 8. In which Mr. Easy has his first lesson as to zeal in his Majesty's service? As there was no time to lose, our hero very soon bared his adieu to his paternal roof, as the phrase is, and found his way down to Portsmouth. As Jack had plenty of money, and was very much pleased at finding himself his own master, he was in no hurry to join his ship, and five or six companions, not very creditable, whom either Jack had picked up or had picked up Jack, and who lived upon him, strongly advised him to put it off until the very last moment. As this advice happened to coincide with Jack's opinion, our hero was three weeks at Portsmouth, before anyone knew of his arrival. But at last Captain Wilson received a letter from Mr. Easy, by which he found that Jack had left home at the period we have mentioned, and he desired the first lieutenant to make inquiries, as he was afraid that some accident might have happened to him. As Mr. Sawbridge, the first lieutenant, happened to be going on short, on the same evening for the last time previous to the ship's sailing, he looked into the blue posts, George and Fountain Inns, to inquire if there was such a person arrived as Mr. Easy. Oh yes, replied the waiter at the Fountain, Mr. Easy has been here these three weeks. The devil he has! roared Mr. Sawbridge, with all the indignation of a first lieutenant defrauded three weeks of a midshipman. Where is he in the coffee-room? Oh dear no, sir! replied the waiter. Mr. Easy has the front apartments on the first floor. Well then, show me up to the first floor. May I request the pleasure of your name, sir? said the waiter. First, lieutenant, don't send up their names to midshipmen, replied Mr. Sawbridge. He shall soon know who I am. At this reply the waiter walked upstairs, followed by Mr. Sawbridge, and threw open the door. A gentleman wishes to see you, sir, said the waiter. Desire him to walk in, said Jack, and, waiter, mind that the punch is a little better than it was yesterday, I have asked two more gentlemen to dine here. In the meantime Mr. Sawbridge, who was not in his uniform, had entered and perceived Jack alone with the dinner table laid out in the best style for eight, a considerable show of plate for even the fountain in, and everything as well as the apartment itself, according to Mr. Sawbridge's opinion, much more fit for a commander-in-chief than a midshipman of a sloop of war. Now Mr. Sawbridge was a good officer, one who had really worked his way up to the present rank, that is to say, that he had served seven and twenty years, and had nothing but his pay. He was a little soured in the service, and certainly had an aversion to the young men of family who were now fast crowding into it, and with some grounds, as he perceived his own chance of promotion decrease in the same ratio as the numbers increased. He considered that in proportion, as midshipman assumed a cleaner and more gentlemanly appearance, so did they become more useless, and it may therefore be easily imagined that his bile was raised by this parade and display in a lad who was very shortly to be, and ought three weeks before to have been shrinking from his frown. Nevertheless Sawbridge was a good-hearted man, although a little envious of luxury which he could not pretend to indulge in himself. May I beg to ask, said Jack, who was always remarkably polite and gentlemanly in his address, in what manner I may be of service to you? Yes, sir, you may, by joining your ship immediately. And may I beg to ask in return, sir, what is the reason you have stayed on shore three weeks without joining her? Hereupon Jack, who did not much admire the preemptory tone of Mr. Sawbridge, and who, during the answer, had taken a seat, crossed his legs, and played with the gold chain to which his watch was secured, after a pause very coolly replied, and pray, who are you? Who am I, sir? replied Sawbridge, jumping out of his chair. My name is Sawbridge, sir, and I am the first lieutenant of the Harpy. Now, sir, you have your answer. Mr. Sawbridge, who imagined that the name of the first lieutenant would strike terror into a culprit midshipman, threw himself back in the chair and assumed an air of importance. Really, sir? replied Jack. What may be your exact situation on board? My ignorance of the service will not allow me to guess. But if I may judge from your behaviour, you have no small opinion of yourself. Look ye, young man! You may not know what a first lieutenant is, and I take it for granted that you do not by your behaviour. But depend upon it, I'll let you know very soon. In the meantime, sir, I insist upon it that you go immediately on board. I'm sorry, I cannot comply with your very moderate request, replied Jack coolly. I shall go on board when it suits my convenience, and I beg that you will give yourself no further trouble on my account. Jack then rang the bell. The waiter who had been listening outside immediately entered, and before Mr. Sawbridge, who was dumb with astonishment that Jack's impertinence could have time to reply. Waiter, said Jack, show this gentleman downstairs. By the god of war! exclaimed the first lieutenant. But I'll soon show you down to the boat of my young bantam, and when once I get you safe on board I'll make you know the difference between a midshipman and a first lieutenant. I can only admit of equality, sir, replied Jack. We are all born equal. I trust you'll allow that. Equality? Damn it! I suppose you'll take command of the ship. However, sir, your ignorance will be a little enlightened by and by. I shall now go and report your conduct to Captain Wilson, and I tell you plainly that if you are not on board this evening, tomorrow morning at daylight I shall send a sergeant and a file of marines to fetch you. You may depend upon it, sir, replied Jack, that I also shall not fail to mention to Captain Wilson that I consider you a very quarrelsome, impertinent fellow, and recommend him not to allow you to remain on board. It will be quite uncomfortable to be in the same ship with such an un-gentlemanly bear. He must be mad, quite mad! exclaimed Sawbridge, whose astonishment even mastered his indignation. Mad as a march here, by God! No, sir, replied Jack. I am not mad, but I am a philosopher. A what? exclaimed Sawbridge. Dammit! What next? Well, my joker, all the better for you. I shall put your philosophy to the proof. It is for that very reason, sir, replied Jack, that I have decided upon going to see, and if you do remain on board, I hope to argue the point with you and make you a convert to the truth of equality and the rights of man. By the Lord that made us both, I'll soon make you a convert to the 36 Articles of War. That is if you remain on board, but I shall now go to the Captain and report your conduct, sir, and leave you to your dinner with what appetite you may. Sir, I am infinitely obliged to you, but you need not be afraid of my appetite. I am only sorry that you happen to belong to the same ship, that I cannot, injustice to the gentlemanly young men whom I expect, ask you to join them. I wish you a very good morning, sir. Twenty years have I been in the service. Rod Sawbridge, and dammy, but he's mad. Downright, stuck, staring mad. And the first lieutenant bounced out of the room. Jack was a little astonished himself. Had Mr. Sawbridge made his appearance in uniform, it might have been different. But that a plain-looking man with black whiskers, shaggy hair, an old blue frock coat, and yellow Casimir waistcoat, should venture to address him in such a manner, was quite incomprehensible. He calls me mad, thought Jack. I shall tell Captain Wilson what is my opinion about his lieutenant. Shortly afterwards the company arrived, and Jack soon forgot all about it. In the meantime Sawbridge called at the Captain's quarters and found him at home. He made a very faithful report of all that had happened, and concluded his report by demanding in great wrath either an instant dismissal or a court-martial on our hero Jack. Stop, Sawbridge! replied Captain Wilson. Take a chair. As Mr. Easy says, we must argue the point, and then I will leave it to your better feelings. As for the court-martial, it will not hold good, for Mr. Easy in the first place has not yet joined the ship, and in the next place could not be supposed to know that you were the first lieutenant, or even an officer, for you went to him out of uniform. Very true, sir, replied Sawbridge. I had forgotten that. Then, as for his dismissal, or rather not allowing him to join, Mr. Easy has been brought up in the country, and has never seen anything aquatic larger than a fish-pond perhaps in his life, and as for the service or the nature of it, I believe he is as ignorant of it as a child, not a year old. I doubt whether he knows the rank of lieutenant. Certainly he can have no idea of the power of a first lieutenant by his treatment of you. I should think not, replied Sawbridge, dryly. I do not think, therefore, that conduct which must have preceded from sheer ignorance should be so severely punished. I appeal to