed myself,
and, leaning on the general's arm, was led out.  I cast my eyes upon the
two celebrated stone figures of Melancholy and Raving Madness; as I
passed them, I trembled, and clung more tightly to the general's arm,
was assisted into the carriage, and bade farewell to madness and misery.

The general said nothing until we approached the hotel where he resided,
in Dover Street; and then he inquired, in a low voice, whether I could
bear more excitement.

"Is it Celeste you mean, general?"

"It is, my dear boy, she is here;" and he squeezed my hand.

"Alas!" cried I, "what hopes have I now of Celeste?"

"More than you had before," replied the general.  "She lives but for
you; and if you are a beggar, I have a competence to make you
sufficiently comfortable."

I returned the general's pressure of the hand, but could not speak.  We
descended, and in a minute I was led by the father into the arms of the
astonished and delighted daughter.

I must pass over a few days, during which I had almost recovered my
health and spirits; and had narrated my adventures to General O'Brien
and Celeste.  My first object was to discover my sister.  What had
become of poor Ellen, in the destitute condition in which she had been
left, I knew not; and I resolved to go down to the vicarage, and make
inquiries.  I did not, however, set off until a legal adviser had been
sent for by General O'Brien; and due notice given to Lord Privilege of
an action to be immediately brought against him for false imprisonment.

I set off in the mail, and the next evening arrived at the town of ---.
I hastened to the parsonage, and the tears stood in my eyes as I thought
of my mother, my poor father, and the peculiar and doubtful situation of
my dear sister.  I was answered by a boy in livery, and found the
present incumbent at home.  He received me politely, listened to my
story, and then replied, that my sister had set off for London on the
day of his arrival, and that she had not communicated her intentions to
any one.  Here, then, was all clue lost, and I was in despair, I walked
to the town in time to throw myself into the mail, and the next evening
joined Celeste and the general, to whom I communicated the unpleasant
intelligence, and requested advice how to proceed.

Lord Belmore called the next morning, and the general consulted him.
His lordship took great interest in my concerns; and, previous to any
further steps, advised me to step into his carriage, and allow him to
relate my case to the First Lord of the Admiralty.  This was done
immediately; and, as I had now an opportunity of speaking freely to his
lordship, I explained to him the conduct of Captain Hawkins, and his
connexion with my uncle; also the reason of my uncle's persecution.  His
lordship finding me under such powerful protection as Lord Belmore's,
and having an eye to my future claims, which my uncle's conduct gave him
reason to suppose were well founded, was extremely gracious, and said,
that I should hear from him in a day or two.  He kept his word, and on
the third day after my interview, I received a note, announcing my
promotion to the rank of commander.  I was delighted with this good
fortune, as was General O'Brien and Celeste.

When at the Admiralty, I inquired about O'Brien, and found that he was
expected home every day.  He had gained great reputation in the East
Indies, was chief in command at the taking of some of the islands, and,
it was said, was to be created a baronet for his services.  Everything
wore a favourable aspect, excepting the disappearance of my sister.
This was a weight on my mind I could not remove.

But I have forgotten to inform the reader by what means General O'Brien
and Celeste arrived so opportunely in England.  Martinique had been
captured by our forces about six months before, and the whole of the
garrison surrendered as prisoners of war.  General O'Brien was sent
home, and allowed to be on parole; although born a Frenchman, he had
very high connections in Ireland, of whom Lord Belmore was one.  When
they arrived, they had made every inquiry for me without success: they
knew that I had been tried by a court-martial and dismissed my ship, but
after that, no clue could be found for my discovery.

Celeste, who was fearful that some dreadful accident had occurred to me,
had suffered very much in health, and General O'Brien, perceiving how
much his daughter's happiness depended upon her attachment for me, had
made up his mind that if I were found, we should be united.  I hardly
need say how delighted he was when he discovered me, though in a
situation so little to be envied.

The story of my incarceration, of the action to be brought against my
uncle, and the reports of foul play, relative to the succession, had, in
the meantime, been widely circulated among the nobility; and I found
that, every attention was paid me, and I was repeatedly invited out as
an object of curiosity and speculation.  The loss of my sister also was
a subject of much interest, and many people, from good will, made every
inquiry to discover her.  I had returned one day from the solicitor's,
who had advertised for her in the newspapers without success, when I
found a letter for me on the table, in an Admiralty enclosure.  I opened
it--the enclosure was one from O'Brien, who had just cast anchor at
Spithead, and who had requested that the letter should be forwarded to
me, if any one could tell my address.

