with more exactness than I ever did any
subsequent one.

During the remainder of my walk, I touched my hat to every one I met. I
conferred the honour of salute on midshipmen, master's mates, sergeants
of marines, and two corporals. Nor was I aware of my over complaisance,
until a young woman, dressed like a lady, who knew more of the navy than
I did, asked me if I had come down to stand for the borough? Without
knowing what she meant, I replied, "No."

"I thought you might," said she, "seeing you are so damned civil to
everybody." Had it not been for this friendly hint, I really believe I
should have touched my hat to a drummer.

Having gone through this ordeal, I reached the inn at Plymouth, where I
found my captain, and presented my father's letter. He surveyed me from
top to toe, and desired the pleasure of my company to dinner at six
o'clock. "In the meantime," he said, "as it is now only eleven, you may
go aboard, and show yourself to Mr Handstone, the first lieutenant, who
will cause your name to be entered on the books, and allow you to come
back here to dine." I bowed and retired; and on my way to Mutton Cove
was saluted by the females with the appellation of "royal reefer"
(midshipman), and a "biscuit nibbler;" but all this I neither understood
nor cared for. I arrived safely at Mutton Cove, where two women, seeing
my inquiring eye and span-new dress, asked what ship they should take
"my honour" to. I told them the ship which I wished to go on board of.

"She _lays_ under the _Obelisk_," said the elder woman, who appeared to
be about forty years of age; "and we will take your honour off for a
shilling."

I agreed to this, both for the novelty of the thing, as well as on
account of my natural gallantry and love of female society. The elder
woman was mistress of her profession, handling her scull (oar) with
great dexterity: but Sally, the younger one, who was her daughter, was
still in her novitiate. She was pretty, cleanly dressed, had on white
stockings, and sported a neat foot and ankle.

"Take care, Sally," said the mother; "keep stroke, or you will catch a
crab."

"Never fear, mother," said the confident Sally; and at the same moment,
as if the very caution against the accident was the cause of it, the
blade of her scull did not dip into the water. The oar meeting no
resistance, its loom, or handle, came back upon the bosom of the
unfortunate Sally, tipped her backwards--up went her heel