you, Sawbridge. Well, sir, perhaps you are right, but still he told me he was a philosopher and talked about equality and the rights of man. Told me that he could only admit of equality between us, and begged to argue the point. Now, sir, if a midshipman is to argue the point every time that an order is given, the service will come to a pretty pass. That is all very true, Sawbridge, and now you remind me of what never occurred to me at the time that I promised to take Mr. Easy in the ship. I now recall that his father, who is a distant relation of mine, has some very wild notions in his head, just like what have been repeated by his son on your interview with him. I have occasionally dined there, and Mr. Easy has always been upholding the principles of natural equality and the rights of man, much to the amusement of his guests, and I confess at the time of mine also. I recollect telling him that I trusted he would never be able to disseminate his opinion in the service to which I belonged, as we should have an end to all discipline. I little thought at the time that his only son, who has no more occasion to go to sea than the Archbishop of Canterbury, for his father has a very handsome property, I believe, of seven or eight thousand a year, would have ever have sailed with me, and have brought these opinions with him into any ship that I commanded. It is a pity, a great pity. He never could have bought his pigs to a worse market, observed Sawbridge. I agree with you, and as a father myself I cannot but help feeling how careful we should be, how we inculcate everything like abstract and philosophical ideas to use, allowing them to be in themselves correct, still they are dangerous as sharp instruments are in the hands of a child, allowing them to be erroneous, they are seized upon with an avidity by young and ardent minds, and are not to be eradicated without the greatest difficulty, and very often not until they have accomplished their ruin. Then you think, sir, that these ideas have taken root in this young man and we shall not easily rid him of them? I do not say so, but still recollect they have been instilled perhaps from the earliest period by one from whom they must have been received with all confidence, from a father to a son, and that son has never yet been sufficiently in the world to prove their fallacy. Well, sir, replied Sawbridge, if I may venture to offer an opinion on the subject, and in so doing I assure you that I only shall, from a feeling for the service, if, as you say, these opinions will not easily be eradicated as the young man is independent, would it not be both better for himself as well as for the service that he is sent home again? As an officer he will never do any good for himself, and he may do much harm to others. I submit this to you, Captain Wilson, with all respect, but as your first Lieutenant I feel very jealous at any chance of the discipline of the ship being interfered with by the introduction of this young man, to whom it appears that a profession is no object. My dear Sawbridge, replied Captain Wilson, after taking one or two turns up and down the room, we entered the service together. We are messmates for many years, and you must be aware that it is not only long friendship, but an intimate knowledge of your unrewarded merit which has induced me to request you to come with me as my first Lieutenant. Now I will put a case to you, and you shall then decide the question, and, moreover, I will abide by your decision. Suppose that you were a commander like myself, with a wife and seven children, and that struggling for many years to support them, you found yourself notwithstanding the utmost parsimony, gradually running into debt. That after many long applications you had at last succeeded in obtaining employment by appointment to a fine sloop, and there was every prospect by prize money and increased pay of recovering yourself from your difficulties, if not realising a sufficient provision for your family. Then suppose that all this prospect and all these hopes were likely to be dashed to the ground by the fact of having no means of fitting yourself out, no credit, no means of paying debts you have contracted, for which you would have been arrested, or anything sufficient to leave for the support of your family during your absence, your agent only consenting to advance one half of what you require. Now suppose in this awkward dilemma, without anyone in this world upon whom you have an legitimate claim, as a last resource you were to apply to one with whom you have but a distant connection, and but an occasional acquaintance, and that when you had made your request for the loan of two or three hundred pounds, fully anticipating a refusal, from the feeling that he who goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing, I say suppose to your astonishment that this generous person was to present you with a check on his banker for one thousand pounds, demanding no interest, no legal security, and requests only that you pay it at your convenience. I ask you, Solbridge, what would be your feelings towards such a man? I would die for him, replied Solbridge, with emotion. And suppose that, by the mereest chance, or from a whim of the moment, the son of that man was to be placed under your protection. I would be a father to him, replied Solbridge, but we must proceed a little further. Suppose that you were to find the land of which not all that you could wish, that he had imbibed erroneous doctrines which would probably, if not eradicated, be attended with consequences fatal to his welfare and happiness. Would you therefore on that account withdraw your protection, and leave him to the mercy of others who had no claims of gratitude to sway them in his favour? Most certainly not, sir, replied Solbridge. On the contrary, I would never part with the son until, by precept or otherwise, I had set him right again, and thus had, as far as was possible, paid the debt of gratitude due to the generous father. I hardly need, said you, Solbridge, after what has passed, that this land you have just come from is the son, and that Mr. Easy of Forest Hill is the father. Then, sir, I can only say that not only to please you, but also from respect to a man who has shown such good will towards one of our cloth, I shall most cheerfully forgive all that has passed between the lad and me, and all that may probably take place before we make him what he ought to be. Thank you, Solbridge. I expect it as much, and am not disappointed in my opinion of you. And now, Captain Wilson, pray, what is to be done? We must get him on board, but not with a file of marines that will do more harm than good. I will send a note in requesting him to breakfast with me tomorrow morning, and have a little conversation with him. I do not wish to frighten him. He would not scruple to run back to Forest Hill. Now I wish to keep him if I possibly can. You are right, sir. His father appears his greatest enemy. What a pity that a man with so good a heart should be so weak in the head. Then, sir, I shall take no notice of this at present, but leave the whole affair in your hands. Do, Solbridge, you have obliged me very much by your kindness in this business. Mr. Solbridge then took his leave, and Captain Wilson dispatched a note to our hero, requesting the pleasure of his company to breakfast at nine o'clock the ensuing morning. The answer was in the affirmative, but verbal, for Jack had drunk too much champagne to trust his pen to paper. In which Mr. Easy finds himself on the other side of the Bay of Biscay. The next morning Jack Easy would have forgotten all about his engagement with the Captain, had it not been for the waiter, who thought that, after the reception which our hero had given the First Lieutenant, it would be just as well that he should not be disrespectful to the Captain. Now Jack had not hitherto put on his uniform, and he thought this a fitting occasion, particularly as the waiter suggested the propriety of his appearance in it. Whether it was from a presentiment of what he was to suffer, Jack was not at all pleased, as most lads are, with the change in his dress. It appeared to him that he was sacrificing his independence. However, he did not follow his first impulse, which was to take it off again, but took his hat, which the waiter had brushed and handed to him, and then set off for the Captain's lodgings. Captain Wilson received him as if he had not been aware of his delay in joining his ship, or his interview with his First Lieutenant, but before breakfast was over, Jack himself narrated the affair in a few words. Captain Wilson then entered into a detail of the duties and rank of every person on board of the ship, pointing out to Jack that where discipline was required it was impossible, when duty was carried on, that more than one could command, and that one was the Captain, who represented the King in person, who represented the country, and that as the orders were transmitted from the Captain through the Lieutenant, and from the Lieutenant to the midshipmen, who