 Chapter 12. In which our hero prefers going down to going up. A choice it is to be hoped he will reverse upon a more important occasion. The next day being Sunday the hands were turned up to divisions, and the weather not being favourable instead of the service the articles of war were read, with all due respect shown to the same. The captain, officers and crew with their hats off in a middling rain. Jack, who had been told by the captain that these articles of war were the rules and regulations of the service, by which the captain, officers and men were equally bound, listened to them as they were read by the clerk with the greatest attention. He little thought that there were about five hundred orders from the Admiralty tacked on to them, which, like the numerous codicils of some wills, contained the most important matter, and to a certain degree make the will newgatory. Jack listened very attentively, and as each article was propounded felt that he was not likely to commit himself in that point, and although he was rather astonished to find such a positive injunction against swearing, considered quite a dead letter in the ship, he thought that altogether he saw his way very clear. But to make certain of it, as soon as the hands had been piped down, he begged the clerk to let him have a copy of the articles. Now the clerk had three, being the allowance of the ship, or at least all that he had in his possession, and made some demure at parting with one. But at last he promised, some rascal, as he said, having stolen his toothbrush, that if Jack could give him one, he would give him one of the copies of the articles of war. Jack replied that the one he had in use was very much worn, and that, unfortunately, he had but one new one which he could not spare. Thereupon the clerk, who was a very clean personage, and could not bear that his teeth should be dirty, agreed to accept the one in use, as Jack could not part with the other. The exchange was made, and Jack read the articles of war over and over again, till he thought he was fully master of them. Now, says Jack, I know what I am to do, and what I am to expect, and these articles of war I will carry in my pocket as long as I am in the service. That is to say, if they last so long, and provided they do not, I am to replace them with another old toothbrush, which appears to be the value attached to them. The harpy remained a fortnight in Gibraltar Bay, and Jack had occasionally a run on shore, and Mr Asper invariably went with him to keep him out of mischief. That is to say, he allowed him to throw his money away on no one more worthless than himself. One morning Jack went down in the berth, and found young Gosset blubbering. What's the matter, my dear Gosset? inquired Jack, who was just as polite to the youngster as he was to anybody else. Vigas has been thrashing me with a rope's end, replied Gosset, rubbing his arms and shoulders. What for? inquired Jack. Because he says the service is going to hell, I'm sure it's not a fault of mine, and that now all subordination is destroyed, and that upstarts join the ship, who, because they have a five-pound note in their pocket, are allowed to do just as they please. He said he was determined to uphold the service, and then he knocked me down, and when I got up again he told me that I could stand a little more, and then he took out his colt and said he was determined to ride the high horse, and there should be no equality, Jack, in future. Well, replied Jack, and then he coltied me for half an hour, and that's all. Boy, the soul of my father, but it all for true mass easy, he larryp him sure enough, all for nothing, bad luck to him, I think, continued Mestee. He had devilish bad memory, and he wanted a little more of equality, Jack. And he shall have it too, replied I hero, why, it's against the articles of war, all quarrelling, fighting, and so on. I say, Mr. Gosset, have you got the spirit of a louse? Yes, replied Gosset. Well, then, will you do what I tell you next time, and trust me for protection? I don't care what I do, replied the boy, if you will back me against the cowardly tyrant. Do you refer to me? cried Vigas, who had stopped at the door of the berth. Say, yes, said Jack. Yes, I do, cried Gosset. You do, do you? Well, then, my chick, I must trouble you with a little more of this, said Vigas, drawing out his colt. I think that you had better not, Mr. Vigas, observed Jack. Mind your own business, if you please, returned Vigas, not much liking the interference. I am not addressing my conversation to you, and I will thank you never to interfere with me. I presume I have a right to choose my own acquaintance, and, depending upon it, it will not be that of a leveler. All that is at your pleasure, Mr. Vigas, replied Jack. You have a right to choose your own acquaintance, and so have I a right to choose my own friends, and further to support them. That lad is my friend, Mr. Vigas. Then, replied Vigas, who could not help bullying even at the risk of another combat, which he probably intended to stand, I shall take the liberty of giving your friend a thrashing. And he suited the action to the word. Then I shall take the liberty to defend my friend, replied Jack. And, as you call me a leveler, I'll try if I may not deserve the name. Whereupon Jack placed a blow so well under the ear that Mr. Vigas dropped on the deck, and was not in a condition to come to the scratch, even if he had been inclined. And now, youngster, said Jack, wrestling the colt out of Vigas' hand, do as I bid you, give him a good colting. If you don't, I'll thrash you. Gosset required no second threat. The pleasure of thrashing his enemy, if only for once, was quite enough, and he laid well on. Jack with his fists doubled, ready to protect him, if there was a sure resistance. But Vigas was half stupefied from the blow under the ear, and quite cowed. He took his thrashing in the most pensive manner. That will do, said Jack. And now, do not be afraid, Gosset. The very first time he offers to strike you when I am not present, I will pay him off for it as soon as you tell me. I won't be called Equality Jack for nothing. When Jolith, who heard of this, met our hero alone, he said to him, Take my advice, boy, and do not in future fight the battles of others. You'll find very soon you will have enough to do to fight your own. Whereupon Jack argued the point for half an hour, and then they separated. But Mr Jolith was right. Jack began to find himself constantly in hot water, and the captain and first lieutenant, although they did not really withdraw their protection, thought it high time that Jack should find out that, on board a man of war, everybody and everything must find its level. There was, on board his majesties sloop Harpy, a man by the name of Eastup, who did the duty of a purser's steward. This was the second ship that he had served. In the former he had been sent with a draught of men from the tender lying off the tower. How he had come into the service was not known in the present ship, but the fact was that he had been one of the swell mob, and had been sent on board the tender with a letter of recommendation from the magistrates to Captain Crouch. He was a cockney by birth, for he had been left at the workhouse of St Mary Acts, where he had been taught to read and write, and had afterwards made his escape. He joined the juvenile thieves of the metropolis, had been sent to Bridewell, obtained his liberty, and by degrees had risen from petty thieving of goods exposed outside of the shops and market stalls to the higher class of gentlemen pickpockets. His appearance was somewhat genteel, with a bullying sort of an impudent air, which is mistaken for fashion by those who know no better. A remarkable neat dresser, for that was part of his profession, a very plausible manner and address, a great fluency of language, though he clipped King's English, and, as he had suffered more than once by the law, it was not to be wondered at that he was, as he called himself, a hout-and-hout radical. During the latter part of his service in his last ship, he had been employed under the purses steward, and, having offered himself in this capacity to the purser of H.M. Sloop Harpy, with one or two forged certificates, he had been accepted. Now, when Mr. Easter heard of Jack's opinion, he wished to cultivate his acquaintance, and, with a bow and a flourish, introduced himself before they arrived at Gibraltar. But our hero took an immediate dislike to this fellow, from his excessive and impertinent familiarity. Jack knew a gentleman when he met one, and did not choose to be a companion to a man beneath him in every way, but who, upon the strengths of Jack's liberal opinions, presumed to be his equal. Jack's equality did not go so far as that. In theory it was all very well, but in practice it was only when it suited his own purpose. But the purses steward was not to be checked. A man who has belonged to the swell mob is not easily repulsed, and, although Jack would plainly show him that his company was not agreeable, Eastup would constantly accost him familiarly on the folksal and lower deck, with his arms folded and with an air almost amounting to familiarity. At last Jack told him to go about his business and not presume to talk to him. Whereupon Eastup rejoined, and, after an exchange of hard words, it ended by Jack kicking Mr. Eastup, as he called himself, down the after-lower-deck hatchway. This was but a sorry specimen of Jack's equality, and Mr. Eastup, who considered that his honour had been compromised, went up to the captain on the quarter-deck and lodged his complaint, whereupon Captain Wilson desired that Mr. Easy might be summoned. As soon as Jack made his appearance, Captain Wilson called to the Eastup. Now, purses steward, what is this you have to say? If you please, Captain Wilson, I am very sorry to be obliged to make any complaint of any officer, but this Mr. Easy thought proper to make use of language quite humbecoming of a gentleman, and then to kick me as I vent down the hatchway. Well, Mr. Easy, is this true? Yes, sir, replied Jack. I have several times told the fellow not to address himself to me, and he will. I did tell him he was a radical blaggard, and I did kick him down the hatchway. You told him he was a radical blaggard, Mr. Easy? Yes, sir, he comes bothering me about his republic and asserting that we have no want of a king and aristocracy. Captain Wilson looked significantly at Mr. Sawbridge. I certainly did offer my political opinions, Captain Wilson, but you must be aware that we all have a equal stake in the country, and it's a Englishman's birthright. I am not aware what your stake in the country may be, Mr. Eastup, observed Captain Wilson, but I think that if you used such expressions, Mr. Easy was fully warranted in telling you his opinion. I am willing, Captain Wilson, to make any allowance for the heat of political discussion, but that is not all I have to complain of. Mr. Easy thought proper to say I was a swindler and a liar. Did you make use of those expressions, Mr. Easy? Yes, sir, he did, continued the