und himself on the quarter-deck,
though the shades of evening were stealing over the waters--(I like a
poetical phrase now and then),--he saw more than in broad daylight: that
is to say, he saw many first-lieutenants, who seemed, with many wrathful
countenances, with many loud words, to order many men to see him down
many ladders, safely to his cabin.

The next morning, this "real officer" found himself in a very
uncomfortable plight; for, with an aching head, he was but too happy to
escape with a most stinging reprimand: and he had the consolation then
to learn, that, had he not endeavoured to play upon the _simplicity_ of
Mr Rattlin, he would most surely have escaped the fright and the
exposure.

The simplicity!

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE.

ANOTHER MYSTERY--ALL OVERJOYED BECAUSE THE "EOS" IS UNDER WEIGH; SHE
WORKS WELL--THROUGH THE WATER--HER OFFICERS THROUGH THEIR WINE--RALPH
REFRAINETH, AND SELF-GLORIFIETH--A LONG-SHORE MAN MAKES A SHORT STAY ON
BOARD--BECAUSE HE WON'T GO ON THE WRONG TACK.

But I must now explain why I had become so suddenly a favourite in the
ward-room. The very stout gentleman, who came off with the admiral and
captain, undertook the aquatic excursion on my account. He made every
inquiry as to my equipment, my messmates, and my chance of comfort. Yet
I, the person most concerned, was sent out of the way, lest by accident
I should meet with him. I never knew who he was, nor do I think the
captain did. My shipmates had their conjectures, and I had mine. They
took him to be what is usually called, not a person, but a personage. I
believe that he was nothing more than a personage's fat steward, or some
other menial obesity; for it was very plain that he was ashamed to look
me in the face! and I understand he gave himself many second-hand airs.

And now we are off in earnest. The Nore-light is passed; the pilot is
on the hammock nettings. The breeze takes the sails; the noble frigate
bends to it, as a gallant cavalier gently stoops to receive the kiss of
beauty: the blocks rattle as the ropes fly through them; the sails court
the wind to their embrace, now on one side, now on the other. I stand
on the quarterdeck, in silent admiration at the astonishing effects of
this wonderful seeming confusion. I am pushed here, and ordered there:
I now jump to avoid the eddy of the uncurling ropes as they fly upwards,
but my activity is vain,--a brace now drags across my shins, and now the
bight of