  "MY DEAR PETER,--Where are, and what has become of, you?  I have
  received no letters for these two years, and I have fretted myself to
  death.  I received your letter about the rascally court-martial; but,
  perhaps, you have not heard that the little scoundrel is dead.  Yes,
  Peter; he brought your letter out in his own ship, and that was his
  death-warrant.  I met him at a private party.  He brought up your
  name--I allowed him to abuse you, and then told him he was a liar and
  a scoundrel; upon which he challenged me, very much against his will;
  but the affront was so public, that he couldn't help himself.  Upon
  which I shot him, with all the good-will in the world, and could he
  have jumped up again twenty times, like Jack in the box, I would have
  shot him every time.  The dirty scoundrel! but there's an end of him.
  Nobody pitied him, for every one hated him; and the admiral only
  looked grave, and then was very much obliged to me for giving him a
  vacancy for his nephew.  By-the-bye, from some unknown hand, but I
  presume from the officers of his ship, I received a packet of
  correspondence between him and your worthy uncle, which is about as
  elegant a piece of rascality as ever was carried on between two
  scoundrels; but that's not all, Peter.  I've got a young woman for
  you, who will make your heart glad--not Mademoiselle Celeste, for I
  don't know where she is--but the wet-nurse who went out to India.  Her
  husband was sent home as an invalid, and she was allowed her passage
  home with him in my frigate.  Finding that he belonged to the
  regiment, I talked to him about one O'Sullivan who married in Ireland,
  and mentioned the girl's name, and when he discovered that she was a
  countryman of mine, he told me that his real name was O'Sullivan, sure
  enough, but that he had always served as O'Connell, and that his wife
  on board was the young woman in question.  Upon which, I sent to speak
  to her, and telling her that I knew all about it, and mentioning the
  names of Ella Flanagan, and her mother, who had given me the
  information, she was quite astonished; and when I asked her what had
  become of the child which she took in place of her own, she told me
  that it had been drowned at Plymouth, and that her husband was saved
  at the same time by a young officer, `whose name I have here,' says
  she; and then she pulled out of her neck your card, with Peter Simple
  on it.  `Now,' says I, `do you know, good woman, that in helping on
  the rascally exchange of children, you ruin that very young man who
  saved your husband, for you deprive him of his title and property?'
  She stared like a stuck pig, when I said so, and then cursed and
  blamed herself, and declared she'd right you as soon as we came home;
  and most anxious she is still to do so, for she loves the very name of
  you; so you see, Peter, a good action has its reward sometimes in this
  world, and a bad action also, seeing as how I've shot that confounded
  villain who dared to ill-use you.  I have plenty more to say to you,
  Peter; but I don't like writing what, perhaps, may never be read, so
  I'll wait till I hear from you; and then, as soon as I get through my
  business, we will set to and trounce that scoundrel of an uncle.  I
  have twenty thousand pounds jammed together in the consolidated,
  besides the Spice Islands, which will be a pretty penny; and every
  farthing of it shall go to right you, Peter, and make a lord of you,
  as I promised you often that you should be; and if you win you shall
  pay, and if you don't, then damn the luck and damn the money too.  I
  beg you will offer my best regards to Miss Ellen, and say how happy I
  shall be to hear that she is well; but it has always been on my mind,
  Peter, that your father did not leave too much behind him, and I wish
  to know how you both get on.  I left you a _carte blanche_ at my
  agent's, and I only hope that you have taken advantage of it, if
  required; if not, you're not the Peter that I left behind me.  So now,
  farewell, and don't forget to answer my letter in no time.

  "Ever yours, _Terence O'Brien_."

This was indeed joyful intelligence.  I handed the letter to General
O'Brien, who read it; Celeste hanging over his shoulder, and perusing it
at the same time.

"This is well," said the general.  "Peter, I wish you joy; and, Celeste,
I ought to wish you joy also, at your future prospects.  It will indeed
be a gratification if ever I hail you as Lady Privilege."