in their turn communicated them to the whole ship's company, in fact it was the Captain alone who gave the orders, and that everyone was equally obliged to obey. Indeed, as the Captain himself had to obey the orders of his superiors, the Admiral and the Admiralty, all on board might be said to be equally obliged to obey. Captain Wilson laid a strong emphasis on the word equally, as he cautiously administered his first dose. Indeed, in the whole of his address he made use of special pleading, which would have done credit to the bar, for at the same time that he was explaining to Jack that he was entering a service in which equality could never for a moment exist, if the service was to exist. He contrived it to show that all the grades were leveled, by all being equally bound to do their duty to their country, and that, in fact, whether a seaman obeyed his orders or he obeyed the orders of his superior officer, they were in reality only obeying the orders of the country, which were administered through their channels. Jack did not altogether dislike this view of the subject, and the Captain took care not to dwell too long upon it. He then entered upon other details which he was aware would be more agreeable to Jack. He pointed out that the Articles of War were the rules by which the service was to be guided, and that everybody, from the Captain to the least boy in the ship, was equally bound to adhere to them, that a certain allowance of provision and wine were allowed to each person on board, and that this allowance was the same to all, the same to the Captain as to the boy, the same in quality as in quantity, everybody equally entitled to his allowance, that although there were of necessity various grades necessary in the service, and the Captain's orders were obliged to be passed and obeyed by all, yet, still, whatever was the grade of the officer, they were equally considered as gentlemen. In short, Captain Wilson, who told the truth and nothing but the truth, without telling the whole truth, actually made Jack fancy that he had at last found out that equality he had been seeking for in vain on shore, when at last he recollected the language used by Mr. Sawbridge the evening before, and asked the Captain why that personage had so conducted himself. Now, as the language of Mr. Sawbridge was very much at variance with equality, Captain Wilson was not a little puzzled. However, he first pointed out that the first Lieutenant was, at the time being, the Captain, as he was the superior officer on board, as would Jack himself be if he were the senior officer on board, and that, as he before observed, the Captain or senior officer represented the country. That, in the Articles of War, everybody who absented himself from the ship committed an error or breach of those articles, and if any error or breach of those articles was committed by anyone belonging to the ship, if the senior officer did not take notice of it, he then himself committed a breach of those articles, and was liable himself to be punished, if he could not prove that he had noticed it. It was therefore to save himself that he was obliged to point out the error, and if he did it in strong language, it only proved his zeal for his country. Upon my honour, then, replied Jack, there can be no doubt of his zeal, for if the whole country had been at stake, he could not have put himself in a greater passion. Then he did his duty. But, depend upon it, it was not a pleasant one to him, and I'll answer for it when you meet him on board, he will be as friendly with you as if nothing had happened. He told me that he'd soon make me know what a first lieutenant was. What did he mean by that? inquired Jack. All zeal. Yes, but he said that as soon as he got on board he'd show me the difference between a first lieutenant and a midshipman. All zeal. He said my ignorance should be enlightened by and by. All zeal. That he'd send a sergeant and marines to fetch me. All zeal. That he would put my philosophy to the proof. All zeal, Mr. Easy. Zeal will break out in this way, but we should do nothing in the service without it. Recollect that I hope and trust one day to see you also a zealous officer. Here Jack cogitated considerably and gave no answer. You will, I am sure, continued Captain Wilson, find Mr. Sawbridge one of your best friends. Perhaps so, replied Jack, but I did not much admire our first acquaintance. It will perhaps be your unpleasant duty to find as much fault yourself. We're all equally bound to do our duty to our country. But, Mr. Easy, I sent for you to say that we shall sail to-morrow, and as I shall send my things off this afternoon by the launch, you had best send yours off also. At eight o'clock I shall go on board, and we can both go in the same boat. To this Jack made no sort of objection, and, having paid his bill at the fountain, he sent his chest down to the boat by some of the crew who came up for it and attended the summons of the Captain to embark. By nine o'clock that evening Mr. Jack Easy was safe on board his majesty's sloop, Harpy. When Jack arrived on board it was dark, and he did not know what to do with himself. The Captain was received by the officers on deck who took off their hats to salute him. The Captain returned the salute, and so did Jack very politely, after which the Captain entered into conversation with the first lieutenant, and for a while Jack was left to himself. It was too dark to distinguish faces, and to one who had never been on board ship, too dark to move, so Jack stood where he was, which was not far from the main bits, but he did not stay long. The boat had been hooked on the quarter-dabbits, and the boson had called out, "'Set-tort, my lads!' And then with the shrill whistle, and away with her, forward came galloping and bounding along men with the tackles, and in the dark Jack was upset, and half a dozen marines fell upon him. The men who had no idea that an officer was flawed among the others were pleased at the joke, and continued to dance over those who were down until they rolled themselves out of the way. Jack, who did not understand this, fared badly, and it was not till the calls piped belay that he could recover his legs after having been trampled upon by half the starboard watch, and the breath completely jammed out of his body, Jack reeled to a cannonade slide when the officers who had been laughing at the lark as well as the men perceived his situation. Among others, Mr. Solbridge, the First Lieutenant. "'Are you hurt, Mr. Easy?' he said kindly. "'A little,' replied Jack, catching his breath. "'You've had a rough welcome,' replied the First Lieutenant, but at certain times on the board ship it is every man for himself and God for us all. "'Haha!' continued the First Lieutenant to the doctor. "'Take Mr. Easy down to the gun room with you, and I will be down myself as soon as I can. Where is Mr. Jolliff?' "'Here, sir,' replied Mr. Jolliff, a master's mate, coming aft from the booms. "'Here is a youngster come on board with the captain. Order one of the quartermasters to get a hammock slung.' In the meantime Jack went down into the gun room where a glass of wine somewhat recovered him. He did not stay there long nor did he venture to talk much. As soon as his hammock was ready, Jack was glad to go to bed, and as he was much bruised he was not disturbed the next morning till past nine o'clock. He then dressed himself, went on deck, found that the sloop was just clear of the needles, that he felt very queer. Then, very sick, was conducted by a marine down below, put into his hammock, where he remained during a gale of wind of three days, bewildered, confused, puzzled, and every minute knocking his head against the beams with the pitching and tossing of the sloop. "'And this is going to see,' thought Jack. No wonder that no one interferes with another here, or talks about a trespass, for I am sure any one is welcome to my share of the ocean, and if I once get on shore again the devil may have my portion if he chooses.' Captain Wilson and Mr. Sawbridge had both allowed Jack more leisure than most midshipmen during his illness. By the time that the gale was over the sloop was off Cape Finisterre. The next morning the sea was nearly down, and there was but a slight breeze on the waters. The comparative quiet of the night before had very much recovered our hero, and when the hammocks were piped up he was accosted by Mr. Jolliff, the master's mate, who asked whether he intended to rouse and bit, or whether he intended to sail to Gibraltar between his blankets. Jack, who felt himself quite another person, turned out of his hammock and dressed himself. A marine had, by the captain's orders, attended Jack during his illness, and this man came to his assistance, opened his chest, and brought him all he required, or Jack would have been in a sad dilemma. Jack then inquired where he was to go, for he had not been in the midshipman's berth, although five days on board. The marine pointed it out to him, and Jack, who felt excessively hungry, crawled over in between