steward, and moreover he told me not to cheat the men, and not to cheat my master, the Persa. Now, Captain Wilson, is it not true that I am in a welly, ostensible situation? But I flatter myself that I have been well educated, and was once moving in a welly, different society. Miss Fultonsville happened to us all, and I feel my character has been severely injured by such imputations, whereupon Mr. Eastup took out his handkerchief, flourished, and blew his nose. I told Mr. Easy that I considered myself quite as much of a gentleman as himself, and had wholly went, did not keep company with a black fella. Mr. Easy will understand the insinuation. Thereupon, Mr. Easy, as I before said your worship, I mean you, Captain Wilson, thought proper to kick me down the archway. Very well, steward, I have heard your complaint, and now you may go. Mr. Eastup took his hat off with an air, made his bow, and went down the main ladder. Mr. Easy, said Captain Wilson, you must be aware that, by the regulations of the service by which we are all equally bound, it is not permitted that any officer shall take the law into his own hands. Now, although I do not consider it necessary to make any remark as to your calling the man a radical black-guard, for I consider his impertinent intrusion of his opinions deserved it, still you have no right to attack any man's character without grounds, and as that man is in an office of trust you were not at all warranted in asserting that he was a cheat. Will you explain to me why you made use of such language? Now, our hero had no proofs against the man. He had nothing to offer in extenuation, until he recollected all at once the reason assigned by the captain for the language used by Mr. Sawbridge. Jack had the wit to perceive that it would hit home, so he replied quite quietly and respectfully, if you please, Captain Wilson, it was all zeal. Zeal, Mr. Easy? I think it but a bad excuse. But pray then, why did you kick the man down the hatchway? You must have known that this was contrary to the rules of the service. Yes, sir, replied Jack demurely, but that was all zeal, too. Then allow me to say, replied Captain Wilson, biting his lips, that I think your zeal has in this instance been very much misplaced, and I trust you will not show so much again. And yet, sir, aware he was giving the captain a hard hit, and therefore looked proportionally humble, we should do nothing in the service without it, and I trust one day, as you told me, to become a very zealous officer. I trust so, too, Mr. Easy? replied the captain. There you may go now, and let me hear no more of kicking people down the hatchway. That sort of zeal is misplaced. More than my foot was at all events, muttered Jack as he walked off. Captain Wilson, as soon as I hero disappeared, laughed heartily, and told Mr. Solbridge, he had ascribed his language to our hero as all zeal. He has very cleverly given me it all back again, and really, Solbridge, as it proves how weak was my defence of you, you may gain from this lesson. Solbridge thought so, too, but both agreed that Jack's rights of man were in considerable danger. The day before the ship sailed, the captain and Mr. Asper dined with the governor, and as there was little more to do, Mr. Solbridge, who had not quitted the ship since she had been in port, and had some few purchases to make, left her in the afternoon in the charge of Mr. Small Soul, the master. Now, as we have observed, he was Jack's inveterate enemy. Indeed, Jack had already made three. Mr. Small Soul, Mr. Biggs the Boson, and Eastup, the purses steward. Mr. Small Soul was glad to be left in command, as he hoped to have an opportunity of punishing our hero, who certainly laid himself not a little open to it. Like all those who are seldom in command, the master was proportionally tyrannical and abusive. He swore at the men, made them do the duty twice and thrice over, on the pretense that it was not smartly done, and found fault with every officer remaining on board. Mr. Biggs, by God, sir, you seem to be all asleep for it. I suppose you think that you are to do nothing now the first-left tenet is out of the ship? How long will it be served before you are ready to sway away? By the holy poker I tinky sway away finally, Mr. Easy, observed Mesti, who was in converse with our hero on the folksal. Mr. Small Soul's violence made Mr. Biggs violent, which made the Bosons mate violent, and the captain of the folksal violent also, all of which is practically exemplified by philosophy in the laws of motion, communicated from one body to another. And as Mr. Small Soul swore, so did the Bosons swear, also the Bosons mate, the captain of the folksal, and all the men showing the force of example. Mr. Small Soul came forward. Damn nation, Mr. Biggs, what the devil are you about? Can't you move here? As much as we can, sir, replied the Boson, lumbered up as the folksal is with the idlers. And here Mr. Biggs looked at our hero and Mesti, who were standing against the bulwark. What are you doing here, sir? cried Mr. Small Soul to our hero. Nothing at all, sir? replied Jack. Then I'll give you something to do, sir. Go up to the masthead and wait there till I call you down. Come, sir, I'll show you the way, continued the master walking aft. Jack followed till they were on the quarter-deck. Now, sir, up to the main top gallant masthead, perch yourself upon the cross-trees, up with you. What am I to go up there for, sir? inquired Jack. For our punishment, sir, replied the master. What have I done, sir? No reply, sir, up with you. If you please, sir, replied Jack, I should wish to argue this point a little. Argue the point, roared Mr. Small Soul. By Jove, I'll teach you to argue the point away with you, sir. If you please, sir, continued Jack. The captain told me that the articles of war were the rules and regulations by which everyone in the service was to be guided. Now, sir, said Jack, I have read them over till I know them by heart, and there is not one word of mastheading in the whole of them. Here Jack took the articles out of his pocket and unfolded them. Will you go to the masthead, sir, or will you not? said Mr. Small Soul. Will you show me the masthead and the articles of war, sir? replied Jack. Here they are. I tell you, sir, go to the masthead. If not, I'll be damned if I don't hoist you up in a bread bag. There's nothing about bread bags in the articles of war, sir, replied Jack. But I'll tell you what there is, sir, said Jack, commencing reading. All flag officers and all persons in, all belonging to his majesty's ships or vessels of war, being guilty of profane oaths, execrations, drunkenness, uncleanliness, or other scandalous actions in degradation of God's honour and corruption of good manners, shall incur such punishment as damnation, cried the master, who was mad with rage, hearing that the whole ship's company were laughing. No, sir, not damnation, replied Jack. That's when he's tried above, but according to the nature and degree of the offence. Will you go to the masthead, sir, or will you not? If you please, replied Jack, I'd rather not. Then, sir, consider yourself under arrest. I'll try you by a court-martial, by God. Go down below, sir. With the greatest pleasure, sir, replied Jack. That's all right and according to the articles of war which are to guide us all. Jack folded up his articles of war, put them into his pocket, and went down into the berth. Soon after Jack had gone down, Joliff, who had heard the whole of the altercation, followed him. My lad, said Joliff, I'm sorry for all this. You should have gone to the masthead. I should like to argue that point a little, replied Jack. Yes, so would everybody, but if that were permitted, the service would be at a standstill. That would not do. You must obey an order first and then complain afterwards if the order is unjust. It is not so in the articles of war, but it is so in the service. The captain told me that the articles of war were the guides of the service, and we were all equally bound to obey them. Well, but allow in that I do not think your articles of war will bear you out. You observe they say that any officer, mariner, et cetera, guilty of disobedience to any lawful command. Now, are you not guilty under that article? That remains to be argued still, replied Jack. A lawful command means an order established by law. Now, where is that law? Besides, the captain told me when I kicked that blagger down the hatchway that there was only the captain who could punish, and that officers could not take the law into their own hands. Why then has the master? He's doing wrong as a superior officer is no reason why you as an inferior should disobey him. If that were permitted, if every order was to be cavalled at and argued upon as just or unjust, there would be an end of all discipline. Besides, recollect that in the service there is custom, which is the same as law. That admits of a little argument, replied Jack. The service will admit of none, my dear boy, recollect that even on shore we have two laws, that which is written and the lex non-scriptor, which is custom. Of course, we have it in the service, for the Articles of War cannot provide for everything. They provide a court martial for everything there, replied Jack. Yes, with death or dismissal from the service, neither of which would be very agreeable. You've got yourself into a scrape, and although the captain is evidently your friend, he cannot overlook it. Fortunately, it is with the master, which is of less consequence than with the other officers. But still, you will have to submit, for the captain cannot overlook it. I'll tell you what, Jolliff, replied Jack. My eyes now begin to be open to a great many things. The captain tells me, when I am astonished at bad language, that it is all zeal, and then I found out that what is all zeal in a superior to an inferior is insolence when reversed. He tells me that the Articles of War are made to equally guide us all. The master breaks what is positively mentioned in the second article twenty times over, and goes scot-free, while I am to be punished because I do not comply with what the Articles do not mention. How was I to know that I ought to go to the master for punishment, particularly when the captain tells me that he alone is to punish on the ship? If I obey an order in opposition to the captain's order, is that not as bad as disobeying the captain? I think that I have made out a very strong case, and that my arguments are not to be confuted. I am afraid that the master will make out a very strong case, and that your arguments will never be erred. That will be contrary to all the rules of justice, but according to all the rules of service, I do believe that I am a great fool, observed Jack, after a pause. What do you imagine made me come to see, Jolliff? Because you did not know when you were well off, replied the mate, dryly. That's true enough, but my reason was because I thought that I could find that equality here that I could not find on shore. Jolliff stared. My dear boy, I heard you say you obtained these opinions from your father. I