"Celeste," said I, "you did not reject me when I was penniless, and in
disgrace.  O my poor sister Ellen! if I could but find you, how happy
should I be!"

I sat down to write to O'Brien, acquainting him with all that had
occurred, and the loss of my dear sister.  The day after the receipt of
my letter, O'Brien burst into the room.  After the first moments of
congratulation were past, he said, "My heart's broke, Peter, about your
sister Ellen: find her I must.  I shall give up my ship, for I'll never
give up the search as long as I live.  I must find her."

"Do, pray, my dear O'Brien, and I only wish--"

"Wish what, Peter? shall I tell you what I wish?--that if I find her;
you'll give her to me for my trouble."

We then turned round to General O'Brien and Celeste.

"Captain O'Brien," said the general.

"Sir Terence O'Brien, if you please, general.  His Majesty has given me
a handle to my name."

"I congratulate you, Sir Terence," said the general, shaking him by the
hand; "what I was about to say is, that I hope you will take up your
quarters at this hotel, and we will all live together.  I trust we shall
soon find Ellen: in the meanwhile, we have no time to lose, in our
exposure of Lord Privilege.  Is the woman in town?"

"Yes, and under lock and key; but the devil a fear of her.  Millions
would not bribe her to wrong him who risked his life for her husband.
She's Irish, general, to the back-bone.  Nevertheless, Peter, we must go
to our solicitor, to give the intelligence, that he may take the
necessary steps."

For three weeks, O'Brien was diligent in his search for Ellen, employing
every description of emissary without success.  In the meanwhile, the
general and I were prosecuting our cause against Lord Privilege.  One
morning, Lord Belmore called upon us, and asked the general if we would
accompany him to the theatre, to see two celebrated pieces performed.
In the latter, which was a musical farce, a new performer was to come
out of whom report spoke highly.  Celeste consented, and after an early
dinner, we joined his lordship in his private box, which was above the
stage, on the first tier.  The first piece was played, and Celeste, who
had never seen the performance of Young, was delighted.  The curtain
then drew up for the second piece.  In the second act, the new
performer, a Miss Henderson, was led by the manager on the stage; she
was apparently much frightened and excited, but three rounds of applause
gave her courage, and she proceeded.  At the very first notes of her
voice I was startled, and O'Brien, who was behind, threw himself forward
to look at her; but as we were almost directly above, and her head was
turned the other way, we could not distinguish her features.  As she
proceeded in her song, she gained courage, and her face was turned
towards us, and she cast her eyes up--saw me--the recognition was
mutual--I held out my arm, but could not speak--she staggered, and fell
down in a swoon.

"'Tis Ellen!" cried O'Brien, rushing past me; and, making one spring
down on the stage, he carried her off, before any other person could
come to her assistance.  I followed him, and found him with Ellen still
in his arms, and the actresses assisting in her recovery.  The manager
came forward to apologise, stating that the young lady was too ill to
proceed, and the audience, who had witnessed the behaviour of O'Brien
and myself, were satisfied with the romance in real life which had been
exhibited.  Her part was read by another, but the piece was little
attended to, every one trying to find out the occasion of this uncommon
occurrence.  In the meantime, Ellen was put into a hackney-coach by
O'Brien and me, and we drove to the hotel, where we were soon joined by
the general and Celeste.



CHAPTER SIXTY FIVE.

IT NEVER RAINS BUT IT POURS, WHETHER IT BE GOOD OR BAD NEWS--I SUCCEED
IN EVERYTHING, AND TO EVERYTHING, MY WIFE, MY TITLE, AND ESTATE--AND
"ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL."

I shall pass over the scenes which followed, and give my sister's
history in her own words.

"I wrote to you, my dear Peter, to tell you that I had considered it my
duty to pay all my father's debts with your money, and that there were
but sixty pounds left when every claim had been satisfied; and I
requested you to come to me as soon as you could, that I might have your
counsel and assistance as to my future arrangements."

"I received your letter, Ellen, and was hastening to you, when--but no
matter I will tell my story afterwards."