chests, until he found himself fairly in a hole, infinitely inferior to the dog kennels which received his father's pointers. I'd not only give up the ocean, thought Jack, and my share of it, but also my share of the harpy under any one who fancies it. Equality enough here, for everyone appears equally miserably off. As he thus gave vent to his thoughts, he perceived that there was another person in the berth, Mr. Jolliff, the master's mate, who had fixed his eye upon Jack, and to whom Jack returned the compliment. The first thing that Jack observed was that Mr. Jolliff was very deeply pockmarked, and that he had but one eye, and that was a piercer. It appeared like a little ball of fire, and as if it reflected more light from the solitary candle than the candle gave. I don't like your looks, thought Jack, we shall never be friends. But here Jack fell into the common error of judging by appearances, as will be proved here after. I'm glad to see you up again, youngster, said Jolliff. You've been on your beam ends longer than usual, but those who are strongest suffer most. You've made your mind up but late to come to see. However they say, better late than never. I feel very much inclined to argue the truth of that saying, replied Jack, but it's no use just now. I'm terribly hungry. When shall I get some breakfast? Tomorrow morning at half-past eight, replied Mr. Jolliff. Breakfast for today has been over these two hours. But must I then go without? No, I did not say that, as we must make allowance for your illness. But it will not be breakfast. Call it what you please, replied Jack. Only pray desire the servants to give me something to eat. Dry toast on muffins, anything will do, but I should prefer coffee. You forget that you are off finished here in a midshipman's berth. Coffee we have none. Muffins we never see. Dry toast cannot be made, as we have no soft bread. Bard a cup of tea and ship's biscuit and butter, I can desire the steward to get ready for you. Well then, replied Jack, I will thank you to procure me that. Marine, cried Jolliff, call Mesti. Parts of the word for Mesti, cried the Marine, and the two syllables were handed forward until lost in the four part of the vessel. The person so named must be introduced to the reader. He was a curious anomaly, a black man who had been brought to America as a slave and there sold. He was very tall, spare-built, yet muscular form, and had a face by no means common with his race. His head was long and narrow, high cheekbones from whence his face descended down almost to a pointed his chin. His nose was very small, but it was straight and almost Roman. His mouth also was unusually small, and his lips thin for an African. His teeth very white and filed to sharp points. He claimed the rank of prince in his own country, with what truth could not, of course, be substantiated. His master had settled at New York, and there Mesti had learned English, if it could be so called. The fact is that all the emigrant labourers at New York being Irishmen, he had learned English with the strong brogue and peculiar phraseology of the sister kingdom dashed with a little Yankeeism. Having been told that there was no slavery in England, Mesti had concealed himself on board an English merchant vessel and escaped. On his arrival in England, he had entered on board a man of war. Having no name, it was necessary to Christian him on the ship's books, and the first lieutenant, who had entered him, struck with this remarkable expression of countenance and being a German scholar, had named him Mephistopheles Faust, from whence his Christian name had been raised to Messe. Messe, in all other points, was an eccentric character. At one moment, when he remembered his lineage, he was proud to excess. At others, he was grave and almost sullen, but when nothing either in daily occurrences or in his mind ran contrary, he exhibited the drolery so often found in his nation with a spice of Irish humour, as if he had caught up the latter with his Irish brogue. Mesti was soon seen coming aft, but almost double as he crouched under the beam and taking large strides with his naked feet. By the powers, Master Yolliff, but it is not seasonable at all to send for me just now, anyhow, seeing how the praetors are in the copper, and so many blagged palpines all ready to charge net for net, and better themselves by the same mistake, dam'em. Mesti, you know I never send for you myself, or allow others to do so unless it is necessary, replied Yolliff, but this poor lad has eaten nothing since he has been on board, and he's very hungry, you must get him a little tea. Is it tea you mean, sir? I guess to make tea in the first place I must add water, and in the next I must add room in the galley to put the kettle on, and pose you wanted to burn the tip of your little finger just now. It's not in the galley that you find a birth for it, and end the water before seven bells. I have a notion it's just impossible. But he must have something, Mesti. Never mind the tea then, replied Jack. I'll take some milk. Is it milk, Master Maines, and a bomb of women on the other side of the bay? We have no milk, Mr. Easy. You forget that we are on blue water, replied Yolliff, and I really am afraid that you'll have to wait till dinner time, Mesti tells the truth. I'll tell you what, Master Yolliff, it's just seven bells, and if the young gentleman would, instead of tea, try a little out of the copper, it might keep him easy. It but a little deference, tea soup and pay soup. Now a bowl of that, with some nuts and a flourish of pepper, will do him good anyhow. Perhaps the best he can take, Mesti. Get it as fast as you can. In a few minutes the black brought down a bowl of soup and whole peas swimming in it, put before our hero a tin bread basket full of small biscuit, called Midshipman's nuts, and the pepper-caster. Jack's visions of tea, coffee, muffins, dry toast, and milk vanished as he perceived the mess, but he was very hungry, and he found it much better than he had expected, and he, moreover, found himself much the better after he had swallowed it. It struck seven bells, and he accompanied Mr. Yolliff on deck. Mr. Midshipman Easy, by Captain Frank Marriott, read by Adrian Pretzelis. Chapter 10. Showing how Jack transgresses against his own philosophy. When Jack Easy had gained the deck he found the sun shining gaily, a soft air blowing from the shore, and the whole of the rigging in every part of the ship loaded with the shirts, trousers and jackets of the seaman, which had been wetted during the heavy gale, and were now hanging up to dry. All the wet sails were also spread on the booms or triced up on the rigging, and the ship was slowly forging through blue water. The captain and first lieutenant were standing on the gangway in converse, and the majority of the officers were with their quadrants and sextants ascertaining the latitude and noon. The decks were white and clean. The sweepers had just laid by their brooms, and the men were busy coiling down the ropes. It was a scene of cheerfulness, activity and order which tightened his heart after the four days of suffering, close air and confinement from which he had just emerged. The captain, who perceived him, beckoned him, asked him kindly how he felt. The first lieutenant also smiled upon him, and many of the officers, as well as his mess-mates, congratulated him upon his recovery. The captain's steward came up to him, touched his hat, and requested the pleasure of his company to dinner in the cabin. Jack was the essence of politeness, took off his hat, and accepted the invitation. Jack was standing on a rope which a seaman was coiling down. The man touched his hat, and requested he would be so kind as to take his foot off. Jack took his hat off his head in return, and his foot off the rope. The master touched his hat, and reported twelve o'clock to the first lieutenant. The first lieutenant touched his hat, and reported twelve o'clock to the captain. The captain touched his hat, and told the first lieutenant to make it so. The officer of the watch touched his hat, and asked the captain whether they should pipe to dinner. The captain touched his hat, and said, If you please. The midshipman received his orders, and touched his hat, which he gave to the head bosun's mate, who touched his hat, and then the calls whistled cheerfully. Well, thought Jack, politeness seems to be the order of the day, and everyone has an equal respect for the other. Jack stayed on deck. He peeped through the ports which were open, and looked down into the deep blue wave. He cast his eyes aloft, and watched the tall spars sweeping and tracing with their points, as it were a small portion of the clear sky, as they acted in obedience to the motion of the vessel. He looked forward at the range of canonades which lie in the sides of the deck, and then he proceeded to climb up one of the canonades, and lean over the hammocks to gaze on the distant land. Young gentleman, get off those hammocks, cried the master, who was officer of the watch, in a surly