mean, no disrespect to him, but he must be either mad or foolish if at his age he has not discovered that there is no such thing in existence. I begin to think so, replied Jack, but that does not prove that there ought not to be. I beg your pardon, the very nonexistence proves that it ought not to be. Whatever is, is right. You might as well expect to find perfect happiness or affection in the individual. Your father must be a visionary. The very best thing that I can do is to go home again. Now, my dear easy, the best thing that you can do is to stay in the service, for it will soon put an end to all such nonsensical ideas, and it will make you a clever, sensible fellow. The service is a rough but a good school where everybody finds his level, not the level of equality, but the level which his natural talent and requirements will rise or sink him to, in proportion as they are plus or minus. It is a noble service, but it has its imperfections, as everything in this world must have. I have little reason to speak in its favour, as far as I am concerned, for it has been hardbred for me. But there must be exceptions in every rule. Do not think of quitting the service until you have given it a fair trial. I am aware that you are an only son, and your father is a man of property, and therefore, in the common parlance of the world, you are independent. But believe me, no man, however rich, is independent, unless he has a profession, and you will find no better than this, not withstanding, er, what, that you will most certainly be sent to the masthead tomorrow. We'll argue that point, replied Jack. In all events, I will go and turn in tonight. End of Chapter 12 Chapter 13 of Mr. Midshipman Easy This is a LibriVox recording, or LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Mr. Midshipman Easy by Captain Frank Marriott Read by Adrian Pretzelis Chapter 13 In which our hero begins to act and think for himself Whatever may have been Jack's thoughts at all events, they did not spoil his rest. He possessed in himself all the materials of a true philosopher, but there was a great deal of weeding still required. Joliff's arguments, sensible as they were, had very little effect upon him. For, strange to say, it is much more easy to shake a man's opinions when he is wrong than when he is right, proving that we are all of a very perverse nature. Well, thought Jack, if I am to go to the masthead, I am. That's all, but it does not prove that my arguments are not good, only that they will not be listened to. And then Jack shut his eyes, and in a few minutes was fast asleep. The master had reported to the first lieutenant, and the first lieutenant to the captain when he came on board the next morning, the conduct of Mr. Easy, who was sent for in the cabin, to hear if he had anything to offer an extenuation of his offence. Jack made an oration which lasted more than half an hour, in which all the arguments he had brought forward to Joliff in the preceding chapter were entered fully into. Mr. Joliff was then examined, and also Mr. Small Soul was interrogated, after which the captain and the first lieutenant were left alone. Sawbridge, said Captain Wilson, how true it is that any deviation from what is right invariably leads us into a scrape. I have done wrong. Wishing to get this boy out of his father's hands, and fearful that he would not join the ship, and imagining him to be by no means the shrewd fellow that he is in reality, I represented the service in a much more favorable light than I should have done. All that he said I told him I did tell him, and it is I who really led the boy into error. Mr. Small Soul has behaved tyrannically and unjustly. He punished the lad for no crime, so that between the master and me I am now on the horns of a dilemma. If I punish the boy, I feel that I am punishing him more for my own fault, and the fault of others, than his own. If I do not punish him, I allow a flagrant and open violation of discipline to pass uncensured, which would be injurious to the service. He must be punished, sir, replied Sawbridge. Send for him, said the captain. Jack made his appearance with a very polite bow. Mr. Easy, as you suppose that the Articles of War contained all the rules and regulations of the service, I take it for granted that you have erred through ignorance, but recollect, that although you have erred through ignorance such a violation of discipline, if passed unnoticed, would have a very injurious effect with the men, whose obedience is enforced by the example shown to them by the officers. I feel so convinced of your zeal, which you showed the other day in the case of Easter, that I am sure you will see the propriety of my proving to the men by punishing you that discipline must be enforced, and I shall therefore send for you on the quarter-deck and order you to go to the masthead in presence of the ship's company, as it was in presence of the ship's company that you refused. With the greatest pleasure, Captain Wilson, replied Jack. And in future, Mr. Easy, although I shall ever set my face against it, recollect that if any officer punishes you, and you imagine that you are unfairly treated, you will submit to the punishment, and then apply to me for redress. Certainly, sir, replied Jack, now that I am aware of your wishes, you will oblige me, Mr. Easy, by going on the quarter-deck and wait there till I come up. Jack made his best bow, and exit. Old Joliff told me that I should have to go, said Jack to himself, and he was right so far, but hang me if I hadn't the best of the argument, and that's all I care about. Captain Wilson sent for the master and reprimanded him for his oppression, as it was evident that there was no ground for punishment, and he forbade him ever to masthead another midshipman, but to report his conduct to the first lieutenant or himself. He then proceeded to the quarter-deck, and, calling for Mr. Easy, gave him what appeared to be a very severe reprimand, which Jack looked upon very quietly, because it was all zeal on the captain's part to give it, and all zeal on his own to take it. Our hero was then ordered up to the masthead. Jack took off his hat, and took three or four steps in obedience to the order, and then returned and made his best bow, inquired of Captain Wilson whether he wished him to go to the fore or to the main masthead. To the main, Mr. Easy, replied the captain, biting his lips. Jack ascended three spokes of the Jacob's ladder, when he again stopped and took off his hat. I beg your pardon, Captain Wilson, you have not informed me whether it was your wish I should go to the top mast or to the to gallant cross trees. To the to gallant cross trees, Mr. Easy, replied the captain. Jack ascended, taking it very easy, he stopped at the main top for breath. At the main top mast head, to look about him, and at last gained the spot of greed upon where he seated himself, and, taking out the Articles of War, commenced again to ascertain whether he could not have strengthened his arguments. He had not, however, read through the seventh article before the hands were turned up. And Mr. Solbridge called all hands down from aloft. Jack took the hint, folded up his documents, and came down as leisurely as he went up. Jack was a much better philosopher than his father. The harpy was soon under way, and made all sail, steering for Cape to Cat, where Captain Wilson hoped to pick up a Spanish vessel or two on his way to Toulon to receive orders of the Admiral. A succession of light breezes and calms rendered the passage very tedious, but the boats were constantly out, chasing the vessels along shore, and Jack usually asked to be employed on this service. Indeed, although so short a time afloat, he was, from his age and strength, one of the most effective midshipmen, and to be trusted, provided a whim did not come into his head. But hitherto Jack had always been under orders, and had always acquitted himself very well. When the harpy was at Tarragona, it so happened that there were several cases of dysentery on the ship, and Mr Asper and Mr Jolliff were two of those who were suffering. This reduced the number of officers, and, at the same time, they had received information from the men of a fishing boat, who, to obtain their own release, had given the intelligence, that a small convoy was coming down from Rosas as soon as the wind was fair, under the protection of two gunboats. Captain Wilson kept well offshore till the wind changed, and then, allowing for the time that the vessels would take to run down the distance between Tarragona and Rosas, steered in the night to intercept them. But it again fell calm, and the boats were therefore hoisted out, with direction to proceed along the shore, as it was supposed that the vessels could not now be far distant. Mr Sawbridge had the command of the expedition on the pinnets. The first cutter was in charge of the gunner, Mr Linus, and as the other officers were sick, Mr Sawbridge, who liked Jack more and more every day, at his particular request, gave him the command of the second cutter. As soon as he heard of it, Mesti declared to our hero that he would go with him. But without permission that was not possible. Jack obtained leave for Mesti to go in lieu of a marine. There were many men sick of the dysentery, and Mr Sawbridge was not sorry to take an idler out of the ship instead of a working man, especially as Mesti was known to be a good hand. It was ten o'clock at night when the boats quitted the ship, and as it was possible that they might not return till late the next day, one day's biscuit and rum were put on board each that the crews might not suffer from exhaustion. The boats pulled in shore and then coasted for three hours without seeing anything. The night was fine overhead, but there was no moon. It still continued calm, and the men began to feel fatigued when, just as they were within a mile of a low point, they perceived the convoy over the land, coming down with their sail squared before a light breeze. Mr Sawbridge immediately ordered the boats to lie upon their oars, awaiting their coming and arranging for the attack. The white Lantine sails of the gunboat in advance were now plainly distinguishable from the rest, which were all huddled together in her wake. Down she came, like a beautiful swan in the water. Her sails just filled with the wind, and running about three knots an hour. Mr Sawbridge kept her three masts in one, that they might not be perceived, and winded the boats with their heads the same way, so that they might dash on board of her with a few strokes of the oar. So favourable was the course of the gunboat that she stood right between the launch on one bow and the two cutters on the other, and they were not perceived until they were actually alongside. The resistance was trifling, but some muskets and pistols had been fired, and the alarm was given. Mr Sawbridge took possession, with the crew of the launch, and brought the vessel to the wind, as he perceived that, at the alarm, all the convoy had done the same, directing the cutters to board the largest vessels, and secure as many as they