pleasure than to oblige my officers in everything reasonable; but I
never permit reply."

Thought I to myself, "You certainly have escaped from hell, and I do not
see how the infernal regions can do without you. You would have been
one of the most ingenious tormentors of the damned. Domitian would have
made you admiral, and your boatswain captain of the fleet!"

Having made this reflection, as I took a turn or two on deck, thinking
what was best to be done, and knowing that "the king could do no wrong,"
the officer whom I had just superseded came up the hatchway, and,
touching his hat very respectfully to the captain, asked whether he
might go on shore.

"You may go to hell, and be damned, sir!" said the captain (who hated
bad language); "you are not fit to carry guts to a bear!--you are not
worth your salt; and the sooner you are off, the cleaner the ship will
be! Don't stand staring at me, like a bull over a gate! Down, and pack
up your traps, or I'll freshen your way!" raising his foot at the same
time, as if he was going to kick him.

The young officer, who was a mild, gentlemanly, and courageous youth,
did as he was bidden. I was perfectly astonished: I had been accustomed
to sail with gentlemen. I had heard of martinets, and disciplinarians,
and foul-mouthed captains; but this outdid all I ever could have
conceived, and much more than I thought ever could have been submitted
to by any correct officer. Roused to indignation, and determined not to
be treated in this manner, I again walked up to him, and requested leave
to go on shore.

"You have had your answer, sir."

"Yes, I have, sir," said I, "and in language that I never before heard
on His Majesty's quarter-deck. I joined this ship as an officer and a
gentleman, and as such I will be treated."

"Mutiny, by God!" roared the captain. "Cock-a-hoop with your new
commission, before the ink is dry."

"As you please, sir," I replied; "but I shall write a letter to the
port-admiral, stating the circumstances and requesting leave of absence;
and that letter I shall trouble you to forward."

"I'll be damned if I do!" said he.

"Then, sir," said I, "as you have refused to forward it, and in the
presence of all the officers in the ship's company, I shall forward it
without troubling you."

This last shot of mine seemed to produce the same effect upon him that
the last round does upon a beaten boxer; he did not come to time, but,
muttering somethin