tone. Jack looked round. Do you hear me, sir? I'm speaking to you, said the master again. Jack felt very indignant, and he thought the politeness was not quite so general as he supposed. It happened that Captain Wilson was upon deck. Come here, Mr. Easy, said the captain. It is a rule in the service that no one gets on the hammocks, unless in case of emergency. I never do, nor the First Lieutenant, nor any of the officers or men. Therefore, on the principle of equality, you must not do it either. Certainly not, sir. Reply, Jack. But still, I do not see why that officer in the shining hat should be so angry, and not speak to me as if I were a gentleman, as well as himself. I have already explained that, do you, Mr. Easy? Oh, yes, I recollect now, it's zeal. But this zeal appears to me to be the only unpleasant thing in the service. It's a pity, as you said, that the service cannot do without it. Captain Wilson laughed and walked away, and shortly afterwards, as he turned up and down the deck with the master, he hinted to him that he should not speak so sharply to a lad who had committed such a trifling error through ignorance. Now, Mr. Small sold the master, who was a surly sort of a personage, and did not like even a hint of disapprobation of his conduct, although very regardless of the feelings of others. Determined to pay this off on Jack, the very first convenient opportunity. Jack dined in the cabin, and was very much pleased to find that everyone drank wine with him, and that everybody at the captain's table appeared to be on an equality. Before the dessert had been on the table five minutes, Jack became loquacious on his favourite topic. All the company stared with surprise at such an unheard of doctrine being broached on board a man of war. The captain argued the point, so as to controvert without too much offending Jack's notions, laughing the whole time that the captain's steward held a levy abreast of the ship's funnel, in which he narrated this new doctrine. A sergeant of Marines gave his opinion in his birth that it was damnable. The boson talked over the matter with the other warrant officers till the grog was all gone, and then dismissed it as too dry a subject. It was the general opinion of the ship's company that as soon as they arrived at Gibraltar Bay, our hero would bid adieu to the service, either by being sentenced to death by a court-martial, or by being dismissed, and towed on shore on a grating. Others, who had more of the wisdom of the serpent, and who had been informed by Mr. Solbridge that our hero was a lad who would inherit a large property, argued differently, and considered that Captain Wilson had a very good reason for being so lenient, and among them was the second lieutenant. There were but four who were well inclined towards Jack, to wit the captain, the first lieutenant, Mr. Jolliff, the one-eyed master's mate, and Mephistopheles the Black, who, having heard that Jack had uttered such sentiments, loved him with all his heart and soul. We referred to the second lieutenant to Mr. Asper. This young man had a very high respect for birth, and particularly for money, of which he had very little. He was the son of an eminent merchant who, during the time that he was a midshipman, had allowed him a much larger sum for his expenses than was necessary or proper. And, during his career, he found that his full pocket procured him consequence, not only among his own messmates, but also with many of the officers of the ships that he sailed in. A man who is able and willing to pay a large tavern bill will always find followers, that is, to the tavern. And lieutenants did not disdain to dine, walk arm in arm, and be hail fellow well met, with a midshipman at whose expense they lived during the time they were on shore. Mr. Asper had just received his commission and appointment, when his father became a bankrupt, and the fountain was dried up from which he had drawn such liberal supplies. Since that Mr. Asper had felt that his consequence was gone. He could no longer talk about the service being a bore, or that he should give it up. He could no longer obtain that deference paid to his purse and not to himself, and he had contracted very expensive habits without having any longer the means of gratifying them. It was therefore no wonder that he imbibed a great respect for money. And, as he could no longer find the means himself, he was glad to pick up anybody else at whose cost he could indulge in that extravagance and expense, to which he had been so long accustomed and still sighed for. Now Mr. Asper knew that our hero was well supplied with money, as he had obtained from the waiter the full amount of the bill paid at the fountain, and he had been waiting for Jack's appearance on deck to become his dearest and most intimate friend. The conversation in the cabin made him feel assured that Jack would require and be grateful for support, and he had taken the opportunity of a walk with Mr. Solbridge to offer to take Jack in his watch. Whether it was that Mr. Solbridge saw through the design of Mr. Asper, or whether he imagined that our hero would be better pleased with him than with the master, considering his harshness of deportment, or with himself, who could not as First Lieutenant overlook any remission of duty, the offer was accepted, and Jack easy was ordered, as he now entered upon his duties, to keep watch under Lieutenant Asper. But not only was this the first day that Jack may be said to have appeared in the service, but it was the first day in which he had entered the midshipman's berth, and was made acquainted with his messmates. We have already mentioned Mr. Jolliff, the master's mate, but we must introduce him more, particularly. Nature is sometimes extremely arbitrary, and never did she show herself more so than insisting that Mr. Jolliff should have the most sinister expression of countenance that ever had been looked upon. He had suffered martyrdom with the smallpox, which probably had contracted his lineaments. His face was not only deeply pitted, but scarred with this cruel disorder. One eye had been lost, and all eyebrows had disappeared, and the contrast between the dull, sightless, opaque orb on one side of his face and the brilliant piercing little ball on the other was almost terrifying. His nose had been eaten away by the disease, till it formed a sharper but irregular point. Part of the muscles of the chin were contracted, and it was drawn in with unnatural seams and puckers. He was tall, gaunt and thin, seldom smiled, and when he did, the smile produced a still further distortion. Mr. Jolliff was the son of a warrant officer. He did not contract this disease until he had been sent out to the West Indies, where it swept away hundreds. He had now been long in the service with little or no chance of promotion. He had suffered from indigence, from reflections upon his humble birth, from sarcasms on his appearance. Even contumally had been heaped upon him at one time or another in the ships in which he had served. Among a crowd he had found himself desolate, and now, although no one dared to treat him to his face with disrespect, he was only respected in the service from a knowledge of his utility and exemplary performance of his duties. He had no friends, or even companions. For many years he had retired within himself. He had improved by reading and study, and had felt all the philanthropy of a Christian, and extended it towards others. Silent and reserved, he seldom spoke in the birth, unless his authority as Caterer was called for. All respected Mr. Jolliff, but no one liked, as a companion, one at whose appearance the very dogs would bark. At the same time everyone acknowledged his correct behaviour in every point, his sense of justice, his forbearance, his kindness, and his good sense. With him life was indeed a pilgrimage, and he wended his way in all Christian charity and all Christian zeal. In all societies, however small they may be, provided that they do but amount to half a dozen, you will invariably meet a bully. And it is also generally the case that you will find one of that society who is more or less the but. You will discover this even in occasional meetings, such as a dinner party, the major part of which have never met before. Previous to the removal of the cloth, the bully will have shown himself by his dictatorial manner, and will also have selected one upon whom he imagines he can best practice. In a Midshipman's birth this fact has become almost proverbial, although now perhaps it is not attended with that disagreeable despotism which was permitted at the time that our hero entered the service. The bully of the Midshipman's birth of H. M. Sloup Harpy was a young man about 17, with light curly hair and a florid countenance, the son of a clerk in the dockyard at Plymouth, and his name was Vigas. The but was a pudding-face, tartar, physiognomyed boy of 15, whose intellect, with fostering, if not great, might at least have been respectable, had he not lost all confidence in his own powers from the constant