could, while he would do the same with the launch as he brought them to. But the other gunboat, which had not yet been seen, and had been forgotten, now made her appearance, and came down in a gallant manner to the support of her comrade. Mr Sawbridge threw half of his men into the launch, as she carried a heavy cannonade, and sent her to assist the cutters, which had made right for the gunboat. A smart firing of round and grape was opened upon the boats, which continued to advance upon her. But the officer commanding that gunboat, finding that he had no support from his consort, and concluding that she had been captured, hauled his wind again, and stood out in the offing. Our hero pulled after her, although he could not see the other boats. But the breeze had freshened, and all pursuit was useless. He therefore directed his course to the convoy, and, after a hard pull, contrived to get on board of a one-masted z-beck of about fifty tons. Mesty, who had eyes as sharp as a needle, had observed that, when the alarm was given, several of the convoy had not rounded the point, and he therefore proposed, as this vessel was very light, that they should make short tax with her to weather the point, as if they were escaping, and by that means be able particularly if it fell calm again to capture some others. Jack thought this advice good. The convoy who had rounded the point had all stood out to seaward with the gunboat, and now had a fresh breeze. To chase them was therefore useless, and the only chance was to do as Mesty had proposed. He therefore stood out into the breeze, and, after half an hour, tacked inshore, and fetched well to windward at the low point. But, finding no vessels, he stood out again. Thus he had made three or four tacks, and had gained perhaps six or seven miles when he perceived signals of recall made to leeward enforced with guns. Mr. Saarbridge wants us to come back, Mesty. Mr. Saarbridge mined his own business, replied Mesty. We never take all this trouble to play to windward for nothing. But, Mesty, we must obey orders. Yes, sir, when we have him thumb upon you, but now must do what tink most proper, by the powers he catch me before I go back. But we shall lose the ship. Find her again, by and by, Master Easy. But they will think that we are lost. So much the better. Never look after us, Master Easy. I guess we have a fine cruise anyhow. Morrow we take large vessel, make sail, take more, then we go on to Toulon. But I don't know my way to Toulon. I know it lies up this way, and that's all. That's enough. What more you want, Master Easy. Pose you not find Fleet. Fleet soon find you. By God! Nobody never lost here. Now, Master Easy, let them go about again. Somebody else burn biscuit and boil kettle to-morrow for the gentleman. Murder Irish! Only tink, Master Easy. I boil kettle and prince in my own country. Easy was very much of a mind with Mesty. For, argued Jack, if I go back now, I only bring a small vessel half full of beans, and I shall be ashamed to show my face. Now it is true that they may suppose that we have been sunk by the fire of the gunboat. Well, what then? They have a gunboat to show for their night's work, and it will appear that there was harder fighting than there has been, and Mr. Sawbridge may benefit by it. Jack was a very knowing fellow to have learned so much about the service already. Well, and when they discover that we are not lost, how glad they will be to find us, especially if we bring some prizes, which I will do, or I'll not go back again. It's not often the one gets a command before being two months at sea, and hang me, now I've got it, if I won't keep it, and Mr. Small Soul may masthead whom he pleases. I'm sorry for poor Gosset, though. If Vigas supposes me dead, how he will murder the poor little fellow? However, it is all for the good of the service, and I'll revenge him when I come back. Hang me if I won't take a cruise. I talk to the men. They say they are tick with you like leech. Now that job settled. I think we better go belt again. A short time after this decision on the part of our hero, the day broke. Jack first looked to leeward, and perceived the gunboat and convoy standing in for the shore about ten miles distant, followed by the harpy, under all sail. He could also perceive the captured gunboat lying to inshore to prevent their escape. Harpy Habermal by Gash, replied Mesti, I have notion that she soon settled them hash. They were so busy looking at the harpy and the convoy that, for some time, they quite forgot to look to windward. At last Mesti turned his eyes that way. Damn'em! I see right last night, look, Master Easy! One ship, one brig, Tree Lantern! Damn' for us! Buy da powers, but we make boat price to-night. The vessels found out by Mesti were not above three miles to windward. They were under all sail, beating up for the protection of a battery not far distant. Now, Massa, suppose they see our boat, they tink something. Keep boat alongside, and shift it when we go boat every time. Better not sail so fast now. Keep further off till they drop anchor for the night, and then, when it dark, we take them. All Mesti's advice was good, with the exception perhaps of advising our hero how to disobey orders and take a cruise. To prevent the vessel from approaching too near the others, and at the same time to let to have the appearance of doing her best, a sail was towed overboard under the boughs, and after that they watched the motions of the harpy. The distance was too great to distinguish very clearly, but Mesti shinned up the mast of the vessel and reported progress. Boy Jesus, dear one gun, two gun, go it harpy. Won't she have them, sure enough. Now, gunboat fire, that our gunboat. No, that not ours. No. Now, our gunboat fire. That pretty. Fire away. Ah, now the harpy come up, all among them. Bung, bung, bung, rattled a great boy, gosh. I have notion that Spaniard is pretty considerable trouble just about now anyhow. All hove too, so help me, gosh, not more firing. Harpy take them all. Dear gunboat hove too, she strike them colours. Boy, all powers, but suppose they link we no share prize money. They find it not little mistake. Now, my lads, it all over, and, continued Mesti, sliding down the mast, I think you better not show yourself too much. Only two men stay on deck, and dem tools take off from jackets. Mesti's report was correct. The harpy had captured the other gunboat and the whole convoy. The only drawback to their good fortune was the disappearance of Mr. Easy and the cutter. It was supposed that a shot from the gunboat must have sunk her, and the whole crew were drowned. Captain Wilson and Mr. Sawbridge seriously regretted the loss of our hero, as they thought he would have turned out a shining character as soon as he had sown his wild oats. So did Mr. Asper, because our hero's purse went with him. So did Jolliff, because he had taken an affection for him. So did little Gosset, because he anticipated no mercy from vigours. On the other hand there were some who were glad that he was gone, and as for the ship's company in general, they lamented the loss of the poor cutter's crew for twenty-four hours, which, in a man of war, is a very long while, and then they thought no more about them. We must leave the harpy to make the best of her way to Toulon, and now follow our hero. The cutter's crew knew very well that Jack was acting contrary to orders, but anything was to them a change from the monotony of a man of war, and they, as well as Mesti, highly approved of a holiday. It was, however, necessary that they should soon proceed to business, for they had but their allowance of bread and grog for one day, and in the vessel they found nothing except a few heads of garlic, for the Spaniards coasting down shore had purchased their provisions as they required them. There were only three prisoners on board, and they had been put down in the hold among the beans, a bag of which had been roused on deck, and a part put into the kettle to make soup. Jack did not much admire the fare of the first day. It was bean soup for breakfast, bean soup for dinner, and if you felt hungry during the intervals it was still bean soup and nothing else. One of the men could speak a little lingua franca, and the prisoners were interrogated as to the vessels to windward. The ships were stated to be valuable, and also one of the brigs. The ship carried guns, and that was all they knew about them. As the sun went down the vessels dropped their anchors off the battery. The breeze continued light, and the vessel which contained Jack and his fortunes was about four miles to Leeward. As for the harpy they had long lost sight of her, and it was now time to proceed to some arrangement. As soon as it was dark Jack turned his hands up and made a very long speech. He pointed out to the men that his zeal had induced him not to return to the ship until he had brought something with him worth having. That they had nothing but beans to eat during the whole day, which was anything but agreeable, and that therefore it was absolutely necessary that they should better their condition. That there was a large ship not four miles off, and that he intended to take her, and as soon as he had taken her he intended to take some more. That he trusted to their zeal to support him on this occasion, and that he expected to a great deal during the cruise. He pointed out to them that they must consider themselves as on board of a man of war, and be guided by the articles of war which were written for them all, and that in case they forgot them he had a copy in his pocket which he would read to them to-morrow morning, as soon as they were comfortably settled on board the ship. He then appointed Mesti as first lieutenant, the marine as sergeant, the coxswain as boson, two men as midshipmen to keep watch, two others as bosons mates, leaving two more for the ship's company, who were divided into the Labard and Starboard watch. The Cutters crew were perfectly content with Jack's speech and their brevet rank, and after that they commenced a more important topic which was how they were to take the ship. After some discussion Mesti's advice was approved of, which was that they should anchor not far ahead of the ship, and wait until about two o'clock in the morning when they would drop silently down upon her in the cutter and take possession. About nine o'clock the vessel was anchored as they proposed, and Jack was a little astonished to find that the ship was much larger than he had any idea of, for although Palaca rigged she was nearly the same tonnage as the Harpy. The Spanish prisoners were first tied hand and foot and laid upon the beans that they might give no alarm. The sails were furled and all was kept quiet. On board of the ship on the contrary there was noise and revelry, and about half past ten a boat was seen to leave her and pull for the shore, after which the noise gradually ceased, the lights one by one disappeared, and then all was silent. What do you think, Mesti? said Jack. Do you think we shall take her? It is take her, your main. Sure enough we'll take her. Stop a bit. Wait