"Day after day I waited with anxiety for a letter, and then wrote to the
officers of the ship to know if any accident had occurred.  I received
an answer from the surgeon, informing me that you had quitted Portsmouth
to join me, and had not since been heard of.  You may imagine my
distress at this communication, as I did not doubt but that something
dreadful had occurred, as I know, too well, that nothing would have
detained you from me at such a time.  The new vicar appointed, had come
down to look over the house, and to make arrangements for bringing in
his family.  The furniture he had previously agreed to take at a
valuation, and the sum had been appropriated in liquidation of our
father's debts.  I had already been permitted to remain longer than was
usual, and had no alternative but to quit, which I did not do until the
last moment.  I could not leave my address, for I knew not where I was
to go.  I took my place in the coach, and arrived in London.  My first
object was to secure the means of livelihood, by offering myself as a
governess; but I found great difficulties from not being able to procure
a good reference, and from not having already served in that capacity.
At last I was taken into a family to bring up three little girls; but I
soon found out how little chance I had of comfort.  The lady had
objected to me as too good-looking--for this same reason the gentleman
insisted upon my being engaged.

"Thus was I a source of disunion--the lady treated me with great
harshness, and the gentleman with too much attention.  At last, her
ill-treatment, and his persecution, were both so intolerable, that I
gave notice that I should leave my situation."

"I beg your pardon, Miss Ellen, but will you oblige me with the name and
residence of that gentleman?" said O'Brien.

"Indeed, Ellen, do no such thing," replied I; "continue your story."

"At last I was engaged as teacher to a school.  I had better have taken
a situation as housemaid.  I was expected to be everywhere, to do
everything--was up at daylight, and never in bed till past midnight:
fared very badly, and was equally ill-paid--but still it was honest
employment, and I remained there for more than a year; but, though as
economical as possible, my salary would not maintain me in clothes and
washing, which was all I required.  There was a master of elocution, who
came every week, and whose wife was the teacher of music.  They took a
great liking to me, and pointed out how much better I should be off, if
I could succeed on the stage, of which they had no doubt.  For months I
refused, hoping still to have some tidings of you; but at last my
drudgery became so insupportable, and my means so decreased, that I
unwillingly consented.

"It was then nineteen months since I had heard of you, and I mourned you
as dead.  I had no relations except my uncle, and I was unknown even to
him.  I quitted the situation, and took up my abode with the teacher of
elocution and his wife, who treated me with every kindness, and prepared
me for my new career.  Neither at the school, which was three miles from
London, nor at my new residence, which was over Westminster-bridge, did
I ever see a newspaper; it was no wonder, therefore, that I did not know
of your advertisements.  After three months' preparation I was
recommended and introduced to the manager by my kind friends, and
accepted.  You know the rest."

"Well, Miss Ellen, if any one ever tells you that you were on the stage,
at all events you may reply that you wasn't there long."

My sister had been with us about three days, during which I had informed
her of all that had taken place, when, one evening finding myself alone
with her, I candidly stated to her what were O'Brien's feelings towards
her, and pleaded his cause with all the earnestness in my power.

"My dear brother," replied she, "I have always admired Captain O'Brien's
character, and always have felt grateful to him for his kindness and
attachment to you; but I cannot say that I love him--I have never
thought about him, except as one to whom we are both much indebted."

"But do you mean to say that you could not love him?"

"No, I do not: and I will do all I can, Peter--I will try--I never will,
if possible, make him unhappy who has been so kind to you."

"Depend upon it, Ellen, that with your knowledge of O'Brien, and with
feelings of gratitude to him, you will soon love him, if once you accept
him as a suitor.  May I tell him--"

"You may tell him that he may plead his own cause, my dear brother; and,
at all events, I will listen to no other, until he has had fair play;
but recollect, that at present I only _like_ him--like him _very much_,
it is true--but still I only _like_ him."

I was quite satisfied with my success, and so was O'Brien, when I told
him.

"By the powers, Peter, she's an angel, and I can't expect her to love an
inferior being like myself; but if she'll only like me well enough to
marry me, I'll trust to after-marriage for the rest."

O'Brien having thus obtained permission, certainly lost no time in
taking advantage of it.  Celeste and I were more fondly attached every
day.  The solicitor declared my case so good, that he could raise fifty
thousand pounds upon it.  In short, all our causes were prosperous, when
an event occurred, the details of which, of course, I did not obtain
until some time afterwards, but which I shall narrate here.