jeers and mockeries of those who had a greater fluency of speech, without perhaps so much real power of mind. Although slow, what he learned he invariably retained. This lad's name was Gosset. His father was a wealthy yeoman of Lin in Norfolk. They were at the time but three other Midshipmen in the ship, of whom it can only be said that they were like Midshipmen in general, with little appetite for learning, but good appetites for dinner, hating everything like work, fond of everything like fun, fighting a loutrance one minute and sworn friends the next, with general principles of honour and justice, but which were occasionally warped according to circumstances, with all the virtues and vices so heterogeneously jumbled and heaped together that it was almost impossible to ascribe any action to its true motive, and to ascertain to what point their vice was softened down into almost a virtue, and their virtues from mere excess degenerated into vice. Their names were O'Connor, Mills, and Gascoigne. The other shipmates of our hero, it will be better to introduce as they appear upon the stage. After Jack had dined in the cabin, he followed his messmates, Jolliff and Gascoigne, down into the Midshipmen's berth. I say easy, observed Gascoigne. You are a devilishly free and easy sort of fellow, to tell the captain that you considered yourself as greater man as he was. I beg your pardon, replied Jack. I did not argue individually, but generally upon the principles of the rights of man. Well, replied Gascoigne, it's the first time I've ever heard a midi do such a bold thing. Take care of your rights of man, don't get you in the wrong box. There's no arguing on board a man of war. The captain took it amazingly easy, but you better not broach that subject too often. Gascoigne gives you very good advice, Mr. Easy, observed Jolliff, allowing that your ideas are correct, which it appears to me they are not, or at least impossible to be acted upon. There is such a thing as prudence. And however much this question may be canvassed on shore, in his majesty's service it is not only dangerous in itself, but will be very prejudicial to you. Man is a free agent, replied Easy. I'll be short if a midshipman is, replied Gascoigne, laughing aloud. That you'll soon find. And yet it was in the expectation of finding that equality that I was induced to come to see. On the first of April I presume, replied Gascoigne, but are you really serious? Hereupon Jack entered into a long argument, to which Jolliff and Gascoigne listened without interruption, and musty with admiration. At the end of it Gascoigne laughed heartily, and Jolliff sighed. From whence did you learn all this? inquired Jolliff. From my father, who is a great philosopher, and has constantly upheld these opinions. And did your father wish you go to see? No, he was opposed to it, replied Jack, but of course he could not combat my right and free will. Mr. Easy, as a friend, replied Jolliff, I request that you would as much as possible keep your opinions to yourself. I shall have an opportunity of talking to you on the subject, and will then explain to you my reasons. As soon as Mr. Jolliff had ceased, down came Mr. Vigars and O'Connor, who had heard the news of Jack's heresy. You do not know Mr. Vigars and Mr. O'Connor, said Jolliff, too easy. Jack, who was the essence of politeness, rose and bowed, at which the others took their seats without returning the salutation. Vigars had, from what he had heard and now seen of Easy, thought he had somebody else to play upon, and without ceremony he commenced. So, my chap, you are come on board to raise a mutiny here with your equality. You came off scot-free at the captain's table, but it won't do. I can tell you, even in the midshipman's birth, some must knock under, and you are one of them. If, sir, replied Easy, you mean by knock under, that I must submit, I can assure you that you are mistaken. Upon the same principle that I would never play the truant to those weaker than myself, so will I resent oppression, if attempted. Dammy, but he's a regular sea lawyer already. However, my boy, we'll soon put your metal to the proof. Am I, then, to infer that I am not on an equality with my mess-mates? replied Jack, looking at Jolliff. The latter was about to answer him, but Vigars interrupted. Yes, you are on an equality as far as this, that you have an equal right to the birth, if you are not knocked out of it for insolence to your masters, that you have an equal share to pay for the things purchased for the mess, and an equal right to have your share provided you can get it. You have an equal right to talk, provided you are not told to hold your tongue. The fact is, you have an equal right with everyone else to do as you can, get what you can, and say what you can, all was provided that you can do it. For here, the weakest goes to the wall, and that is Mitchipman's birth equality. Now, do you understand that, or will you wait for a practical illustration? Am I, then, to infer that the equality here is as much destroyed as it even will be among savages, where the strong oppresses the weak, and the only law is club law, in fact, much the same as it is at a public or large school, onshore. I suspect you are right for once. You were at a public school, how did they treat you there? As you proposed treating people here, the weakest went to the wall. Well, then, a nod as good as a wink to a blind horse, that's all, my hearty, said Vigas. But the hands being turned up, short and sail, put an end to the altercation for the present. As our hero had not yet received orders to go to his duty, he remained below with Mesti. By the powers, Master Easy, but I love you with my whole soul, said Mesti. By Jesus, you really talk fine, Master Easy, that Mr. Vigar. Never care for him, wouldn't you help him? And sure you would, continued the black, feeling the muscle of Jack's arm. By the soul of my father, I bet my weak's allowance on you anyhow, never be afraid, Master Easy. I'm not afraid, replied Jack. I've thrashed bigger fellows than he. And Jack's assertion was true. Mr. Bonnie Castle never interfered in a fair fight, and took no notice of black eyes, provided the lessons there well said. Jack had fought and fought again, until he was a very good bruiser. And although not as tall as Vigar's, he was much better built for fighting. A knowing Westminster boy would have bet his half ground upon Jack had he seen him and his anticipated adversary. The constant battles which Jack was obliged to fight at school had been brought forth by Jack against his father's arguments in favour of equality. But they had been overruled by Mr. Easy's pointing out that the combats of boys had nothing to do with the rights of man. As soon as the watch was called, Vigar's, O'Connor, Gosset and Gascoigne came down into the berth. Vigar's, who was the strongest in the berth, except Joliff, had successively had his superiority acknowledged, and when on deck he had talked of Easy's impertolence, and his intention of bringing him to his senses. The others, therefore, came down to see the fun. Well, Mr. Easy, observed Vigar's as he came into the berth, you take after your name at all events. I suppose you intend to eat the king's provision and do nothing. Jack's metal was already up. You will obliged me, sir, by minding your own business, replied Jack. You impudent black-ard! If you say another word, I'll give you a good thrashing, and knock some of your equality out of you. Indeed, replied Jack, who almost fancied himself back at Mr. Bonnie Castle's, we'll try that, whereupon Jack very coolly divested himself of his upper garments, neckerchief and shirt, much to the surprise of Mr. Vigar's, who had little contemplated such a proof of decision and confidence, and still more to the delight of the other midshipman, who would have forfeited a weak cell-ounce to see Vigar's well thrashed. Vigar's, however, knew that he had gone too far to retreat. He therefore prepared for action, and, when ready, the whole party went into the steerage to settle the business. Vigar's had gained his assumed authority more by bullying than fighting. Others had submitted to him without sufficient trial. Jack, on the contrary, had won his way up in school by hard and scientific combat. The result, therefore, may easily be imagined. In less than a quarter of an hour, Vigar's, beaten dead with his eyes closed and three teeth out, gave in. While Jack, after a base in the water, looked as fresh as ever, with the exception of a few trifling scratches. The news of this victory was soon through the ship, and before Jack had resumed his clothes, it had been told confidently by Sawbridge to the captain. So soon, said Captain Wilson, laughing, I expected that a midshipman's birth would do wonders, but I did not expect this yet awhile. This victory is the first severe blow to Mr. Ease's equality, and will be more valuable than twenty defeats. Let him now go to his duty. He will soon find his level. Mr. Midshipman Easy, by Captain Frank Marriott, read by Adrian Pretzelis. Chapter 