till I'm all fast asleep. About twelve o'clock they came on a missling heavy rain which was very favourable for our hero's operations, but as it promised soon to clear up by Mesti's advice they did not delay any longer. They crept softly into the boat, and with two oars to steer her, dropped under the bowels of the vessel, climbed up the four chains, and found the deck empty. Take care, nutfire pistol! said Mesti to the men, as they came up, putting his finger to their lips to impress them with necessity of silence. For Mesti had been an African warrior and knew the advantage of surprise. All the men being on deck and the boat made fast, Jack and Mesti led the way aft. Not a soul was to be seen. Indeed it was too dark to see anybody unless they were walking the deck. The companion hatch was secured and the greatings laid on the aft of hatchways, and then they went aft to the binnacle again, where there was a light burning. Mesti ordered two of the men to go forward to secure the hatches, and then to remain there on guard. And then the rest of the men and our hero consulted at the wheel. By the power we have the ship, said Mesti, but must manage plenty yet. I think there's some damn lazy rascal sleep between the guns. A lily, while it no rain and den we see better. Now, keep our quiet. There must be a great many men in the ship, replied our hero. She is very large and has 12 or 14 guns. How shall we manage to secure them? All right, replied Mesti. Manage all that boy and boy. Don't care how soon daylight come. It has left off raining already. Observed easy. There was a candle in the binnacle. Suppose we light it and look round the decks. Yes, replied Mesti. One man sentry over cabin hatch, and another over after hatch. Now then we light candle, and odd the rest go round the deck. Mind you, leave all your pistols on capstone. Jack lighted the candle and they proceeded round the decks. They had not walked far when, between two of the guns, they discovered a heap covered with grigos. Dare to watch, whispered Mesti, all fast, not ready for them yet. Mesti blew out the candle, and they all retreated to the binnacle, where Mesti took out a coil of the ropes about the mizzen mast, and, cutting into lengths, gave them to the other men to unlie. In a few minutes they had prepared a great many sizings to tie the men with. Now then we light candle again, and make sure of them lazy hounds. Said Mesti, very much blowage to them all the same. They let us take the ship. Mind now, wake one at a time, and shut him mouth. But suppose they get their mouths free and cry out, replied Jack. Dan, Mr. Easy, replied Mesti, changing his countenance to an expression almost dear monocle. Dared no help for it. And Mesti showed his knife, which he held in his right hand. Oh no, do not let us murder them. No massa, suppose can help it. But suppose they get upper hand. What become of us? Spaniards have noibs, and use them too, by their power. The observation of Mesti was correct, and the expression of his countenance when he showed his knife proved what a relentless enemy he could be if his blood was once roused. But Mesti had figured in the Ashanti wars in former days, and after that the reader need not be surprised. They proceeded cautiously to where the Spaniards lay. The arrangements of Mesti were very good. There were two men to gag them, while the others were to tie their limbs. Mesti and Easy were to kneel by them with the candle with raised knives to awe them into silence, or to strike home if their own safety required it. The grigos were removed off the first man who opened his eyes at the site of the candle, but the coxswain's hand was on his mouth. He was secured in silence. The other two men were awakened and threw off their coverings, but they were also secured without there being occasion to resort to bloodshed. What shall we do now, Mesti? Now, sir, said Mesti, open to after-hatch and watch. Suppose more men come up, we make them fast. Suppose no more come up, we wait till daylight, and see what take place. Mesti then went forward to see if the men were watchful on the folksal, and having again gone round the whole of the deck to see if there are any more men on it, he blew out the candle and took his station with the other at the after-hatchway. It was just a break of day that the Spaniards who had to keep the morning watch having woken up, as people generally do at that hour at which they expect to be called, dressed themselves and came on deck, imagining, and very truly, that those of the middle watch had fallen asleep, but little imagining that the deck was in possession of Englishmen. Mesti and the others retreated to allow them all to come up before they could perceive them, and fortunately this was accomplished. Four men came on the deck, looked around them, and tried to make out in the dark where their shipmates might be. The grating was slapped on again by Jack, and before they could well gain their eyesight, they were seized and secured, not however without a scuffle and some noise. By the time that these men were secured and laid between the guns, it was daylight, and they now perceived what a fine vessel they had fairly taken possession of, but there was much to be done yet. There was of course a number of men in the ship, and moreover they were not a mile from the battery of ten guns. Mesti, who was foremost in everything, left four men a bathed and went forward on the folksal, examined the cable, which was coir-rope, and therefore easily divided, and then directed the two men forward to coiler-horsier upon the foregrating, the weight of which would make all safe in that quarter, and afterwards to join them on the quarter-deck. Now, Mr. Easy, the great ting will be to get hold of the captain. We must get him on deck. Open cabin-hatch now, and keep the after-hatch fast. Two men stay here, the others all come aft. Yes, replied Jack, it will be a great point to secure the captain, but how we to get him up? You know know how to get captain up? Boy, dear holy, I know very well. Amesti took up the coir-horsier-rope about the mizzen mast, and threw them on deck, one after another, making all the noise possible. In a short time there was a violent pull of a bell at the cabin door, and a minute afterwards a man in his shirt came up the cabin hatchway, who was immediately secured. Dis to Captain Servant, said Mesti. He come to say, No make such damn noise. Stop a little, Captain, get in passion, and come up himself. And Mesti renewed the noise with the ropes on the cabin. Mesti was right. In a few minutes the captain himself came up, boiling with indignation. At the sound of the cabin door opening, the seamen and our hero concealed themselves behind the companion hatch, which was very high, so as to give the captain time to get fairly on deck. The men already secured had been covered over with the grigos. The captain was a most powerful man, and it was with difficulty he was pinioned, and then not without his having given the alarm, had there been anyone to assist him. But as yet no one had turned out of his hammock. Now we are right, said Mesti, and soon after ship, but I must make him frayed. The captain was seated down on the deck against one of the guns, and Mesti, putting on the look of a demon, extended above him his long nervous arm, with the sharp knife clutched as if ready every instant to strike it into his heart. The Spanish captain felt his situation anything but pleasant. He was then interrogated as to the number of men in the ships, officers, etc., to which questions he answered truly. He cast his eyes at the firm and relentless countenance of Mesti, who appeared to but wait the signal. I think are pretty safe now, said Mesti. Mr. Easy, we now go down below and beat our men into the hold. Our hero approved of this suggestion. Taking their pistols from the capstan, they ran down with their cutlasses, and leaving two men to guard the cabin door, they were soon among the crew, who were all naked in their hammocks. The resistance, although the numbers were more than double of the English, was of course trifling. In a few minutes the Spaniards were all thrown down into the hold of the vessel, and the hatches placed over them. Every part of the ship was now in their possession, except the cabin, and to that they all repaired. Our hero tried the door, and found it fast. They beat it open, and were received with loud screams from one side of the cabin, and the discharge of two pistols from the other, fortunately without injury. Those who had fired the pistols were an elderly man and a lad about the age of our hero. They were thrown down and secured. The cabin was searched, and nobody else found in it but three women. One old and shriveled, the other two, although their countenances distorted with terror, were as lovely as Aury's. So thought Jack as he took off his hat, and made them a very low bow with his usual politeness, as they crouched half-dressed in a corner. He told them in English that they had nothing to fear, and begged that they would attend to their toilettes. The ladies made no reply, because in the first place they did not know what Jack said, and in the next they could not speak English. Mesty interrupted Jack in his attentions by pointing out that they must all go upon deck, so Jack again took off his hat and bowed, and then followed his men, who led away the two prisoners taken in the cabin. It was now five o'clock in the morning, and there was movement on board of the other vessels, which laid not far from the ship. Now then, said Jack, what shall we do with the prisoners? Could we not send the boat and bring our own vessel alongside and put them all in, tired as they are? We should then get rid of them. Master Easy, you be one very fine officer one of these days. That damn good idea anyhow. But suppose we send our own boat, what they tink on board of the other vessel. Lower down Lillie boat from the stern, put in four men, and drop vessel alongside. This was done. The cutter was on the seawood side of the ship, and as the ship was the outermost vessel, was concealed from the view of the Spaniards on board of the other vessels and in the battery on shore. As soon as the Latin vessel was alongside, the men who had already been secured on deck, amounting to seven, were lowered into her and laid upon the beans in the hold, all except the captain, the two cabin in prisoners, and the captain's servant. They then went down below, took off only one part of the hatches, and ordered the Spaniards up from the hold. As they came on deck, they were made fast and treated in the same manner. Mesty and the men went down to examine if there were any left concealed, and finding that they were all out, returned on deck. The men who had been beaten down in the hold were twenty-two in number, making the whole complement of thirty. As soon as they had all been put into the z-beck, she was again hauled off and anchored outside, and Jack found himself in possession of a fine ship of fourteen guns, with three prisoners, male, and three prisoners, female. When the men returned in the boat from the vessel