My uncle was very much alarmed when he discovered that I had been
released from Bedlam--still more so, when he had notice given him of a
suit, relative to the succession to the title.  His emissaries had
discovered that the wet-nurse had been brought home in O'Brien's
frigate, and was kept so close that they could not communicate with her.
He now felt that all his schemes would prove abortive.  His legal
adviser was with him, and they had been walking in the garden, talking
over the contingencies, when they stopped close to the drawing-room
windows of the mansion at Eagle Park.

"But, sir," observed the lawyer, "if you will not confide in me, I
cannot act for your benefit.  You still assert that nothing of the kind
has taken place?"

"I do," replied his lordship.  "It is a foul invention."

"Then, my lord, may I ask you why you considered it advisable to
imprison Mr Simple in Bedlam?"

"Because I hate him," retorted his lordship,--"detest him."

"And for what reason, my lord? his character is unimpeached, and he is
your near relative."

"I tell you, sir, that I hate him--would that he were now lying dead at
my feet!"

Hardly were the words out of my uncle's mouth, when a whizzing was heard
for a second, and then something fell down within a foot of where they
stood, with a heavy crash.  They started--turned round--the adopted heir
lay lifeless at their feet, and their legs were bespattered with his
blood and his brains.  The poor boy, seeing his lordship below, had
leaned out of one of the upper windows to call to him, but lost his
balance, and had fallen head foremost upon the wide stone pavement which
surrounded the mansion.  For a few seconds, the lawyer and my uncle
looked upon each other with horror.

"A judgment!--a judgment!" cried the lawyer at last, looking at his
client.  My uncle covered his face with his hands, and fell.  Assistance
now came out, but there was more than one to help up.  The violence of
his emotion had brought on an apoplectic fit, and my uncle, although he
breathed, never spoke again.

It was in consequence of this tragical event, of which we did not know
the particulars until afterwards, that the next morning my solicitor
called, and put a letter into my hand, saying, "Allow me to congratulate
your lordship."  We were all at breakfast at the time, and the general,
O'Brien, and myself jumped up, all in such astonishment at this
unexpected title being so soon conferred upon me, that we had a heavy
bill for damages to pay; and had not Ellen caught the tea-urn, as it was
tipped over, there would, in all probability, have been a doctor's bill
into the bargain.  The letter was eagerly read--it was from my uncle's
legal adviser, who had witnessed the catastrophe, informing me, that all
dispute as to the succession was at an end by the tragical event that
had taken place, and that he had put seals upon everything awaiting my
arrival or instructions.  The solicitor, as he presented the letter,
said that he would take his leave, and call again in an hour or two,
when I was more composed.  My first movement, when I had read the letter
aloud, was to throw my arms round Celeste and embrace her--and O'Brien,
taking the hint, did the same to Ellen, and was excused in consideration
of circumstances; but, as soon as she could disengage herself her arms
were entwined round my neck, while Celeste was hanging on her father's.
Having disposed of the ladies, the gentlemen now shook hands, and
although we had not all appetites to finish our breakfasts, never was
there a happier quintette.

In about an hour my solicitor returned, and congratulated me, and
immediately set about the necessary preparations.  I desired him to go
down immediately to Eagle Park, attend to the funeral of my uncle, and
the poor little boy who had paid so dearly for his intended advancement,
and take charge from my uncle's legal adviser, who remained in the
house.  The "dreadful accident in high life" found its way into the
papers of the day, and before dinner-time a pile of visiting cards was
poured in, which covered the table.  The next day, a letter arrived from
the First Lord, announcing that he had made out my commission as
post-captain, and trusted that I would allow him the pleasure of
presenting it himself at his dinner-hour, at half-past seven.  Very much
obliged to him: the "fool of the family" might have waited a long while
for it.

While I was reading this letter the waiter came up to say that a young
woman below wanted to speak to me.  I desired her to be shown up.  As
soon as she came in, she burst into tears, knelt down, and kissed my
hand.  "Sure, it's you--oh! yes--it's you that saved my poor husband
when I was assisting to your ruin.  And a'n't I punished for my wicked
doings--a'n't my poor boy dead?"

She said no more, but remained on her knees sobbing bitterly.  Of course
the reader recognises in her the wet-nurse who had exchanged her child.
I raised her up, and desired her to apply to my solicitor to pay her
expenses, and leave her address.