11 In which our hero proves that all on board should equally sacrifice decency to duty. The success of any young man in a profession very much depends upon the occurrences at the commencement of his career, as from those is his character judged, and he is treated accordingly. Jack had chosen to enter the service at a much later period than most lads. He was tall and manly for his age, and his countenance, if not strictly handsome, wore that expression of honesty and boldness, which is sure to please. His spirit in not submitting to and meeting vigours, when he had hardly recovered from his severe prostration of seasickness, had gained him with the many respect and with all, except his antagonist and Mr. Small Soul, goodwill. Instead of being laughed at by his messmates, he was played with. For Joliff smiled at his absurdities and attempted to reason him out of them, and the others liked Jack for himself and his generosity, and moreover because they looked up to him as a protector against vigours who had persecuted them all. For Jack had declared that as might was right in a midshipman's birth, he would so far restore equality, that if he could not put down those who were the strongest, at all events he would protect the weak, and let who would come into the birth, they must be his master before they should tyrannize over those weaker than he. Thus did Jack ease he made the best use that he could of his strength, and become, as it were, the champion and security of those who, although much longer at sea and more experienced than he was, were glad to shelter themselves under his courage and skill, the latter of which had excited the admiration of the butcher of the ship who had been a pugilist by profession. Thus did Jack at once take the rank of an oldster, and soon became the leader of all the mischief. We particularly observe this because, had it so happened that our hero had succumbed to vigours, the case would have been the very reverse. He would then have had to go through the ordeal to which most who enter the naval service are exposed, which cannot be better explained than comparing it to the fagging carrying out to such an iniquitous extent at public schools. Mr. Asper for his own reasons made him his companion. They walked the night watch together, and he listened to all Jack's nonsense about the rights of man. And here Mr. Asper did good without intending it, for at the same time that he appeared to agree with Jack to secure his favour, he cautioned him, and pointed out why his equality could not exist altogether on board a man of war. As for himself, he said, he saw no difference between a lieutenant or even a captain and a midshipman, provided they were gentlemen. He should choose his friends where he liked, and despise that power of annoyance which the service permitted. Of course Jack and Mr. Asper were good friends, especially as when half the watch was over to conciliate his goodwill, and to get rid of his internal arguing, Mr. Asper would send Jack down to bed. They were now entering the straits, and expected to anchor the next day at Gibraltar, and Jack was forward on the folksal, talking with Mesti, with whom he had contacted a great friendship. And there was nothing that Mesti would not have done for Jack, although he had not been three weeks in the ship, but a little reflection will show that it was natural. Mesti had been a great man in his own country. He had suffered all the horrors of a passage and a slave ship. He had been sold as a slave twice. He had escaped, but he found the universal feeling was strong against his colour, and that on board a man of war he was condemned, although free, to the humblest of offices. He had never heard anyone utter the sentiments which now beat in his own heart of liberty and equality. We say now, for when he was in his own country, before his captivity, he had no ideas of equality, no one has who is in power. But he had been schooled, and although people talked of liberty and equality at New York, he found that what they preached for themselves, they did not practice towards others, and that in the midst of liberty and equality he and thousands more were enslaved and degraded beings. Escaping to England he had regained his liberty, but not his equality. His colour had prevented the latter, and in that feeling all the world appeared to conspire together against him until, to his astonishment, he heard those sentiments boldly expressed from the lips of Jack, and that in a service where it was almost tantamount to mutiny. Mesti, whose character is not yet developed, immediately took a fondness for our hero, and in a hundred ways showed his attachment. Jack also liked Mesti, and was fond of talking with him, and every evening, since the combat with Vigas, they had generally met in the folksal to discuss the principles of equality and the rights of man. The Bosun, whose name was Biggs, was a slight dapper, active little man, who, as captain of the foretop, had shown an uncommon degree of courage in a hurricane, so much so as to recommend him to the admiral for promotion. It was given to him, and after the ship to which he had been appointed was paid off, he had been ordered to join H. M. Sloup Harpy. Jack's conversation with Mesti was interrupted by the voice of the Bosun, who was haranguing his boy. It's now ten minutes, sir, by my repeater, said the Bosun, that I have sent for you, and Mr. Biggs pulled out a huge silver watch, almost as big as a Norfolk turnip. A Jew had sold him the watch, the Bosun had heard of repeaters, and wished to have one. Moses had only shown him watches with the hour and minute hands. He now produced one with a second hand, telling him it was a repeater. What makes it a repeater? inquired the Bosun. Common watches, said the cunning Jew, only tell the minutes and hours, but all repeaters tell the seconds. The Bosun was satisfied, bought the watch, and although many had told him it was no repeater, he insisted that it was and would call it so. I swear, continued the Bosun, it's ten minutes and twenty seconds by my repeater. If you please, sir, said the boy, I was changing my trousers when you sent for me, and then I had to stir away my bag again. Silence, sir! I'd have you know that when you are sent for by your officer, trousers or no trousers, it is your duty to come up directly. Without trousers, sir? replied the boy. Yes, sir, without trousers. If the captain required me, I should come up without my shirt. Duty before decency. So saying the Bosun lays hands on the boy. Surely, Mr. Biggs, said Jack, you are not going to punish that boy for not coming up without his trousers. Yes, Mr. Easy, I am. I must teach him a lesson. We are bound, now that newfangled ideas are brought into the ship, to uphold the dignity of the service, and the orders of an officer are not to be delayed ten minutes and twenty seconds, because a boy has no trousers on. We're upon the Bosun administered several smart cuts with his rat-an upon the boy, proving that it was quite as well that he had put on his trousers before he came on deck. There, said Mr. Biggs, is a lesson for you, you scamp, and Mr. Easy, it is a lesson for you also, continued the Bosun, walking away with the most consequential air. Murder Irish, said Mesti, hail him, cut caper! The other day he hauled out to wed a earring, and touched him hat to a midshipman. Sure enough, make him cat laugh. The next day the harpy was at Anker in Gibraltar Bay. The captain went on shore, directing the gig to be sent for him before nine o'clock, after which hour the Sally port is only opened by special permission. There happened to be a ball given by the officers of the garrison on that evening, and a polite invitation was sent to the officers of H. M. Sloop harpy. As those who accepted the invitation would be detained late, it was not possible for them to come off that night, and as their services were required for the next day, Captain Wilson allowed them to remain on shore until seven o'clock the next morning, at which hour, as there was a large party, there would be two boats sent for them. Mr. Asper obtained leave, and asked permission to take our hero with him, to which Mr. Sorbridge consented. Many other officers obtained leave, and, among others, the Bosun, who, aware his services would be in request as soon as the equipment commenced, asked permission for this evening. And Mr. Sorbridge, feeling that he could be better spared at this than at any other time, consented. Asper and Jack went to an inn, dined, bespoke beds, and then dressed themselves for the ball, which was very brilliant, and, from the company of the officers, very pleasant. Captain Wilson looked on at the commencement, and then returned on board. Jack behaved with his usual politeness, danced until two o'clock, and then, as the ball thinned, Asper proposed that they should retire. Having once more applied to the refreshment room, they had procured their hats, and were about to depart when one of the officers of the garrison asked Jack if he would like to see a baboon, which