in which the prisoners had been confined, the hatches having been secured over them by way of further precaution, by the advice of Mesty they put on the jackets and caps of the Spanish seaman, of which there was a plentiful supply below. Now, what's to be done, Mesty? inquired Jack. No, sir, we send some of the men aloft to get the sails all ready. And while they do that, I cast loose this fellow, pointing to the captain's servant, and make him get some breakfast, for he know where to find it. Captain, I dear of yours, Mesty, for I'm tired of being soup all ready, and I will go down and pay my respects to the ladies. Mesty looked over the counter. Yes, and be quick, too, Master Easy. Damned, though, women, they tossed their handkerchief in the air to the people in the battery. Quick, Master Easy. Mesty was right. The Spanish girls were waving their handkerchiefs for assistance. It was all that they could do, poor things. Jack hastened into the cabin, laid hold of the two young ladies, very politely, pulled them out of the quarter-galley, and begged them that they would not give themselves so much trouble. The young ladies looked very much confused, and as they could no longer wave their handkerchiefs, they put them up to their eyes, and began to weep, while the elderly lady went on her knees, and held up her hands for mercy. Jack raised her up and, very politely, handed her to one of the cabin-lockers. In the meantime, Mesty, with his gleaming knife and expressive look, had done wonders with the captain's steward, for such the man was. And the breakfast of chocolate, salt meat, hams and sausages, white biscuit and red wine, had been spread on the quarter-deck. The men had come from aloft, and Jack was summoned on deck. Jack offered his hand to the two young ladies, and beckoned the old one to follow. The old lady did not think it advisable to refuse his courtesy, so they accompanied him. As soon as the two females came on deck, and found the two cabin prisoners bound, they ran to them and embraced them with tears. Jack's heart melted, and as there was now no fear, he asked Mesty for his knife, and cut loose the two Spaniards, pointing to the breakfast and requesting that they would join them. The Spaniards made a bow, and the ladies thanked Jack with a sweet smile. And the captain of the vessel, who still laid pinion against the gun, looked as much as to say, Why, they're devil, don't you ask me. But the fact was they had had such trouble to secure him that Jack did not much like the idea of letting him loose again. Jack and the seamen commenced their breakfast, and as the ladies and prisoners did not appear inclined to eat, they ate their share and their own too, during which the elderly man inquired of Jack if he could speak French. Jack, with his mouth full of sausage, replied that he could, and then commenced a conversation from which Jack learned as follows. The elderly gentleman was a passenger with the young man, who was his son, and the ladies, who were his wife and his two daughters, and they were proceeding to Tarragona, whereupon Jack made a bow and thanked him. And then the gentleman, who was named Don Cordova de Rimerosa, wished to know what Jack intended to do with them, hoping, as a gentleman, he would put them on shore with their effects, as they were non-competence. Jack explained all this to Mesti and the men, and then finished his sausage. The men, who were a little elevated with the wine which they had been drinking, proposed that they should take the ladies a cruise, and Jack at first did not dislike the idea, but he said nothing. Mesti, however, opposed this, saying that ladies only made a row in a ship, and the coxons sided with him, saying that they should all be at daggers drawn, whereupon Jack pulled out the articles of war, and informed the men that there was no provision in them for women, and therefore the thing was impossible. The next question was as to the propriety of allowing them to take their effects, and it was agreed at last that they might take them. Jack desired the steward to feed his master, the captain, and then told the Spanish Don the result of the consultation, further informing him that as soon as it was dark, he intended to put them all on board the smaller vessel, when they would cast loose the men, and do as they please. The Don and the ladies returned thanks, and went down to pack up their baggage. Mesti ordering two men to help them, but with a caution that they were not to encumber themselves with any of the money, if there should happen to be any on board. The crew were busy during the day making preparations for sailing. The coxon had examined the provender in the ship, and found that there was enough for at least three months of water, wine, and provision, independent of luxuries for the cabin. All thoughts of taking any more of the vessels were abandoned, for their crew was but weak to manage the one which they had possession of. A fine breeze sprang up, and they dropped their four topsles, just as a boat was shoving off from the shore. But seeing the four topsles loosed, it put back again. This was fortunate, or all would have been discovered. The other vessels also loosed their sails, and the crews were heard weighing anchor. But the Nostra Signore del Carmen, which was Jack's prize, did not move. At last the sun went down, the baggage was packed in the cutter, the ladies and passengers went into the boat, thanking Jack for his kindness, who put his hand to his heart and bound to the deck, and the captain was lowered down after them. Four men, well armed, pulled them alongside of the z-beck, put them in their trunks on deck, and returned to the ship. The cutter was then hoisted up, and as the anchor was too heavy to weigh, they cut the cable and made sail. The other vessels followed their example. Misty and the seamen cast longing eyes upon them, but it was no use, so they sailed in company for about an hour, and then Jack hauled his wind for a cruise. Chapter 14 of Mr. Midshipman Easy This is a LibriVox recording, or LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Mr. Midshipman Easy by Captain Frank Marriott, read by Adrian Pretzelis Chapter 14 In which our hero finds that disagreeable occurrences will take place on a cruise. As soon as the ship had been hauled to the wind, Jack's ship's company seemed to think that there was nothing to do except to make merry, so they brought up some earthen jars full of wine, and emptied them so fast that they were soon fast asleep on the deck, with the exception of the man at the helm, who, instead of thirty-two, could clearly make out sixty-four points in the compass, and of course was able to steer to a much greater nicety. Fortunately the weather was fine, for when the man at the helm had steered till he could see no more, and requested to be released, he found that his shipmates were so overpowered with fatigue that it was impossible to wake them. He kicked them one by one most unmercifully in the ribs, but it was of no use. Under these circumstances he did as much as they did, that is, lay down with them, and in ten minutes it would have taken as much kicking to awaken him as he gave his shipmates. In the meantime the ship had it all her own way, and not knowing where she was to go she went round and round the compass during the best part of the night. Mestie had arranged the watches, Jack had made a speech, and the men had promised everything, but the wine had got into their heads, and memory had taken that opportunity to take a stroll. Mestie had been down with Jack, examining the cabin, and in the captain's stateroom had found fourteen thousand dollars in bags. Of this they determined not to tell the men, but locked up the money and everything else of value, and took out the key. They then sat down at the cabin table, and after some conversation it was no matter of surprise after having been up all night before, the Jack laid his head on the table, and fell fast asleep. Mestie kept his eyes open for some time, but at last his head sank down upon his chest, and he also slumbered, thus about one o'clock in the morning. There was not a very good watch kept on board of the Nostra Senoradel Carmen. About four o'clock in the morning Mestie tumbled forward, and he hit his head against the table, which roused him up. Boy de Mars, I think I almost fell asleep, cried he, and he went to the cabin window, which had been left open, and found that there was a strong breeze blowing in. Boy de Lord, de wind, I've come more aft, said Mestie. Why they not tell me? And, saying he went on deck where he found no one at the helm, everyone drunk, and the ship with her yards braced up, running before the wind, just by way of a change. Mestie growled, but there was no time to lose. The topsails only were set, these he lowered down, and then put the helm alley, and lashed it, while he went down to call our hero to his assistance. Jack roused up and went on deck. This never do massa easy. We all go to the devil together, together, damn drunken dogs, I freshen them up anyhow. So Mestie drew some buckets of water, with which he soused the ship's company, who then appeared to be recovering their senses. By heavens, said Jack, but this is contrary to the articles of war. I shall read them to them to-morrow morning. I tell what better thing massa easy. We go look up all de wind, and serve out so much, and no more. I go do it at once, for they wake up. Mestie went down, leaving Jack on deck to his meditations. I m not sure, thought Jack, that I have done a very wise thing. Here I am with a parcel of fellows who have no respect for the articles of war, and who get as drunk as David's sow. I have a large ship, but I have very few hands, and if it comes on bad weather, what shall I do? For I know very little, hardly how to take in a sail. As for where to steer, or how to steer, I know not, nor do any of my men. But, however, as it was very narrow when we came into the Mediterranean through the straits, it is hardly possible to get out of them without perceiving it. Besides, I should know the Rock of Gibraltar again if I saw it. I must talk to Mestie. Mestie soon returned with the keys of the provision room tied to his bandanna. No, says he, they not get drunk again in a hurry. A few more buckets of water soon brought the men to their senses. They again stood on their legs and gradually recovered themselves. Daylight broke, and they found that the vessel had made an attempt for the Spanish coast, being within a mile of the breach and facing a large battery, a fleur d'eau. Fortunately they had time to square the yards and steer the ship along shore under the topsails before they were perceived. Had they been seen at daylight in the position that they were in during the night, the suspicions of the Spaniards would have been awakened, and had a boat been sent off while they were all drunk, they must have been recaptured. The men who perceived what danger they had been in listened very penitentially to Jack's remonstrances, and our hero, to impress them more strongly on their minds, took out the Articles of War, read that on