"But do you forgive me, Mr Simple?  It's not that I have forgiven
myself."

"I do forgive you with all my heart, my good woman.  You have been
punished enough."

"I have, indeed," replied she, sobbing; "but don't I deserve it all, and
more too?  God's blessing, and all the saints' too, upon your head, for
your kind forgiveness, anyhow.  My heart is lighter."  And she quitted
the room.

She had scarcely quitted the hotel, when the waiter came up again.
"Another lady, my lord, wishes to speak with you; but she won't give her
name."

"Really, my lord, you seem to have an extensive female acquaintance,"
said the general.

"At all events, I am not aware of any that I need be ashamed of.  Show
the lady up, waiter."

In a moment entered a fat unwieldy little mortal, very warm from
walking; she sat down in a chair, threw back her tippet, and then
exclaimed, "Lord bless you, how you have grown! gemini, if I can hardly
believe my eyes; and I declare he don't know me."

"I really cannot exactly recollect were I had the pleasure of seeing you
before, madam."

"Well, that's what I said to Jemima, when I went down in the kitchen,
`Jemima,' says I, `I wonder if little Peter Simple will know me.'  And
Jemima says, `I think he would the parrot, marm.'"

"Mrs Handycock, I believe," said I, recollecting Jemima and the parrot,
although, from a little thin woman, she had grown so fat as not to be
recognisable.

"Oh! so you've found me out, Mr Simple--my lord, I ought to say.  Well,
I need not ask after your grandfather now, for I know he's dead; but as
I was coming this way for orders, I thought I would just step in and see
how you looked."

"I trust Mr Handycock is well, ma'am.  Pray is he a bull or a bear?"

"Lord bless you, Mr Simple--my lord, I should say--he's been neither
bull nor bear for these three years.  He was obliged to _waddle_; if I
didn't know much about bulls and bears, I know very well what a _lame
duck_ is to my cost.  We're off the Stock Exchange, and Mr Handycock is
set up as a coal merchant."

"Indeed!"

"Yes; that is, we have no coals, but we take orders, and have
half-a-crown a chaldron for our trouble.  As Mr Handycock says, it's a
very good business, if you only had enough for it.  Perhaps your
lordship may be able to give us an order.  It's nothing out of your
pocket, and something into ours."

"I shall be very happy when I return again to town, Mrs Handycock.  I
hope the parrot is quite well."

"Oh! my lord, that's a sore subject; only think of Mr Handycock, when
we retired from the 'Change, taking my parrot one day and selling it for
five guineas, saying, five guineas was better than a nasty squalling,
bird.  To be sure, there was nothing for dinner that day; but, as Jemima
agreed with me, we'd rather have gone without a dinner for a month, than
have parted with Poll.  Since we've looked up a little in the world, I
saved up five guineas, by hook or by crook, and tried to get Poll back
again, but the lady said she wouldn't take fifty guineas for him."

Mrs Handycock then jumped from her chair, saying, "Good morning, my
lord; I'll leave one of Mr Handycock's cards.  Jemima would be so glad
to see you."

As she left the room, Celeste laughingly asked me whether I had any more
such acquaintances.

I replied, that I believed not; but I must acknowledge that Mrs Trotter
was brought to my recollection, and I was under some alarm lest she
should also come and pay me her respects.

The next day I had another unexpected visit.  We had just sat down to
dinner, when we heard a disturbance below; and, shortly after, the
general's French servant came up in great haste, saying that there was a
foreigner below, who wished to see me; that he had been caning one of
the waiters of the hotel, for not paying him proper respect.

"Who can that be?" thought I: and I went out of the door and looked over
the banisters, as the noise still continued.

"You must not come here to beat Englishmen, I can tell you," roared one
of the waiters.  "What do we care for your foreign counts?"

"Sacre, canaille!" cried the other party, in a contemptuous voice, which
I well knew.

"Ay, canal!--we'll duck you in the canal, if you don't mind."

"You will!" said the stranger, who had hitherto spoken French.  "Allow
me to observe--in the most delicate manner in the world--just to hint,
that you are a damned trencher-scraping, napkin-carrying,
shilling-seeking, up-and-down-stairs son of a bitch--and take this for
your impudence!"