had just been brought down from the rock, and, taking some of the cakes, they repaired the court where the animal was chained down to a small tank. Jack fed the brute till all the cakes were gone, and then, because he had no more to give him, the baboon flew at Jack, who, in making his retreat, fell back into the tank, which was about two feet deep. This was a joke, and, having laughed heartily, they wished the officer good night, and went to the inn. Now, what with the number of officers of the Harpy Onshore, who had all put up at the same inn, and other occupants, the landlord was obliged to put his company into double and treble-bedded rooms. But this was of little consequence. Jack was shown into a double bedded room, and proceeded to undress. The other was evidently occupied by the heavy breathing which saluted Jack's ear. As Jack undressed, he recollected that his trousers were wet through, and to dry them he opened the window, hung them out, and then jammed down the window again upon them to hold them in position, after which he turned in and fell fast asleep. At six o'clock he was called, as he had requested, and proceeded to dress. But to his astonishment found the window thrown open, and his trousers missing. It was evident that his partner in the room had thrown the window open during the night, and that his trousers, having fallen down into the street, had been walked off with by somebody or other. Jack looked out of the window once more, and perceived that whoever had thrown open the window had been unwell during the night. A nice drunken companion I have had, thought Jack, but what's to be done? And in saying this he walked up to the other bed and perceived that it was tenanted by the boson. Well, thought Jack, as Mr. Biggs has thought proper to lose my trousers, I think I have a right to take his, or at least the wear of them to go on board. It was, but last night he declared that decency must give way to duty, and that the orders of superior officer were to be obeyed with or without garments. I know he is obliged to be on board, and now he shall try how he likes to obey orders in his shirt-tails. So cogitating Jack took the trousers of the boson, who still snored, although he had been called, and, putting them on, completed the rest of his dress and quitted the room. He went to that of Mr. Asper, where he found him just ready, and having paid the bill, for Asper had forgotten his purse, they proceeded down to the Sallyport, where they found other officers waiting, sufficient to load the first boat, which shoved off, and they went on board. As soon as he was down below, Jack hastened to change his trousers, and, unobserved by anybody, threw those belonging to Mr. Biggs on a chair in his cabin, and, having made a confidant of Mesti, who was delighted, he went on deck, and waited the issue of the affair. Before Jack left the hotel, he had told the waiter that there was the boson still fast asleep, and that he must be roused up immediately. And this injunction was obeyed. The boson, who had drunk too much the night before, and, as Jack had truly imagined, had opened the window because he was unwell, was woken up, and, hearing how late it was, hastened to dress himself. Not finding his trousers, he rang the bell, supposing that they had been taken down to be brushed, and, in the meantime, put on everything else that he might lose no time. The waiter, who answered the bell, denied having taken the trousers out of the room, and poor Mr. Biggs was in a sad quandary. What had become of them he could not tell. He had no recollection of having gone to bed the night before. He inquired of the waiter, who said that he knew nothing about them, that he was very tipsy when he came home, and that when he called him, he had found the window open, and it appeared that he had been unwell. He supposed that he had thrown his trousers out of the window. Time flew, and the boson was in despair. Could they lend him a pair? He would call his master. The master of the inn knew very well the difference of rank between officers, and those whom he could trust, and those whom he could not. He sent up the bill by the waiter, and stated that for a deposit the gentleman might have a pair of trousers. The boson felt in his pockets, and remembered that all his money was in his trousers pocket. He could not only not leave a deposit, but could not pay his bill. The landlord was inexorable. It was bad enough to lose his money, but he could not lose more. I shall be tried by a court-martial by heavens, exclaimed the boson. It's not far from the Salliport. I'll make a run for it, and I can slip into one of the boats and get another pair of trousers before I report myself as having come on board. So, making up his mind, the boson took to his heels, and with his check-shirt tail streaming in the wind, ran as hard as he could to where the boat was waiting to receive him. He was encountered by many, but he only ran the faster the more they jeered, and at last arrived breathless at his goal, flew down the steps, jumped into the boat, and squatted on the stern sheets, much to the surprise of the officers and men who thought him mad. He stated in a few words that somebody had stolen his trousers during the night, and as it was already late, the boat shoved off the men as well as officers convulsed with laughter. Have any of you a P-jacket? inquired the boson of the men, but the weather was so warm that none of them had brought a P-jacket. The boson looked round. He perceived that the officers were sitting on a boat-cloak. Whose boat-cloak is that? inquired the boson. Mine, replied Gascoigne. I trust, Mr. Gascoigne, you will have the kindness to lend it to me, to go up the side with. Indeed, I will not, replied Gascoigne, who would sooner have thrown it overboard and have lost it than not beheld the anticipated fun. Recollect, I asked you for a fishing-line when we will be calmed off Cape St. Vincent, and you sent word that you'd see me dead first. Now I'll just see you the same before you have my boat-cloak. Oh, Mr. Gascoigne, I'll give you three lines directly I'll get on board. I daresay you will, but that won't do now. Tit for tat, Mr. Boson, and hang all favours, replied Gascoigne, who was steering the boat, having been sent on shore for the others. In bow, road of all. The boat was laid alongside. The relentless Gascoigne caught up his boat-cloak as the other officers rose to go on board, and, rolling it up, in spite of the earnest entreaties of Mr. Biggs, tossed it into the main chains, to the man who had thrown the stem fast, and, to make the situation of Mr. Biggs still more deplorable, the first lieutenant was standing looking into the boat, and Captain Wilson walking the quarter-deck. Come, Mr. Biggs, I expected you off in the first boat, cried Mr. Solbridge. Be as smart as you, please, for the yards are not yet squared. Shall I go ahead in this boat and square them, sir? That boat? No. Let her drop a stern, jump up here and lower down the dinghy. What the devil do you sit there for, Mr. Biggs? You'll oblige me by showing a little more activity, or, by Jove, you may save yourself the trouble of asking to go on shore again. Are you sober, sir? The last observation decided Mr. Biggs. He sprung up from the boat just as he was, and touched his hat as he passed the first lieutenant. Perfectly sober, sir, but I've lost my trousers. So it appears, sir, replied Mr. Solbridge, as Mr. Biggs stood on the plain shear of the sloop, where the hammock netting divides for an entrance, with his shirt-tails fluttering in the sea breeze. But Mr. Solbridge could not contain himself any longer. He ran down the ship ladder, which led on the quarter-deck, choked with a laughter. Mr. Biggs could not descend until after Mr. Solbridge, and the conversation had attracted the notice of all, and every eye in the ship was on him. What all this? said Captain Wilson, coming to the gangway. Duty before decency, replied Jack, who stood by, enjoying the joke. Mr. Biggs recollected the day before. He cast a furious look at Jack, as he touched his hat to the captain, and then dived down to the lower deck. If anything could add to the indignation of the boson, it was to find that his trousers had come on board before him. He now felt that a trick had been played on him, and also that our hero must have been the party, but he could prove nothing. He could not say who slept in the same room, for he was fast asleep when Jack went to bed, and fast asleep when Jack quitted the room. The truth of the story soon became known to all the ship, and duty before decency became a byword. All that the boson could do, he did, which was to revenge himself upon the poor boy, and Gascoigne and Jack never got any fishing tackle. The boson was as obnoxious to the men as vigours, and in consequence of Jack's known opinions upon the rights of man, and his having flawed his two greatest enemies, he became a great favourite with the seamen, and as all favourites are honoured by them with a sobriquet, our hero obtained that of Equality Jack.