drunkenness, from beginning to end. But the men had heard it read so often at the gangway that it did not make a due impression. As Mesti said, his plan was better, and so it proved. For as soon as Jack had done, the men went down to get another jug of wine, and found, to their disappointment, that it was all under lock and key. In the meantime Jack called Mesti aft, and asked him if he knew the way to Toulon. Mesti declared that he knew nothing about it. Then, Mesti, it appears to me that we have a better chance of finding our way back to Gibraltar, for you know the land was on our left side all the way coming up the Mediterranean, and if we keep it as it is now on our right, we shall get back again along the coast. Mesti agreed with Jack that this was the nooploo ultra of navigation, and that old small soul could not do better with his pig-yoke and compasses. So they shook a reef out of the topsoil, set top-gallant sails, and ran directly down the coast from point to point, keeping about five miles distant. The men prepared a good dinner. Mesti gave them their allowance of wine, which was just double what they had on board the harpy, so they appeared to be content. One man indeed talked very big and very mutinously, swearing that if the others would join him they should soon have liquor enough. But Mesti gave him his look, opened his knife, and swore that he would settle him, and Jack knocked him down with a hand-spike, so that, what with the punishment received, and that which was promised, the fellow thought he might as well say no more about it. The fact is that had it not been from fear of Mesti, the whole of the men would, in all probability, have behaved equally as bad. Nevertheless they were a little staggered, it must be owned, at seeing Jack play so good a stick with the hand-spike. After this night Jack and Mesti kept watch and watch, and everything went on very well, until they were very nearly abreast of Cartagena, when a gale came on from the Northwood, and drove them out of sight of land. Sail after sail was reduced with difficulty from their having so few hands, and the gale blew for three days with great fury. The men were tired out and discontented. It was Jack's misfortune that he had but one good man with him. Even the coxswain of the boat, although a fine looking man, was worth nothing. Mesti was Jack's sheet anchor. The fourth day the gale moderated, but they had no idea where they were. They knew that they had been blown off, but how far they could not tell, and Jack now began to discover that a cruise at sea without knowledge of navigation was a more nervous thing than he had contemplated. However there was no help for it. At night they wore the ship and stood on the other tack, and at daylight they perceived that they were very close to some small islands, and much closer to some large rocks against which the sea beat high, although the wind had subsided. Again was the helm put up, and they narrowly escaped. As soon as the sails were trimmed the men came aft and proposed that if they could find anchorage they should run into it, for they were quite tired out. This was true, and Jack consulted with Mesti, who thought it advisable to agree to the proposal. That the islands were not inhabited was very evident. The only point to ascertain was if there were good anchorage. The coxswain offered to go in the boat and examine, and with four men he set off, and in about an hour returned stating that there was plenty of water and that it was as smooth as a mill pond, being landlocked on every side. As they could not weigh the bow anchor they bent the cage, and running in without accident came to a small bay between the islands in seven fathoms water. The sails were furled, and everything put in order by the seaman, who then took the boat and pulled on shore. They might as well have asked, leave, thought Jack. In an hour they returned and after a short discussion came aft to our hero in a body. They said that they had hard work and required now to have some rest, that there were provisions on board for three months, so that there could not be any hurry, and that they had found they could pitch a tent very well on shore and live there for a short time, and that as there was no harm in getting drunk on shore they expected that they might be able to take provisions and plenty of wine with them, and that the men had desired him to ask leave because they were determined to go whether or not. Jack was about to answer with the hand-spike, but perceiving that the men had put on their cutlaces and had their pistols at their belts, he thought it proper to consult Mestie, who, perceiving their resistance was useless, advised Jack to submit, observing that the sooner all the wine was gone the better, as there would be nothing done while it lasted. Jack therefore very graciously told them they should have their own way, and that he would stay there as long as they pleased. Mestie gave them the keys of the provision-hatch and told them with a grin to help themselves. The men then informed Jack that he and Mestie should stay on board and take care of the ship for them, and that they would take the Spaniard on shore to cook their victuals. But to this Jack observed that if he had not two hands he could not obey their orders in case they wished him to come on shore for them. The men thought there was good argument in that observation, and therefore allowed Jack to retain the Spaniard, that he might be more prompt to their call from the beach. Then they wished him good day, and begged that he would amuse himself with the Articles of War. As soon as they had thrown a spare sail into the boat, with some spars to make a tent and some bedding, they went down below, hoisted up two pipes of wine out of the three, a bag or two of biscuit, arms and ammunition, and as much of the salt provisions as they thought they might require. The boat being full they shoved off with three cheers of derision. Jack was sensible to the compliment. He stood at the gangway, took off his hat, and made them a polite bow. As soon as they were gone Mestie grinned with his sharp-filed teeth, and, looking at our hero, said, I think I make them pay for all this. Stop a little, by the Piper as played before Moses, but our turn come by and by. As for Jack he said nothing, but he thought the more. In about an hour the men returned in the boat. They had forgotten many things they wanted, wood to make a fire, and several utensils. They helped themselves freely, and having now everything they could think of they again went on shore. Oh, damn lucky! We never tell them about the dollars, said Mestie, as Jack and he were watching the motions of the men. It is indeed, replied Jack, not that they could spend them here. No mass are easy, but suppose they find all that money. They take bolt and go away with it. Now I have them in my clutch. Stop a little. A narrow piece of salt pork had been left at the gangway. Jack, without knowing why, tossed it overboard. Being almost all flat, it sank gradually. Jack watched it as it disappeared. So did Mestie, both full of thought, when they perceived a dark object rising under it. It was a ground shark who took it in his moor, sank down, and disappeared. What was that? said Jack. That ground shark mass are easy. Worst shark of all, you never see him till you feel him. And Mestie's eyes sparkled with pleasure. By da powers they soon stopped a mutiny. Now I have them. Jack shuddered and walked away. During the day the men on shore were seen to work hard, and make all the preparations before they abandoned themselves to the sensual gratification of intemperance. The tent was pitched, the fire was lighted, and all the articles taken on shore rolled up and stowed away in their places. They were seen to sit down and dine, for they were within hail of the ship, and then one of the casks of wine was spiked. In the meantime the Spaniard, who was a quiet lad, had prepared the dinner for easy and his now only companion. The evening closed, and all was noise and revelry on shore, as they danced and sung, and tossed off the cans of wine by the light of the fire, as they hallowed and screamed, and became more and more intoxicated. Mestie turned to Jack with his bitter smile, and only said, Stop a little. At last the noise grew fainter. The fire died away, and gradually all was silent. Jack was still hanging over the gangway where Mestie came up to him. The new moon had just risen, and Jack's eyes were fixed upon it. Now, Master Easy, please you come aft and lower down little bolt. Take your pistols, and then we go ashore, and bring off the cutter. They all asleep now. But why should we leave them without a boat, Mestie? For Jack thought of the sharks, and the probability of the men attempting to swim off. I tell you, sir, this night they get drunk. Tomorrow they get drunk again. But drunken men never keep quiet. Suppose one man say to others, Let's go board and kill officer, and then we do as we please. They all say yes, and they all come and do it. No, sir, must have boat. If not for your sake, I must have it. Say my own life anyhow, for they hate me and kill me first. By the powers stop a little. Jack felt the truth of Mestie's observation. He went aft with him, lowered down the small boat, and they hauled it alongside. Jack went down with Mestie into the cabin and fetched his pistols. And the Spaniard Mestie, can we leave him on board alone? Yes, sir. He got no arms, and he seeded me have. But suppose he find arms, he never dared to do anything. I know the man. Our hero and Mestie went into the boat and shoved off, pulling gently on shore. The men were in a state of intoxication, so as not to be able to move, much less here. They cast off the cutter, towed her on board, and made her fast with the other boat a stern. Now, sir, we may go to bed. Tomorrow morning you will see. They have everything they require on shore, replied easy. All they could want with the cutter would be to molest us. Darp a little, replied Mestie. Jack and Mestie went to bed, and as a precaution against the Spaniard Mestie, which was hardly necessary, Mestie locked the cabin door. But Mestie never forgot anything. Jack slept little that night, had melancholy forebodings which he could not shake off. Indeed, Jack had reflected so much since he had left the ship, that he had had his eyes so much opened, and had felt what a responsibility he had taken by indulging himself in a whim of the moment, that it might almost be said that, in the course of one fortnight, he had at once, from a boy, sprung up into a man. He was mortified and angry, but he was chiefly so with himself. Mestie was up at daylight, and Jack soon followed him. They watched the party on shore, who had not yet left the tent. At last, just as Jack had finished his breakfast, one or two made their appearance. The men looked about them as if they were searching for something, and then they walked down the beach to where the boat had been made fast. Jack looked at Mestie, who grinned, and answered with the words so often repeated, Starp a while. The men then walked along the rocks