The noise of the cane was again heard; and I hastened downstairs, where
I found Count Shucksen thrashing two or three of the waiters without
mercy.  At my appearance, the waiters, who were showing fight, retreated
to a short distance, out of reach of the cane.

"My dear count," exclaimed I, "is it you?" and I shook him by the hand.

"My dear Lord Privilege, will you excuse me? but these fellows are
saucy."

"Then I'll have them discharged," replied I.  "If a friend of mine, and
an officer of your rank and distinction, cannot come to see me without
insult, I will seek another hotel."

This threat of mine, and the reception I gave the count, put all to
rights.  The waiters sneaked off, and the master of the hotel
apologised.  It appeared that they had desired him to wait in the
coffee-room until they could announce him, which had hurt the count's
dignity.

"We are sitting down to dinner, count; will you join us?"

"As soon as I have improved my toilet, my dear lord," replied he "you
must perceive that I am off a journey."

The master of the hotel bowed, and proceeded to show the count to a
dressing-room.

When I returned up-stairs--"What was the matter?" inquired O'Brien.  "O
nothing!--a little disturbance in consequence of a foreigner not
understanding English."

In about five minutes the waiter opened the door, and announced Count
Shucksen.

"Now, O'Brien, you'll be puzzled," said I; and in came the count.

"My dear Lord Privilege," said he, coming up and taking me by the hand,
"let me not be the last to congratulate you upon your accession.  I was
running up the channel in my frigate, when a pilot-boat gave me the
newspaper, in which I saw your unexpected change of circumstances.  I
made an excuse for dropping my anchor at Spithead this morning, and I
have come up post to express how sincerely I participate in your good
fortune."  Count Shucksen then politely saluted the ladies and the
general, and turned round to O'Brien, who had been staring at him with
astonishment.

"Count Shucksen, allow me to introduce Sir Terence O'Brien."

"By the piper that played before Moses, but it's a puzzle," said
O'Brien, earnestly looking in the count's face.  "Blood and thunder! if
it a'n't Chucks!--my dear fellow, when did you rise from your grave?"

"Fortunately," replied the count, as they shook each other's hands for
some time, "I never went into it, Sir Terence.  But now, with your
permission, my lord, I'll take some food, as I really am not a little
hungry.  After dinner, Captain O'Brien, you shall hear my history."

His secret was confided to the whole party, upon my pledging myself for
their keeping it locked up in their own breasts, which was a bold thing
on my part, considering that two of them were ladies.

The count stayed with us for some time, and was introduced by me
everywhere.  It was impossible to discover that he had not been bred up
in a court, his manners were so good.  He was a great favourite with the
ladies; and his mustachios, bad French, and waltzing--an accomplishment
he had picked up in Sweden--were quite the vogue.  All the ladies were
sorry when the Swedish count announced his departure by a PPC.

Before I left town, I called upon the First Lord of the Admiralty, and
procured for Swinburne a first-rate, building--that is to say, ordered
to be built.  This he had often said he wished, as he was tired of the
sea, after a service of forty-five years.  Subsequently, I obtained
leave of absence for him every year; and he used to make himself very
happy at Eagle Park.  Most of his time was, however, passed on the lake,
either fishing or rowing about; telling long stories to all who would
join him in his water excursions.

A fortnight after my assuming my title, we set off for Eagle Park: and
Celeste consented to my entreaties, that the wedding should take place
that day month.  Upon this hint O'Brien spake; and to oblige me, Ellen
consented that we should be united on the same day.

O'Brien wrote to Father McGrath; but the letter was returned by post,
with "dead" marked upon the outside.  O'Brien then wrote to one of his
sisters, who informed him, that Father McGrath would cross the bog one
evening when he had taken a very large proportion of whisky; and that he
was seen out of the right path, and had never been heard of afterwards.

On the day appointed, we were all united; and both unions have been
attended with as much happiness as this world can afford.  Both O'Brien
and I are blessed with children, which, as O'Brien observed, have come
upon us like old age, until we now can muster a large Christmas party in
the two families.  The general's head is white, and he sits and smiles,
happy in his daughter's happiness, and in the gambols of his
grandchildren.

Such, reader, is the history of Peter Simple, Viscount Privilege, no
longer the fool, but the head of the family, who now bids you farewell.






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