until they were abreast of the ship. Shepahoy, hello! replied Mestie. Bring the boat ashore directly with a beaker of water. I knew that, rubbing his hands with delight. Master Easy, you must tell them no. But why should I not give them water, Mestie? Because, sir, then they take boat. Very true, replied Easy. Do you hear on board? cried the coxson. Who was the man who hailed? Send the boat immediately, or we'll cut the throat to every mother's son of you, bar god. I shall not send the boat, replied Jack, who now thought Mestie was right. You won't, won't you? Then your doom sealed, replied the man, walking up to the tent with the other. In a short time all the seamen turned out of the tent, bringing with them four muskets which they had taken on shore with them. Good heavens, they are not surely going to fire at us, Mestie. Starp a little. The men then came down abreast of the ship, and the coxson again hailed, and asked if they would bring the boat on shore. You must say no, sir, replied Mestie. I feel I must, replied Jack, and then he answered the coxson. No. The plan of the mutineers had been foreseen by the wily negro. It was to swim off to the boats which were riding a stern, and to fire at him or Jack if they attempted to haul them alongside and defend them. To get into the boats, especially the smaller one, from out of the water was easy enough. Some of the men examined their priming and held the muskets at their hips already, with the mussels toward the ship, while the coxson and two men were throwing off their clothes. Stop, for God's sake, stop! cried Jack. The harbor is full of ground sharks. It is upon my soul. Do you think to frighten us with ground sharks? replied the coxson. Keep undercover, my lads. Jack, give him a shot to prove we are in earnest, and every time he or that nigger show their ends, give him another, my lads. For God's sake, don't attempt to swim, said Jack in agony. I will try some means to give you water. Too late now, your doom! said the coxson. And the coxson sprung off the rock into the sea, and was followed by two other men. At the same moment a musket was discharged, and the bullet whistled close to our hero's ear. Mesty dragged Jack from the gangway, who was almost fainting from agonizing feelings. He sank on the deck for a moment, and then sprang up and ran to the port to look at the men in the water. He was just in time to see the coxson raise himself with a loud yell out of the sea, then disappear in a vortex which was crimsoned with his blood. Mesty threw down his musket in his hand, of which he had several already loaded, in case the men should have gained the boats. By de Paris dat no use now. Jack had covered his face with his hands, but the tragedy was not complete. The other men, who were in the water, had immediately turned and made for the shore. But before they could reach it, two more of those voracious monsters, attracted by the blood of the coxson, had flown to the spot, and there was a contention for the fragments of their bodies. Mesty, who had seen this catastrophe, turned towards our hero, who still hid his face. I'm glad he no see dat anyhow, muttered Mesty. See what? exclaimed Jack. Shark, eat'em all. Oh, horrid, horrid! groaned our hero. Yes, sir, very horrid, replied Mesty, and dat bulleted your head, very horrid. Suppose the sharks no take them, what then? They kill us and the sharks have our body. I think dat more horrid still. Mesty, replied Jack, seizing the negro convulsively by the arm. It was not the sharks, it was I, I, who have murdered these men. Mesty looked at Jack with surprise. Oh, dat passable! If I had not disobeyed orders, replied our hero, panting for breath. If I had not shown them the example of disobedience, this would not have happened. How could I expect submission from them? It's all my fault. I see it now, and oh, God, when will the sight be blotted from my memory? Massa easy, I not understand that, replied Mesty. I think you talk foolish. Might as well say, suppose, a shanty men not make war, this not happen. For suppose a shanty not make war, I not slave, I not run away, I not come aboard hoppy, I not go in boat with you, I not hinder men from getting drunk, and dat why they make mutiny, and the mutiny, and the mutiny why the shark take'em? Jack made no reply, but he felt some consolation from the counter-argument of the negro. The dreadful death of the three mutineers appeared to have had a sensible effect upon their companions, who walked away from the beach with their heads down, and with measured steps. They were now seen to be preambulating the island, probably in search of that water which they required. At noon they returned to their tent, and soon afterwards were in a state of intoxication, hallowing and shouting as the day before. Towards the evening they came down to the beach, abreast of the ship, each with a vessel in their hands, and perceiving that they had attracted the notice of our hero and Mestie, tossed the contents of the vessel up in the air to show that they had found water, and hooting and deriding went back, dancing, leaping, and kicking their heels to renew their orgies, which continued till after midnight, when they were all stupefied as before. The next day Jack had recovered from the first shock which the catastrophe had given him, and he called Mestie into the cabin to hold a consultation. Mestie, how is this to end? How you mean, Sar? End here, or end on board of the harpy. The harpy? There appears little chance of us seeing her again. We are on a desolate island, or what is the same thing, and we will hope that it will be so. But how is this mutiny to end? Master Easy. Suppose I please, I make it end very soon, but I not in a hurry. How do you mean, Mestie, not in a hurry? Look, Master Easy. You wish to take a cruise, and I wish the same thing. Now, because mutiny you want to go back, but by odd the powers, you think that I, a prince in my own country, feel wished to go back and boil kettle for the young gentleman. No, Master Easy. Give me mutiny. Give me anything. But once I was a prince, replied Mestie, lowering his voice at the last few emphatic words. You must one of these days tell me your history, replied Jack. But just now let's argue the point in question. How could you put an end to this mutiny? By putting an end to all wine. Suppose I go sure after they are drunk. I spike the casts in three or four places, and in the morning all wine gone. Then dayab gets sober and beg pardon. We take them on board, put away all arms, except yours and mine, and I like to see the mutiny after that. Bloody noons, but I settle them anyhow. The idea is very good, Mestie. Why should we not do so? Because I not like run the risk to go ashore, all for what? To go back, boil the kettle for all gentlemen. I very happy here, Master, replied Mestie carelessly. And I am very miserable, replied Jack. But, however, I am completely in your power, Mestie, and I must, I suppose, submit. What you say, Master, easy? Submit to me. No, sir. When you are on board happy as officer, you talk with me as friend, and not treat me as negro servant. Massa easy, I feel, I feel what I am, continued Mestie, striking his bosom. I feel it here, for all first time since I leave my country. I feel I am something. But, Massa easy, I love my friend as much as I hate my enemy. And you never submit to me. I too proud to allow that, because Massa easy, I am man, and once I was a prince. Although Mestie did not perhaps explain by words half so well as he did by his countenance, the full tide of feeling which was overflowing in his heart, Jack fully understood and felt it. He extended his hand to Mestie and said, Mestie, that you have been a prince? I care little about, although I doubt it not, because you are incapable of a lie. But you are a man, and I respect you. Nay, I love you as a friend, and with my will we never part again. Mestie took the hand offered by Jack. It was the first peace offering that ever extended to him since he had been torn away from his native land. The first compliment, the first tribute, the first acknowledgment, perhaps, that he was not an inferior being. He pressed it in silence, for he could not speak. But could the feelings which were suffocating the Negro but have been laid before skeptics, they must have acknowledged that at that moment they were all and only such as could do honor, not only to the prince, but even to the Christian. So much was Mestie affected with what had happened that when he dropped the hand of our hero, he went down into the cabin, finding it impossible to continue the conversation, which was not renewed until the next morning. What is your opinion, Mestie? Tell me, and I will be governed by it. Then, sir, I tell you, I tink it right that they come first and ask a come on board before you take them. And, sir, I tink it also right, as we are but two, and they are five, that they first eat all their provisions. Let them starve plenty, and then they come on board tame enough. At all events, replied Jack, the first overtures of some kind or other must come from them. I wish I had something to do. I do not much like this cooping up on board ship. Masa, why you no talk with Pedro? Because I cannot speak Spanish. I know that, and that why I ask the question. You very sorry when you meet the two pretty women in the ship. You no able to talk with them. I guess that. I was very sorry, I grunt, replied Jack. Well, Masa, easy, by and by we see more Spanish girl. Why not talk all day with Pedro, and end you able to talk with them? Upon my word, Mesti, I never had an idea of your value. I will learn all the Spanish that I can, replied Jack, who was glad to have employment found for him, and was quite disgusted with the articles of war. As for the men on shore, they continued the same course as before. One day succeeded another, and without variety. It was, however, to be observed that the fire was now seldom alighted, which proved their fuel scarce, and the weather was not so warm as it had been, for it was now October. Jack learned Spanish from Pedro for a month, during which there was no appearance of submission on the part of the mutineers, who, for the first fortnight, when intoxicated, used to come down and fire at Jack or Mesti when they made their appearance. Fortunately, drunker men are not good marksmen. But latterly this had been discontinued, because they had expended their ammunition, and they appeared to have almost forgotten that the ship was there, for they took no notice of her whatever. On the other hand Jack had decided that if he waited there a year, the overtures should come from them who had mutinied, and now having an occupation, he passed his time very quietly, and the days flew so fast that two months had actually been run off the calendar, before he had any idea of it. One evening as they were down in the cabin, for the evenings had now become very cold, Jack asked Mesti whether he had any objection to give him a history of his life. Mesti replied that if he wished he was ready to talk, and at a nod from our hero, Mesti commenced as follows. End of chapter 14